Foldable Drinking Straw

Abstract

Foldable drinking straw comprising an array of segments connected by longitudinal and transverse groups of hinges; wherein the segments may be arranged in open and closed configurations; wherein in the open configuration the segments form a sheet in which the transverse hinges of each group are coaxially aligned so that the sheet of segments may be folded about the transverse hinge to form a folded configuration of the straw; and Wherein in the open configuration longitudinal hinges of each group of hinges of the flat sheet are coaxially aligned so that a plurality of segments may be folded about the longitudinal hinges to form a generally tubular closed configuration.

Description

This invention relates to a drinking straw which may be folded to facilitate storage or transportation before use or between successive uses.

Conventional drinking straws are rigid, elongate tubular structures usually formed from paper or polymeric material. Such straws are discarded after a single use. Disposable single straws formed from polymeric material are an environmental concern. Cleaning of conventional straws may be difficult due to their narrow bore. Use of drinking straws may be essential for some children or disabled persons who are unable to use a cup. However, transportation of conventional rigid straws or cups may be inconvenient or difficult.

US2018/0160831 discloses a washable straw comprising a flexible sheet which may be rolled or folded, with means for connecting the ends to form a tube.

CN104921554 discloses a folding chopstick.

According to the present invention, a foldable drinking straw comprises an array of segments connected by longitudinal and transverse groups of hinges;

wherein the segments may be arranged in open and closed configurations;

wherein in the open configuration the segments form a sheet in which the transverse hinges of each transverse group are coaxially aligned so that the sheet of segments may be folded about the transverse hinges to form a folded configuration of the straw; and

wherein in the open configuration longitudinal hinges of each group of longitudinal hinges of the flat sheet are coaxially aligned so that a plurality of segments may be folded about the longitudinal hinges to form a tubular closed configuration.

The sheet may be a flat sheet or a flat array of planar or curved segments.

In the tubular configuration the straw may be used to drink liquid. When not in use, the straw may be opened and folded about a transverse hinge axis to give a compact folded structure to facilitate transportation without damage to the straw. Opening of the straw may facilitate cleaning, for example, by washing or wiping.

Accidental or deliberate folding of a conventional straw will collapse the tubular structure causing a kink or crease in the tubular wall. Repeated folding may permanently damage or even split the body of the straw. Due to the length and mechanical weakness of a straw, safe transportation may require use of a carrying case. Otherwise wasteful disposal of the straw after a single use may be necessary.

A solid, elongate body such as a chopstick may be provided with a hinge to facilitate folding. However, a tubular straw would need to be cut into sections connected by a hinge, resulting in leakage and loss of the airtight seal which is necessary for liquid to be sucked through the straw.

The straw of the present invention provides a straw which may be repeatedly folded for transportation or storage, without any damage to the structure which may result in leakage in use. This structure is easy and economical to manufacture and avoids any need to provide means for folding a tubular structure.

The straw may comprise one, two or more transverse groups of hinges. A single group of transverse hinges may be employed. The straw may comprise two, three or more groups of longitudinal hinges. Three groups of longitudinal hinges may be consequently employed.

The longitudinal hinges may extend along parallel axes.

When two or more groups of transverse hinges are employed they may extend along parallel axes.

The longitudinal and transverse groups of hinges may be perpendicular.

The longitudinal and transverse hinges may form a rectilinear array in the opened, or flat configuration of the straw.

Each segment may be connected by longitudinal and transverse hinges, the hinges being located along two, three or four edges of the segment.

The segments may have an elongate, rectangular shape. The segments may be planar or may be curved and may have a part cylindrical configuration. The segments may have straight longitudinal edges connected by hinges to adjacent segments.

The straw may further comprise a closure means, for example a latch for holding the segments in the closed configuration to form an airtight tubular structure. The latch may extend along the full length of the segment to form a seal in the closed position. Alternatively the latch may be of one or more locations along the segment.

The segment may comprise inner segments, intermediate segments and outer segments.

The array may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending inner segments, connected by one or more transverse hinges; two or more groups of longitudinally extending intermediate segments connected by respective transverse hinges and a plurality of longitudinally extending outer segments, connected by one or more transverse hinges, the outer segments each being arranged to overlie a respective inner segment in the closed or tubular configuration of the straw.

In a triangular straw, which may be folded once transversely, pairs of segments may be provided, each pair being connected by a transverse hinge, the transverse hinges arranged to be co-axial in the opened position of the array of segments; comprising a pair consisting of two inner segments, a pair consisting of two intermediate segments and a pair of outer segments.

The closure means may comprise a latch or clip and may extend from an edge of an outer segment, the outer segment being arranged to overlie a first segment of the array.

Alternatively or in addition, a magnetic closure may be provided.

A magnetic closure may retain the straw in one or both of the closed and folded configurations.

The latch may comprise a clip, a friction engagement or a magnetic fastener. The clip may comprise a resilient member arranged to engage a hinge or an edge of the inner segment.

A rubber or elastomeric sealing portion, preferably a sealing strip may be provided along one or both longitudinal edges of the array, in order to provide a waterproof seal in the tubular configuration of the straw. In a preferred embodiment both edges have sealing portions located so that they engage in the tubular configuration.

Alternatively, overlying surfaces of the segments may be provided with a releasable adhesive or releasably adhesive or sticky coating to releasably hold the segments in the tubular configuration during use.

The latch may comprise a resilient hooked flange. The flange may be V-shaped or L-shaped in transverse cross-section.

The straw may have a proximal end which a user may insert into his or her mouth, and a distal end for insertion into a container of a drink or beverage.

The distal end of the straw may be pointed to facilitate penetration of the seal of a carton containing a drink. The distal end of one or more of the segments may be pointed, for example triangular, to facilitate insertion through the seal of a carton of juice or other beverage.

Proximal and distal ends of the straw may have different configurations, the segments at each end being shaped to provide a respectively shaped opening in the closed configuration of the straw.

A triangular straw may comprise three groups of two or more longitudinal segments, optionally together with a fourth group of longitudinal segments which may overlie the first group of longitudinal segments to form a sealed triangular tubular structure.

The proximal ends of the longitudinal segments may be configured so that the proximal end of the assembled straw is cylindrical, ovoid or otherwise rounded. This rounded configuration may facilitate closing of a user's lips around the straw in use. In an alternative embodiment comprising four or more groups of longitudinal segments the proximal ends of the segments may be configured so that the proximal end of the assembled straw is cylindrical, ovoid or otherwise rounded to facilitate closing of a user's lips around the straw.

In an embodiment the proximal ends of the proximal segments are each part circular in section. For example, each segment may extend across an angle of about 120° so that the four segments, when assembled with the fourth segment overlying the first segment, will form a cylindrical mouthpiece of the straw.

In this embodiment the assembled configuration of the straw has a distal end which is triangular in cross-section with the proximal end being circular in cross-section.

A proximal portion of a proximal longitudinal segment may have a cross-sectional configuration which gradually changes from a part circular configuration at the proximal end to a straight or linear section where the proximal portion adjoins or merges into a main planar body of the proximal segment.

In an embodiment, the latch may comprise a projection extending from one segment and engageable within a corresponding aperture in another segment when the two segments overlap in the tubular configuration. For example, a projection extending outwardly from the inner segment may be located so as to be received within a correspondingly shaped aperture extending into or through the outer segment.

The hinge structure may comprise a conventional hinge of the kind comprising a pin extending through apertures in knuckles. The knuckles may extend from adjacent segments to form the hinge.

Alternatively, the hinge structure may be formed from polymeric sheet extending continuously between adjacent segments, the sheet having a relatively narrow flexible portion to permit folding about the hinge axis.

The edges of the segments may comprise abutment surfaces. Adjacent abutment surfaces may be arranged to engage to form a watertight and airtight seal in the closed, tubular configuration. The abutment surfaces may be formed with a deformable cushion or other contact surface.

The hinge axes may be located radially outwardly of the abutment surfaces and may be arranged so that the abutment surfaces are urged into mutual contact as the segments are moved into the closed tubular configuration of the hinge.

A resilient sealing member may extend along the whole or part of the edge of the inner segments. The sealing member may be an elastomeric material or other deformable material arranged to contact an inner surface of an overlying segment in the closed tubular configuration of the straw.

The straw of the present invention confers several advantages in relation to previously known straws. The straw may be easily folded from the open configuration to the closed tubular configuration without requiring a high degree of manual dexterity or causing damage to the straw. Furthermore, the straw may be unfolded from the tubular to the flat configuration easily to allow the internal surfaces to be washed and dried, following which the straw may be folded transversely to allow convenient carrying, for example, in a user's pocket.

The straw may be composed of resilient, foldable material, for example, a polymeric material such as a polyolefin for example, polypropylene to allow multiple use.

The invention is further described by means of example and not in a limitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows plan or elevation views of a straw in accordance with this invention in the opened configuration;

FIG. 2 shows use of the straw for drinking a liquid;

FIG. 3 shows the use of the folded straw;

FIG. 4 shows plan and perspective views of the straw;

FIG. 5 shows stages in folding the straw of FIGS. 1 to 4;

FIG. 6 shows various views of the folded straw;

FIG. 7 shows details of the folded configuration;

FIG. 8 shows details of the folded configuration of an alternative straw;

FIG. 9 shows a further straw in an opened configuration;

FIG. 10 shows opened and tubular configurations of an alternative straw;

FIG. 11 shows details of the straw shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows plan and elevation views of a further straw; and

FIG. 13 shows a further straw with two transverse hinges in the open and tubular configurations;

FIG. 14 shows the opened configuration of a further straw;

FIG. 15 shows the straw of FIG. 14 in the folded configuration; and,

FIG. 16 shows a further straw having sealing portions on both longitudinal edges.

The foldable drinking straw shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 comprises eight segments (1 to 8) arranged in pairs of lower segments (1, 2, 3, 4) and upper segments (5, 6, 7, 8) joined by respective transverse hinges (9, 10, 11, 12). In the opened configuration shown in FIG. 1 the segments are arranged to form a generally flat sheet in which the transverse hinges (9, 10, 11, 12) are aligned coaxially to form a combined transverse hinge. The lower segments (1, 2, 3, 4) may be folded about the combined hinge (9, 10, 11, 12) to form a folded configuration as shown in FIG. 3, in which the upper and lower segments e.g. (5) and (1) of each pair of hinges lie alongside each other in generally parallel disposition. In the folded configuration the straw may be conveniently placed in a user's pocket for storage or transportation as shown in FIG. 3.

In the illustrated embodiment there are four pairs of upper and lower segments. The first inner lower segment (1) is connected to a second lower segment (2) by a first lower longitudinal hinge (13). The first inner upper segment (5) is connected to a second upper segment (6) by a first upper longitudinal hinge (14). The upper and lower first longitudinal hinges (13, 14) are arranged coaxially and perpendicular to the transverse hinge (9) and is in the opened, unfolded configuration as shown in FIG. 1, so that the pair of first upper and lower segments may be folded in relation to the second upper and lower segments (2, 6).

The third lower (3) and upper (7) segments are connected to the second lower (2) and upper (6) segments by lower (15) and upper (16) hinges so that the second segments may be folded in relation to the third segments. In a similar arrangement the lower (4) fourth and upper (8) fourth segments are connected to the lower and upper third segments respectively by a third lower (17) and upper (18) longitudinal hinges. The array of eight segments may be rolled up into an elongate tube for use as a drinking straw as shown in FIG. 2.

The lower (19, 20, 21) edges of the first, second and third lower segments (1, 2, 3) are inclined so that a lower corner (22) forms a point in the closed tubular configuration to facilitate insertion of the straw through a seal in a carton or other container of a drink or other beverage.

A flexible sealing strip having a lower (23) and upper (24) sections extends along the inner edge of the inner segments and engages an inner surface of the third segments (3, 7) in the closed configuration to form a water tight seal as shown in FIG. 7. The sealing strip may comprise a rubber or other elastomeric coating or surface to provide a waterproof seal in use. A coupling flange (25, 26) extends from the outer edge of the upper (8) and lower (4) fourth segments. Each flange (25, 26) comprises an outwardly extending portion (29, 30) and a folded back portion (27, 28) extending at an acute angle, for example 60° in relation to the extending portion to enable the flange to engage and clip onto a hinged corner of the straw in the closed configuration.

FIG. 5 (A-D) shows successive stages in unfolding and folding the straw from a folded configuration in FIG. 5E, to a flat configuration as the first inner longitudinal hinges (FIG. 5B) followed by folding of the second longitudinal hinges (FIG. 5C) and finally in a triangular tubular configuration (FIG. 5D) as also shown in FIG. 2.

The outer segments (4, 8) overlie the first segments (1, 2) respectively with the flanges (25, 26) clipped over the hinges (13, 14) to secure the straw in the closed, tubular configuration.

FIG. 6 shows various views of the closed tubular configuration.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view showing the locking and sealing arrangement in the closed position.

The coupling flange (26) extends parallel to the four upper segment (8) and terminates in an acutely angled folded back portion (28) formed from resiliently deformable material. The flange (26) is arranged to clip over the approximately 60° angle apex of hinge (14) to retain the segments in a triangular configuration during use.

The sealing strip (24) extends into the inner apex of the hinge (18) between the third and fourth segments and is compressed between the segments to form a water tight seal in the closed position.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment in which the coupling flanges (25, 26) are omitted so that the fourth segments (4, 8) overlie the first segments (1, 5) but are not fastened to them in the closed position. The contacting surfaces of the flanges may be provided with a releasable tack or semi-adhesive coating, although the segments can be easily retained in the closed position when held by a user.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment in which the lower edge of the lower segments (1, 2, 3, 4) perpendicular to the longitudinal hinges (13, 15, 17) is not provided with a pointed portion (22 in FIG. 4). Use in penetrating the seal of a drink carton.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the segments are part cylindrical so that the straw in the folded position is generally cylindrical.

The foldable drinking straw shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 comprises four lower segments (51 to 54) connected by transverse hinges (55 to 58) to two four upper segments (59, 62). The lower segments are connected by lower longitudinal hinges (63 to 65) and the upper segments are connected by upper longitudinal hinges (66 to 68).

Each segment is curved in plan view having a constant cross sectional profile so that the shape of each segment forms part of a longitudinally extending cylinder. Each segment may occupy an angle of about 120° so that the three inner segments (51 to 53) form a generally cylindrical tube when in the closed configuration as shown in FIGS. 10B and 11.

The longitudinal hinges may be formed from narrow regions of flexible polymeric material, preferably the polymeric material used to form the segments of the straw. Polyolefin, for example polypropylene or polyethylene may be employed.

The transverse hinges may each comprise a knee-like arrangement. Two flexible curved portions e.g. (69, 70) are connected together at their ends and spaced apart at the mid position between the ends. The flexible portions are connected by link portions (71) to form a knee-like arrangement to permit the upper and lower arrays to be folded together in the same manner as for the previously described embodiments.

The inner segments (51 and 59) have upper and lower longitudinal outwardly extending projections (72, 73) arranged to be received within and form a press fit to correspondingly shaped slots (74, 75) to engage the segments and fasten the straw in the closed configuration.

The lower portion of the first, second and third lower segments (51, 52, 53) extend downwardly to form a pointed apex (76) to facilitate penetration of the seal of a drink carton or other container during insertion of the straw into the container.

A flexible sealing strip (77) extends longitudinally along the inner edge of the innermost segments (51, 59).

Rolling of the segments into the tubular configuration urges the sealing strip (77) against the inner surface of the third segments (53,61) to provide an enhanced seal of the straw and to prevent liquid from escaping from the straw in use. The sealing strip also prevents contamination of the locking members (72, 73), reducing any need to clean the straw after use.

The hinges (66, 67, 68) are configured to reduce leakage of liquid beyond the interior of the surfaces in use. This reduces any need to wash the straw between uses. Each hinge, for example (67) has an outwardly extending pivot portion (78) located between the outer surfaces of the adjacent segments e.g. (60, 61). Each segment (60, 61) has a longitudinally extending contact portion, (79, 80) located inwardly of the hinge and configured to abut against each other to close and seal the aperture between adjacent segments inwardly of the location of the hinge as the segments are folded or rolled into the tubular configuration. This arrangement improves the seal of the tubular arrangement and allows use of a simpler hinge construction.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative arrangement similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 except that a magnetic locking arrangement is provided. An array of lower magnets (81) is provided on the outer segment (83) and is arranged to engage a ferromagnetic strip (88) located on the inner segment (86). The arrangement of the segments is reversed with magnets (82) being located on the inner segments (84) and a ferromagnetic strip (85) located on the outer segment (89). This arrangement has the advantage that the upper and lower segments may be magnetically engaged when the straw is folded about the transverse hinges (87) due to attraction between the lower outer most magnets (81) with the ferromagnetic strip (85) and the lower ferromagnetic strip (88) with the upper magnets (82). This arrangement secures the segments in the folded position to prevent damage during transportation or storage, and also serves the segments in the operative configuration to provide a seal when drinking, into the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 shows an alternative arrangement having two groups of transverse hinges (90, 91), so that the straw may be folded twice transversely. The further features of the straw are as disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 8.

Each row of segments comprises for example, upper (92), middle (93) and lower segments (94) connected to adjacent segments by upper (95) middle (96) and lower (97) longitudinally extending hinges. Upper (98) and middle (99) engagement clips are provided.

FIGS. 14 and 15 shows an alternative foldable drinking straw wherein the proximal end is rounded to facilitate engagement by a user's lips. The straw comprises eight segments (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 and 108) arranged in pairs of lower segments (101,102,103,104) and upper segments (105,106,107,108) joined by respective transverse hinges (109,110,111,112). The arrangements of the upper and lower segments are as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. However the proximal ends of the lower segments (101 to 104) are configured to provide a rounded proximal opening for the straw.

The upper proximal portions (113,114,115,116) are quadrant shaped in horizontal cross-section and are secured together by hinges (117,118,119). The tubular configuration is shown in FIG. 15. The lower or distal end of the straw is triangular in cross-section. The apices of the triangle may assist in perforating a seal on a drinks container (not shown).

The upper proximal portions of the upper longitudinal segments (105,106,107,108) are folded to form a cylindrical mouthpiece (120) secured by locking flange (121).

FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The same components are indicated by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 14.

The regions of the longitudinal edges which overlap and contact each other in the tubular configuration of the straw are provided with an elastomeric or rubber coating in order to afford a water-tight seal between the edges.

The straw comprises eight segments (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 and 108) arranged in pairs of lower segments (101,102,103,104) and upper segments (105,106,107,108) joined by respective transverse hinges (109,110,111,112). The arrangements of the upper and lower segments are as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. However the proximal ends (113, 114, 115, 116) of the upper segments (105 to 108) are configured to provide a rounded proximal opening for the straw in the tubular configuration.

The upper proximal portions (113,114,115,116) are quadrant shaped in horizontal cross-section and are secured together by hinges (117,118,119). The tubular configuration is shown in FIG. 15. The lower or distal end of the straw is triangular in cross-section. The apices of the triangle may assist in perforating a seal on a drinks container (not shown).

The upper proximal portions of the upper longitudinal segments (105,106,107,108) are folded to form a cylindrical mouthpiece (120) secured by locking flange (121).

A flexible sealing strip (122) extends along the inner edge of the upper and lower innermost segments (101, 105). The strip (122) may be a continuous elastomeric strip extending the full length of the straw. Alternatively the strip may comprise individual sections attached to or applied to respective segments (101 or 105). The upper proximal end of the inner segment (113) is coated with elastomeric material across the width of the segment to provide an extended contact area with an elastomeric coated area the proximal end of the outermost segment (116).

Claims

1. A foldable drinking straw comprising an array of segments connected by longitudinal and transverse groups of hinges;

wherein the segments may be arranged in open and closed configurations;

wherein in the open configuration the segments form a sheet in which the transverse hinges of each transverse group are coaxially aligned so that the sheet of segments may be folded about a transverse hinge to form a folded configuration of the straw; and

wherein in the open configuration longitudinal hinges of each group of hinges of the flat sheet are coaxially aligned so that a plurality of segments may be folded about the longitudinal hinges to form a tubular closed configuration.

2. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal hinges extend along parallel axes in the opened configuration.

3. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal and transverse hinges are perpendicular.

4. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal or transverse hinges form a rectilinear array in the opened or flat configuration of the straw.

5. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segments are rectangular.

6. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segments are planar.

7. A straw as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 claim 1, wherein the segments are curved.

8. A straw as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a closure means.

9. A straw as claimed in claim 8, wherein the closure means comprises a latch or clip.

10. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure means comprises a magnetic closure.

11. A straw as claimed in claim 10, wherein the magnetic closure may retain the straw in the closed or folded configuration.

12. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segments comprise an array of longitudinally extending inner segments, connected by a transverse hinge; two or more longitudinally extending intermediate segments connected by respective transverse hinges and a plurality of longitudinally extending outer segments, connected by one or more transverse hinges, the outer segments each being arranged to overlie a respective inner segment in the closed or tubular configuration of the straw.

13.-14. (canceled)

15. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein proximal and distal ends of the straw have different configurations in the closed position.

16. A straw as claimed in claim 15, wherein the proximal end of the straw is cylindrical, ovoid or otherwise rounded in the closed position.

17. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or both of the inner and outer segments have an elastomeric or rubber portion or coating.

18. A straw as claimed in claim 1, wherein the straw is triangular in cross section in the closed position.

19. A straw as claimed in claim 8, wherein the straw is cylindrical in the closed position.