Abstract:
Certain drinking straw device embodiments comprise an inner tube having a hole along its length and an actuator for actively introducing a gas or fluid through the hole into a liquid flowing through the inner tube. In an embodiment, the actuator stores and releases a pressurized gas. In some embodiments, the actuator stores and releases a second liquid or gel. In some embodiments, a device comprises a non-pressurized gas or fluid substance introduction mechanism, which, when activated, allows the gas or fluid substance to enter and be mixed with a liquid flowing through the inner tube.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    Embodiments disclosed herein relate to drinking straws and in particular to drinking straws which enable introduction of a substance in the form of air, liquid, soluble solid, gas or gel into a liquid flowing therethrough. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Drinking straw devices having holes (orifices) which allow introduction of a gas or flavoring into a liquid passing through the straw are disclosed for example in UK Patent GB2032756(B) and UK Patent Application GB2401527(A). If, as in GB2032756(B), the holes role is to allow air to be sipped (sucked) into the straw to produce air bubbles which mix with the beverage, the holes need to be above the liquid level. This requires the top level of the liquid to be below the holes. This also reduces the “mixing length” of the straw in which the air is mixed with the liquid. A solution which increases this length by adding a spherical or helical portion, as done in GB2032756(B), is cumbersome and wasteful in terms of materials. 
         [0003]    Drinking straw devices are not known to introduce a pressurized gas into a liquid stream. Also not knows are devices which introduce actively a fluid or a combination of two or more different fluids into a liquid stream. As used hereinafter, “fluid” may refer to liquids, gels or gases. 
         [0004]    There is therefore a need for and it would be advantageous to have drinking straws with holes as far as possible from the end where sipping is performed, to increase the mixing length. It would also be advantageous to have drinking straw devices which introduce a pressurized gas or at least one fluid into a liquid stream 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Embodiments disclosed herein provide enhanced drinking straw devices in which a substance in the form of gas (e.g. Air, Oxygen, CO 2 ), liquid, solvated solid or gel is introduced actively or passively into a liquid (“drink”) flowing through the straw. The substance may be flavored or flavorless. It may include additions such as vitamins, medicine, pain killers or fragrances. Various embodiments may be referred to as “air-liquid”, “pressurized gas-liquid”, “liquid-liquid” or “solvated solid-liquid”) straw device embodiments. In an embodiment, there is provided a drinking straw device comprising an inner tube having a hole in its wall and an actuator for actively introducing a gas or fluid through the hole into a liquid flowing through the inner tube. The actuator may include a chamber for storing a gas source and a gas introduction mechanism for allowing gas from the gas source to enter and be mixed with the liquid. The chamber may be formed by a sealed outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The gas introduction mechanism may include a flexible membrane coupled to a plunger, or a needle operative to penetrate into and retract from the hole in the inner tube. In an embodiment, the actuator may include a chamber for storing a fluid substance source and a fluid introduction mechanism for allowing the fluid substance to enter and be mixed with the liquid. The fluid introduction mechanism may include two one way valves. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, there is provided a drinking straw device comprising an inner tube having a septum, an outer tube surrounding and sealing the inner tube with the septum to form a closed chamber, a pressurized gas filling at least part of the chamber, and an actuator for actively introducing the pressurized gas through the slit wall section into a liquid flowing through the inner tube. The actuator may include a pierced needle, which, when inserted through the septum, provides an open path for the pressurized gas to enter the liquid. The actuator may further include a retracting mechanism for retracting the needle from the septum to close the path. In an embodiment, the actuator includes two pierced needles positioned diametrically opposite a symmetry axis of the inner tube and a retracting mechanism for retracting each needle from the slit wall section to close the path. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the inner tube includes a section filled with a water-soluble substance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Aspects, embodiments and features disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like components are denoted by like reference numerals. In the drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1   a  shows an embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1   b  shows the device of  FIG. 1   a  inserted into a liquid filled enclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2   a  shows another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2   b  shows the embodiment in  FIG. 2   a  with an optional third straw inserted in the inner straw; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7A  shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7B  shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]      FIG. 1   a  shows an embodiment  100  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein, referred to as an “air-liquid” device. Device  100  includes an inner tube  102  having a first (top) end  104  through which a user can apply a sucking (sipping) motion with his/her mouth, and a second (bottom) end  106  which is dipped into a liquid (drink). Device  100  further includes an outer tube  108  which surrounds inner tube  102  in a generally concentric way for part of the tube  102  length between ends  104  and  106 . This structure defines a “chamber” or “airway”  110  around inner tube  102 . Outer tube  108  has a first (top) end  112  open to the atmosphere and a second (bottom) end  114  connecting outer tube  108  with inner tube  102  in such a way that the liquid in which the straw is placed cannot enter chamber  110 . Inner tube  102  has in its wall one or more optional lower holes  116  positioned between bottom inner tube end  106  and bottom outer tube end  114 , and one or more upper holes  118  positioned between outer tube end  112  and bottom outer tube end  114 , preferably close to end  114 .  FIG. 1   b  shows device  100  inserted into an enclosure (e.g. can, glass or bottle)  130  filled partially with a liquid  132 . Enclosure  130  has an inner bottom surface  134 . Lower holes  116  can be positioned very close to inner tube bottom end  106 , thus allowing suction of the liquid even when bottom end  106  is plugged (by touching surface  134 ) and even when the liquid is almost exhausted. The position of holes  116  close to bottom end  106  also prevents suction of air instead of liquid (in the case where bottom end  106  is blocked by touching surface  134 ). Upper holes  118  are dimensioned to enable introduction of air from the atmosphere, through chamber  110  into the liquid passing through inner tube  102 , yet prevent exit of the liquid into chamber  110 . Advantageously, since upper holes  118  are positioned close to the bottom end of the outer and inner tubes, the mixing length of the device is increased without an increase in its length through spherical or helical portions. The flow rate through the inner tube is enhanced. Moreover, airway  110  cannot be accidentally plugged (e.g. by fingers holding the straw) due to its cylindrical shape. Holes  118  are also protected from accidental plugging, being submerged into the liquid and additionally protected from touch by outer tube  108 . 
         [0021]    The inner and outer tubes may be made by any material useful for drinking straws, for example plastics, glasses or metals. The materials may be flexible, to enable bending. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2   a  shows another embodiment  200  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein, which allows mixing of the consumed liquid with a pre-filled (stored) liquid or gel. This is referred to as a simple “liquid-liquid” device. Device  200  is substantially similar to device  100 , except that an outer tube  108   a  has a top end  112   a  initially closed to the atmosphere (see below). This allows extended storage of a second liquid  242  in a chamber  110   a  formed between tubes  102  and  108   a.  Second liquid  242  is to be mixed with liquid  132  flowing through inner tube  102 . Liquid  242  may exemplarily include alcoholic substances, medications/drugs, vitamins, flavors, etc. Top end  112   a  has a removable cover  224  over at least part of top end  112   a.  Cover  224  may be for example an adhesive-removable cover that will keep liquid  242  from evaporating. Cover  224  must be removed before use to allow air to enter chamber  110   a  as the liquid or gel leaves it into the inner tube. Upper holes  118  are dimensioned to allow seepage of second liquid  242  into the inner tube under a sucking action and to prevent or restrict flow between chamber  110   a  and inner tube  102  when no active action is performed by a user (consumer). 
         [0023]    Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 2   b , a device  100  or  200  further includes a third tube  206  slideably inserted inside inner tube  102 , and more holes  118  spread along the length of inner tube  102 . Third tube  206  serves as an added liquid or air flow control mechanism. The number of exposed holes  118  changes when tube  206  slides along inner tube  102 , thereby changing the amount of liquid or air introduced into liquid  132  flowing through it. Tube  206  must be shorter than the length between ends  104  and  118 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  shows yet another embodiment  300  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein, which allows storage and insertion of a solid material into the drink during the drinking action. This is referred to as a “solid-liquid” device. Device  300  includes a tube  302  having a top end  304 , a bottom end  306 , and a section  326  filled with a soluble substance  328  which is dissolved and incorporated in the liquid passing therethrough. Section  326  is bound by membranes  310  and  312  which allow liquid to flow therethrough while holding substance  328  in place. Substance  328  may include for example a vitamin, a drug, or a flavor. Advantageously, this provides easy storage and longer shelf life. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  shows yet another embodiment  400  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein. Device  400  combines features of device  100  and device  300 , i.e. includes an outer tube  408  with a top end  412  and a bottom end  414  which surrounds an inner tube  402  in a generally concentric way for part of the tube  402  length which extends between two ends  404  and  406 . Inner tube  402  has in its wall one or more lower holes  416  positioned between bottom inner tube end  406  and a bottom outer tube end  414 , and one or more upper holes  418  positioned between top inner tube end  404  and bottom outer tube end  414 , preferably close to end  414 . Inner tube  402  includes a section  426  filled with a soluble substance  428  which is dissolved and incorporated in a liquid passing therethrough. This structure thus combines the capabilities and advantages of devices  100  and  300 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  shows yet another embodiment  500  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein. Device  500  combines features of device  200  and device  300  allowing storage and mixing of a second liquid into the flow stream of the first liquid through the inner tube. It combines an inner tube  302  with an outer tube  208 , allowing both extended storage of a second liquid  242  as in device  200  and of a soluble substance  328  as in device  300 . This structure thus combines the capabilities and advantages of devices  100  and  300 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  shows yet another embodiment  600  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein, referred to as a “single side pressurized gas-liquid” device. Device  600  is designed to actively introduce a gas (e.g. oxygen, CO 2  etc.) into a liquid flowing through a tube  602  which extends between a top end  604  and a bottom end  606 . In addition to tube  602 , device  600  comprises an actuator  610  similar to a cigarette gas lighter, which, when actuated, introduces the gas through at least one hole  618  into tube  602 . In an embodiment, actuator  610  includes a chamber  630  filled with a gas source  632  and a gas introduction mechanism  634  for introducing gas from gas source  632  through hole  618  into the liquid flowing through tube  602 . Mechanism  634  may include for example a flexible wall section  636  coupled mechanically to a plunger  638  which in a “closed” state seals the chamber and in an “open” state allows flow of gas from the chamber to hole  618 . Actuator  610  further comprises an opening  640  for filling or refilling chamber  630  with gas. The opening is sealed after the filling and/or refilling. 
         [0028]      FIG. 7A  shows yet another embodiment  700   a  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein, referred to as a “concentric chamber pressurized gas-liquid” device. Device  700  is similar to device  600  in that it is designed to actively introduce a pressurized gas (e.g. oxygen) into a liquid flowing through an inner tube  702  which extends between a top end  704  and a bottom end  706 . In contrast with device  600  and similar to device  200 , device  700  comprises an outer tube  708  surrounding inner tube  702 . Outer tube  708  is sealed at its top and bottom ends (respectively  712  and  714 ), thus defining a chamber  730  around inner tube  702 . Chamber  730  is filled with a gas source  732 , from which gas can be introduced into a liquid flowing through inner tube  702  through an assembly  717  of a hollow needle  718  and a “septum”  720 . As used herein, “septum” refers to a wall section which can be penetrated by the hollow needle and which returns to a sealed state after the needle is retracted. The needle has at least one hole  722  on its side and can be pressed for penetrating the septum at an end  724 . In an un-pressed position, view (a), the needle is retracted from the septum by a retracting mechanism (e.g. a spring)  742  such that septum  720  blocks access of the gas from source  732  to the liquid flowing in tube  702 . In a pressed position, view (b), needle  718  penetrates through septum  720 , therefore creating a path for insertion of the gas into the flowing liquid. End  724  may be indicated by a visual (i.e. color) or touch (i.e. a bump) indicator  740  on outer tube  708 . Outer tube  708  further comprises an opening  744  for introducing the gas into chamber  730 . The opening is sealed after the gas is introduced into the chamber. 
         [0029]      FIG. 7B  shows yet another embodiment  700   b  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein. Device  700   b  is similar to  700   a  except that is has two needle and septum assemblies  717  positioned diametrically opposite each other, such that they allow a “pinching” action to insert the gas into the liquid. Views (a) and (b) show respectively un-pressed and pressed needle positions. 
         [0030]      FIG. 8  shows yet another embodiment  800  of a drinking straw device disclosed herein, referred to as a “manually operated liquid-liquid” device. In common with previous devices, it includes an inner tube  802  surrounded by an outer tube  808  which is sealed at its top and bottom ends (respectively ( 812  and  814 ), thus defining a chamber  830  around inner tube  802 . Chamber  830  is filled with a second liquid or gel  842  (similar to  242  above) to a level  832 . Device  800  further includes a first one way valve  850   a  installed in top end  812  and a second one way valve  850   b  installed inside chamber  830  near bottom end  814 . Inner tube  802  has at least one hole  818  similar to holes  118  or  418 . Chamber  830  may be pressed at an elastic pressure point  854  to reduce its volume. The volume reduction forces the second liquid or gel in the chamber to pass through second valve  850   b  and hole  818  into a liquid flowing through inner tube  802 . A retracting mechanism (e.g. a spring)  852  then returns the chamber to its initial volume, creating an atmospheric under-pressure above the second liquid or gel. First one way valve  850   a  then allows air to enter the chamber. The action is similar to that of a water gun. 
         [0031]    In summary, straw device embodiments disclosed herein provide a number of advantageous features: 
         [0032]    a) elegant and easy introduction of another substance into a consumed liquid stream; 
         [0033]    b) mixing of atmospheric air with the consumed liquid to create a “sipping straw” for a drinking experience similar to the sipping of tea or other beverages; 
         [0034]    c) mixing of an external liquid or gel with a consumed liquid, enabling the seamless introduction of alcohol, vitamins, painkillers, flavors etc into a consumed liquid; 
         [0035]    d) introduction of solubles including salts, vitamins, flavors, nutritional supplements, etc. into the consumed stream; 
         [0036]    e) enabling a user to introduce any easily stored gas, as bubbles, into a consumed liquid; 
         [0037]    f) ensuring the mixing of air with a consumed liquid, thus minimizing the chance of consuming air alone. An external peripheral straw ensures an always open airway which cannot be blocked by holding the straw in a wrong way. 
         [0038]    While this disclosure describes a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of such embodiments may be made. The disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to this disclosure.