Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a paper drinking straw with a first and a second paper layer each comprising an inner and an outer surface. A paper core layer comprises a first and a second surface. The inner surface of the first paper layer is bonded to the first surface of the paper core layer, and the inner surface of the second paper layer is bonded to the second surface of the paper core layer. At least the outer surfaces of the first and second paper layer are coated with a water-resistant barrier coating that may comprise a styrene free acrylic based coating, a styrene-based coating, a polymer dispersion coating, modified starch, vegetable oil, or a natural wax. The coating may be applied using a water-based dispersion coating method.

<CIT> discloses a coated paper straw being rolled into a tube from a sheet. The sheet is a coated paper strip comprising a coated paper with one or two waterproof coating layers. The paper straw has an interface edge that is joined by overlapping portions of two sides of the coated paper strip along the longitudinal direction. The coating layer is at least located on the exterior side of the paper straw, and may be made of a biodegradable coated resin.

<CIT> discloses a straw according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It is known that for producing paper drinking straws, several paper layers that may be coated with adhesive are helically or horizontally wound and finally stuck together.

For example, <CIT> discloses a system and a method for producing lengths of tube, wherein strips are supplied with a strip supplying device to a winding device and are helically wound around a mandrel to form a base tube moving away from the mandrel at a tube speed. A selection of at least one of the strips is placed with a contact side thereof in direct contact with the mandrel during the winding, wherein the at least one strip of the selection is moved along a lubrication device to apply a layer of lubrication material on the contact side of the at least one strip before the at least one strip is wound around the mandrel. The base tube may be cut at a predetermined length with a cutting device while the base tube is moving in a tube direction at the tube speed.

In order to enable the penetration of a paper drinking straw into a penetration opening of a beverage container one end of the paper drinking straw is provided with a slant for forming a bevelled tip. However, the bevelled tip reduces the stability of the paper drinking straw in the area of the tip. Thus, by a light touch or by applying a pressure, the tip may fold over or may kink. Consequently, penetrating the paper drinking straw with the tip into the penetration opening of a beverage container may be hindered or may even be impossible.

The invention thus has the object to provide a paper drinking straw and a beverage container with the paper drinking straw, the paper drinking straw being ecologically safe and providing satisfactory stability.

This object is solved by the paper drinking straw of claim <NUM> and the beverage container of claim <NUM>, and the method for producing a paper drinking straw of claim <NUM>. Additional embodiments and improvements are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The paper drinking straw for a beverage container comprises a paper tube with a first end and a second end. At least one impregnated region of the paper tube is impregnated with an impregnation agent and at least one region of the paper tube is not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

The impregnation of the at least one impregnated region of the paper tube may increase the stability of this region. Thus, also the stability of the paper drinking straw as a whole may be increased. The at least one region not being impregnated with the impregnation agent also is not impregnated with any other king of impregnation agent. This may apply for all the various embodiments and examples of paper drinking straws mentioned throughout this application.

The impregnation agent may penetrate into pores and spaces between fibres of the paper. Additionally, the impregnation agent may penetrate at least partially into fibres of the paper.

The at least one impregnated region may comprise a first impregnated region starting form a second end of the paper tube and extending towards the first end of the paper tube and being impregnated with the impregnation agent. Exemplarily the first impregnated region may extend for less than <NUM>% or <NUM>% of a total length of the paper tube.

The word "first" is being used to distinguish the different regions mentioned. It has no further limiting meaning. The first impregnated region may be the only impregnated region of the paper tube, or the paper tube may comprise one or more additional impregnated regions; as long as at least one region of the paper tube is not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

The at least one impregnated region may comprise a second impregnated region starting at a distance from a second end of the paper tube and extending as an annular ring towards the first end of the paper tube and being impregnated with the impregnation agent. Exemplarily the annular ring may have a width of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of a total length of the paper tube. Exemplarily the distance may be <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total length of the paper tube.

The word "second" is being used to distinguish the different regions mentioned. It has no further limiting meaning. The second impregnated region may be the only impregnated region of the paper tube, or the paper tube may comprise one or more additional impregnated regions; as long as at least one region of the paper tube is not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

The at least one impregnated region may comprise a third impregnated region starting form the first end of the paper tube and extending towards the second end of the paper tube and being impregnated with the impregnation agent, wherein exemplarily the third impregnated region extends for less than <NUM>% or <NUM>% of a total length of the paper tube.

The word "third" is being used to distinguish the different regions mentioned. It has no further limiting meaning. The third impregnated region may be the only impregnated region of the paper tube, or the paper tube may comprise one or more additional impregnated regions; as long as at least one region of the paper tube is not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

Starting from the second end of the paper tube <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of a total length of the paper tube may not be impregnated with the impregnation agent, wherein when starting from the second end of the paper tube <NUM>% of the total length of the paper tube are not impregnated with the impregnation agent a cutting edge at the first end of the paper tube is impregnated with the impregnation agent. When <NUM>% of the total length of the paper tube are not impregnated, e.g., the cutting edge of the bevelled tip may be impregnated.

The impregnation agent may comprise one or more of silicate, polymer, resin (artificial or natural), wax (artificial or natural), adhesive, latex, also casein glue or shellac.

The impregnation agent may comprise sodium silicate. For example, sodium silicate may be used that comprises an aqueous solution of glasslike and water soluble sodium silicate that has solidified from a melting. Drying of the aqueous solution of sodium silicate starts with evaporation of the water and leads to creation of water-insoluble silica, thus leading to silification. The silification is irreversible.

The sodium silicate may comprise SiO<NUM><NUM>/<NUM>. 5Na<NUM>O, e.g., with <NUM>% to <NUM>% SiO<NUM> and <NUM>% to <NUM>% Na<NUM>O.

The paper tube may comprise a winded paper layer, wherein the impregnation agent may only have been applied to an exposed surface of the paper tube. The exposed surface may comprise an outer surface and/or an inner surface and/or a cutting edge of the paper tube.

The paper tube can comprise a paper layer of several layers of paper. The several layers of paper may be glued together. Cutting edges and interspaces may be sealed. Sealing may take place before impregnating the bevelled tip. The width and the thickness, e.g., in grams per square metre, may be different for the several layers.

The first end of the paper tube comprises a bevelled tip and the second end of the paper tube can comprise a straight end. The bevelled tip may be produced by an oblique cut of a paper tube. A cutting edge at the first end may extend with an angle to the longitudinal axis of the paper tube between <NUM>° to <NUM>°. For example, the angle may lay in a region between <NUM>° ± <NUM>° or in a region between <NUM>° ± <NUM>°. For measuring and/or determining the angle, a plane in that the cutting edge lies may be defined and the angle extending between this plane and the longitudinal axis of the paper tube may be measured and/or determined.

The bevelled tip is at least partially impregnated with an impregnation agent. The impregnation of at least part of the bevelled tip improves its hardness and stability such that folding over or kinking of the bevelled tip can be prevented and a reliable penetration of the bevelled tip into the beverage container is possible.

Moreover, capillary action at the cutting edge of the bevelled tip can be reduced as penetration of the liquid provided in the beverage container may be prevented or strongly reduced.

The cutting edge of the bevelled tip can be impregnated with the impregnation agent. Starting from the cutting edge, a depth of at least <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>,<NUM> can be impregnated with the impregnation agent. When the depth of at least <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>,<NUM> is impregnated with the impregnation agent, pores, space, and the like between the fibres of the paper of the paper drinking straw and/or the fibres of the paper of the paper drinking straw may comprise the impregnation agent.

A cutting edge of the bevelled tip being impregnated with the impregnation agent can be achieved when during a production process of the paper drinking straw, the bevelled tip is produced first and then, afterwards, the impregnation agent is provided to the bevelled tip. Like that, the bevelled tip can be at least partially impregnated with impregnation agent and additionally the cutting edge of the bevelled tip can be impregnated with the impregnation agent.

The paper may comprise at least one of: wood fibres, bamboo fibres, bagasse fibres, seaweed fibres, fibres of banana plant, fibres of Abaca plant, synthetic fibres, polymer-based fibres, plastic fibres.

For producing the paper drinking straw, first the paper tube may be produced and the bevelled tip may be provided. Only after that, the bevelled tip is at least partly impregnated. Thus, the at least one paper layer, or at least some part of the at least one paper layer for producing the paper tube does not have to be impregnated and/or has to comprise impregnation agent before the paper tube is produced and before the bevelled tip is provided.

At least an are impregnated with and/or an outer surface of the paper tube and/or a cutting edge of the bevelled tip may be impregnated with the impregnation agent. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting edge of the bevelled tip may be impregnated partially or completely.

Regions aside of the bevelled tip may not impregnated with the impregnation agent. Thus, the required amount of impregnation agent may be reduced. An impregnation of the total paper drinking straw may not be required as long as the bevelled tip is at least partially impregnated.

The bevelled tip may be at least partially impregnated with an impregnation agent only after providing the bevelled tip. Impregnating the bevelled tip with the impregnation agent only after providing the bevelled tip may result in a penetration of the impregnation agent into pores and spaces between fibres of the paper also with an origin at the cutting edge of the bevelled tip. Additionally, the impregnation agent may penetrate at least partially into fibres of the paper also with an origin at the cutting edge of the bevelled tip.

For all embodiments above and below the impregnation agent can be provided on the paper drinking straw by spraying it onto the paper drinking straw or by dipping the paper drinking straw into a liquid impregnation agent. After dipping it into the impregnation agent, air or any other gas may be used to blow of superfluous impregnation agent. The spraying can be performed by means of a nozzle that ejects the impregnation agent onto the region of the paper drinking straw that is to be impregnated. After application of the impregnation agent by spraying or by dipping the impregnation agent may be caused to solidify by hardening it (e.g. in case of a resin) or by drying it (e.g. in case of a silicate).

Alternatively, the impregnation agent can be applied by bringing the paper drinking straw in contact with a material that is soaked with the impregnation agent such as a sponge or tissue or felt to thereby provide the agent to the paper drinking straw.

Also, the impregnation agent can be applied to a cutting knife such that the agent is transferred to the cutting edge at the same time as the bevelled edge is prepared.

The beverage container for receiving liquid product comprises a penetration opening for introducing a paper drinking straw as described above or below, and the paper drinking straw. The paper drinking straw may be provided in a hygienic packaging. The hygienic packaging may be at least partially attached to the beverage container in a stable manner; it may be stuck to it and/or it may be removable from it. The paper drinking straw can be removed from the hygienic packing, wherein the hygienic packing may be still attached to the beverage container or may have been taken off the beverage container.

The beverage container can be designed as a beverage carton, as a foil bag or as a stand-up pouch.

The method for producing a paper drinking straw according to one of the embodiments and/or examples described above or below comprises:.

The impregnating the at least one impregnated region can comprise:.

The impregnating the at least one impregnated region can comprise further or additionally:.

The cutting through can be a straight cutting resulting that the first end comprises a straight first end.

Alternatively, the cutting through being an oblique cutting resulting that the first end comprises a bevelled tip.

The method can further comprise at least partially impregnating the bevelled tip with the impregnation agent.

The method can further comprise impregnating at least an inner surface and/or an outer surface and/or a cutting edge of the bevelled tip with the impregnation agent.

The method can further comprise not impregnating regions aside of the bevelled tip with the impregnation agent.

The method can further comprise impregnating the bevelled tip at least partially with the impregnation agent only after providing the bevelled tip.

The cutting can be done with a cutting knife, wherein the impregnation agent can be applied to the cutting knife and wherein the impregnation agent can be transferred to the cutting edge during the cutting of the raw paper straw.

The method can further comprise solidifying the impregnation agent by hardening or drying, wherein exemplarily solidifying the impregnation agent of the at least partially impregnated bevelled tip and/or solidifying the impregnation agent of the first impregnated region and/or solidifying the impregnation agent of the second region and/or solidifying the impregnation agent of the cutting edge by hardening or drying can be performed at the same time or at at least two different times.

The attached figures illustrate exemplified for better understanding and for visualisation aspects and embodiments of the invention.

The following figures disclose embodiments being related to paper drinking straws comprising one straight end and a bevelled tip at the other end.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from below of a paper tube <NUM> with a total length L11 that might have been cut from an endless paper tube, wherein the endless paper tube has been produced by horizontal winding of at least one paper layer. The paper tube <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. Moreover, a connection edge <NUM> is depicted, where edges of the at least one paper layer firmly adjoin and that extends in a longitudinal direction. The paper tube <NUM>, and thus the paper drinking straw produced from it, comprises an inner surface <NUM> pointing to the interior of the paper tube <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM> pointing to the exterior of the paper tube <NUM>.

By applying a physical oblique cut that starts at a starting point in a distance L13 from the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>, a bevelled tip <NUM> with a cutting edge <NUM> is provided (see <FIG>). The paper tube of <FIG> may also be obtained by applying an oblique cut to a paper tube of the length L12 plus L11, which cuts the tube into two equal parts, one of which is shown in <FIG>. The remaining length L12 of the paper tube <NUM> above the oblique cut amounts to the difference of the distance L13 from the total length L11 of the paper tube <NUM>. The part of the paper tube <NUM> that represents the bevelled tip <NUM> is indicated by the dashed region. The dashed region comprises the part of the paper tube <NUM> that extends between a plane, the plane being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the paper tube <NUM> and going through the starting point of the oblique cut, and the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view on the paper tube <NUM> of <FIG>. An upper end <NUM> of the bevelled tip <NUM> and a lower end <NUM> of the bevelled tip <NUM> are illustrated. The upper end <NUM> may correspond to the starting point of the physical oblique cut. The lower end <NUM> may be used for penetrating a penetration opening of a beverage container.

After providing the bevelled tip <NUM>, the bevelled tip <NUM>, a part of the bevelled tip <NUM>, a part of the bevelled tip <NUM> and another part of the paper tube <NUM>, or the bevelled tip <NUM> and another part of the paper tube <NUM> may be impregnated with an impregnation agent; see <FIG>. It is also possible to only impregnate the cutting edge <NUM> of the bevelled tip <NUM>, e.g., partially or completely. Thus, the at least one paper layer, or at least some part of the at least one paper layer for producing the paper tube <NUM> does not have to be impregnated and/or has to comprise impregnation agent before the paper tube <NUM> is produced and before the bevelled tip <NUM> is provided.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from below of a paper tube <NUM> with a total length L21 that might have been cut from an endless paper tube, wherein the endless paper tube has been produced by helically winding of at least one paper layer. The paper tube <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. Moreover, a connection edge <NUM> where edges of the at least one paper layer firmly adjoin and that extends helically is depicted. The paper tube <NUM>, and thus the paper drinking straw produced from it, comprises an inner surface <NUM> pointing to the interior of the paper tube <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM> pointing to the exterior of the paper tube <NUM>.

By applying a physical oblique cut that starts at a starting point in a distance L23 from the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>, a bevelled tip <NUM> with a cutting edge <NUM> is provided. The remaining length L22 of the paper tube <NUM> above the oblique cut amounts to the difference of the distance L23 from the total length L21 of the paper tube <NUM>. The part of the paper tube <NUM> that represents the bevelled tip <NUM> is indicated by the dashed-pointed region. The dashed-pointed region comprises the part of the paper tube <NUM> that extends between a plane, the plane being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the paper tube <NUM> and going through the starting point of the oblique cut, and the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>. The paper tube <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may also be obtained by applying an oblique cut to a paper tube of the length L22 plus L21 producing two equal parts one of which is shown in <FIG>.

After providing the bevelled tip <NUM>, the bevelled tip <NUM>, a part of the bevelled tip <NUM>, a part of the bevelled tip <NUM> and another part of the paper tube <NUM>, or the bevelled tip <NUM> and another part of the paper tube <NUM> may be impregnated with an impregnation agent; see <FIG>. It is also possible to only impregnate the cutting edge <NUM> of the bevelled tip <NUM>. Thus, the at least one paper layer, or at least some part of the at least one paper layer for producing the paper tube <NUM> does not have to be impregnated and/or has to comprise impregnation agent before the paper tube <NUM> is produced and before the bevelled tip <NUM> is provided.

<FIG> illustrates a first embodiment of a paper drinking straw <NUM> that comprises a paper tube <NUM> with a bevelled tip <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>; the paper tube <NUM> may be one of <FIG> or of <FIG> or another suitable paper tube. The paper tube <NUM> and thus the paper drinking straw <NUM> comprise a total length L31. The physical oblique cut for providing the bevelled tip <NUM> started at a distance L33 from the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>. The length L32 of the paper tube <NUM> and thus of the paper drinking straw <NUM> above the oblique cut is the difference of the distance L33 from the total length L31 of the paper tube <NUM> and the paper drinking straw <NUM>, respectively.

A region <NUM> in that the bevelled tip <NUM> has been impregnated with the impregnation agent is indicated by hatching. In the illustrated case, the impregnated region corresponds to the bevelled tip <NUM> and starts at a distance La from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and the paper drinking straw <NUM>, respectively. The value of the distance La corresponds to the value of the length L32 above the oblique cut.

<FIG> illustrates a second embodiment of a paper drinking straw <NUM> comprising a paper tube <NUM> with a bevelled tip <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> that also may be one of <FIG> or of <FIG> or another suitable paper tube. The total length L31, the length L32 and the distance L33 correspond to those of the first embodiment as depicted in <FIG>.

Moreover, a region <NUM> in that the bevelled tip <NUM> has been impregnated with the impregnation agent is indicated by hatching. This region <NUM> starts at a distance Lb from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>. The value of the distance Lb is smaller than the value of the length L32 of the paper tube <NUM> and thus of the paper drinking straw <NUM> above the oblique cut. The impregnated region <NUM> thus comprises the bevelled tip <NUM> and another part of the paper tube <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a third embodiment of a paper drinking straw <NUM> comprising a paper tube <NUM> with a bevelled tip <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> that also may be one of <FIG> or of <FIG> or another suitable paper tube. The total length L31, the length L32 and the distance L33 correspond to those of the first embodiment as depicted in <FIG>, and the second embodiment as depicted in <FIG>, respectively.

Moreover, a region <NUM> in that part of the bevelled tip <NUM> has been impregnated with impregnation agent is indicated by hatching. This region <NUM> extends in a distance hc parallel to the cutting edge of the bevelled tip <NUM>. The region <NUM> may also be not parallel to the cutting edge but inclined to it.

<FIG> illustrates a fourth embodiment of a paper drinking straw <NUM> comprising a paper tube <NUM> with a bevelled tip <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> that also may be one of <FIG> or of <FIG> or another suitable paper tube. The total length L31, the length L32 and the distance L33 correspond to those of the first, second and third embodiments.

Moreover, a region <NUM> in that part of the bevelled tip <NUM> has been impregnated with the impregnation agent is indicated by hatching. This region <NUM> starts at a distance Ld from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>. The value of the distance Ld is bigger than the value of the length L32 of the paper tube <NUM> and thus of the paper drinking straw <NUM> above the oblique cut. The impregnated region <NUM> thus only comprises a part of the bevelled tip <NUM>. In general, also only a part of the cutting edge may be impregnated.

<FIG> illustrates a fifth embodiment of a paper drinking straw <NUM> comprising a paper tube <NUM> with a bevelled tip <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>. The paper tube <NUM> may be one of <FIG> or of <FIG> or another suitable paper tube. The total length L31, the length L32 and the distance L33 correspond to those of the first embodiment as depicted in <FIG>.

A region <NUM> in that the bevelled tip <NUM> has been impregnated with the impregnation agent is indicated by oblique hatching. This impregnated region <NUM> starts at a distance Le2 from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>. The value of the distance Le2 is smaller than the value of the length L32 of the paper tube <NUM>. The impregnated region <NUM> thus comprises the bevelled tip <NUM> and another part of the paper tube <NUM>.

Moreover, a first impregnated region <NUM> starting from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extending towards the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> for a length Le1 is impregnated with the impregnation agent.

<FIG> illustrates a sixth embodiment of a paper drinking straw <NUM> comprising a paper tube <NUM> with a bevelled tip <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>. Also here, the paper tube <NUM> may be one of <FIG> or of <FIG> or another suitable paper tube. The total length L31, the length L32 and the distance L33 correspond to those of the first embodiment as depicted in <FIG>.

A region <NUM> in that part of the bevelled tip <NUM> has been impregnated with impregnation agent is indicated by oblique hatching. This region <NUM> extends in a distance hf parallel to the cutting edge of the bevelled tip <NUM>. The region <NUM> may also be not parallel to the cutting edge but be inclined to it (not shown).

Moreover, a first impregnated region <NUM> starting from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extending towards the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> for a length Lf1 is impregnated with the impregnation agent. Additionally, a second impregnated region <NUM> starting at a distance Lf2 from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extending as an annular ring towards the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> is impregnated with the impregnation agent. The annular ring extends between a distance Lf2 and a distance Lf3 form the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a seventh embodiment of a paper drinking straw <NUM> comprising a paper tube <NUM> with a bevelled tip <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> that also may be one of <FIG> or of <FIG> or another suitable paper tube. The total length L31, the length L32 and the distance L33 correspond to those of the first embodiment as depicted in <FIG>.

A first impregnated region <NUM> starting from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extending towards the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> for a length Lg1 is impregnated with the impregnation agent.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section of a paper drinking straw comprising three paper layers, e.g., a cross section along A-A as shown in <FIG>. A first paper layer <NUM> represents the outer layer, a second paper layer <NUM> the core paper layer, and a third paper layer <NUM> the inner layer. The outer surface <NUM> of the first paper layer <NUM> has been impregnated with impregnation agent and the impregnation agent also has penetrated partly into pores and spaces between fibres of the paper; this penetration region has been indicated with the reference sign <NUM>.

The inner surface <NUM> of the third paper layer <NUM> also has been impregnated with impregnation agent and the impregnation agent has penetrated partly into pores and spaces between fibres of the paper; this penetration region has been indicated with the reference sign <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from above on a beverage container <NUM> with an inserted paper drinking straw <NUM> of the second embodiment. On the top side <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> a penetration opening <NUM> is provided that is closed with a foil or the like before the bevelled tip <NUM> of the paper drinking straw <NUM> penetrates the penetration opening <NUM>. A region <NUM> of the bevelled tip <NUM> and part of the paper tube <NUM> is impregnated with an impregnation agent.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from above of a foil bag <NUM> with an inserted paper drinking straw <NUM> of the second embodiment. On one bag side <NUM> of the foil bag <NUM> a penetration opening <NUM> is provided that is closed with a foil or the like before the bevelled tip <NUM> of the paper drinking straw <NUM> penetrates the penetration opening <NUM>. The paper drinking straw <NUM> corresponds to the one of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from the top on the beverage container <NUM> with an inserted paper drinking straw <NUM> of the fifth embodiment. On the top side <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> a penetration opening <NUM> is provided that is closed with a foil or the like before the bevelled tip <NUM> of the paper drinking straw <NUM> penetrates the penetration opening <NUM>. The region <NUM> of the bevelled tip <NUM> and part of the paper tube <NUM> are impregnated with the impregnation agent. Additionally, the first region <NUM> extending from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> in direction to the first end <NUM> is impregnated with the impregnation agent.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from the top on the foil bag <NUM> with an inserted paper drinking straw <NUM> of the sixth embodiment. On one bag side <NUM> of the foil bag <NUM> a penetration opening <NUM> is provided that is closed with a foil or the like before the bevelled tip <NUM> of the paper drinking straw <NUM> penetrates the penetration opening <NUM>. The region <NUM> of the bevelled tip <NUM> and part of the paper tube <NUM> are impregnated with an impregnation agent. Additionally, the first region <NUM> extending from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> in direction to the first end <NUM> is impregnated with the impregnation agent. Moreover, the second region <NUM> being an annular ring extending at some distance from the second end <NUM> in direction to the first end <NUM> is impregnated with the impregnation agent.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from the top on the beverage carton <NUM> with inserted paper drinking straw <NUM> of the seventh embodiment. On the top side <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> the penetration opening <NUM> is provided that is closed with a foil or the like before the bevelled tip <NUM> of the paper drinking straw <NUM> penetrates the penetration opening <NUM>. The first region <NUM> extending from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> in direction to the first end <NUM> is impregnated with the impregnation agent. Other parts of the paper tube <NUM> are not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

The following figures disclose examples being related to paper drinking straws comprising two straight ends and are not part of the invention.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from below on a paper drinking straw <NUM> before impregnating comprising a paper tube <NUM> with horizontal winding, and two straight ends <NUM>, <NUM>, also called first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. The paper drinking straw <NUM> might have been cut from an endless paper tube, wherein the endless paper tube has been produced by horizontal winding of at least one paper layer. The cutting edge <NUM> of the first end <NUM> is visible in <FIG>. The second end <NUM> also comprises a cutting edge that is not visible in <FIG>. The paper tube <NUM> of the paper drinking straw <NUM> comprises a connection edge <NUM>, where edges of the at least one paper layer firmly adjoin and that extends in a longitudinal direction. The paper tube <NUM>, and thus the paper drinking straw <NUM> comprise an inner surface <NUM> pointing to the interior of the paper tube <NUM>/paper drinking straw <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM> pointing to the exterior of the paper tube <NUM>/paper drinking straw <NUM>.

For the depicted paper drinking straw, at least one impregnated region of the paper tube <NUM> may be impregnated with an impregnation agent and at least one region of the paper tube <NUM> may not be impregnated with the impregnation agent.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from below on a paper drinking straw <NUM> before impregnating comprising a paper tube <NUM> with helically winding, and two straight ends <NUM>, <NUM>, also called first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. The paper drinking straw <NUM> might have been cut from an endless paper tube, wherein the endless paper tube has been produced by helically winding of at least one paper layer. The cutting edge <NUM> of the first end <NUM> is visible in <FIG>. The second end <NUM> also comprises a cutting edge that is not visible in <FIG>. The paper tube <NUM> of the paper drinking straw <NUM> comprises a connection edge <NUM> where edges of the at least one paper layer firmly adjoin and that extends helically as depicted. The paper tube <NUM>, and thus the paper drinking straw <NUM> comprise an inner surface <NUM> pointing to the interior of the paper tube <NUM>/paper drinking straw <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM> pointing to the exterior of the paper tube <NUM>/paper drinking straw <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate schematically different examples of paper drinking straws with two straight first end where different parts are impregnated with an impregnating agent.

In <FIG>, the paper drinking straw <NUM> comprises an impregnated region <NUM> ("third impregnated region" in the chapter "Solution" and in the claims) starting form the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extending towards the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>. The paper drinking straw <NUM> has a total length L61. The impregnated region <NUM> starts form the first end <NUM> and extends towards the second end <NUM> for a first length L62, and is impregnated with the impregnation agent. Along a remaining length L63, the region <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> extends that is not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

In <FIG>, the paper drinking straw <NUM> comprises three impregnated regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are impregnated with the impregnation agent and two regions <NUM>, <NUM> that are not impregnated. The paper drinking straw <NUM> has a total length L71.

The first impregnated region <NUM> starts from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extends towards the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> for a first length L73 and is impregnated with the impregnation agent.

The second impregnated region <NUM> starts at a distance L74 from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extends as an annular ring towards the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and is impregnated with the impregnation agent. The annular ring extends between a distance L74 and a distance L75 form the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM>.

The third impregnated region <NUM> starts form the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extends towards the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> for a third length L72, and is impregnated with the impregnation agent.

Between the first impregnated region <NUM> and the second impregnated region <NUM>, a first region <NUM> extends that is not impregnated with the impregnation agent, and between the second impregnated region <NUM> and the third impregnated region <NUM>, a second region <NUM> extends that is not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

In <FIG>, the paper drinking straw <NUM> comprises two impregnated regions <NUM>, <NUM> that are impregnated with the impregnation agent and one region <NUM> that is not impregnated. The paper drinking straw <NUM> has a total length L81.

The first impregnated region <NUM> starts from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extends towards the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> for a first length L83 and is impregnated with the impregnation agent.

The other impregnated region <NUM> ("third impregnated region" in the chapter "Solution") starts form the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extends towards the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> for a second length L82, and is impregnated with the impregnation agent.

Between the two impregnated regions <NUM>, <NUM>, the one region <NUM> extends that is not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

In <FIG>, the paper drinking straw <NUM> with a total length L91 comprises an impregnated region <NUM> ("first impregnated region" in the chapter "Solution") starting from the second end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> and extending towards the first end <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> for a first length L92 and being impregnated with the impregnation agent. Along a remaining length L93 towards the first end <NUM>, the region <NUM> of the paper tube <NUM> extends that is not impregnated with the impregnation agent.

<FIG> illustrates an inclined view from above on the beverage carton <NUM> with the inserted paper drinking straw <NUM> of <FIG> comprising to two straight ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and the two impregnated regions <NUM>, <NUM> as mentioned above.

Claim 1:
Paper drinking straw (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a paper tube (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, ) with a first end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, ) and a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, ), Z wherein at least one impregnated region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the paper tube (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is impregnated with an impregnation agent and at least one region of the paper tube (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is not impregnated with the impregnation agent, wherein the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the paper tube (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a bevelled tip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the second end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the paper tube (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a straight end, characterised in that
a cutting edge (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the bevelled tip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is impregnated with the impregnation agent.