FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of straws and filters employed in straws. BACKGROUND

Typically, filters are used to separate solid particles from a fluid flowing through a conduit. The fluid is introduced in the conduit under pressure, and is allowed to pass through a plurality of pores of the filter so as to trap the solid particulates present in the fluid. However, the conventional filters face a problem of clogged pores, wherein large size solid particles get trapped within the smaller sized pores, thereby clogging the pores and blocking the flow of the fluid downstream of the filter. The clogged pores lead to decrease in flow rate of the fluid. To overcome this, the filters are required to be cleaned frequently which is time consuming. Additionally, continuous clogging of the pores may even erode the pores and damage the filter, which is not desired. Therefore, there is felt a need for a filter for conduits that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

Prepackaged beverages like cold drinks, flavored milk, and the like are generally not very hygienic. These prepackaged beverages are typically packaged within TETRA-PACK cartons, which might have been extensively handled previously during packaging, transportation, and stacking on shelves or storing in refrigerators. A consumer cannot drink the beverage directly from the carton, as the carton is unclean due to previous extensive handling. To address this issue, straws are often used. However, using straws also does not seem to be a good option since the straws are also extensively handled before being placed on the shelves. Furthermore, the retailer is not normally able to charge an additional price for straws, which compromises the profit margin of the retailer.

Another problem related to the storage and inventory control is that, beverages are generally produced in a plethora of different flavours. As such, a significant amount of valuable refrigeration space is used up in retail outlets in order to provide adequate stocks of the full range of flavours for each beverage product line. US Patent Application US2010/0159075 discloses a receptacle that includes an elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets disposed within the body, and filtration means disposed at or adjacent to each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The orientation and structure of filtration means and the size of the pellets results in increasing sucking pressure required for sipping through end of tubular body. At the same time the relatively large size pellets results in an incomplete dissolution and waste of pellet material. Also, the transfer of flavour carrier fluid is uneven. This is not desired.

Therefore, there is felt a need for a flavour infusing straw that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a filter for conduits that prevents the clogging of slits. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide aero dynamicity to the fluid flowing therethrough.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flavour infusing straw that provides a mess-free option for enjoying flavoured drinks.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flavour infusing straw that facilitates optimal mixing of the flavour from the flavour cartridge with the edible liquid.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages a filter for conduits. The filter is configured to be removably fitted within the conduit. The filter is defined by a sleeve type body, which is open at one end and partially closed at another end. The sleeve type body has an annular opening defined at the open end, a chamfered face with an outwardly directed face having an arcuate extremity at the partially closed end, and a plurality of slits configured on the chamfered face. In an embodiment, the filter is disposed within the conduit such that the chamfered face is disposed downstream of the fluid flow. The chamfered face facilitates aero dynamic flow to the fluid flowing through the sleeve type body.

In an embodiment, the filter is disposed within the conduit such that the chamfered face is disposed upstream of the fluid flow and the arcuate extremity of the chamfered face facilitates disintegration of solid particles contained within the fluid into finer particles.

In an embodiment, the shape of the sleeve type body is complementary to shape of the conduit.

In an embodiment, at least some of the plurality of slits has arcuate shapes. In another embodiment, at least some of the plurality of slits is elliptical arcs.

In an embodiment, an angle of the chamfered face formed with respect to a base of the sleeve type body is directly proportional to the diameter of the sleeve type body of the filter.

In an embodiment, the plurality of slits have a width ranging from 0.8 mm to 1 mm.

The present disclosure further envisages a flavour infusing straw. The flavour infusing straw comprises a hollow elongate body, a pair of wedge type stoppers configured to be inserted at the operative ends of the body. The pair of wedge type stoppers has a solid chamfered face defining slit type openings and a knife edge. The flavour cartridge is placed operatively between the pair of wedge type stoppers within the hollow elongate body. The wedge type stoppers have cylindrical shape. The pair of wedge type stoppers is configured to facilitate a uniform transverse flow of an edible liquid through the flavour cartridge. The flavour cartridge has a plurality of flavour beads.

In an embodiment, the plurality of flavour beads has an average diameter ranging from 20% to 22% of the internal diameter of the hollow elongate body.

In an embodiment, at least some of the slit type openings are arcuate. In another embodiment, at least some of the slit type openings are elliptical arcs.

In an embodiment, the knife edge is provided along the edges of the solid chamfered face. In an embodiment, the knife edge is provided at the operative lower tip of the solid chamfered face. The knife edge formation at the distal end has a solid region extending into the pair of wedge type stoppers.

In an embodiment, the hollow elongate body has folding portions configured at the operative ends thereby preventing the wedge type stoppers from sliding out of the hollow elongate body.

In an embodiment, each of the flavour beads is having a plurality of concentric layer of the flavours.

In an embodiment, the flavour of the flavour beads is selected from the group consisting of sweeteners, flavouring agents, coloring agents, viscosity modifiers, vitamin supplements, minerals, herbal extracts, energy enhancing additives and any combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the straw is sealed with a hygienic cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A filter for conduits and a flavour infusing straw of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of the filter for the conduit, in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure IB illustrates a front view of slits of the filter of Figure 1 A;

Figure 1C illustrates a side view of the filter of Figure 1 A;

Figure ID illustrates a top view of the filter of Figure 1 A; Figure 2A illustrates an isometric view of filter, in accordance with another embodiment of present disclosure;

Figure 2B illustrates top view of filter of Figure 2A;

Fig. 3A illustrates an isometric view of the flavour infusing straw, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3B illustrates a top view of the flavour infusing straw of Fig. 1 A; and Fig. 3C illustrate side view of the flavour infusing straw of Fig. 1A.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 - Filter

100A - Base 102 - Sleeve Type Body

102 A - Annular Opening

104 - Chamfered Face

104 A - Plurality of Slits

106 - Arcuate Extremity 200 - Straw

202 - Hollow Elongate Body

204 - Pair of Wedge Type Stoppers

204A - Solid Chamfered Face

204B - Slit Type Openings 206 - Flavour Cartridge

208 - Cylindrical Shape

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a first aspect, the present disclosure envisages a filter for a conduit. The filter is disposed within the conduit to filter out solid particles. In a second aspect, the present disclosure envisages a flavour infusing straw which employs the filter as disclosed in the first aspect.

The first aspect of the present disclosure is now described with reference to Figures 1A to 2B.

A filter 100 of the present disclosure is described with reference to Fig. 1A through Fig. 2B. The filter 100 is defined by a sleeve type body 102. The sleeve type body 102 has an annular opening 102A, a chamfered face 104, and an arcuate extremityl06. The sleeve type body 102 is open at one end and is partially closed at another end. The annular opening is defined at the open end of the sleeve type body 102. The chamfered face 104 has an outwardly directed side that defines the arcuate extremity 106. The chamfered face 104 has a plurality of slits 104A configured thereon. In an embodiment, the outer diameter of the sleeve type body 102 is complementary to the inner diameter of the conduit (not shown in figures).

In an embodiment, the filter 100 of figure 2 A and 2B has four slits 104 A configured on the chamfered face 104.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the filter 100 is placed within the conduit such that the chamfered face 104 is disposed upstream to fluid flow.

In another embodiment, the filter 100 is placed within the conduit such that the chamfered face 104 is disposed downstream of the fluid flow. The filter 100 is configured to entrap the large solid particles by means of the plurality of slits 104A. The solid particles are having a diameter larger than the average width of the slits 104A. Further, the position of the chamfered face 104 facilitates an aero dynamic flow to the fluid flowing through the sleeve type body 102.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the chamfered face 104 is placed upstream to the fluid flow. This type of placement of the filter 100 is configured to be fitted when finer particles are of importance in the process. The arcuate extremity 106 is configured to facilitate disintegration of the solid particles contained in the fluid into finer particles. The disintegration of solid particles into finer particles allows the finer particles to easily pass through the plurality of slits 104 A.

In an embodiment, the plurality of slits 104A has a width ranging from 0.8 mm to 1 mm. In another embodiment, the plurality of slits has a width of 1mm. In an embodiment, at least some of the plurality of slits 104A has arcuate shapes. In another embodiment, at least some of the plurality of slits 104A is elliptical arcs.

In an embodiment, angle of the chamfered face 104 with respect to a base 100A of the sleeve type body 102 is directly proportional to the diameter of the sleeve type body 102. Further, a decrease in the angle of the chamfered face 104 with respect to the base 100A increases the surface area of the chamfered face 104, thereby facilitating easy passage of fluid through the sleeve type body 102. Also, an increase in the length of the base 100A of the sleeve type body 102 increases the surface area of the chamfered face 104, thereby facilitating easy passage of fluid through the sleeve type body 102. To prove that the filter 100 of the present disclosure is better than the conventional filter two experiments were performed. In first experiment, two transparent conduits having same dimensions were taken. The filter 100 of the present disclosure was placed in one conduit such that the chamfered face 104 is disposed upstream to the fluid flow and the conventional filter was placed in another conduit. The two conduits were connected to a water tank and the water in the tank was mixed with solid dirt particles of different diameters. One flow meter was placed upstream to the flow of fluid, and another flow meter was placed downstream of the filter.

Further, the water from the tank was made to flow for 10 minutes through the two conduits at a velocity of around 31iters/min and the outlet flow velocity at downstream of the two filters was measured which is shown in below table- 1 :

Table- 1

From the above table- 1 it was concluded that:

1. Conventional Filter:

• Flow velocity of water downstream of the conventional filter decreased after 10 minutes from 31iters/min to 1.5 liters/min as the holes of the conventional filter were clogged by the solid dirt particles. The outlet flow velocity was found to be 50% of the inlet flow velocity. 2. Filter 100:

• Flow velocity of water downstream of the filter 100 was reduced from 3 liters/min to 2.5 liters/min i.e. the outlet flow velocity was found to be 84% of the inlet flow velocity. Thus an improvement of 34% in outlet flow velocity was observed for the filter 100 of present disclosure as compared to the outlet flow velocity of the conventional filter.

In second experiment, the filter 100 was placed such that the chamfered face 104 was disposed downstream of the fluid flow in one of the transparent conduit, and the conventional filter was placed in another transparent conduit in same way as it was placed in the first experiment. The water with solid dirt particles were made to pass though the two conduits for 10 minutes. The clogging time for the two filters was measured, and the following inferences were made:

• The conventional filter was clogged within 3 minutes and the aero dynamicity to the water flowing though the conventional filter was very poor. · The filter 100 of the present disclosure clogged after 5 minutes, and the aero dynamicity to the water flowing through the filter 100 was better as compared to the aero dynamicity of the conventional filter.

The concept of the filter 100 can be used to arrive at an industrial filter for hydraulic or pneumatic applications. As such, all embodiments of filters, having the same inventive concept, are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

The second aspect of the present disclosure is now described with reference to Figures 3A to 3C.

Fig. 3A illustrates an isometric view of a flavour infusing straw (hereinafter also referred to as straw 200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C illustrate top view and side view of the straw 200. Referring to Fig. 3A through Fig. 3C, the straw 200 is defined by a hollow elongate body 202. In an embodiment, as seen in Fig. 3A through Fig. 3C, the hollow elongate body 202 has a cylindrical configuration. In another embodiment, the hollow elongate body 202 can be made of two separate sections conjoined by a bend. In yet another embodiment, the hollow elongate body 202 can have a spiral configuration. The hollow elongate body 202 has operative ends. Further, folding portions are configured at the operative ends of the hollow elongate body 202, thereby preventing the wedge type stoppers from sliding out of the hollow elongate body. In an embodiment, the straw 200 is sealed with a hygienic covering. In an embodiment, the hygienic covering is disposable and can be removed by user before using the straw 200.

The straw 200 further includes a pair of wedge type stoppers 204. In an embodiment, the wedge type stopper is a filter 100. The pair of wedge type stoppers 204 has a cylindrical shape 208. The pair of wedge type stoppers 204 is configured to be inserted at the operative ends of the hollow elongate body 202. The pair of wedge type stoppers 204 has a solid chamfered face 204A that defines slit type openings 204B and a knife edge. The knife edge is provided along the edges of the solid chamfered face 204A. The knife edge is provided at the operative lower tip of the solid chamfered face 204A. The knife edge is formed at the distal end and has a solid region extending into the hollow elongate body 202.

A flavour cartridge 206 is placed within the hollow elongate body 202 operatively between the pair of wedge type stoppers 204. The pair of wedge type stoppers 204 facilitates a uniform transverse flow of an edible liquid through the flavour cartridge 206. The flavour cartridge 206 has a plurality of flavour beads. The flavour beads are having a plurality of concentric layers of said flavour. The plurality of flavour beads has an average diameter ranging from 20% to 22% of the internal diameter of the hollow elongate body 202. The flavour beads have an average diameter ranging from 1.2 mm to 2.2 mm. In an embodiment, the flavour beads can be of any suitable shape and color. In an embodiment, the flavour of said flavour beads is selected from the group consisting of sweeteners, flavouring agents, coloring agents, viscosity modifiers, vitamin supplements, minerals, herbal extracts, and energy enhancing additives, and any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the slit type openings 204B configured on the solid chamfered face 204A are arcuate. In another embodiment, the slits type openings 204B configured on the solid chamfered face 204A are elliptical arcs.

In an embodiment, the wedge type stoppers 204 are configured to block the flavour beads from entering the mouth while sipping the edible liquid with the flavour beads. The pair of wedge type stoppers 204 facilitates a uniform transverse flow of the edible liquid through the flavour cartridge so that the consumer gets to enjoy a most optimal mix of the flavour from the flavour cartridge 206 and the edible liquid. The solid chamfered face 204A acts as a sliding portion for the flavor beads, thereby preventing the flavor beads from trapping into the slit type openings 204B of the wedge type stoppers 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the edible liquid is milk. In another embodiment, the flavour cartridge 206 is made up of nuclei that are coated with layers of flavour using the coating pan technology. Typically, the nuclei are sugar crystals. The flavours can be any, as per the consumer requirements/demands. The flavour cartridge 206 can be made specific for usage with different kinds of edible liquids.

In an embodiment, the length of the straw 200 ranges from 7 cm to any desired length as per requirement. In another embodiment, the outer diameter of the straw 200 is in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm, and the inner diameter is ranging from 6 mm to 10 mm. Typically, the outer diameter of the straw 200 is 9 mm and the inner diameter is 8.4 mm. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the straw 200 can change as per requirement. In one embodiment, the slit type openings 204B formed in the filters 206 have a width in the range of 0.8 mm to 1 mm. In another embodiment, the slit type openings 204B formed in the filters 206 have a width of 1 mm. The aforementioned dimensions are only exemplary and do not limit the scope of the straw 200, disclosed in the present disclosure.

The straw 200 disclosed in the present disclosure is a convenient option to carry with, and to flavor any kind of edible liquid. It can also be used to get a child rid of feeder bottles and help the child to easily switch to a glass. Furthermore, the straw 200 disclosed in the present disclosure is a mess-free option to add flavor to milk unlike any flavoring powder or liquid. The straw 200 also does not need valuable refrigeration space for storage of drinks. Instead, the straw 200 can be very easily stored in any storage space.

The straw 200 of the present disclosure can be used to flavour the milk so that the flavoured milk can be consumed instead of processed beverages which have health concerns. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the straw 200 can be used for feeding medicines. Furthermore, the straw 200 can also be used for preparing beverages like tea, coffee, juices, mock tails, energy drinks, flavored water, medicines and other flavoured drinks.

Experiments were performed to analyze the increase in flow rate of the straw 200 as compared to a conventionally available straw. In the experiment, each of the straws had a flavour cartridge with same volume of chocolate flavour beads were placed in both the flavour cartridge contained therewithin. The flavour beads were mixed with milk to get taste of chocolate milk. The conventional straw had an inner diameter of 8 mm and the inner diameter of the straw 200 was 8.4 mm. Also, the conventional straw had a pair of stoppers disposed at the ends of the straw with a simple mesh configuration, and the straw 200 had a pair of wedge type stoppers 204 placed at the operative ends of the straw 200. The quantity of milk was 200 ml to be sipped with the conventional straw and simultaneously sipped through the straw 200 of the present disclosure and the following inferences were made:

• While sipping the milk through the conventional straw with the chocolate beads, it was found that there was less flavour in the beginning for first 8-10 sips. After 200 ml of milk was sipped there were significant number of flavour beads still left in the straw. Thus the conventionally available straw did not provide uniform flavouring.

• While sipping the milk through the straw 200 with the chocolate beads, it was found that the milk was uniformly flavoured from first sip till last sip. After sipping 200 ml of milk, it was found that chocolate beads were uniformly mixed with the milk.

Therefore, the wedge type stoppers 204 provided optimal mixing of the chocolate beads with the milk as compared to conventional straw.

Further, based on the inner diameter of each of the straw, a flow rate for each of the straw was calculated. It is to be noted that the flow rates were calculated using the formula Q=AxV,

Wherein, Q - flow rate, V - velocity of the fluid, and

A - area of the straw through which the fluid is flowing. The following values for flow rate were calculated as shown in the below table:

Flow Velocity Flow rate (cm ³ /s)

(cm/s)

Conventional Straw Straw 100

1 0.50625 0.55418 1.5 0.75398 0.83127

2 1 1.1

From the above table it was found that there was an improvement in the flow rate for straw 200 as compared to the conventional straw.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a filter for conduits that:

• prevents the clogging of slits; and

• provide aero dynamicity to the fluid flowing therethrough.

Further, the present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a flavour infusing straw that:

• facilitates optimal mixing of the flavour from the flavour cartridge with the edible liquid; and

• provides a mess-free option for enjoying flavoured drinks.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.