FIELD

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

In some embodiments, the inner tube includes a section filled with a water- soluble substance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. la shows an embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein; FIG. lb shows the device of FIG. la inserted into a liquid filled enclosure; FIG. 2a shows another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein;

FIG. 2b shows the embodiment in FDIG. 2a with an optional third straw inserted in the inner straw;

FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein;

FIG. 7A shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein;

FIG. 7B shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of a drinking straw device disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS, la 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. lb 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.

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.

FIG. 2a 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 108a has a top end 112a initially closed to the atmosphere (see below). This allows extended storage of a second liquid 242 in a chamber 110a formed between tubes 102 and 108a. 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 112a has a removable cover 224 over at least part of top end 112a. 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 110a 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 110a and inner tube 102 when no active action is performed by a user (consumer).

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2b, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 7A shows yet another embodiment 700a 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,

FIG. 7B shows yet another embodiment 700b of a drinking straw device disclosed herein. Device 700b is similar to 700a 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.

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 850a installed in top end 812 and a second one way valve 850b 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 850b 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 850a then allows air to enter the chamber. The action is similar to that of a water gun.

In summary, straw device embodiments disclosed herein provide a number of advantageous features:

a) elegant and easy introduction of another substance into a consumed liquid stream; 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; 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;

d) introduction of solubles including salts, vitamins, flavors, nutritional supplements, etc. into the consumed stream;

e) enabling a user to introduce any easily stored gas, as bubbles, into a consumed liquid;

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.

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.