U.S. patent application number 10/400318 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-27 for novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system.
Invention is credited to Farnsworth, Donald, Nava, John.
Application Number | 20030218076 10/400318 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29553363 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030218076 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farnsworth, Donald ; et
al. |
November 27, 2003 |
Novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery
system
Abstract
The invention relates to a novelty pump straw with combined
display area and prize delivery system that can easily be used to
pump liquids into the mouth of the user without the use of mouth
suction, used to convey information and messages, and deliver
prizes and other marketing materials. The invention may include
noisemakers, a selection of several different pump devices, various
shapes of the pump devices, a stand-alone toy, and several means to
convey information and messages on a display area. The exterior
features, overall look and size are similar to that of a drinking
straw with a pump attached between the two ends of the drinking
straw. The invention, besides being used for drinking applications,
may also be used for many other activities, some of which include
marketing, amusement, and relaxation.
Inventors: |
Farnsworth, Donald;
(Oakland, CA) ; Nava, John; (Ojai, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Marc E. Hankin
Gordon & Rees, LLP
Ste. 2075
300 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles
CA
90071
US
|
Family ID: |
29553363 |
Appl. No.: |
10/400318 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60368139 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 21/182 20130101;
A47G 19/2227 20130101; A47G 19/2266 20130101; A47G 2200/143
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/33 |
International
Class: |
A47G 021/18 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A process for pumping liquids with a drinking straw, said
process comprising: inserting a drinking straw with a pump device
attached thereto into a liquid; activating said pump device so as
to move said liquid unidirectionally within said drinking straw;
pumping said liquid through said drinking straw such that said
liquid progresses through said drinking straw; reactivating said
pump device as needed to continue said progression of said liquid
through said drinking straw.
2. The process according to claim 1 wherein said pump device
further comprises a display area.
3. The process according to claim 2 wherein said display area is
designed to convey information.
4. The process according to claim 3 wherein said information is
applied to said display area.
5. The process according to claim 2 wherein said display area is
shaped to convey information.
6. The process according to claim 1 wherein said pump device
further comprises a prize message delivery system.
7. The process according to claim 6 wherein said prize message
delivery system further comprises an opaque device designed to
conceal a prize.
8. The process according to claim 7 wherein said opaque device is
selected from the group consisting of a peel-away flap, a
scratch-off surface, and a heat-sensitive surface designed to
reveal a prize message upon subjection to a predetermined
temperature range.
9. The process according to claim 1 wherein said pump device is
selected from the group consisting of a squeeze bulb pump, an
accordion squeeze pump, a roller compression pump, a filter pump, a
noise making pump, and a squirt gun mechanism pump.
10. The process according to claim 9 further comprising at least
semi-rigid spring-loaded plates connected to said pump is designed
to aid in pumping action.
11. A pump drinking straw liquid delivery device, comprising: a. an
elongate drinking straw, said drinking straw with a first end and a
second end; b. a pump device, said pump device located on said
drinking straw between said first end and said second end, said
pump device designed to move a liquid unidirectionally within said
drinking straw such that said liquid progresses generally
unidirectionally through said drinking straw; c. a display area
located on said pump device.
12. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 11 wherein said display area is designed to convey
messages.
13. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 12 wherein said display area further comprises a prize
message delivery system.
14. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 13 wherein said prize message delivery system further
comprises an opaque device designed to conceal a prize.
15. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 14 wherein said opaque device is selected from the group
consisting of a peel-away flap, a scratch-off surface, and a
heat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize message upon
subjection to a predetermined temperature range.
16. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 11 wherein said pump device is selected from the group
consisting of a squeeze bulb pump, an accordion squeeze pump, a
roller compression pump, a filter pump, a whistling pump, and a
squirt gun mechanism pump.
17. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 16 wherein said pump comprises a hand pump inseparable from
said drinking straw such that liquid is transferred from a cup to
the user's mouth solely by activating said hand pump.
18. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 17 further comprising semi-rigid or harder spring-loaded
plates connected to said pump is designed to aid in pumping
action.
19. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 17 further comprising at least one unidirectional valve
positioned at or between the first and second ends of said drinking
straw.
20. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 11 wherein said drinking straw comprises a first portion and
a second portion, said first portion semi-permanently connected to
said pump, said drinking straw designed so that disconnecting said
first portion from said pump permits said second portion and said
pump to function as a stand-alone toy.
21. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device, comprising:
a. an elongate drinking straw, said drinking straw with a first end
and a second end; b. a pump device, said pump device located on
said drinking straw between said first end and said second end and
said pump device designed to assist a beverage to progress through
said drinking straw and said pump such that said beverage is
transferred from a cup to a user's mouth solely by activating said
pump; c. a display area located on said pump device, said display
area designed to convey information.
22. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 21 wherein said pump device is shaped to convey
information.
23. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 21 wherein said display area further comprises a category of
information selected from the group consisting of political
slogans, game pieces, coupons, messages, logos, characters,
advertisements, prizes, and fortunes.
24. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 23 wherein said prize comprises a prize message delivery
system.
25. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 24 wherein said prize message delivery system is selected
from the group consisting of a peel-away flap, a scratch-off
surface, and a heat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize
message upon subjection to a predetermined temperature range.
26. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 21 wherein said pump device is selected from the group
consisting of a squeeze bulb pump, an accordion squeeze pump, a
roller compression pump, a filter pump, a noise making pump, and a
squirt gun mechanism pump.
27. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 26 wherein said pump comprises a hand pump built into said
drinking straw.
28. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 27 further comprising semi-rigid or harder spring-loaded
plates connected to said pump designed to aid in pumping
action.
29. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 26 wherein said pump drinking straw beverage delivery device
is designed to be located within a handle of a drinking vessel.
30. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to
claim 26 further comprising at least one unidirectional valve
positioned at or between the first and second ends of said drinking
straw.
31. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 21 further comprising a plurality of pump devices.
32. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 31 wherein said plurality of pumps comprises at least one air
pump and at least one liquid pump.
33. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to
claim 21 wherein said drinking straw comprises a first portion and
a second portion, said first portion semi-permanently connected to
said pump, said drinking straw designed so that disconnecting said
first portion from said pump reveals said second portion and said
pump functioning as a molded pump stand-alone toy.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The invention relates to an improved drinking straw device
that uses a pumping action to deliver liquid to the mouth of the
user. Additionally, this improved pump drinking straw incorporates
a display area with surfaces for messages, including prize
delivery, which are integral to the pumping action device.
[0002] The basic drinking straw is a linear and hollow tube
designed to transport liquid from a vessel to the mouth of the user
by virtue of a vacuum created by the user sucking at the receiving
end. Drinking straws that are designed in novel and amusing shapes
and colors have long been known. An example of one such novel shape
is a hard plastic straw with a series of loops so that the liquid
may be observed progressing through the loops as the user drinks
the liquid. More complex entertainment devices used in drinking
straws include gearing or turbines in contact with the liquid or
affiliated with the movement of liquid to turn the gearing or
turbine blades. The turbine power, generated by the liquid or air,
may serve to display the turning gears, blades and/or move a
fanciful object for amusement and entertainment. However, these
designs are generally limited to serve as amusement only.
[0003] Additionally, mechanical means to transfer liquid from a
vessel, include methods to effectuate the transfer, are well known
in the art. Prior attempts include uses in sporting hydration
devices, such as a squeezable sports bottle with a resealable cap
and tubing so that a bicyclist can aim the liquid in his mouth
without the use of hands. Other sports uses incorporate a liquid
reservoir, including a canteen, worn by the user with a tube
connected to the reservoir, again designed to allow the user to aim
the liquid into her mouth for convenience. One such sporting water
reservoir device with tubing includes a squeeze bulb to assist in
the movement of liquid from the reservoir, as taught in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,199,729 to Drzymkowski. Yet another prior attempt includes
U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,385 granted to Klegerman et al., which teaches
of a multi-walled, replaceable filter, portable water filtering
device for use at public drinking fountains or other public water
supplies. Rarely is this equipment intended for disposal after a
single use nor would it be cost effective to place this equipment
next to paper napkins and typical drinking straws for the public in
a retail or food service setting.
[0004] In terms of prize delivery, few prior attempts at
distributing both advertising and prizes on liquid transfer devices
are found. However, one such attempt, as taught in U.S. Pat. No.
5,957,279 and granted to Howes, consists of a prize (cash or
coupon) or notice of such a prize wound in a generally spiral form
about or in a drinking straw, either inserted into the drinking
straw itself (to be removed before the straw is used to drink
liquid) or printed on the drinking straw and covered by a sliding
cylindrical housing. However, because drinking straws are used in
extremely wet environments, unwinding and removing a rolled piece
of paper may be troublesome if the paper becomes wet and prone to
tear or, if the sheet is made of a plastic or waxy material,
adhesion and capillary action could prevent removal of the prize or
notice. Additionally, insertion of a removable device into a
drinking straw or a slideable housing may prove a choking hazard,
even with safeguards. This is especially dangerous for young
children.
[0005] There is a long-felt need for a drinking straw that may
provide entertainment, relaxation, and even amusement with a
pumping action. Additionally, there is a need for an improved
drinking straw that can effectively, reliably, and safely deliver
prizes and/or display messages with a combined display area and
prize delivery system. A reasonably priced novelty drinking straw
that could provide entertainment as well as deliver prizes, or
notice of prizes, is needed for marketing promotions. This is
especially evident in fast food chains that are interested in using
advertising, game pieces or prizes to increase or shift the market
share in their favor or even creating new market opportunities,
customer excitement, and profits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide entertainment,
relaxation and even amusement to the user of the pump drinking
straw.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide an effective,
reliable and safe drinking straw prize and/or message delivery.
[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a method to
transfer liquid from a drinking vessel to the mouth of the user of
the pump drinking straw without the need for mouth suction.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and
convenient method to filter liquids contained in drinking vessels
or other vessels.
[0010] Yet another object of the invention is to create a desire in
the consumer to purchase either the pump drinking straw or a
beverage because the consumer desires a pump drinking straw.
[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide a safe way
to control flow of beverages by providing a consumption means
nearly independent from unexpected and sudden movements, including
sudden lunging movements as experienced in vehicle travel, to help
to eliminate spills, especially painful and potentially hazardous
spills.
[0012] Another object of the invention is the manufacturing ability
to be readily changed or adaptable to marketing needs.
[0013] A further object of the invention is to effectively conceal
messages of the pump drinking straw until the desired time or
occurrence transpires.
[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a user drinking from the pump drinking straw
with a peel away prize on the pump device.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a squeeze bulb pump embodiment with a corporate
logo displayed in the display area of the pump device.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a squeeze bulb pump embodiment with a corporate
logo displayed in the display area of the pump device being
pumped.
[0018] FIG. 4 depicts a display of a squeeze bulb pump
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 depicts a display of a vertical accordion pump
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6 depicts a display of a horizontal accordion pump
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 7 depicts a roller pump embodiment.
[0022] FIGS. 8-10 depict slide action roller pump embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 11 depicts a squeeze bulb pump with semi-rigid
spring-loaded plates embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 12 depicts a squirt gun mechanism pump.
[0025] FIG. 13 depicts a pump in handle embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 14 depicts a character head pump embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 15 depicts a stand-alone toy of the character head pump
embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 16 depicts a filter in pump embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 17 depicts a whistle while you drink embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The invention is a novelty pump straw with a combined
display area and message delivery system 1 comprising an improved
drinking straw 2 with a display area 3 and pump 4 whereby the user
manually hand-pumps liquid from a cup 5 to the mouth of the user.
Enjoying one's favorite beverage with this novel device can be
relaxing, exhilarating and fun.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the invention is a pump drinking straw
beverage delivery device. The pump drinking straw 1 comprises an
elongate drinking straw 2 with a first portion and corresponding
end 6 as well as a second portion and corresponding end 7. The
first end is placed into the mouth of the user and the second end
is placed into the liquid. The pump drinking straw also has a pump
device to pump the liquid from a cup or vessel 5 to the mouth of
the user without the user having to suck the liquid through the
drinking straw. Therefore, the liquid is solely transferred by the
action of the pump device. The pump device is located between the
first end and the second end of the pump drinking straw. The
position of the pump device is dependant upon the specific
embodiment, as the position may be fixed and an integral part of
the drinking straw or may be within a bounded area and dependant
upon the location of a mobile pump device.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the invention may include
various features that are designed to convey information. This
conveyance of the information can be accomplished in various
methods. Some of the methods to convey the information include a
display area which is incorporated into the design of the pump
device 4. The display area 3 may contain or have information
applied to it in a variety of methods, including printing 8,
embossing, and variation of materials. The pump device itself may
be shaped to convey information, or example, the pump can be shaped
in the form of a cartoon character or company logo. "Taco Bell" and
the "Taco Bell Logo" are registered trademarks of the Taco Bell
Corporation.
[0033] The display area 3 is designed to convey messages. The
messages may include such things as political slogans, game pieces,
coupons, logos, cartoon characters, advertisements, prizes,
fortunes, or any other type or category of message or information
that may be placed in the display area. Notably, with the increased
competition between fast food establishments, the use of games and
prizes has increased in order to entertain and reward customers as
well as increase business. The pump device of the pump drinking
straw may contain a prize message delivery system 8 as a method to
distribute prizes, or at least the chance of winning a prize.
Preferably, the prize message delivery system would use an opaque
device designed to conceal a prize. Some of the various methods to
distribute the prize messages on or in the display area include a
peel-away flap revealing the message underneath, a scratch-off
surface again revealing the message underneath or a heat-sensitive
surface designed to reveal a prize message upon subjection to a
predetermined temperature range.
[0034] Referring generally now to FIGS. 4-17, the pump device has
many different types of pumps as well as sizes, positions, and
shapes of a pump. For example, the pump device may be a squeeze
bulb pump 11, an accordion squeeze pump 30, roller compression
pumps 40 and 50, a squirt gun mechanism pump 70, a filter pump 100,
and a whistling pump 111. Additional embodiments of the basic types
of pump embodiments may include such features as rigid or
semi-rigid spring-loaded plates 60 connected to the pump
(preferably a squeeze activated pump) that are designed to aid in
pumping action. Another embodiment incorporates or partially
encapsulates the pump 80 of the pump drinking straw 1 into a handle
81 of a drinking vessel 82. The majority of the pump devices in the
embodiments contain unidirectional valves 13, 14, 57, 73, 102 and
are hand pumps that are built into and are an integral part of the
drinking straw.
[0035] The previously described versions of the present invention
have many advantages, including unique pumping actions as well as
message and prize delivery. Thus, the problems that may be
associated with previous attempts at drinking straws message
delivery are solved.
[0036] Another advantage of the invention is the pump action of a
drinking straw that eliminates the user from having to suck liquids
through a straw. This may be especially helpful when the user is
drinking a thick or viscous beverage, which can be difficult and
tiring to drink through a straw.
[0037] Yet another advantage of the invention includes the
entertaining and relaxing effect of using the pumping device to
drink a beverage.
[0038] A further advantage of the invention is a novel, safe and
cost effective method of advertising and/or delivering messages.
The messages may be displayed outright upon immediate use of the
pump drinking straw or the messages may be less obvious, including
semi-permanently hidden from plain view and designed to be
uncovered at a later time.
[0039] Another advantage is that the invention is likely safer and
more reliable at delivering an intact prize than other drinking
straw delivery systems due to the fact that small, removable parts
are not required.
[0040] Yet another advantage of this invention is the potential
cost savings of this use of a prize delivery system. Many
businesses, especially fast food establishments, have widely used
the peel tabs or surfaces removable with scratching to reveal the
prize message underneath. These existing methods may be used with
the present invention.
[0041] Still, a further advantage of this invention includes the
ability to prominently display logos, word marks, cartoon
characters, or other designs with a pump drinking straw. The
novelty of the design in the design area incorporated into the pump
drinking straw may make the invention a desirable keepsake, such as
a memento from a theme park, specialty drink or destination
vacation spot. The stand-alone toy embodiment increases the
desirability of the invention.
[0042] It is important to note, however, that the invention does
not require that all these advantages need be incorporated into
every embodiment of the invention.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of the invention
is shown that includes a squeeze bulb pump device 11. In this
embodiment, pressing or constricting the squeeze bulb, preferably
between thumb and fingers 12, effectuates the pumping action by
reducing the volume within the bulb. Upon the release of the
squeeze bulb, at least one unidirectional valve inside the bulb
creates a vacuum, thereby causing the liquid to travel up the
drinking straw 2 into the bulb and return the bulb to its original
volume. Squeezing the bulb a second time causes the lower valve 13
to close and the upper valve 14 to open, pushing the liquid up the
straw into the recipient's mouth. Many of the messages described
herein, including company logos, work marks or marketing messages
can be imprinted on the display area 3 of the squeeze bulb pump
device 4.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, vendors and marketing
entities of the pump drinking straw are able to imprint a logo or
message on the larger surface area of the display area 3 than is
typically found on a localized surface of a drinking straw. The
squeezing action of the squeeze bulb pump can make a caricature or
logo or message distort in an amusing fashion 20.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an accordion pump embodiment
30 of the invention is shown. The accordion pump may be positioned
vertically 31, horizontally 32 or even diagonally relative to the
drinking straw 2 orientation. Like the squeeze bulb design,
compressing the accordion pump with at least one unidirectional
valve causes liquid to be pumped through the straw.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 7, a further embodiment of the
invention has a roller pump 40. The roller pump requires at least
one roller mechanism 41 to pinch 42 the drinking straw 2 so that
the roller may be moved up the straw, thereby pushing the contents
of the drinking straw through the drinking straw and into the mouth
of the user. The roller pump may be designed so that the pinching
action is released upon the downward return of the roller pump. The
method of moving the rollers up and down the drinking straw may
include a hand crank or a wind-up pump.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, a variation of the roller pump
embodiment 40 is the slide action roller pump embodiment 50.
Rollers 51 in an engaged position 52 pinch 53 the drinking straw 2
to push liquid through the straw as the rollers 51 are slid up the
drinking straw and release 54 the drinking straw to slide back down
to a return position when the rollers are slid down the drinking
straw. One switch 55 engages and the other switch 56 disengages the
rollers 51 of the slide action roller pump. This embodiment may
include a one-way valve 57 at the end of the straw that meets the
mouth.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment is shown which
should be of particular interest for companies that desire no
distortion of their logo; rigid plates 60 can encompass the pump
apparatus 4, adding leverage to the pumping action while keeping
the logos or message on the display area 3 from being distorted.
Thus, this embodiment is designed for a spring 61 aided squeeze
bulb pump 11 embodiment. The squeeze bulb is located under the
pressure plates. Like the squeeze bulb embodiment, squeezing the
outer plates causes the squeeze bulb pump to create a pumping
action; the spring 61 helps return the squeeze bulb to the original
shape and volume by returning the plates (and squeeze bulb) to
their original, pre-squeezed position(s). Thus, the pressure plates
are spring loaded to aid pumping action.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment is shown that
contains a squirt gun/spray bottle pump mechanism 70. Pumping
action is created in the squirt gun/spray bottle embodiment by
squeezing the trigger 71, drawing liquid through the drinking straw
2 by the movements of the piston 72 and a series of at least two
unidirectional valves 73, as is well known in the art. As the other
embodiments, the liquid is transferred from a vessel to the mouth
of the user.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 13, a further embodiment is depicted
that contains a pump 80 in the handle 81 of a drinking vessel 82.
In the pump in handle embodiment, nearly the entire invention
embodiment may be housed within a handle of a drinking vessel, such
as a mug. Only the ends of the pump drinking straw extend beyond
the drinking vessel handle. The second end portion 7 of the pump
drinking straw is submersed in the liquid and the first end portion
6 of the pump drinking straw is available to meet the user's mouth.
This embodiment may be a safer method to deliver hot beverages to
the mouth of the user because pre-determined amounts of hot liquid
can be delivered. Additionally, volumes of liquid temporarily
housed within the pump device should not be prone to spilling,
which will be a relief to anyone who has spilled while sipping a
hot beverage from a disposable cup with a plastic, folding-flap lid
when applying the automobile breaks. Pictured is the squeeze bulb
pump device with a squeeze handle drinking cup pump in handle
embodiment.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, yet another embodiment is
shown where the a pump device 4 is shaped 90 to convey a message
and the pump drinking straw is configured to be used as a
stand-alone toy when not used to drink liquids. Preferably, the
pump device is shaped in a fanciful manner 90 to comprise the main
portion of the toy 91. The first end portion 6 is semi-permanently
connected to the pump device whereas the second end portion 7 is
either semi-permanently or permanently connected to the pump
device. When the stand-alone toy function is desired, the first
portion is disconnected from the pump device and the remaining
second portion and the pump serve as the stand-alone toy.
Therefore, the stand-alone toy embodiment pump may include the
shape of the head of a cartoon character, logo/mascot of a sports
team any other marketing need. Applicant has chosen readily
recognizable shape for use as an example without regard as to
whether such recognizable shape will be used in the manufacture of
the pump drinking straw. "Mickey Mouse" is a registered trademark
of Disney Enterprises, Incorporated.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 16, a further embodiment shows the
pump device containing a filter 100. The pump device filter
component filters liquids, preferably water, as the user drinks.
Pictured is a squeeze bulb pump 11 with filter material 101 inside
the squeeze bulb for removing impurities from a liquid.
Additionally, passageways in the bulb area can channel liquid
through filter material. More course filters may be used to filter
such things as fruit juice pulp, tea leaves or coffee grounds. This
embodiment may also include one-way valves 102 at either or both
ends of the pump mechanism leading to the first end portion 6 and
second end portions 7.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 17, still yet another embodiment
comprises whistle while you drink embodiment 111. The pump device
contains a novelty device that produces a whistle, squeak or other
sound created by air passing through an opening or device. Depicted
is a whistle device 112 on a squeeze bulb pump 11.
[0054] Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent
according to those of ordinary skill in the art that many
modifications may be made to the invention herein without deviating
from the concepts and spirit of the invention set forth herein.
Additionally, combinations of embodiments are possible such as the
whistle while you drink and the stand-alone toy embodiment for a
noise-making toy or a pump in the handle and filter embodiments to
filter out coffee grounds from hot coffee. Further combinations may
include a plurality of pump devices in the same general location or
in different locations on the pump drinking straw. For example, the
pump drinking straw may include an air pump device and liquid pump
device in a modified squeeze bulb embodiment so that the liquid
pump device is housed within or adjacent to an air pump device in
which both pumps are activated with the same squeezing action by
the user.
[0055] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments
thereof, other embodiments or versions will become apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, variations of
additional pumps are possible, such as a battery-operated pump or
greatly increasing the dimensions of the pump drinking straw for
recreational consumption of increased quantities of beverages.
Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims and the
concepts taught therein should not be limited to the description of
the preferred embodiments contained herein.
* * * * *