U.S. patent application number 10/962978 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for drinking straw kits and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to MagicCom. Invention is credited to Daniel D. Witkowski.
Application Number | 20060076252 10/962978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36144174 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060076252 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Witkowski; Daniel D. |
April 13, 2006 |
Drinking straw kits and methods
Abstract
Drinking straw kits and methods are disclosed that allow
consumers to construct a variety of changeable toys, sculpture,
icons, novelties, and designs that can be manipulated in a variety
of ways while still maintaining the functionality of the drinking
straw to transport liquid via suction. The drinking straws in kits
may include one or more corrugated sections that may be elongated
into an extended state from a shorter compressed state. The
corrugated sections also allow manipulation of the drinking straws
into curvilinear shapes that may be substantially retained after
manipulation.
Inventors: |
Witkowski; Daniel D.;
(Minneapolis, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MUETING, RAASCH & GEBHARDT, P.A.
P.O. BOX 581415
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55458
US
|
Assignee: |
MagicCom
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
36144174 |
Appl. No.: |
10/962978 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/223 ;
206/443; 206/457; 206/553 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2200/08 20130101;
A47G 21/182 20130101; A47G 2200/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/223 ;
206/553; 206/443; 206/457 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/00 20060101
B65D071/00 |
Claims
1. A drinking straw kit comprising: a package; a plurality of
drinking straws in the package, wherein each drinking straw of the
plurality of drinking straws comprises: one or more corrugated
sections extending along at least a portion of a length of the
drinking straw, wherein each of the one or more corrugated sections
comprises a compressed state and an extended state in which the
length of the drinking straw is increased as compared to the
compressed state, wherein the one or more corrugated sections can
be formed in and retain a curvilinear shape, and wherein at least
30% of the length of the straw is occupied by the one or more
corrugated sections; a connector located at a first end of the
drinking straw, wherein two drinking straws of the plurality of
drinking straws can be connected to each other using at least the
connector on one of the two drinking straws to form an elongated
composite drinking straw.
2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein, for one or more drinking
straws of the plurality of drinking straws, the one or more
corrugated sections comprise a single corrugated section that
extends along substantially the entire length of the one or more
drinking straws.
3. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the one or more corrugated
sections comprise two or more corrugated sections, and further
wherein a non-corrugated section is located between two corrugated
sections of the drinking straw.
4. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the connector is integrally
formed in the end of the drinking straw.
5. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising one or more
novelty components in the package, wherein each novelty component
of the one or more novelty components comprises one or more
openings large enough to receive one or more of the drinking
straws, wherein the novelty component can be attached to one or
more of the drinking straws by inserting the one or more drinking
straws through the one or more openings.
6. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising one or more
novelty components in the package, wherein each novelty component
of the one or more novelty components comprises a tab comprising
one or more openings large enough to receive one or more of the
drinking straws, wherein the novelty component can be attached to
one or more of the drinking straws by inserting the one or more
drinking straws through the one or more openings.
7. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising one or more
novelty components in the package, wherein each novelty component
of the one or more novelty components comprises one or more clips
capable of retaining one or more of the drinking straws, wherein
the novelty component can be attached to one or more of the
drinking straws by inserting the one or more drinking straws in the
one or more clips.
8. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising one or more
novelty components in the package, wherein each novelty component
of the one or more novelty components comprises attachment means
for attaching one or more of the drinking straws to the novelty
components.
9. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising a manifold
connector in the package, wherein the manifold connector comprises
three or more ports, wherein each port of the three or more is
adapted to receive one end of one of the drinking straws, wherein
three or more drinking straws of the plurality of drinking straws
can be placed in fluid communication with each other through the
manifold connector.
10. A kit according to claim 9, wherein the manifold connector
comprises four or more ports.
11. A kit according to claim 1, wherein each drinking straw of the
plurality of drinking straws comprises an inner cross-sectional
area in the one or more corrugated sections of 100 square
millimeters or less.
12. A drinking straw kit comprising: a package; a plurality of
drinking straws in the package, wherein each drinking straw of the
plurality of drinking straws comprises one or more corrugated
sections extending along at least a portion of a length of the
drinking straw, wherein each of the one or more corrugated sections
comprises a compressed state and an extended state in which the
length of the drinking straw is increased as compared to the
compressed state, wherein the one or more corrugated sections can
be formed in and retain a curvilinear shape, and wherein at least
30% of the length of the straw is occupied by the one or more
corrugated sections; and a plurality of connectors in the package,
wherein the plurality of connectors are independent articles
separate from the plurality of drinking straws, and wherein each
connector of the plurality of connectors comprises two openings,
wherein each opening is adapted to receive and retain an end of one
of the drinking straws.
13. A kit according to claim 12, wherein, for one or more drinking
straws of the plurality of drinking straws, the one or more
corrugated sections comprise a single corrugated section that
extends along substantially the entire length of the one or more
drinking straws.
14. A kit according to claim 12, wherein the one or more corrugated
sections comprise two or more corrugated sections, and further
wherein a non-corrugated section is located between two corrugated
sections of the drinking straw.
15. A kit according to claim 12, further comprising one or more
novelty components in the package, wherein each novelty component
of the one or more novelty components comprises one or more
openings large enough to receive one or more of the drinking
straws, wherein the novelty component can be attached to one or
more of the drinking straws by inserting the one or more drinking
straws through the one or more openings.
16. A kit according to claim 12, further comprising one or more
novelty components in the package, wherein each novelty component
of the one or more novelty components comprises a tab comprising
one or more openings large enough to receive one or more of the
drinking straws, wherein the novelty component can be attached to
one or more of the drinking straws by inserting the one or more
drinking straws through the one or more openings.
17. A kit according to claim 12, further comprising one or more
novelty components in the package, wherein each novelty component
of the one or more novelty components comprises one or more clips
capable of retaining one or more of the drinking straws, wherein
the novelty component can be attached to one or more of the
drinking straws by inserting the one or more drinking straws in the
one or more clips.
18. A kit according to claim 12, further comprising one or more
novelty components in the package, wherein each novelty component
of the one or more novelty components comprises attachment means
for attaching one or more of the drinking straws to the novelty
components.
19. A kit according to claim 12, further comprising a manifold
connector in the package, wherein the manifold connector comprises
three or more ports, wherein each port of the three or more is
adapted to receive one end of one of the drinking straws, wherein
three or more drinking straws of the plurality of drinking straws
can be placed in fluid communication with each other through the
manifold connector.
20. A kit according to claim 19, wherein the manifold connector
comprises four or more ports.
21. A kit according to claim 12, wherein each drinking straw of the
plurality of drinking straws comprises an inner cross-sectional
area in the one or more corrugated sections of 100 square
millimeters or less.
Description
[0001] Drinking straws have long facilitated the transfer of liquid
from a container to a persons mouth since the ancient Egyptians
used hollow reeds to extract juices from fruits and vessels. Today,
billions of straws each day facilitate the transfer of liquids in a
convenient and inexpensive manner.
[0002] Some people use straws to drink because they can regulate
the flow of liquid. Others use straws for sanitary purposes. Still
others use straws because they do no like the taste of cardboard
from milk cartons or paper cups or the taste of aluminum from cans.
Still others use straws to facilitate drinking because of medical
conditions do not allow them to utilize the motor skills necessary
to hold a cup or glass. While a simple utensil, straws are a part
of our everyday life and can be found anywhere from fast food
eating establishments, to school lunch programs, to evening
cocktails at a bar.
[0003] Most straws simply exist to provide the most basic function,
i.e., to easily transfer liquid to one's mouth. There is little
entertainment or play value in most straws as they are the most
basic of commodities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides drinking straw kits and
methods that may preferably allow consumers to construct a variety
of changeable toys, sculpture, icons, novelties, and designs that
can be manipulated in a variety of ways while still maintaining the
functionality of the drinking straw to transport liquid via
suction.
[0005] The drinking straws in kits according to the present
invention preferably include one or more corrugated sections that
may be elongated into an extended state from a shorter compressed
state. The corrugated sections also preferably allow manipulation
of the drinking straws into curvilinear shapes that may be
substantially retained after manipulation. The one or more
corrugated sections in each drinking straw may preferably occupy
30% or more (or even 50% or more) of the length of the drinking
straw when the corrugated sections are in the compressed state. In
some embodiments, the entire length of the drinking straw may be
corrugated (except, perhaps, for connectors that may be found at
one or both ends of the straws).
[0006] In various aspects, the present invention may preferably
provide entertainment by allowing a user to construct animals,
robots, creatures, vehicles, geometric design, toys, magical
playthings and countless other shapes and free form icons to
stimulate play and creative expression.
[0007] In other aspects, the drinking straw kits of the present
invention may include connectors that are integral to the drinking
straws themselves and/or that are provided as separate articles
that must be assembled with the drinking straws. It may be
preferred that the connectors provide a fluid passage such that
after connection, two (or more) drinking straws are placed in fluid
communication with each other through the connectors.
[0008] In still other aspects of the present invention, novelty
components may be provided in connection with the drinking straw
kits to enhance the entertainment value of the kits. The novelty
components may preferably include some structure or material to
facilitate attachment of the novelty component to a drinking straw.
For example, the novelty components may include adhesives,
openings, tabs, clips, wrappings, etc. that may be used to attach
the novelty components and the drinking straws together. Other
novelty components may include fold lines such that the novelty
component can be draped over or placed on a container to provide,
e.g. thematic dressing, from which liquid is to be withdrawn
through the straw. The straws used in connection with such kits may
or may not include corrugated sections.
[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a drinking
straw kit that includes a plurality of drinking straws in a
package. Each drinking straw of the plurality of drinking straws
includes one or more corrugated sections extending along at least a
portion of a length of the drinking straw, wherein each of the one
or more corrugated sections has a compressed state and an extended
state in which the length of the drinking straw is increased as
compared to the compressed state. The one or more corrugated
sections can be formed in and retain a curvilinear shape, and
wherein at least 30% of the length of the straw is occupied by the
one or more corrugated sections. Each drinking straw also includes
a connector located at a first end of the drinking straw, wherein
two drinking straws of the plurality of drinking straws can be
connected to each other using at least the connector on one of the
two drinking straws to form an elongated composite drinking
straw.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a drinking
straw kit that includes a plurality of drinking straws in a
package. Each drinking straw of the plurality of drinking straws
includes one or more corrugated sections extending along at least a
portion of a length of the drinking straw, wherein each of the one
or more corrugated sections has a compressed state and an extended
state in which the length of the drinking straw is increased as
compared to the compressed state. The one or more corrugated
sections can be formed in and retain a curvilinear shape and at
least 30% of the length of the straw is occupied by the one or more
corrugated sections. The kit also includes a plurality of
connectors in the package, wherein the plurality of connectors are
independent articles separate from the plurality of drinking
straws, and wherein each connector of the plurality of connectors
includes at least two openings, wherein each opening is adapted to
receive and retain an end of one of the drinking straws.
[0011] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention may be described below in connection with various
exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one exemplary straw that is
corrugated along its entire length, wherein the corrugated straw is
in the compressed state.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the straw of FIG. 1A in the
fully expanded state.
[0014] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the straw of FIG. 1A after
manipulation into a retained curvilinear shape.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another exemplary straw
including multiple corrugated sections separated by non-corrugated
sections, wherein the corrugated sections are in the compressed
state.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the straw of FIG. 2A in
which the corrugated sections are in the expanded configuration and
the straw is straight.
[0017] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the straw of FIG. 2A in
which the corrugated sections have been manipulated into
curvilinear shapes.
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts two exemplary straws according to the present
invention, wherein each straw includes connectors at both ends of
each straw.
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary straw including
complementary helical connector structures at the ends.
[0020] FIGS. 5A & 5B depict one drinking straw kit that
includes a manifold connector and a novelty component attached to
the drinking straws.
[0021] FIGS. 6A-6H depict some exemplary connectors for use in
connection with drinking straws in accordance with the present
invention.
[0022] FIGS. 7A-7F depict some alternative structures for attaching
novelty components to drinking straws.
[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a drinking straw and novelty component
including matching patterns in accordance with the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 9A depicts one exemplary embodiment of a drinking straw
with a pattern formed thereon, with a corrugated section in the
compressed state.
[0025] FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the corrugated section of the
drinking straw of FIG. 9A where the corrugated section is in the
compressed state.
[0026] FIG. 9C depicts the drinking straw of FIG. 9A after
elongation of the corrugated section.
[0027] FIG. 9D is an enlarged view of the corrugated section of the
drinking straw of FIG. 9C where the corrugated section is in the
extended state.
[0028] FIGS. 10-14 depict various exemplary embodiments of drinking
straw kits with multiple novelty components attached thereto.
[0029] FIGS. 15A & 15B depict another drinking straw kit in
which a toy can be provided in a compressed state (FIG. 15A) and an
extended state (FIG. 15B).
[0030] FIG. 16 depicts a patterned non-corrugated drinking straw
and novelty component attached thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In the following detailed description of some exemplary
embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying
figures which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of
illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0032] The set of FIGS. 1A-1C depict one drinking straw according
to the present invention. The drinking straw 10 includes a
corrugated section 20 that extends along substantially the entire
length of the straw 10. It will be understood, with reference to
the different exemplary embodiments of the invention described
herein, that although the corrugated section 20 is substantially
coextensive with the straw 10 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the
corrugated section 20 is not required to be coextensive with the
length of the straw 10 (unless explicitly so recited in the
claims).
[0033] In FIG. 1A, the corrugated section 20 of the straw 10 is in
the compressed state such that the length of the straw 10 is at a
minimum. In FIG. 1B, substantially the entire corrugated section 20
of the straw 10 has been elongated into an extended state such that
the straw 10 is at its maximum length. Although substantially the
entire corrugated section 20 of the straw 10 has been elongated in
FIG. 1B, it should be understood that in some instances, only one
or more selected portions of the corrugated section 20 may be
elongated to the extended state as desired. In other words, one or
more portions of the corrugated section 20 can be selectively
elongated by a user. The elongation of the corrugated section 20
may preferably be achieved by simply placing the straw 10 (or
selected portion(s) thereof) under tension.
[0034] FIG. 1C depicts straw 10 after manipulation of the
corrugated section 20 by a user into a selected curvilinear shape.
Because of its construction, the corrugated section 20 of the straw
10 preferably retains its curvilinear shape without external
support. The curvilinear shapes may include, e.g., spirals, loops,
turns, U-shaped bends, etc.
[0035] Furthermore, the corrugated sections in straws according to
the present invention are preferably reversible, i.e., the
corrugated sections may be reversibly transformed from the
compressed state to the extended state and back again. Although
some minimal amounts of permanent deformation within the corrugated
sections may be experienced as a result of manipulation, the
elongation may preferably be largely reversible.
[0036] Manipulation of the straw 10 into the curvilinear shape
depicted in FIG. 1C may or may not be accompanied by elongation of
the corrugated section 20 (or portions thereof). In the straw 10
depicted in FIG. 1C, the portion 22 of the corrugated section
proximate end 12 of the straw 10 is elongated, while portions of
the corrugated section in the interior of the straw 10 are not
elongated. It may be preferred that the corrugated sections be in
the compressed state during manipulation into a curve, such that
the portions 24 of the corrugations on the outside of the curve can
be elongated during manipulation while the portions 26 of the
corrugations on the inside of the curve remain substantially in the
compressed state.
[0037] Straws such as those depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C and in other
embodiments of the invention as described herein can be
manufactured using a variety of techniques and materials. Examples
of some potentially suitable methods of manufacturing corrugated
sections in tubes or drinking straws may be found in, e.g., U.S.
Pat. Nos. 2,094,268 (Friedman); 3,438,578 (Peterson et al.); and
3,908,704 (Clement et al.). It may, however, be preferred that the
drinking straws of the present invention be manufactured in
processes that involve deformation of an existing smooth-walled
tubular member. Manufacturing the drinking straws from
smooth-walled tubular stock may provide the opportunity to extrude
the tubular stock, to print indicia on the tubular stock, etc.
before the corrugation process. Furthermore, although the drinking
straws are depicted with annular corrugation structures, the
corrugated sections may alternatively be provided with helical
corrugations (as described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,908,704
(Clement et al.)).
[0038] FIGS. 2A-2C depict another exemplary embodiment of a
drinking straw 110 according to the present invention. The drinking
straw 110 is depicted in FIG. 2A with multiple corrugated sections
120 separated along the length of the straw 110 by non-corrugated
sections 116. As with the drinking straw 10 of FIG. 1A, the
corrugated sections 120 of drinking straw 110 preferably have a
compressed state as depicted in FIG. 2A in which the length of each
of the corrugated sections 120 is at a minimum. As depicted in FIG.
2B, the corrugated sections 120 are elongated to the extended state
in which the length of the corrugated sections 120 is at a maximum.
In FIG. 2C, the corrugated sections 120 of the straw 110 have been
manipulated such that they have taken and retained a curvilinear
shape.
[0039] Another feature of the drinking straws of the present
invention may be discussed in connection with the drinking straws
depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C. That feature is the length of
the corrugated section(s) with respect to the overall length of a
drinking straw in a kit according to the present invention. It may
be preferred that the corrugated section or sections in at least
one drinking straw in a kit according to the present invention
occupy at least 30% or more (or even 50% or more) of the overall
length of the drinking straw when the corrugated sections are in
the compressed state. In some embodiments, the entire length of the
drinking straw may be corrugated (except, perhaps, for connectors
that may be found at one or both ends of the straws).
[0040] Because the drinking straws used in connection with the
present invention are designed to assist a user in the consumption
of liquids, it may be preferred to limit the cross-sectional area
of the drinking straws to allow the user to develop sufficient
suction to move a liquid through the straw against the forces of
gravity, fluid drag, etc. For example, it may be preferred that the
internal cross-sectional area of the drinking straws be 100 square
millimeters (mm.sup.2) or less, more preferably 80 mm.sup.2. These
cross-sectional dimensions may preferably be measured along the
corrugated sections in both the compressed state and the extended
state.
[0041] As discussed herein, one potentially advantageous feature of
the kits of the present invention is that the drinking straws can
be connected to each other and/or to other structures. These
different connections are preferably provided to, e.g., enhance the
entertainment value of the drinking straw kits. In various
embodiments, the connections between drinking straws can be
integral with one of the drinking straws and/or they may be
provided as separate articles that are attached to the drinking
straws when a connection is to be made. Various exemplary
embodiments of such different connectors may be described
below.
[0042] Because the drinking straws are preferably used to
facilitate the consumption of liquids, it may be preferred that any
connectors used to connect the drinking straws provide a seal tight
enough such that sufficient suction can be developed to draw
liquids through the connected drinking straws. In some instances,
connections that are sealed to the degree necessary to support the
drawing of liquids through the straws by suction may be referred to
as "airtight" although it will be understood that some air leakage
may occur as long as it does not frustrate the user's ability to
drink using the straws.
[0043] A pair of drinking straws 210 are depicted in FIG. 3 with
each straw 210 including a first end 212 and a second end 214. In
the depicted straws 210, a female connector is located at first end
212 and a complementary male connector is located at the second end
214 of the straw 210. The straws 210 also each include a corrugated
section 220 that extends for substantially the entire length of the
straw 210 between the female connector at the first end 212 and the
male connector at the second end 214.
[0044] The male connector at end 214 may preferably include a
raised annular rib 234 that preferably mates with an annular
channel 232 provided in the female connector at end 212 to retain
the fittings in a connected arrangement. In addition, it may be
preferred that the outer diameter of the of the male connectors be
slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the female connectors
to facilitate insertion of the male connectors into the female
connectors.
[0045] As discussed herein, because the drinking straws of the
present invention are to be used to move liquids, it may be
preferred that the connections between straws 210 are preferably
airtight to a degree sufficient that suction generated by a user
trying to drink through the straw can be provided between two
connected straws. The connection structures depicted in FIG. 3
provide only one example of integral connection structures that may
be used in connection with the present invention.
[0046] Another potential example of a drinking straw 310 according
to the present invention is depicted in FIG. 4 includes ends 312
and 314. A female connector 332 is located at end 312 and a male
connector 334 is located at end 314. The female connector 332 and
the male connector 334 preferably include complementary structures
that allow the male connector 334 to be inserted into a female
connector 332 on another straw. The depicted male connector 334
includes helical threading 335 that fits in helical grooves 333 in
the female connector 332. It may be that the connection between
male and female connectors as depicted in FIG. 4 may be made by
rotating the connectors relative to each other.
[0047] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
depicted in FIGS. 5A & 5B. The kit as depicted there includes a
set of straws 410 that may preferably be attached to a manifold
connector 440 that includes multiple ports 442. One end of each of
the straws 410 can be attached to each of the ports 442 as
depicted. The other ends of the different straws 410 can be placed
in the same or different containers 400 to allow a user to consume
liquid(s) in the container(s). The manifold connector 440 also
preferably includes a port 444 that can be used as a mouthpiece by
a user as depicted in FIGS. 5A & 5B. Alternatively, one or more
drinking straws could be connected to the port 444 if so
desired.
[0048] FIGS. 6A-6H depict some alternative connectors that may be
used in the drinking straw kits according to the present invention.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a generally U-shaped connector
540a including ports 542a and 544a and a fluid passageway extending
therebetween.
[0049] FIG. 6B depicts a U-shaped connector 540b attached to two
straws 510b, where the ports of the connector 540b are male
connectors inserted into the ends of the straws 510b. FIG. 6C
depicts one alternative configuration in which a connector 540c
includes female ports 542c and 544c adapted to receive the ends of
straws 510c.
[0050] FIG. 6D depicts a connector 540d that includes three ports
542d, 543d and 544d. The ports are connected within the connector
by bores 545d, 546d and 547d that lead to each of the ports 542d,
543d and 544d and also meet within the connector 540d such that all
of the ports are in fluid communication. A drinking straw 510d is
connected to port 542d.
[0051] Connectors according to the present invention may have any
number of ports, further examples of which are depicted in FIG. 6E
where connector 540e includes six different ports and in FIG. 6F
where connector 540f includes four ports (one of which includes a
drinking straw 510f connected thereto). Although the different
ports may be in fluid communication with each other within the
connectors, it should be understood that all of the ports in a
multi-port connector of the present invention are not required to
be in fluid communication with all of the other ports in the
connector.
[0052] FIGS. 6G & 6H depict another connector 540g that
includes four ports in fluid communication with each other through
bores formed in the connector 540g. The ports in connector 540g may
be female connectors adapted to receive the end of a drinking straw
510g as seen in FIG. 6G.
[0053] Connectors such as those depicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6A-6H
may be constructed of any suitable material or materials. In some
instances, the connectors, if not integral with the drinking
straws, may preferably be constructed of water-soluble materials
such as foodstuffs, etc. so as to not present a choking hazard. In
other instances, the connectors may preferably be large enough so
that they do not present a choking hazard. In still other
embodiments, the connectors may take the form of, e.g., adhesive
tape or other wrap-type connector materials that may be provided in
the package with the drinking straws
[0054] Another optional feature depicted in FIGS. 5A & 5B is
the novelty component 450 that may be attached to the drinking
straws 410. The novelty component 450 may be provided to obscure a
portion of the drinking straws 410 during use and/or to provide
additional entertainment value for the drinking straw construction
kit. The depicted novelty component 450 is in the form of a spider,
although the novelty component 450 may take on many different
appearances, such as, e.g., animals, robots, plants, people,
puppets, sporting objects (e.g., balls, bats, hockey/lacrosse
sticks, etc.), vehicles, household appliances, games of skill
and/or chance, dinosaurs, monsters, etc.
[0055] Novelty components used in connection with the drinking
straw kits of the present invention may be manufactured of any
suitable material or materials. For example, the novelty components
may be manufactured from sheet-like materials such as paper,
paperboard, polymer sheets/films, etc. that may be printed,
embossed, etc. as desired. If the novelty components are provided
to mimic the appearance of animals or plants (real or fanciful),
the novelty components may take the form of trunks, heads,
appendages (e.g., legs, arms, tentacles, tails, etc.), leaves,
stems, flowers, petals, etc.
[0056] Attachment of the drinking straws 410 to the novelty
component 450 may be by any suitable technique. Some potentially
suitable techniques and/or attachment means for attaching the
novelty components to drinking straws may include, but are not
limited to, adhesives, openings in the novelty component, clips,
hook and loop closures, adhesive tape, tabs with openings formed
therein through which a straw is inserted, etc. Some examples of
potentially suitable fasteners are depicted in FIGS. 7A-7F.
[0057] FIG. 7A depicts a tab 460 that may be attached to a novelty
component 450a. The tab 460 includes a base 462 attached to the
novelty component 450a and a upstanding portion 464 with an opening
466 formed therein through which a drinking straw 410a may be
inserted. FIG. 7B depicts a clip 470 with arms 472 that preferably
resiliently engage a drinking straw inserted between the arms 472.
The clip may include a base 450b suited for attachment to a novelty
component (or, alternatively, the base 450b itself may be the
novelty component).
[0058] FIG. 7C depicts another novelty component 450c in the form
of a body (in the depicted embodiment a skirt or a cone) that
includes a channel 452c through which a drinking straw 410c can be
inserted. FIG. 7D depicts another embodiment of a novelty component
450d that also includes a channel 452d through which a drinking
straw 410d can be inserted. The novelty component 450d includes
protruding features 454d (in the form of hands in the depicted
embodiment) provided to enhance the novelty aspect of the component
450d.
[0059] Because of the channels included therein, both novelty
components 450c and 450d may potentially also serve as connectors
to connect two drinking straws in accordance with the principles of
the present invention. In such an embodiment, the drinking straws
would be inserted from opposite ends of the channels 452c and
452d.
[0060] FIGS. 7E & 7F also depict another novelty component 450e
that includes tabs 460e with openings 466 formed therein. The
openings 466e may preferably be capable of accepting a drinking
straw 410e as depicted in FIG. 7F to retain the novelty component
450e in attachment with the straw 410e. It may be preferred that
novelty component 450e be manufactured from sheet-like materials
such as paper, paperboard, polymer sheets/films, etc.
[0061] Another optional feature that may be included in connection
with the present invention is the addition of patterns on the
drinking straws. One exemplary of such an embodiment is depicted in
FIG. 8 in which drinking straw 610 includes a pattern printed or
otherwise formed on its exterior surface (or in the body of the
straw such that it is visible on the exterior surface). The straw
610 also includes a novelty component 650 that may preferably be
similar to the novelty components described above in connection
with FIGS. 5A & 5B.
[0062] The patterns may take a variety of forms, e.g., they may be
based on animal markings (as depicted in FIG. 8), they may be in
the form of indicia designed to convey information (e.g.,
alphanumeric characters, symbols, etc.), they may be based on plant
markings, they may be fanciful, sports-related, characters,
vehicles, etc.
[0063] It may be preferred that the pattern be provided before any
corrugated sections are formed in the straw 610, i.e., while it is
still a smooth-walled tubular member. In some instances, the
pattern may become more pronounce with the corrugated sections
after the corrugated sections are converted from the compressed
state to the extended state. For example, the pattern may be
obscured within the bends or folds in the corrugated sections when
in the compressed state.
[0064] FIGS. 9A-9D depict another embodiment of a drinking straw
710 including a corrugated section 720. The corrugated section 720
includes a pattern visible thereon that may be in a compressed
state when the corrugated section 720 is compressed as depicted in
FIGS. 9A & 9B. In addition, the non-corrugated portion 716 of
the straw 710 may also include a complementary pattern visible
thereon as seen in FIGS. 9A & 9C. Elongation of the corrugated
section 720 to the extends state as depicted in FIGS. 9C & 9D
may preferably cause a change in the appearance of the pattern in
the corrugated section 720. In this manner, patterns within the
corrugated sections of drinking straws according to the present
invention may provide additional entertainment value.
[0065] In addition to, or in place of patterns such as those
depicted, the drinking straws may also include novelty materials
such as, e.g., phosphorescent materials, solarchromatic materials
(e.g., light-activated color-change materials), thermochromatic
materials (that, e.g., exhibit color changes based on temperature),
etc.
[0066] FIG. 10 depicts still another exemplary embodiment of the
invention in which a single continuous drinking straw 810 is used
in connection with novelty components 850 and 870, with novelty
component 870 in the form of the trunk of a character (e.g.,
animal, robot, person, etc.) while the second novelty component 870
is provided as the head of the character. In addition, the straw
810 may be provided with a pattern that matches or coordinates with
the novelty components 850 and 870 if so desired. The straw 810 may
be replaced by two or more drinking straws if so desired.
[0067] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is depicted in FIG. 11 and includes a drinking straw 910 along with
multiple novelty components 950, 952, 954, 956 and 958 attached
thereto. It may be preferred that the novelty components be within
a consistent theme, e.g., dinosaur features as depicted. The
novelty component 952 may preferably include a fold line 953 formed
therein such that the novelty component 952 can form a tent-like
shape that can be placed over, e.g., a container 900 (such as a
cup, can, mug, bottle, carton, etc.). It may be preferred that be
manufactured from sheet-like materials such as paper, paperboard,
polymer sheets/films, etc.
[0068] FIGS. 12A & 12B depict another embodiment of a drinking
straw kit according to the present invention in which groups of
novelty components 1050a, 1050b, and 1050c are attached to a single
drinking straw 1010 (or a composite drinking straw made of two or
more connected drinking straws). In the depicted embodiment, the
novelty components may provide the appearance of monkeys although
many different novelty components could be used.
[0069] FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment of a drinking straw
construction kit according to the present invention in which a
drinking straw 1110 includes novelty components 1150, 1152 and 1154
attached thereto. The novelty components in FIG. 13 present a
pirate theme when assembled on the drinking straw 1110.
[0070] FIG. 14 depicts another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention that includes an elephant-like novelty component 1250 and
a single continuous drinking straw 1210 attached thereto. The
novelty component 1250 includes openings 1252 through which the
straw 1210 is inserted to retain the novelty component 1250 in
place on the straw 1210. Also depicted in FIG. 14 is a second
novelty component 1270 (in the form of a stand) provided in
addition to the novelty component 1250 and attached to the straw
1210. The straw 1210 may be replaced by two or more drinking straws
if so desired.
[0071] FIGS. 15A & 15B depict still another embodiment of the
present invention in which novelty components 1350, 1352 and 1354
may be connected to each other by drinking straws 1310. The
drinking straws 1310 may preferably include corrugated sections
such that the toy may be provided in a compressed state as seen in
FIG. 15A. Elongation of all of the drinking straws may result in
elongation or enlargement of the toy as depicted in FIG. 15B. In
addition, the straws 1310 may be formed into various curvilinear
shapes.
[0072] FIG. 16 depicts a non-corrugated straw 1410 and a novelty
component 1450 attached thereto. It should be noted that the
non-corrugated straw 1410 includes a pattern visible on the
exterior of the straw. It may be preferred that the pattern on the
straw 1410 coordinate with the shape and/or patterns on the novelty
component 1450 to potentially enhance the entertainment value of
the drinking straw kit.
[0073] In addition to the various features depicted in connection
with the figures that may potentially be provided in connection
with the drinking straw kits of the present invention, many other
features may also be provided in connection with the drinking straw
kits. One example of such optional features may include, e.g.,
tinting the straws such that the user can decode or read a message
(on the package of the kit or elsewhere) through the straw because
of the wavelength filtering nature of the tint in the straws. In
addition, the packaging of individual drinking straws or packaging
of the drinking straw kits may include, e.g., temporary transfer
tattoos, holograms, and/or stickers such as those described in,
e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,594,927 (Witkowski); 6,327,801 (Witkowski);
and 5,676,401 (Witkowski et al.).
[0074] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "and," and "the" include plural referents unless
explicitly limited to the singular form or the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0075] All references and publications cited herein are expressly
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this
disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of this invention are
discussed and reference has been made to possible variations within
the scope of this invention. These and other variations and
modifications in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and it
should be understood that this invention is not limited to the
illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the
invention is to be limited only by the claims provided below and
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *