U.S. patent application number 11/337869 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for stackable cups with integral extendable straw.
Invention is credited to Jocelain Joseph Guillaume.
Application Number | 20070170188 11/337869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284527 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guillaume; Jocelain Joseph |
July 26, 2007 |
Stackable cups with integral extendable straw
Abstract
Apparatus 10 discloses a disposable cup 12 incorporating an
integral slidably extendable retractable straw 14 with a plurality
of cups stackable through employment of a channel 24 extending the
length of the cup for encompassing the internal straw. A tubular
member 26 having an aperture 28 on its lower end is disposed on the
interior wall 16 of the cup 12 for slidably receiving the straw 14
therein so that suction applied to the straw draws fluid from the
cup.
Inventors: |
Guillaume; Jocelain Joseph;
(Uniondale, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL I KROLL
171 STILLWELL LANE
SYOSSET
NY
11791
US
|
Family ID: |
38284527 |
Appl. No.: |
11/337869 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/710 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/0233 20130101;
B65D 77/28 20130101; A47G 19/2266 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/710 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for a stackable cup having an integral extendable
straw, comprising: a) a cup having a rim, a base, and a wall, said
wall having a decreasing radii along the vertical plane from said
rim to said base; b) a first tubular member extending along the
vertical plane from said rim to said base having a first end
disposed proximate to said base and a second end terminating spaced
away from said rim, wherein said first end has an aperture therein;
c) an integral straw having first and second ends being slidably
disposed in said first tubular member so that said first end is
disposed toward said base of said cup, said straw frictionally
engaging said first tubular member so that fluid can flow from said
cup through said aperture into said first end of said straw when
suction is applied to said second end of said straw; and, d) an
indentation being disposed in said wall of said cup extending along
the vertical plane from said rim to said base complementary to said
first tubular member so that a first cup can be stacked onto a
second cup.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inside diameter of said
first tubular member is complementarily sized as the outside
diameter of said straw so that said straw is slidable in said first
tubular member.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the inside diameter of said
first tubular member is complementarily sized as the outside
diameter of said straw so that suction applied to said second end
of said straw will cause fluid to be drawn from said cup.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said second end of said first
tubular member terminates at a point about two-thirds of the
distance from said base to said rim of said cup.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first tubular member and
said indention having a common radius.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the radius of said first
tubular member is less than the radius of said indention.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said second end of said straw
extends to a point above said rim of said cup.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said aperture and said first
end of said straw are complementarily sized.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cups and, more
specifically, to a disposable cup incorporating a slidably
extendable retractable straw with a plurality of cups stackable
through employment of a channel extending the length of the cup for
encompassing the internal straw.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] There are other cup device designed with straws. Typical of
these is U.S. Pat. No. 2,194,011 issued to Davidson on Mar. 19,
1940.
[0005] Another patent was issued to Talbert on Mar. 16, 1965 as
U.S. Pat. No. 3,173,566. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,817 was
issued to Payne, et al. on Aug. 29, 1978 and still yet another was
issued on Jun. 13, 1995 to Ferrer as U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,476.
[0006] Another patent was issued to Yang on Dec. 5, 2000 as U.S.
Pat. No. 6,155,478. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,434 was issued
to Haughton, et al. on Aug. 13, 2002. Another was issued to Kothari
on Jul. 5, 2005 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,912,825 and still yet another
was issued on Nov. 1, 1989 to Chuang-Sheng Lin as U.K. Patent No.
GB2217677.
[0007] Another patent was issued to Ioku on Jul. 9, 2002 as
Japanese Patent No. JP2002191511. Yet another Japanese Patent No.
JP2002326655 was issued to Fujitani on Nov. 12, 2002. Another was
issued to Maher on Nov. 25, 2004 as International Patent
Application No. WO2004/101389.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,194,011
Inventor: Thomas M. Davidson
Issued: Mar. 19, 1940
[0008] A beverage container comprising a receptacle, a drinking
straw assembly mounted through a wall of the receptacle, said
assembly comprising a mounting including a stationary tube secured
within the receptacle, a tubular element telescoped on and fixed to
said stationary tube and to the wall of the receptacle, and a
"straw" snugly slidable in said stationary tube.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,173,566
Inventor: Howard E. Talbert
Issued: Mar. 16, 1965
[0009] A drink rate regulatable non-spill straw assembly for use
with a vessel comprising
(a) cover for the mouth of the vessel having an opening
therethrough adapted to seal the mouth of the vessel against loss
of the contents other than through the-opening while admitting vent
air into the container to permit fluid withdrawal,
[0010] (b) a static tubing carried by said cover in registry with
and in fluid-tight seal with the opening of said cover, said tubing
extending into the vessel to proximate the bottom thereof, said
static tubing having a plurality of circumferentially disposed
tiers of openings through the wall thereof, and,
[0011] (c) an adjustable drinking straw telescopically `received
within said tubing in snug frictional fluid sealing peripheral
relationship with said static tube so that upon withdrawing the
drinking straw the fluid draw rate of the drinker may be-regulated
by placing the base of the drinking straw at the desired tier level
of openings on said static tubing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,817
Inventor: Larry E. Payne
Issued: Aug. 29, 1978
[0012] A straw assembly for a liquid container having a pull-tab
closure over an opening in its top. Removal of the closure allows
the straw which is collapsed within the container and has a float
mounted on its bottom end, to rise through the opening where it is
manually extended to its full length. One embodiment includes the
straw being slidably journaled within a tube mounted on the inner
wall of the container. Another embodiment includes a straw guide
assembly which positions the straw within the container in registry
with an opening centrally disposed through the container top.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,476
Inventor: Lilly Ferrer
Issued: Jun. 13, 1995
[0013] A drinking cup of impregnated paper or similar material in
which the side wall element includes additional material at one
vertical edge thereof which is folded upon itself to form a
drinking straw extending from the bottom of the interior of the cup
to a level above the upper rim of the cup. The straw is foldable
within a slot in the cup when not in use to enable the cup to be
closed by a lid. The lid is provided with an opening which permits
the straw to be erected to operative condition and the contents of
the cup consumed without removing the lid.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,478
Inventor: Bong Chul Yang
Issued: Dec. 5, 2000
[0014] A paper cup with a sipping straw integrally formed thereon
is disclosed. The paper cup with a sipping straw integrally formed
thereon is manufactured either by attaching a separate paper member
(11), or by forming an expanded portion (21). The sipping straw
(17) or (27) is provided with a slot (16) or (26), and folding
lines. An upper portion (37) of the sipping straw is folded down to
be attached onto a side of the paper cup during a non-use, and is
straightened up during a use. Further, wrinkles are formed on the
upper portion of the sipping straw, so that the sipping straw can
be properly bent during a use for the sake of convenience.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,434
Inventor: Haughton, et al.
Issued: Aug. 13, 2002
[0015] A liquid container of plastic coated boxboard, laminated
cardboard or the like having a straw therein is disclosed. The
container includes a container body, a holder, a straw and a seal.
The container has an interior volume and a plurality of exterior
walls. The holder is mounted with a liquid and gas tight seal in an
exterior wall. The holder has an aperture formed therein. A straw
extends through the aperture in the holder with a snug fit. The
straw has a stowed position and an in use position. The seal is for
sealing the straw in the stowed position with a liquid and gas
tight seal thereby sealing the liquid inside the container. A
method of manufacturing the container with a straw therein in a
continuous form, fill and sealing process is also disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,912,825
Inventor: Rahul A. Kothari
Issued: Jul. 5, 2005
[0016] A flexible stand-up liquid pouch is formed from a sheet of
foil film laminate material whereby opposed side walls of the
material are folded together with sealed circumferential edges to
form an enclosed chamber. A liquid is provided in the chamber, and
the side walls of the sheet material which form the container have
raised portions which, when sealed together, cooperatively form an
internal straw restraining passage inside the container. The straw
restraining passage communicates with the liquid chamber and a
straw is held loosely captive inside the straw restraining passage
and is axially displaceable therein. The straw restraining passage
defines a reduced cross-sectional area of the chamber, and the
pouch is manufactured with a weakened portion on an upper portion
of the pouch, whereby the weakened portion can be torn by a user,
thus enabling the internal straw to emerge, due to the buoyancy of
the straw, from the interior of the pouch. In providing a sealed
bottom edge to the liquid pouch, a bottom rim is formed, wherein
the pouch can stand in an upright position on a horizontal surface
upon the bottom rim.
U.K. Patent Number GB2217677
Inventor: Chuang-Sheng Lin
Issued: Nov. 1, 1989
[0017] An easy open can is provided with a retractable straw
sealedly received therein; the straw being provided with a
bellow-like section 21 near its top end. The straw is fixed in
place within the can body by way of mounting seat which comprises a
flange 12 welded to the underside of the cap of the can and an open
ended tube 10 which locates the bellow-like section of the straw
and is aligned with an opening 2 in the can end. The suppressed
straw is able to pop out when the pull ring 3, externally disposed
on the end of the can, is pulled upward to remove the cove-ring of
the opening 2. The bottom end of the tube includes an inwardly
extending flangeto retain the lower end of the bellow-like section,
and the flange 12 includes a small hole 13 to admit air during use
of the straw.
Japanese Patent Number JP2002191511
Inventor: Ioku Hiroshi
Issued: Jul. 9, 2002
[0018] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid container with a
straw and having heat retaining property by developing a
constitution enabling the use of a double wall vacuum bottle made
of stainless steel though there has been no liquid container with a
straw and having heat retaining property before. SOLUTION: A cap
unit 5 consisting of a cap body 7 and a cap cover 8 is screwed
attachably and detachably to the inlet opening part 21 of the
double wall vacuum bottle made of stainless steel. A cap unit holes
the straw 6 retractable in the direction of inside/outside of a
vacuum bottle 1. The outside of the unit 5 is covered with a lid
unit 10 to be screwed attachably and detachably to/from a container
body 4 based on the bottle 1. A straw cover 12 for covering the top
of the straw 6 in the state of capable of freely opening and
closing is provided at the unit 10.
U.S. Patent Number JP2002326655
Inventor: Fujitani Hiromi, et al.
Issued: Nov. 12, 2002
[0019] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cup which does not allow
contents to spill out through a straw even if a container body is
toppled. SOLUTION: The cup includes a bottle 1 formed to be a
bottomed cylinder and a cap 2 for lidding an upper end opening of
the bottle 1. The straw 4 made of a flexible material is made to
protrude from an upper surface of the cap 2, and an opening at the
tip of the straw 4 is closed by a closing wall 27. In addition,
cuts 27a and 27b are formed on the wall 27. An over cap 3 which can
slide along the upper surface of the cap 3 is mounted on the cap 2.
When the over cap 3 is moved to one of sides, the straw 4 protrudes
from the upper surface of the cap 2 to allow the contents to be
sucked. When the over cap 3 is moved to the other side, the straw 4
is fallen by the over cap 3 and hidden below the over cap 3.
International Patent Application Number WO2004/101389
Inventor: Stephen Maher
Issued: Nov. 25, 2004
[0020] A device (10) for a drinks container (11), the device
comprising a straw (16) and means for actuating the straw (16)
between a retracted state, in which the straw (16) is housed, in
use, substantially within the container (11), and an extended
state, in which at least a portion of the straw (16) protrudes, in
use, form the container (11). The actuating means may comprise a
first casing (12) provided around a portion of the straw (16), the
straw (16) and the casing (12) being rotatable with respect to one
another about a longitudinal axis, the actuating means further
comprising means for imparting generally linear movement to the
straw (16) upon relative rotational movement of the casing and the
straw portion.
[0021] While these receptacles may be suitable for the purposes for
which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the
purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0022] The present invention discloses a disposable cup
incorporating a slidably extendable retractable straw with a
plurality of cups stackable through employment of a channel
extending the length of the cup for encompassing the internal
straw. A tubular member having an aperture on its lower end is
disposed on the interior wall of the cup for slidably receiving the
straw therein.
[0023] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
cup having an integral straw.
[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cup
having a tubular member fastened to the interior wall extending
from the base of the cup to a point approximate the rim of said
cup.
[0025] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
cup wherein said tubular member has an aperture within its base
forming means for the passage of fluid therein.
[0026] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a cup wherein said tubular member forms a sleeve that
frictionally engages anther tubular member forming a straw movable
within said sleeve.
[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cup
having a longitudinal channel formed in the exterior wall providing
means for stacking one cup within another.
[0028] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
cup wherein the extendable straw member resides below the rim of
the cup in the retracted position.
[0029] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a cup wherein the extendable straw member can be
selectively extended beyond the rim of the cup whereupon suction
applied to the extended end draws fluid contained within the cup
through said straw-like extension.
[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cup
wherein a lid can be fixed to the rim of the cup with the
extendable retractable straw contained therein.
[0031] Additional objects of the present invention will appear as
the description proceeds.
[0032] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the
prior art by providing a disposable cup incorporating a slidably
extendable retractable straw with a plurality of cups stackable
through employment of a channel extending the length of the cup for
encompassing the internal straw.
[0033] The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear
from the description to follow. In the description reference is
made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in
which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which
the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described
in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying
drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar
parts throughout the several views.
[0034] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention
is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention in
use.
[0037] FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the present invention with
straw in the tubular member.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the present invention with
straw extended out of the tubular member.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the present invention with
straw retracted within the tubular member.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the present invention with
straw extended out of the tubular member.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention with
straw retracted.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention with
straw extended beyond the cup's rim.
[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective cutaway view of the present
invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0046] With regard to reference numerals used, the following
numbering is used throughout the drawings. [0047] 10 present
invention [0048] 12 cup [0049] 14 straw [0050] 16 wall [0051] 18
base [0052] 20 rim [0053] 22 user [0054] 24 indentation [0055] 26
tubular member [0056] 28 aperture [0057] 30 fluid
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0058] The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment
of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This
discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the
invention to those particular embodiments since practitioners
skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as
well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the
reader is directed to the appended claims.
[0059] Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is an illustrative view of
the present invention 10 in use by a user 22. The present invention
10 is a cup 12 and integral extendable retractable straw 14
(hereinafter sometimes referred to as "second tubular member")
comprising a first tubular member fixed to the cup interior wall 16
extending from the cup base 18 to a termination spaced away from
the cup rim 20 with an aperture located approximate the base
providing fluid entry and another second tubular member extendable
through the first tubular member forms a sleeve and fluid source
whereby suction at the extendable's open end of the second tubular
member causes fluid flow from the cup which preferably, in order
that a plurality is stackable, has a decreasing radii along a
vertical plane with a channel or indentation 24 for stacking formed
therein of appropriate depth so that when the extendable straw and
cup integral sleeve are within the channel they are preferably
enclosed within the common planar radii and alternately can by
design exceed said radii to another preferred radii as desired.
[0060] Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an illustrative view of
the present invention 10. The present invention 10 is a cup 12
having a tubular member fixed to the interior wall engaging the cup
base with a straw 14 slidably positioned therein. The straw 14 is
extendible past the rim of the cup 12 with the base engaging
tubular member having an aperture approximate the base whereby the
slidable member having suction applied thereto draws fluid from the
cup. Also shown are the hand of a user 22 and indentation 24.
[0061] Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a sectional view of the
present invention 10 with straw 14 in the tubular member 26 which
forms a housing for the straw. Shown is a sectional view of the cup
12 of the present invention 10 having a tubular member 26 fixed to
the interior wall 16 engaging the cup base 18 with a slidably
positioned straw 14 and an indented channel 24 that allows the user
to stack a plurality of cups. Also shown is an aperture 28 into
tubular member 26.
[0062] Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a sectional view of the
present invention 10 with straw 14 extended out of the tubular
member 26. Shown is a sectional view of the cup 12 of the present
invention 10 having a tubular member 26 fixed to the interior wall
engaging the cup base with a slidably positioned straw 14 in an
extended position beyond the rim of the cup with an indented
channel 24 that allows the user to stack a plurality of cups. A
flow aperture 28 is also shown.
[0063] Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a sectional view of the
present invention 10 with straw 14 retracted within the tubular
member 26. Shown is a sectional view of the cup 12 of the present
invention 10 having a tubular member 26 with aperture 28 fixed to
the interior wall engaging the cup base with a slidably positioned
straw 14 in a retracted position. An indented channel 24 allows the
user to stack a plurality of cups.
[0064] Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is a sectional view of the
present invention 10 with straw 14 extended out of the tubular
member 26. Shown is a sectional view of the cup 12 of the present
invention 10 having a tubular member 26 with aperture 28 fixed to
the interior wall engaging the cup base with a slidably positioned
straw 14 in an extended position beyond the rim of the cup with an
indented channel 24 that allows the user to stack a plurality of
cups.
[0065] Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a top view of the
present invention 10. Shown is a top view of the present invention
10 disclosing a cup 12 having a tubular member 26 fixed to the
interior wall engaging the cup base with a second tubular member
(straw) 14 slidably positioned therein whereby the second tubular
member is extendible past the rim of the cup; the base engaging
tubular member 26 having an aperture (not shown but see FIG. 6)
approximate the base whereby the slidable member having suction
applied thereto draws fluid from the cup. An indentation channel 24
is also shown.
[0066] Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a perspective view of
the present invention 10 with straw 14 retracted. Shown is a
perspective view of the present invention 10 disclosing a cup 12
having a tubular member (not shown but see FIG. 6) fixed to the
interior wall engaging the cup base with a second tubular member or
straw 14 slidably positioned therein whereby the second tubular
member is extendible past the rim of the cup; the base engaging
tubular member having an aperture approximate the base whereby the
slidable member 14 having suction applied thereto draws fluid from
the cup. A channel 24 is provided to allow the user to stack a
plurality of cups.
[0067] Turning to FIG. 9, shown therein is a perspective view of
the present invention 10 with straw 14 extended beyond the cup's 12
rim. Shown is a perspective view of the present invention 10
disclosing a cup 12 having a tubular member (not shown but see FIG.
6) fixed to the interior wall engaging the cup base with a second
tubular member 14 slidably positioned therein whereby the second
tubular member is extendible past the rim of the cup; the base
engaging tubular member having an aperture approximate the base
whereby the slidable member 14 having suction applied thereto draws
fluid from the cup. A channel 24 is provided to allow the user to
stack a plurality of cups 12.
[0068] Turning to FIG. 10, shown therein is a perspective cutaway
view of the present invention 10. Shown is a perspective cutaway
view of the present invention 10 disclosing a cup 12 having a
tubular member 26 fixed to the interior wall engaging the cup base
with a second tubular member 14 slidably positioned therein whereby
the second tubular member is extendible past the rim of the cup;
the base engaging tubular member having an aperture 28 approximate
the base whereby the slidable member having suction applied thereto
draws fluid 30 from the cup. A channel 24 is provided to allow the
user to stack a plurality of cups 12.
[0069] What is claimed to be new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *