U.S. patent application number 12/723123 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for tumbler system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wilton Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Emily Carlson, Traci Chapple, Jeffrey Chiu, Yvonne Hau Yee Chow, David Starr, Mason Umholtz.
Application Number | 20110062168 12/723123 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43525986 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110062168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chow; Yvonne Hau Yee ; et
al. |
March 17, 2011 |
TUMBLER SYSTEM
Abstract
A straw is disclosed for use in a tumbler system that comprises
a tumbler top and a tumbler. The straw comprises an elongated body
that is configured to deliver a substance from a first opening at a
first end along a longitudinal axis to a second opening at an
opposite distal end. The straw also comprises a base that is
attached to the elongated body, having a diameter greater than an
opening in the tumbler top. The straw also comprises a plurality of
paddles attached to the base and configured to be rotated about the
longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of paddles comprise a
tear-drop paddle, a ring paddle, or a semi-circle paddle. The
elongated body includes a reusable polypropylene material.
Inventors: |
Chow; Yvonne Hau Yee; (Hong
Kong, CN) ; Chiu; Jeffrey; (Woodridge, IL) ;
Chapple; Traci; (Woodridge, IL) ; Carlson; Emily;
(Woodridge, IL) ; Umholtz; Mason; (Woodridge,
IL) ; Starr; David; (Woodridge, IL) |
Assignee: |
Wilton Industries, Inc.
Woodridge
IL
|
Family ID: |
43525986 |
Appl. No.: |
12/723123 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61161967 |
Mar 20, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/705 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/12 20130101;
Y02W 30/807 20150501; B65D 1/04 20130101; Y02W 30/80 20150501 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/705 |
International
Class: |
A47G 21/18 20060101
A47G021/18 |
Claims
1. A straw for use in a tumbler system that comprises a tumbler top
and a tumbler, the straw comprising: an elongated body that is
configured to deliver the substance from a first opening at a first
end along a longitudinal axis to a second opening at an opposite
distal end; a base attached to the elongated body and having a
diameter greater than an opening in the tumbler top; and a
plurality of paddles attached to the base and configured to be
rotated about the longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of
paddles comprise a tear-drop paddle, a ring paddle, or a
semi-circle paddle; and the elongated body includes a reusable
polypropylene material.
2. A tumbler that includes the straw of claim 1.
3. The tumbler of claim 2, wherein the tumbler comprises a
grip.
4. The tumbler of claim 3, wherein the grip comprises a
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
5. The tumbler of claim 2, wherein the tumbler comprises a clear
plastic material.
6. A straw configured to prevent loss and to aid in mixing a fluid
in a tumbler, the straw comprising: an elongated body; and a base,
wherein the base comprises a paddle.
7. A straw of claim 6, wherein the paddle comprises: a tear-drop
paddle; a ring paddle; or a semi-circle paddle.
8. The straw of claim 7, wherein the elongated body includes a
reusable polypropylene material.
9. The straw of claim 7, wherein the base includes a reusable
polypropylene material.
10. The straw of claim 6, wherein the base comprises at least two
paddles.
11. The straw of claim 7, wherein the base comprises at least two
paddles.
12. The straw of claim 7, wherein the elongated body is configured
to pass through an opening in a tumbler top.
13. The straw of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a diameter
greater than the opening in the tumbler top.
14. A tumbler system that comprises the straw of claim 6.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a tumbler that is
configured to hold a substance; and a tumbler top that is
configured to securely attach to the tumbler.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a gasket that is
configured to provide a fluid-seal between the tumbler top and the
tumbler.
17. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a grip that is
configured to slide on to an outer surface of the tumbler.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the grip comprises a
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
19. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a fastener that is
configured to attach the tumbler top to the tumbler.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the fastener comprises a
quarter turn thread.
Description
REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof
from a U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/161,967, filed on Mar.
20, 2009 and entitled CUP AND BOTTLES, the entirety of which is
herein incorporated by reference.
[0002] Furthermore, this application is related to U.S. design
patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______ (Attorney
Docket No. 2052986-8579DES).
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a tumbler, a straw, and a
tumbler-straw system and methods for manufacturing the tumbler and
straw.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] A variety of drinking vessels are known to exist. These
drinking vessels are provided in various shapes, sizes, materials,
colors and designs. For example, the drinking vessels are typically
made from glass or plastic and are often clear. The vessels may be
used together with, for example, drinking straws. These vessels can
be disposable or reusable.
[0005] The disclosure provides a novel tumbler, a novel straw, a
novel tumbler-straw system, and methods for manufacturing the
tumbler and straw. The disclosure further provides a novel tumbler,
a novel straw, and a combination thereof that is reusable and
suitable for cold beverage use.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] According to one non-limiting aspect of the disclosure, a
straw is provided for use in a tumbler system that comprises a
tumbler top and a tumbler. The straw comprises an elongated body
that is configured to deliver the substance from a first opening at
a first end along a longitudinal axis to a second opening at an
opposite distal end; a base attached to the elongated body and
having a diameter greater than an opening in the tumbler top; and a
plurality of paddles attached to the base and configured to be
rotated about the longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of
paddles comprise a tear-drop paddle, a ring paddle, or a
semi-circle paddle; and the elongated body includes a reusable
polypropylene material.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a tumbler
is provided that comprises a straw, wherein the straw includes an
elongated body that is configured to deliver the substance from a
first opening at a first end along a longitudinal axis to a second
opening at an opposite distal end; a base attached to the elongated
body and having a diameter greater than an opening in the tumbler
top; and a plurality of paddles attached to the base and configured
to be rotated about the longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of
paddles comprise a tear-drop paddle, a ring paddle, or a
semi-circle paddle; and the elongated body includes a reusable
polypropylene material. The tumbler may include a grip. The grip
may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The tumbler may
comprise a clear plastic material.
[0008] According to a yet further aspect of the disclosure, a straw
is provided which is configured to prevent loss and to aid in
mixing a fluid in a tumbler. The straw comprises an elongated body;
and a base, wherein the base comprises a paddle. The paddle may
comprise a tear-drop paddle; a ring paddle; or a semi-circle
paddle. The elongated body may include a reusable polypropylene
material. The base may include a reusable polypropylene material.
The base may comprise at least two paddles. The elongated body may
be configured to pass through an opening in a tumbler top. The base
may comprise a diameter greater than the opening in the tumbler
top.
[0009] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a tumbler
system is provided that comprises a straw, wherein the straw
includes an elongated body; and a base, wherein the base comprises
a paddle. The tumbler system may further comprise a tumbler that is
configured to hold a substance; and a tumbler top that is
configured to securely attach to the tumbler. The tumbler system
may further comprise a gasket that is configured to provide a
fluid-seal between the tumbler top and the tumbler. Still further,
the tumbler system may comprise a grip that is configured to slide
on to an outer surface of the tumbler. The grip may comprise a
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The tumbler system may further
comprise a fastener that is configured to attach the tumbler top to
the tumbler. The fastener may comprise a quarter turn thread.
[0010] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
detailed description and drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood
that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following
detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further
explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to
explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to
show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may
be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and
the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:
[0012] FIGS. 1A-1C show various views of an example of a straw,
according to principles of the disclosure;
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2C show various views of an example of a tumbler
system, according to principles of the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of the tumbler system of
FIGS. 2A-2C;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the tumbler system of FIGS.
2A-2C;
[0016] FIG. 5A shows another example of a tumbler system, according
to principles of the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 5B shows an example of a straw that may be used in the
tumbler system of FIG. 5A or FIGS. 2A-2C;
[0018] FIG. 6A shows another example of a tumbler system, according
to principles of the disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 6B shows an example of a straw that may be used in the
tumbler system of FIG. 6A or FIGS. 2A-2C.
[0020] The present disclosure is further described in the detailed
description that follows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0021] The disclosure and the various features and advantageous
details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the
non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the
following description. It should be noted that the features
illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments
as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly
stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing
techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the
embodiments of the disclosure. The examples used herein are
intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in
the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly,
the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is noted that
like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
[0022] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof,
as used in this disclosure, mean "including, but not limited to",
unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0023] The terms "a", "an", and "the", as used in this disclosure,
means "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0024] Although process steps, method steps, algorithms, or the
like, may be described in a sequential order, such processes,
methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate
orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be
described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the
steps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes,
methods or algorithms described herein may be performed in any
order practical. Further, some steps may be performed
simultaneously.
[0025] When a single device or article is described herein, it will
be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be
used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more
than one device or article is described herein, it will be readily
apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of
the more than one device or article. The functionality or the
features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more
other devices which are not explicitly described as having such
functionality or features.
[0026] According to one non-limiting example of the disclosure,
FIGS. 1A-1C show various views of an example of a straw 100,
according to principles of the disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 1A,
1B, and 1C shows a perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view,
respectively, of the straw 100. The straw 100 includes a body 110
and a base 120. The body 110 has an elongated structure that is
configured to deliver a substance (not shown) from an opening 123
in the base 120 to an opening 113 at an opposite end of the straw
100. The body 110 may include a cylindrical (shown in FIG. 1A) or a
rectangular, elongated structure (not shown). The base 120 may
include a plurality of paddles 130. The paddles 130 may be
configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the straw 100
as the straw 100 is rotated, so as to mix a substance.
[0027] The body 100, base 120 and paddles 130 may be made from a
material that includes, e.g., plastic, wax-coated paper, metal,
ceramic, glass, wood, or any combination thereof. The plastic may
include a thermoplastic such as, e.g., polypropylene, which may be
blended with colorants. The base 120 may include fewer (or greater)
than the four paddles 130 seen in FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0028] The straw 100 may be manufactured as a single unit,
including the body 100, the base 120 and the tear-drop paddles 130.
Alternatively, the straw 100 may be assembled from two or more
individual units. In this latter regard, the body 100 may be
inserted into the base 120, which may or may not already include
the paddles 130.
[0029] As seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the base 120 may include tear-drop
paddles 130. Alternatively, the base 120 may include a plurality of
ring paddles 530 (shown in FIG. 5B), or a plurality of semi-circle
paddles 630 (shown in FIG. 6B), or any combination of the tear-drop
paddles 130, ring paddles 530, or semi-circle paddles 630. It is
noted that other shapes may be used for the paddles, including, for
example, squares, rectangles, ellipses, or the like. The straw 100
is configured to prevent loss of the straw 100 and to aid in mixing
the substance, which may include, e.g., a fluid (e.g., a beverage)
or a fluid-solid combination (e.g., a milk shake) provided in a
tumbler 200 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2A).
[0030] FIGS. 2A-2C show various views of an example of a tumbler
system 300, according to principles of the disclosure. The tumbler
system 300 includes the straw 100 and a tumbler 200. The tumbler
200 may include a tumbler top 210 and a grip 220. The tumbler 200
includes a bottom 230, which may include high friction components,
such as, e.g., rubber, magnetic material, or the like, to prevent
the tumbler 200 from sliding when placed on, e.g., a flat surface
(not shown). The tumbler top 210 may include legends 214, 218, such
as, e.g., OPEN 214 and CLOSE 218, as well as directional arrows
219, to assist the user in manipulating the tumbler top 210 to
engage or disengage the tumbler top 210 with the tumbler 200.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of the tumbler system 300
along the line A-A, shown in FIG. 2A. The tumbler 200 includes a
tumbler body 250 and a fastener portion 260. The fastener portion
260 may include, e.g., threading (e.g., quarter-turn threading),
tongue-and-groove, hook-and-loop, and the like. The tumbler body
250 may be configured to have a capacity of, e.g., but not limited
to, 8 oz., 16, oz. 24 oz., 32 oz., or the like. The bottom portion
of the tumbler body 250 may be configured to have an angle 255 with
the bottom 230 that is substantially greater (or less) than, e.g.,
90.degree., but preferably in the range of, e.g., about 93.degree.
to about 96.degree..
[0032] The tumbler body 250, tumbler top 210, grip 220 or bottom
230 may be made from a material that includes, e.g., plastic,
wax-coated paper, metal, ceramic, glass, wood, or any combination
thereof. The plastic may include a copolyester which may be blended
with colorants, or may be made clear. The grip 220 may include a
textured material such as, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to
provide a non-slip grip for the tumbler 200. The tumbler top 210
may include, e.g., clarified ABS.
[0033] The tumbler body 250 and the bottom 230 may be manufactured
as a single unit, or as two or more separate units. In the later
case, the bottom 230 may be attached to the tumbler 250 by a
fastening mechanism (not shown), including, e.g., threads,
tongue-and-groove, or the like.
[0034] The tumbler system 300, including the straw 100 and tumbler
200 may be configured to be, e.g., dishwasher safe.
[0035] Further, the elongated body 110 of the straw 100 may be
configured to pass through an opening in the tumbler top 210. The
base 120 may have a diameter that is greater than the opening in
the tumbler top 210 to prevent the straw 100 from separating from
the tumbler system 300 and being lost.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the tumbler system 300,
according to principles of the disclosure. As seen in FIG. 4, the
tumbler system 300 further includes a gasket 212, which may include
a material, such as, e.g., silicone, rubber, metal, or the like.
The gasket 212 material may be colored or clear. The gasket 212 is
configured to provide a fluid-seal between the tumbler top 210 and
the tumbler 200, so as to prevent leakage or spillage of a
substance that may be contained in the tumbler 200.
[0037] FIG. 5A shows another example of a tumbler system 400,
according to principles of the disclosure. The tumbler system 400
includes the straw 100 and a tumbler 500. The tumbler system 400
may further include a tumbler top 510 and a grip 520. The various
elements of the tumbler system 400 may be made from the same, or
similar materials described above with regard to the tumbler system
300.
[0038] FIG. 5B shows another example of the straw 100 that may be
used in the tumbler system 400 (or 300). The straw 100 may include
a plurality of ring paddles 530, as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0039] FIG. 6A shows another example of a tumbler system 700,
according to principles of the disclosure. The tumbler system 700
includes the straw 100 and a tumbler 600. The tumbler system 600
may further include a tumbler top 610 and a grip 620. The various
elements of the tumbler system 700 may be made from the same, or
similar materials described above with regard to the tumbler system
300.
[0040] As seen in FIG. 6A, the tumbler top 610 may include a dome
shape and the bottom of the tumbler 600 may include a traction ring
635, which may include a material such as, e.g., rubber, silicone,
or the like, to prevent the tumbler from sliding when placed on a
flat surface (not shown).
[0041] FIG. 6B shows another example of the straw 100 that may be
used in the tumbler system 600 (or 300). The straw 100 may include
a plurality of semi-circle paddles 630, as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0042] While the disclosure has been described in terms of
exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the disclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit
and scope of the appended claims. These examples are merely
illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all
possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the
disclosure.
* * * * *