Drinking Straw and Stand Device

Abstract

A standing straw device for use with a glass. The standing straw device comprises a straw component, a sidewall component, and a circular base component. The sidewall component is shaped to substantially conform to and releasably adhere to an interior sidewall of the glass when the glass is filled with liquid. The straw component is integrated into the sidewall component so that it does not move when the sidewall component is in place within the glass. The circular base component extends from a bottom of the sidewall component and is configured to press against a bottom of the glass to further keep the standing straw device in place.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Drinking glasses are the most common types of vessels used to consume water or other beverages. There are a wide variety of different glasses ranging from paper cups to glass or metal drinkware. The beverage is typically consumed right out of the glass where the user places their lips on the side of the glass to take a drink.

[0002] Straws are a commonly used implement in the food and beverage industry as an alternative way to consume the beverage out of the glass. A user can take a straw out of a wrapper and place it in the glass. The user's mouth then comes in contact with the straw as opposed to the glass itself. Additionally, straws are a staple in the fast food, take out, and convenience food industries where only paper or plastic disposable cups are used. The straws also allow the user to consume their beverage "on the go" without the fear of spillage when they take a drink.

[0003] One problem with conventional straws is that they move about the glass, even when a plastic lid is used. The user must be careful when attempting to engage the straw so that they do not accidently get poked in the eye or mouth when fishing for the straw. A moving straw can also lead to a loss of balance causing the drink to spill if the user is not careful.

[0004] Another problem with conventional straws is that they are single use and are disposable. While this has certain advantages for convenience and hygiene, it has disadvantages as well. We now like in an eco-conscious society where recycling and a reduced carbon footprint are desirable to many consumers. As such, reusable straws made of durable plastics and metals have become popular. However, the reusable straws still have the problem of movement when trying to take a drink. Containers with built-in straws are also now somewhat common. However, the user is limited to using only that container. This would not be helpful when eating at a restaurant or other venue where the beverages are served in different cups or glasses.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a great need for a uniquely designed drinking straw configured to overcome these deficiencies. Advantageously, the present invention provides for a drinking straw device constructed to stand upright when placed in a glass so that the straw does not move around in the glass. The device is reusable eliminating waste and the need for a continuous supply of disposable straws. Additionally, servers save time as they do not need to ask customers if they would like a straw with their drink.

SUMMARY

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a standing straw device for use with a drinking glass. The standing straw device comprises a sidewall component, a straw component, and a circular base component. The standing straw device is adapted to not move within the glass so that the user does not have to fish around for the straw. The standing straw device may be manufactured from a food contact safe material.

[0008] The sidewall component comprises a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. The convex outer surface is shaped to substantially fit an interior wall of the drinking glass. The convex outer surface is adapted to releasably adhere to the interior wall of the drinking glass when the drinking glass is filled with fluid. The sidewall component further comprises an above the rim portion and a below the rim portion. The above the rim portion extends out of the drinking glass and the below the rim portion rests within the drinking glass.

[0009] The straw component comprises a housing and a cylindrical tube. The cylindrical tube is vertically disposed within the housing. The straw component is integrated within the sidewall component. The housing is centrally disposed along the sidewall component and is typically thicker than the sidewall component. A lip of the housing extends above a top of the sidewall component. The tube may be cylindrical, oval, or geometrically shaped with a bore sized based on the viscosity of the fluid.

[0010] The circular base component comprises a pair of spring arms. The pair of spring arms extend from a bottom of the sidewall component. The pair of spring arms are flexible and adapted to engage the interior of the sidewall at a base of a plurality of drinking glasses of different sizes to further keep the straw component in place within the drinking glass. An edge of each of the pair of spring arms is beveled to better engage the base of the drinking glass.

[0011] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a standing straw device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the standing straw device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of the standing straw device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates on overhead perspective view of the standing straw device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the standing straw device positioned in a drinking glass in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

[0018] The present invention discloses a unique straw device designed to fit a variety of drinking glasses of differing sizes and diameters. The straw device is reusable, washable, and stackable for storage when not in use. The invention eliminates waste created from discarded disposable straws and is eco-friendly. The straw device is configured to fit within a drinking glass and maintain its position resting against the side of the glass so that it does not move when the glass is filled with fluid. The standing straw employs a vertical wall-like design with a tube running through the middle section on an open circular base. The upper part of the device extends above the top lip of the glass and has a short rise where the user may draw liquid for consumption.

[0019] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a standing straw device 100 for engaging a drinking glass 10 or any other kind of vessel or container used for consuming a liquid. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the standing straw device 100 comprises a straw component 102, a sidewall component 116, and a circular base component 130. The standing straw device 100 is shaped to conform to and engage an interior sidewall 20 of the drinking glass 10. The standing straw device 100 may be manufactured from a food contact safe material, such as plastic, silicone, rubber, food grade stainless steel, or any other similar material or combinations thereof. Plastic is desirable as this material is durable, does not conduct cold, and is a proven material for use with beverages.

[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sidewall component 116 comprises a concave inner surface 118 and a convex outer surface 120. The concavity of the concave inner surface 118 substantially matches the convexity of the convex outer surface 120 so that most of the sidewall component 116 maintains a consistent thickness. However, a center portion of the sidewall component 116 is typically thicker as the straw component 102 is integrated within the sidewall component 116 at that location as described infra.

[0021] The convex outer surface 120 of the sidewall 116 is adapted to releasably adhere to the interior sidewall 20 of the drinking glass 10 when the drinking glass 10 is at least partially filled with fluid. The standing straw device 100 is insertable upright in the drinking glass 10 before ice and/or a beverage is added. Hydrogen bonding from the liquid of the beverage helps keep the standing straw device 100 from moving around in the drinking glass 10. This is also advantageous for users who drink from the other side of the glass as hydrogen bonding keeps the standing straw device 100 in place so that it does not interfere with drinking.

[0022] The sidewall component 116 further comprises a top 122 and a bottom 124. The top 122 may be scalloped or rounded for decoration and functionality. This design conforms to the lips of a user so that they do not have to purse their lips to use it. The bottom 124 rests on a base 30 the drinking glass 10 when inserted. The sidewall component 116 further comprises a below the rim portion 126 and an above the rim portion 128 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The above the rim portion 126 extends out of the drinking glass 10 making it easier to locate the straw component 102 and the below the rim portion 128 rests within the drinking glass 10 for stabilizing the standing straw device 100.

[0023] The straw component 102 comprises a housing 104 and a tube 110. The tube 110 is vertically disposed within the housing 104 running between a base 106 and a lip 108 of the housing 104. The lip 108 may be scalloped or rounded for decoration and functionality and extends above the top 122 of the sidewall component 116. The tube 110 is typically a central bore comprising a top opening 112 located in the lip 108 of the housing 104, and a bottom opening 114 located in the base 106 of the housing 104. The bottom opening 114 opens into the drinking glass 10. The tube 110 may be cylindrical, oval, or geometrically shaped with the bore sized based on the viscosity of the fluid. The housing 104 may be elliptical, ovoid, or geometric in shape, thereby increasing the thickness of the sidewall component 116 at that location. Dimensions of the tube 110 and the standing straw device 100 may vary based on the size and diameter of the drinking glass 10.

[0024] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the circular base component 130 extends from the bottom 124 of the sidewall component 116. The circular base component 130 comprises a pair of spring arms 132 each extending laterally and circularly away from the sidewall component 116. The pair of spring arms 132 each comprise a bottom 134 and a top 134. The bottom rests on the base 30 or bottom of the drinking glass 10. Each of the pair of spring arms 132 may further comprise a beveled edge 138. The beveled edges 138 are configured to align with the angle of the interior sidewall 20 of the drinking glass 10.

[0025] The pair of spring arms 132 are flexible and spring-like in design and are configured to engage the interior sidewall 20 of the drinking glass 10 at the base 30. This further stabilizes the standing straw device 100 within the drinking glass 10 allowing the standing straw device 100 to remain upright even without fluid in the glass. The pair of spring arms 132 are compressed inward during insertion then are permitted to relax, thereby pushing against the interior sidewall 20 of the drinking glass 10. This is also advantageous as the circular base component 130 can fit in glassware of various sized bottoms.

[0026] The standing straw device 100 is stackable. A plurality of the devices easily fit atop each other for storage. The standing straw device 100 can vary in width and length to accommodate a variety of different sized glasses. As the standing straw device 100 is reusable, it can be washed in a commercial or home dishwasher in an upright position using standard glass racks.

[0027] To use the standing straw device 100, the user squeezes the pair of spring arms 132 of the circular base component 130 inward and inserts the standing straw device 100 into the drinking glass 10 with the sidewall component 116 positioned against the interior sidewall 20. Once the circular base component 130 meets the base 30 of the glass 10, the pair of spring arms 132 are released so that the beveled edges 138 frictionally engage the interior sidewall 20 of the drinking glass 10 at the base 30. The glass 10 is then filled with a beverage which further secures and locks the standing straw device 100 in position within the drinking glass 10 as hydrogen bonding releasably adheres the convex outer surface 120 of the sidewall component 116 to the interior sidewall 20 of the drinking glass 10. The user may then drink the beverage through the top opening 112 of the tube 110 at the lip 108 of the housing 104 of the straw component 102.

[0028] The standing straw device 100 is designed to be semi-permanently placed in a glass so that a server does not need to ask a consumer if they would like a straw, as they automatically get one. The standing straw device 100 is designed to compliment the design and shape of the glass. While the standing straw device 100 is typically placed in the glass prior to filling with a liquid, the circular base component 130 is open in design allowing insertion into a glass even when already filled with a beverage and/or ice. The semi-rigid construction is also safer than existing rigid reusable straws which can easily injure a user if they are not paying attention.

[0029] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A standing straw device comprising: a sidewall component; a straw component integrated within the sidewall component; and a circular base component extending from the sidewall component.

2. The standing straw device of claim 1, wherein the straw component comprises a housing and a tube disposed vertically within the housing.

3. The standing straw device of claim 2, wherein the tube is cylindrical.

4. The standing straw device of claim 2, wherein the tube is oval.

5. The standing straw device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component comprises a convex outer surface.

6. The standing straw device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component is adapted to adhere to an interior wall of a drinking glass when at least partially filled with a fluid.

7. The standing straw device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component is adapted to adhere to an interior wall of a drinking glass via hydrogen bonding.

8. The standing straw device of claim 1, wherein the circular base component comprises a pair of spring arms.

9. The standing straw device of claim 1, wherein the circular base component is flexible.

10. The standing straw device of claim 1, wherein the circular base component is configured to engage an interior sidewall of a drinking glass at a base of the drinking glass.

11. The standing straw device of claim 1, wherein the standing straw device is stackable.

12. A standing straw device comprising; a sidewall component shaped to conform to an interior sidewall of a drinking glass; a straw component integrated within the sidewall component; and a circular base component extending from a bottom of the sidewall component configured to engage the interior sidewall of the drinking glass.

13. The standing straw device of claim 12, wherein the sidewall component is adapted to adhere to the interior wall of the drinking glass via hydrogen bonding.

14. The standing straw device of claim 12, wherein the straw component comprises a housing and a tube disposed vertically within the housing.

15. The standing straw device of claim 12, wherein a lip of the straw component extends above a top of the sidewall component.

16. The standing straw device of claim 12, wherein the circular base component comprises a pair of spring arms.

17. The standing straw device of claim 16, wherein an edge of each of the pair of spring arms is beveled.

18. A standing straw device for engaging a drinking glass, the standing straw device comprising: a sidewall component comprising a convex outer surface configured to engage an interior sidewall of the drinking glass; a straw component integrated within the sidewall component; and a circular base component comprising a pair of spring arms extending from a bottom of the sidewall component configured to engage the interior sidewall of the drinking glass.

19. The standing straw device of claim 18, wherein the sidewall component comprises an above the rim portion and a below the rim portion.

20. The standing straw device of claim 18, wherein the convex outer surface of the sidewall component is adapted to adhere to an interior wall of the drinking glass via hydrogen bonding.