Envelopes – wrappers – and paperboard boxes – Paperboard box – Combined with drinking tube
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-11
2001-03-27
Elkins, Gary E. (Department: 3727)
Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
Paperboard box
Combined with drinking tube
C220S706000, C220S707000, C220S708000, C229S160200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206278
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to containers and, more particularly, to a container having a dispensing conduit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the prior art containers for holding a liquid are known to include a dispensing conduit such as a straw or spout for facilitating the withdrawal of the liquid from the container. Various arrangements have been used for coupling the conduit to the container in a stored position so that the conduit is readily available for use by a consumer. Other prior art containers include conduits that are adapted for automatic or manual movement from the stored position to an operative position. Unfortunately, the prior art has not adequately addressed the need for an efficient yet inexpensive conduit assembly for use with a sealed liquid container. More particularly, prior art containers fail to provide a conduit assembly that is simple to manufacture and contain within the container, that effectively allows for sealing the container in a stored position, and that facilitates positioning the conduit in an operative position to remove fluid from the container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a need exists for a container having a conduit assembly that maintains its sealed position during storage while simply and efficiently moving the conduit into its operative position when desired. To address this need, the present invention includes a conduit assembly having a fitment adapted to be sealingly coupled to a container, a closure mechanism, and a conduit operably associated with the closure mechanism. The fitment includes a fitment passage and the closure mechanism is movable between a sealed position engaging the fitment to seal the fitment passage and an open position. The conduit is operably associated with the closure mechanism for movement between a stored position and an operative position wherein the conduit is moved from the stored position toward the operative position when the closure mechanism is moved into its open position.
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Cornell Stephen W.
Davis Gregg M.
Debord Jeff T.
Murphy Peter F.
Perkins Jay F.
Elkins Gary E.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
The PopStraw Company, LLC
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