Bottles and jars – Attachment or adjunct – Drinking device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-21
2001-05-15
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3727)
Bottles and jars
Attachment or adjunct
Drinking device
C215S388000, C215S040000, C220S706000, C239S033000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230913
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to container for beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to beverage containers having a self-contained straw which automatically extends through the opening when the container is opened.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various designs have been proposed in the prior art for placing a straw within a beverage container that becomes accessible to the user when the beverage container is opened. Some of the prior art designs rely upon the user to manipulate the container after it has been opened to align the straw with the opening. Once aligned, the buoyancy of the straw and/or a float attached to the straw extend the straw through the opening. Still other prior art designs include a mechanism which has the ability to locate the straw within the container. The act of opening the container imparts a force and/or motion to the mechanism which then positions the straw in line with the opening. Again, buoyant forces acting on the straw extend the straw through the opening once it has been aligned.
While the prior art straw dispensing mechanisms remain technologically and commercially viable, the continued development of these systems has been directed to lowering the complexity and costs associated with these mechanisms while simultaneously maintaining and/or improving upon the reliability of these mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides the art with a unique dispensing mechanism which simplifies the way in which the straw is retained during the filling process while simultaneously ensuring that the straw will be available to the user upon opening the container.
Other advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the subsequent detailed description, appended claims and drawings.
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Cornell Stephen W.
Murphy Peter F.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Mai Tri M.
Shoap Allan N.
The PopStraw Company, LLC
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