STRAW CASE

Abstract

A straw case is provided that may store a flexible or collapsible straw. The straw case includes a strap member that may be received by a slot member in a lid coupled to a tumbler. The strap member may be releasably coupled to the straw case via at least one pin. Thus, the strap member can be selectively decoupled from the straw case, thereby allowing the strap member to be fed through the slot member so that the straw case can be decoupled from the lid. Alternatively, the user can decouple both ends of the strap member from the straw case, thereby decoupling the straw case from the lid without removing the strap member from the slot member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a straw case that may store a collapsible straw. The straw case may be coupled to the lid of a drinking vessel, such as a tumbler.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers frequently take beverages from their home and consume the beverages while “on-the-go.” Unless the beverage is packaged in a portable container, the consumer must put the beverage into another receptacle, such as a drinking vessel, to easily transport and consume the beverage. Traditionally, these drinking vessels include a lid with an aperture. To drink from the drinking vessel, the user may tilt the bottom of the drinking vessel upwardly so that liquid may exit through the aperture in the lid. However, while transporting the drinking vessel, liquid may unintentionally spill out of the aperture.

To address this concern, some drinking vessels include lids with sliding members. Such drinking vessels are sometimes referred to as “tumblers.” The sliding member on a tumbler may be adapted to selectively cover the aperture in the lid when the consumer is not drinking from the tumbler. However, if a consumer drinks from the tumbler while engaged in another activity (e.g., driving), the consumer may be susceptible to spilling the beverage out of the tumbler and onto himself or herself.

To solve this issue while also being environmentally conscious, many consumers have turned to using tumblers and reusable straws. The straws allow for the consumer to drink from the tumbler while the tumbler is substantially upright, reducing the risk that he or she will spill the beverage. However, utilizing a reusable straw presents additional challenges, including keeping the straw clean and storing the straw in a secure location. While a straw case may help keep the straw clean, the straw case is typically a small, stand-alone item that is not couplable to the drinking vessel without the use of extra components. As a result, the straw case may easily be lost, misplaced, or forgotten prior to use. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved straw case which is selectively couplable to a drinking vessel or other object without the use of extra components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art devices discussed above. The invention described herein includes several embodiments of a straw case that may be releasably coupled to the lid of a tumbler. The straw case may be adapted to store a collapsible, reusable straw to help protect the straw from dirt or other contaminants when the straw is not in use. Advantageously, the straw case may include a flexible strap member that may be coupled to the body of the straw case. The strap member may also be received through a slot in the lid, which allows for convenient coupling of the straw case to the lid.

The strap member may be releasably coupled to the straw case via pins such that a user may decouple at least one end of the strap member from the straw case. In some embodiments of the invention, the strap member may include slits on at least one end such that a top segment of the pin can pass therethrough, allowing for the user to couple and decouple the strap member from the straw case.

When either of a first end or a second end of the strap member is decoupled from the straw case, the strap member may be decoupled from the lid. To accomplish this, the user may feed the first end or the second end of the strap member through the slot on the lid. Advantageously, once it is fed through the lid, the strap member (and thus the straw case) may be affixed to other objects, such as bags, belt loops, and key chains as desired by the user.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a straw case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the straw case including a strap member releasably coupled to a lid of a tumbler;

FIG. 2 is a second partial, enlarged isometric view of the straw case and the tumbler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom side view of the straw case of FIG. 1, illustrating the straw case in an open configuration with a straw stored therein;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the straw case and the lid of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the strap member of FIG. 1, further illustrating pins that may couple the strap member to the straw case.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a drinking tumbler 1 (hereinafter, the tumbler 1) that may hold liquids including, but not limited to, water, soda, coffee, or tea. The size of the tumbler 1 may be adapted such that it may hold different volumes of fluids in different embodiments. The tumbler 1 may be insulated in any known way such that it may help the fluids placed therein remain at a substantially constant temperature.

The tumbler 1 may include a lid 5 sized and shaped such that it is substantially the same size and shape as an opening (not illustrated) in an upper portion 10 of the tumbler 1. The lid 5 may be secured to the upper portion 10 via a friction fit, via a threaded connection means, or via other foreseeable attachment means. A drinking aperture 15 (see FIG. 2) may be positioned on the lid 5 and may extend through the lid 5.

To drink from the tumbler 1, the user may tilt the bottom of the tumbler 1 upwardly so that liquid may exit the drinking aperture 15 in the lid 5. Alternatively, a collapsible or flexible straw 20 (hereinafter, the straw 20) may be received by the drinking aperture 15 and may extend into the interior of the tumbler 1. The straw 20 may allow the user to drink from the tumbler 1 while the tumbler 1 is in a substantially upright position. The straw 20 may be composed of a flexible, elastic material (e.g., silicone) such that it may be contorted or collapsed into a variety of shapes. The elasticity of the straw 20 may help the straw 20 return to its original shape after the user deforms the straw 20. The ability to contort or selectively collapse the straw 20 may assist the user in storing the straw 20. In alternative embodiments, the straw 20 may be collapsed for storage using other foreseeable mechanisms, such as by telescoping.

Advantageously, a straw case 25 may be sized and shaped such that the straw 20 (or another flexible or collapsible straw) may be stored therein. The straw case 25 may help protect the straw 20 from becoming dirty or contaminated before or after the straw 20 is used. If the straw 20 is stored in the straw case 25 and the user wishes to use the straw 20, the user may open the straw case 25, remove the straw 20 from the straw case 25, and insert the straw 20 into the tumbler 1. Conversely, when the user is finished drinking from the tumbler 1, the user may remove the straw 20 from the tumbler 1 and place the straw 20 within the straw case 25.

Conveniently, the straw case 25 may be selectively coupled to the tumbler 1 or other objects. For example, the straw case 25 may include a strap member 30 that selectively couples the straw case 25 to the lid 5. When the straw case 25 is coupled to the lid 5, the user is provided a convenient and secure location to store the straw 20 with the lid 5 and/or the tumbler 1. Further, the straw case 25 may be coupled to other objects via the strap member 30, including, but not limited to, bags, purses, belt loops, and key chains. This may allow the user to conveniently store the straw 20 and the straw case 25 in a variety of manners.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the drinking aperture 15 may be located on a first end 35 of the lid 5 and may extend through a body 40 of the lid 5. When the lid 5 is in an open configuration (as illustrated), the drinking aperture 15 may allow fluids to exit out of the tumbler 1. The drinking aperture 15 may be positioned near an outer edge or a circumference 45 of the lid 5 or elsewhere on the lid 5, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The lid 5 may further include a sliding member 50 that may be used to selectively cover the drinking aperture 15. When the sliding member 50 is positioned over the drinking aperture 15, the sliding member 50 may help prevent fluids from exiting the tumbler 1, thereby placing the lid 5 in a closed configuration. In addition to closing the lid 5, the sliding member 50 may be selectively positioned such that it does not cover the drinking aperture 15. When the sliding member 50 does not cover at least a portion of the drinking aperture 15, the lid 5 may be in the open configuration and may allow fluids to exit the tumbler 1 via the drinking aperture 15. Accordingly, the sliding member 50 may allow the consumer to selectively open or close the lid 5 to easily drink from or transport the tumbler 1.

The sliding member 50 may be positioned within a channel 55 formed on a top surface 60 of the lid 5. The width of the channel 55 may be the same as, or slightly larger than, the width of the sliding member 50. As a result, the sliding member 50 may be movably retained within the channel 55. The channel 55 may facilitate the movement of the sliding member 50 between the opened and closed positions. For example, the channel 55 may extend from the first end 35 of the lid 5 to a second end 65 of the lid 5, opposite from the first end 35 and the drinking aperture 15. Alternatively, however, the channel 55 may extend partially between the ends 35, 65.

The lid 5 may also include a slot member 70 for receiving the strap member 30. The slot member 70 may extend through a portion of the body 40 of the lid 5 and may be located on a protrusion 75 at the second end 65 of the lid 5. However, other positions for the slot member 70 and/or the protrusion 75, such as along the circumference 45, are foreseeable. The protrusion 75 may be a thin, planar projection that extends away from the body 40 of the lid 5 and outside of the circumference 45. The protrusion 75 may be substantially symmetrical and may take the shape of a rectangular plate with rounded edges, although other shapes for the protrusion 75 are foreseeable. When the slot member 70 receives the strap member 30, the strap member 30 may extend from a front side 80 of the straw case 25, through the slot member 70, and to a back side 85 of the straw case 25.

The strap member 30 may be releasably coupled to either or both of the front side 80 and the back side 85 of the straw case 25. For example, a first end 87 of the strap member 30 may be releasably coupled to the front side 80 of the straw case, and a second end 89 of the strap member 30 may be releasably coupled to the back side 85 of the straw case. Accordingly, when the strap member 30 is coupled to the lid 5 and the straw case 25, the strap member 30 may extend from the front side 80, through the slot member 70, and to the back side 85. To decouple the straw case 25 and the strap member 30 from the lid 5, the first end 87 or the second end 89 of the strap member 30 may be selectively decoupled from the straw case 25. The decoupled end 87, 89 of the strap member 30 may then be fed through the slot member 70, thereby decoupling the strap member 30 (and the straw case 25) from the lid 5. Alternatively, the strap member 30 may be selectively decoupled from both sides 80, 85 such that the straw case 25 may be decoupled from the strap member 30 while the strap member 30 remains retained within the slot member 70. To recouple the straw case 25 to the lid 5, the user may feed one of the ends 87, 89 of the strap member 30 through the slot member 70, and the user may couple the ends 87, 89 of the strap member 30 to the straw case 25. If the user instead wishes to couple the straw case 25 to another object, the user may loop the strap member 30 around or through the other object before coupling the ends 87, 89 of the strap member 30 to the straw case 25.

Turning to FIG. 3, the straw 20 is received into the straw case 25 in a bent configuration, such that only a portion of its body is visible. Portions of the straw 20 that are obstructed are illustrated in broken lines. The straw case 25 may include a frame or body 90 that is sized and shaped such that a flexible or collapsible straw (e.g., the straw 20) may be stored within its interior. The body 90 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular prism with rounded edges, although other shapes for the straw case 25 (e.g., a sphere, a cube, or an ovoid) are foreseeable. The body 90 may be composed of a hard, durable material (e.g., plastic) that is easy for the user to clean. In other embodiments, the body 90 may be composed of a durable, flexible material (e.g., nylon) that is easy to clean and may also allow for the user to collapse the straw case 25 into a smaller volume when the straw case 25 is not being used.

In addition, the body 90 may include a bottom portion 95 and a top portion 100 hingedly coupled to one another via a hinge 105. To help prevent the portions 95, 100 from unintentionally rotating relative to one another, a locking mechanism 107 may be provided to releasably couple the bottom portion 95 to the top portion 100. The locking mechanism 107 may be provided in the form of a slot-and-tab mechanism. A first tab 110 is configured to engage a first recess 115, and a second tab 120 is configured to engage a second recess 125. The tabs 110, 120 may be positioned and located on the bottom portion 95 of the body 90, while the recesses 115, 125 may be positioned and located on the top portion 100 of the body 90. In alternative embodiments, however, the tabs 110, 120 may be positioned on located on the top portion 100, and the recesses 115, 125 may be positioned and located on the bottom portion 95. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 107 may comprise other suitable means besides those illustrated herein. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 107 may be provided in the form of a zipper mechanism that may be opened and closed through known means. The zipper mechanism may be positioned along a perimeter of the bottom portion 95, the top portion 100, or the entirety of the body 90. In other alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 107 may be provided in the form of a magnetic locking mechanism or other foreseeable locking mechanisms. In yet other alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 107 may be a combination of mechanisms. In some such embodiments, the locking mechanism 107 may be a combination of a slot-and-tab mechanism, a zipper mechanism, and/or a magnetic locking mechanism.

Turning to FIG. 4, a user may press a button 130 positioned and located on the front side 80 of the straw case 25 to disengage the locking mechanism 107 (not illustrated). The button 130 may be coupled to a transmission member (not illustrated) that may cause the tabs 110, 120 to disengage from the recesses 115, 125, although other means by which the button 130 may disengage the locking mechanism 107 are foreseeable. Preferably, when the locking mechanism 107 is disengaged, the bottom portion 95 may be released from the top portion 100. Then, through the action of gravity or the user, the bottom portion 95 may rotate away from the top portion 100 and about the hinge 105. Once the bottom portion 95 rotates a predetermined amount, the user may access the interior of the straw case 25 to either remove or place the straw 20 (not illustrated) therein. To close the straw case 25, the user may rotate the bottom portion 95 towards the top portion 100. Once the bottom portion 95 abuts the top portion 100, the locking mechanism 107 may be re-engaged through means known in the art, thus securing the portions 95, 100 to one another.

As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the straw case 25 may include at least one pin 135 to facilitate the coupling of the straw case 25 and the strap member 30. For example, a first pin 135 may be positioned and located on the front side 80, and a second pin 135 may be positioned on the back side 85 (see FIG. 2) of the straw case 25. In alternative embodiments, the placement and quantity of the pins 135 may vary.

The pins 135 may each include a top segment 140 and a shaft 145 (illustrated in FIG. 5). Generally, the top segment 140 may help more securely couple the strap member 30 to the straw case 25, and the shaft 145 may extend into the body 90 of the straw case 25 such that the pins 135 may couple to the straw case 25. The top segment 140 may abut or be positioned proximate to the front side 80 of the straw case 25 and extend outwardly and away from the front side 80. The top segment 140 may be provided in the shape of a disc, although other shapes for the top segment 140 are foreseeable. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the shaft 145 extends outwardly and away from the top segment 140. The shaft 145 may be integrally formed with the top segment 140 or otherwise coupled thereto. The shaft 145 may be cylindrical, although other shapes are foreseeable. In some embodiments, the shaft 145 may be integrally formed with the straw case 25 (not illustrated). In alternative embodiments, however, the shaft 145 may be received within a bore or aperture in the straw case 25. In such embodiments, the shaft 145 may include threads or other structures adapted to engage with the straw case 25.

The strap member 30 may be formed from a thin, flexible material (e.g., silicone). The strap member 30 may be substantially symmetrical such that the first end 87 substantially mirrors the second end 89. In some embodiments, the ends 87, 89 of the strap member 30 may be provided in the form of circular portions 160, although other shapes for the ends 87, 89 are foreseeable. The circular portions 160 may be linked by a connecting portion 165 of the strap member 30. The connecting portion 165 may be provided in the form of two segments 170 and a rounded portion 175 positioned between the segments 170. The segments 170 may extend upwardly from the circular portions 160 in a linear fashion such that the segments 170 are parallel to one another. Additionally, the rounded portion 175 may link the segments 170 together. In alternative embodiments, the configuration of the connecting portion 165 may vary. In some such alternative embodiments, the length of the segments 170 may be adapted such that the straw case 25 is retained a preferred distance away from the lid 5 (not illustrated). In other alternative embodiments, the segments 170 may be curved, or the rounded portion may be formed in a rectangular shape. In yet other embodiments, the strap member 30 may be formed without circular portions 160.

At each of the first end 87 and the second end 89, the strap member 30 may include a slit 180. Each of the slits 180 may be positioned and located on the circular portions 160. The slits 180 may be about the same size as, or slightly larger than, the shafts 145 of the pins 135. Thus, when the strap member 30 is coupled to the straw case 25 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4), the shafts 145 may extend through the slits 180. Furthermore, the slits 180 may be the same size as, or slightly smaller than, the top segments 140 of the pins 135. Thus, the top segments 140 of the pins 135 may help to retain the slits 180 on the shafts 145.

The slits 180 may be adapted such that the top segments 140 of the pins 135 may be selectively placed or pulled through the slits 180 by the user, thereby allowing the user to selectively couple and decouple the strap member 30 from the straw case 25. As illustrated, the slits 180 may include a circular opening 185 (only one circular opening 185 is illustrated) that is substantially the same size as, or slightly smaller than, the top segments 140 of the pins 135. In addition, each slit 180 may include a channel 190 that extends away from the circular opening 185. The channels 190 may be apertures in the strap member 30 that intersect with the slits 180. The channels 190 may be rectangular with rounded corners, although other shapes are foreseeable.

The channels 190 may provide the user with additional maneuverability when the user wishes to place the top segment 140 of the pin 135 through the strap member 30. For example, the channels 190 may elastically deform when a force is applied to the strap member 30. As a result, the channels 190 may allow the user to bend the slits 180 around the top segments 140 when the user wishes to couple or decouple the strap member 30. In alternative embodiments, the strap member 30 may include more or fewer channels 190. In embodiments where the strap member 30 does not include channels 190, the slits 180 may be provided as substantially circular openings.

Optionally, the pins 135 may be releasably coupled to the body 90 of the straw case 25 using foreseeable mechanisms. For example, the pins 135 may be coupled to the body 90 using a friction fit or via a threaded connection. In such embodiments, to decouple the straw case 25 from the tumbler 1, the user may decouple one or more of the pins 135 from the body 90 of the straw case 25. Advantageously, when at least one of the pins 135 is decoupled from the body 90, the first end 87 and/or the second end 89 of the strap member 30 may also be decoupled from the body 90. The user may then feed the strap member 30 through the slot member 70 of the lid 5 until the first end 87 or the second end 89 passes through the slot member 70. Once this occurs, the strap member 30 and the straw case 25 are no longer coupled to the lid 5. If the user wishes to recouple the straw case 25 to the lid 5, the user may reinsert the first end 87 or the second end 89 through the slot member 70. Then, the user may place the first end 87 and/or the second end 89 over their respective position(s) on the straw case 25 and reinsert the pin(s) 135 into the straw case 25. If the user instead wishes to couple the straw case 25 to another object, the user may loop the strap member 30 around the other object before placing the first end 87 and/or second end 89 onto the straw case 25 and reinserting the pin(s) 135.

As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications, applications, variations, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present constructions will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses in applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present inventions are deemed to be covered by the inventions which are limited only by the claims which follow:

Claims

1. A straw case comprising: a body including: a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side positioned and located on opposite portions of the body;a first pin coupled to the first side of the body; anda second pin coupled to the second side of the body;a strap member including: a first end and a second end;a first segment extending upwardly and away from the first end;a second segment extending upwardly and away from the second end; anda substantially rounded portion linking the first segment and the second segment; andwherein the first end and the second end of the strap member can be releasably coupled to the first pin and the second pin of the body.

2. The straw case of claim 1, wherein the first pin and the second pin are integrally formed with the body of the straw case.

3. The straw case of claim 1, wherein the first pin and the second pin are removably coupled to the body of the straw case.

4. The straw case of claim 1, wherein the strap member further includes: a first slit positioned and located on the first end;a second slit positioned and located on the second end;wherein the first pin and the second pin each include a top segment; andwherein the top segments of the first pin and the second pin are about the same size as, or slightly larger than, the first slit and the second slit.

5. The straw case of claim 1, wherein the strap member includes a first slit and a second slit, and wherein the first slit and the second slit each include a circular opening that is about the same size as, or slightly larger than, a shaft on the first pin or the second pin.

6. The straw case of claim 1, wherein the strap member includes a first slit and a second slit, and wherein the first slit and the second slit each include: a circular opening that is about the same size as, or slightly larger than, a shaft on the first pin or the second pin; andat least one channel which intersects with the circular opening.

7. The straw case of claim 1, wherein the strap member includes a first slit and a second slit, wherein the first slit and the second slit each include a circular opening, wherein the circular opening is about the same size as, or slightly larger than a shaft on the first pin or the second pin, and wherein the circular opening is about the same size as, or slightly smaller than a top segment on the first pin or the second pin.

8. A straw case system comprising: a lid having a body defined by an outer circumference, wherein a protrusion of the lid extends outwardly and away from the outer circumference, and wherein a slot is positioned and located in the protrusion;a case comprising: a top portion and a bottom portion hingedly coupled one another;a strap member releasably coupled to a front side and a back side of the top portion; andwherein the strap member is adapted to be received in the slot of the lid.

9. The straw case system of claim 8, wherein when the bottom portion is rotated at least a predetermined distance away from the top portion, a straw can be removed or placed within the straw case.

10. The straw case system of claim 8, wherein the lid further includes a drinking aperture positioned and located adjacent to the outer circumference, and wherein the drinking aperture is positioned and located substantially opposite of the slot on the outer circumference.

11. The straw case system of claim 8, wherein the case includes a locking mechanism adapted to releasably couple the top portion and the bottom portion.

12. The straw case system of claim 8, wherein the case includes a locking mechanism adapted to releasably couple the top portion and the bottom portion of the case, and wherein the locking mechanism is a slot-and-tab mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a magnetic locking mechanism, or a combination thereof.

13. The straw case system of claim 8, wherein the bottom portion includes at least one tab adapted to selectively engage with at least one recess positioned and located on the top portion.

14. A drinking vessel comprising: a vessel body;a lid coupled to the vessel body, the lid including a first edge portion and a second edge portion, and wherein a drinking aperture is positioned and located proximate or adjacent to the first edge portion;a slot extending through the lid, the slot positioned and located proximate or adjacent to the second edge portion of the lid;a strap member adapted to be received by the slot; anda straw case releasably coupled to the strap member.

15. The drinking vessel of claim 14, wherein the slot is positioned and located on a protrusion of the lid, and wherein the protrusion extends outwardly from an outer edge of the lid.

16. The drinking vessel of claim 14, wherein the straw case includes a frame having a front side and a back side, and wherein the strap member includes: a first end releasably coupled to the front side of the frame;a second end releasably coupled to the back side of the frame; anda connecting portion which extends from the first end and to the second end, and wherein the connecting portion couples the first end and the second end to one another.

17. The drinking vessel of claim 16, wherein the connecting portion of the strap member further includes: a first segment extending upwardly from the first end of the strap member;a second segment extending upwardly from the second end of the strap member; anda rounded portion that couples the first segment and the second segment together.

18. The drinking vessel of claim 14, wherein the straw case is adapted to receive a flexible or collapsible straw within an interior of the straw case.

19. The drinking vessel of claim 14, wherein the strap member is composed of a flexible material.

20. The drinking vessel of claim 14, wherein the lid further includes a sliding member configured to selectively cover the drinking aperture.