BACKGROUND
People love straws, especially children. However, carrying a straw with a person, can be cumbersome and the straw may break. A floppy straw or other type of rollable straw may not be useful for drinking with. This is because it will not retain a straight shape. A portable straw that will retain a straight shape when in use is desirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY
In one embodiment, a wearable straw includes a spring spine and an overmolded body portion, the overmolded body portion including a tube portion, the tube portion running a length of the spring spine, the overmolded body portion molded over the spring spine. In one alternative, the spring spine has a first configuration where the spring spine is uncoiled and a second configuration where the spring spine is coiled. In another alternative, the spring spine is a metal plate, having an approximately rectangular shape when in the first configuration, the approximately rectangular shape having a concave bend along a short side of the rectangular shape. In another alternative, the spring spine automatically coils into the second configuration when the spring spine is folded perpendicular to a long side of the approximately rectangular shape. Optionally, the tube portion extends beyond the spring spine, such that a user may reasonably suck on an end of the tube portion extending beyond the spring spine. Alternatively, the tube portion extends along the entire length of the long side of the approximately rectangular shape. Optionally, the tube portion is located in the concave bend. Alternatively, the short side of the approximately rectangular shape is curved. In another alternative, the tube portion has a circular cross section. Optionally, the wearable straw includes a cap, the cap sized to fit over an end of the tube portion. In one alternative, the tube portion includes a cutout section into which a short straw is insertable. In another alternative, the tube portion has a variable cross-section. Optionally, the tube portion has a circular cross-section at ends of the tube portion and a flattened rectangular cross section along the spring spine. In one configuration, wearable straw is between 4-12 inches in length and between a quarter inch to an inch and a half in width. Optionally, the overmolded body portion is made of silicone. Alternatively, the overmolded body portion is made of antibacterial silicone. In one alternative, the overmolded body portion is made of thermoplastic elastomer. Optionally, the end of the tube portion extending beyond the spring spine is of sufficient strength to maintain its shape.
In one embodiment, a method of using a wearable straw includes providing a wearable straw, including wearable straw. The wearable straw includes a spring spine and an overmolded body portion, the overmolded body portion including a tube portion, the tube portion running a length of the spring spine, the overmolded body portion molded over the spring spine. The method further includes wrapping the wearable straw around a wrist of a user. The method further includes removing the wearable straw. The method further includes straightening the wearable straw. The method further includes placing the wearable straw in a drink. The method further includes drinking the drink through the tube portion.
In one embodiment, a method of making a wearable straw includes placing a spring spine in an extruder. The method further includes overmolding a body portion over the spring spine. The method further includes overmolding a tube portion along a length of the spring spine.
In another embodiment, a wearable straw includes a spring spine and an overmolded body portion, the overmolded body portion including a first pocket at a first end of the body and a second pocket at a second end of the body. The wearable straw further includes a straw having a first and second end, the first end located in the first pocket and the second end located in the second pocket, the straw being removable from the first and second pocket. In one alternative, the spring spine has a first configuration where the spring spine is uncoiled and a second configuration where the spring spine is coiled. In another alternative, the overmolded body portion further includes a strap, the strap located between the two pockets, the straw running through the strap in a removable fashion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A-1D shows one embodiment of a slap-straw;
FIG. 1E shows another embodiment of a slap-straw;
FIG. 1F shows another view of the slap-straw of FIG. 1E;
FIG. 1G shows a cutaway cross section of the slap straw of FIG. 1E;
FIG. 2 shows the metal spring portion that is overmolded onto to create the slap-straw of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a slap-straw;
FIG. 4 shows the slap-straw of FIG. 1A in circular form;
FIG. 5 shows an interior frame work for a slap-straw;
FIG. 6, shows an alternative embodiment of a slap-straw;
FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a slap-straw;
FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a slap-straw;
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a slap-straw;
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a slap-straw;
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a slap-straw in a side view; and
FIG. 12 shows the slap-straw of FIG. 11 in a front view;
FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a slap-straw.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments of the systems and methods for slap-straw. In many embodiments, a slap-straw includes a spring spine with an overmolded straw portion and covering. In many embodiments the spring spine is metal spring with a slightly concave curve in one direction that allows the spring spine of plate to hold straight and collapse into a circle when released.
FIGS. 1A-1D show one embodiment of a slap-straw 1. Slap-straw 1 includes a straw portion 2 and a covered spring portion 3. In the embodiment shown, the straw portion is overmolded onto the covered spring portion 3. Additionally, the covered spring portion 3 is coated via overmolding. In many embodiments this is done using food safe silicone, such that the entire spring the forms support for the straw portion is coated with silicone. In many embodiments, the spring is a steel spring that is typically used in slap bracelets. In the figures, since the steel spine/spring is overmolded. This spring may be referred to as a bi-stable spring as it has two stable positions, a straightened position where the crosswise short spring is bowed such that it resists the force of lengthwise spring, and a curled position, where the crosswise short spring is released. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the slap-straw, with the dotted lines representing invisible contours. As shown, the straw portion 2 extends beyond the covered spring portion 3. This is for ease of sipping by the user; providing a more narrowed straw portion to suck on. The straw portion 2 may also extend past the other end of the covered spring portion 3, or may be flush as shown. The straw portion 2 itself may be made exceedingly thin, since it is supported by the covered spring portion. This is in contrast to other silicone or other reusable straws. FIG. 1B shows a lengthwise view of the slap-straw 1. FIG. 1C shows a bottom view, with the dotted line 4 showing the non-visible location of straw portion 2. As shown the straw portion 2 is flush with end 5, but in alternatives it may extend beyond. FIG. 1D shows a side view, showing the point 6 where the straw portion 2 extends beyond the covered spring portion 3. In some alternatives, the slap-straw 1 may come with a sheath that the straw may be inserted into. In some alternatives, the sheath may be biased to curve in one direction to assist with the slapping and curling of the slap-straw 1. The sheath may be cloth, plastic, silicone, or a variety of other materials.
FIGS. 1E-1G show one embodiment of a slap-straw 100. Many of the figures may not be to scale. Slap-straw 100 includes a body portion 105 and an overmolded straw portion 110. Overmolded straw portion 110 includes a tubular hole 115 such that it may be used as a straw. Note that the overmolded straw portion 110 extends beyond the length of the body portion 105 such that a user may reasonably suck on the straw in a reasonably manner. The body portion 105 is composed of a flexible material. In many scenarios this material is silicone. In other embodiments, this material may be thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or other similar materials. In many embodiments, the material is anti-bacterial silicone. Any material that may be used to coat or cover the spring material located beneath the surface of the body portion 105. Although in the embodiment shown, the overmolded straw portion is located in the center of the body portion, it may also be located along the edge of the body portion. Furthermore, the sizes shown in slap-straw 100 are purely exemplary. In many embodiments, the width of the body portion 105 is designed such that it may fit in the aperture of a standard bottle or soda can. Typical widths are between a quarter-inch to a half an inch in width, but any reasonably functioning width may be used. Furthermore, numerous shapes may be substituted for the tubular hole 115 including square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or a variety of different shapes. A low profile oval or rectangular shaped hole for the overmolded straw portion 110 may be especially desirable. Additionally, the profile of the overmolded straw portion 110 may be different at various points along the slap-straw 100. Typically the length of the strap-straw 100 is around six to eight inches, such that the slap-straw 100 wraps around a user's wrist, slightly more than one time. In alternatives, when a longer straw is desired, the device may be made twice as long or of virtually any length. It may be desirable in many embodiments to provide a straw with an increased length. Note, that it is not necessary to utilize the strap as a bracelet, but its coiling nature may be useful for storage or transport.
FIG. 2 shows the interior spring spine 200 over which the body portion 105 and an overmolded straw portion 110 are overmolded. Typically, the spring spine 200 is a metal material of aluminum or other metal alloy that has the required spring feature. This feature includes that the device has a concave nature on one side of the device, such that the spring spine 200 will retain a straight configuration when the concave portion is engaged and a rolled up configuration, when the concave portion is released. The concave nature of the spine in a straight configuration holds the spine in an uncoiled or straight configuration. When the concave nature is collapsed, the spring coils, allowing it to be worn as a bracelet or wrapped around another object.
FIG. 1F shows a top view of the slap-straw 100. FIG. 1G shows a cutaway cross-section of the slap-spring 100. Visible in this view is the interior spring spine 200 within the overmolded body 105. Additionally, as shown, in many configurations, a fillet 150 is included in order to smooth the area near overmolded straw portion 110, such that the slap-straw 100 is easier to keep clean.
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a slap-straw 300. To be clear, numerous proportions of straws and springs may be used. This embodiment shows a more narrow body portion 305 as compared to overmolded straw portion 310. As shown this slap-straw 300 includes an opening 315. This narrow body portion is thought to be advantageous as it can fit more easily in drink containers such as cans or bottles. In some embodiments, the arc of the spring in the body portion is increased to allow for the device to more easily maintain its straight configuration despite a reduced width of the internal spring.
FIG. 4 shows a conceptual image of slap-straw 100 in a coiled or rolled up configuration.
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a support frame for overmolding. In some configurations, a slap-straw may need additional support to maintain its form. In these configurations, a flexible wireframe skeleton 520 may be created and set on the spring spine 510 before molding. Flexible wireframe skeleton 520 may include one or more lengthwise ribs 530 (two are shown) and lateral ribs 540 are shown as well. Various wireframe configurations may be used.
FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a slap-straw 600. In this embodiment the overmolded straw portion 610 of slap-straw 600 has a rectangular profile and sits on body portion 605. As shown, opening 615 is rectangular.
FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of a slap-straw 700. In this embodiment, the overmolded straw portion 710 has been molded to include a circular opening 715 and a varied body portion including curves 731 and split paths 730, 732, set on body portion 705.
FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of a slap-straw 800. In this embodiment, slap-straw 800 includes a body portion 805. Overmolded straw portion 810 includes a circular opening 815. As the overmolded straw portion 810 travels down the body portion 805, it widens along the width of the body portion 805 at section 825, however, becomes less thick in section 830. This has the advantage of providing a slap-straw with a slimmer profile for wearing on one's write or providing for easier coiling. Additionally, the wider opening area may be offset to be in line with the body portion of slap-straw 800, therefore having a less wide profile.
FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of a slap-straw 900. Slap-straw 900 includes a body portion 905 and an overmolded straw portion 910 including an aperture 915. In this embodiment, caps 950 are also included. Caps 950 are molded such that they fit snuggly over the ends of overmolded straw portion 910, sealing aperture 915 and the other end of the device, aperture 916. Caps 950 may be attached via a molded strip, 955. In alternatives, strip 955 may be a string or other connector and may pass through a hole in body portion 905. In alternatives, caps 950, need not be attached. Caps 950 and molded strip 955 may be co-extruded or molded with slap-straw 900 or may be molded separately and attached.
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a slap-straw 1000. In this embodiment, Slap-straw 1000 includes a body portion 1005 and an overmolded straw portion 1010 including an aperture 1015. Additionally, overmolded straw portion 1010 includes a cutout 1050. Cutout 1050 is designed to accommodate a short tube or straw 1070. Short tube or straw 1070 may be inserted into aperture 1055 and 1060. Short tube or straw 1070 may be a chemically treated straw, designed to turn color in the presence of certain chemicals, such as GHB and Ketamine. The position of the cutout 1050, in various alternatives, may be closer to the end of the overmolded straw portion 1010. In this way, slap-straw 1000 may be an ideal accessory for going out, since it can be worn on the wrist and used to sip drinks, with added advantage of having a removable and replaceable straw portion that detects drugs via a color change, used to incapacitate individuals. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, the end portions of the slap-straw 1000 may be designed to receive a replaceable straw end on both sides. Additionally, a portion of slap-straw 1000 may be made of glow in the dark or other light-up material. This is true for all embodiments. Additionally, color change material may be incorporated into the device, such as those materials that change color in response to temperature. Additionally, a variety of colors and clarities of materials may be used, including those that are translucent.
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a slap-straw 1100. In this embodiment the straw portion 1110, including an aperture 1115, is removable from the slap-straw 1100. As shown the slap-straw 1100 includes a body portion 1105 molded over a spring spine, which is not shown. Molded as part of body portion 1105 are pockets 1120 and strap 1130. Pockets 1120 include an aperture 1125, into which an end of a straw 1110 may be placed. Strap 1130 includes an aperture 1135 through which straw 1110 may be passed. Therefore, in operation straw 1110 may be placed in and carried in the body portion 1105 and removed when desired for usage. Body portion 1105 may be bent away at one end and straw 1110 may be run through aperture 1135 and then into aperture 1125 at either end of the device. Then the straw 1110 may be flexed, as well as the material of body portion 1105 in order to place the straw into the pocket 1120 at the other end of the device. Providing a straw and material for the body portion that has sufficient flexibility and hold may be important to operation. In various embodiments, only pocket may be used or only straps, or more straps may be added. It is thought that maintaining a pocket at either end of the device is advantageous for cleanliness of the straw 1110. FIG. 12 shows the straw 1110 in place in the slap-straw 1110.
In an alternative embodiment, a tube may be molded along the entire length of the straw and the straw may be slid in and out of the tube. Such an embodiment would look similar to that of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, but the tube would be sized to receive the straw. In another configuration, the pockets for FIG. 11 are extended the majority of the length of the straw, except for a break portion, where one of the pockets may be bent away and the straw removed. FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a slap-straw 1300. In this embodiment the straw portion 1310, is removable from the slap-straw 1300. As shown the slap-straw 1300 includes a body portion 1305 molded over a spring spine, which is not shown. Molded as part of body portion 1305 are pockets 1320, 1321. Pockets 1320, 1321include an aperture into which an end of a straw 1110 may be placed. Therefore, in operation straw 1310 may be placed in and carried in the body portion 1305 and removed when desired for usage. Body portion 1305 may be bent away at one end and straw 1130 may be slid into pocket 1321. Then the straw 1310 may be flexed, as well as the material of body portion 1305 in order to place the straw into the pocket 1320 at the other end of the device.
Therefore, as disclosed, many different configurations and thickness of the slap-straw may be formed. Central features include a spring spine portion and a shell formed around the spring spine portion, the shell including a straw portion. In many embodiments, the shell and straw portion are formed by overmolding. In alternative embodiments, a straw portion may be molded separately and attached to the spine portion; however, this is thought to be less advantageous. Overmolding is not a required feature in alternative versions of all embodiments. The innovations described in the various embodiments may be mixed and matched in order to include some or all of the features described in relation to FIGS. 1-13.
While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed herein but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
Patent Application
20200008598
