Novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system
The invention relates to a novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system that can easily be used to pump liquids into the mouth of the user without the use of mouth suction, used to convey information and messages, and deliver prizes and other marketing materials. The invention may include noisemakers, a selection of several different pump devices, various shapes of the pump devices, a stand-alone toy, and several means to convey information and messages on a display area. The exterior features, overall look and size are similar to that of a drinking straw with a pump attached between the two ends of the drinking straw. The invention, besides being used for drinking applications, may also be used for many other activities, some of which include marketing, amusement, and relaxation.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/400,318 filed on Mar. 27, 2003 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/368,139, filed on Mar. 29, 2002.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe invention relates to drinking straws; more particularly, novelty straws with combined display areas and prize delivery systems that can easily be used to pump liquids into the mouth of the user without the use of mouth suction.
BACKGROUNDThe invention relates to an improved drinking straw device that uses a pumping action to deliver liquid to the mouth of the user. Additionally, this improved pump drinking straw incorporates a display area with surfaces for messages, including prize delivery, which are integral to the pumping action device.
The basic drinking straw is a linear and hollow tube designed to transport liquid from a vessel to the mouth of the user by virtue of a vacuum created by the user sucking at the receiving end. Drinking straws that are designed in novel and amusing shapes and colors have long been known. An example of one such novel shape is a hard plastic straw with a series of loops so that the liquid may be observed progressing through the loops as the user drinks the liquid. More complex entertainment devices used in drinking straws include gearing or turbines in contact with the liquid or affiliated with the movement of liquid to turn the gearing or turbine blades. The turbine power, generated by the liquid or air, may serve to display the turning gears, blades and/or move a fanciful object for amusement and entertainment. However, these designs are generally limited to serve as amusement only.
Additionally, mechanical means to transfer liquid from a vessel, including methods to effectuate the transfer, are well known in the art. Prior attempts include uses in sporting hydration devices, such as a squeezable sports bottle with a resealable cap and tubing so that a bicyclist can aim the liquid in his mouth without the use of hands. Other sports uses incorporate a liquid reservoir, including a canteen, worn by the user with a tube connected to the reservoir, again designed to allow the user to aim the liquid into her mouth for convenience. One such sporting water reservoir device with tubing includes a squeeze bulb to assist in the movement of liquid from the reservoir, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,729 to Drzymkowski. Yet another prior attempt includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,385 granted to Klegerman et al., which teaches of a multi-walled, replaceable filter, portable water filtering device for use at public drinking fountains or other public water supplies. Rarely is this equipment intended for disposal after a single use nor would it be cost effective to place this equipment next to paper napkins and typical drinking straws for the public in a retail or food service setting.
In terms of prize delivery, few prior attempts at distributing both advertising and prizes on liquid transfer devices are found. However, one such attempt, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,279 and granted to Howes, consists of a prize (cash or coupon) or notice of such a prize wound in a generally spiral form about or in a drinking straw, either inserted into the drinking straw itself (to be removed before the straw is used to drink liquid) or printed on the drinking straw and covered by a sliding cylindrical housing. However, because drinking straws are used in extremely wet environments, unwinding and removing a rolled piece of paper may be troublesome if the paper becomes wet and prone to tear or, if the sheet is made of a plastic or waxy material, adhesion and capillary action could prevent removal of the prize or notice. Additionally, insertion of a removable device into a drinking straw or a slideable housing may prove a choking hazard, even with safeguards. This is especially dangerous for young children.
A liquid storage and delivery system is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,310 granted to Schneider. While Schneider's device does disclose a system for delivering liquid by a hand pump, it is adapted for use by persons wearing protective gear such as gas masks. Thus, it does not disclose a means for pumping liquids out of an everyday drinking straw. Also, the Schneider system is complicated and unsuitable for use in inexpensive, disposable applications. The Schneider system is, thus, unsuitable for a novelty drinking straw application.
A beverage straw that includes an area for displaying messages is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,518 granted to Martina et al. While this device discloses a flat surface for conveying messages, the device contains many elements that make it unattractive for inexpensive mass production. First, the device relies upon a plurality of channels or conduits in order to pass the liquid. Thus, it is more expensive to manufacture than conventional drinking straws, which have only one channel, and is not easily adaptable to conventional drinking cup covers that are adapted for conventional drinking straws. Also, while the device allows an area for displaying markings, the area is not conducive to attaching a novelty pump mechanism or other three dimensional novelty object.
A therapeutic drinking straw machine is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,268 granted to Katzenberger. Katzenberger's device allows swallowing-impaired persons to consume beverages by attaching a pump mechanism to a channel for passing liquids. The device is relatively elaborate and, thus, expensive to produce and unsuitable to mass produce items for distribution by retailers for little or no charge. Also, the device includes many limitations and requires many parts, such as cylindrical wells and long levers, make it suitable for therapeutic purposes but not for less intensive novelty and disposable use. Further, the shape and complexity of the parts in Katzenberger's device make it unsuitable for displaying information or prize delivery systems at the pump lever. Thus, the device is unsuited for inexpensive mass production and novelty purposes which are often desired by retailers.
There is a long-felt need for a drinking straw that may provide entertainment, relaxation, and even amusement with a pumping action. Additionally, there is a need for an improved drinking straw that can effectively, reliably, and safely deliver prizes and/or display messages with a combined display area and prize delivery system. A reasonably priced novelty drinking straw that could provide entertainment as well as deliver prizes, or notice of prizes, is needed for marketing promotions. This is especially evident in fast food chains that are interested in using advertising, game pieces or prizes to increase or shift the market share in their favor or even create new market opportunities, customer excitement, and profits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the invention to provide entertainment, relaxation and even amusement to the user of the pump drinking straw.
Another object of the invention is to provide an effective, reliable and safe drinking straw prize and/or message delivery.
A further object of the invention is to provide a method to transfer liquid from a drinking vessel to the mouth of the user of the pump drinking straw without the need for mouth suction.
Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and convenient method to filter liquids contained in drinking vessels or other vessels.
Yet another object of the invention is to create a desire in the consumer to purchase either the pump drinking straw or a beverage because the consumer desires a pump drinking straw.
A further object of the invention is to provide a safe way to control flow of beverages by providing a consumption means nearly independent from unexpected and sudden movements, including sudden lunging movements as experienced in vehicle travel, to help to eliminate spills, especially painful and potentially hazardous spills.
Another object of the invention is the manufacturing ability to be readily changed or adaptable to marketing needs.
A further object of the invention is to effectively conceal messages of the pump drinking straw until the desired time or occurrence transpires.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is a novelty pump straw with a combined display area and message delivery system 1 comprising an improved drinking straw 2 with a display area 3 and pump 4 whereby the user manually hand-pumps liquid from a cup 5 to the mouth of the user. Enjoying one's favorite beverage with this novel device can be relaxing, exhilarating and fun.
As shown in
Referring now to
The display area 3 is designed to convey messages. The messages may include such things as political slogans, game pieces, coupons, logos, cartoon characters, advertisements, prizes, fortunes, or any other type or category of message or information that may be placed in the display area. Notably, with the increased competition between fast food establishments, the use of games and prizes has increased in order to entertain and reward customers as well as increase business. The pump device of the pump drinking straw may contain a prize message delivery system 8 as a method to distribute prizes, or at least the chance of winning a prize. Preferably, the prize message delivery system would use an opaque device designed to conceal a prize. Some of the various methods to distribute the prize messages on or in the display area include a peel-away flap revealing the message underneath, a scratch-off surface again revealing the message underneath or a heat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize message upon subjection to a predetermined temperature range.
Referring generally now to
The previously described versions of the present invention have many advantages, including unique pumping actions as well as message and prize delivery. Thus, the problems that may be associated with previous attempts at drinking straws message delivery are solved.
Another advantage of the invention is the pump action of a drinking straw that eliminates the user from having to suck liquids through a straw. This may be especially helpful when the user is drinking a thick or viscous beverage, which can be difficult and tiring to drink through a straw.
Yet another advantage of the invention includes the entertaining and relaxing effect of using the pumping device to drink a beverage.
A further advantage of the invention is a novel, safe and cost effective method of advertising and/or delivering messages. The messages may be displayed outright upon immediate use of the pump drinking straw or the messages may be less obvious, including semi-permanently hidden from plain view and designed to be uncovered at a later time.
Another advantage is that the invention is likely safer and more reliable at delivering an intact prize than other drinking straw delivery systems due to the fact that small, removable parts are not required.
Yet another advantage of this invention is the potential cost savings of this use of a prize delivery system. Many businesses, especially fast food establishments, have widely used the peel tabs or surfaces removable with scratching to reveal the prize message underneath. These existing methods may be used with the present invention.
Still, a further advantage of this invention includes the ability to prominently display logos, word marks, cartoon characters, or other designs with a pump drinking straw. The novelty of the design in the design area incorporated into the pump drinking straw may make the invention a desirable keepsake, such as a memento from a theme park, specialty drink or destination vacation spot. The stand-alone toy embodiment increases the desirability of the invention.
It is important to note, however, that the invention does not require that all these advantages need be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent according to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications may be made to the invention herein without deviating from the concepts and spirit of the invention set forth herein. Additionally, combinations of embodiments are possible such as the whistle while you drink and the stand-alone toy embodiment for a noise-making toy or a pump in the handle and filter embodiments to filter out coffee grounds from hot coffee. Further combinations may include a plurality of pump devices in the same general location or in different locations on the pump drinking straw. For example, the pump drinking straw may include an air pump device and liquid pump device in a modified squeeze bulb embodiment so that the liquid pump device is housed within or adjacent to an air pump device in which both pumps are activated with the same squeezing action by the user.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments or versions will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, variations of additional pumps are possible, such as a battery-operated pump or greatly increasing the dimensions of the pump drinking straw for recreational consumption of increased quantities of beverages. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims and the concepts taught therein should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.
Claims
1. A process for pumping liquids with a drinking straw, said process comprising:
- inserting a drinking straw with a pump device attached thereto into a liquid; activating said pump device so as to move said liquid unidirectionally within said drinking straw; pumping said liquid through said drinking straw such that said liquid progresses through said drinking straw; reactivating said pump device as needed to continue said progression of said liquid through said drinking straw.
2. The process according to claim 1 wherein said pump device further comprises a display area.
3. The process according to claim 2 wherein said display area is designed to convey information.
4. The process according to claim 3 wherein said information is applied to said display area.
5. The process according to claim 2 wherein said display area is shaped to convey information.
6. The process according to claim 1 wherein said pump device further comprises a prize message delivery system.
7. The process according to claim 6 wherein said prize message delivery system further comprises an opaque device designed to conceal a prize.
8. The process according to claim 7 wherein said opaque device is selected from the group consisting of a peel-away flap, a scratch-off surface, and a heat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize message upon subjection to a predetermined temperature range.
9. The process according to claim 1 wherein said pump device is selected from the group consisting of a squeeze bulb pump, an accordion squeeze pump, a roller compression pump, a filter pump, a noise making pump, and a squirt gun mechanism pump.
10. The process according to claim 9 further comprising at least semi-rigid spring-loaded plates connected to said pump is designed to aid in pumping action.
11. A pump drinking straw liquid delivery device, comprising:
- a. an elongate drinking straw, said drinking straw with a first end and a second end;
- b. a pump device, said pump device located on said drinking straw between said first end and said second end, said pump device designed to move a liquid unidirectionally within said drinking straw such that said liquid progresses generally unidirectionally through said drinking straw;
- c. a display area located on said pump device.
12. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 11 wherein said display area is designed to convey messages.
13. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 12 wherein said display area further comprises a prize message delivery system.
14. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 13 wherein said prize message delivery system further comprises an opaque device designed to conceal a prize.
15. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 14 wherein said opaque device is selected from the group consisting of a peel-away flap, a scratch-off surface, and a heat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize message upon subjection to a predetermined temperature range.
16. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 11 wherein said pump device is selected from the group consisting of a squeeze bulb pump, an accordion squeeze pump, a roller compression pump, a filter pump, a whistling pump, and a squirt gun mechanism pump.
17. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 16 wherein said pump comprises a hand pump inseparable from said drinking straw such that liquid is transferred from a cup to the user's mouth solely by activating said hand pump.
18. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 17 further comprising semi-rigid or harder spring-loaded plates connected to said pump is designed to aid in pumping action.
19. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 17 further comprising at least one unidirectional valve positioned at or between the first and second ends of said drinking straw.
20. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 11 wherein said drinking straw comprises a first portion and a second portion, said first portion semi-permanently connected to said pump, said drinking straw designed so that disconnecting said first portion from said pump permits said second portion and said pump to function as a stand-alone toy.
21. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device, comprising:
- a. an elongate drinking straw, said drinking straw with a first end and a second end;
- b. a pump device, said pump device located on said drinking straw between said first end and said second end and said pump device designed to assist a beverage to progress through said drinking straw and said pump such that said beverage is transferred from a cup to a user's mouth solely by activating said pump;
- c. a display area located on said pump device, said display area designed to convey information.
22. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 21 wherein said pump device is shaped to convey information.
23. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 21 wherein said display area further comprises a category of information selected from the group consisting of political slogans, game pieces, coupons, messages, logos, characters, advertisements, prizes, and fortunes.
24. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 23 wherein said prize comprises a prize message delivery system.
25. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 24 wherein said prize message delivery system is selected from the group consisting of a peel-away flap, a scratch-off surface, and a heat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize message upon subjection to a predetermined temperature range.
26. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 21 wherein said pump device is selected from the group consisting of a squeeze bulb pump, an accordion squeeze pump, a roller compression pump, a filter pump, a noise making pump, and a squirt gun mechanism pump.
27. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 26 wherein said pump comprises a hand pump built into said drinking straw.
28. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 27 further comprising semi-rigid or harder spring-loaded plates connected to said pump designed to aid in pumping action.
29. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 26 wherein said pump drinking straw beverage delivery device is designed to be located within a handle of a drinking vessel.
30. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according to claim 26 further comprising at least one unidirectional valve positioned at or between the first and second ends of said drinking straw.
31. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 21 further comprising a plurality of pump devices.
32. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 31 wherein said plurality of pumps comprises at least one air pump and at least one liquid pump.
33. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 21 wherein said drinking straw comprises a first portion and a second portion, said first portion semi-permanently connected to said pump, said drinking straw designed so that disconnecting said first portion from said pump reveals said second portion and said pump functioning as a molded pump stand-alone toy.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 7, 2006
Publication Date: Jul 6, 2006
Inventors: Donald Farnsworth (Oakland, CA), John Nava (Ojai, CA)
Application Number: 11/370,539
International Classification: A47G 21/18 (20060101);