Beverage Container with Retractable Straw

Abstract

The current invention includes a beverage container with an integrally molded handle. Housed within the handle sits a retractable, sliding straw track. The straw track adjusts along the length of a straw track housing located in the handle to substantially seal the jug and adjust an internal, flexible beverage straw. The straw may be connected, via placeholder loops, at intervals along the sidewall of a jug. The straw may extend to a base of the jug, allowing a consumer to create an internal vacuum through a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece end of the straw may be sealed and secured in a substantially fixed position within the jug when the straw track and the cover are in the closed position and is exposed through the neck of the jug when the straw track and the cover are in the opened position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/068,573 filed on Oct. 31, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to beverage containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to beverage containers that can include straws.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are a few types of containers with self-contained straws in the prior art. Some of these containers have fixed placeholders and a pleated section near the top to allow access to the straw. Others, however, have a buoyancy ring or ball to enable the straw to rise up and allow the consumer access to the contents of the beverage contained within the container. There has also been a lid that lifts and retracts the straw, however none of these previous designs provide a desirable, simple, and accessible drinking container.

Past solutions have been proposed to solve the need for a simple and accessible drinking container. Some of these proposed solutions require a fixed straw within the beverage container. However, once the consumer has opened the container, the consumer must use his or her fingers to access the straw contained within. This raises many health concerns due to the frequency of harmful bacteria that a person comes into contact with constantly, which often results in contamination of the straw contained within and can cause the consumer serious health complications.

Other proposed solutions contain some sort of buoyancy device, be it a ring or a ball. Once the consumer opens the beverage container, the straw makes its way to the top, allowing the consumer easy access to it. However, once the straw has risen, there is no way to return it to its original position to close said beverage bottle without touching the straw with the user's hands. Yet other proposed solutions have a straw that is exposed to the elements. Although the consumer may not be required to touch the straw to consume the beverage contained within said bottle, the straw is left out in the open and, thus, risks contamination through bacteria and particles of dirt and debris that are present in the air. These designs, as well as many others, leave the consumer with little control over the straw. As such, the solutions proposed by the prior art risk contaminating the straw.

What is needed is a beverage container with a retractable straw. What is needed is a beverage container that may be accessed without introducing a substantial amount of bacteria or other infecting substances to the container. What is needed is a reusable beverage container. What is needed is a method to use a beverage container with a retractable straw.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a beverage container is provided including a jug, which may have an integrally molded handle. A retractable straw track may be housed within said handle. The straw track may adjust along the length of the handle and may control a top slider/container sealer at the top of the neck region, and a beverage straw connected at intervals along the sidewall of the jug. The straw may extend to the base of the jug. The straw may be flexible. The straw may be sealed and secured in a substantially fixed position within the jug when the slide track is adjusted in the closed position. Additionally, the straw may be exposed through the neck when the slide track is adjusted in an open position.

The straw may be connected, via placeholder loops, at intervals along the sidewall of the jug. Furthermore, the straw may extend to the base of the jug, allowing the consumer to create an internal vacuum, through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece section of the straw may allow the consumer to easily consume the beverage contained within. The straw may be sealed and secured in a fixed position within the jug when the straw track and the cover are adjusted in the closed position. Additionally, the straw may be exposed through the neck region of the jug when the straw track and the cover are adjusted in an open position, accordingly.

The present invention improves upon previous designs by including a retractability feature. The use of placeholders and buoyancy devices is quite common, but the current invention's design is novel and improves on those designs. Whereas previous designs of self-contained straws within beverage containers limit the consumer's control over the straw, and/or leave the straw susceptible to contamination, the current invention does not. Further, previous designs are unable to be reused by the consumer if desired. Although the current invention may be discarded after first usage, the consumer may reuse it if he or she so desires.

The present invention advantageously provides a beverage container with a retractable straw. Additionally, the present invention advantageously provides a beverage container that may be accessed without introducing a substantial amount of bacteria or other infecting substances to the container. The present invention also advantageously provides a beverage container that can be reused. Furthermore, the present invention advantageously provides a method to use a beverage container with a retractable straw.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a beverage container is provided that includes a jug, straw, straw track, grip, and cover. The jug may include a neck and a handle. The straw may be at least partially located within the jug. The straw may pass through the handle to the neck. The straw track may be located adjacent to the handle. The grip may be movable to manipulate the straw between a closed position and an opened position. The grip may be attached to a straw prong to affect a position of the straw. The cover may be located adjacent to the neck. The cover may substantially expose the straw in the opened position and substantially cover the straw in the closed position. The straw may at least partially extend through the neck in the opened position and may be substantially enclosed by the neck in the closed position. The straw prong may connect to the straw at a connection point. The straw is securable to at least part of the jug via a loop, the straw being movable through the loop.

In another aspect, the neck may include a neck track to guide the cover. The grip may be operatively attached to a cover prong to manipulate a position of the cover to expose the straw in the opened position and substantially cover the straw in the closed position.

In another aspect, the straw may include a solid section that is substantially rigid and a pleat that is at least partially bendable.

In another aspect, a liquid is removable from the jug in the opened position and wherein the jug is substantially hermetic in the closed position.

In another aspect, the handle may include a straw track housing oriented substantially vertically on an outward facing surface of the handle, the straw track housing further including the straw track and the grip.

In another aspect, the straw track housing may include a locking mechanism to restrict movement of the grip about the straw track in a locked state. The locking mechanism may be manipulated from the locked state to an unlocked state by depressing the grip at least partially inward into the straw track mechanism.

In another aspect, the jug may include a base. The straw may include a mouthpiece end positioned near the neck and a content suction end positioned near the base.

In another aspect, the base may include a depressed chamber. The content suction end of the straw is locatable substantially within the depressed chamber.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a beverage container is provided including a jug, straw, cover, and straw track housing. The jug may further include a neck near the top of the jug, a base near the bottom of the jug, and a handle located between the neck and the base. The straw may be at least partially located within the jug. The straw may include a content suction end located near the base and a mouthpiece end located near the neck, and may at least partially pass through the handle. The straw track housing may be located on the handle and include a straw track, grip, and locking mechanism. The grip may be movable about the straw track to manipulate the straw between a closed position and an opened position. The grip may be attached to a straw prong to affect a position of the straw. The locking mechanism may be used to restrict movement of the grip about the straw track in a locked state and to substantially permit movement in an unlocked state. The cover may be located adjacent to the neck, the cover substantially exposing the straw in the opened position and substantially covering the straw in the closed position. The straw prong may connect to the straw at a connection point.

In another aspect, the neck may include a neck track to guide the cover. The grip may be operatively attached to a cover prong to manipulate a position of the cover to expose the straw in the opened position and substantially cover the straw in the closed position.

In another aspect, the straw may include a solid section that is substantially rigid and a pleat that is at least partially bendable.

In another aspect, a liquid is removable from the jug in the opened position and wherein the jug is substantially hermetic in the closed position.

In another aspect, the straw at least partially extends through the neck in the opened position and is substantially enclosed by the neck in the closed position.

In another aspect, the straw is securable to at least part of the jug via a loop, the straw being movable through the loop.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a beverage container including a jug with a handle and a straw passing through the handle is provided. The method includes (a) manipulating a grip within a straw track housing located on the handle to manipulate the straw between a closed position and an opened position, the grip being movable about a straw track of the straw track housing; (b) to access contents held by the jug, positioning the grip in the opened position to position a cover located at a neck of the jug to substantially expose the straw and at least partially extend the straw through the neck; and (c) to substantially enclose the contents, positioning the grip in the closed position to substantially withdraw the straw and positioning the cover to substantially cover the straw. The straw may pass through the handle to the neck. The grip is attached to a straw prong to affect a position of the straw, the straw prong connecting to the straw at a connection point. The straw is securable to at least part of the jug via a loop, the straw being movable through the loop.

In another aspect, the neck may include a neck track to guide the cover. The grip may operatively attached to a cover prong to manipulate a position of the cover to expose the straw in the opened position and substantially cover the straw in the closed position.

In another aspect, the straw may include a solid section that is substantially rigid and a pleat that is at least partially bendable.

In another aspect, the contents are removable from the jug in the opened position and wherein the jug is substantially hermetic in the closed position.

In another aspect, the straw track housing may include a locking mechanism to restrict movement of the grip about the straw track in a locked state. Step (a) of the method may further include depressing the grip at least partially inward into the straw track housing to manipulate the locking mechanism from the locked state to an unlocked state.

In another aspect, the jug may include a base further including a depressed chamber. The straw may include a mouthpiece end positioned near the neck and a content suction end positioned substantially within the depressed chamber.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container including a straw, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container in the opened position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the cover in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the cover in the opened position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevation view of the neck configured to receive the slider, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a straw, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a loop, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a straw track housing in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a straw track housing in the opened position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed drawings and description set forth herein. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the drawings; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, in light of the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, numerous modifications and variations of the invention may exist that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

The present invention should not be limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” may be a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means.

All conjunctions used herein are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning unless expressly so defined herein.

Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation,” “including but not limited to,” or the like; the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and use of terms like “preferably,” “preferred,” “desired,” “desirable,” or “exemplary” and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations; however, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

All numbers expressing dimensions, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, the beverage container of the present invention will now be discussed. The beverage container may include a jug 10 and a straw 20. The straw 20 may be included within the jug 10. The straw 20 may be controlled by manipulating a grip 44 on a straw track 42, which may affect a position of the straw 20 between an opened position 46 and a closed position 48 via a straw prong 62. A cover 50 may at least partially cover the straw 20 in the closed position and expose the straw 20 in an opened position.

The jug 10 will now be discussed in more detail. In one embodiment, the jug 10 may be a one-gallon jug, without limitation. However, skilled artisans will appreciate jugs of different capacities maybe included by the present invention. The jug 10 may include a handle 14. The handle 14 may be integrally molded into the jug 10. The jug 10 may also include a neck 12 near a top of the jug 10 and a base 16 near the bottom of the jug 10. The handle 14 may be located between the neck 12 and the base 16. A depressed chamber 70 may be located near the base. An optional label 18 may be included by the jug 10.

The jug 10 may be used hold contents, which may be liquid. In one example, the jug 10 may resemble a traditional container for milk and water, without limitation. The jug 10 may be used by athletes and workers who may be outside, in the sun, such as football players and construction workers. The jug 10 may be constructed using plastic, glass, aluminum, other metals, or other materials that would be apparent to a skilled artisan. The novel, useful feature of the current invention is at least the incorporation of a self-contained, retractable, and at least partially flexible straw 20, similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3-4, 6, and 8.

The current invention is an improved version of a beverage container, which allows the consumer to easily consume the beverage contained within said jug 10 via said straw 20. Housed within the integrally mounted handle 14 is straw track housing 40, which may be slidable, retractable and/or flexible. The straw track housing 40 may be built along the outermost wall, while remaining inside the integrally molded handle 14. The straw track housing 40 may be built with a thicker, more durable material, such as plastic, than the rest of the jug 10. The added durability may ensure that shifts in weight and additional stress placed upon the integrally molded handle 14 will not crush the straw track housing 40, thus reducing a likelihood of compromising the integrity of the invention's retractability feature. Within the straw track housing 40 may be a straw track 42, which may be provided as a retractable slide track Connected to the retractable slide track housing, on the outside of the integrally molded handle 14 may be a grip 44. The grip 44 may be configured as a retractable, flexible straw slide track finger grip 44. The grip 44 may be manipulated about the straw track 42 to configure the invention between an opened position 46 and a closed position 48, which will be discussed in greater detail below. Various embodiments of the grip 44 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 10-11.

Attached to the grip 44 is the straw 20 and cover 50. The cover 50 may be a slider located near the top of the jug 10, adjacent to the neck 12. The cover 50 may be a top slider, and may at least partially be used to substantially seal the container. The cover 50 may connect to the grip 44 and/or straw track housing 40 via a cover prong 66. The straw 20 may connect to the grip 44 and/or straw track 42 via a straw prong 62. In one embodiment, the straw prong 62 and the cover prong 66 may be connected to a general prong 60, which may connect to the grip 44 and/or the straw track housing 40. In another embodiment, the straw prong 62 and the cover prong 66 may individually connect to the grip 44 and/or straw track housing 40. The straw prong 62 and the cover prong 66 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 10-11.

The straw prong 62 and/or the cover prong 66 may be flexible. The straw prong 62 may be connected to a straw 20 at a connection point 64, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 10-11. The cover prong 66 may lead to the cover 50, and may be connected via a cover connection point. The cover prong 66 and the cover connection point may be connected to the cover 50, for example, on the right side, via an access point through the base 16 of a neck track 52. The neck track 52 is illustrated in FIGS. 5-7.

The straw track 42 may be sealed and/or built into the handle 14. The neck track 52 may be sealed and/or built into the flat surface of the uppermost section of the jug's raised neck 12. The cover 50 may be lined with rubber on its upper-facing side in order to create a substantially leak-proof seal.

The prongs will now be discussed in more detail. As disclosed above, the prongs may include a straw prong 62 and a cover prong 66. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional prongs that may be included by the present invention after having the benefit of this disclosure. Each prong may be made out of a flexible material, such as plastic. When the consumer manipulates the grip 44, which may be retractable, flexible, and connected to the straw track 42, the prong may be moved to correspond with the position of the grip 44. For example, when manipulating the grip 44 from the opened position 46 to the closed position 48, such as pushing the grip 44 to a top position of the straw track 42, the prong may move the cover 50 to close and cover an opening of the neck 12 through which a straw 20 may be accessed, thus sealing the straw 20 and contents into the jug 10. Conversely, when manipulating the grip 44 from the closed position 48 to the opened position 46, for example, if the grip 44 is pushed down along the straw track 42, the cover 50 may be opened and the flexible straw 20 may be lifted to protrude from and be readily available through the uppermost section of the neck 12. Examples of the grip 44, straw track 42, and straw track housing 40 are illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, 10-11.

The neck 12 will now be discussed in more detail, along with FIGS. 1-7, 10-11. The uppermost surface section of the jug 10 may include the neck 12. The neck 12 may include a substantially flat surface at its top. The neck 12 may be configured to receive and hold the cover 50. For example, the cover 50 may be located in a neck track 52 of the neck 12. The cover 50 may be moved about the neck 12 via the cover prong 66 as the grip 44 is manipulated by the user.

The grip 44 and straw track 42 will now be discussed in greater detail, along with FIGS. 1-4, 10-11. The grip 44 may be located in and moved about the straw track 42. In one embodiment, the movement of grip 44 may be strictly vertical. In other embodiments, the movement of the grip 44 may be in other directions that would be understood by a skilled artisan.

The straw track housing 40 may include a locking system. For example, the grip 44 may lock into position at each end of the straw track 42, top and bottom. To lock the grip 44 in an opened or closed position 46, 48, the consumer simply may push in and down/up, respectively. To re-apply the locking feature, the consumer simply may adjust the finger grip 44 in an opened or closed position 48, and release, accordingly. When locked into the top position, the jug 10 may be substantially sealed, with the flexible straw 20 sealed inside. This occurs due to the angle and flexibility of the plastic making up each prong. When the grip 44 is pushed up, the straw prong 62 and connection point 64, which may be connected to a solid section 26 of the straw 20, may be moved to withdraw the straw 20 from being extended through the neck 12. As will be discussed below, the straw 20 may include one or more solid section 26 and one or more pleat 28, wherein the pleat 28 may be flexible.

The straw 20 will now be discussed in more detail, along with FIGS. 1, 3-4, and 8. The straw 20 may be retractable and flexible. The straw 20 may be an annular, plastic tube with solid sections 26, and corrugated, pleated sections strategically placed throughout. The solid sections may be substantially hollow. The straw 20 may be connected to the jug 10 via one or more loop 30. For example, the straw 20 may be connected to the jug 10 on the handle 14 side, to the sidewall of the jug 10, and extend from the base 16 of the jug 10, up through the integrally molded handle 14, and curve slightly downward into the center of the jug 10 via a pleat 28 or other flexibility point. A pleat 28, which may serve as the flexibility point, may serve to curve the straw 20 upward toward the neck 12 region of the jug 10. The sidewall connection may be accomplished with straw placeholder loops 30, which may be fixed to portions of the jug 10. The loops 30 are illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3-4, 9. The loops 30 may be strategically placed adjacent to solid sections 26 of the straw 20 to facilitate movement of the straw 20.

The jug 10 may include an inner base 16 and content direction ramp. The highest point of the inner ramp may be connected to the sidewall that is opposite of the integrally molded handle 14, and continually lowers in altitude the closer it gets to the sidewall in which the straw 20 may be affixed. The straw 20 may be in a slightly depressed channel or chamber 70. The depressed channel 70 may be included at the bottom portion of the jug 10, near at the lowest point of the content direction ramp that is above the base 16 of the jug 10 and does not compromise the outer base 16 and, therefore, the stability of the jug 10. The straw 20 may include a mouthpiece end 22, located near the neck 12, and a content suction end 24, located near the base 16.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an illustrative example of a straw 20 will now be discussed. In this example, the straw 20 may have various solid sections 26 and pleats 28. Additionally, in the example, the straw 20 may begin at a mouthpiece end 22, which may be a solid section 32 that protrudes to allow the consumer access to the beverage contained within the container, depending on the adjustment of the grip 44 on the straw track 42. The first solid section 32 of the straw 20 may continue to a pleat 33, at which the straw 20 may flex. A second solid section 34 of the straw 20 may follow pleat 33, the straw prong 62 being attachable to the straw 20 at the second solid section 34. A pleat 35 may follow the second solid section 34, allowing a third solid section 36 to pass through the handle 14. A third pleat 37 may follow the third solid section 36, allowing a fourth solid section 38 to run along the base 16 of the jug 10. A content suction end 24 may be located at the end of the fourth solid section 38. The straw 20 may be movably connected to the jug 10 at various points using loops 30.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an additional illustrative example of a straw 20 will now be discussed. In this example, the straw 20 may have various solid sections 26 and pleats 28. Additionally, in the example, the straw 20 may begin at a mouthpiece end 22, which may be a solid section 81 that protrudes to allow the consumer access to the beverage contained within the container, depending on the adjustment of the grip 44 on the straw track 42. The first solid section 81 of the straw 20 may continue to a pleat 82, at which the straw 20 may flex. A second solid section 83 of the straw 20 may follow pleat 82, the straw prong 62 being attachable to the straw 20 at the second solid section 83. A pleat 84 may follow the second solid section 83, allowing a third solid section 85 to pass through the handle 14. A third pleat 86 may follow the third solid section 85, allowing a fourth solid section 87 to run along the side of the jug 10. A fourth pleat 88 may be located between the fourth solid section 87 and a fifth solid section 89, which may run along the base 16 of the jug 10. A content suction end 24 may be located at the end of the fifth solid section 89. The straw 20 may be movably connected to the jug 10 at various points using loops 30.

The jug 10 may include a hermetic cap, which may be made of virtually any material such as plastic, on the outside of the jug 10. The cap may cover the neck 12 region. The cap may ensure the contents of the jug 10 is not contaminated and ensure the integrity of the invention is not compromised in transit, from factory, to store, to consumer.

In operation, the beverage container of the present invention is advantageously very easy to use. It is user friendly and affords the consumer the ease of drinking from a beverage container without having to deal with inconvenient caps, nor having to worry about spilling the beverage contained within the container, and risking contaminating the straw 20.

An illustrative example of using the beverage container will now be discussed, without limitation. The beverage container may be a disposable beverage container. Due to the low manufacturing cost of the invention, this will allow consumers to use and discard the current invention, after use, in a similar way to the conventional containers that are used to contain milk and, more appropriately, water.

The beverage container may contain a beverage, most likely but not limited to water, and the container may be sealed as the grip 44 of the straw track housing 40 is in a locked position. The consumer may, at first desire to consume the beverage contained within, break an optional manufacturer's hermetic plastic cap laminate that holds a protective plastic cover 50. The cap may initially be placed over the neck 12 region of the jug 10. The plastic cap cover 50 may increase the likelihood of safety of the contents contained within, as well as assist in maintaining the integrity of the invention, by making the container and the contents contained within tamper-resistant and providing a protective barrier from any potential damage that my be caused in transit.

Next, the consumer may push in, and down, on the grip 44. This may break an internal seal on the cover 50. The consumer will now be able to use the grip on the straw track to adjust and open the cover 50 and expose straw 20. Once this has been achieved, the consumer may consume the beverage contained within.

To consume the beverage contained within, the consumer may simply adjust the grip on the straw track into the opened position 46, thus exposing, and raising, the straw 20 through the top of the neck 12 region. Next, the consumer may suck the contents of the jug 10 through the exposed, mouthpiece, section of the straw 20. Said sucking will create a vacuum and, thus, allow the consumer to easily consume the beverage contents of the jug 10. This is made possible through the extension of the straw 20 along the sidewall of and to the base 16 of the jug 10.

Once the consumer's thirst has been quenched, he or she may adjust the container into a closed position 48, by adjusting the finger grip 44 accordingly, thus creating a hermetic and substantially airtight, leak-resistant seal.

Once the consumer has finished consuming the beverage contained within the container, he or she may simply discard the beverage container as one normally would. Alternatively, the consumer may reuse the beverage container.

For marketing purposes, the current invention may be sold without beverages contained within them as well. Although the purpose of the invention may be used once and discarded, as is the purpose with conventional jugs, it may be marketed in this way to allow those who would like to use it for other beverages to do so. Other beverages may include store bought, ready to drink, juices, or powder mixes. Consumers who choose to purchase the current invention with this intent may be required to lock the adjustment finger grip in an open position, and use a funnel to pour the desired contents into the container through an opening in the neck.

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A beverage container comprising:

a jug comprising a neck and a handle;

a straw at least partially located within the jug, the straw passing through the handle to the neck;

a straw track located adjacent to the handle;

a grip movable to manipulate the straw between a closed position and an opened position, the grip being attached to a straw prong to affect a position of the straw; and

a cover located adjacent to the neck, the cover substantially exposing the straw in the opened position and substantially covering the straw in the closed position;

wherein the straw at least partially extends through the neck in the opened position and is substantially enclosed by the neck in the closed position;

wherein the straw prong connects to the straw at a connection point;

wherein the straw is securable to at least part of the jug via a loop, the straw being movable through the loop.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the neck comprises a neck track to guide the cover; and wherein the grip is operatively attached to a cover prong to manipulate a position of the cover to expose the straw in the opened position and substantially cover the straw in the closed position.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the straw comprises a solid section that is substantially rigid and a pleat that is at least partially bendable.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein a liquid is removable from the jug in the opened position and wherein the jug is substantially hermetic in the closed position.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a straw track housing oriented substantially vertically on an outward facing surface of the handle, the straw track housing further comprising the straw track and the grip.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the straw track housing comprises a locking mechanism to restrict movement of the grip about the straw track in a locked state, the locking mechanism being manipulated from the locked state to an unlocked state by depressing the grip at least partially inward into the straw track mechanism.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the jug comprises a base; wherein the straw comprises a mouthpiece end positioned near the neck and a content suction end positioned near the base.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the base comprises a depressed chamber; and

wherein the content suction end of the straw is locatable substantially within the depressed chamber.

9. A beverage container comprising:

a jug further comprising: a neck near the top of the jug, a base near the bottom of the jug, and a handle located between the neck and the base;

a straw at least partially located within the jug, the straw comprising a content suction end located near the base and a mouthpiece end located near the neck, the straw at least partially passing through the handle;

a straw track housing located on the handle further comprising: a straw track, a grip movable about the straw track to manipulate the straw between a closed position and an opened position, the grip being attached to a straw prong to affect a position of the straw, and a locking mechanism to restrict movement of the grip about the straw track in a locked state and to substantially permit movement in an unlocked state; and

a cover located adjacent to the neck, the cover substantially exposing the straw in the opened position and substantially covering the straw in the closed position;

wherein the straw prong connects to the straw at a connection point.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the neck comprises a neck track to guide the cover; and wherein the grip is operatively attached to a cover prong to manipulate a position of the cover to expose the straw in the opened position and substantially cover the straw in the closed position.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein the straw comprises a solid section that is substantially rigid and a pleat that is at least partially bendable.

12. The container of claim 9, wherein a liquid is removable from the jug in the opened position and wherein the jug is substantially hermetic in the closed position.

13. The container of claim 9, wherein the straw at least partially extends through the neck in the opened position and is substantially enclosed by the neck in the closed position.

14. The container of claim 9, wherein the straw is securable to at least part of the jug via a loop, the straw being movable through the loop.

15. A method of operating a beverage container comprising a jug with a handle and a straw passing through the handle, the method comprising:

(a) manipulating a grip within a straw track housing located on the handle to manipulate the straw between a closed position and an opened position, the grip being movable about a straw track of the straw track housing;

(b) to access contents held by the jug, positioning the grip in the opened position to position a cover located at a neck of the jug to substantially expose the straw and at least partially extend the straw through the neck; and

(c) to substantially enclose the contents, positioning the grip in the closed position to substantially withdraw the straw and positioning the cover to substantially cover the straw;

wherein the straw passes through the handle to the neck;

wherein the grip is attached to a straw prong to affect a position of the straw, the straw prong connecting to the straw at a connection point;

wherein the straw is securable to at least part of the jug via a loop, the straw being movable through the loop.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the neck comprises a neck track to guide the cover; and wherein the grip is operatively attached to a cover prong to manipulate a position of the cover to expose the straw in the opened position and substantially cover the straw in the closed position.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the straw comprises a solid section that is substantially rigid and a pleat that is at least partially bendable.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the contents are removable from the jug in the opened position and wherein the jug is substantially hermetic in the closed position.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the straw track housing comprises a locking mechanism to restrict movement of the grip about the straw track in a locked state; wherein step (a) further comprises depressing the grip at least partially inward into the straw track housing to manipulate the locking mechanism from the locked state to an unlocked state.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the jug comprises a base further comprising a depressed chamber; wherein the straw comprises a mouthpiece end positioned near the neck and a content suction end positioned substantially within the depressed chamber.