Flat Straw

Abstract

An article of manufacture for providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built-in straw according to the present invention includes a flatstraw having a reusable straw having a pair of opposing sides, a pair of lid pieces, each lid piece having an outer rim frame, a hinge coupling the pair of lid pieces together at one end of each lid piece; and a latching mechanism coupled to the pair of lid pieces about an opposite end from the hinge. The latching mechanism is configured to retrain the pair of lid pieces in a closed configuration while holding the pair of opposing sides of the reusable straw coupled together.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing beverage devices, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing a drinking cup lid and built in straw.

BACKGROUND

Current drinking cup lids and disposable straws create significant amounts of environmental waste. The main deterrent in using reusable straws is the cleaning of them. Currently straw brushes are used to clean the interior of drinking straws, this is time consuming, sloppy, and frustrating.

Therefore, a need exists for an article of manufacture for providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw. The present invention attempts to address the limitations and deficiencies in prior solutions according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw. The flatstraw having a reusable straw having a pair of opposing sides, a pair of lid pieces, each lid piece having an outer rim frame, a hinge coupling the pair of lid pieces together at one end of each lid piece; and a latching mechanism coupled to the pair of lid pieces about an opposite end from the hinge. The latching mechanism is configured to retrain the pair of lid pieces in a closed configuration while holding the pair of opposing sides of the reusable straw coupled together.

In another aspect of the present invention, each of the lid pieces further comprising a lid surface having a semi-circle shape on an outer edge with the outer rim frame extending downward from the outer edge and a mating edge between the outer edge configured to couple to a corresponding mating edge of an opposing lid piece. The reusable straw is configured to be held together by the two mating edges of the lid pieces in the closed configuration.

In another aspect of the present invention, each of the two mating edges comprises an interlocking edge and a straw indentation configured to match the shape of the reusable straw.

In another aspect of the present invention, each of the opposing sides of the reusable straw comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a pair of edge surfaces extending outward from the inner surface, and an interlocking seal along the pair of edge surfaces for engaging a corresponding interlocking seal of the opposing sides of the reusable straw, the interlocking seal couples to the corresponding interlocking seal to enclose the inner surface when the pair of lid pieces are in the closed configuration.

In another aspect of the present invention, each of the opposing sides of the reusable straw is permanently coupled to one of the mating edges of one of the lid pieces.

In another aspect of the present invention, each of the opposing sides of the reusable straw is inserted through the pair of lid pieces between the mating edges of the pair of lid pieces.

In another aspect of the present invention, the flatstraw is held in place between the mating edges of the pair of lid pieces by a locking mechanism engaging alignment pegs coupled to the lid pieces.

In another aspect of the present invention, the flatstraw passes through the pair of lid pieces in the closed configuration about a center of the interlocking edges.

In another aspect of the present invention, the flatstraw passes through the pair of lid pieces in the closed configuration about the hinge between the interlocking edges.

In another aspect of the present invention, the flatstraw is made of a material comprising plastic, metal, and a washable synthetic material.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the first embodiment of an embodiment of a flat reusable drinking cup for an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIGS. 8a-b illustrate the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIGS. 9a-b illustrate a second embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIGS. 10a-c illustrate a third embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIGS. 11a-d illustrate a fourth embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIGS. 12a-b illustrate a fifth embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIGS. 13a-c illustrate a sixth embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a close up view of a two part straw used in an article of manufacture straw components providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing beverage devices, and more specifically, to an article of providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

The terms “individual,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g., a human, using an article of manufacture providing an onboard vehicle recharging environment according to the present invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Flat Straw.” Invention may be used interchangeably with straw.

In general, the present disclosure relates an article of manufacture providing an onboard vehicle recharging environment according to the present invention. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. Flatstraw 100 solves the problem of keeping reusable straw and lids clean between uses that aims to reduce plastic waste one straw at a time. FIG. 1 shows flatstraw 100 is a reusable straw 101 attached to reusable lid 102 that opens to lay flat for dishwasher cleaning. Flatstraw is attached in the middle of lid at the hinge point 204 allowing for the lid to open to 180 degrees. After it is opened, it can lay flat on the dishwasher rack to be cleaned. The straw 101 itself has only one cut down the middle of one wall. The back of the straw 101 maintains it integrity and is attached to the hinge 204 of the lid 102. Flatstraw 100 easily snaps back into place to close and ready for use.

FIG. 9a shows flatstraw 100 in an open configuration in which reusable lid 102 is separated into two pieces 201a-b. Straw 100 is shown in its to separatable straw components 205a-b. Each of separatable components 205a-b may be associated with one of the two separatable straw components 205a-b. When the two part reusable lid 102 is moved into a closed configuration shown in FIG. 9b, the separatable straw components 205a-b interlock with each other to form a usable straw 101.

FIG. 2 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. A bottom view shows the lid 101 comprising aa pair of identical lid halves 201a-b that pivot about a hinge point 204 that allows the lid to be opened for cleaning and to be reclosed to be in a configuration for use.

Each of the two lid halves 201a-b have an outer rim frame 202a-b running along an outer edge and a center ridge 203a-b that come together when the flawstraw 100 is closed. A two piece latching mechanism 205 that is positioned along the outer end of the lid halves 201a-b. The two pieces 505a-b of the latching mechanism 205 snap together to engage each other to hold the flatstraw 100 in a closed configuration.

The straw 102 extends through each of the lid halves 201a-b to provide a drinking straw accessible from outside of a drinking cup with an opposite end of the straw 102 being within the drinking cup. The straw 102 comprises a pair of interlocking straw elements 402a-b that move from an open and closed configuration when the lid 101 opens and closes.

FIG. 3 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. The straw 102 is shown passing through the lid 101. The hinge point 204 is shown positioned across the inner ends of the lid halves 201a-b. The hinge point 204 comprises a hinge shaft 304a and attachment elements 304b coupling the hinge shaft 304a to the lid halves 201a-b. Each of the attachment elements 304b wrap around the hinge shaft 304a allowing each attachment element 304b to rotate about the hinge shaft 304a. As the attachment elements 304b are each coupled to one of the two lid halves 201a-b, the rotation of the attachment elements 304b about the hinge shaft 304a causes the lid halves 201a-b to open and close.

FIG. 4 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. A view of one of the lid halves 201a is shown having a straw half 402a coupled along the center ridge 203a about the hinge point 204. One part of the latching mechanism 205 is shown at an outer end of the center ridge 203a. A second straw half 402b is also shown coupled to the opposing lid half 201b. The second straw half 402b is positioned along the center ridges 203a-b to cause the two straw halves 402a-b to be positioned opposite each other allowing the straw halves 402a-b to engage each other when the flatstraw 100 is placed into a closed position. The straw halves 402a-b each comprise a pair of interlocking edges 412a-d that engage each other when the straw halves 402a-b are closed along with the lid halves 201a-b.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. The flatstraw 100 is shown in the open configuration in which both of the lid halves 201a-b are seen coupled to the hinge point 204 including the hinge shaft 304a and the attachment elements 304b. The two pieces 505a-b of the latching mechanism 205 are shown on the outer ends of the lid halves 201a-b.

FIG. 6 illustrates the first embodiment of an embodiment of a flat drinking straw for an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. A lower end of the straw 102 is shown having the straw halves 402a-b in a closed position such that the pair of interlocking edges 412a-d that engage each other.

FIG. 7 illustrates an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. One lid half 201a and its separatable straw components 205a is shown to illustrate the pair of interlocking edges 701 and 702a-b that couple to mating pair of interlocking edges in the mating halves of the lid 102 and straw 101. The pair of interlocking edges shown on the separatable straw components 205a may be coupled within a mating slot (not shown) in the second separatable straw components (not shown). The interlocking edges 702a-b and the mating slot are configured to provide a seal between the separatable straw components 205a-b allowing the straw 101 to function.

FIGS. 8a-b illustrate the first embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. In this alternate embodiment for the flatstraw 100, the straw 801 is shown to be rectangular or square in shape as compared to the round straws 101 disclosed above. The shape of the straw may be any usable shape that may be placed within the reusable lid 102 and operate as a straw 101. The particular shape is relevant only to the extent that the separatable straw components 205a-b interlock to form a seal.

FIGS. 9a-b illustrate a second embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the reusable lid 201a-b is a two part component coupled together at one edge by a hinge 901. The reusable lid 201a-b also comprises an outer rim 902a-b about one side of the reusable lid 201a-b. The outer rim 902a-b is configured to engage a top rim of a drinking cup or container (not shown). A two part straw 205a-b passed through a center hole 903 when the reusable lid 201a-b is in a closed position.

FIGS. 10a-c illustrate a third embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment in having a two part lid 1002a-b with a two part straw 1001a-b within its center. The two part lid 1002a-b is coupled together by a hinge 1003 at one end of each part of the two part lid 1002a-b. FIG. 10a shows inner connecting components of one part 1001a of the two part straw 1001a-b. The one part 1001a of the two part straw 1001a-b comprises a center channel 1011a-b and a pair of mating edges 1013a-b. Each of the mating edges 1013a-b comprises a set of interconnecting coupling devices 1012a-m that include both raised ridges 1012a-g and alignment holes 1012h-m.

The set of interconnecting coupling devices 1012a-m on the one part 1001a of the alignment holes 1012h-m engage a mating set of interconnecting devices 1022a-m on the second part 1001b of the two part straw 1001a-b shown in FIG. 10b. The mating set of interconnecting devices 1022a-m comprises a set of locking channels 1022a-g that are configures to accept the raised ridges 1012a-g of the one part 1001a of the two part straw 1001a-b and a set of alignment pegs 1022h-m that engage the alignment holes 1012h-m. When the two part straw 1001a-b is coupled together as shown in FIG. 10c, the set of interconnecting coupling devices 1012a-m and the mating set of interconnecting devices 1022a-m position the two part straw 101a-b to align the pair of mating edges 1013a-b and the center channel 1011a-b of each part creating a seal between the parts. The center channel 1011a-b is used as a straw. The two part lid 1002a-b press the two part straw 101a-b together ensuring a seal between the pair of mating edges 1013a-b.

FIGS. 11a-d illustrate a fourth embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment in having a two part lid 1102a-b with a two part straw 1101a-b within its center. In this embodiment, each part of the two part straw 1101a-b is integrated into a corresponding part of the two part lid 1102a-b. The set of interconnecting coupling devices 1113a-d are a single raised edge 1113a-b on one side of the part and a single locking channel 114a-b on the opposing side of the two part straw. A set of aligning pegs 1112a-f engage a mating set of alignment holes 1111a-f on opposing parts of the two part straw. When the opposing parts of the two part straw engage each other, a center channel 1110a-b creates a straw.

FIGS. 12a-b illustrate a fifth embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. FIG. 12a shows a cup or container 1220 having a lid 1202 in place with a straw 1201 through a center hole 1211. The lid 1202 and the straw 1201 may utilize the coupling devices shown in other embodiments of the present invention. The center hole 1211 is configured to match an outside shape of the straw 1201 while also having a rubber seal 1212 configured to be positioned between the lid 1201 and the straw 1201 to reduce spillage. These components may be separated from each other while cleaning.

FIGS. 13a-c illustrate a sixth embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the two part straw 1301a-b and the hole 1314a-b in the lid 1302a-b are similar to other embodiments disclosed herein having a two part hinge 1305a-b and a two part latch 1306a-b while further comprising a locking mechanism 1304a-b about the two part straw 1301a-b. FIG. 13a shows the component and FIG. 13b shows a close up view of one side 1302a of the lid 1302a-b. A pair of locking pegs 1307a-b extend upward from a locking platform 1306a-b to engage with the locking mechanism 1304a-b as shown in FIG. 13c. The locking mechanism 1304a-b ensures the two part straw 1301a-b remain coupled together while the two part straw 1301a-b is within the two part lid 1302a-b.

FIG. 14 illustrates a close up view of a two part straw used in an article of manufacture straw components providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention. The two part straw 1400 is shown with its center channel 1410a-b having a set of interconnecting coupling devices 1413a-d are a pair of raised edge 1414a-b on one part and a pair of locking channel 1413a-b on the opposing part of the two part straw. A set of alignment pegs 1412a-b and opposing alignment holes 1411a-b are visible on the inner surfaces of the two part straw 1400.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included to this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A flatstraw providing a reusable drinking cup lid and built in straw according to the present invention, the flatstraw comprises:

a reusable straw having a pair of opposing sides;

a pair of lid pieces, each lid piece having an outer rim frame;

a hinge coupling the pair of lid pieces together at one end of each lid piece; and

a latching mechanism coupled to the pair of lid pieces about an opposite end from the hinge, the latching mechanism configured to retrain the pair of lid pieces in a closed configuration while holding the pair of opposing sides of the reusable straw coupled together.

2. The flatstraw according to claim 1, wherein each of the lid pieces further comprising

a lid surface having a semi-circle shape on an outer edge with the outer rim frame extending downward from the outer edge and a mating edge between the outer edge configured to couple to a corresponding mating edge of an opposing lid piece;

wherein the reusable straw is configured to be held together by the two mating edges of the lid pieces in the closed configuration.

3. The flatstraw according to claim 2, wherein each of the two mating edges comprises an interlocking edge and a straw indentation configured to match the shape of the reusable straw.

4. The flatstraw according to claim 3, wherein each of the opposing sides of the reusable straw comprises:

an inner surface;

an outer surface;

a pair of edge surfaces extending outward from the inner surface; and

an interlocking seal along the pair of edge surfaces for engaging a corresponding interlocking seal of the opposing sides of the reusable straw, the interlocking seal couples to the corresponding interlocking seal to enclose the inner surface when the pair of lid pieces are in the closed configuration.

5. The flatstraw according to claim 4, wherein each of the opposing sides of the reusable straw is permanently coupled to one of the mating edges of one of the lid pieces.

6. The flatstraw according to claim 4, wherein each of the opposing sides of the reusable straw is inserted through the pair of lid pieces between the mating edges of the pair of lid pieces.

7. The flatstraw according to claim 6, wherein the flatstraw is held in place between the mating edges of the pair of lid pieces by a locking mechanism engaging alignment pegs coupled to the lid pieces.

8. The flatstraw according to claim 6, wherein the flatstraw passes through the pair of lid pieces in the closed configuration about a center of the interlocking edges.

9. The flatstraw according to claim 6, wherein the flatstraw passes through the pair of lid pieces in the closed configuration about the hinge between the interlocking edges.

10. The flatstraw according to claim 1, wherein the flatstraw is made of a material comprising plastic, metal, and a washable synthetic material.