Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
RECYCLABLE OR REUSABLE STRAW IN CONTAINER LID ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The field of the invention and its embodiments relate to recyclable or
reusable lid and
straw assemblies configured to engage a container. In particular, the present
invention and its
embodiments provide both a reusable and spill-proof container assembly that is
dishwasher safe
and a recyclable lid and straw assembly that increases the likelihood that
traditionally used
recycling equipment will recycle the assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS
With an increased emphasis on environmental protection efforts, elimination of
common
plastic straws has received increased media attention. Plastic straws are a
single-use product and
are available in numerous sizes. However, due to their popularity, it has been
estimated that
Americans use over 500 million plastic straws each day. Though these common
plastic straws
can technically be recycled, plastic straws are small, thin, and easily
bendable. The lightweight
nature of these straws results in them falling into cracks and crevices of
recycling machinery, and
as such, most recyclers do not accept plastic straws, and most straws that do
make it to a
recycling facility do not become recycled. As such, most of these plastic
straws end up polluting
the oceans or being dumped into landfills.
To remedy this pollution crisis, many cities and countries have restricted use
of single-
use plastic straws. An alternative to use of plastic straws is use of reusable
straws, which may be
made out of stainless steel or glass, for example. Though these reusable
straws are dishwasher-
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
safe, they are often difficult to clean, must be carried by the user, and are
costly to purchase.
Others have contemplated use of recyclable paper straws as a greener option to
single-use plastic
straws. Though recyclable paper straws are biodegradable, take less time to
decompose, as
compared to plastic straws, and are safer for wildlife, recyclable paper
straws quickly lose their
form, and therefore their usefulness, when submerged in a liquid.
Thus, a need exists for a reusable and spill-proof container assembly that is
dishwasher
safe. A need also exists for a recyclable lid and straw assembly that
increases the likelihood that
traditionally used recycling equipment will recycle the assembly.
Review of related technology:
U.S. Patent No. 6,102,568 A relates to a collapsible, recyclable, fluid
receptacle readily
assembled from either single blank or two substantially identical blanks to
form an outer shell
and a flexible inner liner attached to the shell to retain a liquid therein
without leaking.
U.S. Patent No. 8,579,148 B2 describes a reusable straw that includes a first
part having a
hollow elongated body that has a first end and an opposing second end and a
second part having
a hollow elongated body that has a first end and an opposing second end. The
second part has a
width that allows the first part to be received within a hollow interior of
the first part. A first
coupling member is formed along an inner surface of the first part proximate
the first end. A
second coupling member is formed along an outer surface of the second part at
the first end
thereof. The first and second coupling members mate together to securely
couple the second part
to the first part.
U.S. Patent No. 10,011,413 B1 describes a drinking straw wrapper that
comprises an
upper portion and a lower portion detachably engaged with the upper portion.
The upper and
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lower portions are collectively configured to enclose a drinking straw.
Detachment of the upper
portion from the lower portion creates an opening in the upper portion and an
opening in the
lower portion, with the opening in the upper portion being substantially wider
than the opening
in the lower portion so as to facilitate replacement of the upper portion on a
top of the straw after
its initial removal therefrom. The upper portion may be formed from a first
material and the
lower portion formed from a second material different than the first material.
Alternatively, the
upper portion may be formed from a material having a first thickness and the
lower portion
formed from a same material but having a second thickness that is less than
the first thickness.
U.S. Patent No. 10,123,641 Bl describes a reusable drinking straw that is
foldable into a
compact configuration for storage. The straw comprises a rigid external tube
and a flexible
internal tube that is foldable into a compact configuration for storage. In a
folded configuration,
the reusable straw has a significantly reduced length. The external tube of
the straw is preferably
formed of multiple rigid segments for supporting the flexible internal tubing
in the extended
configuration during use as a drinking straw.
U.S. Patent No. 10,165,849 B2 describes a collapsible, reusable drinking
container that
has a first opening suitable for pouring and filling, a second opening for
accessing the interior of
the container for cleaning, and a flexible straw for drinking the contents
while the container is
held in an upright position.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0315698 Al describes a multiple
straw
fluid dispenser that includes a cap assembly containing two or more straws,
where each of the
two or more straws are accessible to one or more users for the purpose of
drinking one or more
fluids.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
WO 2011/120037 A2 describes a drinking straw that can be easily inserted
through a lid
or into a beverage pouch or box.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0200088 Al relates to drink-
through lids
that may be placed over and attached to disposable and reusable beverage cups.
The drink-
through lids provide a drink-through opening near the perimeter of the lid's
top surface for easy
drinking.
WO 2011/127566 Al describes a collapsible container that is movable from a
collapsed
position (having a reduced volume for storage and transport) and an expanded
position (having
dimensional rigidity to securely hold the contents of the container).
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0145011 Al describes a resilient
lid insert
or membrane construction that is outfitted upon a lidded beverage container
for enabling the user
to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage prior to
consumption.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0112306 Al describes anti-spill
disposable
and reusable drink-through lids for hot and cold disposable and reusable
beverage cups. The
drink-through lids may be placed over and attached to disposable and reusable
beverage cups.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0038058 Al describes a reusable
straw
assembly. The assembly includes an inner and outer member which, when fitted
together, form
the straw. Each member has a tab at one end to inhibit the member from falling
out of a
dishwasher while the member is being washed. Each member includes a gap in its
tubal shape.
The gap runs along its longitudinal length. The gap allows for better access
to its interior for
cleaning and disinfecting. In operation, the inner member translates inside
the outer member in
preparation for use. Moreover, the inner member translates out of the outer
member in
preparation for cleaning.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0099025 Al describes a reusable
combination corrugated drinking straw. The drinking straw has an elongated
tubular body with a
fluid passage running therethrough. The tubular body is manufactured from
metal (e.g., stainless
steel) and has a plurality of corrugations extending radially outward
therefrom. The tubular body
is flexible and is adapted to be bent so as to enable a user of the corrugated
drinking straw to sip
a beverage from a cup.
Various references describe attempts at remedying the factors contributing to
the
difficulties associated with single-use plastic straws. However, a need exists
for a recyclable or
reusable lid and straw assemblies configured to engage a container. In
particular, a need exists
for both a reusable and spill-proof container assembly that is dishwasher safe
and a recyclable lid
and straw assembly that increases the likelihood that traditionally used
recycling equipment will
recycle the assembly. The present invention and its embodiments relate to
recyclable or reusable
lid and straw assemblies. Multiple embodiments of this invention are presented
in the drawings
and will be described in more detail herein.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The present invention and its embodiments relate to recyclable or reusable lid
and straw
assemblies configured to engage a container. In particular, the present
invention and its
embodiments provide both a reusable and spill-proof container assembly that is
dishwasher safe
and a recyclable lid and straw assembly that increases the likelihood that
traditionally used
recycling equipment will recycle the assembly.
According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a recyclable or
reusable
assembly is described. The recyclable or reusable assembly includes a lid, a
straw, a first sealing
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plug, a second sealing plug, and at least one mechanism. The lid includes a
first side disposed
opposite a second side and a hole located in a middle of the lid such that the
hole extends
through a width of the lid. The second side of the lid engages an opening of a
container to form a
closed container.
In general, the straw is fully extendable for use and is configured to
collapse on itself in a
movement. The straw has a first portion disposed opposite a second portion.
The first portion of
the straw has a first side disposed opposite a second side. The second portion
of the straw has a
first side disposed opposite a second side. The second side of the first
portion of the straw is
configured to engage the hole on the first side of the lid. The second side of
the second portion of
-- the straw is configured to engage the hole on the second side of the lid.
The second portion of the
straw resides inside of the closed container.
The first sealing plug is affixed to the first side of the first portion of
the straw and the
second sealing plug is affixed to the first side of the second portion of the
straw such that the first
sealing plug seals an inside of the first portion of the straw and the second
sealing plug seals an
-- inside of the second portion of the straw to prevent non-ingestible items
from entering the first or
the second portion of the straw. In some examples, the first sealing plug is
screwed or secured
onto the first side of the first portion of the straw and the second sealing
plug is screwed or
secured onto the first side of the second portion of the straw.
The at least one mechanism is configured to secure the first sealing plug and
the second
sealing plug to the lid or the straw. Examples of the at least one mechanism
include latches,
hooks, ridges, tabs, slots, threads, and/or adhesives, among others not
explicitly listed herein.
In some examples, the straw comprises a collapsible configuration, a
telescoping
configuration, a coiled configuration, a corrugated configuration, a ball and
socket configuration,
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a full-length configuration, or a combined telescoping and collapsible
configuration. It should be
appreciated that the straw is folded into a compact configuration and resides
in either the first
side or the second side of the lid when the straw is in a non-use position. In
some examples, the
lid comprises a dome configuration, a flat configuration, a substantially flat
configuration, a
squircle configuration, a concave configuration, a concave dome configuration,
a non-flat
configuration, or a bubble configuration, among other configurations not
explicitly listed herein.
In some examples, the first side of the lid further comprises at least two
pillar
components extending away from the first side of the lid such that the first
portion of the straw is
receivable by an inner area formed by the first side of the lid and the at
least two pillar
components. Further, in other examples, the second portion of the straw and
another straw and
lid are receivable by the inner area formed by the first side of the lid and
the at least two pillar
components.
Moreover, in some examples, the lid further comprises a vent hole disposed
therethrough.
In additional examples, the lid also comprises a flap component configured to
seal the vent hole
to prevent the non-ingestible items from entering the closed container in a
closed position and, in
an open position, allow contents of the closed container to be vented.
A second embodiment of the present invention describes a recyclable assembly.
The
recyclable assembly includes a lid, a straw, a first sealing plug, a second
sealing plug, and at
least one mechanism. The lid includes a first side disposed opposite a second
side and a hole
located in a middle of the lid such that the hole extends through a width of
the lid. The second
side of the lid engages an opening of a container to form a closed container.
The straw is fully
extendable for use and is configured to collapse on itself in a movement.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
The first sealing plug is affixed to the first side of the first portion of
the straw. The
second sealing plug is affixed to the first side of the second portion of the
straw, such that the
first sealing plug seals an inside of the first portion of the straw and the
second sealing plug seals
an inside of the second portion of the straw to prevent non-ingestible items
from entering the first
or the second portion of the straw. The at least one mechanism is configured
to secure the first
sealing plug and the second sealing plug to the lid or the straw.
In this embodiment, the straw comprises a recyclable material, such as a
biodegradable
plastic, a number 4 plastic, a number 6 plastic, a paper material, or another
recyclable material
not explicitly listed herein. In some examples, the recyclable material
comprises a compostable
material, such as a plant-based fiber or another compostable material. In some
embodiments, the
plant-based fiber comprises bagasse, which is the dry pulpy fibrous material
that remains after
crushing sugarcane or sorghum stalks to extract their juice.
The biologically synthesized plastic is a polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) plastic,
a
polylactic acid (PLA) plastic, a starch blend plastic, or a cellulose-based
plastic, among others
-- not explicitly listed herein. The petroleum-based plastic is a polyglycolic
acid (PGA) plastic, a
polybutylene succinate (PBS) plastic, a polycaprolactone (PCL) plastic, a
poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVOH/PVA) plastic, or a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) plastic,
among others not
explicitly listed herein. It should be appreciated that in some examples, the
entire lid assembly
may comprise one or more compostable materials.
In this embodiment, the straw comprises a collapsible configuration, a
telescoping
configuration, a coiled configuration, a corrugated configuration, a ball and
socket configuration,
a full-length configuration, or a combined telescoping and collapsible
configuration. Moreover,
in some examples, the straw includes a first portion and a second portion,
where the first portion
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
engages the first side of the lid and the second portion engages the second
side of the lid and
resides in the closed container. In other examples, the straw fails to engage
the lid.
In some examples, the straw comprises one or more stabilizer systems located
at one or
more locations of the straw. Each of the one or more stabilizer systems
comprises protrusions
affixed to and extending away from the straw at the one or more locations.
Additionally, the one
or more stabilizer systems are configured to increase a width, a volume,
and/or a size of the
straw to allow for recyclability. Further, each of the protrusions comprise a
range of motion
relative to the straw. The range of motion is supported by a manual mechanism
or an automatic
mechanism.
Additionally, each of the one or more stabilizer systems further comprises a
securement
mechanism that is configured to secure the protrusions in a given or fixed
position. In some
examples, each of the protrusions comprise text and/or visual graphics.
Further, the straw and the
one or more stabilizer systems are storable in a non-use position or an in-use
position in the
closed container or in a recyclable wrapper.
A third embodiment of the present invention describes a reusable assembly. The
reusable
assembly includes a lid, a straw, a first sealing plug, a second sealing plug,
and at least one
mechanism. The lid includes a first side disposed opposite a second side and a
hole located in a
middle of the lid such that the hole extends through a width of the lid. The
second side of the lid
engages an opening of a container to form a closed container. The straw is
fully extendable for
use and is configured to collapse on itself in a movement.
The first sealing plug is affixed to the first side of the first portion of
the straw and the
second sealing plug is affixed to the first side of the second portion of the
straw, such that the
first sealing plug seals an inside of the first portion of the straw and the
second sealing plug seals
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
an inside of the second portion of the straw to prevent non-ingestible items
from entering the first
or the second portion of the straw. The at least one mechanism is configured
to secure the first
sealing plug and the second sealing plug to the lid or the straw. In some
examples, the lid and the
straw are manufactured as one piece.
In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following
benefits and
objectives.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a reusable lid and straw
assembly,
configured to engage a container, that is dishwasher safe.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a reusable lid and straw
assembly,
where the straw is collapsible, allowing for more efficient storage of the
reusable assembly and
ease of stacking multiple reusable assemblies and/or with other standard lid
containers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a recyclable lid and straw
assembly,
where the straw is collapsible, allowing for more efficient storage of the
recyclable assembly and
ease of stacking multiple recyclable assemblies and/or with other standard lid
containers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a recyclable and an
environmentally
friendly solution to use of a typical plastic straw.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a spill-proof container
assembly.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a recyclable assembly
comprising a
straw affixed to a lid, where the assembly has a greater size and mass than a
single plastic or
recyclable straw, resulting in an increased likelihood that traditionally used
recycling equipment
will recycle the assembly.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a recyclable or a reusable
assembly,
according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a telescoping straw in a
closed
position and a first and a second sealing plug in a closed position, according
to at least some
embodiments described herein.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a telescoping straw in
an open
position and a first and a second sealing plug in a closed position, according
to at least some
embodiments described herein.
FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a collapsible
straw, one
or more latches, and a first and a second sealing plug in an open position,
according to at least
some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 4B depicts another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
collapsible
straw, one or more hooks, and a first and a second sealing plug in an open
position, according to
at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a first and a second
sealing plug
in a closed position, according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a first and a second
sealing plug
in an open position, according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a first and a second
sealing plug
in a closed position, according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a first and a second
sealing plug
in an open position, according to at least some embodiments described herein.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a first and a second
sealing plug
with covers, according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 10 depicts a top down view of an embodiment of a first and a second
sealing plug
with covers affixed to a lid, according to at least some embodiments described
herein.
FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view an embodiment of a recyclable assembly,
according to
at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view an embodiment of a reusable or recyclable
sealing
plug, according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 13 depicts a side view an embodiment of a reusable or recyclable sealing
plug,
according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 14 depicts a top down view of an embodiment of a sealing plug locking
mechanism
upon which FIG. 15 attaches, according to at least some embodiments described
herein.
FIG. 15 depicts a top down view of an embodiment of a reusable or recyclable
sealing
plug, according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a recyclable or a
reusable
assembly having a straw in a fully extended position, according to at least
some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 17 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a coiled or corrugated
configuration of a
straw and a lid of a recyclable or a reusable assembly, according to at least
some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 18 depicts a bottom view of an embodiment of a coiled or corrugated
configuration
of a straw and a lid of a recyclable or a reusable assembly, according to at
least some
embodiments described herein.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a ball and socket
configuration
of a straw in a stored or collapsed position, according to at least some
embodiments described
herein.
FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a ball and socket
configuration
of a straw in a partially extended position, according to at least some
embodiments described
herein.
FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a ball and socket
configuration
of a straw in a fully extended and in-use position, according to at least some
embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a dome shaped lid of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a half-shaped dome
shaped lid of
a recyclable or a reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a concave-shaped dome
lid of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an extended lid of a
recyclable
or a reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments described
herein.
FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of two stacked extended
lids of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid of a recyclable
or a reusable
assembly having a vent hole disposed therewith, according to at least some
embodiments
described herein.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a straw stabilizer
system of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly in an in-use position, according to at least
some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 29 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a straw stabilizer
system of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly in a non-use position, according to at least
some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of a straw
stabilizer system
of a recyclable or a reusable assembly in an in-use position, according to at
least some
embodiments described herein.
FIG. 31 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of a straw
stabilizer system
of a recyclable or a reusable assembly in a non-use position, according to at
least some
embodiments described herein.
FIG. 32 depicts a perspective view of a third embodiment of a straw stabilizer
system of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly in an in-use position, according to at least
some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a straw
stabilizer system of
a recyclable or a reusable assembly in a non-use position, according to at
least some
embodiments described herein.
FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of a circular straw stabilizer system of a
recyclable or
.. a reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments described
herein.
FIG. 35 depicts a perspective view of a open and solid wing stabilizer system
of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments
described herein.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
FIG. 36 depicts a perspective view of a sleeve straw stabilizer system of a
recyclable or a
reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments described herein.
FIG. 37 depicts a perspective view of a locking ridge straw stabilizer system
of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly, according to at least some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a straw stabilizer
system of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly in an in-use position, according to at least
some embodiments
described herein.
FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a straw stabilizer
system of a
recyclable or a reusable assembly in a non-use position, according to at least
some embodiments
described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with
reference
to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with
the same reference
numerals.
Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present
invention. Such
embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which
is not intended
to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may
appreciate upon reading the
present specification and viewing the present drawings that various
modifications and variations
can be made thereto.
According to FIG. 1, an assembly 100 may be recyclable or reusable. In a first
embodiment, the assembly 100 may be the recyclable assembly. In this
embodiment, the
assembly 100 may include a lid 2 and a collapsible straw fully extendable for
use. According to
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
examples, the lid 2 and the collapsible straw may be manufactured as one
piece. In other
examples, the lid 2 and the collapsible straw may be manufactured as separate
pieces. It should
be appreciated that the diameter and/or radii of the collapsible straw may
vary to accommodate
different types of liquids. In other examples, the radii and/or diameter of
the lid 2 may vary. In
examples, the lid 2 may have a flat shape, a substantially flat shape, a
concave shape, or a domed
shape, among other examples.
In an example, the lid 2 has no opening to insert a straw or drink through,
and as such, the
lid 2 is spill-proof. The lid 2 may have a first side 6 disposed opposite a
second side 8. The lid 2
may also have a hole 20 located in a middle of lid 2. The hole 20 is
configured to extend through
a width of the lid 2. In examples, the second side 8 of the lid 2 may engage
an opening 10 of a
container 4 to form a closed container. It should be appreciated that the
shape, size, and
dimensions of the container 4 are not limited to those depicted.
The collapsible straw may include a first portion 12 disposed opposite a
second portion
14. The first portion 12 of the collapsible straw may be bendable or flexible
and may have a first
side disposed opposite a second side. The flexibility or bendability of the
first portion 12 of the
collapsible straw allows the first portion 12 of the collapsible straw to bend
for ease of use by
someone who cannot reach the collapsible straw in a straight and an extended
use position.
The first side of the first portion 12 of the collapsible straw may be
configured to engage
the hole 20 on the first side 6 of the lid 2. A user may place his/her lips on
a second side of the
first portion 12 of the collapsible straw to drink a liquid from the container
4. The closed
container may house a liquid of any temperature.
The second portion 14 of the collapsible straw may include a first side
disposed opposite
a second side. The first side of the second portion 14 of the collapsible
straw may be configured
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
to engage the hole 20 on the second side 8 of the lid 2. The second side of
the second portion 14
of the collapsible straw may reside inside of the closed container.
In some examples, the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the
collapsible straw
may comprise a recyclable material. In examples, the recyclable material may
be: a
biodegradable plastic (such as a biologically synthesized plastic and a
petroleum-based plastic).
A non-exhaustive list of the biologically synthesized plastic includes: a
polyhydroxyalkanoates
(PHA) plastic, a polylactic acid (PLA) plastic, a starch blend plastic, and a
cellulose-based
plastic. A non-exhaustive list of the petroleum-based plastic includes: a
polyglycolic acid (PGA)
plastic, a polybutylene succinate (PBS) plastic, a polycaprolactone (PCL)
plastic, a poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVOH/PVA) plastic, and a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)
plastic.
The recyclable material of the collapsible straw may also include: a number 1
plastic
(such as polyethylene terephthalate), a number 2 plastic (such as a high-
density polyethylene), a
number 3 plastic (such as a polyvinyl chloride), a number 4 plastic (such as a
low-density
polyethylene (LDPE) plastic), a number 5 plastic (e.g., polypropylene), a
number 6 plastic (such
as a PLA plastic or a polystyrene plastic), a number 7 plastic (e.g., BPA,
polycarbonate, and
LEXAN), a paper material, and combinations of these materials. In other
examples, the lid 2 may
comprise a biodegradable plastic, a number 4 plastic, a number 6 plastic, a
paper material, a
recyclable material, and combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that
the recyclable
material of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the collapsible
straw and the material
comprising the lid 2 are not limited to the examples explicitly described
herein.
In examples, the assembly 100 may additionally include a first sealing plug 16
affixed to
the first side 6 of the lid 2 and a second sealing plug 22 affixed to the
second side 8 of the lid 2.
The first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 are depicted in
closed positions in FIG.
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 and are depicted in open positions in FIG. 6 and
FIG. 8. The first
sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 are both tamper-evident caps
that provide a
resealable closure.
In examples, the first sealing plug 16 is configured to screw onto or into the
first portion
12 of the collapsible straw and the second sealing plug 22 is configured to
screw onto or into the
second portion 14 of the collapsible straw. The first sealing plug 16 is
configured to seal an
inside of the first portion 12 of the collapsible straw and the second sealing
plug 22 is configured
to seal an inside of the second portion 14 of the collapsible straw to prevent
non-ingestible items,
such as dirt, from entering the first portion 12 of the second portion 14 of
the collapsible straw.
In examples, the first sealing plug 16 is removable from the first portion 12
of the collapsible
straw and the second sealing plug 22 is removable from the second portion 14
of the collapsible
straw.
In further examples, and as depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG.
6, FIG. 7, and
FIG. 8, the first sealing plug 16 comprises one or more pull tabs 18A, 18B and
the second
sealing plug 22 comprises one or more pull tabs 18C, 18D. The first sealing
plug 16, the second
sealing plug 22, and the one or more pull tabs 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D comprise a
recyclable
material.
The first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 may be in a closed
position when
a user is not engaging with the closed container (as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3,
FIG. 5 and FIG. 7).
This closed position ensures that non-ingestible items do not enter the
collapsible straw or the
container 4. If the user wishes to drink from the closed container, the user
may pull the one or
more pull tabs 18A, 18B of the first sealing plug 16 away from the first side
6 of the lid 2 and the
one or more pull tabs 18C, 18D of the second sealing plug 22 away from the
second side 8 of the
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
lid 2 to extend the first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 to an
open position. When
the first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 are in the open
position (as shown in
FIG. 6 and FIG. 8), the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the
collapsible straw are
configured in an extended use position, allowing the user to drink from the
closed container.
Once the user is done engaging with the closed container, the user can push
the one or
more pull tabs 18A, 18B of the first sealing plug 16 towards the first side 6
of the lid 2 and the
one or more pull tabs 18C, 18D of the second sealing plug 22 towards the
second side 8 of the lid
2 to condense the first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 to a
closed position for
travel or storage. In the closed position, the first portion 12 and the second
portion 14 of the
.. collapsible straw are configured in a collapsed non-use position,
disallowing the user to drink
from the closed container. In the collapsed non-use position, the collapsible
straw may be folded
into a compact configuration and may reside against the lid 2 (as shown in
FIG. 1). Moreover, in
some examples, the collapsible straw may collapse on itself in a telescoping
movement (as
shown in FIG. 2) when in the collapsed non-use position.
The collapsible straw comprises a rigid external tube and a flexible internal
tubing that is
foldable to the compact configuration for storage. In the folded
configuration, the collapsible
straw has a reduced length of approximately one-half to one-fourth of its
extended length when
in use. However, the reduced length of the collapsible straw is not limited to
the lengths
explicitly described herein and other lengths are contemplated by Applicant.
In some examples, and as shown in FIG. 3, a first sanitary film 32 may be
affixed to the
first sealing plug 16 and a second sanitary film 34 may be affixed to the
second sealing plug 22.
The first sanitary film 32 and the second sanitary film 34 may comprise a
plastic material. When
the user pulls the one or more pull tabs 18A, 18B of the first sealing plug 16
away from the first
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
side 6 of the lid 2 and the one or more pull tabs 18C, 18D of the second
sealing plug 22 away
from the second side 8 of the lid 2 to extend the first sealing plug 16 and
the second sealing plug
22 to the open position, the first sanitary film 32 and the second sanitary
film 34 may be
removed. In other examples, the first sanitary film 32 and the second sanitary
film 34 may be
removed directly via user action.
Additional configurations of the first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing
plug 22 are
contemplated by Applicant herein. For example, FIG. 9 depicts another
embodiment 900 of the
first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 having the first sanitary
film 32 and the
second sanitary film 34, respectively. In some examples, at least one
mechanism may be used to
secure the first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 to the lid 2
or the straw, such as
latches, hooks, ridges, tabs, slots, threads, and/or adhesives. As shown in
FIG. 9, threads may be
disposed on an outside of the collapsible straw, which interact with a locking
tab portion 50 of
the first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 to maintain a
position of the first sealing
plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22. In other examples, and as depicted in
FIG.9, the threads
may be configured as tabs or tab components.
Moreover, FIG. 10 depicts a top down view 1000 of the other embodiment 900 of
FIG.9
of the first sealing plug 16 affixed to the lid 2 and the first sanitary film
32. FIG. 10 also depicts
a sealing plug loop component 52, the locking tab portion 50, and the
collapsible straw 54. When
the collapsible straw 54 is extended, the first sealing plug 16 is removed. In
the recyclable
embodiment, once the first sealing plug 16 or the second sealing plug 22 is
removed from the
extended straw, the first sealing plug 16 and/or the second sealing plug 22 is
secured or affixed
to the lid assembly so that the entire assembly with the first sealing plug 16
and/or the second
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
sealing plug 22 can be recycled. In the reusable embodiment, the first sealing
plug 16 or the
second sealing plug 22 may be secured in this way and removed when necessary.
In another embodiment, the assembly 100 may comprise a reusable assembly. The
reusable assembly may include the same components or substantially the same
components
described supra with regards to the recyclable assembly. In some examples, the
reusable
assembly may be housed inside of an enclosed cylinder prior to use to ensure a
sanitary condition
of the reusable assembly.
In examples, the reusable assembly may comprise a silicone material such that
the
assembly 100 is dishwasher safe. For example, the first portion 12 and the
second portion 14 of
.. the collapsible straw may be fully extendable in the open position to
stabilize the reusable
assembly in a dishwasher rack during washing. In other examples, the first
portion 12 of the
collapsible straw may be in the collapsed non-use position or the folded state
when placed on the
dishwasher rack during washing. In another example, the second portion 14 of
the collapsible
straw in the collapsed non-use position or the folded state when placed on the
dishwasher rack
during washing. It should be appreciated that any configuration of the first
portion 12 and the
second portion 14 of the collapsible straw is contemplated when the reusable
assembly is placed
on the dishwasher rack during washing. Moreover, it should be appreciated that
the collapsibility
of the collapsible straw allows for more efficient storage of the reusable
assembly by allowing
for stacking of multiple reusable assemblies and/or with other standard lid
containers.
In some examples, the first sealing plug 16 and/or the second sealing plug 22
are
removable from the assembly. Once removed, the first sealing plug 16 and/or
the second sealing
plug 22 may be recycled. In other examples, the first sealing plug 16 and/or
the second sealing
plug 22 may be reusable. In this example, the lid 2 may comprise one or more
latches (of FIG.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
4A) or hooks (of FIG. 4B) 19A, 19B. The one or more latches (of FIG. 4A) or
hooks (of FIG.
4B) 19A, 19B may hold or secure the reusable first sealing plug 16 and the
second sealing plug
22 to the lid 2. In other examples, the first sealing plug 16 and/or the
second sealing plug 22 are
not removable from the assembly, and as such, the first sealing plug 16, the
second sealing plug
22, the collapsible straw, and the lid 2 may be reused or recycled as one
assembly.
The above-referenced disclosure describes one or more embodiments of the
instant
invention. FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the instant invention. In
this embodiment,
an assembly 400 is depicted, which may be recyclable or reusable. For example,
FIG. 11 depicts
an embodiment 1100 of the recyclable assembly. The assembly 400 may comprise a
lid 2 and a
collapsible straw fully extendable for use. In examples, the lid 2 may have a
flat shape, a
substantially flat shape, a squircle shape 32 (of FIG. 23), a concave shape, a
concave domed
shape 34 (of FIG. 24), a dome shape 28 (of FIG. 22), or a bubble shape, among
other examples.
The lid 2 may have a first side 6 disposed opposite a second side 8. The lid 2
may also
have a hole 20 located in a middle of lid 2. The hole 20 is configured to
extend through a width
of the lid 2. In examples, the second side 8 of the lid 2 may engage an
opening 10 of a container
4 to form a closed container. The closed container may house a liquid of any
temperature. It
should be appreciated that the shape, size, and dimensions of the container 4
are not limited to
those depicted.
The collapsible straw may include a first portion 12 disposed opposite a
second portion
14. The first portion 12 of the collapsible straw may be bendable or flexible
and may have a first
side disposed opposite a second side. The flexibility or bendability of the
first portion 12 of the
collapsible straw allows the first portion 12 of the collapsible straw to bend
for ease of use by
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
someone who cannot reach the collapsible straw in a straight and an extended
use position. The
second portion 14 of the collapsible straw may have a first side disposed
opposite a second side.
The first side of the first portion 12 of the collapsible straw is configured
to be engaged
by a mouth of the user. The second side of the first portion of the
collapsible straw is configured
to engage the hole 20 on the first side 6 of the lid 2. The first side of the
second portion 14 of the
collapsible straw is configured to be housed within the closed container. The
second side of the
second portion 14 of the collapsible straw is configured to engage hole 20 on
the second side 8 of
the lid 2.
In some examples, the straw may have a corrugated flex pipe configuration. In
this
example, as depicted, the second side of the first portion 12 of the straw may
have a larger width
than the first side of the first portion 12 of the straw. Moreover, the second
side of the second
portion 14 of the straw may have a larger width than the first side of the
first portion 12 of the
straw.
Differing from the above-referenced examples, the assembly 400 may
additionally
include a first sealing plug 16 affixed to the first side of the first portion
12 of the collapsible
straw and may include a second sealing plug 22 affixed to the first side of
the second portion 14
of the collapsible straw. The first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing
plug 22 are both tamper-
evident caps that provide a resealable closure. The first sealing plug 16
seals an inside of the first
portion 12 of the straw and the second sealing plug 22 seals an inside of the
second portion 14 of
the straw to prevent non-ingestible items from entering the first portion 12
or the second portion
14 of the straw.
It should be appreciated that the first sealing plug 16 may be manufactured to
be
removable from the assembly 400. In other examples, the first sealing plug 16
may be screwed or
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
secured onto the first side of the first portion 12 of the straw. Moreover,
the second sealing plug
22 may be screwed or secured onto the first side of the second portion 14 of
the straw. The first
portion 12 of the straw may collapse on itself in a direction moving towards
the first side 6 of the
lid 2. Moreover, the second portion 14 of the straw may collapse on itself in
a direction moving
towards the second side 8 of the lid 2.
The first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 may be in a closed
position when
a user is not engaging with the closed container. This closed position ensures
that non-ingestible
items do not enter the collapsible straw or the container 4. If the user
wishes to drink from the
closed container, the user may pull the one or more pull tabs 18A, 18B of the
first sealing plug
16 away from the first side 6 of the lid 2 and the one or more pull tabs 18C,
18D of the second
sealing plug 22 away from the second side 8 of the lid 2 to extend the first
sealing plug 16 and
the second sealing plug 22 to an open position. When in the open position (as
shown in FIG. 3,
FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 16), the first portion 12 and the second portion 14
of the collapsible
straw are configured in an extended use position, allowing the user to drink
from the closed
container.
Once the user is done engaging with the closed container, the user can push
the one or
more pull tabs 18A, 18B of the first sealing plug 16 towards the first side 6
of the lid 2 and the
one or more pull tabs 18C, 18D of the second sealing plug 22 towards the
second side 8 of the lid
2 to condense the first sealing plug 16 and the second sealing plug 22 to a
closed position for
travel or storage. In the closed position, the first portion 12 and the second
portion 14 of the
collapsible straw are configured in a collapsed non-use position, disallowing
the user to drink
from the closed container. In some examples, in this collapsed non-use
position, the first sealing
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
plug 16 houses the first portion 12 of the straw and the second sealing plug
22 houses the second
portion 14 of the straw.
As has been explained, in some examples, the first sealing plug 16 and/or the
second
sealing plug 22 are removable from the assembly. Once removed, the first
sealing plug 16 and/or
the second sealing plug 22 may be recycled. In other examples, the first
sealing plug 16 and/or
the second sealing plug 22 may be reusable. In this example, the lid 2 may
comprise one or more
latches (of FIG. 4A) or hooks (of FIG. 4B) 19A, 19B. The one or more latches
(of FIG. 4A) or
hooks (of FIG. 4B) 19A, 19B may hold or secure the reusable first sealing plug
16 and the
second sealing plug 22 to the lid 2. In other examples, the first sealing plug
16 and/or the second
sealing plug 22 are not removable from the assembly, and as such, the first
sealing plug 16, the
second sealing plug 22, the collapsible straw, and the lid 2 may be reused or
recycled as one
assembly.
Additionally, FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view an embodiment 1200 of a
reusable or
recyclable sealing plug (e.g., the first sealing plug 16 and the second
sealing plug 22). FIG. 12
also depicts the sealing plug loop component 52, as well as threads 62 of the
first sealing plug 16
and the second sealing plug 22. FIG. 13 depicts a side view an embodiment 1300
of the reusable
or recyclable sealing plug (e.g., the first sealing plug 16 and the second
sealing plug 22), as well
as a locking slot 60. FIG. 14 depicts a top down view of an embodiment of a
sealing plug
locking mechanism upon which FIG. 15 attaches, according to at least some
embodiments
described herein. FIG. 15 depicts a top down view of an embodiment 1500 of the
reusable or
recyclable sealing plug (e.g., the first sealing plug 16 and the second
sealing plug 22).
Moreover, though specific shapes and configurations of the collapsible straw
have been
depicted herein, other shapes and configurations are contemplated by
Applicant. For example,
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 depict embodiments 1700, 1800, respectively, of the
collapsible straw
comprising a coiled or corrugated configuration 24. As shown in FIG. 17, a
first portion of the
collapsible straw comprising the coiled or corrugated configuration 24 is
disposed on top or bent
over the lid 2 and a second portion of the collapsible straw comprising the
coiled or corrugated
configuration 24 is located/housed within the lid 2.
FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21 depict embodiments 1900, 2000, 2100,
respectively, of a
ball and socket configuration of a straw 26 collapsible into the lid 2 having
a dome-shape 28 and
an opening 30 therewith to receive the collapsible straw. Specifically, FIG.
19 depicts the
embodiment 1900 of the ball and socket configuration of the straw 26 in a
collapsed position
stored within the dome-shape 28 of the lid 2. Additionally, FIG. 20 depicts
the embodiment 2000
of the ball and socket configuration of the straw 26 in a partially extended
position and stored
within the dome-shape 28 of the lid 2. Further, FIG. 21 depicts the embodiment
2100 of the ball
and socket configuration of the straw 26 in a fully extended position within
the dome-shape 28 of
the lid 2.
Furthermore, in some examples, the lid 2 may comprise an extended
configuration, as
shown in embodiments 2500, 2600 of FIG. 25 and FIG. 26. The extended
configuration of the lid
2 includes a planar base component 28 comprising at least two pillar
components 26 extending
away from the planar base component 28. In a non-use position, the coiled or
corrugated
configuration 24 of the collapsible straw is stored in the base component 28.
FIG. 26 depicts
stacking of two lids having the extended configuration. Though FIG. 26 depicts
both straws
having the coiled or corrugated configuration 24, in some examples, one of the
straws comprises
the coiled or corrugated configuration 24 and the other straw comprises
another configuration,
such as the ball and socket configuration, or another configuration.
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
In some embodiments, the lid 2 may also comprise a vent hole 48 to allow for
the venting
of steam from a hot beverage housed within the container 4, as shown in FIG.
27. The vent hole
48 may also be used to allow air to replace the displaced liquid in the sealed
container 4. Without
the sealed container 4 being vented, when a user sucks the liquid out of the
container 4, air may
not be allowed to fill the container 4 and the container may collapse. In some
examples, the lid 2
may also comprise a flap component disposed proximate the vent hole 48. The
flap component
may be configured to, in a closed position, seal the vent hole 48 to prevent
the non-ingestible
items from entering the closed container 4 and, in an open position, allow
contents of the closed
container 4 to be vented.
Moreover, in some embodiments, an optional straw stabilizer system may
accompany the
system described herein. The straw stabilizer system increases the
width/volume/size of the
straw to allow for recyclability. The optional straw stabilizer system is
depicted in FIG. 28 ¨
FIG. 39. Specifically, FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 depict a first embodiment 2800,
2900, respectively,
of the straw stabilizer system that includes horizontal protrusions 32 in an
open position (FIG.
28) and in a closed and non-use position (FIG. 29). Moreover, FIG. 30 and FIG.
31 depict a
second embodiment 3000, 3100, respectively, of the straw stabilizer system
that includes planar
protrusions 34 in an open position (FIG. 30) and in a closed and non-use
position (FIG. 31).
Additionally, FIG. 32 depicts a third embodiment 3200 of the straw stabilizer
system that
includes support components 64 and column protrusions/stabilizers 36 in an
open position. FIG.
33 depicts a fourth embodiment 3300 of the straw stabilizer system that
includes the support
components 64 in a closed position.
Moreover, FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 depict a fifth embodiment 3800, 3900,
respectively, of
the straw stabilizer system that includes a movable sleeve 46 in an open
position (FIG. 38) and in
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
a closed and non-use position (FIG. 39). Further, FIG. 38 depicts a flange 66
referenced
previously, which is affixed to the movable sleeve 46, as well as the
stabilizer component 56.
Moreover, it should be appreciated that the horizontal protrusions 32, the
planar protrusions 34,
and/or the column protrusions 36 comprise a range of motion relative to the
straw.
Additional straw stabilizer systems are also contemplated by Applicant, such
as a circular
straw stabilizer system of FIG. 34 comprising cylindrical protrusions 38, a
solid wing stabilizer
system of FIG. 35 comprising wings 40, a sleeve stabilizer system of FIG. 36
comprising sleeves
42, and a locking ridge stabilizer system of FIG. 37 comprising locking ridges
44, among others
not explicitly described or depicted herein. It should be appreciated that the
quantities of the
.. cylindrical protrusions 38, the wings 40, the sleeves 42, and/or the
locking ridges 44 are not
limited to any particular quantity. However, in preferred example, at least
one of the cylindrical
protrusions 38, at least one of the wings 40, at least one of the sleeves 42,
and/or at least one of
the locking ridges 44 are contemplated herein. Further, it should be
appreciated that, in some
examples, the horizontal protrusions 32, the planar protrusions 34, the column
protrusions 36, the
cylindrical protrusions 38, the wings 40, the sleeves 42, and/or the locking
ridges 44 comprise
text/or and visual graphics.
It should be appreciated that, in some examples, the optional straw stabilizer
system may
be removable and replaceable with another straw stabilizer system. In other
examples, the straw
stabilizer system may comprise one or more securing components (e.g., a flange
56 of FIG. 38
and/or securing knobs 58 of FIG. 38) to support the extended/expanded position
and to secure
the straw stabilizer system components. These securing components can be any
shape, size,
configuration, length, and/or diameter. In some examples, the range of motion
is supported by a
manual mechanism or an automatic mechanism. Further, in some examples, the
straw and the
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
optional straw stabilizer system are storable in a non-use position or an in-
use position in the
closed container 4 or in a recyclable wrapper.
When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiments
thereof, the
articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more
of the elements.
Similarly, the adjective "another," when used to introduce an element, is
intended to mean one or
more elements. The terms "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive
such that there
may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of
particularity, it is to
be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of
illustration and that
numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may
be resorted to
without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-22
