Novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system

Abstract

The invention relates to a novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system that can easily be used to pump liquids into the mouth of the user without the use of mouth suction, used to convey information and messages, and deliver prizes and other marketing materials. The invention may include noisemakers, a selection of several different pump devices, various shapes of the pump devices, a stand-alone toy, and several means to convey information and messages on a display area. The exterior features, overall look and size are similar to that of a drinking straw with a pump attached between the two ends of the drinking straw. The invention, besides being used for drinking applications, may also be used for many other activities, some of which include marketing, amusement, and relaxation.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 400,318 filed on Mar. 27, 2003 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 368,139, filed on Mar. 29, 2002.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to drinking straws; more particularly, novelty straws with combined display areas and prize delivery systems that can easily be used to pump liquids into the mouth of the user without the use of mouth suction. BACKGROUND [0003] The invention relates to an improved drinking straw device that uses a pumping action to deliver liquid to the mouth of the user. Additionally, this improved pump drinking straw incorporates a display area with surfaces for messages, including prize delivery, which are integral to the pumping action device. [0004] The basic drinking straw is a linear and hollow tube designed to transport liquid from a vessel to the mouth of the user by virtue of a vacuum created by the user sucking at the receivi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0041] Another advantage of the invention is the pump action of a drinking straw that eliminates the user from having to suck liquids through a straw. This may be especially helpful when the user is drinking a thick or viscous beverage, which can be difficult and tiring to drink through a straw.

[0042] Yet another advantage of the invention includes the entertaining and relaxing effect of using the pumping device to drink a beverage.

[0043] A further advantage of the invention is a novel, safe and cost effective method of advertising and / or delivering messages. The messages may be displayed outright upon immediate use of the pump drinking straw or the messages may be less obvious, including semi-permanently hidden from plain view and designed to be uncovered at a later time.

[0044] Another advantage is that the invention is likely safer and more reliable at delivering an intact prize than other drinking straw delivery systems due to the fact that small, removable parts are not required.

[0045] Yet another advantage of this invention is the potential cost savings of this use of a prize delivery system. Many businesses, especially fast food establishments, have widely used the peel tabs or surfaces removable with scratching to reveal the prize message underneath. These existing methods may be used with the present invention.

[0046] Still, a further advantage of this invention includes the ability to prominently display logos, word marks, cartoon characters, or other designs with a pump drinking straw. The novelty of the design in the design area incorporated into the pump drinking straw may make the invention a desirable keepsake, such as a memento from a theme park, specialty drink or destination vacation spot. The stand-alone toy embodiment increases the desirability of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

However, these designs are generally limited to serve as amusement only.

Rarely is this equipment intended for disposal after a single use nor would it be cost effective to place this equipment next to paper napkins and typical drinking straws for the public in a retail or food service setting.

However, because drinking straws are used in extremely wet environments, unwinding and removing a rolled piece of paper may be troublesome if the paper becomes wet and prone to tear or, if the sheet is made of a plastic or waxy material, adhesion and capillary action could prevent removal of the prize or notice.

Additionally, insertion of a removable device into a drinking straw or a slideable housing may prove a choking hazard, even with safeguards.

This is especially dangerous for young children.

Thus, it does not disclose a means for pumping liquids out of an everyday drinking straw.

Also, the Schneider system is complicated and unsuitable for use in inexpensive, disposable applications.

The Schneider system is, thus, unsuitable for a novelty drinking straw application.

While this device discloses a flat surface for conveying messages, the device contains many elements that make it unattractive for inexpensive mass production.

Thus, it is more expensive to manufacture than conventional drinking straws, which have only one channel, and is not easily adaptable to conventional drinking cup covers that are adapted for conventional drinking straws.

Also, while the device allows an area for displaying markings, the area is not conducive to attaching a novelty pump mechanism or other three dimensional novelty object.

The device is relatively elaborate and, thus, expensive to produce and unsuitable to mass produce items for distribution by retailers for little or no charge.

Also, the device includes many limitations and requires many parts, such as cylindrical wells and long levers, make it suitable for therapeutic purposes but not for less intensive novelty and disposable use.

Further, the shape and complexity of the parts in Katzenberger's device make it unsuitable for displaying information or prize delivery systems at the pump lever.

Thus, the device is unsuited for inexpensive mass production and novelty purposes which are often desired by retailers.

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