Irreversibly Attachable Drinking Straws and Methods of Use Thereof

Abstract

Provided is an assembly that includes a container with an opening for holding a volume of a liquid, a lid, and a connector attaching the container and the lid. Such an assembly can be used as a beverage container with an attached lid. Provided are methods of using such an assembly, such as by placing a liquid into the container and moving the lid so that it covers the opening. Provided are methods of making the assembly, such as by forming it as a single piece. The assemblies can be dimensioned such that can be placed adjacent to one another in a packaging while also occupying a minimum amount of space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 531,466 filed on Aug. 5, 2019, which application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 715,685 filed on Aug. 7, 2018; the disclosures of which applications are herein incorporated by reference.INTRODUCTION[0002]Consumable products such as disposable drinking straws, cups, lids, plates, utensils, disposable cooking thermometers, stir sticks, containers, packaging and other related items that are generally used for in relationship with food preparation, service, cooking, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, quick service restaurants, and the like are pervasive in today's society. Nearly 8 million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean every year. The plastic consumable products found in landfills and in the ocean can take decades, sometimes longer, to decompose. Therefore, the negati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new way to make recycling symbols on straws using laser ablation. The straws can be made by co-extruding a layer of color inside the straw and a layer of color outside the straw. The laser can be used to remove the outer layer and expose the color of the inner layer, creating a color contrast and generating a digital symbol, such as a recycling symbol. The straws can also be combined with a lid to create a coupon that can be folded or discarded after use. The patent also includes a design for a ternary grouping of straw, lid, and cup that simplifies the recycling process and makes it easier for consumers and recyclers to dispose of waste.

Problems solved by technology

The plastic consumable products found in landfills and in the ocean can take decades, sometimes longer, to decompose.

Therefore, the negative environmental impact of these plastic products can be long lasting.

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