Straw box, straw box system and drinking vessel

Abstract

The utility model discloses a straw box, a straw box system and a drinking vessel. The straw box comprises a main body and a belt component. The body includes: a first side and a second side positioned and located on opposing portions of the body; a first pin coupled to a first side of the body; and a second pin coupled to the second side of the body. The belt member includes: a first end and a second end; the first section extends upwards to be far away from the first end; the second section extends upwards to be far away from the second end; and a substantially circular portion linking the first segment and the second segment. Wherein the first and second ends of the strap member are releasably coupleable to the first and second pins of the body.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 298,711, filed on January 12, 2022, and entitled “STRAW CASE,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model generally relates to a straw box which can store foldable straws. The straw box can be connected to the lid of a drinking vessel (such as a tumbler). Background Art

[0004] Consumers often take beverages from home and drink them "on the go". Unless the beverage is packaged in a portable container, the consumer must place the beverage in another vessel, such as a drinking vessel, to easily transport and consume the beverage. Traditionally, these drinking vessels include a lid with an orifice. To drink from the drinking vessel, the user can tilt the bottom of the drinking vessel upward so that the liquid can flow out through the orifice in the lid. However, when transporting the drinking vessel, the liquid may accidentally overflow from the orifice.

[0005] To address this problem, some drinking vessels include a lid with a sliding member. Such drinking vessels are sometimes referred to as "slide cups." When the consumer is not drinking from the slide cup, the sliding member on the slide cup may be adapted to selectively cover the aperture in the lid. However, if the consumer drinks from the slide cup while engaging in another activity (e.g., driving), the consumer may easily spill the drink from the slide cup and onto himself or herself.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, and also to be environmentally conscious, many consumers have turned to using slide cups and reusable straws. The straw allows the consumer to drink from the slide cup while the slide cup is substantially upright, thereby reducing the risk that he or she will spill the beverage. However, utilizing a reusable straw brings additional challenges, including keeping the straw clean and storing the straw in a safe location. Although a straw box can help keep the straw clean, a straw box is typically a small, independent item that cannot be coupled to a drinking vessel without using additional components. As a result, the straw box may be easily lost, misplaced, or forgotten before use. Therefore, there is a need for an improved straw box that can selectively be coupled to a drinking vessel or other object without using additional components. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitations of the above-mentioned prior art devices. The utility model described herein includes several embodiments of a straw box that can be releasably coupled to the lid of a slide-on cup. The straw box can be adapted to store foldable, reusable straws to help protect the straws from dust or other contaminants when the straws are not in use. Advantageously, the straw box can include a flexible belt member that can be coupled to the body of the straw box. The belt member can also be received through a slot in the lid, which allows the straw box to be conveniently coupled to the lid.

[0008] The strap member may be releasably coupled to the straw box via a pin, so that a user may decouple at least one end of the strap member from the straw box. In some embodiments of the present invention, the strap member may include a slit on at least one end, so that a top section of the pin may pass therethrough, thereby allowing a user to couple and decouple the strap member from the straw box.

[0009] When either the first or second end of the strap member is decoupled from the straw box, the strap member can be decoupled from the lid. To achieve this, the user can push the first or second end of the strap member through the slot in the lid. Advantageously, once it is pushed through the lid, the strap member (and therefore the straw box) can be secured to other objects, such as bags, leather belt loops, and key chains, as desired by the user.

[0010] In a first aspect, the present application provides a straw box, comprising: a main body, the main body comprising: a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned and located on opposite parts of the main body; a first pin, the first pin being connected to the first side of the main body; and a second pin, the second pin being connected to the second side of the main body; a belt member, the belt member comprising: a first end and a second end; a first section, the first section extending upward away from the first end; a second section, the second section extending upward away from the second end; and a basically circular portion, the basically circular portion linking the first section and the second section; and wherein the first end and the second end of the belt member are capable of being releasably connected to the first pin and the second pin of the main body.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first pin and the second pin are integrally formed with the body of the straw box.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first pin and the second pin are removably coupled to the body of the straw box.

[0013] In one embodiment, the belt member further comprises: a first slit, the first slit being positioned and located on the first end; a second slit, the second slit being positioned and located on the second end; wherein the first pin and the second pin each comprise a top segment; and wherein the size of the top segments of the first pin and the second pin are substantially the same as or slightly larger than the size of the first slit and the second slit.

[0014] In one embodiment, the band member includes a first slit and a second slit, and wherein the first slit and the second slit each include a circular opening having a size that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than a size of a shaft on the first pin or the second pin.

[0015] In one embodiment, the belt member includes a first slit and a second slit, and wherein the first slit and the second slit each include: a circular opening, the size of the circular opening is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the size of the shaft on the first pin or the second pin; and at least one channel, the at least one channel intersecting the circular opening.

[0016] In one embodiment, the belt member includes a first slit and a second slit, wherein the first slit and the second slit each include a circular opening, wherein the size of the circular opening is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the size of the shaft on the first pin or the second pin, and wherein the size of the circular opening is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the size of the top segment on the first pin or the second pin.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present application provides a straw box system, comprising: a lid, the lid having a body defined by an outer circumference, wherein a protrusion of the lid extends outwardly away from the outer circumference, and wherein a narrow slot is positioned and located in the protrusion; a straw box, the straw box comprising: a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion are hinged to each other; a belt member, the belt member is releasably connected to the front and rear sides of the top portion; and wherein the belt member is adapted to be received in the narrow slot of the lid.

[0018] In one embodiment, when the bottom portion is rotated at least a predetermined distance away from the top portion, the straws can be removed or placed within the straw box.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cover further comprises a drinking aperture, the drinking aperture being positioned and located proximate the outer circumference, and wherein the drinking aperture is positioned and located substantially opposite the slot on the outer circumference.

[0020] In one embodiment, the straw box includes a locking mechanism adapted to releasably couple the top portion and the bottom portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the straw box includes a locking mechanism adapted to releasably couple the top portion and the bottom portion of the straw box, and wherein the locking mechanism is a slot-and-tab mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a magnetic locking mechanism, or a combination thereof.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bottom portion includes at least one tab adapted to selectively engage with at least one recess positioned and located on the top portion.

[0023] In a third aspect, the present application provides a drinking vessel comprising: a vessel body; a lid connected to the vessel body, the lid comprising a first edge portion and a second edge portion, and wherein a drinking orifice is positioned and located in close proximity to or near the first edge portion; a slot extending through the lid, the slot being positioned and located in close proximity to or near the second edge portion of the lid; a belt member adapted to be received by the slot; and a straw box releasably connected to the belt member.

[0024] In one embodiment, the slot is positioned and located on a protrusion of the cover, and wherein the protrusion extends outwardly from an outer edge of the cover.

[0025] In one embodiment, the straw box includes a frame having a front side and a rear side, and wherein the belt member includes: a first end, the first end is releasably connected to the front side of the frame; a second end, the second end is releasably connected to the rear side of the frame; and a connecting portion, the connecting portion extends from the first end to the second end, and wherein the connecting portion connects the first end and the second end to each other.

[0026] In one embodiment, the connecting portion of the belt member further includes: a first segment extending upward from the first end of the belt member; a second segment extending upward from the second end of the belt member; and a rounded portion coupling the first segment and the second segment together.

[0027] In one embodiment, the straw box is adapted to receive flexible or collapsible straws within the interior of the straw box.

[0028] In one embodiment, the strap member is constructed of a flexible material.

[0029] In one embodiment, the lid further comprises a sliding member configured to selectively cover the drinking aperture.

[0030] These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a straw box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the straw box including a strap member releasably coupled to a lid of a slide-on cup;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A second partial enlarged isometric view of the straw box and the slide cup;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom side view of a straw box showing the straw box in an open configuration with straws stored therein;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a front elevation view of the straw box and lid; and

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a strap member further illustrating a pin that can couple the strap member to the straw box.

[0036] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout. In order to clearly illustrate the features of the present invention, the proportional relationship of the components does not have to be maintained in the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 A drinking slide cup 1 (hereinafter referred to as a slide cup 1, which may also be referred to as a drinking vessel) is shown that can hold a liquid, including but not limited to water, soda, coffee or tea. In different embodiments, the size of the slide cup 1 can be adapted so that it can hold different volumes of fluid. The slide cup 1 is insulated in any known manner so that it can help keep the fluid placed therein at a substantially constant temperature.

[0039] The slide-on cup 1 may include a lid 5 having a size and shape such that it has substantially the same size and shape as an opening (not shown) in the upper portion 10 of the vessel body of the slide-on cup 1. The lid 5 may be secured to the upper portion 10 via a friction fit, via a threaded connection, or via other foreseeable attachment means. Figure 2 ) can be positioned on the cover 5 and can extend through the cover 5.

[0040] In order to drink from the slide cup 1, the user can tilt the bottom of the slide cup 1 upward so that the liquid can leave the drinking orifice 15 in the lid 5. Alternatively, a foldable or flexible straw 20 (hereinafter referred to as straw 20) can be received by the drinking orifice 15 and can extend into the interior of the slide cup 1. The straw 20 can allow the user to drink from the slide cup 1 when the slide cup 1 is in a substantially upright position. The straw 20 can be made of a flexible elastic material (e.g., silicone) so that it can be twisted or folded into various shapes. After the user deforms the straw 20, the elasticity of the straw 20 can help the straw 20 return to its original shape. The ability to twist or selectively fold the straw 20 can help the user store the straw 20. In an alternative embodiment, the straw 20 can be folded for storage using other foreseeable mechanisms (such as by telescoping).

[0041] Advantageously, the size and shape of the straw box 25 (also referred to as a straw box system) can be designed so that the straw 20 (or another flexible or foldable straw) can be stored therein. The straw box 25 can help protect the straw 20 from being soiled or contaminated before or after using the straw 20. If the straw 20 is stored in the straw box 25 and the user wishes to use the straw 20, the user can open the straw box 25, remove the straw 20 from the straw box 25, and insert the straw 20 into the slide cup 1. Conversely, when the user is finished drinking from the slide cup 1, the user can remove the straw 20 from the slide cup 1 and place the straw 20 in the straw box 25.

[0042] Conveniently, the straw box 25 can be selectively coupled to the slide-lid cup 1 or other objects. For example, the straw box 25 can include a strap member 30 that selectively couples the straw box 25 to the lid 5. When the straw box 25 is coupled to the lid 5, a convenient and secure location is provided for the user to store the straws 20 together with the lid 5 and / or the cup 1. In addition, the straw box 25 can be coupled to other objects via the strap member 30, including but not limited to bags, wallets, belt loops, and key chains. This can allow the user to conveniently store the straws 20 and the straw box 25 in a variety of ways.

[0043] like Figure 2 As best shown, the drinking orifice 15 can be located on the first end 35 of the lid 5 and can extend through the body 40 of the lid 5. When the lid 5 is in the open configuration (as shown), the drinking orifice 15 can allow fluid to flow out of the slide-lid cup 1. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the drinking orifice 15 can be located near the outer edge or circumference 45 (also referred to as the outer circumference) of the lid 5 or elsewhere on the lid 5.

[0044] The lid 5 further includes a sliding member 50 that can be used to selectively cover the drinking aperture 15. When the sliding member 50 is positioned over the drinking aperture 15, the sliding member 50 can help prevent fluid from leaving the slide cup 1, thereby placing the lid 5 in a closed configuration. In addition to closing the lid 5, the sliding member 50 can be selectively positioned so that it does not cover the drinking aperture 15. When the sliding member 50 does not cover at least a portion of the drinking aperture 15, the lid 5 can be in an open configuration and can allow fluid to leave the slide cup 1 via the drinking aperture 15. Therefore, the sliding member 50 can allow a consumer to selectively open or close the lid 5 to easily drink from or transport the slide cup 1.

[0045] The sliding member 50 can be positioned within a channel 55 formed on the top surface 60 of the lid 5. The width of the channel 55 can be the same as or slightly larger than the width of the sliding member 50. As a result, the sliding member 50 can be movably retained within the channel 55. The channel 55 can facilitate movement of the sliding member 50 between the open position and the closed position. For example, the channel 55 can extend from the first end 35 of the lid 5 to the second end 65 of the lid 5 opposite the first end 35 and the drinking orifice 15. However, alternatively, the channel 55 can extend partially between the ends 35, 65.

[0046] The lid 5 also includes a slot member 70 for receiving the strip member 30. The slot member 70 can extend through a portion of the body 40 of the lid 5 and can be located on a protrusion 75 at the second end 65 of the lid 5. However, other locations of the slot member 70 and / or the protrusion 75 (such as along the circumference 45) are also foreseeable. The protrusion 75 can be a thin planar protrusion that extends away from the body 40 and the outside of the circumference 45 of the lid 5. The protrusion 75 can be substantially symmetrical and can take the shape of a rectangular plate with rounded edges, however, other shapes of the protrusion 75 are also foreseeable. When the slot member 70 receives the strip member 30, the strip member 30 can extend from the front side 80 (also referred to as the first side) of the straw box 25, through the slot member 70, and extend to the back side 85 (also referred to as the second side) of the straw box 25.

[0047] The strap member 30 may be releasably coupled to either or both of the front side 80 and the back side 85 of the straw box 25. For example, the first end 87 of the strap member 30 may be releasably coupled to the front side 80 of the straw box, and the second end 89 of the strap member 30 may be releasably coupled to the back side 85 of the straw box. Thus, when the strap member 30 is coupled to the lid 5 and the straw box 25, the strap member 30 may extend from the front side 80 through the slot member 70 and to the back side 85. To decouple the straw box 25 and the strap member 30 from the lid 5, the first end 87 or the second end 89 of the strap member 30 may be selectively decoupled from the straw box 25. The decoupled ends 87, 89 of the strap member 30 may then be pushed through the slot member 70, thereby decoupling the strap member 30 (and the straw box 25) from the lid 5. Alternatively, the strap member 30 may be selectively decoupled from the two sides 80, 85 so that the straw box 25 and the strap member 30 may be decoupled while the strap member 30 remains within the slot member 70. To reconnect the straw box 25 to the lid 5, the user may push one of the ends 87, 89 of the strap member 30 through the slot member 70, and the user may couple the ends 87, 89 of the strap member 30 to the straw box 25. Conversely, if the user wishes to couple the straw box 25 to another object, the user may wrap the strap member 30 around or through the other object before coupling the ends 87, 89 of the strap member 30 to the straw box 25.

[0048] Go to Figure 3 , the straw 20 is received in the straw box 25 in a bent configuration so that only a portion of its body is visible. The obscured portion of the straw 20 is shown in dotted lines. The straw box 25 may include a frame or body 90, the size and shape of which allows flexible or foldable straws (e.g., straws 20) to be stored inside it. The body 90 can be formed in the shape of a rectangular prism with rounded edges, but other shapes of the straw box 25 (e.g., spherical, cubic, or oval) are foreseeable. The body 90 can be made of a hard, durable material (e.g., plastic) that is easy for the user to clean. In other embodiments, the body 90 can be made of a durable, flexible material (e.g., nylon) that is easy to clean and can also allow the user to fold the straw box 25 into a smaller volume when the straw box 25 is not in use.

[0049] In addition, the body 90 may include a bottom portion 95 and a top portion 100 hingedly coupled to each other via a hinge 105. To help prevent the portions 95, 100 from unintentionally rotating relative to each other, a locking mechanism 107 may be provided to releasably couple the bottom portion 95 to the top portion 100. The locking mechanism 107 may be provided in the form of a slot-tab type mechanism. The first tab 110 is configured to engage a first recess 115, and the second tab 120 is configured to engage a second recess 125. The tabs 110, 120 may be positioned and located on the bottom portion 95 of the body 90, while the recesses 115, 125 may be positioned and located on the top portion 100 of the body 90. However, in alternative embodiments, the tabs 110, 120 may be positioned and located on the top portion 100, and the recesses 115, 125 may be positioned and located on the bottom portion 95. In addition, the locking mechanism 107 may include other suitable devices other than those shown herein. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 107 can be provided in the form of a zipper mechanism that can be opened and closed in a known manner. The zipper mechanism can be located along the periphery of the bottom portion 95, the top portion 100, or the entire body 90. In other alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 107 can be provided in the form of a magnetic locking mechanism or other foreseeable locking mechanism. In other alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 107 can be a combination of mechanisms. In some such embodiments, the locking mechanism 107 can be a combination of a slot-tab mechanism, a zipper mechanism, and / or a magnetic locking mechanism.

[0050] Go to Figure 4 , the user can press the button 130 positioned and located on the front side 80 of the straw box 25 to disengage the locking mechanism 107 (not shown). The button 130 can be connected to a transmission member (not shown) that can disengage the tabs 110, 120 from the recesses 115, 125, however, other ways in which the button 130 can disengage the locking mechanism 107 are also foreseeable. Preferably, when the locking mechanism 107 is disengaged, the bottom portion 95 can be released from the top portion 100. Then, by gravity or the action of the user, the bottom portion 95 can be rotated around the hinge 105 away from the top portion 100. Once the bottom portion 95 is rotated a predetermined amount (also referred to as a predetermined distance), the user can enter the interior of the straw box 25 to remove or place the straw 20 (not shown) therein. In order to close the straw box 25, the user can rotate the bottom portion 95 toward the top portion 100. Once the bottom portion 95 abuts the top portion 100, the locking mechanism 107 may be reengaged by means known in the art, thereby securing the portions 95, 100 to one another.

[0051] like Figure 4As further shown, the straw box 25 includes at least one pin 135 to facilitate the connection between the straw box 25 and the belt member 30. For example, the first pin 135 can be positioned and located on the front side 80 of the straw box 25, and the second pin 135 can be positioned and located on the rear side 85 of the straw box 25 (see Figure 2 ) In alternative embodiments, the placement and number of pins 135 may vary.

[0052] The pins 135 may each include a top section 140 and a shaft 145 (in Figure 5 ). Generally, the top segment 140 can help to more securely couple the band member 30 to the straw box 25, and the shaft 145 can extend into the body 90 of the straw box 25 so that the pin 135 can be coupled to the straw box 25. The top segment 140 can abut or be positioned close to the front side 80 of the straw box 25 and extend outward and away from the front side 80. The top segment 140 can be configured in a disc shape, but other shapes of the top segment 140 are also foreseeable. Figure 5 As shown, shaft 145 extends outward and away from top section 140. Shaft 145 can be integrally formed with top section 140 or otherwise coupled thereto. Shaft 145 can be cylindrical, although other shapes are also foreseeable. In some embodiments, shaft 145 can be integrally formed with straw box 25 (not shown). However, in alternative embodiments, shaft 145 can be received in a small hole or orifice in straw box 25. In such an embodiment, shaft 145 can include threads or other structures suitable for engaging with straw box 25.

[0053] The belt member 30 can be formed of a thin flexible material (e.g., silicone). The belt member 30 can be substantially symmetrical so that the first end 87 is substantially symmetrical with the second end 89. In some embodiments, the ends 87, 89 of the belt member 30 are provided in the form of a circular portion 160, however, other shapes of the ends 87, 89 are also foreseeable. The circular portion 160 can be linked by a connecting portion 165 of the belt member 30. The connecting portion 165 can be provided in the form of two segments 170 and a circular portion 175 positioned between the segments 170. The segments 170 can extend upward from the circular portion 160 in a linear manner so that the segments 170 are parallel to each other. In addition, the circular portion 175 can link the segments 170 together. In alternative embodiments, the configuration of the connecting portion 165 can vary. In some such alternative embodiments, the length of the segment 170 can be adapted so that the straw box 25 is kept at a preferred distance (not shown) away from the lid 5. In other alternative embodiments, the segment 170 can be curved, or the circular portion can be formed into a rectangular shape. In other embodiments, strap member 30 may be formed without rounded portion 160 .

[0054] At each of the first end 87 and the second end 89, the belt member 30 may include a slit 180, for example, a first slit and a second slit, such as Figure 5 Each slit 180 can be positioned and located on the circular portion 160. The size of the slit 180 can be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the size of the shaft 145 of the pin 135. Therefore, when the belt member 30 is coupled to the straw box 25 (see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 ), the shaft 145 can extend through the slit 180. In addition, the slit 180 can have the same size as the top section 140 of the pin 135 or be slightly smaller than the top section 140 of the pin 135. Therefore, the top section 140 of the pin 135 can help retain the slit 180 on the shaft 145.

[0055] The slits 180 can be adapted so that the top segments 140 of the pins 135 can be selectively placed or pulled through the slits 180 by a user, thereby allowing the user to selectively couple and decouple the band member 30 with the straw box 25. As shown, the slits 180 can include circular openings 185 (only one circular opening 185 is shown) that are substantially the same size as or slightly smaller than the size of the top segments 140 of the pins 135. In addition, each slit 180 can include a channel 190 extending away from the circular opening 185. The channel 190 can be an orifice in the band member 30 that intersects the slit 180. The channel 190 can be a rectangle with rounded corners, however, other shapes are also foreseeable.

[0056] The channel 190 may provide additional maneuverability to the user when the user wishes to place the top segment 140 of the pin 135 through the strap member 30. For example, the channel 190 may elastically deform when a force is applied to the strap member 30. Thus, the channel 190 may allow the user to bend the slit 180 around the top segment 140 when the user wishes to couple or uncouple the strap member 30. In alternative embodiments, the strap member 30 may include more or fewer channels 190. In embodiments where the strap member 30 does not include a channel 190, the slit 180 may be provided as a substantially circular opening.

[0057] Alternatively, the pins 135 may be releasably coupled to the body 90 of the straw box 25 using a foreseeable mechanism. For example, the pins 135 may be coupled to the body 90 using a friction fit or by a threaded connection. In such an embodiment, in order to decouple the straw box 25 from the slide-lid cup 1, the user may decouple one or more pins 135 from the body 90 of the straw box 25. Advantageously, when at least one pin 135 is decoupled from the body 90, the first end 87 and / or the second end 89 of the strap member 30 may also be decoupled from the body 90. The user may then push the strap member 30 through the slot member 70 of the lid 5 until the first end 87 or the second end 89 passes through the slot member 70. Once this occurs, the strap member 30 and the straw box 25 are no longer coupled to the lid 5. If the user wishes to recouple the straw box 25 to the lid 5, the user may reinsert the first end 87 or the second end 89 through the slot member 70. The user can then place the first end 87 and / or the second end 89 over their respective locations on the straw box 25 and reinsert the pin 135 into the straw box 25. Conversely, if the user wishes to couple the straw box 25 to another object, the user can wrap the band member 30 around the other object before placing the first end 87 and / or the second end 89 onto the straw box 25 and reinsert the pin 135.

[0058] As is apparent from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the specific details of the examples shown herein, and it is therefore expected that other modifications, applications, variations, or their equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art. However, after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings, many such changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of this construction will become apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, unless otherwise indicated above, it should be noted that all drawings are not drawn to scale. All such changes, modifications, variations, and other uses in applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are considered to be covered by the present invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A straw box, characterized in that: include: A subject, the subject comprising: a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned and located on opposing portions of the body; a first pin coupled to the first side of the body; and a second pin coupled to the second side of the body; A belt member, the belt member comprising: a first end and a second end; a first segment extending upwardly away from the first end; a second segment extending upwardly away from the second end; and a substantially circular portion linking the first segment and the second segment; and Wherein, the first and second ends of the strap member are releasably coupleable to the first and second pins of the body.

2. The straw box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pin and the second pin are integrally formed with the body of the straw box.

3. The straw box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pin and the second pin are removably coupled to the body of the straw box.

4. The straw box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The belt member further comprises: a first slit located and situated on the first end; a second slit located and situated on the second end; wherein the first pin and the second pin each include a top segment; and The size of the top sections of the first pin and the second pin is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the size of the first slit and the second slit.

5. The straw box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The band member includes a first slit and a second slit, and wherein the first slit and the second slit each include a circular opening having a size that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than a size of a shaft on the first pin or the second pin.

6. The straw box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The belt member comprises a first slit and a second slit, and wherein the first slit and the second slit each comprise: a circular opening having a size that is substantially the same as or slightly larger than a size of a shaft on the first pin or the second pin; and At least one channel intersects the circular opening.

7. The straw box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The band member includes a first slit and a second slit, wherein the first slit and the second slit each include a circular opening, wherein the size of the circular opening is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the size of the shaft on the first pin or the second pin, and wherein the size of the circular opening is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the size of the top segment on the first pin or the second pin.

8. A straw box system, characterized in that: include: a cover having a body defined by an outer circumference, wherein a protrusion of the cover extends outwardly away from the outer circumference, and wherein a slot is located and situated in the protrusion; A straw box, comprising: a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion being hingedly connected to each other; a strap member releasably coupled to the front and rear sides of the top portion; and wherein the strap member is adapted to be received in the slot of the cover.

9. The straw box system according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the bottom portion is rotated at least a predetermined distance away from the top portion, straws can be removed or placed within the straw box.

10. The straw box system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lid further includes a drinking aperture positioned and located proximate the outer circumference, and wherein the drinking aperture is positioned and located substantially opposite the slot on the outer circumference.

11. The straw box system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The straw box includes a locking mechanism adapted to releasably couple the top portion and the bottom portion.

12. The straw box system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The straw box includes a locking mechanism adapted to releasably couple the top portion and the bottom portion of the straw box, and wherein the locking mechanism is a slot-and-tab mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a magnetic locking mechanism, or a combination thereof.

13. The straw box system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The bottom portion includes at least one tab adapted to selectively engage at least one recess positioned and located on the top portion.

14. A drinking vessel, characterized in that: include: Vessel body; a lid coupled to the vessel body, the lid comprising a first edge portion and a second edge portion, and wherein the drinking aperture is positioned and located in close proximity to or adjacent to the first edge portion; a slot extending through the cover, the slot being positioned and located immediately adjacent to or near the second edge portion of the cover; a strap member adapted to be received by the slot; and A straw box is releasably coupled to the belt member.

15. The drinking vessel according to claim 14, characterized in that The slot is positioned and located on a protrusion of the cover, and wherein the protrusion extends outwardly from an outer edge of the cover.

16. The drinking vessel according to claim 14, characterized in that The straw box comprises a frame having a front side and a rear side, and wherein the belt member comprises: a first end releasably coupled to the front side of the frame; a second end releasably coupled to the rear side of the frame; and A connecting portion extends from the first end to the second end, and wherein the connecting portion couples the first end and the second end to each other.

17. The drinking vessel according to claim 16, characterized in that The connecting portion of the belt member further comprises: a first segment extending upwardly from the first end of the belt member; a second segment extending upwardly from the second end of the belt member; and A circular portion couples the first segment and the second segment together.

18. The drinking vessel according to claim 14, characterized in that The straw box is suitable for receiving flexible or foldable straws within the interior of the straw box.

19. The drinking vessel according to claim 14, characterized in that The belt member is composed of a flexible material.

20. The drinking vessel according to claim 14, characterized in that The lid also includes a sliding member configured to selectively cover the drinking aperture.

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