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  Novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery systemUSPTO Application #: 20060144955Title: 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. (end of abstract)
Agent: Marc E. Hankin, Esq. - Los Angeles, CA, US Inventors: Donald Farnsworth, John Nava USPTO Applicaton #: 20060144955 - Class: 239033000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, And Diffusing, Fountains Or Drinking Tubes And Straws, Drinking, Portable Drinking Tubes And Straws The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060144955. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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 receiving end. Drinking straws that are designed in novel and amusing shapes and colors have long been known. An example of one such novel shape is a hard plastic straw with a series of loops so that the liquid may be observed progressing through the loops as the user drinks the liquid. More complex entertainment devices used in drinking straws include gearing or turbines in contact with the liquid or affiliated with the movement of liquid to turn the gearing or turbine blades. The turbine power, generated by the liquid or air, may serve to display the turning gears, blades and/or move a fanciful object for amusement and entertainment. However, these designs are generally limited to serve as amusement only. [0005] Additionally, mechanical means to transfer liquid from a vessel, including methods to effectuate the transfer, are well known in the art. Prior attempts include uses in sporting hydration devices, such as a squeezable sports bottle with a resealable cap and tubing so that a bicyclist can aim the liquid in his mouth without the use of hands. Other sports uses incorporate a liquid reservoir, including a canteen, worn by the user with a tube connected to the reservoir, again designed to allow the user to aim the liquid into her mouth for convenience. One such sporting water reservoir device with tubing includes a squeeze bulb to assist in the movement of liquid from the reservoir, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,729 to Drzymkowski. Yet another prior attempt includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,385 granted to Klegerman et al., which teaches of a multi-walled, replaceable filter, portable water filtering device for use at public drinking fountains or other public water supplies. 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. [0006] In terms of prize delivery, few prior attempts at distributing both advertising and prizes on liquid transfer devices are found. However, one such attempt, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,279 and granted to Howes, consists of a prize (cash or coupon) or notice of such a prize wound in a generally spiral form about or in a drinking straw, either inserted into the drinking straw itself (to be removed before the straw is used to drink liquid) or printed on the drinking straw and covered by a sliding cylindrical housing. 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. [0007] A liquid storage and delivery system is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,310 granted to Schneider. While Schneider's device does disclose a system for delivering liquid by a hand pump, it is adapted for use by persons wearing protective gear such as gas masks. 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. [0008] A beverage straw that includes an area for displaying messages is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,518 granted to Martina et al. While this device discloses a flat surface for conveying messages, the device contains many elements that make it unattractive for inexpensive mass production. First, the device relies upon a plurality of channels or conduits in order to pass the liquid. 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. [0009] A therapeutic drinking straw machine is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,268 granted to Katzenberger. Katzenberger's device allows swallowing-impaired persons to consume beverages by attaching a pump mechanism to a channel for passing liquids. 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. [0010] There is a long-felt need for a drinking straw that may provide entertainment, relaxation, and even amusement with a pumping action. Additionally, there is a need for an improved drinking straw that can effectively, reliably, and safely deliver prizes and/or display messages with a combined display area and prize delivery system. A reasonably priced novelty drinking straw that could provide entertainment as well as deliver prizes, or notice of prizes, is needed for marketing promotions. This is especially evident in fast food chains that are interested in using advertising, game pieces or prizes to increase or shift the market share in their favor or even create new market opportunities, customer excitement, and profits. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] It is an object of the invention to provide entertainment, relaxation and even amusement to the user of the pump drinking straw. [0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an effective, reliable and safe drinking straw prize and/or message delivery. [0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a method to transfer liquid from a drinking vessel to the mouth of the user of the pump drinking straw without the need for mouth suction. [0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and convenient method to filter liquids contained in drinking vessels or other vessels. [0015] Yet another object of the invention is to create a desire in the consumer to purchase either the pump drinking straw or a beverage because the consumer desires a pump drinking straw. [0016] A further object of the invention is to provide a safe way to control flow of beverages by providing a consumption means nearly independent from unexpected and sudden movements, including sudden lunging movements as experienced in vehicle travel, to help to eliminate spills, especially painful and potentially hazardous spills. [0017] Another object of the invention is the manufacturing ability to be readily changed or adaptable to marketing needs. [0018] A further object of the invention is to effectively conceal messages of the pump drinking straw until the desired time or occurrence transpires. [0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Continue reading... Full patent description for Novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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