US20180160831A1

US20180160831A1 - Washable straw

Info

Publication number: US20180160831A1
Application number: US15/580,263
Authority: US
Inventors: Joo An Yoo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-12
Filing date: 2016-06-09
Publication date: 2018-06-14
Also published as: KR20160146521A; KR101763182B1; KR20160146533A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washable straw and, more specifically, to a straw capable of being washed after being used for drinking a beverage, by sealing or opening the lateral side of a side body by circularly rolling side bodies, connected by connective joints, or an integrally formed side body. The washable straw includes: side bodies having a predetermined thickness, and formed so as to be long in the vertical direction; connective joints made of a flexible material, and allowing the side bodies to be rolled by joining the side bodies; and a detachment means provided at both of the outermost side bodies among the side bodies connected by the connective joint so as to detach both side bodies, wherein a closely adhered state in which both side bodies overlap by rolling the plurality of side bodies is maintained.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a washable straw, and more particularly, to a straw capable of being washed after being used as a straw for drinking a beverage, by sealing or opening the lateral side of a side body by circularly rolling side bodies connected via connective joints, or a side body integrally formed.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, when a person drinks milk, beverage or water in a glass or a can, he or she drinks directly from the glass or the can, but frequently drinks milk, beverage or water contained in the glass or the can using a straw.
Such a straw has an inner hollow portion. So, when a user sucks milk, beverage or water through the straw using a suction force after putting an upper portion of the straw into his or her mouth, the milk, beverage or water is sucked through a lower portion of the straw, such that the user can drink the milk, beverage or water.
Moreover, there are two kinds of straws: one being a straight straw; and the other being a bellows straw of which the upper part is bendable due to a bellows tube formed at the upper part.
In order to drink beverage using such a straw, first, the user puts the long lower portion of the straw into a beverage container, in which the beverage is contained, and then, sucks the beverage through the straw while holding the straw in his or her mouth, such that the user can drink the beverage contained in the beverage container by sucking the beverage through the straw.
In the meantime, such a conventional straw has an outer body sealed by an elongated main body and the hollow inner portion, and is made of synthetic resin.
Therefore, the conventional straw has several disadvantages in that it is disposed as garbage once it is used because it is impossible to be washed, in that it contaminates environment because it is not recovered and recycled and is thrown on a mountain, a hill or a pleasure garden as it is, and in that it causes a considerable economic loss due to waste and import of raw materials.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior arts, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a washable straw, of which the lateral side of a side body is detachable by circularly rolling side bodies connected via connective joints, or a side body integrally formed to be sealable or openable, thereby being reusable many times because being washable, reducing environmental pollution because not being disposed on mountains, hills or pleasure gardens as it is, and reducing an economic loss due to waste and import of raw materials.

Technical Solution

To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a washable straw including: a plurality of side bodies, each of which has a predetermined thickness and is elongated vertically; connective joints, which are made of a flexible material and connect the plural side bodies with one another to allow the side bodies to be rolled; and detachment means provided at both of the outermost side bodies, which are not connected by the connective joints, among the plurality of side bodies so as to detachably mate both side bodies with each other, the detachment means maintaining a closely adhered state in which both side bodies overlap each other by rolling the plural side bodies.
In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a washable straw including: a plurality of side bodies, each of which has a predetermined thickness and is elongated vertically; connective joints, which are made of a flexible material and connect the plural side bodies with one another to allow the side bodies to be rolled; and detachment means provided at both of the outermost side bodies, which are not connected by the connective joints, among the plurality of side bodies so as to detachably mate both side bodies with each other, the detachment means maintaining a tightly mated state in which lateral end portions of the outermost side bodies get in close contact with each other by rolling the plural side bodies.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a washable straw including: an integrated side body, which is elongated vertically with a predetermined thickness, is made of a flexible material to maintain a circular shape, and is cut to be opened; and detachment means respectively provided at both opened end portions of the integrated side body so as to maintain a sealed state after the end portions intercross each other and come into close contact with each other when a user presses the integrated side body from the outside.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a washable straw including: two semicircular side bodies, each of which is formed in a semicircular shape with a predetermined thickness and is elongated vertically; a connective joint connecting between the two semicircular side bodies with each other; and detachment means disposed at the two semicircular side bodies to detachably mate the semicircular side bodies so as to maintain a close contact state of the semicircular side bodies in a state where lateral end portions of the semicircular side bodies come in contact with each other or in a state where the semicircular side bodies partially overlap each other.
In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a washable straw including: an integrated side body, which is elongated vertically with a predetermined thickness, is made of a flexible material to maintain a circular shape, and is cut to be opened; and detachment means respectively provided at both opened sides of the integrated side body so as to maintain a sealed state in a state where both opened portions of the integrated side body partially overlap each other or in a state where both lateral end portions get in close contact with each other.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present invention, because the lateral side of a side body is detachable by circularly rolling side bodies connected via connective joints, or a side body integrally formed to be sealable or openable, the washable straw is reusable many times because being washable, can reduce environmental pollution because not being disposed on mountains, hills or pleasure gardens as it is, and can reduce an economic loss due to waste and import of raw materials.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views of detachment means of a washable straw according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a washable straw according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively a plan view of a washable straw and a perspective view of a spread state of the washable straw according to a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a washable straw according to an eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a washable straw according to a twelfth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a washable straw according to a thirteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a washable straw according to a fourteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a washable straw according to a fifteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a washable straw according to a sixteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

A washable straw according to the present invention includes:
a plurality of side bodies, each of which has a predetermined thickness and is elongated vertically;
connective joints, which are made of a flexible material and connect the plural side bodies with one another to allow the side bodies to be rolled; and
detachment means provided at both of the outermost side bodies, which are not connected by the connective joints, among the plurality of side bodies so as to detachably mate both side bodies with each other, the detachment means maintaining a closely adhered state in which both side bodies overlap each other by rolling the plural side bodies.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the following description, the same elements will be designated by the same reference numerals although they are shown in different drawings.
Further, in the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear.
Moreover, in the entire specification of the present disclosure, when any portion “includes” or “comprises” any component, this does not exclude other components but means that any other component can be further included, unless stated otherwise.
Hereinafter, in the drawings, for better understanding of the present invention, a horizontal to vertical ratio of the straw is ignored and a horizontality is expressed exaggeratedly.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the washable straw 100 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a side body 110, connective joints 120, and detachment means 130.
The side body 110 has a predetermined thickness and is elongated vertically, and includes a plurality of side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c.
The connective joints 120 are made of a flexible material and connect the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c with one another, such that air or beverage does not leak between the side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c and the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c can be rolled circularly.
In this instance, the side body 110 and the connective joint 120 may be formed integrally, that is, the side body 110 made of a thick synthetic resin material extends to the connective joint 120 made of a think synthetic resin material.
Moreover, the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c of the side body 110 may be made of a stainless steel material and the connective joints 120 made of a flexible material are connected between the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c, such that the side bodies can be rolled circularly.
The detachment means 130 is disposed at both of the outermost side bodies 110 a and 110 b among the plural side bodies connected by the connective joints 120, namely, both side bodies 110 a and 110 b, which are not connected by the connective joints 120 and are separated, such that the separated side bodies 110 a and 110 b are detachable. Therefore, when the side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c are rolled circularly till the both side bodies 110 a and 110 b overlap each other, the detachment means 130 maintains a close contact state between the side bodies 110 a and 110 b so as to prevent a leak of air or beverage. According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detachment means 130 is a snap button type detachment means 130, and includes a fastening protrusion 131 a and a fastening groove 131 b.
That is, one side body 110 a of both side bodies 110 a and 110 b has the fastening protrusion 131 a, and the other one 110 b has the fastening groove 131 b formed at the position corresponding to the fastening protrusion 131 a, such that both side bodies 110 a and 110 b overlap each other and come into close contact with each other when the fastening protrusion 131 a is fit into the fastening groove 131 b.
On the contrary to the above, one side body 110 b of both side bodies 110 a and 110 b has the fastening protrusion 131 a, and the other one 110 a has the fastening groove 131 b formed at the position corresponding to the fastening protrusion 131 a, such that both side bodies 110 a and 110 b overlap each other and come into close contact with each other when the fastening protrusion 131 a is fit into the fastening groove 131 b.
In this instance, the inner diameter of the fastening groove 131 b is equal to or a bit smaller than the thickness of the fastening protrusion 131 a, such that the fastening protrusion 131 a is forcedly fit into the fastening groove 131 b and the fitting state is not released.
In the drawings, for instance, there are five side bodies 110 and two fastening protrusions 131 a and two fastening grooves 131 b, but of course, the present invention is not limited to the number of the components.
Due to such a configuration of the washable straw 100, the washable straw 100 can be used as a straw for drinking beverage by being put into a container like a glass in a state where a lateral side of a hollow portion 140 is sealed as shown in FIG. 1B, and after being used, is opened as shown in FIG. 1A, such that the inside of the straw 100 can be washed cleanly.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the washable straw 100 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a side body 110, connective joints 120, and detachment means 130.
The side body 110 has a predetermined thickness and is elongated vertically, and includes a plurality of side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c.
The connective joints 120 are made of a flexible material and connect the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c with one another, such that air or beverage does not leak between the side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c and the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c can be rolled circularly.
In this instance, the side body 110 and the connective joint 120 may be formed integrally, that is, the side body 110 made of a thick synthetic resin material extends to the connective joint 120 made of a think synthetic resin material.
Moreover, the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c of the side body 110 may be made of a stainless steel material and the connective joints 120 made of a flexible material are connected between the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c, such that the side bodies can be rolled circularly.
The detachment means 130 is disposed at both of the outermost side bodies 110 a and 110 b among the plural side bodies connected by the connective joints 120, namely, both side bodies 110 a and 110 b, which are not connected by the connective joints 120 and are separated, such that the separated side bodies 110 a and 110 b are detachable. Therefore, when the side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c are rolled circularly till the both side bodies 110 a and 110 b overlap each other, the detachment means 130 maintains a close contact state between the side bodies 110 a and 110 b so as to prevent a leak of air or beverage. According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detachment means 130 is a Velcro type detachment means 130, and includes Velcro tapes 132 a and 132 b.
That is, one side body 110 a of both side bodies 110 a and 110 b has the Velcro tape 131 a formed on the inner surface thereof, and the other one 110 b has the Velcro tape 131 b formed on the outer surface thereof, such that both side bodies 110 a and 110 b overlap each other and come into close contact with each other when both Velcro tapes 132 a and 132 b are adhered to each other.
On the contrary to the above, one side body 110 a of both side bodies 110 a and 110 b has the Velcro tape 131 a formed on the outer surface thereof, and the other one 110 b has the Velcro tape 131 b formed on the inner surface thereof, such that both side bodies 110 a and 110 b overlap each other and come into close contact with each other when both Velcro tapes 132 a and 132 b are adhered to each other.
In the drawings, for instance, there are five side bodies 110 and the Velcro tapes 132 a and 132 b are respectively formed on the entire outer surface and the entire inner surface of the side bodies 110 a and 110 b, but of course, the present invention is not limited to the above.
Due to such a configuration of the washable straw 100, the washable straw 100 can be used as a straw for drinking beverage by being put into a container like a glass in a state where a lateral side of a hollow portion 140 is sealed as shown in FIG. 2B, and after being used, is opened as shown in FIG. 2A, such that the inside of the straw 100 can be washed cleanly.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, only the detachment means 130 will be described because the third embodiment is different only in the detachment means 130 from the second embodiment.
In the third embodiment, the detachment means 130 is a magnet type detachment means 130, and includes thin magnets 133 a and 133 b.
That is, like the Velcro tapes 132 a and 132 b of the second preferred embodiment, one side body 110 a of both side bodies 110 a and 110 b has the magnet 133 a formed on the inner surface thereof, and the other one 110 b has the magnet 133 b formed on the outer surface thereof, such that both side bodies 110 a and 110 b come into close contact with each other when both magnets 133 a and 133 b are adhered to each other by a magnetic force.
On the contrary to the above, one side body 110 a of both side bodies 110 a and 110 b has the magnet 133 a formed on the outer surface thereof, and the other one 110 b has the magnet 133 b formed on the inner surface thereof, such that both side bodies 110 a and 110 b come into close contact with each other when both magnets 133 a and 133 b are adhered to each other by a magnetic force.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the thin magnets 133 a and 133 b may be respectively embedded in the side bodies 110 a and 110 b instead of being adhered on both side bodies 110 a and 100 b.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views of detachment means of a washable straw according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In the fourth embodiment, the detachment means 130 is a hanger type detachment means 130, and includes holding members 134 a and 134 b and hook members 135 a and 135 b.
In the case of the straw having hanger type detachment means 130, the straw does not include the connective joints 120 but includes an integrated side body 110.
The integrated side body 110 is made of a synthetic resin material or a stainless steel material, which is capable of maintaining the basic form of a nearly circular shape due to its good elasticity.
In FIG. 4A, the holding members 134 a and 134 b are formed at both ends of the integrated side body 110 to correspond to each other. Therefore, when a user presses the integrated side body 110 of an elastic body at the left and right of the drawings, while both ends of the integrated side body 110 are retracted inwardly, the holding members 134 a and 134 b intercross each other and are caught together to retaining jaws of the holding members 134 a and 134 b so as to seal the lateral side.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, only the detachment means 130 will be described because the fifth preferred embodiment is different in the detachment means 130 and the number of the side bodies from the second preferred embodiment. In the fifth preferred embodiment, the washable straw has four side bodies.
Due to the difference in the number of the side bodies 110, the outermost side bodies 110 a and 110 b do not overlap each other but lateral end portions of the side bodies 110 a and 110 b get in contact with each other.
In the fifth preferred embodiment, the detachment means 130 is a zipper type detachment means, and includes teeth parts 136 a and 136 b and a slider 136 c.
That is, the outermost side bodies 110 a and 110 b among the four side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c connected by the connective joints 120, namely, the side bodies 110 a and 110 b, which are not connected by the connective joints 120 and are separated, respectively have the teeth parts 136 a and 136 b mounted vertically, and the slider 136 c is combined to one 136 c of the teeth parts.
The teeth parts 136 a and 136 b are combined to each other or separated from each other according to movement of the slider 136 c, such that the lateral end portions of the side bodies 110 a and 110 b are sealed by coming into contact with each other or are opened.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, only the detachment means 130 will be described because the fifth preferred embodiment is different in the detachment means 130 and the number of the side bodies from the second preferred embodiment.
In the sixth preferred embodiment, the detachment means 130 is a connection type detachment means, and includes connection protrusions 137 a and connection slots 137 b.
That is, one 110 a of the outermost side bodies 110 a and 110 b among the four side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c connected by the connective joints 120 has the connection protrusions 137 a protruding outwardly, and the other one 110 b, which is formed to extend outwardly longer than the width of the side body 110 a, has the connection slots 137 b formed at the extended part, such that the connection protrusions 137 a can be forcedly fit into the connection slots 137 b.
Thereby, in the state where the end portions of the side bodies 110 a and 110 b get in contact with each other, the connection protrusions 137 a are forcedly fit into the connection slots 137 b to seal the lateral side.
In this instance, because the size of the connection protrusion 137 a is larger than or equal to the size of the connection slots 137 b, the connection protrusions 137 a are not separated from the connection slots 137 b well once they are forcedly fit into the connection slots 137 b.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a washable straw according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, the washable straw 100 according to the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a side body 110, connective joints 120, and detachment means 130.
The side body 110 has a predetermined thickness, is elongated vertically, and includes a plurality of side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c.
The connective joints 120 are made of a flexible material and connect the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c with one another, such that air or beverage does not leak between the side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c and the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c can be rolled circularly.
In this instance, the side body 110 and the connective joint 120 may be formed integrally, that is, the side body 110 made of a thick synthetic resin material extends to the connective joint 120 made of a think synthetic resin material.
Moreover, the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c of the side body 110 may be made of a stainless steel material and the connective joints 120 made of a flexible material are connected between the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c, such that the side bodies can be rolled circularly.
Furthermore, in the seventh preferred embodiment, a connective joint 120′, which has nearly the same thickness as the side bodies 110 b and 110 c, may be connected between the side bodies 110 b and 110 c.
The connection type detachment means 130 is disposed at the outermost side body 110 a among the plural side bodies, which are connected by the connective joints 120 and 120′, and at the connective joint 120′. Therefore, in the state where the side bodies 110 a and 110 b overlap each other when the plural side bodies 110 a, 110 b and 110 c are rolled, the connection type detachment means 130 maintains a close contact state between the side bodies 110 a and 110 b so as to prevent a leak of air or beverage. According to the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection type detachment means 130 includes a circular protrusion 138 a and a circular recess 138 b.
In other words, the circular protrusion 138 a is formed at a lateral end portion of one side body 110 a, and the circular recess 138 b, whose entrance is narrow but inside is wide, is inwardly formed at the connective joint 120′, such that the side bodies 110 a and 110 b overlap each other and are tightly mated with each other when the circular protrusion 138 a is fit into the circular recess 138 b from the outside.
On the contrary, the circular protrusion 138 a may be formed at the connective joint 120′ and the circular recess 138 b may be formed at the side body 110 a.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the washable straw 100 according to the eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a side body 110, a connective joint 120, and detachment means 130.
The side body 110 has a predetermined thickness, is formed in a semicircular shape, and is formed to be elongated vertically. The side body 110 includes two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
The connective joint 120 is made of a flexible material, and connects between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e to prevent a leak of air or beverage between the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e and freely move between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
Additionally, in the eighth preferred embodiment, the connection type detachment means 130 disposed between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e prevents a leak of air or beverage by maintaining the close contact state between the lateral end portions of the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e when the lateral end portions of the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e come into contact with each other. In the eighth preferred embodiment, the detachment means 130 includes a circular protrusion 138 a and a circular recess 138 b.
In other words, the circular protrusion 138 a is formed at the lateral end portion of one semicircular side body 110 d, and the circular recess 138 b, whose entrance is narrow but inside is wide, is inwardly formed at the lateral end portion of the other semicircular side body 110 e, such that the lateral end portions of the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e come in contact with each other and merge into each other when the circular protrusion 138 a is fit into the circular recess 138 b from the outside.
On the contrary, the circular protrusion 138 a may be formed at the lateral end portion of the semicircular side body 110 e and the circular recess 138 b may be formed at the lateral end portion of the semicircular side body 110 d.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively a plan view of a washable straw and a perspective view of a spread state of the washable straw according to a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the washable straw 100 according to the ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an integrated side body 110 and detachment means 130.
The integrated side body 110 is made of a synthetic resin material, which is capable of maintaining the basic form of a nearly circular shape due to its good elasticity, or a soft material to be rolled circularly.
When the lateral portions of the integrated side body overlap each other, the connection type detachment means 130 disposed at the integrated side body 110 maintains a contact state of the overlap portion so as to prevent a leak of air or beverage. In the ninth preferred embodiment, the connection type detachment means 130 includes a plurality of circular protrusions 138 a and a plurality of circular recesses 138 b.
In other words, the circular protrusions 138 a are vertically arranged on the inner surface near to one end side of the integrated side body 110, and the circular recesses 138 b, each of which entrance is narrow but inside is wide, are inwardly formed on the outer surface near to the other end side of the integrated side body to correspond to the circular protrusions 138 a. Therefore, both sides of the integrated side body, which is formed in a circular shape when the circular protrusions 138 a are fit into the circular recesses 138 b one to one from the outside, are tightly mated with each other while partially overlapping each other.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are respectively a perspective view of a spread state and a perspective view of an assembled state of a washable straw according to a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the washable straw 100 according to the tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a side body 110, a connective joint 120, and detachment means 130.
The side body 110 has a predetermined thickness, is formed in a semicircular shape, and is formed to be elongated vertically. The side body 110 includes two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
The connective joint 120 is made of a flexible material, and connects between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e to prevent a leak of air or beverage between the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e and freely move between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
Additionally, in the tenth preferred embodiment, the detachment means 130 is a magnet type detachment means 130, which is disposed between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e, and includes thin magnets 133 a and 133 b.
That is, the magnet 133a is adhered on the lateral end portion of one 110 d of the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e and the magnet 133 b is adhered on the lateral end portion of the other one 110 e, such that both semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e come into close contact with each other when lateral sides of both magnets 133 a and 133 b are adhered to each other by a magnetic force.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, of course, the magnets 133 a and 133 b may be adhered to each other by overlapping each other.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a washable straw according to an eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 11, the washable straw 100 according to the eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a side body 110, a connective joint 120, and detachment means 130.
The side body 110 has a predetermined thickness, is formed in a semicircular shape, and is formed to be elongated vertically. The side body 110 includes two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
The connective joint 120 has a groove formed between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e to be thinner in cross section thickness than the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e so as to prevent a leak of air or beverage between the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e and freely move between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
Additionally, in the eleventh preferred embodiment, when the lateral end portions of the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e come into contact with each other and are tightly mated with each other, the connection type detachment means 130 disposed between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e prevents a leak of air or beverage by maintaining the tightly mated state between the lateral end portions of the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
In the eleventh preferred embodiment, the connection type detachment means 130 includes an insertion protrusion 139 a and an insertion groove 139 b.
In other words, the insertion protrusion 139 a is protrudingly formed at the side end portion of one semicircular side body 110 d to be narrower than the width of the semicircular side body 110 d, and the insertion groove 139 b is formed at the side end portion of the other semicircular side body 110 e to be narrowed inwardly, such that the side end portions of the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e come in contact with each other and are tightly mated each other when the insertion protrusion 139 a is inserted into the insertion groove 139 b.
On the contrary, the insertion protrusion 139 a may be formed at the lateral end portion of the semicircular side body 110 e and the insertion groove 139 b may be formed at the lateral end portion of the semicircular side body 110 d.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a washable straw according to a twelfth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 12, the washable straw 100 according to the twelfth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an integrated side body 110 and detachment means 130.
The integrated side body 110 is made of a synthetic resin material, which is capable of maintaining the basic form of a nearly circular shape due to its good elasticity, or a soft material to be rolled circularly.
When the lateral portions of the integrated side body partially overlap each other, the connection type detachment means 130 disposed at the integrated side body 110 maintains a contact state of the overlap portion so as to prevent a leak of air or beverage. In the twelfth preferred embodiment, the connection type detachment means 130 includes an insertion protrusion 139 a and an insertion groove 139 b.
In other words, the insertion protrusion 139 a is on the inner surface near to one end side of the integrated side body 110, and the insertion groove 139 b is formed on the outer surface near to the other end side of the integrated side body, such that both sides of the integrated side body, which is formed in a circular shape when the insertion protrusion 139 a is inserted into the insertion groove 139 b, are tightly mated with each other while partially overlapping each other.
On the contrary, the insertion protrusion 139 a may be formed on the outer surface of one end side of the integrated side body 110 and the insertion groove 139 b may be formed on the inner surface of the other end side of the integrated side body 110.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a washable straw according to a thirteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 13, the washable straw 100 according to the thirteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an integrated side body 110 and detachment means 130.
The integrated side body 110 is made of a synthetic resin material, which is capable of maintaining the basic form of a nearly circular shape due to its good elasticity, or a soft material to be rolled circularly.
When the lateral portions of the integrated side body partially overlap each other, the connection type detachment means 130 disposed at the integrated side body 110 maintains a contact state of the overlap portion so as to prevent a leak of air or beverage. In the thirteenth preferred embodiment, the detachment means 130 includes a circular protrusion 151 a and a circular groove 151 b.
In other words, the circular protrusion 151 a having grooves 152 a formed outside the circular protrusion 151 a is formed on the inner surface near to one end side of the integrated side body 110, and the circular groove 151 b, which has protrusions 152 b formed outside the circular groove 151 b to make an entrance of the circular groove 151 b narrower and the inside of the circular groove 151 b wider, is formed on the outer surface near to the other end side of the integrated side body, such that both sides of the integrated side body, which is formed in a circular shape when the circular protrusion 151 a is fit into the circular groove 151 b from the outside, are tightly mated with each other while partially overlapping each other.
In this instance, because the protrusions 152 b formed outside the circular groove 151 b are fit into the grooves 152 a formed outside the circular protrusion 151 a, it firmly keeps the tightly mated state.
On the contrary, the circular protrusion 151 a and the circular groove 151 b may be formed at reverse positions.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of a washable straw according to a fourteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 14, the washable straw 100 according to the fourteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a side body 110, a connective joint 120, and detachment means 130.
The fourteenth preferred embodiment is different from the twelfth preferred embodiment in that the side body 110 has two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e and the connective joint 120 is included further.
That is, the side body 110 has a predetermined thickness, is formed in a semicircular shape, and is formed to be elongated vertically. The side body 110 includes two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
The connective joint 120 is made of a flexible material, and connects between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e to prevent a leak of air or beverage between the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e and freely move between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
The detachment means 130 includes the insertion protrusion 139 a and the insertion groove 139 b, and a detailed description of the detachment means 130 will be omitted because it is described in connection with the twelfth preferred embodiment referring to FIG. 12.
FIG. 15 is a plan view of a washable straw according to a fifteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 15, the washable straw 100 according to the fifteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a side body 110, a connective joint 120, and detachment means 130.
The fifteenth preferred embodiment is different from the thirteenth preferred embodiment in that the side body 110 has two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e and the connective joint 120 is included further.
That is, the side body 110 has a predetermined thickness, is formed in a semicircular shape, and is formed to be elongated vertically. The side body 110 includes two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
The connective joint 120 is made of a flexible material, and connects between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e to prevent a leak of air or beverage between the semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e and freely move between the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e.
The detachment means 130 includes the circular protrusion 151 a, the circular groove 151 b, the grooves 152 a and the protrusions 152 b, and a detailed description of the detachment means 130 will be omitted because it is described in connection with the thirteenth preferred embodiment referring to FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 is a plan view of a washable straw according to a sixteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 16, the washable straw 100 according to the sixteenth preferred embodiment includes an integrated side body 110 and detachment means 130.
The integrated side body 110 is made of a synthetic resin material, which is capable of maintaining the basic form of a nearly circular shape due to its good elasticity, or a soft material to be rolled circularly.
When both lateral end portions of the integrated side body come into contact with each other and are tightly mated with each other, the connection type detachment means 130 disposed at the integrated side body 110 prevents a leak of air or beverage by maintaining the tightly mated state between the lateral end portions of the two semicircular side bodies 110 d and 110 e. In the sixteenth preferred embodiment, the connection type detachment means 130 includes an insertion protrusion 139 a and an insertion groove 139 b.
In other words, the insertion protrusion 139 a is protrudingly formed at one side end portion of the integrated side body 110 to be narrower than the width of the integrated side body 110, and the insertion groove 139 b is formed at the other side end portion of the integrated side body 110 to be narrowed inwardly, such that the side end portions of the integrated side body 110 come in contact with each other and are mated with each other when the insertion protrusion 139 a is inserted into the insertion groove 139 b.
On the contrary, the circular protrusion 151 a and the circular groove 151 b may be formed at reverse positions.
As described above, while the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the above embodiments of the present invention are all exemplified and the present invention is not limited to the example embodiments.
Additionally, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes, modifications and equivalents may be made therein without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present invention.
For example, the washable straw without any connective joint may be made of a flexible material with elasticity, such as urethane or silicon, which has a restoring force tending to return to its original form so as to be used as a straw capable of being washed by being rolled circularly, and it belongs to the protective scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the washable straw according to the present invention may prevent environmental pollution and waste of resources and may be used in the recycling industry.

Claims

1. A washable straw comprising:

a plurality of side bodies, each of which has a predetermined thickness and is elongated vertically;

connective joints, which are made of a flexible material and connect the plural side bodies with one another to allow the side bodies to be rolled; and

detachment means provided at both of the outermost side bodies, which are not connected by the connective joints, among the plurality of side bodies so as to detachably mate both side bodies with each other, the detachment means maintaining a closely adhered state in which both side bodies overlap each other by rolling the plural side bodies.

2. The washable straw according to claim 1, wherein the detachment means is one of various type detachment means:

a snap button type detachment means including a fastening protrusion, which is protrudingly formed on one of the outermost side bodies, and a fastening groove, which is formed on the other one of the outermost side bodies, and to which the fastening protrusion is fit;

a Velcro type detachment means including a first Velcro tape, which is adhered on the inner surface of one of the outermost side bodies, and a second Velcro tape, which is adhered on the outer surface of the other one of the outermost side bodies;

a magnet type detachment means including a first magnet, which is adhered on the inner surface of one of the outermost side bodies or is embedded in the inner surface, and a second magnet, which is adhered on the outer surface of the other one of the outermost side bodies or is embedded in the outer surface; and

a connection type detachment means including a circular protrusion, which is formed at an end portion of one of the outermost side bodies, and a circular groove, which is formed in the other one of the outermost side bodies or in the connective joint, such that the circular protrusion is fit or connected to the circular groove.

3. The washable straw according to claim 1, wherein the connective joints are made of a thin synthetic resin material and connect the side bodies, which are made of a thick synthetic resin material, with each other to be formed integrally, or the connective joints are made of a flexible synthetic resin material and connect the side bodies, which are made of a stainless steel material.

4. A washable straw comprising:

detachment means provided at both of the outermost side bodies, which are not connected by the connective joints, among the plurality of side bodies so as to detachably mate both side bodies with each other, the detachment means maintaining a tightly mated state in which lateral end portions of the outermost side bodies get in close contact with each other by rolling the plural side bodies.

5. The washable straw according to claim 4, wherein the detachment means is one of various type detachment means:

a zipper type detachment means including teeth parts disposed at lateral end portions of the outermost side bodies in a longitudinal direction and a slider combined to the teeth parts to connect or separate the teeth parts with each other or from each other according to a vertical movement thereof; and

a connection type detachment means including connection protrusions, which outwardly protrude from the lateral end portion of one of the outermost side bodies to the outside, and connection slots, which are formed on the lateral end portion of the other one of the outermost side bodies to extend outwardly longer than the width of the former outermost side body, such that the connection protrusions are fit into the extended part.

6. The washable straw according to claim 4, wherein the connective joints are made of a thin synthetic resin material and connect the side bodies, which are made of a thick synthetic resin material, with each other to be formed integrally, or the connective joints are made of a flexible synthetic resin material and connect the side bodies, which are made of a stainless steel material.

7. A washable straw comprising:

an integrated side body, which is elongated vertically with a predetermined thickness, is made of a flexible material to maintain a circular shape, and is cut to be opened; and

detachment means respectively provided at both opened end portions of the integrated side body so as to maintain a sealed state after the end portions intercross each other and come into close contact with each other when a user presses the integrated side body from the outside.

8. The washable straw according to claim 7, wherein the detachment means is one of various type detachment means:

a first hanger type detachment means including holding members respectively formed at the opened end portions, such that, when the user presses the integrated side body from the outside, the holding members intercross each other and one of the holding members is supported in contact by the other holding member not to be separated from the other holding member while the opened end portions of the integrated side body are retracted inwardly, so as to seal the opened lateral side; and

a second hanger type detachment means including hook members, which are respectively formed at the opened end portions of the integrated side body and respectively have retaining jaws, such that, when the user presses the integrated side body from the outside, the hook members intercross each other and one of the retaining jaw is caught to the other retaining jaw while the opened end portions of the integrated side body are retracted inwardly, so as to seal the opened lateral side.

9. The washable straw according to claim 7, wherein the integrated side body with elasticity is formed in a circular shape by being rolled circularly using a restoring force tending to return to its original form.

10. A washable straw comprising:

two semicircular side bodies, each of which is formed in a semicircular shape with a predetermined thickness and is elongated vertically;

a connective joint connecting between the two semicircular side bodies with each other; and

detachment means disposed at the two semicircular side bodies to detachably mate the semicircular side bodies so as to maintain a close contact state of the semicircular side bodies in a state where lateral end portions of the semicircular side bodies come in contact with each other or in a state where the semicircular side bodies partially overlap each other.

11. The washable straw according to claim 10, wherein the detachment means is one of various type detachment means:

a connection type detachment means including a circular protrusion, which is formed on the outer surface or the inner surface or a lateral end portion of one of the two semicircular side bodies, and a circular recess, which is formed on the inner surface or the outer surface or the lateral end portion of the other one of the two semicircular side bodies, and, whose entrance is narrow but inside is wide such that the circular protrusion is fit into the circular recess;

a connection type detachment means including an insertion protrusion, which is formed on the outer surface or the inner surface or a lateral end portion of one of the two semicircular side bodies, and an insertion groove, which is formed on the inner surface or the outer surface or the lateral end portion of the other one of the two semicircular side bodies such that the insertion protrusion is fit into the insertion groove; and

a magnet type detachment means including a first magnet disposed at the lateral end portion of one of the two semicircular side bodies and a second magnet disposed at the lateral end portion of the other one.

12. A washable straw comprising:

detachment means respectively provided at both opened sides of the integrated side body so as to maintain a sealed state in a state where both opened portions of the integrated side body partially overlap each other or in a state where both lateral end portions get in close contact with each other.

13. The washable straw according to claim 12, wherein the detachment means is one of various type detachment means:

a connection type detachment means including a circular protrusion, which is formed on the outer surface or the inner surface of one opened side of the integrated side body or on an end portion of one side of the integrated side body, and a circular groove, which is formed on the inner surface or the outer surface of the other opened side of the integrated side body or on an end portion of the other side of the integrated side body, and, whose entrance is narrow but inside is wide such that the circular protrusion is fit into the circular recess; and

a connection type detachment means including an insertion protrusion, which is formed on the outer surface or the inner surface of one opened side of the integrated side body or on an end portion of one side of the integrated side body, and an insertion groove, which is formed on the inner surface or the outer surface of the other opened side of the integrated side body or on an end portion of the other side of the integrated side body such that the insertion protrusion is fit into the insertion groove.