FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a non-disposable drinking straw having an external decorative embellishment to impart a pleasing, esthetic effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Drinking straws, which are adapted for conducting liquids for drinking by a user, consist of a portable tube having openings at each end. One end is placed between the user's lips and the other end is inserted into a quantity of beverage, allowing the user to conveniently consume the liquid from a cup, glass, bottle, can or the like.

[0003] Drinking straws provide several advantages to users beyond convenience. Many

beverages stain the front teeth, but using a straw directs the beverage past the front teeth, thereby reducing or eliminating tooth staining. Many women prefer to use a straw to prevent the untidiness of lipstick on the rim of a glass. Straws are also useful for people with some particular disabilities and for the numerous people who have sensitive teeth or fillings. Plus, the use of a drinking straw with a lid prevents accidental spillage of the beverage.

[0004] However, drinking straws are typically of the disposable type. Be Straw Free at

Ecocycle.org reports that Americans use 500 million disposable straws a day. The manufacture, transport, storage and disposal of this vast number of disposable straws (and often an additional throwaway straw wrapper) are detrimental to the environment, wasting energy and materials, as well as adding to the quantity of trash contained in landfills.

[0005] Though novelty drinking straws have been provided that include illumination, a sound- emitting feature, a bendable section or a twisted shape, they have generally been designed to entertain or amuse children. Currently, there is no non-disposable straw that is appealing enough to users to justify the small amount of effort required for the user to carry a non- disposable straw. A customized aesthetically attractive drinking straw system is needed that is sufficiently pleasing to own and convenient to use that significant numbers of consumers will be compelled to switch from disposable to non-disposable straws, thereby conserving resources by reducing the hundreds of millions of straws produced and disposed of daily. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a non-disposable, decorative straw and

embellishment system. The straw system includes a drinking straw tubular portion and an external decorative element or embellishment portion, which may be permanently affixed to, or removable from, the straw tubular portion. The hollow drinking straw tubular member includes an exterior wall configured with a circumferential area for receiving the embellishment, a lower- wall section disposed below the embellishment-receiving circumferential area, and an upper-wall section disposed above the circumferential area. The embellishment is a decorative element that is attached to or attachable at the circumferential area.

[0007] In a first aspect, the embellishment-receiving circumferential area is a groove or channel that may encircle the entire circumference of the hollow drinking straw tubular member. In another aspect, the embellishment-receiving circumferential area is a groove that may only extend around a portion of the circumference of the tubular member.

[0008] In an aspect the hollow tubular member may have a circular cross-section. In another aspect the hollow tubular member may have a rounded rectangular cross-section.

[0009] In an aspect the drinking straw tubular member is formed unitarily. In another aspect, a combined upper-wall and mid-wall segment may be joined to a separate lower-wall segment with the embellishment slid onto the mid-wall circumferential area before the two wall segments are joined.

[00010] In an aspect the embellishment may encircle the entire circumference of the hollow

drinking straw tubular member. In another aspect the embellishment may only extend around a portion of the circumference of the tubular member.

[00011] The appealing appearance of the decorative straw and embellishment system of the present invention provides enjoyment to the user and may be admired by others. This enjoyment offsets the small trouble of carrying one's own non-disposable straw, which reduces disposable straw usage and provides environmental and economic advantages. The use of the decorative straw also helps to prevent tooth staining.

[00012] An object of the present invention is to provide a straw and embellishment system that is not disposable, but is intended to be reused many times.

[00013] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a straw and embellishment system that is aesthetically pleasing and appealing.

[00014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a straw and embellishment system that, if used in place of disposable straws, helps reduce waste and decrease resource usage. [00015] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[00016] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements.

[00017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the straw and embellishment

system of the present invention.

[00018] FIG. 2 is a cut view of the first embodiment of the straw and embellishment system of

FIG. 1, with the cut made along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[00019] FIG. 3A is an enlarged sectional view taken from FIG. 3B.

[00020] FIG. 3B is a cut view of the drinking straw portion of the first embodiment of the straw and embellishment system of FIG. 1 taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1, showing the

circumferential area as a groove with the embellishment removed from within the

circumferential area.

[00021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the straw and embellishment system of FIG. 1, showing a partial circumferential groove with the embellishment removed from within the circumferential area.

[00022] FIG. 5 is a first cuff variation for manual positioning within the circumferential area of the straw and embellishment system, such as for use with the hollow tubular member.

[00023] FIG. 6 is a second cuff variation (with an added enhancing accessory portion) for manual positioning within the groove-type circumferential area of some embodiments of the invention.

[00024] FIG. 7 is a third cuff variation configured for manual positioning and securing within the groove-type circumferential area of the straw and embellishment system.

[00025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the straw and embellishment system, wherein the embellishment comprises a flexible fabric or cord disposed at least partially within the groove-type circumferential area and wherein the straw and embellishment system also includes an enhancing accessory element disposed upon the embellishment.

[00026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, which illustrates multiple groove-type circumferential areas configured to receive multiple embellishments. [00027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system, which illustrates a spiral area for receiving an embellishment.

[00028] FIG. 11 is a cut view of a first aspect of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[00029] FIG. 11A is a close-up of the upper portion of the groove-type circumferential area and the upper-wall section showing a second aspect of the sixth embodiment of the invention.

[00030] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the straw and

embellishment system taken along view line 12-12 in FIG. 14.

[00031] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the seventh embodiment of the straw and

embellishment system of the present invention taken along view line 13-13 in FIG. 14.

[00032] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the straw and

embellishment system of the present invention shown in an environment of use.

[00033] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a straw case for storage and transportation of the straw and embellishment system of any of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00034] FIG. 16 is an expanded perspective view of a two-part drinking straw tubular member of the eighth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system.

[00035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembly of the eighth embodiment of FIG. 16.

[00036] FIG. 18A is a cut view of the drinking straw portion of the eighth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system of FIGS. 16-17 with the cut made along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

[00037] FIG. 18B is an enlarged sectional view taken from FIG. 18A.

[00038] FIG. 19 is an expanded perspective view of the ninth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system, which shows a thin, rounded rectangular straw with the embellishment including a first abutment, a sleeve, and a second abutment and in which the circumferential area is not a groove or channel, but the exterior of the tubular member is uniform.

[00039] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the assembly of the ninth embodiment of FIG. 19.

[00040] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the assembled ninth embodiment of FIGS. 19-20.

[00041] FIG. 22 is an end view of the embellishment sleeve of the ninth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system taken along view line 22-22 of FIG. 19.

[00042] FIG. 23 is an end view of an abutment of the ninth embodiment of FIGS. 19-22.

[00043] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00044] Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a non-disposable, decorative novelty straw and embellishment system, shown generally as reference number 10. Seven embodiments of the straw system are presented with a variety of embellishments 20, which are permanently affixed or interchangeable decorative elements that fit around, within or partially within the one or more concave circumferential areas 22 encircling the hollow tubular member 11. The distinctive, stylish design of the inventive straw system provides an incentive for consumers to forego disposable straws, providing a look of distinction and making a fashion statement while protecting the front teeth from staining. Other advantages of the non- disposable decorative novelty straw include the reduction of disposable straw manufacturing material use, transport energy costs and waste disposal.

[00045] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a decorative straw and embellishment system is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the straw system comprises a hollow tubular member 11 and an embellishment 20 secured to the hollow tubular member 11. In the first embodiment, the circumferential area 22 is a groove or channel encircling (extending around the entire circumference) the hollow tubular member 11.

[00046] The hollow tubular member 11 extends from proximal end 14 to distal end 13. The hollow tubular member 11 is formed of a known or inventive base material, such as any base material that may typically be used for forming straws, and may include, for example, plastic, paperboard, wood, bamboo, metal or the like, though plastic is preferred. The hollow tubular member 11 has an outer wall 31, outer wall surface 24 (FIG. 1) and an interior tubular surface 26 (FIG. 2) that defines a tubular opening 12 extending from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 13, which is configured to allow the conduction of liquids for drinking. The tubular member 11 includes a lower-wall section 19, an upper-wall section 16 and a mid-wall section 15, which together form outer wall 31. Both the lower-wall section 19 and upper-wall section 16 are thicker than the thinner mid-wall section 15, which is disposed between the lower-wall section 19 and the upper-wall section 16. The groove-type circumferential area 22 is an indentation within the outer wall 31 with the outer surface of the mid-wall section 15 defining the floor of the groove-type circumferential groove 22 (FIG. 3B). The interior tubular surface 26 is an unbroken tube formed of the interior surfaces of the lower-wall section 19, the upper-wall section 16 and the mid-wall section 15. The embellishment is isolated from the interior tubular surface 26 by the mid-wall section 15.

[00047] The embellishment 20 may be any decoration that at least partially fits within the

circumferential groove 22 and that enhances the style and look of the decorative straw. For example, the embellishment 20 may be formed of a jewelry item (such as the natural or manmade gemstones 21 (FIG. 1) secured within the circumferential groove 22, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, 15-17, 19-21), may be formed of a flexible fabric or ligament (such as a rope or chain, as shown in FIGS. 8, 14), may be formed as a cuff 30 configured to fit onto or snap into the circumferential area 22 (as shown in FIGS. 5-7), or may be of similar, decorative design. The embellishment 20 may be a single element (such as a fabric band or rope as shown in FIG. 8 or chain as shown in FIG. 14) or may be multiple elements joined together to achieve the desired look (such as the gemstones of FIGS. 1-2, 15-17, 19-21). The embellishment 20 may be permanently attached (FIG. 1) or may be removable and interchangeable by the consumer (FIGS. 5-7, 14). The embellishment 20 may be wrapped around or positioned within the groove-type circumferential area 22 or may be embedded within the groove-type circumferential area 22. The embellishment 20 may be disposed within the walls of the groove- type circumferential area 22 without extending above the level of the walls of the lower-wall section 19 and the upper-wall section 16, or may extend somewhat above one or both of the walls of the lower-wall section 19 and the upper-wall section 16.

[00048] In the first embodiment as seen in FIG. 1 , the embellishment 20 is a set of ornamental elements, such as natural precious and semi-precious gemstones, manufactured gemstones, rhinestones, polished or natural rocks, colored plastic elements, metallic elements, feathers, beads, or the like, permanently attached within the circumferential groove 22. Though a complete band of ornamental elements is shown, the embellishment may optionally include fewer ornamental elements set at a greater distance from each other with or without an interspersing material. The ornamental elements may be permanently attached in any of a variety of ways. For example, the ornamental elements may be set within the base material of the straw; the ornamental elements may be adhered to the mid-wall section 15 with adhesive; the mid-wall section 15 may be configured with impressions sized to receive the ornamental elements with adhesive used to set the ornamental elements within the impressions; the ornamental elements may be secured with prongs extending from the floor and/ or sides of the groove-type circumferential area 22; or the ornamental elements may be held in place by other means as are known or may become known in the art.

[00049] FIGS. 3A, 3B illustrate the hollow tubular member 11 with the embellishment 20

removed. The inner surface 26 of hollow tubular member 11 is substantially smooth to allow the liquid to flow freely within the member 11. The depth Yl (from the upper-wall outer surface to the upper-wall inner surface) of the upper-wall section 16 and the depth Y3 (from the lower-wall outer surface to the lower-wall inner surface) of the lower-wall section may be equal or non-equal, but in the first embodiment both depths Yl and Y3 are greater than the depth Y2 (from the mid-wall outer surface to the mid-wall inner surface, which is the floor of circumferential groove 22) of the mid-wall section 15. To accommodate the depth D of the circumferential groove 22 and the thickness of the embellishment 20 while providing for a level, smooth inner surface, the upper and lower walls 16, 19 are thicker (greater depths Yl and Y3) than the depth of the wall of a standard disposable drinking straw.

[00050] Shoulder 42 (FIG.3A) is a recession carved out of upper-wall section 16, formed at the junction of the upper- wall section 16 and mid-wall section 15, which has a depth Dl measured from the outer surface of mid-wall 15 to the outer surface of upper-wall section 16. Shoulder 43 is a recession carved out of lower-wall section 19, formed at the junction of the lower-wall section 19 and mid-wall section 15, which has a depth D2 measured from the outer surface of mid-wall 15 to the outer surface of lower-wall section 19. Whether the shoulders 42, 43 are substantially right angles or are sloped, they have a depth of Dl and D2, respectively. The depth of Y2 of the floor of the groove- type circumferential area 22 plus the depth Dl of shoulder 42 is substantially equal to the depth Yl of the upper-wall section 16. The depth of Y2 of the floor of the groove-type circumferential area 22 plus the depth D2 of shoulder 43 is substantially equal to the depth Y3 of the lower-wall section 19.

[00051] As seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B the walls and floor of the groove-type circumferential area 22 are defined by shoulder 43 (the recession formed at the junction of the lower-wall section 19 and mid-wall section 15), shoulder 42 (the recession formed at the junction of the upper-wall section 16 and mid-wall section 15), and mid-wall section 15.

[00052] The mid-wall section 15 forms the floor of the groove-type circumferential area 22, with the circumferential area 22 having a length of LI. The upper-wall section 16 has a depth (or thickness) greater than the depth (or thickness) of the mid-wall section 15; the area where the upper-wall section 16 meets the shallower and thinner mid-wall section 15 forms the shoulder 42 having a depth Dl. The lower-wall section 19 has a depth (or thickness) greater than the depth (or thickness) of the mid-wall section 15. The area where the thicker lower-wall section 19 meets the thinner mid-wall section 15 forms the shoulder 43 having a depth D2. Depth Dl may substantially equal depth D2; however the depth Dl and depth D2 are not required to be equal. If Dl and D2 vary in depth, the depth D of the groove-type circumferential area 22 is defined as the depth of the smaller of Dl or D2. The shoulders 42, 43 may be angular or smooth; the outer edges of shoulders 42, 43 may have a slight ridge for further securing the embellishment 20 within the circumferential groove-type circumferential area 22. The cross- sectional contour of the groove-type circumferential area may be rectangular-shaped or U- shaped, with or without ridges. [00053] The depth of the embellishment 20 (shown as D8 in FIG. 5) may be slightly less than depth D, equal to depth D, or somewhat greater than depth D of the groove-type

circumferential area 22.

[00054] FIG. 3B shows the inner surfaces of upper-wall section 16, mid-wall section 15, and lower-wall section 19 that together form a smooth inner tubular surface 26. In the first embodiment the inner tubular surface 26 remains substantially a uniform diameter throughout the length of the straw 10, i.e., the inner diameter D5 of upper-wall section 16, the inner diameter D6 of mid-wall section 15, and the inner diameter D7 of lower-wall section 19 are substantially equal.

[00055] Though the hollow tubular member 11 may be designed and manufactured in any of a variety of lengths, a standard size for general consumer use with standard drink cups may preferably be between 15 and 30 cm in length. In this standard-size hollow tubular member 11, the length LI of the groove-type circumferential area 22 may be within the range of 0.5 to 9 cm, and the depth D of the circumferential area 22 of may be within the range of 0.5 to 10 mm. However, straws 10 for non-standard applications may have measurements that vary from the exemplary ranges.

[00056] The circumferential area 22, except in the fifth embodiment of the invention, is disposed above the typical level of the liquid within a container, which is within the upper one half of the hollow tubular member 11 and is preferably within the upper one third of hollow tubular member 11. Advantageously, when the embellishment 20 does not extend into the liquid being consumed, the embellishment 20 is protected from the liquid and remains unsoiled, reducing the need for cleaning.

[00057] As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the embellishment 20 may be formed as a cuff 30 configured to removably fit onto and/ or snap into the circumferential area 22. The cuff-type

embellishment 30 is configured to be manually, readily, physically disassociated from and re- associated with its supporting structure, the circumferential area 22 of the hollow tubular member 11. It may be used with the groove-type circumferential area 22 of FIGS. 1-4, 8-10, 14- 18 or with the uniform circumferential area 22 of FIGS. 19-21 or with the partial circumferential area 22 of FIG. 4.

[00058] The cuff-type embellishment 30 may be cylindrical in shape with an inner cuff wall 46 defining an axial cavity 48 (FIG. 6) running the length of the cuff. The axial cavity 48 is sized to fit around the circumferential area 22 of the hollow tubular member 11. When used with the groove-type circumferential area 22 of FIGS. 1-3, 8-10, 14-18, the cuff-type embellishment 30 has a length L2 (FIG. 5), which is slightly smaller than the length LI (FIG. 3A) of the circumferential area 22 to allow the cuff to fit within the channel of the circumferential area 22. The cuff-type embellishment 30 has a depth D8 (FIG. 5), which may be slightly smaller or larger than depth D, but is preferably approximately equal to depth D.

[00059] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial circumferential area 22. The hollow tubular member 11 is shown with the embellishment 20 removed. The partial circumferential area 22 has a channel extending only partially around the circumference of hollow tubular member 11. The sectional channel of the partial circumferential area 22 of the second embodiment provides space on one side of the hollow tubular member 11 to receive an embellishment 20, yet the opposing side of the hollow tubular member 11 has no channel. The second embodiment provides numerous possibilities for non-symmetric designs and other designs that may meet particular aesthetic requirements or that may provide specific manufacturing advantages. For example, if a more expensive stone is used as embellishment 20, it may be desirable to have a circumferential groove 22 that only encircles a portion of the circumference of hollow tubular member 11, which will require fewer stones to fill.

[00060] In FIGS. 5-6, the embellishment 20 comprises a hollow partial cylindrical cuff 30. When used with the groove-type circumferential area 22 of FIGS. 1-4, 8-10, 14-18 the cuff 30 of FIGS. 5-6 is a portion of a generally rigid cylindrical tube having an inner circumference slightly greater than the outer circumference of the mid-wall section 15 to allow the cuff 30 to fit within the groove of area 22. The partial cylindrical tube of cuff 30 is configured with a longitudinal slit 50 (defined by opposing parallel longitudinal edges 49) that runs the length of the cylindrical cuff. The longitudinal slit 50 provides an opening that allows the cuff to be manually snapped into and removed from the circumferential groove 22. Preferably, though the cuff 30 is rigid enough to hold its shape, it also has enough elasticity in the body of the cuff 30 to allow the user to manually snap the cuff into the groove 22. Rigid materials with sufficient elasticity to allow the cuff 30 to be engaged within groove 22 include metal, bamboo, wood, plastic and the like. Optionally, the cuff 30 may be configured as two hinged sections with a central joining mechanism, such as a snap or hook. The cuff- type embellishment 30 of FIGS. 5-6 may be formed of a natural or manmade material, for example, plastic, paper, wood, bamboo, metal or the like.

[00061] The cuff- type embellishment 30 may be configured with a cuff ornamentation to

enhance the aesthetic appearance of the cuff. The ornamentation may be a graphic image 32 (FIG. 5), a pattern or texture 53 (FIG. 7), an attached enhancing accessory 33 (FIG. 6) or the like. [00062] The graphic image 32 may be inscribed within, embroidered upon, printed upon, engraved upon, adhered to, molded with, or otherwise applied to, or viewable from, the exterior surface of the cuff-type embellishment 30. The graphic image 32 may be a picture, diagram, motif, figure, shape, logo or other design that may appeal to a consumer.

[00063] The attached enhancing accessory 33 adds distinction and interest to the cuff-type

embellishment 30. The enhancing accessory 33 may be one or more small, separate elements that are attached or attachable to the cuff-type embellishment 30, such as by means of an attachment device 39. The enhancing accessory 33 may be attached in any location on the cuff exterior— for example a small charm may be attached in the center of the cuff or a strand of beads may accent the edges of the cuff. The enhancing accessory 33 may be any known or inventive small ornament, trinket, bauble, amulet, lace, feather, strand of decorative trim, or the like, used singly or in combination, which may add interest and/or style to the cuff- type embellishment 30. The attachment device 39 may be any known or inventive connective mechanism that connects the enhancing accessory 33 to the body of the embellishment 20 and may be a single element or joined elements. For instance, the attachment device 39 may be a chain loop, interlocked chains, adhesive, wire, cords, jump rings, other jewelry-type attachments, stitching, embroidery, complementary hook-and-loop fasteners or the like.

[00064] FIG. 7 illustrates a wrap-type aspect of the cuff-type embellishment 30 formed of a flexible material with an attachment mechanism 28 that allows manual attachment of the flexible cuff around the circumferential area 22. The flexible material is preferably generally rectangular, though other shapes may be used. When used with the groove-type circumferential area 22 of FIGS. 1-3, 8-10, 14-18, the wrap-around embellishment 30 has a length proportioned to fit within the length LI of the groove of circumferential area 22, has a width that is at least approximately equal to the circumference of the inset area of the groove of area 22, and has a thickness or depth similar to or slightly deeper than the depth D of the groove of area 22. The width may be greater than the circumference of the inset area of the groove of area 22 to allow a first edge of the flexible material to overlap upon the opposing second edge of the flexible material. The attachment mechanism 28 may be any known or inventive connector, such as complementary hook-and-loop tape 51, 52, buttons and buttonholes, snaps, laces to be tied, magnetic closures, a ball button and frog, hooks and eyes, or the like. The flexible material may be, for example, a fabric, leather, leather-like material or plastic material.

[00065] A third exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8. The third embodiment is

functionally and structurally similar to the first embodiment, but presents a variation in the embellishment 20. The embellishment 20 of the third embodiment comprises a thread, cord, rope, filament, or strand wrapped around the circumferential area 22. The strand-type embellishment 20 may be non-removable or may be removable and interchangeable by the consumer. When used with the groove-type circumferential area 22 of FIGS. 1-3, 8-10, 14-18, the embellishment strand 20 may be substantially disposed within the groove of area 22 or may extend somewhat above the outer surface of the upper-wall section 16 and/ or the lower-wall section 19. An enhancing accessory element 33 may be optionally attached to the strand 20 via attachment mechanism 39. The optional attachment mechanism 39 may be any attachment mechanism 39 that allows the attachment of the enhancing accessory element 33 to strand 20, but is shown as a ring joining the enhancing accessory 33 to the strand 20. Alternatively, the enhancing accessory element 33 may be directly joined or threaded onto the embellishment strand 20.

[00066] The fourth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system 10 shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the first embodiment, but presents a variation in the groove of circumferential area 22, which comprises multiple circumferential grooves 22a, 22b, 22c, with the addition of thicker intermediary lower-wall sections 17, 18 and thinner mid-wall sections 15a, 15b, 15c. The intermediary lower-wall sections 17, 18 are sections of a thicker wall (disposed below upper-wall section 16 and above distal lower-wall section 19) that alternate with the thinner mid-wall sections 15a, 15b, 15c. The intermediary lower-wall sections 17, 18 include an upper shoulder 42a, 42b, 42c and a lower shoulder 43a, 43b, 43c. The intermediary lower-wall sections 17, 18 may be of equal depth or slightly larger or smaller depth compared to the depth of upper-wall section 16 and/ or of lower-wall section 19. The multiple circumferential grooves 15a, 15b, 15c are defined by the shoulders 42a, 42b, 42c, 43a, 43b, 43c and the outer surface of the mid-wall sections 15a, 15b, 15c.

[00067] In this fourth embodiment, the circumferential area 22 comprises multiple separate grooves 22a, 22b, and 22c. Each of the multiple grooves 22a, 22b, 22c are defined by a mid- wall section 15a, 15b, 15c, an upper shoulder 42a, 42b, 42c, and a lower shoulder 43a, 43b, 43c, respectively. The mid-wall sections 15a, 15b, 15c are thinner than the lower-wall section 19 and upper-wall section 16.

[00068] The fifth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system 10 shown in FIG. 10 presents a spiral groove 22s variation. The spiral groove 22s comprises a spiral channel for receiving an embellishment 20. The spiral groove winds around the hollow tubular member 11 from proximal end 14 to distal end 13 of the straw 10. The spiral groove 22s is defined by shoulders 42s, 43s and the top surface of mid-wall section 15s. [00069] The sixth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system 10, illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 11 A, provides a thin proximal end wall 27 for improved mouth feel. As in the other embodiments of the groove-type circumferential area 22 of FIGS. 1-3, 8-10, 14-18, to accommodate the embellishment 20 substantially within the groove of area 22, the upper and lower walls 16, 19 are thicker than the walls of a standard drinking straw. The thickness Dl (FIG. 3A) of the upper wall 16 may be undesirable to consumers if the thickness Dl continues to the proximal end wall 27, because it does not have the expected, typical mouth feel of a thin- walled straw. The sixth embodiment addresses this problem by providing a variation in upper wall 16, which includes a depth reducer portion 55, which reduces the greater depth or thickness Dl at the distal end 36 of upper- wall section 16 to a thinner depth, which is more acceptable to consumers, at the proximal end 27 of upper-wall section 16. The depth reducer portion 55 may reduce the depth abruptly or gradually. A first aspect of the depth reducer 55 is shown in FIG. 11 as an interior wedge. A second aspect of the depth reducer 55 is shown in FIG. 11 A, which provides an angular or stepped reduction.

[00070] In the first aspect of FIG. 11, the depth reducer 55 reduces the depth gradually with an interior slanted portion forming an annular wedge. Therefore, the thickness (or depth) of the upper wall 16 is not consistent or uniform, but is thicker (has a greater depth) at the distal end and thinner (has a lesser depth) at the proximal wall end 27. The distal end 36 of the wedge- type depth reducer 55 is thicker at shoulder 42 and tapers toward the proximal end 54 of wedge- type depth reducer 55.

[00071] In the second aspect shown in FIG. 11 A, the depth reducer portion 55 reduces the depth more abruptly with an interior step or angled reduction in depth. As in the first aspect, the thickness (or depth) of the upper wall 16 is not consistent or uniform, but is thicker (has a greater depth) at the distal end and thinner (has a lesser depth) at the proximal wall end 27. The distal end 36 of the angular-type depth reducer 55 is thicker at shoulder 42, but is configured to reduce to a thinner depth near shoulder 42. The angular-type depth reducer 55 may form a small interior ledge at the point of reduction, which may be in the depth range of 1 to 2 mm. In one example, the inner walls of the mid-wall section 15 may adjoin the inner walls of shoulder 42 at a generally 90-degree angle, and the inner walls of shoulder 42 may adjoin the inner walls of upper-wall section 16 at a generally 90-degree angle, as shown. In this case, the thickness of mid-wall section 15, shoulder 42 and upper-wall section 16 may be generally equal, as shown, though shoulder 42 may also be thicker than the thickness of mid-wall section 15 and upper-wall section 16 to provide a stronger joint. Other angles are within the scope of the invention. For example, the inner walls of the mid-wall section 15 may adjoin the inner walls of shoulder 42 at a generally 45-degree angle (not shown), and the inner walls of shoulder 42 may adjoin the inner walls of upper-wall section 16 at a generally 45-degree angle.

[00072] The incorporation of either the wedge-type or angular-type depth reducer 55 provides sufficient depth for the groove of area 22 to receive the embellishment 20 within straw 10, while allowing the consumer to experience the expected thin proximal end wall 27. Consequently, the consumer is satisfied with the mouth feel, but the technical difficulty in accommodating embellishment 20 substantially within the circumferential groove 22 is solved.

[00073] The internal depth reducer 55 presented as the sixth embodiment may be used with any of the embodiments of the straw and embellishment system 10 of the present invention using the groove-type circumferential area 22 of FIGS. 1-4, 8-10, 14-18.

[00074] The seventh embodiment of the straw and embellishment system 10, illustrated in

FIGS. 12-14 and shown with the depth reducer 55 of the sixth embodiment, provides a dual straw 10 having a dual-shape hollow tubular member 11, allowing use of the straw 10 in a varied type of drink lid opening 38.

[00075] The dual shapes of the hollow tubular member 11 include an upper portion (upper-wall section 16) having a circular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 12 and a lower portion (lower-wall section 19) having an oval cross-section, as shown in FIG. 13. The oval-shaped lower portion 19 of the straw 10 is adapted to fit within a narrow oval lid opening 38 (such as may be found in some types of drink lids, particularly lids for hot drink cups with narrow, oval openings). The seventh embodiment provides an expected thin circular cross-section at proximal end wall 27, yet is narrowed to fit a specialized lid opening 38. The narrowing and/or change in shape may occur at any point along straw 10, such as partially below mid-wall section 15, at the junction of mid-wall section 15 and lower-wall section 19, at the junction of mid-wall section 15 and upper- wall section 16, a short distance from the junction of mid-wall section 15 and upper-wall section 16, or a short distance from the junction of mid-wall section 15 and lower-wall section 19 (as shown).

[00076] The seventh embodiment demonstrates that the decorative drinking straw 10 of the invention can be modified to fit within specialized lids and that the upper-wall section 16 need not be shaped similarly to the lower-wall section 19. Yet the straw 10 still provides the decorative embellishment 20 to add to the aesthetic enjoyment. The seventh embodiment also demonstrates that the depth reducer 55 of the sixth embodiment can be used with any of the embodiments of the invention.

[00077] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a straw case 60 for use to store and transport at least one of the decorative straws 10 of any of the embodiments of the present invention. The case 60 includes a pocket 65 that is sized and shaped to receive at least one straw 10. The case 60 preferably also includes a flap 67 configured to fold over and encircle pocket 65, with flap 67 configured with an attachment device 64 for attaching to a corresponding attachment device 63 disposed for receiving attachment device 64. For example, attachment devices 63, 64 may be complementary hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, a button and button hole, a hook and eye, laces, a ball button and frog, magnetic closures, or other similar known or inventive complementary fasteners. Flap 67 may be formed in various shapes, designs or colors to complement or contrast with pocket 65. Flap 67 may be formed integrally with pocket 65 (such as by sewing a pocket 65 at an edge of a piece of fabric which also is sewed to form flap 67) or may be attached to pocket 65.

[00078] Optionally, the case 60 may include an accessory pocket 61 formed at the end of the main pocket 65, which may be used by the consumer to contain accessory cuffs 30, enhancing accessory 33, or other small accessories. The case 60, including pockets 61, 65 and flap 67, is preferably formed of fabric and sewn with thread 66, filament or the like.

[00079] FIGS. 16-18B illustrate the two-part drinking straw tubular member 11 of the eighth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system. The eighth embodiment is similar functionally to the straw of the first embodiment, but though the hollow tubular member 11 extends from proximal end 14 to distal end 13, it is formed of two segments. The lower-wall section 19 is formed as a distal segment, and the upper-wall section 16 and mid-wall section 15 are together formed as a proximal segment. To form the tubular member 11 the distal edge 35 and distal end 34 of the mid-wall section 15 of the proximal segment is inserted into the proximal end 37 of the interior tubular opening 12 of the lower-wall section 19 of the distal segment. An exemplary insertion distance of the distal end 34 may be from one-half inch to two inches.

[00080] While the distal and proximal segments may optionally remain separable, such as for ease of cleaning, it is preferable that the two segments or parts are permanently affixed. For example, when the tubular member 11 is formed of a plastic material, plastic welding may be used to non-removably join the two segments. Plastic welding may include ultrasonic welding, laser welding, solvent welding, friction welding, heat sealing with high frequency

electromagnetic waves, contact or spot welding, hot gas welding or standard heat sealing.

[00081] The depth Yl of the wall of the upper-wall section 16 may be slightly greater than the depth Y3 of the lower-wall section 19. For example, the depth Y2 of the distal end 34 at distal edge 35 of the mid-wall section 15 plus the depth Y3 of the lower-wall section 19 may equal the depth Dl of the wall of the upper-wall section 16. The lesser depth Y3 of the lower-wall section 19 allows the internal insertion of the distal end 34 of the mid-wall section 15 into the lower-wall section 19 while allowing the outside surfaces of the upper-wall section 16 and the lower-wall section 19 to be co-cylindrical, i.e. to extend outward from a center axis substantially the same distance. The width D5 of the interior tubular opening 12 of the upper-wall section 16 is preferably generally equal to the width D9 of the lower-wall section 19. The distal edge 35 may be blunt, chamfered or form a wedge.

[00082] FIGS. 19-23 show a ninth embodiment of the straw and embellishment system and illustrate the following: the drinking straw tubular member 11 need not have any portion with a round cross-section; the drinking straw tubular member 11 may have a uniform exterior surface without a groove within the circumferential area 22; the decorative embellishment 20 may be formed of multiple pieces that are joined; and the straw 10 may be formed with the decorative embellishment 20 pieces forced onto an end of straw 10 and affixed.

[00083] In the ninth embodiment, the drinking straw tubular member 11 is a unitary thin,

rectangular member, which may be particularly suitable for fitting within restrictive lid openings of specific types of beverage lids. The exterior walls are smooth and without a channel or groove. Though generally rectangular in shape, the exterior corners are preferably rounded based on aesthetic and safety needs, and the interior corners are preferably rounded to reduce soiling and to aid in ease of cleaning. When made of plastic, the drinking straw tubular member 11 is preferably formed integrally through a conventional plastic extrusion process.

[00084] The decorative embellishment 20 is formed of three pieces, a proximal abutment 72, a decorative sleeve 29 and a distal abutment 62. The proximal abutment 72 and distal abutment 62 are decorative rings or caps that provide an aesthetically pleasing end piece for the decorative sleeve 29. While the decorative sleeve 29 is shown as a jeweled design, it may be formed with any of the aforementioned ornamental designs.

[00085] To form the drinking straw 10 of the ninth embodiment, the distal abutment 62, the decorative sleeve 29, and the proximal abutment 72 are slid onto the circumferential area 22 of the tubular member 11. When placed adjacent to each other, the distal abutment 62, the decorative sleeve 29 and the proximal abutment 72 visually form the embellishment 20.

Preferably when the tubular member 11 is formed of a plastic material, plastic welding is used to secure the three pieces of the decorative embellishment 20 to the tubular member 11.

[00086] Though the tubular member 11 of the ninth embodiment is shown as a rounded

rectangular member, the same method of assembly of a multi-part decorative embellishment 20 may be used with tubular members 11 of other shapes. [00087] A variety of aspects and variations of the decorative drinking straw and embellishment system have been presented. These aspects and variations may be combined in numerous ways to create an appealing, washable, convenient decorative straw 10 that will encourage reuse, thereby conserving resources and energy by reducing the hundreds of millions of straws produced, transported and disposed of daily.

[00088] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.