Retractable straw device
OwnerStephen Maherinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device (10) for a drinks container (11), the device comprising a straw (16) and means for actuating the straw (16) between a retracted state, in which the straw (16) is housed, in use, substantially within the container (11), and an extended state, in which at least a portion of the straw (16) protrudes, in use, form the container (11). The actuating means may comprise a first casing (12) provided around a portion of the straw (16), the straw (16) and the casing (12) being rotatable with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis, the actuating means further comprising means for imparting generally linear movement to the straw (16) upon relative rotational movement of the casing and the straw portion.
Claims7
A device for a drinks container, the device comprising a straw and means for actuating the straw between a retracted state, in which the straw is housed, in use, substantially within the container, and an extended state, in which at least a portion of the straw projects, in use, from the container:
- wherein the actuating means comprises a first casing provided around a portion of the straw, the straw and the casing being rotatable with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis, the actuating means further comprising means for imparting generally linear movement to the straw upon relative rotational movement of the casing and straw portion;
- wherein one of the casing and the straw portion is associated with one or more cam surfaces, the other of the casing and the straw portion being associated with one or more cam followers;
- wherein the actuating means includes a second casing provided around said portion of the straw and between said straw portion and said first casing, the first and second casings being rotatable with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis, the second casing being shaped to define a slot in which the or each cam follower rides.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.