Reusable drinking straw
US11607064B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2023/008
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drinking straw has an elongated body with a longitudinal flow channel. The user end of the body is closed and rounded for safety. A pair of lateral channels open onto the body adjacent the user end and provide fluid communication to the flow channel. The straw is injection molded, and a mold is provided which accommodates thermal expansion of a rod forming the flow channel. A pair of opposed cavity inserts form the lateral channels. To reduce bending stresses on the rod upon removal of the cavity inserts, one cavity insert is formed longer to the other. This longer cavity insert is removed prior to opening of the mold plates, and as such the straw and rod are supported against bending during this removal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.