Soda straw dispenser.

(54) Title: SODA STRAW DISPENSER. (54) Title: SODA STRAW DISPENSER.

(57) Summary

The present invention relates to a straw dispensing mechanism, characterized in that it comprises: an upper stage part and a lower sliding dispensing part; said upper stage portion has an elongated slot therein, and has a lateral stop member spaced from and underlying said elongated slot; said lower slidable dispensing portion has an elongated slot therein, a portion of said elongated slot of said lower slidable dispensing portion defined by a side spacer member; a spring for deflecting said lower sliding dispensing part to a home position in which said side spacer member of said lower sliding dispensing part maintains the straw in a transition position and prevents the straw in said elongated slot of the upper stages fall; and said lower sliding dispensing part has an opening in which at least a portion of a straw is made available which will be dispensed for a user to grasp, and when said straw is grasped and pulled, said lower sliding dispensing part moves forward to allow the straw to be picked up by the user, and another straw is loaded from an inventory of straw and into said straw dispensing mechanism.

(57) Abstract

A straw dispenser that hold two individual straws, sequentially selected from an inventory of straws. The upper straw is staged in a position to fall, and the lower straw is in a position made available to a person. The person grasps the available straw and pulís the same, which moves a lower movable part of the dispenser. The forward movement of the lower movable part allows the upper staged straw to fall downwardly to a transitory position, and during backward movement of the lower movable part the straw moves from the transitory position and is made available. At the same time a successive straw is selected from the inventory and held in the staged position. The person need not touch any other part of the dispenser or touch other straws to be dispensed. A subsequent straw cannot be dispensed until the available straw has been removed from the dispenser.

_I KNOW_

W ICON

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Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

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PATENT TITLE NO. 343579

Owner (s): ANTONIO DOMIT

Address: Cerro Juvencia # 68, 04200, Distrito Federal, MEXICO

Denomination: SODA STRAW DISPENSER. Classification: lnt.CI.8: B65G59 / 00; B65H3 / 00; G07F11 / 00; G07F17 / 00

Inventor (s): ANTONIO DOMIT

REQUEST

Number:

International filing date:

MX / a / 2013/013757 May 2012

Country:

US

US

PRIORITY

Date:

May 2011 November 9, 2011

Number:

61/519,563

61/628,929

Validity: Twenty years

Expiration Date: May 25, 2032, the reference patent is granted based on articles 1, 2 fraction V, 6 fraction tll, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

t) e in accordance with article 23 of the Industrial Property Law, this patent has a non-extendable term of sale, valid from the date of filing of the international application and will be subject to the payment of taxes to maintain Ins rights in force. s

Whoever signs this title does so based on the provisions of articles 6 * fracoiones III and 7 ° bis 2 of the Industrial Property Law (Official Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) 08/27/1991, amended on 02 / 08/1994, 10/28/1996, 12/26/19 (17, 17/05/1999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, 01/25/2006, 06/05/2009 / 06 / 01/2010, 08/18/2010, 08/28/2010, 01/27/2012 and 04/09/2012); Articles Ií, 3rd section V Clause a), 4th and 12th sections I and III of the Regulations of the MeriMM ÓBtel'WPledad Industrial Institute (DOF 14/12/199 &amp; amended on 07/01/2002, 07/15/2004, -28/07/2084 and 7/7/2007); Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, section V, subsection a), 16 sections I and III and 30 of the Organic Eajetuto of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF) 12/27/1998, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 06/04/2004 and 09/13/2007); 1, 3 »and 5 Subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Holders of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

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Issue Date: November 10, 2016

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Sand! No 550. Floor 1.

Coi. Puebic Santa María Teoepan. Xochimilco. C P. 16C2C,

Mexico City

Tei. (55) 53 34 07 00 ww ropi gob mx

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MX / 2016/91479

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

SODAS STRAW DISPENSER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to soda straws dispensers, and more particularly to soda straws dispensers that allow a straws to be dispensed without touching the dispenser or other straws during the dispensing operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bacteria, viruses, and other germs can be passed from one individual to another by direct contact between individuals. Also, germs can be passed between individuals by contact with an intermediate object touched by both people. A prime location for germ transfer is restaurants, food delivery stores, fast food outlets, etc. since people are in contact with food items.

This is exacerbated by people who frequent toilets in food preparation businesses, where both shipyards, customers can collect germs and then pass them on to food, food item dispensers, utensils, and the like.

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF RROPRDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0007.tif" />

One item that many individuals make contact with in the food preparation businesses are soda straw dispensers. When using a straw dispenser, the straws are generally not covered with a protective, disposable liner, but are simply bulk straws as manufactured. In typical soda straw dispensers, plastic straws are stored in a metal container and are dispensed one by one when the individual touches the mechanism that causes the straw to be dispensed. This may be a lever, knob, or other member that, when activated, causes the straw to be retrieved from the inventory of straws stored in the dispenser, and delivered to the user. Because each person who wants a straw must touch the dispensing mechanism, such a mechanism becomes the object of germ transfer from one individual to many others. Another way that germs are transferred is when the straw dispenser is full of straws. Since the employee touches the straws when filling the dispenser, any germs that are carried by the employee can be transferred to the straws, and therefore to all persons to whom the straws are dispensed. What is needed is a soda straw dispenser that includes a straw container attached to a dispenser

ΪΜΡΙ (NÍTITtITC MfKtCANO ΟΕ LA PHOMSOA * iholktwml

<img file="MX343579B_D0008.tif" />

of straws in such a way that when the straws container runs out of straws, the entire new straws filled container can be attached to the reusable straws dispenser. With this arrangement, the employee does not have to touch any of the straws, but only the container that has the straws in it as it comes from the manufacturer. Another way for a person to become contaminated would be when the employee places the individual straws into the dispenser container. If a straws container is mounted on a reusable dispenser of the invention, the straws will have to come in an appropriate packaging to avoid contact with the employee.

Today's art includes numerous types of soda straw dispensers, and many of them have parts that must be handled by users, after which the germs can be distributed among users. Other dispensers allow users to select straws without touching parts of the dispenser, but it is possible to touch more than one straws values, again allowing germs to spread from one user to a subsequent user.

Still other dispensers allow more than one straw to be dispensed at a time, thereby wasting the straws. Examples of current art dispensers included in United States Patent Documents No.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

Ot THE PRONSDAD

D3f ^ W

3,556,344; 3,841,531; 4,789,081;

5, 381,925;

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D342,647.

Therefore, there is a need for a straw dispenser that can be manipulated by a user by simply touching the straw to be dispensed, without touching any other mechanisms of the straw dispenser. There is another need for a straw dispenser that accurately dispenses only one straw at a time, and presents the straw to the user one at a time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles and concepts of the invention, a soda straw dispenser is disclosed that selecting a straw from the inventory of straws, places the straw on stage while another straw is currently available for dispensing by a user. Once the available straw is dispensed by a user, the stage straw moves through a transient position and then becomes available for dispensing, and so on until the inventory of straws is exhausted. A subsequent straw cannot be dispensed until the available straw has been removed from the soda straw dispenser.

The straw available to the user by the dispenser allows a portion of the straw to be grasped by the user

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is pulled, thereby pulling a movable portion of the dispenser forward, the movement of which allows the stage straw to fall into the transient position. When the moving part of the dispenser returns to a home position, the straw falls from the transient position to the bottom of the dispenser where it is available to the same or to a different user. The only part that refers to being touched by a user is the exposed portion of the straw available from the dispenser. The dispenser of the invention therefore reduces germ spreading moments, and the like, since no part of the dispenser needs to be touched by the user of the dispenser.

The inventive straw dispenser is structured to select a first straw from inventory and hold it in the staged position, temporarily hold a second straw in the transitional position, and keep a third straw at the bottom of the dispenser and make it available to the user . The bottom of the straw dispenser includes an inclined rest and rolls forward.

The only straw the user can touch is the straw that is available on the inclined rest.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the straws dispenser can be used with a straws box that forms the straws inventory. The box of

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Straws are structured in such a way that a person carrying the dispenser does not need to touch or otherwise manipulate any of the straws. Rather, the straw box can be attached to the dispenser without touching any of the straws, and then opened in such a way that the straws can fall into the soda straw dispenser. As such, this combination of components facilitates the dispensing of a large number of straws from a number of boxes without manipulation of the individual straws during the restoration of the straws inventory.

With respect to yet another feature of the invention, the straw dispenser may be equipped with an advertising accessory to provide an advertising medium to potential users of the straw dispenser.

In fact, the advertising medium placed on the accessory is in direct view of the user of the straw dispenser, thus effectively forcing the user to see the notice.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a straw dispensing mechanism is disclosed that includes an upper stage part and a lower slideable dispensing part. The upper stage portion has an elongated slot therein, and has a lateral stop member spaced from and underlying the elongated slot. The part of

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₇ ΙΜΡΙ 'MKICANO INSTITUTE

DS LA SXO »« DAD

1NDUSTHJAL lower sliding dispenser also has an elongated slot therein, where a portion of the elongated slot of the lower sliding dispensing part defines a lateral spacer member. A spring deflects the lower slideable dispensing part to a home position in which the side spacer member of the lower sliding dispensing part holds the straw in a transient position and prevents the straw in the slot of the upper stage part from falling . The lower slidable dispensing part has an opening in which at least a portion of a straw to be dispensed is made available to a user for grasping, and when the straw is grasped and pulled, the lower sliding dispensing part moves forward to allow the straw to be picked up by the user, whereby another straw from a straw inventory is loaded into the straw dispensing mechanism.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a straw dispensing mechanism is disclosed that includes a stationary portion having an elongated slot and an elongated stop spaced from and underlying the slot. Also included is a movable part of the mechanism that is movable from a home position toward the additive to a dispensing position. The insert has an upper member that

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0015.tif" />

it is movable between the elongated groove and the elongated stop of the stationary part, and the upper member of the movable part has an elongated groove and an elongated stop structured in such a way that when the movable part is in the original position, the elongated groove of the stationary part and the elongated stop of the movable part are vertically aligned such that a straw is in a step position in the elongated groove of the stationary part and rests on the elongated stop of the movable part.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a method of dispensing straws is disclosed, which includes storing a supply of straws above a strainer dispenser, and maintaining a strand in a temporary position as an individual straws. The method further includes dropping the straw onto an inclined member during dispensing of a straw, and exposing the portion of the straw available to the user such that the straw can be pulled and retrieved by the user. The pull causes the available straw to move a part of the sliding dispenser and allows the straw to be removed by the dispenser user. When the straw is removed from the slide dispenser part, the slide dispenser part retracts to a home position to allow a subsequent straw to drop onto the inclined member and return

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ΙΝΤΠΤυΤΟ MKICANO Dt LA PRUHIDAD IN »UTnUAL

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forward in such a way that a part of it is exposed and available to a user. With this arrangement, straws can be dispensed by allowing users to touch only portions of the straws that are dispensed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a straw dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an isometric side view of the straw dispensing mechanism.

Figure 3 is an isometric top and side view of the straw dispensing mechanism.

Figure 4 is an isometric top view of the straw dispensing mechanism.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the straw dispensing mechanism showing the interlocking of the upper stationary part, and the lower slidable part in a rest position.

Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the straw dispensing mechanism showing the interlocking of the upper stationary part, and the lower slideable part moved forward during dispensing of a straw.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE M * MC0A »

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0017.tif" />

Figure 7 is a top isometric view of the straw dispensing mechanism.

Figure 8 is a bottom isometric view of the straw dispensing mechanism.

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the upper stationary part of the straw dispensing mechanism.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom slide portion of the straw dispenser mechanism.

Figure 11 is an isometric view of the straw dispenser mechanism with the straw selector / dispenser, base and box.

Figure 12 is a side view of the straw dispensing mechanism of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is an exploded view of the straw dispensing mechanism of Figure 11.

Figures 14a and 14b are side views showing the straw brakes.

Figure 15 is a side view of the straw dispenser illustrating different details.

Figures 16a-16c are side and partial views of the straw dispenser showing the straw box attached to the dispenser, the straw box door and the parking brake.

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straws

Figures 17a-17f are different views detailing the structural characteristics of the straw box.

Figure 18a is a side view of the straw dispensing mechanism showing engagement with the straw box, and Figure 18b illustrates an enlarged view of the manner in which the straw box is captured at the base.

Figures 19a-19b are isometric and side views illustrating the details of the advertising base.

Figures 20a-20b illustrate the details of the wall bracket.

Figure 21 is an isometric view of a portion of the soda pop dispenser mechanism.

Figure 22a is a side view and Figure 22b is a top view which illustrate the details of the latch for securing the straw selector / dispenser at the base of the soda straw dispensing mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The straw dispensing mechanism 10 shown in

Figure 1 can be built and made integral with a straw box to dispense straws directly from box 12 without having to manipulate or touch any part of the

IMPI • ητπυτο mbucano MLAPRORIKMB

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0020.tif" />

dispenser container or multiple straws, other than the one being dispensed. Straws are typically ready to use, and do not come with a disposable paper sleeve that covers individual straws. Dispenser 10 can also be made with or attached to standard metal or stainless steel dispenser containers 12 typically found in fast food restaurants. In yet another alternative, the straw dispenser 10 can be reusable so that it can be attached to a heavy paper or cardboard box 12 filled with straws. Once the straw box 12 is emptied, a new box filled with straws can be attached to the reusable dispensing mechanism 10. The same straw dispenser 10 may be constructed by injection molding of a plastic material, such as ABS, or many other suitable materials. With the dispenser 10, a person can dispense a single straw without being able to touch any other straw.

An enlarged end view of the dispenser 10 is shown in Figure 2. A cross sectional view of the straw dispenser 10 in a resting or origin state is illustrated in Figure 5, and in Figure 6 with the sliding dispenser part bottom 20 pulled outward for dispensing a straw 22. Figures 7-10 illustrate the details of the upper stationary part 18 of the

<td>dispenser</td><td> 10,</td><td>and</td>

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<td>dispenser</td><td>10 in</td><td>he</td>

<td colspan="3">paper type box &lt;</td>

<td>ready</td><td>for</td><td>falls off</td>

<td>(Figures 3</td><td>and 5)</td><td>in</td>

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MBXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE EMQRgDAB

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dispenser 10. However, a side spacer member 25 (Figure 10) of bottom slide part 20 prevents straw 14 from temporarily falling. The previous dispensing of a straw (not shown) has dispensed a new straw 22 onto the inclined rest 24 of the lower sliding dispenser part (Figures 2, 5 and 6).

When a person wishes to dispense the available straw

22, the person grasps the middle section of the straw 22 which is exposed in the side opening 23 of the lower sliding dispenser part 20, as shown in

Figure 4. The lower slider dispenser part 20 is shown in the rest position in Figures 4 and 5. In Figure 5, the upper straw 14 is shown in a staged position when the lower slider dispenser part is in the rest position. The person simply grabs and pulls the exposed part of the available straw 22, which also pulls or slides the bottom slide dispenser part 20 (against light spring tension, not

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE DB LA BROMBDAD INDUSTUAL raises the straw 22

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lower 20. As is higher than the part shown) towards the person. The person in the sliding dispenser part observes in Figures 5 and 6, the lower sliding dispenser part 20 slides in a channel of the stationary part 18 which comprises the space between the upper part in which the elongated slot 16 is formed. and bottom including the side stop member 17.

As mentioned above, once the straw 22 has been dispensed by pulling the middle section thereof, which pulls the bottom slide dispenser part 20 forward, the person removes the available straw 22. In this state of the straw dispenser 10 shown in the

Figure 6, a leaf spring 26 (Figure 13) retracts the bottom slide dispenser part 20 back to the rest or home position shown in the

Figures 2 and 5. When the lower slidable dispenser part 20 is moved under the force of the spring backward within the dispenser 10, the next available straw 14 moves along the horizontal transient path backward past the lateral part 17 of the upper stationary part 18 until straw 14 falls on inclined rest 24. During backward travel of the bottom slide dispenser part 20, the side spacer member 25 (Figure 10) slides under a new top straw 27 (Figure 6) and prevents

Mexicano mexican institute

OF THE INDUSTRIAL PROREDAO

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may it fall and also be dispensed. It can be seen that when the dispenser 10 is not being operated by a user, the user maintains two individual straws 14 and 22, but during the time the user operates the lower sliding dispenser part 20, the dispenser 10 momentarily maintains three straws 14, 22 and 27.

The sequence of operations of the soda straw dispenser 10 is summarized below, a) When it is at rest, two straws are kept in the dispenser 10, that is, a straw is kept in the slot 16 of the upper stationary part 18, and another straw remains in the inclined rest 24. b) When it is desired to dispense a straw, the user grasps the available straw in the inclined rest 24 and pulls it forward, thus moving the lower sliding dispenser part 20 also forward, c) During the forward movement of the lower slide dispenser part 20, the straw that was in slot 16 of upper stationary part 18 falls into slot 21 of lower slide dispenser part 20. d) As the straw falls into slot 21 of bottom slide 20, a third straw falls from the inventory or supply of straws into slot 16 now emptied of the upper stationary part

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18. e) Once the available straw is removed from the inclined rest 24, the spring force returns the lower sliding part 20 to its original position. F) Finally, during the backward movement of the lower sliding dispenser part 20, the straw that is temporarily held in the slot 21 of the lower sliding part falls on the inclined rest 24, thus making the next straw available . The dispenser is again prepared in stages for another dispensing cycle, where a first straw is prepared in stages in the slot 16 of the upper stationary part 18, and a second straw is available for dispensing in the inclined rest 24. As will be described thereafter, dispenser 10 will not load a subsequent straw until the available straw has been removed from dispenser 10 by the user.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 14b, a pair of optional straw brakes, one shown as number 29, is provided to prevent return of the bottom slide dispenser portion 20 until the available straw 22 has been removed of the straw dispenser 10.

This prevents a user from attempting to accumulate straws in the inclined landing 24 by repeatedly operating the bottom slide 20 without removing the available straws 22.

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The straw brake 29 is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis in the base 32 (not shown).

Due to the design of the straw brake 29, the front pivot end is hung as shown in Figure 6, just behind the available straw 22. If the user leaves the available straw 22 on the inclined landing 24 and tries to return the sliding part 20 back to the rest position, the straw brake 29 blocks the backward movement of the available straw 22, and therefore blocks the backward movement of the lower slideable dispenser part 20. The only way for the bottom slide part 20 to return to the rest position is for the user to remove the available straw 22, after which the bottom slide part can then be moved backwards under spring deflection to the rest position. .

In order for the bottom slide part 20 to move past the straw brakes 29 during backward movement, the bottom slide part 20 is constructed of a pair of cutouts, one shown with number 31 (Figure 11). Backward movement in the bottom slider part 20 is allowed since the cutouts 31 do not block the backward movement of the upward part of the bottom slider part 20.

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<td>with</td><td>a</td>

<td>box</td><td> 12</td>

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

FROM THE RR # EIBJAC

The straw dispenser 10 is adapted for^N£^^ST*and^lli u 'a box 12 of straws, and when emptied of straws, box 12 is replaceable with a box full of straws. The preferred embodiment of the construction of a straw box 40 is described below in connection with the

Figures 17a-17f. However, the dispenser 10 can be made with an integral plastic platform with three upturned sides within which the bottom of the straw box 12 fits. The fourth side of the platform comprises the same straw dispenser 10. A bottom corner of the box 12 is perforated to be removable so that the supports can be dispensed into the top of the straw dispenser 10. One or more lower corners of the straw box can be secured to the platform by spring-loaded means attached to the platform, or the box 12 can be friction fit within the lips upward of the platform. The box 12 can be installed in the straw dispenser 10 by removing the perforated bottom of the box 12, turning it upside down, retracting the spring-loaded media from the dispenser 10, and attaching the straw dispenser 10 to the box 12 upward. Thereafter, the spring loaded media is released to capture the box 12 in the straw dispenser 10, and the unit is

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MMÜCANO INSTITUTE

M LA MOH &amp; DAD

INDUSTRIAL flips over and stands on a counter for use by customers. The straw box of Figures 17a-17f is constructed in such a way that the straw dispenser 10 does not need to be turned to install a new straw box therein.

From the foregoing, a new straw dispenser 10 is illustrated and described in Figure 2 having an upper stationary part 18 and a lower slidable part 20. The upper stationary part 18 is constructed with a side part 17 which prevents the straws fall during the forward movement of the lower sliding part 20 and dispensing of the previous straws. Similarly, the bottom slide part 20 (Figure 4) includes a side spacer member 25 that functions to prevent straws from falling out of the slot 16 of the upper stationary part 18 (Figure 9) when the bottom slide part 20 is in the home position.

After dispensing a straw and when the bottom slide 20 is retracted backwards by spring force, a straw captured in the slot 21 of the bottom slide 20 falls onto the inclined rest 24 (Figure 10). At the same time, a new straw is loaded into the slot 16 of the upper stationary part 18.

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INSTITUTO M »ICANO r * la fioimmd • oustiual

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With the new straw dispenser 10 a person does not need to touch any part of the dispenser except the middle section of the straw itself. Due to the construction of the straw dispenser 10, the straws are loaded and dispensed in an orderly manner and therefore sticking of the straws and malfunction of the dispenser are overcome.

In accordance with another feature of the straw dispenser 10, the forward movement of the bottom slide 20 during the dispensing of an available straw 22, moves the straw in the base compartment towards the slot 16 in the upper stationary part 18.

The lower insert 20 is constructed of a pair of upwardly extending tabs, one shown numbered 33. This is shown in Figure 13. The tabs 33 extend through the elongated slots (not shown) which are formed on the sloping floor 62 (Figure 15) of base compartment 58, and engaging the loose straws on the sloping floor 62. As the lower insert 20 moves forward during dispensing of a straw

22, the tabs 33 move forward to move the straws forward towards the elongated slot 16 that is formed in the upper stationary part 18. As such, the straws stored in the base compartment 18 move

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MHUGOK INSTITUTE) ^nt forward and the tendency of popos to hang in the base compartment is reduced.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate one embodiment of a straw dispenser 30 equipped with a base 32 to which a wall bracket 34 can be attached. Wall bracket 34 is constructed to be removably attached to base 32, and attached to a vertical wall or the like, for attaching the straw dispenser 30 thereto. The details of the wall bracket 34 are described below in relation to Figures 20a-20c. The straw dispenser or selector 10 is removably attached to the base 32.

The advertisement 36 includes a window 38 through which one can see a paper or plastic advertisement sheet that is inserted between two opposite channels that are formed on the back side of the advertisement 36. A straw box 40 it can be inserted into a rectangular opening at the top of base 32 and is held therein such that straws in box 40 can fall into base compartment 58. Straws box 40 has side windows 42 of clear plastic films to enable a person of how many straws are left in box 40. Base compartment 58 also includes one or two side windows 44 of clear plastic to allow a user see

IMPI

INSTITUTO MiXICANO DC LA MONEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0031.tif" />

how many straws are left in the base 32. All the components of the dispenser 30 can be made of molded ABS type plastic.

Figure 13 is an exploded view of the straw dispenser 30. Base 32 can be constructed in two halves

32a and 32b and then joined together during assembly. One 32a base half is bolted and the other base half

32b is constructed with holes into which bolts fit. Base 32 includes an upper opening through which straws fall from box 40 into base compartment 58. Straws box 40 includes a band 54 around the bottom portion thereof, to fit within a receptacle box 56 of the upper part of the base 32. Wall bracket 34 is constructed with a notch into which a rear panel of base 32 is fitted to thereby register and removably attach straw dispenser 30 to wall bracket 34. The curved leaf spring is illustrated. 26 which functions to return the bottom slide part 20 to the rest position after a straw has been dispensed by a user. The middle section of the leaf spring 26 is attached to the base member 32, and the free ends of the leaf spring 26 engage with the lower slide part 20 to push it back.

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Figures 14a-b, 15 and 16a-c illustrate additional details of the straw dispenser 30. The straw box is constructed of a band 58 along the lower perimeter. Band 54 makes straw box 40 somewhat larger in circumference such that it fits within a box receptacle 56 that forms at the top of base 32. Once straw box 40 is installs on base 32, and opens, straws may drop.

freely out of the box 40, through the upper opening 60 and into the base compartment 58. As will be described later, an elongated door 48 is hinged to the straw box 40 in such a way that when opened, the straws fall into base compartment 58.

Base compartment 58 includes a floor sloping 62 downward so that the straws migrate by gravity to the front bottom thereof and are available to dispenser / selector 10.

Base 32 of straw dispenser 30 rests on wall bracket 34. As will be described later with respect to Figures 20a-20c, each wall bracket 34 is formed of two straight members 72 and 74 having a gap or notch. 51 among them. This is shown in Figure 15. The rear panel of the base 32 has a friction fit bottom edge within the notch 51 of the mounting bracket.

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OE LA pembdad

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0033.tif" />

Wall 34. Different mechanisms can be used to lock the base 32 inside the wall bracket 34. The platform 50 of the wall bracket 34 is long enough to support a majority of the bottom of the base 32 of the straw dispenser 30 to it, as shown in Figure 15. With two wall brackets 34, the straw dispenser 30 can rest stably on the wall brackets 34 and cannot be inadvertently detached. Figure 15 also illustrates a pull strip 66 attached to a door 48 which is hinged to the straw box 40. Both the straw box 40 and the door 48 may be constructed of a paper material, and hinged together in a manner typical. Once the straw box 40 is installed in the dispenser 30, the pull strip 66 is available for a person to pull on to open the door 48 and allow the straws to fall out of the box 40 and into compartment 58 of the dispenser base 32.

The advertisement 36 is removably attached to the base 32 of the dispenser by means of pins 64 which are inserted into the grooves formed in the base 32. The straw selector 10 is installed from a lower front opening in the base 32, and is pushed back and up until it engages at the bottom of the floor

IMPI inclined 62.

ΙΝβΤΓΠ ΓΓϋ MIKICANO i DfiLAPBOWAD 1 INDUSTIUAU

After

<img file="MX343579B_D0034.tif" />

dispenser / selector 10 is held in place by a pair of latches 68 that are located on each bottom surface of base 32 to secure bottom slide 20 in place. The latches 68 can be manually released when accessed through a large opening in the bottom of the base 32.

The details of the straw box 40 are shown in the

Figures 17a-17f. The straw box 40 is constructed with a clear plastic window 42 at both ends thereof, but is otherwise constructed from paper, cardboard, plastic, or other inexpensive material. The band may be constructed of a thin strip of plastic, paper, or other material that adheres around the inner perimeter of box 40. The straw box 40 may further be constructed with a hinged door 48 extending along a corner of the box 40. Attached to the middle section of the door 48 is a flap 70 which is connected to the pull strip. 66. The flap 70 is normally within the box and engages the bottom interior surface of the box 40 such that the door 48 remains closed. The box 48 can then be transported or shipped without the straws falling out of the box 40.

When you want to replace a worn box, you can

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE «QUEDAD industrial

<img file="MX343579B_D0035.tif" />

installing a new box 40 filled with straws in the dispenser such that the pull strip 66 is accessible from the rear of the base 32. Next, a person pulls the pull strip 66, after which the flap 70 is it reinforced outside the coupling with the bottom interior surface of box 40 to allow door 48 to open. The straws then drop out of the straws box into compartment 58 of base 32. A short length of system can be attached to the end of the pull strip 66 to adhere it to the box so that it is not inadvertently pulled during handling. When the box is to be opened, the tape can be removed such that the pull strip 66 can be grasped and pulled.

Figures 18a-18b illustrate the manner in which straw box 40 is held at base 32. Base 32 is constructed of a step or shoulder 72 under which the top edge of band 54 engages and cannot be easily remove without deforming box 40. There is a shoulder 72 on two opposite sides of box receptacle 56 that is formed in base 32. Box 40 deforms and is easily removed from shoulder receptacle 56 when empty of straws.

Figures 19a and 18b show the details of the optional advertisement 36. As previously mentioned, pins 64 can be inserted into a slot in base 32 and

<img file="MX343579B_D0036.tif" />

₂₇ ΙΜΡΙ msrmrroMeüCANO

DC LA PROMBAD

INDUSTRY!

secure in it, and stir when desired. Window 38 is open to view an advertisement sheet that is inserted downward into lateral grooves that are formed on opposite rear sides of advertisement 36. The entire advertisement 36 may be constructed of ABS type plastic, or other suitable material. As long as advertisement 36 is curved, it could be constructed in many other shapes and sizes.

Figures 20a-20c illustrate the details of a wall bracket 34. Two or more wall brackets can be used to support the straw dispenser 30 on the wall. Wall bracket 34 is a one-piece molded plastic component constructed with latch 51 formed between straight members 72 and 74. The rear panel of dispenser base 32 can be inserted into notch 51. As shown

<td>mentioned</td><td>previously,</td><td>the platform</td><td> 50</td><td>provides</td><td>a</td>

<td>support</td><td>about which</td><td>You can rest</td><td>he</td><td>dispenser</td><td>of</td>

<td>straws</td><td>30 during his</td><td>use. They form</td><td>two</td><td>holes in</td><td>he</td>

Wall bracket 34, one is shown as number 52. Hole 52 in front member 72 is of a first diameter, partially extending within rear member 74.

The rest of the hole in the back member 74 is smaller in diameter to allow an anchor screw

76, or the like, is attached to the wall or wall post.

IMPI

MMUCANO INSTITUTE OF THE MLOTtEiMO

IKCXSTtíAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0037.tif" />

Figure 21 is a partial view of the straw dispenser 30, including a covering or shield 78 extending outwardly to at least partially cover the upper portion of the available straw 22 and allowing it to be lifted out of the lower slide-out dispenser part 20 without pulling it forward. In order to grasp the disposable straw 22 that has rolled down to the inclined rest 24, the lower sliding dispenser part 20 is formed with a cutout 23 such that a person can grasp the exposed middle section of the available straw 22 that is in the lower sliding dispenser part 20. The middle section of the available straw 22 is exposed and therefore available to the user on the front lower side of the lower sliding dispenser part 20. The user can observe the available straw 22 while standing in front of the dispenser 30, but must grasp the mid section of the straw from the bottom of the lower sliding dispenser part

twenty. The upper stationary part 18 can also be constructed as a cutout to facilitate grasping of the available straw 22, as shown in Figures 4 and 7.

The dispensing of the straw is the same as that described above.

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INSTITUTO MIXICANO BF LA PKoriCDAD INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0038.tif" />

Figures 22a and 22b illustrate latch 68 that captures selector / dispenser 10 within base 32 of soda straw dispensers 10 or 30. The latch members are formed during the molding process of base 32, one is shown with the number 68. The latch members 68 protrude inward into the path of the selector / dispenser 10 when inserted into the front opening of the base 32. While not shown, selector / dispenser 10 includes shoulders on opposite sides thereof, which press latch members 68 outward during insertion of selector / dispenser 10 into base 32. Once shoulders are on sides Opposite of selector / dispenser 10 move past latch members 68, latch members spring back and block backward movement of selector / dispenser 10. The selector / dispenser 10 is thus secured within the base 32 and can be removed until the latch members 68 are manually pressed out of the path of the selector / dispenser 10 such that it can be moved out of the base 32. The bottom panel of the base 32 is formed with a large opening at the bottom thereof so that the latch members 68 are accessible for manual manipulation.

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INSTITUTO MBXICANO Dt LA PRQBIBDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0039.tif" />

From the description set forth above, a soda straw dispenser structured to control individual straws is disclosed so that they are selected from the inventory of straws, staged for dispensing, and finally available to the user. The dispensing of the straws involves the end user pulling the straws which move a part of the dispenser which allows the stage straw to move to a transitory position, and on the return of the movable dispenser part the next straw falls from the transient position inside the bottom of the dispenser. Another straw cannot be dispensed until the user removes the available straw from the movable dispenser portion. As such, users of the straw dispenser may not need to touch any part of the dispenser, only the straw they dispense for their personal use. Furthermore, the straw dispenser is structured such that a straw box can be attached to the dispenser without any of the straw being touched by the person filling the straw dispenser.

While the preferred and other modalities have been described with reference to a specific soda straw dispenser and method of operation and the manufacture thereof, it should be understood that many changes can be made to

ΙΜΡΙ

INSTÍTUTO MWICANO Di LA ΛβΗΪΟΑΟ INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343579B_D0040.tif" />

detail as a matter of engineering choices without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

IMPI