Abstract:
An improved drinking container, comprising: a container body having: a side wall, which is recessed inward to form a vertical groove throughout the side wall, in which the vertical groove is defined by at least one inner face; a sealed hole formed on the inner face; and a straw assembly which is mounted in the vertical groove, the straw assembly including: a straw having a vertical section, a bent section and a joint at which the vertical section and bent section are joined together, the bent section having a free end for piercing the sealed hole inward; a block which has a through hole for the bent section of the straw being inserted therethrough, in which the block is secured in the vertical groove with the through hole being aligned with the sealed hole formed on the inner face of the container body; and a removable stop ring which is disposed on the straw to keep the free end of the bent section of the straw from the sealed hole; whereby the free end of the bent section inserted through the through hole of the block stays out of the sealed hole of the container body before drinking, and by removing the stop ring and moving the bent section inward, the free end of the bent section pierces the sealed hole to be ready for drinking.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an improved drinking container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drinking container having an improved straw assembly connected thereto. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventionally, a drinking container, such as a Tetra Pak™ container, has a hole on an upper surface of the container. The hole is sealed by a layer of material, for example, aluminum foil. In addition, an external straw is attached to a side wall of the container by an adhesive. By detaching the external straw from the side wall and inserting it into the hole, a user can suck the liquid out of the container. 
     The above method of drinking has several disadvantages. First, after long-term storage, a certain amount of dust will accumulate on the upper surface of the container. By inserting the straw into the hole, the dust will fall into the container, which in turn will contaminate the liquid therein and may affect the user&#39;s health. 
     Furthermore, since the straw is attached to the side wall of the container by an adhesive, during the transportation of the container or while stacking several containers on the shelf, the straw is easily separated from the container or broken by collision between containers. 
     In addition, sometimes the straw will fall into the container, which forces the user to cut the container or to pour the liquid into a cup to continue drinking. 
     Another drinking container relates to a gable-topped container without the provision of a straw. Before drinking the liquid therein, the container has to be opened, causing the liquid to splash out. 
     Moreover, even though an external straw can be used for the gable-topped container, the straw is easily lost in the container or only a small portion of the straw is left outside the opening of the container. 
     A further example relates to an easy-to-open metallic can with an easy-opening tab provided on the upper surface of the can. In order to drink the liquid therein, a user has to pull on the tab to reveal an opening, and then put his mouth on the opening. However, the mouth may be hurt accidentally by the edge around the opening. Instead, an external straw has to be inserted into the opening or the liquid has to be poured into a cup, which, however, is inconvenient for the user. 
     In addition, for a plastic or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) drinking container having a cap and a layer of material sealing an opening of the container, usually, the user has to screw off the cap, tear the sealing, and insert an external straw into the opening or pour the liquid directly into a cup. Again, it is inconvenient for the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To overcome the above drawbacks, an objective of the present invention is to provide an improved drinking container, wherein while using the straw assembly, the liquid within the container body is not easily contaminated. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved drinking container, wherein the straw assembly is attached to the outside of the container body and is not easily separated from the container body due to collision. 
     Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved drinking container, wherein the straw cannot fall into the container body. 
     A further objective of the present invention is to provide an improved drinking container, wherein the straw assembly is applicable to a variety of containers. 
     To achieve the above objectives, the improved drinking container, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a container body having: a side wall, which is recessed inward to form a vertical groove throughout the side wall, in which the vertical groove is defined by at least one inner face; a sealed hole formed on the inner face; and a straw assembly which is mounted in the vertical groove; the straw assembly including: a straw having a vertical section, a bent section and a joint at which the vertical section and bent section are joined together, the bent section having a free end for piercing the sealed hole inward; a block which has a through hole for the bent section of the straw being inserted therethrough, in which the block is secured to the vertical groove with the through hole being aligned with the sealed hole formed on the inner face of the container body; and a removable stop ring which is disposed on the bent section between the block and the joint of the straw to keep the free end of the bent section of the straw from the sealed hole; whereby the free end of the bent section inserted through the through hole of the block stays out of the sealed hole of the container body before drinking, and by removing the stop ring and moving the bent section inward, the free end of the bent section pierces the sealed hole to be ready for drinking. 
     In the second embodiment, the container further includes a covering that seals the vertical groove formed on the side wall of the container body so as to fully enclose the straw therein, in which the covering adjacent to the top wall and bottom wall are formed with opening weak lines for a user to access the vertical section and bent section of the straw. 
     The third and fourth embodiments of the present invention relate to a straw assembly for use with a drinking container having a surface, including: a block having a side wall recessed inward to form a vertical groove throughout the side wall and having a through hole formed at the vertical groove, in which the block is attached to the surface of the container; and a straw having a vertical section, a bent section and a joint at which the vertical section and bent section are joined together, the bent section being frictionally inserted through the through hole of the block and having a free end for piercing the surface of the container; whereby the free end of the bent section inserted through the through hole of the block stays out of the container surface before drinking, and by moving the bent section inward, the free end of the bent section pierces the surface to be ready for drinking. 
     The fifth embodiment of the present invention is directed to a further improved drinking container, comprising: a container body having a flexible surface; and a straw assembly including: a block at least partially enclosed by the surface of the container body with an end thereof appearing outside the container body; a straw partially received within the block from the end thereof, in which the straw has a free end for piercing the surface of the container body; whereby the free end of the straw inserted through the block stays out of the surface of the container body before drinking, and by moving the straw inward, the free end of the straw pierces the surface of the container body and is ready for drinking. 
     The sixth embodiment of the present invention modifies the container disclosed in the first embodiment by replacing the stop ring with at least one stop plate which is attached to the block, the removable stop plate further defines a hole which contains the vertical section of the straw mounted within the vertical groove; whereby the free end of the bent section inserted through the through hole of the block stays out of the sealed opening of the through hole before drinking, and by pressing down on the stop plate and moving the bent section inward, the free end of the bent section pierces the sealed opening and is ready for drinking. 
     The structure and objectives of the present invention will be more readily understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an improved drinking container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is another top view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the movement of the straw into the container body; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an improved drinking container in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the state of use of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container is primarily designed for short-term storage; 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container is primarily designed for long-term storage; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a partially exploded view of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the straw assembly for the improved drinking container in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the straw assembly of FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the improved drinking container in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 15 is a top view of the straw assembly of FIG.  14 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 show an improved drinking container in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the container  1  comprises a container body  2 , a straw assembly  3  and a covering  4 . The container body  2  has a top wall  5 , a bottom wall  7 , and a side wall  9 . The side wall  9  is recessed to form a vertical groove  17  from the top wall  5  through the bottom wall  7 . The vertical groove  17  is defined by three inner walls  11 ,  13 ,  15 . A sealed hole  19  which is preferably sealed by a layer of material  20 , for example, aluminum foil, is further formed on the inner wall  13 , at a position near the bottom wall  7 . 
     The straw assembly  3 , which is preferably made of plastic, comprises a block  21 , a straw  23 , and a stop ring  25 . Preferably, the block  21  is a rectangular parallelepiped and has a rear wall  27 , a front wall  29  opposite to the rear wall  27 , a conical through hole  31 , and two lateral walls. The rear wall  27  of the block  21  is configured to meet the inner wall  13  of the container body  2  for the block  21  to be attached thereto and each of the two lateral walls is respectively attached to the inner walls  11 ,  15 . The aforementioned attachments between the block  21  and the inner walls  11 ,  13  and  15  are preferably accomplished by adhesion or ultrasonic bonding. The conical through hole  31  extends and tapers from the front wall  29 , through the block  21 , to the rear wall  27 . In addition, the through hole  31  is aligned with the sealed hole  19  on the inner wall  13  of the container body  2 . 
     The straw  23  is received within the groove  17  of the container body  2  and is divided into a vertical section  33  and a bent section  35  which are joined together at a joint  37 . The vertical section  33  is telescopic and has an end  39  for a mouth. Preferably, near the mouth end  39 , a portion of the vertical section  33  is bellowed (not shown). The bent section  35  has a free end or sharp end  41  for piercing the sealed hole  19 . Near the sharp end  41 , a portion of the bent section  35  is inserted into the through hole  31  of the block  21  from the front wall  29  of the block  21  with a remaining portion of the bent section  35  left outside the through hole  31 . Moreover, the bent section  35  is tapered in accordance with the tapering of the through hole  31  such that after the sharp end  41  pierces the sealed hole  19 , it can fit frictionally and tightly with the tapered through hole  31  and the liquid cannot leak from the connection between the bent section  35  and the through hole  31 . 
     The stop ring  25  has a substantially C-shaped cross section and a circumferential wall  43 . A notch  45  is formed on the circumferential wall  43  for fitting the stop ring  25  around the remaining portion of the bent section  35  of the straw  23 . Further, a tab  47  extends from the circumferential wall  43  of the stop ring  25 . The stop ring  25  is positioned between the block  21  and the joint  37  of the straw  23 . Preferably, the axial length of the stop ring  25  plus the length of the block  21  is slightly greater than the length of the bent section  35  of the straw  23  to prevent the sharp end  41  of the bent section  35  from being in contact with the sealed hole  19  of the container body  2  before use. 
     Finally, the layer-shaped covering  4 , which is preferably made of plastic, paper or aluminum, is adhered to the container body  2  to cover the groove  17  and seal the straw assembly  3  therein. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a peeling weak line is respectively provided on an upper portion  42  and a lower portion  44  of the covering  4  such that as the upper portion  42  and the lower portion  44  of the covering  4  are torn off the container body  2 , the intermediate portion  46  of the covering  4  still covers a portion of the groove  17  and prevents the straw  23  from falling out of the groove  17 . Accordingly, the improved drinking container in accordance with the present invention is thus presented. 
     The operation of the present invention is described in accordance with FIGS. 1-4. First, the upper portion  42  and the lower portion  44  of the covering  4  are torn off and the vertical section  33  of the straw  23  is withdrawn to its full extension. Further, the tab  47  of the stop ring  25  is pulled out to separate the stop ring  25  from the bent section  35  of the straw  23  and the joint  37  is pressed toward the inner wall  13  of the container body  2  until the sealed hole  19  is pierced through by the sharp end  41  of the bent section  35  of the straw  23  and the tapered bent section  35  fits frictionally and tightly with the tapered through hole  31 . By adjusting the bellowed portion of the extended vertical section  33  to align the mouth end  39  with the user&#39;s mouth, the user can suck liquid out of the container body  2 . 
     FIGS. 5-8 show an improved drinking container  1 ′ in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. To simplify the description, the elements in the second embodiment corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with an apostrophe (&#39;). In the current embodiment, the structure of the straw assembly  3 ′ and container body  2 ′ are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment except that a covering  49  is used to enclose the container body  2 ′ such that the straw assembly  3 ′ and the vertical groove  17 ′ are not visible from the outside when unused. 
     As shown, a first portion  51  of the covering  49  adjacent to the top wall  5  is provided with peeling weak lines such that the first portion  51  can be opened to reveal and pull out the end  39 ′ of the vertical section  33 ′ of the straw  23 ′. Similarly, a second portion  53  of the covering  49  adjacent to the bottom wall  7 ′ is provided with peeling weak lines such that the second portion  53  can be opened for a user to pull out the stop ring  25 ′ and press the joint  37 ′ of the straw  23 ′ toward the inner wall (not shown) of the container body  2 ′. 
     Each type of the container  1 ,  1 ′ can be used for the purpose of short-term liquid storage and long-term liquid storage. For example, in the first embodiment of the container  1  being used for short-term storage, the packaging material for the container body  2  can be made of three layers, namely, a polyethylene layer, a paperboard-based material layer and a liquid-resistant layer. In this case, the sealed hole  19  is formed by removing the polyethylene layer and the paperboard-based material layer and leaving the liquid-resistant layer. In the case of long-term storage, the packaging material for the container body  2  can be made of five layers, namely, a polyethylene layer, a paperboard-based material layer, an adhesive resin layer, a gas-barrier layer, and a liquid-resistant layer. In this case, the sealed hole  19  is formed by removing the polyethylene layer, the paperboard-based material layer and the adhesive resin layer, and leaving the gas-barrier layer and the liquid-resistant layer. 
     Further, in the second embodiment of the container  1 ′ being used for short-term storage, the container body  2 ′ may have a liquid-resistant layer  55 , and the covering  49  has a paperboard-based material layer  57  and a polyethylene layer  59  for enclosing the straw assembly  3 ′, as shown in FIG.  7 . In this case, the sealed hole  19  provided in the first embodiment may not be necessary and the sharp end  41 ′ of the straw  23 ′ can directly pierce through the inner wall, i.e., the liquid-resistant layer  55 . 
     Furthermore, in the case of long-term storage, the container body  2 ′ has a liquid-resistant layer  61 , a gas-barrier layer  63  and an adhesive resin layer  65 , and the covering  49  has a paperboard-based material layer  67  and a polyethylene layer  69  for enclosing the straw assembly  3 ′, as shown in FIG.  8 . In this case, the sealed hole  19  provided in the first embodiment may not be necessary and the sharp end  41 ′ of the straw  23 ′ can directly pierce through the inner wall, i.e., the liquid-resistant layer  61  and the gas-barrier layer  63 . 
     The above embodiments are merely directed to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. In addition to the above embodiments, there are other possible modifications. For example, the inner wall  13  ( 13 ′) of the groove  17  ( 17 ′) can be recessed into an arcuate inner wall and the rear wall  27  ( 27 ′) of the block  21  ( 21 ′) can form into a corresponding arcuate wall. Furthermore, the container is not necessarily rectangular but can be of other possible configurations. Also, the container can be a gable-top container and the container body  2  may also be made of plastic materials, paper, metals or other suitable materials. Moreover, the groove  17  ( 17 ′) does not need to be formed on the side wall  9  ( 9 ′) of the container body  2  but can also be formed at a corner of the container body  2  ( 2 ′). 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 show an improved drinking container  101  in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the container  101  comprises a flexible body  102 , a straw assembly  103  attached to the body  102 , and a covering  104 . 
     The flexible body  102  is preferably a plastic body but can also be a PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) body, a tin can, an aluminum can or a glass bottle, etc. The body  102  is provided with a sealed hole  108  on the surface thereof, which is preferably sealed by a layer of material, for example, aluminium foil. The straw assembly  103 , which is preferably made of plastic, includes a block  105 , a straw  106  and an insert  107 . The block  105  is a rectangular parallelepiped having a top wall  109 , a bottom wall  111 , a side wall or a front wall  113 , a rear wall and two opposite lateral walls. The block  105  is attached to the body  102  by adhering the rear wall and two lateral walls to the body  102 . However, the attachment can also be performed by ultrasonic bonding and in some embodiments, the block  105  is formed integrally with the flexible body  102  by injection molding. The front wall  113  is recessed into a vertical groove  115  from the top wall  109  through the bottom wall  111 . The vertical groove  115  is thus defined by an inner wall  117  with a substantially C-shaped cross section. In addition, a pair of opposite knobs  119  are provided at an upper end of the inner wall  117 , near the top wall  109 . Further, a conical through hole  121  extends from a lower portion of the inner wall  117 , through the block  105 , to the rear wall. The through hole  121  is aligned with the sealed hole  108  of the body  102 . In addition, a notch  122  is formed on the intersection of the front wall  113  and the inner wall  117 , at a position near the through hole  121 . 
     The straw  106  is received within the groove  115  of the block  105  and is divided into a vertical section  123  and a bent section  125  which are joined together at a joint  127 . The vertical section  123  is telescopic and has an end  129  for a mouth. Preferably, near the mouth end  129 , a portion of the vertical section  123  is bellowed (not shown). A portion of the bent section  125  is inserted into the through hole  121  and has a free end or sharp end  131  for piercing the sealed hole  108  of the body  102 . In addition, the length of the bent section  125  is larger than that of the through hole  121 . 
     As shown in FIG. 10, the insert  107  is in the shape of a wedge body with a side slightly curved. The insert  107  is inserted into the through hole  121  through the notch  122  such that the curved side is pressed against a portion of the bent section  125  to prevent the sharp end  131  of the bent section  125  from piercing the sealed hole  108  of the body  102 . Moreover, the bent section  125  is tapered in accordance with the tapering of the through hole  121  such that after the insert  107  is withdrawn from the through hole  121  and the joint  127  is pressed inward for the sharp end  131  to pierce the sealed hole  108  of the body  102 , the tapered bent section  125  can fit frictionally and tightly with the tapered through hole  121  and the liquid cannot leak from the connection between the bent section  125  and the through hole  121 . 
     Furthermore, the mouth end  129  of the vertical section  123  is blocked by the opposite knobs  119  such that the straw  106  does not fall from the groove  115 . 
     Finally, the layer-shaped covering  104 , which is preferably made of plastic, paper or aluminum, is used to cover the groove  115  to seal the straw assembly  103  therein. Accordingly, the improved drinking container in accordance with the present invention is thus presented. 
     FIG. 11 shows a modified straw assembly  103 ′ in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. To simplify the description, the elements in the fourth embodiment corresponding to those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with an apostrophe (&#39;). In the current embodiment, the structure of the body  102 ′ and straw assembly  103 ′ are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment except that an end of the vertical groove  115 ′ is blocked by the bottom wall  111 ′. 
     The operation of the third and fourth embodiments is described in accordance with FIGS. 9-11. First, the covering  104  ( 104 ′) is torn off and the vertical section  123  ( 123 ′) of the straw  106  ( 106 ′) is withdrawn to its full extension. Further, the insert  107  ( 107 ′) is pulled out of the through hole  121  ( 121 ′) and the joint  127  ( 127 ′) is pressed toward the body  102  ( 102 ′) until the sealed hole  108  of the body  102  ( 102 ′) is pierced through by the sharp end  131  ( 131 ′) of the bent section  125  ( 125 ′) of the straw  106  ( 106 ′) and the tapered bent section  125  ( 125 ′) fits frictionally and tightly with the tapered through hole  121  ( 121 ′). By adjusting the bellowed portion of the extended vertical section  123  ( 123 ′) to align the mouth end  129  ( 129 ′) with the user&#39;s mouth, the user can suck the liquid out of the flexible body  102  ( 102 ′). 
     The provision of the insert  107  ( 107 ′) replaces the requirement of the stop ring. Furthermore, if the surface of the container body  102  can be directly pierced by the sharp end  131  ( 131 ′) of the straw  106  ( 106 ′), the provision of the sealed hole  108  ( 108 ′) is not necessary and the straw assembly  103  ( 103 ′) can be attached to the contain body  102  ( 102 ′) anywhere. 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 show an improved drinking container  201  in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the container  201  comprises a flexible body  202 , a straw assembly  203 , and a covering  204 . 
     The flexible body  202  is preferably a plastic body, but can also be made of polyolefines, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), aluminum foil, etc. 
     The straw assembly  203 , which is preferably made of plastic, includes a block  205 , a stop ring  207  and a straw  209 . The block  205  has a through hole which opens at an upper surface of the block  205  to form an opening  206  and open at a lower surface of the block  205 . The block  205  is preferably a parallelepiped but can be cylindrical or other shapes, and at least partially, but preferably ½˜⅔ portion thereof, is enclosed by the surface of the container body  202 . As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, on the upper surface of the block  205 , the edges defining the opening  206  appear outside the body  202  and are tapered. 
     The straw  209  is divided into a first section  211  and an enlarged second section  213  which is tapered into the first section  211  in accordance with the tapering around the opening  206  of the block  205 . The first section  211  is fitted within the block  205  from the opening  206  thereof and has a free end or sharp end  214  on the bottom for piercing the body  202 , whereas the enlarged second section  213  cannot pass through the block  205 . 
     The stop ring  207  has a substantially C-shaped cross section and a circumferential wall  215 . A notch  216  is formed on the circumferential wall  215  for fitting the stop ring  207  over the first section  211  of the straw  209 . Further, a tab  217  extends from the circumferential wall  215  of the stop ring  207 . The stop ring  207  is positioned between the opening  206  of the block  205  and the enlarged second portion  213 . Preferably, the axial length of the stop ring  207  plus the length of the block  205  is slightly larger than the length of the first section  211  of the straw  209  to prevent the sharp end  214  of the first section  211  from being in contact with the body  202  before use. 
     Finally, the layer-shaped covering  204 , which is preferably made of plastic, paper or aluminum, is used to cover the outer portion of the block  205 , the stop ring  207  and the straw  209  to seal the straw assembly  203  therein. Accordingly, the improved drinking container in accordance with the present invention is thus presented. 
     The operation of the present invention is described in accordance with FIGS. 12,  13 . First, a user tears off the covering  204  and pulls the tab  217  of the stop ring  207  to separate the stop ring  207  from the first section  211  of the straw  209 . Furthermore, the enlarged second section  213  is pressed toward the block  205  until the body  202  is pierced through by the sharp end  214  of the straw  209 . Since the tapered portion of the second section  213  fits tightly with the tapered edges around the opening  206  of the block  205 , the liquid will not leak. Accordingly, the user can suck the liquid or jelly food out of the body  202 . 
     FIGS. 14 and 15 show an improved drinking container  301  in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the container  301  comprises a container body  302 , a straw assembly  303 , and a covering  304 . The container body  302  has a top wall  305 , a bottom wall  307  opposite to the top wall  305 , and a side wall  309 . The side wall  309  is recessed to form a vertical groove  311  from the top wall  305  toward the bottom wall  307 . The vertical groove  311  is thus defined by an inner wall  313  with substantially C-shaped cross section which has a longitudinal opening with a width smaller than the diameter of the straw to be inserted therein and will prevent the straw from falling out of the groove  311 . Near the bottom wall  307 , an end of the vertical groove  311  leads to an enlarged rectangular space  315  which is open to the side wall  309  and the bottom wall  307 , and is defined by an inner wall  316  as well as two lateral walls of the container body  302 . The enlarged rectangular space  315  has a larger cross section than that of the groove  311 . At each of two sides of the groove  311 , near the space  315 , is recessed into a recess  314 . A hole  317  is formed on the inner wall  316 . 
     The container  301  can also be a gable-topped container and the container body  302  may also be made of plastic materials, paper, metals or other suitable materials. In some preferred embodiments, the container body  302  with the vertical groove  311  and rectangular space  315  is made by injection molding. 
     The straw assembly  303 , which is preferably made of plastic, comprises a block  319 , and a straw  321 . The block  319  is a rectangular parallelepiped having a top wall  322 , a front wall  323 , a rear wall  325  opposite to the front wall  323 , a conical through hole  327  extending and tapering from the front wall  323 , through the block  319 , to the rear wall  325 , as well as two lateral walls  329 . A layer of material  330 , for example, aluminum foil, is used to seal an opening of the conical through hole  327  on the rear wall  325 . A lateral wing  331  further extends from each of the lateral walls  329  and a stop plate  333  is perpendicularly cantilevered to each lateral wing  331  at a joint  334 . Therefore, the stop plate  333  is substantially flush with the top wall  322  of the block  319 . In addition, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, two stop plates  333  co-define a hole  335 . 
     In addition, the block  319  with lateral wings  331  and stop plates  333  as a whole is received within the enlarged rectangular space  315  with the rear wall  325  of the block  319  meeting with the inner wall  316  for the block  319  to be attached thereto. The aforementioned attachment between the block  319  and the inner wall  316  is preferably accomplished by adhesion or ultrasonic bonding and the hole  317  is sealed by the layer of material  330  at the same time. Preferably, a gap exists between the space  315  and the top wall  322  of the block  319 . Moreover, after assembling, the hole  335  is aligned with the cross section of the groove  311 . 
     The straw  321  is received within the groove  311  of the container body  302  and is divided into a vertical section  337  and a bent section  339  which are joined together at a joint  341 . The vertical section  337  is telescopic and has an end  343  for a mouth. Preferably, near the mouth end  343 , a portion of the vertical section  337  is bellowed (not shown). Since the cross section of the groove  311  is C-shaped, the vertical section  337  is blocked by the groove  311  and will not fall from the groove  311 . The bent section  339  has a free end or sharp end  345  for piercing the sealed opening. 
     Near the joint  341 , a portion of the vertical section  337  is inserted through the hole  335  which is co-defined by the stop plates  333 , such that a portion of the bent section  339  is inserted into the through hole  327  of the block  319  from the front wall  323  of the block  319  with a remaining portion of the bent section  339  left outside the through hole  327 . 
     Moreover, the bent section  339  is tapered in accordance with the tapering of the through hole  327  such that after the sharp end  345  pierces the sealed opening, it can fit frictionally and tightly with the tapered through hole  327  and the liquid cannot leak from the connection between the bent section  339  and the through hole  327 . 
     Preferably, the distance from the center of the hole  335  to the front wall  323  of the block  319  plus the length of the block  319  is slightly greater than the length of the bent section  339  of the straw  321  to prevent the sharp end  345  of the bent section  339  from being in contact with the sealed opening of the container body  302  before use. 
     Finally, the layer-shaped covering  304 , which is made of plastic, paper or aluminum, is used to cover the groove  311  and the enlarged rectangular space  315  to seal the straw assembly  303  therein. Accordingly, the improved drinking container in accordance with the present invention is thus presented. 
     The operation of the present invention is described in accordance with FIGS. 14 and 15. First, the covering  304  is torn off and the vertical section  337  of the straw  321  is withdrawn to its full extension. Further, the user inserts his fingers into the recesses  314  to press down on both stop plates  333  to break the joint  334 , and the joint  341  is pressed toward the inner wall  316  of the container body  302  until the sealed opening of the conical through hole  327  is pierced through by the sharp end  345  of the bent section  339  of the straw  321  and the tapered bent section  339  fits frictionally and tightly with the tapered through hole  327 . By adjusting the bellowed portion of the extended vertical section  337  to align the mouth end  343  with the user&#39;s mouth, the user can suck the liquid out of the container body  302 . 
     Based on the structures disclosed in the above embodiments, since the straw is received within the vertical groove and sealed by the covering, it is not easily separated from the container body by collision between containers. In addition, dust does not accumulate on the hole and the liquid within the container body is not easily contaminated. Furthermore, there would be no chance for the straw to be lost in the container body as is the case with the conventional packages. 
     Furthermore, the material for the container body is not limited to plastic or paper, but can be metal, as long as the hole can be formed and well sealed on the surface of the container body. 
     The structure of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as recited in the claims. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 List of Reference Numerals 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 1, 1′ 
                 Container 
               
               
                   
                 2, 2′ 
                 Container body 
               
               
                   
                 3, 3′ 
                 Straw assembly 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 Layer-shaped covering 
               
               
                   
                 5, 5′ 
                 Top wall of container body 2, 2′ 
               
               
                   
                 7, 7′ 
                 Bottom wall of container body 2, 2′ 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 Side wall of container body 2 
               
               
                   
                 11, 13, 13′, 15 
                 Inner wall 
               
               
                   
                 17, 17′ 
                 Vertical groove 
               
               
                   
                 19 
                 Sealed hole 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 Layer of material 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 Block 
               
               
                   
                 23, 23′ 
                 Straw 
               
               
                   
                 25, 25′ 
                 Stop ring 
               
               
                   
                 27, 27′ 
                 Rear wall 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 Front wall 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 Conical through hole 
               
               
                   
                 33, 33′ 
                 Vertical section of straw 23, 23′ 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 Bent section of straw 23 
               
               
                   
                 37, 37′ 
                 Joint of straw 23, 23′ 
               
               
                   
                 39, 39′ 
                 Mouth end of straw 23, 23′ 
               
               
                   
                 41, 41′ 
                 Free end or sharp end of the bent section 35 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 Upper portion of the covering 4 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 Circumferential wall of stop ring 25 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 Lower portion of the covering 4 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 Notch 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 Intermediate portion of the covering 4 
               
               
                   
                 47 
                 Tab 
               
               
                   
                 49 
                 Covering 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 First portion of covering 49 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 Second portion of covering 49 
               
               
                   
                 55 
                 Liquid-resistant layer 
               
               
                   
                 57 
                 Paperboard base material 
               
               
                   
                 59 
                 Polyethylene layer 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 Liquid-resistant layer 
               
               
                   
                 63 
                 Gas-barrier layer 
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 Adhesive resin layer 
               
               
                   
                 67 
                 Paperboard base material 
               
               
                   
                 69 
                 Polyethylene layer 
               
               
                   
                 101 
                 Container 
               
               
                   
                 102, 102′ 
                 Flexible body 
               
               
                   
                 103, 103′ 
                 Straw assembly 
               
               
                   
                 104, 104′ 
                 Covering 
               
               
                   
                 105, 105′ 
                 Block 
               
               
                   
                 106, 106′ 
                 Straw 
               
               
                   
                 107, 107′ 
                 Insert 
               
               
                   
                 108 
                 Sealed hole 
               
               
                   
                 109 
                 Top wall 
               
               
                   
                 111, 111′ 
                 Bottom wall 
               
               
                   
                 113 
                 Front wall or side wall 
               
               
                   
                 115, 115′ 
                 Vertical groove 
               
               
                   
                 117 
                 Inner wall 
               
               
                   
                 119 
                 Knob 
               
               
                   
                 121, 121′ 
                 Conical through hole 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 Notch 
               
               
                   
                 123, 123′ 
                 Vertical section of straw 106, 106′ 
               
               
                   
                 125, 125′ 
                 Bent section of straw 106, 106′ 
               
               
                   
                 127, 127′ 
                 Joint of straw 106, 106′ 
               
               
                   
                 129, 129′ 
                 Mouth end of straw 106, 106′ 
               
               
                   
                 131, 131′ 
                 Free end or sharp end of straw 106, 106′ 
               
               
                   
                 201 
                 Container 
               
               
                   
                 202 
                 Flexible body 
               
               
                   
                 203 
                 Straw assembly 
               
               
                   
                 204 
                 Covering 
               
               
                   
                 205 
                 Block 
               
               
                   
                 206 
                 Opening of the block 205 
               
               
                   
                 207 
                 Stop ring 
               
               
                   
                 209 
                 Straw 
               
               
                   
                 211 
                 First section 
               
               
                   
                 213 
                 Enlarged second section 
               
               
                   
                 214 
                 Free end or sharp end of the straw 209 
               
               
                   
                 215 
                 Circumferential wall 
               
               
                   
                 216 
                 Notch 
               
               
                   
                 217 
                 Tab 
               
               
                   
                 301 
                 Container 
               
               
                   
                 302 
                 Container body 
               
               
                   
                 303 
                 Straw assembly 
               
               
                   
                 304 
                 Covering 
               
               
                   
                 305 
                 Top wall of container body 302 
               
               
                   
                 307 
                 Bottom wall of container body 302 
               
               
                   
                 309 
                 Side wall of container body 302 
               
               
                   
                 311 
                 Vertical groove 
               
               
                   
                 313 
                 Inner wall 
               
               
                   
                 314 
                 Recess 
               
               
                   
                 315 
                 Enlarged rectangular space 
               
               
                   
                 316 
                 Inner wall 
               
               
                   
                 317 
                 Hole 
               
               
                   
                 319 
                 Block 
               
               
                   
                 321 
                 Straw 
               
               
                   
                 322 
                 Top wall of block 319 
               
               
                   
                 323 
                 Front wall of block 319 
               
               
                   
                 325 
                 Rear wall of block 319 
               
               
                   
                 327 
                 Conical through hole 
               
               
                   
                 329 
                 Lateral wall of block 319 
               
               
                   
                 330 
                 Layer of material 
               
               
                   
                 331 
                 Lateral wing 
               
               
                   
                 333 
                 Stop plate 
               
               
                   
                 334 
                 Joint between lateral wing 331 and stop plate 333 
               
               
                   
                 335 
                 Hole 
               
               
                   
                 337 
                 Vertical section of straw 321 
               
               
                   
                 339 
                 Bent section of straw 321 
               
               
                   
                 341 
                 Joint of straw 321 
               
               
                   
                 343 
                 Mouth end of straw 321 
               
               
                   
                 345 
                 Free end or sharp end of straw 321