U.S. patent application number 10/993820 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for straw.
Invention is credited to Robinson, Ted R..
Application Number | 20050103879 10/993820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46547548 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050103879 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson, Ted R. |
May 19, 2005 |
Straw
Abstract
Disclosed is a straw that consists of a fluid tube including a
upstanding continuous sidewall having a proximal end forming an
outlet, and an opposing distal end forming an inlet. The outlet and
the inlet allow liquids to be drawn through the fluid tube from the
distal end to the proximal end under suction pressure. A port
extends through the continuous sidewall adjacent the proximal end
thereof. The outlet defines a first size, the inlet defines a
second size, and the port defines a third size. The second size is
at least one of equal to and greater than the first size, and the
third size is at least one of equal to and greater than the first
size.
Inventors: |
Robinson, Ted R.; (Chanaler,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL WINFIELD GOLTRY
340 EAST PALM LANE
SUITE 260
PHOENIX
AZ
85004
US
|
Family ID: |
46547548 |
Appl. No.: |
10/993820 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60523266 |
Nov 19, 2003 |
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60529123 |
Dec 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/33 ; 239/24;
239/590 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 7/0038 20130101;
A47G 21/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/033 ;
239/024; 239/590 |
International
Class: |
E03B 009/20 |
Claims
Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise
terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and
practice the same, the invention claimed is:
1. A straw, comprising: a fluid tube including a upstanding
continuous sidewall having a proximal end forming an outlet, and an
opposing distal end forming an inlet; the outlet and the inlet
allowing liquids to be drawn through the fluid tube from the distal
end to the proximal end under suction pressure; a port through the
continuous sidewall adjacent the proximal end thereof; the outlet
defining a first size; the inlet defining a second size; and the
port defining a third size; wherein the second size is at least one
of equal to and greater than the first size, and the third size is
at least one of equal to and greater than the first size.
2. The straw according to claim 1, wherein the inlet is
notched.
3. The straw according to claim 1, wherein the port has a shape in
a form of a logo.
4. A straw, comprising: a fluid tube including a upstanding
continuous sidewall having an inner surface defining a fluid
transfer path, an outer surface, a proximal end forming an outlet,
and an opposing distal end forming an inlet; the outlet and the
inlet allowing liquids to be drawn through the fluid transfer path
from the distal end to the proximal end under suction pressure; an
insert positioned in the fluid transfer path between the proximal
and distal ends, comprising: a first annular fixture having a first
upper end directed toward the outlet, an opposing first lower end
directed toward the inlet, a first annular outer surface attached
to the inner surface of the upstanding continuous sidewall, a first
annular inner surface defining a first bore therethrough being
concurrent with the fluid transfer path; a second annular fixture
having a second upper end directed toward the outlet, an opposing
second lower end directed toward the inlet, a second annular outer
surface attached to the inner surface of the upstanding continuous
sidewall, a second annular inner surface defining a second bore
therethrough being concurrent with the fluid transfer path and with
the first bore; a pill-receiving shelf in the fluid transfer path
between the first bore and the second bore, the pill-receiving
shelf captured by and between the first lower end of the first
annular fixture and the second upper end of the second annular
fixture and having ports formed therethrough which are sufficiently
large enough to allow liquids to pass therethrough from the second
bore of the second annular fixture to the first bore of the first
annular fixture.
5. The straw according to claim 4, wherein the outlet and the inlet
are substantially equal in size.
6. The straw according to claim 4, wherein the inlet is
notched.
7. The straw according to claim 4, wherein the pill-receiving shelf
comprises: an annular rim bounding an opening therethrough that is
concurrent with the first and second bores and the fluid flow path;
the annular rim captured by and between the first lower end of the
first annular fixture and the second upper end of the second
annular fixture; a plurality of intersecting vanes disposed at the
opening and attached to the annular rim; and the plurality of ports
of the pill-receiving shelf defined by the intersecting vanes and
the annular rim.
8. The straw according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of ports
further comprise four equally-sized ports.
9. The straw according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of
intersecting vanes includes: a first vane having opposing ends
affixed to the annular rim; and a second vane perpendicular to the
first vane and having opposing ends affixed to the annular rim.
10. The straw according to claim 9, wherein the first vane is
joined to the second vane.
11. The straw according to claim 4, wherein pill-receiving shelf is
positioned closer to the inlet than the outlet.
12. A straw, comprising: a fluid tube including a upstanding
continuous sidewall having an inner surface defining a fluid
transfer path, an outer surface, a proximal end forming an outlet,
and an opposing distal end forming an inlet; the outlet and the
inlet allowing liquids to be drawn through the fluid transfer path
from the distal end to the proximal end under suction pressure; an
insert positioned in the fluid transfer path between the proximal
and distal ends, comprising: an annular fixture having an upper end
directed toward the outlet, an opposing lower end directed toward
the inlet, an annular outer surface attached to the inner surface
of the upstanding continuous sidewall, an annular inner surface
defining a bore therethrough being concurrent with the fluid
transfer path; a pill-receiving shelf in the bore attached to the
annular inner surface of the annular fixture between the upper and
lower ends thereof, the pill-receiving shelf having ports formed
therethrough which are sufficiently large enough to allow liquids
to pass therethrough.
13. The straw according to claim 12, wherein the outlet and the
inlet are substantially equal in size.
14. The straw according to claim 12, wherein the inlet is
notched.
15. The straw according to claim 12, wherein the pill-receiving
shelf comprises: an annular rim bounding an opening therethrough
that is concurrent with the bore and the fluid flow path; the
annular rim attached to the annular inner surface of the fixture
between the upper and lower ends thereof; a plurality of
intersecting vanes disposed at the opening and attached to the
annular rim; and the plurality of ports of the pill-receiving shelf
defined by the intersecting vanes and the annular rim.
16. The straw according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of ports
further comprise four equally-sized ports.
17. The straw according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of
intersecting vanes includes: a first vane having opposing ends
affixed to the annular rim; and a second vane perpendicular to the
first vane and having opposing ends affixed to the annular rim.
18. The straw according to claim 17, wherein the first vane is
joined to the second vane.
19. The straw according to claim 12, wherein pill-receiving shelf
is positioned closer to the inlet than the outlet.
20. The straw according to claim 17, wherein the fixture and the
vanes are integrally-formed.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/523,266, filed 19 Nov. 2003, and U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/529,123, filed 12 Dec.
2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to straws, to straws with
improved fluid transfer characteristics, and to straws for use in
taking pills.
[0004] 2. Related Art and Prior Art Statement
[0005] There are a wide variety of straws in the prior art that are
useful for drinking beverages. Other straws incorporate features
for providing individuals with a way to take vitamins and medicines
in conjunction with a beverage, such as water or juice.
Notwithstanding the many improvement made to straws by those having
regard for the art, the state of the art of straws that are
designed to increase the ease of taking in liquids by mouth and for
providing improved ways of taking vitamins and medicines in various
forms suffers in that current efforts have produced straws which
are expensive, difficult to use, difficult to construct, and that
often fail to accomplished the desired objectives. This is not
entirely acceptable, which thus necessitates certain new and useful
improvements in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide straws which
have enhanced flow characteristics, which provide individuals with
a way to comfortably and efficiently take vitamins and medicines in
pill form, which are simple in structure, which are low in cost,
which are safe, which are easy to make, and which are easy to
use.
[0007] According to the principle of the invention, there is
provided a straw that consists of a fluid tube including a
upstanding continuous sidewall having a proximal end forming an
outlet, and an opposing distal end forming an inlet. The outlet and
the inlet allow liquids to be drawn through the fluid tube from the
distal end to the proximal end under suction pressure. A port is
formed through the continuous sidewall adjacent the proximal end
thereof. The outlet defines a first size, and the inlet defines a
second size, and the port defines a third size. The second size is
at least one of equal to and greater than the first size, and the
third size is at least one of equal to and greater than the first
size. In a particular embodiment, the inlet is notched. In another
embodiment, the port has a shape in a form of a logo.
[0008] According to the invention, there is provided a straw that
consists of a fluid tube including a upstanding continuous sidewall
having an inner surface defining a fluid transfer path, an outer
surface, a proximal end forming an outlet, and an opposing distal
end forming an inlet. The outlet and the inlet allow liquids to be
drawn through the fluid transfer path from the distal end to the
proximal end under suction pressure. An insert is positioned in the
fluid transfer path between the proximal and distal ends. The
insert consists of a first annular fixture, a second annular
fixture, and a pill-receiving shelf. The first annular fixture has
a first upper end directed toward the outlet, an opposing first
lower end directed toward the inlet, a first annular outer surface
attached to the inner surface of the upstanding continuous
sidewall, and a first annular inner surface defining a first bore
therethrough being concurrent with the fluid transfer path. The
second annular fixture has a second upper end directed toward the
outlet, an opposing second lower end directed toward the inlet, a
second annular outer surface attached to the inner surface of the
upstanding continuous sidewall, and a second annular inner surface
defining a second bore therethrough being concurrent with the fluid
transfer path and with the first bore. The pill-receiving shelf,
which is in the fluid transfer path between the first bore and the
second bore, is captured by and between the first lower end of the
first annular fixture and the second upper end of the second
annular fixture, and has ports formed therethrough which are
sufficiently large enough to allow liquids to pass therethrough
from the second bore of the second annular fixture to the first
bore of the first annular fixture. The outlet and the inlet are
substantially equal in size. Preferably, the inlet is notched. The
pill-receiving shelf consists of an annular rim bounding an opening
therethrough that is concurrent with the first and second bores and
the fluid flow path. The annular rim is captured by and between the
first lower end of the first annular fixture and the second upper
end of the second annular fixture. A plurality of intersecting
vanes are disposed at the opening and are attached to the annular
rim. The plurality of ports of the pill-receiving shelf are defined
by the intersecting vanes and the annular rim. The plurality of
intersecting vanes includes a first vane having opposing ends
affixed to the annular rim, and a second vane perpendicular to the
first vane and having opposing ends affixed to the annular rim, in
which the first vane is joined to the second vane.
[0009] According to the principle of the invention, there is
provided a straw consisting of a fluid tube including a upstanding
continuous sidewall having an inner surface defining a fluid
transfer path, an outer surface, a proximal end forming an outlet,
and an opposing distal end forming an inlet. The outlet and the
inlet allow liquids to be drawn through the fluid transfer path
from the distal end to the proximal end under suction pressure. An
insert is positioned in the fluid transfer path between the
proximal and distal ends, and consists of an annular fixture having
an upper end directed toward the outlet, an opposing lower end
directed toward the inlet, an annular outer surface attached to the
inner surface of the upstanding continuous sidewall, and an annular
inner surface defining a bore therethrough being concurrent with
the fluid transfer path. The insert also includes a pill-receiving
shelf in the bore, which is attached to the annular inner surface
of the annular fixture between the upper and lower ends thereof.
The pill-receiving shelf has ports formed therethrough, which are
sufficiently large enough to allow liquids to pass therethrough.
The outlet and the inlet are substantially equal in size.
Preferably, the inlet is notched. The pill-receiving shelf includes
an annular rim bounding an opening therethrough that is concurrent
with the bore and the fluid flow path. The annular rim is attached
to the annular inner surface of the fixture between the upper and
lower ends thereof. The insert further includes a plurality of
intersecting vanes disposed at the opening, and that are attached
to the annular rim. The plurality of ports of the pill-receiving
shelf is defined by the intersecting vanes and the annular rim. The
plurality of intersecting vanes includes a first vane having
opposing ends affixed to the annular rim, and a second vane
perpendicular to the first vane and having opposing ends affixed to
the annular rim. The first vane is joined to the second vane.
Preferably, the insert of the instant embodiment is integrally
formed.
[0010] Consistent with the foregoing summary of preferred
embodiments, and the ensuing detailed description, which are to be
taken together, the invention also contemplates associated
apparatus and method embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Referring to the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is front elevational view of a straw constructed and
arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, the
straw having an inlet end and an opposing outlet end;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the straw of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the straw of FIG. 1 shown as
it would appear with its inlet end disposed in a liquid held by a
container;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the
inlet end of the straw of FIG. 1 shown as it would appear disposed
in a liquid;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of an alternate
embodiment of a straw constructed and arranged in accordance with
the principle of the invention, the straw having an inlet end and
an outlet end;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the
inlet end of the straw of FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmented front elevational view of
the inlet end of the straw of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of another alternate
embodiment of a straw constructed and arranged in accordance with
the principle of the invention, the straw having an inlet end and
an outlet end;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the
inlet end of the straw of FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmented front elevational view of
the inlet end of the straw of FIG. 8;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of yet another alternate
embodiment of a straw constructed and arranged in accordance with
the principle of the invention, the straw having an inlet end and
an outlet end;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of yet still another
alternate embodiment of a straw constructed and arranged in
accordance with the principle of the invention, the straw having an
inlet end and an outlet end;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a further alternate
embodiment of a straw constructed and arranged in accordance with
the principle of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a fragmented sectional view taken along line
14-14 of FIG. 13 illustrating an insert positioned in the
straw;
[0026] FIG. 15 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the
insert of FIG. 14;
[0027] FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the
inlet end of the straw of FIG. 13;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view of yet a further
alternate embodiment of a straw constructed and arranged in
accordance with the principle of the invention, the straw
incorporating an insert disposed therein;
[0029] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the insert of
FIG. 17, with portions thereof broken away for the purpose of
illustration;
[0030] FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the
straw of FIG. 17 showing a pill in the process of being inserted
into the outlet end;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a fragmented perspective view of the straw of
FIG. 17 with the pill of FIG. 19 shown as it would appear
positioned on the insert; and
[0032] FIG. 21 is a view very similar to the view of FIG. 17 with
the pill of FIG. 19 shown as it would appear positioned on the
insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference
characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several
views, attention is first directed to FIG. 1 in which there is seen
a front elevational view of a straw 50 constructed and arranged in
accordance with the principle of the invention, including an
elongate, fluid tube 51 which is shaped like an ordinary drinking
straw and defines a fluid flow/transfer path therethrough. Fluid
tube 51 is fashioned of plastic, and is approximately 8 inches long
with a 0.25 inch interior diameter. Those having regard for the art
will readily appreciate that the dimensions and materials used are
not critical to the invention so long as an individual can
comfortably drink from straw 50.
[0034] Fluid tube 51 consists of an upstanding continuous sidewall
52 having a proximal end 53 forming an outlet 54 having a size, and
an opposing distal end 55 forming an inlet 56 having a size.
Proximal end 53 is the outlet end of straw 50, and distal end 55 is
the inlet end of straw 50. Proximal end 53 is the end of straw 50
from which an individual drinks, as such is the case with a
conventional straw. Outlet 54 and inlet 56 allow liquids to be
drawn through fluid tube 51 from distal end 55 to proximal end 53
under suction pressure applied at outlet 54. As a matter of
illustration, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of straw 50 shown as it
would appear with the inlet end of straw 50 (i.e., distal end 55
and its inlet 56) disposed in a liquid 60 held by a container 61,
and the outlet end of straw 50 (i.e., proximal end 53 and its
outlet 54) projecting upwardly from container 61 from which an
individual may drink by placing his mouth over proximal end 53 and
apply a sucking force drawing liquid 60 through straw 50 from inlet
56 to outlet 54. FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view
of the inlet end of straw 50 disposed in liquid 60.
[0035] As seen in FIGS. 1-4, a port 57 extends through continuous
sidewall 52, and is located adjacent, namely, just inboard of,
proximal end 53. Straw 50 can be integrally molded or formed with
port 57. Port 57 can also be stamped or cut from continuous
sidewall 52. Port 57, which has a size, is considered part of the
inlet end of straw 50 and provides an additional inlet through
which liquid is drawn into straw 50 during use thereof for
drinking. Ice, such as one or more of ice chips 65 in liquid 60 as
denoted in FIGS. 3 and 4, food solids, or the bottom surface of
container 61 holding liquid 69, can obstruct inlet 56 while straw
50 is in use. According to the invention, inlet 56 can be
obstructed, whether partially or totally, while port 57 provides
for normal flow of liquid through straw 50.
[0036] The internal diameter of straw 50 is constant from inlet 56
to outlet 54, and the size of inlet 56 is equal to the size of
outlet 54. In the instant embodiment, the internal diameter of
fluid tube 51 is 0.25 inches, and the size of inlet 56 and the size
of outlet 56 are each also 0.25 inches. According to the invention,
the size of port 57, namely, its internal diameter as defined by
the parametric edge defining port 57, is equal to the size of inlet
56 and also to the size of outlet 54, namely, 0.25 inches. This is
important, because in the event inlet 56 becomes obstructed, either
partially or totally, port 57 functions exactly like inlet 56
providing normal flow of liquid through straw 50. Although the
sizes of inlet 56, outlet 54, and port 57 are each 0.25 inches, the
sizes of inlet 56, outlet 54, and port 57 can each be less than or
greater than 0.25 inches, so long as the sizes of inlet 56, outlet
54, and port 57 are each equal to one another in a preferred
embodiment of the invention. Nevertheless, it is to be understood
that the size of inlet 56 and the size of port 57 are each at least
one of equal to and greater than the size of outlet 54, according
to the principle of the invention. In the instant embodiment of
straw 50, port 57 is circular in shape, and other shapes can be
used as will now be discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 5-7.
[0037] Attention is now directed to FIG. 5 in which there is seen a
front elevational view of another embodiment of a straw 70
constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the
invention. In common with straw 50, straw 70 shares fluid tube 51,
continuous sidewall 52, an outlet end including proximal end 53 and
outlet 54, an inlet end including distal end 55 and inlet 56, and
port 57. Unlike port 57 in conjunction with straw 50, port 57 in
conjunction with straw 70 is in a form/shape of a symbol designated
generally at 71, which symbolizes a logo, trademark, or other
specific character. In the instant embodiment of port 57 in
conjunction with straw 70, symbol 71 defined by port 57 is in a
shape of a star. It will be understood that other symbols can be
used symbolizing any desired logo, trademark, or character.
According to the principle of the invention, providing port 57 in
the form of a symbol symbolizing a logo or trademark provides an
exemplary way of advertising a designated logo or trademark. As a
matter of disclosure, FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmented perspective
view of the inlet end of straw 70 showing symbol 71 defined by port
57, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmented front elevational view of
the inlet end of straw 70 showing symbol 71 defined by port 57.
[0038] Attention is now directed to FIG. 8 in which there is seen a
front elevational view of a yet another embodiment of a straw 80
constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the
invention. In common with straw 50, straw 80 shares fluid tube 51,
continuous sidewall 52, an outlet end including proximal end 53 and
outlet 54, an inlet end including distal end 55 and inlet 56, and
port 57. Port 57 has a shape like that provide with straw 50, but
it can be in the form of a symbol symbolizing a logo, trademark, or
other specific character, as taught herein in conjunction with
straw 70. In the embodiment of straw designated at 80, inlet 56 is
notched to prevent restriction of liquid flow therethrough. In
conjunction with straw 80, distal end 55 is radiused as shown in
FIG. 9, which defines the notched character of inlet 56, in which
FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the inlet end
of straw 80 showing its notched character. As a matter of
disclosure, FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmented front elevational
view of the inlet end of straw 80 showing its notched
character.
[0039] Attention is now directed to FIG. 11 in which there is seen
a front elevational view of a yet still another embodiment of a
straw 90 constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle
of the invention. In common with straw 50, straw 90 shares fluid
tube 51, continuous sidewall 52, an outlet end including proximal
end 53 and outlet 54, an inlet end including distal end 55 and
inlet 56, and port 57. Port 57 has a shape like that provide with
straw 50, but it can be in the form of a symbol symbolizing a logo,
trademark, or other specific character, as taught herein in
conjunction with straw 70. In the embodiment of straw designated at
90, inlet 56, like that of straw 80, is notched to prevent
restriction of liquid flow therethrough. In conjunction with straw
90, distal end 55 is cut at an angle, which defines the notched
character of inlet 56 of straw 90.
[0040] Attention is now directed to FIG. 12 in which there is seen
a front elevational view of a further embodiment of a straw 100
constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the
invention. In common with straw 50, straw 100 shares fluid tube 51,
continuous sidewall 52, an outlet end including proximal end 53 and
outlet 54, an inlet end including distal end 55 and inlet 56, and
port 57. Port 57 has a shape like that provide with straw 50, but
it can be in the form of a symbol symbolizing a logo, trademark, or
other specific character, as taught herein in conjunction with
straw 70. In the embodiment of straw designated at 100, inlet 56,
like that of straws 80 and 90, is notched to prevent restriction of
liquid flow therethrough. In conjunction with straw 100, distal end
55 has a V-shape cut formed therein, which defines the notched
character of inlet 56 of straw 100. According to the discussion of
the straws 80, 90, and 100, it will be understood that an inlet end
of a straw constructed and arranged in accordance with the
principle of the invention can other notched shapes sufficient to
prevent restriction of liquid flow therethrough.
[0041] Reference is now made to FIG. 13, in which there is seen yet
a further embodiment of a straw 110 constructed and arranged in
accordance with the principle of the invention, including an
elongate, fluid tube 111 which is shaped like an ordinary drinking
straw including a upstanding continuous sidewall 112 having an
inner surface 113 (FIG. 14) defining a fluid flow/transfer path 114
(FIG. 14) therethrough, an outer surface 115, a proximal end 116
forming an outlet 117 having a size, and an opposing distal end 118
forming an inlet 119 having a size. Fluid tube 111 is fashioned of
plastic, and is approximately 8 inches long with a 0.35 inch
interior diameter as defined by inner surface 113. Those having
regard for the art will readily appreciate that the dimensions and
materials used are not critical to the invention so long as an
individual can comfortably drink from straw 110.
[0042] Proximal end 116 is the outlet end of straw 110, and distal
end 118 is the inlet end of straw 110. Proximal end 116 is the end
of straw 110 from which an individual drinks. Outlet 117 and inlet
119, which are preferably substantially equal in size, allow
liquids to be drawn through fluid flow path 114 of fluid tube 111
from distal end 118 to proximal end 116 under suction pressure
applied at outlet 117. Inlet 119, like that of straws 80, 90, and
100, is notched to prevent restriction of liquid flow therethrough.
Distal end 118 can be provided with port 57 as discussed in
conjunction with straws 50, 70, 80, 90, and 100, if desired. In
conjunction with straw 110, distal end 118 is cut or formed with
serrations 119A, which defines the notched character of inlet 119.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmented
perspective view of the inlet end of straw 110 showing its notched
character as provided by serrations 119A. It will be understood
that distal end 118 can be notched like that of any of straws 80,
90, and 100.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 14, an insert 130 is positioned in fluid
flow path 114 between proximal and distal ends 116 and 118,
respectively (not shown in FIG. 14. With continuing reference to
FIG. 14 and additional reference to FIG. 15, insert 130 consists of
annular fixtures 131 and 132, and a pill-receiving shelf 133.
Preferably, fixtures 131 and 132 and shelf 133 are each fashioned
of plastic or other similar material or combination of materials,
and are each either integrally-formed, such as through molding or
machining, or fashioned as an assembly of two or more parts
attached by way of welding, with a suitable adhesive, etc.
[0044] Fixture 131 consists of an annular body 140 having an upper
end 141, an opposing lower end 142, an annular outer surface 143,
and an annular inner surface 144 defining a bore 145 therethrough
extending from lower end 142 to upper end 141. Fixture 132 is a
substantial mirror image of fixture 131, including an annular body
150 having an upper end 151, an opposing lower end 152, an annular
outer surface 153, and an annular inner surface 154 defining a bore
155 therethrough extending from lower end 152 to upper end 151.
[0045] Pill-receiving shelf 133 consists of an annular or
parametric rim 160 having an annular inner surface 161 bounding an
opening 162 therethrough, an annular outer surface 163, and vanes
164 and 165 disposed at opening 162. Vane 164 has opposing ends
164A and 164B affixed to inner surface 161, and vane 165 has
opposing ends 165A and 165B affixed to inner surface 161. Vanes 164
and 165 are disposed perpendicular relative to each other, and
intersect each other at a midpoint thereof, respectively, where
they are joined. Vanes 164 and 165 and inner surface 161 of annular
rim 160 define four, equally-sized ports 166 and this is preferred
for simplicity of construction. Ports 166 can be of differently
sized, or of varying sizes, if desired, and can take on any desired
shape, such as wedge-shaped as with shelf 133, round, oval, etc.
Vanes 164 and 165 can be provided in different shapes and
dimensions. Also, although shelf 133 incorporates two vanes,
namely, vanes 164 and 165, more can be employed, and in varying
shapes and configurations and dimensions, for providing more than
four ports, or any desired number of ports.
[0046] Looking to FIG. 14, insert 130 is positioned in straw 110 in
fluid transfer path 114. Fixture 131 is directed toward outlet 117,
fixture 132 is directed toward inlet 119, and shelf 133 is captured
by and between fixtures 131 and 132. As seen in FIG. 14, upper end
141 of fixture 131 is directed upwardly toward outlet 117 (not
shown in FIG. 14), lower end 142 of fixture 131 is directed
downwardly toward inlet 119 (not shown in FIG. 14), annular outer
surface 143 of fixture 131 is attached to inner surface 113 of
continuous sidewall 112, and bore 145 is concurrent with fluid flow
path 114. Upper end 151 of fixture 132 is directed upwardly toward
outlet 117 and faces and confronts lower end 142 of fixture 131,
lower end 152 of fixture 132 is directed downwardly toward inlet
119, annular outer surface 153 is attached to inner surface 113 of
continuous sidewall 112, and bore 155 is concurrent with fluid flow
path 114 and with bore 145 of fixture 131. Preferably, the outer
diameters of fixtures 131 and 132 as defined by outer surfaces 143
and 153 thereof, respectively, are each somewhat larger than the
inner diameter of straw 110 as defined by inner surface 113, in
which outer surfaces 143 and 153 of fixtures 131 and 132
frictionally impinge against inner surface 113 retaining fixtures
131 and 132 in place. This manner of attaching fixtures 131 and 132
to inner surface 113 of straw is preferred because it is simple,
inexpensive, and efficient. It will be understood that fixtures 131
and 132 can be secured to inner surface 113 in other ways, such as
with a suitable adhesive, without departing from the principles of
the invention. Also, fixtures 131 and 132 and shelf 133 are
retained together without additional help, such as with a suitable
adhesive. However, a suitable adhesive may be used for securing
together fixtures 131 and 132 and shelf 133.
[0047] Pill-receiving shelf 133 is in the fluid flow path 114
between bores 145 and 155, and is captured by and between lower end
142 of fixture 131 and upper end 151 of fixture 132. In particular,
annular rim 160 is seated into an annular seat 170 formed into
inner surface 144 of fixture 131, and into an opposing annular seat
171 formed into inner surface 154 of fixture 132. Opening 162
defined by annular rim 160 is concurrent with fluid flow path 114
and bores 145 and 155, and ports 166 at opening 162 are
sufficiently large enough to allow liquids to pass therethrough
from bore 155 of fixture 132 to bore 145 of fixture 131, and yet
small enough to prevent a standard-sized pill from passing
therethrough. Although seats 170 and 171 are inwardly directed and
formed into inner surfaces 144 and 154 of fixtures 131 and 132,
respectively, in which annular rim 160 is sized to fit
appropriately therein, seats 170 and 171 can be formed annular
channels formed axially into lower and upper ends 142 and 151 of
fixtures 131 and 132, respectively, or can be formed into outer
surfaces 143 and 153 of fixtures 131 and 132, respectively, so as
to form outwardly-directed annular seats, and that in whichever
case it will be understood that annular rim 160 of seat 133 is to
be appropriately sized to be retained therein.
[0048] Straw 110 is useful for providing individuals with a way to
take pills by mouth, such as medicinal pills, vitamin pills,
sleeping pills, etc. To use straw 110 to take a pill, straw 110 is
taken up, such as by hand, and held upright with proximal end 116
directed upwardly. A pill is taken up, such as be hand, and placed
into outlet 117. The internal diameter of straw 110 as defined by
inner surface 113 is sufficiently large to permit the pill, which
is a standard-sized pill, to pass through fluid flow path 114 and
come to rest upon shelf 133 and, more particular, vanes 164 and
165, in which ports 166 are sufficiently small to prevent the pill
from passing therethrough. Depending on the size of the pill, it is
to be understood that ports 166 are to be provided so that they are
sufficiently small to prevent a pill to be injected from passing
therethrough, whatever that pill and its size may be. With the pill
resting on the upper surfaces of vanes 164 and 165, the pill is
held there and positioned at bore 145. At this point, distal end
118 of straw 110 is positioned into a palatable liquid, such as
water or juice or the like. The individual to take the pill places
proximal end 116 into his mouth and applies a sucking force which
draws the liquid into fluid flow path 114 through inlet 119, in
which the notched character thereof prevents restriction of liquid
flow therethrough.
[0049] As the liquid passes into and through fluid flow path 114,
it will encounter insert 130, in which it will enter bore 155 and
pass therefrom and through ports 166, which, as previously
discussed, are sufficiently large to allow liquids to pass
therethrough. The liquid passes through ports 166 and into bore 145
encountering pill positioned therein and resting on vanes 164 and
165. The flowing liquid takes up the pill, which is taken upstream
with the flow of the liquid, in which the pill and the liquid pass
outwardly from outlet 117 and into the individual's mouth to be
swallowed concurrently with the drinking of the liquid, in
accordance with the principle of the invention. When an individual
sucks and drinks liquid with a straw, the sucking action of the
individual causes the back of the throat to naturally open and
becomes relaxed in anticipation of drinking the liquid drawn
through the straw. Accordingly, when a user employs straw 110 to
take a pill, the pill is swallowed concurrently with the liquid as
the user sucks the liquid up with the straw with very little
feeling encountered by the pill passing into the individual's mouth
and down the individual's throat concurrently with the liquid.
[0050] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and
with reference to FIG. 13, insert 130 is located at a point 180 of
straw which is closer to inlet 119 than to outlet 117, so as to
position shelf 133 (not shown in FIG. 13, closer to inlet 119 than
to outlet 117. Although this arrangement is preferred because it
provides better flow characteristics of liquid through fluid flow
path 114 (not shown in FIG. 13) for taking a pill, insert 130 can
be positioned at other locations along the length of straw 110
between the inlet and outlet ends of straw 110 for positioning
shelf 133 at any desired location.
[0051] Insert 130 is made of three separate parts, namely, fixture
131, fixture 132, and shelf 133. An insert constructed and arranged
in accordance with the principle of the invention can be made as a
single or integral unit, if desired. Considering the latter aspect,
attention is now directed to FIG. 17, in which there is seen an
alternate embodiment of a straw 200 having an insert 201 disposed
therein, in accordance with the principle of the invention. With
the exception of certain aspects of insert 201, straw 200 is
substantially identical to straw 110, and it is to be understood
that the foregoing discussion of straw 110 applies to straw 200.
For the purposes of orientation and reference, straw 200 is common
to straw 110 in that it shares fluid tube 111, continuous sidewall
112, inner surface 113, fluid flow/transfer path 114, outer surface
115, the outlet end (not shown), and the inlet end (not shown).
[0052] Looking now to FIG. 18, insert 201 is constructed of the
same material or combination of materials as insert 130 and rather
than formed as a plurality of separable parts as with insert 130 is
integrally formed, such as through molding or machining, as a
single unit including an annular fixture 209 and pill-receiving
shelf 220. Annular fixture 209 includes an annular body 210 having
an upper end 211, an opposing lower end 212, an annular outer
surface 213, and an annular inner surface 214 defining a bore 215
therethrough. Insert 201 incorporates a pill receiving shelf 220,
which is common to pill-receiving shelf 133 in that it shares
annular rim 160, inner surface 161, opening 162, vanes 164 and 165,
and ports 166. In structure and function, shelf 220 is identical to
shelf 103, and the foregoing discussion of shelf 133 applies to
shelf 220.
[0053] Shelf 220 is positioned in bore 205, and opening 162 is
concurrent therewith. Unlike insert 133, shelf 220 is integrally
formed with inner surface 214, and is disposed between upper and
lower ends 211 and 212.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 21, insert 201 is positioned in
straw 200 in fluid flow path 114 between proximal and distal ends
116 and 118 (not shown in FIG. 17). Upper end 211 of fixture 209 is
directed upwardly toward outlet 117 (FIG. 21) and lower end 212 of
fixture 209 is directed downwardly toward outlet 119 (not shown),
and annular outer surface 213 of fixture 209 is attached to inner
surface 113 of continuous sidewall 112 in the same manner as each
of fixtures 131 and 132 of insert 130, and so the discussion of the
attachment of the annular outer surfaces of fixtures 131 and 132 to
inner surface 113 also applies to the attachment of annular outer
surface 213 to inner surface 113 of continuous sidewall 112. Bore
215 is concurrent with fluid flow path 114. Pill-receiving shelf
220 is in bore 215 and is in the fluid flow path 114 between upper
and lower ends 211 and 212 of fixture 209.
[0055] Like straw 110, straw 200 is useful for providing
individuals with a way to take pills by mouth, such as medicinal
pills, vitamin pills, sleeping pills, etc. To use straw 200 to take
a pill, straw 200 is taken up, such as by hand, and held upright
with proximal end 116 directed upwardly as shown in FIG. 19. A pill
230 is taken up, such as be hand, and placed into outlet 117. The
internal diameter of straw 200 as defined by inner surface 113 is,
like straw 110, sufficiently large to permit pill 230, which is a
standard-sized pill, to pass through fluid flow path 114 and come
to rest upon shelf 220 and, more particular, vanes 164 and 165, in
which ports 166 are sufficiently small to prevent the pill from
passing therethrough. With pill 230 resting on the upper surfaces
of vanes 164 and 165 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, pill 230 is held
there and positioned in or otherwise at bore 215. At this point,
the inlet end (not shown) of straw 200 is positioned into a
palatable liquid, such as water or juice or the like. The
individual to take the pill places proximal end 116 (FIGS. 19 and
21) into his mouth and applies a sucking force which draws the
liquid into fluid flow path 114 through the inlet end.
[0056] As the liquid passes into and through fluid flow path 114,
it will encounter insert 201, in which it will enter bore 215 and
pass through ports 166 therein, which, as previously discussed in
conjunction with insert 130, are sufficiently large to allow
liquids to pass therethrough. The liquid passes through ports 166
and encounters pill 230 positioned therein bore 215 and resting on
vanes 164 and 165. The flowing liquid takes up pill 230, which is
taken upstream with the flow of the liquid, in which pill 230 and
the liquid pass outwardly from outlet 117 and into the individual's
mouth to be swallowed concurrently with the drinking of the liquid
as previously discussion in conjunction with straw 110, in
accordance with the principle of the invention. Like straw 110,
insert 201 is preferably located at a point of straw 200 which is
closer to the inlet end of straw 200 than to the outlet end of
straw 200 for positioning shelf 220 closer to the inlet end of
straw 200 than to the outlet end of straw 200, although it can be
positioned at other locations along the length of straw 200 between
its inlet and outlet ends for positioning shelf 220 at any desired
location.
[0057] The invention has been described above with reference to
preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the
embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the
invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments
herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to
those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and
variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are
intended to be included within the scope thereof.
* * * * *