U.S. patent application number 12/073421 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for therapeutic training straw.
Invention is credited to Calvin M. Pearson.
Application Number | 20080251597 12/073421 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37741705 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080251597 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pearson; Calvin M. |
October 16, 2008 |
Therapeutic training straw
Abstract
A drinking straw for controlling the intake of beverages,
comprising an elongated hollow member having at least two open
ends, at least one end being a suction end adapted for application
of a suction force, and at least one end being a liquid end adapted
for immersion in a liquid beverage; at least one compartment
associated with each at least one suction end and located between
the associated at least one suction end and the at least one liquid
end and having openings for communicating the liquid beverage
therethrough; and at least one insoluble object within the at least
one compartment having an outer circumference smaller than an inner
circumference of the at least one compartment; wherein the
compartment openings and the object are dimensioned to prevent
escape of the object from the compartment; and wherein the at least
one object seals at least one compartment opening subsequent to the
application of the suction force to prevent the movement of the
liquid beverage past the opening.
Inventors: |
Pearson; Calvin M.;
(Chesapeake, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BINGHAM MCCUTCHEN LLP
2020 K Street, N.W., Intellectual Property Department
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
37741705 |
Appl. No.: |
12/073421 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11202027 |
Aug 12, 2005 |
7354007 |
|
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12073421 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 21/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/33 |
International
Class: |
A47G 21/18 20060101
A47G021/18 |
Claims
1. A drinking straw, comprising: an elongated hollow member having
at least two open ends, at least one end being a suction end
adapted for application of a suction force, and at least one end
being a liquid end adapted for immersion in a liquid beverage; at
least one compartment associated with each at least one suction end
and located between the associated at least one suction end and the
at least one liquid end and having openings for communicating the
liquid beverage therethrough; and at least one insoluble object
within the at least one compartment having an outer circumference
smaller than an inner circumference of the at least one
compartment; wherein the compartment openings and the object are
dimensioned to prevent escape of the object from the compartment;
and wherein the at least one object seals at least one compartment
opening subsequent to the application of the suction force to
prevent the movement of the liquid beverage past the opening.
2. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the suction end is
further adapted for receipt in the mouth of a user.
3. The drinking straw of claim 2, wherein the suction end is
further adapted for receipt in the mouth of a user lacking normal
mouth control.
4. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the at least one object
seals the at least one compartment opening subsequent to the
delivery of a specified volume of the liquid beverage through the
suction end associated with that compartment.
5. The drinking straw of claim 4, wherein the specified volume is
between about 0.5 to about 50 ml.
6. The drinking straw of claim 4, wherein the specified volume is
adjustable.
7. The drinking straw of claim 6, wherein the at least one
compartment further comprises volume markings.
8. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the object is a
decorative object.
9. The drinking straw of claim 1, comprising two or more suction
ends.
10. The drinking straw of claim 9, wherein the at least one object
within each of the at least one compartments associated with each
suction end is capable of sealing both the compartment opening
nearest the associated suction end and the compartment opening
nearest the liquid end, but not both simultaneously.
11. The drinking straw of claim 10, wherein a normal suction force
applied to at least one suction end effectively seals the
compartments associated with the remaining suction ends.
12. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the at least one object
does not float in air or water.
13. The drinking straw of claim 12, wherein the object has a
density greater than or equal to the density of water.
14. The drinking straw of claim 13, wherein the object has a
density between about 1 and about 1.5 g/ml.
15. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the at least one object
seals the at least one compartment opening only subsequent to the
application of an excessive suction to the suction end associated
with that compartment.
16. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the at least one
compartment has a cross-sectional area substantially similar to a
cross-sectional area of the hollow member.
17. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the at least one
compartment has a cross-sectional area larger than a
cross-sectional area of the hollow member.
18. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the at least one suction
end is further adapted to cooperate with a respirator mask to allow
a user to use the straw while wearing the mask.
19. A respirator mask comprising the drinking straw of claim
18.
20. The drinking straw of claim 18, further comprising a flip top
on the at least one suction end adapted for opening and closing the
suction end by use of a user's tongue.
21. The drinking straw of claim 1, further adapted to allow
disassembly for cleaning.
22. A method for treating inappropriate drinking, comprising:
providing to a user in need of treatment a drinking straw that
delivers the beverages in small, consistently-controlled
quantities, the straw comprising: an elongated hollow member having
at least two open ends, at least one end being a suction end
adapted for application of a suction force, and at least one end
being a liquid end adapted for immersion in a liquid beverage; at
least one compartment associated with each at least one suction end
and located between the associated at least one suction end and the
at least one liquid end and having openings for communicating the
liquid beverage therethrough; and at least one insoluble object
within the at least one compartment having an outer circumference
smaller than an inner circumference of the at least one
compartment; wherein the compartment openings and the object are
dimensioned to prevent escape of the object from the compartment;
and wherein the at least one object seals at least one compartment
opening subsequent to the application of the suction force to
prevent the movement of the liquid beverage past the opening; and
the user drinking the liquid through the straw.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the inappropriate drinking is
caused by AD/HD, dysphagia, intoxication, Alzheimer's disease,
dementia, ALS, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord
injury, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, spasm, epilepsy, or other
disease or condition that causes inappropriate drinking or any
combination thereof.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: training the user
to drink in small, controlled sips by repeatedly drinking beverages
through the straw until the user is trained to drink in small,
consistent sips.
25. A device for treating inappropriate drinking, comprising: an
elongated hollow member having at least two open ends, at least one
end being a suction end adapted for application of a suction force,
and at least one end being a liquid end adapted for immersion in a
liquid beverage; at least one compartment associated with each at
least one suction end and located between the associated at least
one suction end and the at least one liquid end and having openings
for communicating the liquid beverage therethrough; and at least
one insoluble object within the at least one compartment having an
outer circumference smaller than an inner circumference of the at
least one compartment; wherein the compartment openings and the
object are dimensioned to prevent escape of the object from the
compartment, and wherein the at least one object seals at least one
compartment opening subsequent to the application of the suction
force to prevent the movement of the liquid beverage past the
opening.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the inappropriate drinking is
caused by one or more of AD/HD, dysphagia, intoxication,
Alzheimer's disease, dementia, ALS, Parkinson's disease, muscular
dystrophy, spinal cord injury, paralysis, multiple sclerosis,
spasm, epilepsy, or other disease or condition that causes
inappropriate drinking or any combination thereof.
27. A drinking straw adapter, comprising: an elongated hollow
member having at least two open ends, at least one end being a
suction end adapted for application of a suction force, and at
least one end being an adapter end adapted for communicative
attachment to a drinking straw; at least one compartment associated
with each at least one suction end and located between the
associated at least one suction end and the at least one adapter
end and having openings for communicating the liquid beverage
therethrough; and at least one insoluble object within the at least
one compartment having an outer circumference smaller than an inner
circumference of the at least one compartment; wherein the
compartment openings and the object are dimensioned to prevent
escape of the object from the compartment; and wherein the at least
one object seals at least one compartment opening subsequent to the
application of the suction force to prevent the movement of the
liquid beverage past the opening.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a drinking straw and more
particularly to a therapeutic drinking straw for delivering liquids
at an adjustable controlled rate to individuals who have the
tendency to drink too fast or too much, for example so as to
experience aspiration of liquid, or to individuals who may have
swallowing difficulties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Children are known to play with their foods and drinks.
While drinking beverages, children often, for various reasons,
drink rapidly so as to cause aspiration of liquid, choking,
gagging, or "brain freeze". In particular, children diagnosed with
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) are likely to
consume their drinks too quickly. AD/HD children are known to
fidget with their hands or feet, to engage in physically dangerous
activities without considering the possible consequences, to have
difficulty playing quietly, and to have difficulty awaiting turns
in games, conversations, and other activities. Other children may
drink too fast because they are racing with other children or they
are too impatient or they are trying to attract attention from
peers or adults.
[0003] Difficulty in swallowing, leading to a decreased ability to
move food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach, is referred to
as dysphagia. A patient suffering from dysphagia may encounter
medical complications, such as aspiration. Aspiration, wherein all
or part of the bolus penetrates the airway below the level of the
vocal folds, is commonly encountered by patients whose dysphagia
results from cognitive impairment. Impairments in attention,
judgement and memory may preclude such individuals from using safe
swallowing techniques. Thus, while the motor skills for swallowing
thin liquids may be present, the patient may not remember to take
small sips or to appropriately monitor his rate of intake,
resulting in aspiration.
[0004] Although conventional straws may be used to deliver liquids
to children and dysphagic persons, they present problems since the
rate or amount of liquid swallowed cannot be monitored or
controlled. It has been determined that the risk of choking by
dysphagic patients may be reduced by drinking with a chin-down head
position. Accordingly, therapeutic drinking cups designed to
promote such a chin-down head position have been developed and
used. One such cup (a "Nosey Cup") includes a cut-out for the
patient's nose so that the cup can be tipped to a drinking position
with the chin down. A so-called "Dysphagia Cup" has also been
developed, which is internally and externally contoured to promote
drinking with a chin down head position. While these devices may
prevent choking in dysphagic patients, they do not in any way
control the rate or the amount of intake of the liquid.
[0005] One known therapeutic drinking straw machine consists of a
straw with a pumping mechanism disposed between the two ends of the
straw to convey liquid from the source to the mouth of the user.
The pumping mechanism includes a manual actuator and a central
reservoir such that the actuation of the actuator empties the
reservoir and return of the actuator to a rest position re-fills
the reservoir. This device allows a specific amount of liquid to be
stored in the reservoir and then delivered to the user in order to
assist motorically-impaired and cognitively-impaired individuals
with swallowing difficulties.
[0006] However, the drinking straw machine is difficult and costly
to manufacture since it requires a pump, reservoir, and valves.
Furthermore, its bulkiness and overall design make the drinking
straw machine unappealing, especially to children.
[0007] A novelty drinking straw is also known that has a decorative
object positioned in the straw and between a pair of stops, which
form a compartment. The object and the stops are dimensioned to
prevent the movement of the object past the stops while allowing
fluid to pass by. This device is designed only as a novelty to
increase the attractiveness of the straw and to potentially use the
decorative object for advertisement purposes. The object placed
within the compartment is not used to block passage of liquid and
may even dissolve or float. Novelty drinking straws are also known
that are designed to be visually appealing to promote consumer
purchases and child use.
[0008] Thus, while various straws have been developed to assist
cognitive-impaired dysphagic patients or individuals with the
tendency to drink rapidly, they are not entirely satisfactory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to a drinking straw for
regulating the amount of liquid that a user may drink in one sip.
The present inventive straw has an elongated hollow member having
at least two open ends, at least one end being a suction end
adapted for application of a suction force and at least one end
being a liquid end adapted for immersion in a liquid beverage. At
least one compartment is associated with each suction end and is
located between the associated suction end and the at least one
liquid end, and the compartment has openings for communicating the
liquid beverage therethrough. At least one insoluble object is
disposed within the at least one compartment, the object having an
outer diameter and/or circumference smaller than an inner diameter
and/or circumference of the at least one compartment. The
compartment openings and the object(s) are dimensioned to prevent
escape of the object(s) from the compartment, and at least one
object seals the compartment opening subsequent to the application
of the suction force to prevent the movement of the liquid beverage
past the opening.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction end
of the drinking straw is further adapted for receipt in the mouth
of a user, and may be even further adapted for receipt in the mouth
of a user lacking normal mouth control. In another embodiment, the
at least one suction end is further adapted to cooperate with a
respirator mask to allow a user to use the straw while wearing the
mask. The present invention also includes respirator mask in
combination with the drinking straw, and may further include a flip
top on the at least one suction end adapted for opening and closing
the suction end by use of a user's tongue.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at
least one object seals the at least one compartment opening
subsequent to the delivery of a specified volume of the liquid
beverage through the suction end associated with that compartment.
Preferably, the specified volume is between about 0.5 to about 50
ml. However, the specified volume may be about 1 to about 40 ml,
about 5 to about 30 ml, about 5 to about 20 ml, or about 5 to about
15 ml. In these or in other embodiments, the specified volume is
adjustable. The compartment may further include volume
markings.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the object is a
decorative object. Even more preferably, the at least one object
does not float in air. In another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the object has a density so as to be capable of
traveling at a reasonable speed through air and most liquids and
does not float in air. In some embodiments, the object has a
density between about 1 and about 2 g/ml, about 1 to about 1.5
g/ml, about 1 to about 1.2 g/ml, or about 1 to about 1.1 g/ml.
Generally, a density only slightly greater than that of water, or
the liquid being drawn through the straw, is preferred.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the straw
has two or more suction ends. Even more preferably, the at least
one object within each of the at least one compartments associated
with each suction end is capable of sealing both the compartment
opening nearest the associated suction end and the compartment
opening nearest the liquid end, but not both simultaneously.
Preferably, a suction force applied to at least one suction end
effectively seals the compartments associated with the remaining
suction ends. In a different embodiment of the invention, the at
least one object seals the at least one compartment opening only
subsequent to the application of an excessive suction to the
suction end associated with that compartment.
[0014] Preferably, the at least one compartment has a
cross-sectional area substantially similar to a cross-sectional
area of the hollow member. However, in a different embodiment, the
at least one compartment has a cross-sectional area larger than a
cross-sectional area of the hollow member. In a further embodiment,
the at least one compartment has a cross-sectional area smaller
than a cross-sectional area of the hollow member.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the straw is
adapted to allow disassembly for cleaning, storage, and/or travel.
Preferably, the straw includes male and female thread components
for the disassembly and re-assembly of the straw. Screw threads
associated with at least one of the compartments of the present
invention allow for adjustment of the compartment volume. Both
adjustable and non-adjustable embodiments of the invention may have
volume markings on the exterior of the compartment, and adjustable
versions may have graded volume markings to allow a user to
accurately adjust the compartment to a selected volume.
[0016] The present invention also contemplates a method and/or a
device for treating inappropriate drinking. The method and/or
device employs a drinking straw as described above or below
provided to a user in need of treatment that delivers the beverages
in small, consistently-controlled quantities, and may include
training the user to drink appropriately through repeated drinking
of liquid through the straw until the user is trained to drink in
small, consistent sips. The inappropriate drinking treatable using
the present invention may be caused by AD/HD, dysphagia,
intoxication, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, ALS, Parkinson's
disease, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, paralysis,
multiple sclerosis, spasm, epilepsy, or other disease or condition
that causes inappropriate drinking or any combination thereof.
[0017] The present invention also includes a method for preventing
"brain freeze," the commonly-presented headache associated with
over-consumption of ice-cold foods and beverages. The inventive
method provides for drinking cold beverages through the straw as
described above or below that delivers the beverages in small,
consistently-controlled quantities, these quantities being less
than the quantity required to cause a headache.
[0018] The present invention even further includes a drinking straw
adapter for attachment to the end of a conventional drinking straw
or tube. The adapter includes an elongated hollow member having at
least two open ends, at least one end being a suction end adapted
for application of a suction force, and at least one end being an
adapter end adapted for communicative attachment to a drinking
straw; at least one compartment associated with each at least one
suction end and located between the associated at least one suction
end and the at least one adapter end and having openings for
communicating the liquid beverage therethrough; and at least one
insoluble object within the at least one compartment having an
outer diameter and/or circumference smaller than an inner diameter
and/or circumference of the at least one compartment; wherein the
compartment openings and the object are dimensioned to prevent
escape of the object(s) from the compartment; and wherein the at
least one object seals at least one compartment opening subsequent
to the application of the suction force to prevent the movement of
the liquid beverage past the opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2. shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3. shows a perspective partial view of one embodiment
of the present invention wherein the specified volume is
adjustable.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a perspective partial view of one embodiment of
the present invention wherein the specified volume is
adjustable.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention in combination with a respirator.
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a perspective partial view of one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows a perspective partial view of one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] While the invention will be described with reference to the
preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary
skill in the art that variations of these preferred embodiments may
be used, and it is intended that the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly this
invention includes all modifications and equivalents encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
written description and appended claims.
[0029] The therapeutic drinking straw according to this invention
is designed to controllably deliver a repeatable quantity of liquid
to dysphagic patients or other users. The patients or users may be
dysphagic for any number of reasons; generally the reason is a
medical reason. The symptoms of the dysphagia may comprise various
abnormal behaviors. Common behaviors include excessive suction
force, excessive suction duration, rapidly repeated suction, and
impeded ability to swallow.
[0030] An excessive suction force is suction force beyond that
amount required to draw fluid up through a drinking straw. Drinking
with excessive suction force may result in fluid being aspirated
into the lungs, gagging and/or choking the user. Excessive suction
duration is suction duration beyond that required to draw an
appropriate mouthful of liquid through a straw. Excessive suction
duration may result in choking due to an inappropriately large
volume of fluid being present in the mouth. Rapidly repeated
suction occurs when the user sucks a second volume of liquid
through the straw and into the mouth prior to swallowing the
previous mouthful of liquid; this can result in choking. Any user
with an impeded ability to swallow must take smaller than normal
mouthfuls so as to be able to swallow without difficulty. A user
with impeded ability to swallow has an elevated risk of choking at
all times.
[0031] As is described more fully below, the present invention
overcomes those problems noted above, as well as other problems
known in the art, by preventing excessive suction and/or limiting
the volume that may be drawn through the straw in a single suction
event (i.e., a single breath).
[0032] The candidate patients or users will typically lack normal
mouth control. Persons lacking normal mouth control generally lack
the ability to normally control the tongue, lips, and/or jaw so as
to consequently lack the ability to hold a drinking straw in their
mouth, maintain or create suction around a drinking straw, and/or
to effectively manipulate a drinking straw with their mouth. In
such a case, the present invention may be provided with, or
manufactured to include, an adapter to aid the user in these
actions. Examples of such an adapter include a flexible hook or
clip for attaching the straw to the user's mouth, a radial flange
or disk around the circumference of the drinking straw to act as a
gasket for creating and maintaining suction, a cushioned bulge in
the straw that assists a user in holding the straw in his mouth by
providing an improved mouth-grasping area, a mask having a hole
with the straw inserted therethrough, and others known in the
art.
[0033] The present invention may be combined with a respirator mask
so as to make drinking convenient for patients required to wear a
respirator mask, such as that shown by example in FIG. 7. The straw
may be inserted through a hole (7) in the mask or made integral
with and protruding through the mask. While the compartment is
generally disposed distal to the patient, the compartment may also
be disposed on the proximal side of the mask or across the
thickness of the mask. The present invention may also include a
flip top covering (8) that can be opened by a patient with his
tongue, as shown in exemplary FIG. 8.
[0034] In one embodiment, and example of which is shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, the present invention is a drinking straw (1) that includes
a drinking tube (2) with first and second axially extending end
portions (2a, 2b) with an end used as a mouthpiece and another end
used as a liquid pick up region. Preferably, the straw is axially
symmetrical so that either end can be used as a mouthpiece or pick
up region. In between the end openings, there is a compartment (3)
created by two stop regions (4a, 4b) for controlling the amount of
fluid desired for administration. An insoluble object (5) made of
material non-toxic to the straw-user is disposed within the
compartment and dimensioned to substantially prevent movement of
the object past the stop regions. The stop regions are generally
referred to as "upper" and "lower" stops based on their orientation
relative to the user. The upper stop (4a) is closer to the end upon
which the user applies suction force (2a); the lower stop (4b) is
further from that end. The stop regions may also be referred to as
the proximal and distal stops, respectively.
[0035] When the straw is not in use, the object will fall by
gravitational force away from the upper stop. The object may or may
not fall sufficiently to close the lower stop. When suction force
is applied at one end of the drinking straw, such as by sucking on
that end, the object will be drawn to the stop proximate to that
end. While the object is traveling from the lower stop to the upper
stop, the liquid will travel continuously from the distal end of
the straw to the user's end. However, as soon as the object travels
to the upper stop, it completely blocks the stop so as to prevent
any more liquid from being administered to the user. This limits
the amount that may be consumed by the user at one time. As the
suction force is released, the object drops/falls away from the
upper stop toward the lower stop.
[0036] In a different embodiment, the straw may have more than one
suction end. For example, as shown in exemplary FIG. 6, it may have
two suction ends and be generally Y-shaped. In such an embodiment,
each suction end will have at least one compartment associated with
it, for example on the two arms of the "Y." The lower, or liquid,
end of each compartment will be adapted, like the suction end, so
that the insoluble object(s) in each compartment will be effective
to seal the lower end of the compartment when reverse suction force
is applied, for example to seal the lower end of the left
compartment when a user is sucking on the right suction end of the
Y-shape. This will have the effect of preventing the intake of air
(i.e., loss of vacuum) through the unused end or ends of the straw
so that a single user is able to drink through a multi-headed
straw.
[0037] Preferably the compartment is size-adjustable. One example
of the compartment uses material that is flexible enough to stretch
or compress yet rigid enough to retain its stretched or compressed
shape. One way this may be accomplished is through the use of an
accordion-shaped compartment, such as shown by example in FIG. 3.
Another example is a threaded compartment that may be adjusted in
volume by screwing a portion of the compartment inward or outward
in relation to another portion of the compartment (10), such as
shown by example in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the straw may be
adapted to allow disassembly for cleaning storage and/or travel. An
even further method employs a plunger-type apparatus, such as shown
by example in FIG. 4. The compartment may further include volume
marking (6), such as shown in FIG. 5.
[0038] Preferably the object is of such density as to rise and fall
at reasonable speeds through most liquids and the air. This way,
the user would only have to wait a reasonable period of time before
drinking again. A reasonable time is the amount of time a healthy
patient requires to swallow a mouthful of liquid and take a breath.
Preferably, the travel speed of the object is at a rate so as to
ensure safety of the user, taking into account the maximum size of
the adjustable compartment so that an impatient user would not
experience aspiration by quick release-suction movements and/or
overly-rapid repeated suction.
[0039] The above qualifications are preferably achieved by
regulating the density of the object. Preferably, the object is
denser than water. However, the object should not be so dense as to
fall to the bottom of the compartment too rapidly or so as not to
be able to be drawn up to the top of the compartment quickly enough
during a suction event. Appropriate densities typically are between
about 1 and about 2 g/ml, about 1 to about 1.5 g/ml, about 1 to
about 1.2 g/ml, or about 1 to about 1.1 g/ml. Generally, a density
only slightly greater than that of water, or the liquid being drawn
through the straw, is preferable. Generally, it is not desirable
for the object to float in the liquid as this may result in the
compartment being blocked off prior to a sufficient volume of
liquid being drawn through the straw. It may or may not be
preferable for the object to sink in the liquid, depending upon
whether or not the embodiment contemplates the compartment being
sealed at its distal end when no suction force is being
applied.
[0040] Preferably, the object and the compartment can be
decoratively shaped or finished to attract consumers, particularly
children. The object may be brightly colored, have flecks or
speckles of color or glitter, be translucent, be decoratively
shaped, have writing or pictures, and the like as is well known in
the art. One preferred decorative shape is the ovoid shape of an
American football. One preferred decorative coloring or pattern is
the hexagonal block pattern as seen on a soccer ball. Another is a
stitched pattern as seen on a baseball.
[0041] The drinking straw may be constructed using techniques and
materials well known in the art. Preferably, the straw is made from
polyurethane. The grade, quality, and thickness of the material
will be according to standards well known in the art. The straw may
be constructed of a lighter grade or thickness of material for a
disposable application, but may also be made of a heavier grade or
thickness for a multi-use application. Such a straw would be made
of material sufficiently durable to withstand repeated washing in
an automated washing machine, or of an even greater durability
sufficient to withstand autoclaving.
[0042] The straw may also be made from biodegradable materials,
such as waxed papers, for disposable one-time use. In such a case,
the straw, or the straw's packaging, should be labeled with
instructions stating that the straw should be discarded after one
use.
[0043] The present invention may be combined with existing delivery
devices or drink containers to enhance those products. The present
invention contemplates an adapter that may be attached to the
suction end of a conventional drinking straw, the top of a covered
cup, or even the lip of a conventional cup. Such an embodiment will
preferably be small in size to allow for convenient transport of
the device. It may be packaged for individual, disposable use, and
made of light-weight material, or it may be constructed of heavier
grade material for re-use. A user may carry such an adapter in his
pocket for use as needed without the inconvenience of carrying a
full-length straw.
[0044] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates,
many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and
applications of the invention will suggest themselves without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims. The disclosures and the description herein are
purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense
limiting. Likewise, not every embodiment of the invention need
achieve every advantage disclosed above for any particular
preferred embodiment.
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