CA2464260A1 - Spill proof straw - Google Patents
Spill proof straw Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2464260A1 CA2464260A1 CA002464260A CA2464260A CA2464260A1 CA 2464260 A1 CA2464260 A1 CA 2464260A1 CA 002464260 A CA002464260 A CA 002464260A CA 2464260 A CA2464260 A CA 2464260A CA 2464260 A1 CA2464260 A1 CA 2464260A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- housing
- drinking straw
- straw
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/18—Drinking straws or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G2400/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A47G19/00-A47G23/16
- A47G2400/02—Hygiene
- A47G2400/027—Non-return valves
Abstract
There is provided a drinking straw assembly. The assembly has a first straw portion and a housing that can be removably secured to the first straw portion. The housing has a housing cavity, and a valve that can be removably connected to the housing cavity. The valve is also adapted to receive a second straw portion.
Description
,. CA 02464260 2004-04-14 ;._~
460.1955USU
SPILL PROOF STRAW
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a drinking straw assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drinking straw assembly having s valve adapted to be removably connected to a valve housing.
II. Description of the Prior Art Liquid consumption is essential to support the lives of all human beings. Children require substantial amounts of liquid to allow for proper growth. Infants and toddlers often .lack adequate dexterity to allow for successful consumption of liquid from an open cup. To this end, a number of training cups exist having a straw designed to facilitate consumption of liquid by children or others having limited dexterity.
However, use of a straw without a way to prevent liquid flow when not in use, especially by a small child, often results in the contents of the container being spilled. This is especially true when a small child, traveling in an automobile or the like, uses such a container. The result is a potentially unwanted conditicn T.Th;. ('l1, the rhi i d may become covered by the spll~_ea material.
460.1955USU
SPILL PROOF STRAW
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a drinking straw assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drinking straw assembly having s valve adapted to be removably connected to a valve housing.
II. Description of the Prior Art Liquid consumption is essential to support the lives of all human beings. Children require substantial amounts of liquid to allow for proper growth. Infants and toddlers often .lack adequate dexterity to allow for successful consumption of liquid from an open cup. To this end, a number of training cups exist having a straw designed to facilitate consumption of liquid by children or others having limited dexterity.
However, use of a straw without a way to prevent liquid flow when not in use, especially by a small child, often results in the contents of the container being spilled. This is especially true when a small child, traveling in an automobile or the like, uses such a container. The result is a potentially unwanted conditicn T.Th;. ('l1, the rhi i d may become covered by the spll~_ea material.
' ,, _. ,~ .~
46~~.1955USU
Valued drinking devices used as trainer cups provide a partial solution to this problem and are well known ~.n the art. For example, U.S. Patents Nos. 6,102,245 and 6,116,457, both to Haberman, provide for a drinking vessel having a valve means contained in a lid mouthpiece.
U.S. Patent No. 5,085,349 to Fawcett provides a fluid supply chamber connected to a length of tubing having a closed end with a deformable slit. The tube can be received in a person's mouth to enable fluid to flow therethrough.
U.S. Patent IVo. 4,607,755 to Andreozzi pravides a children's drinking vessel with a flexible .straw disconnectably mounted on a container and s:xtendable substantially beyond the container. The outermost free end of the straw has a valve.
U.S. Patent No. 4,196,797 to Quigley et al. provides a drinking tube connected to a one-way valve located in a liquid reservoir. The valve has a flapper enclosed within a valve chamber to prevent liquid from flowing back from the tube into the reservoir.
PCT Application Number PCT/Nh93/00271 provides for a drinking system that has a check valve located near the downstream end of a straw to be held in the mouth.
U.S. Patent No. 5,031,831 to Williams, III provides W -, ,."-, c, ,., ~ ~ ~ l ~ r o a i' t, h p 7,~ .~
U ?:Or a Sl.taw llctviii~ e: ~iu~ :.,:1' _..._.y_1_ ~nfit'Wm Of the straw to prevent liquid from falling back when i:hc sucking action of the drinker ceases.
460. 1955USU
While the art provides for valued drinking systems, missing in the art is a drinking straw assembly having a valve adapted to be removably connected to a valve housing.
Another missing feature in the art is a straw assem~ely having a removable valve that is easy to clean, thereby insuring proper hygiene along with proper functioning of the valve in the straw assembly.
Applicant has discovered an improved drinking straw assembly having an easy to clean valve that can be removably connected to a valve housing. This assembly is suitable for use in a trainer cup and other applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a drinking straw assembly having a housing adapted to be secured to a first straw portion, and a valve seat having a valve or valve membrane adapted to be removably connected to the housing.
It is another object of the present invention t=o provide such a drinking straw assembly in which the valve seat is easily disassembled from the housing for cleaning.
It is still another object of the pre~~ent invention to provide such a drinking straw asserr~bly in which the valve ~~.__.__ ~.~,. r ~ ,.. ,-,y r~;+ +~,~YC.;n ,~v litcum..~~um:. ...... _t~ c:~ ___"..J _ ..__ _._ _ ' ---~
,,1 4 f~0 . 1955USU
It is yet another object of the presents invention to provide such a drinking straw assembly in which the valve membrane is concave.
It is a further object of the present invention is to provide such a drinking straw assembly in whach the valve seat can operable receive a second straw portion.
To accomplish the foregoing objectives and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, is a drinking straw assembly having a housing that can be secured ~to a first straw portion, and a valve seat that <:an be removably connected to the body. The valve seat can receive a second straw portion positioned in a container and control -the flow of fluid in the container from the second straw portion to the first straw portion. The valve seat has a membrane with at least one slit therein. The valve membrane is concave. Preferably, the drink_Lng straw assembly is formed from flexible material.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a plan view of the drinking straw assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of i~he drinking straw assembly of Fig. l.in an open positloh~
~n F; ~r».r~ ~ i s an exn7_oded cross-sectiona:L view of the valve seat of the drinking straw assembly o:E Fig. 1~ and , ..~ , ' i - 46~.1955USU
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drinking straw assembly according to the present invention, laving a second straw portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the figures and, in particular, Figure 1, a drinking straw assembly according to the present invention is generally represented by reference numeral 1.
The drinking straw assembly I has a first straw portion 10, a housing 20 that is adapted to receive, at one end thereof, the first straw portion, and a valve seat 30 that, can be removably positioned in a portion o.f the hollow cavity of the housing. As shown in Fig. 4,, straw assembly 1 includes or is adapted to include a second straw portion 50 that would be positioned in a container having a'fluid or liquid, such as, for example, milk, therein.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, housing 20 has a hollow channel 22 therethrough with an enlarged housing cavity 24.
The housing cavity 24 has a sloping wall 26 that is terminates in a circular wall 27. Circular_ wall 27 can receive an end of first straw portion 10. However, more preferably, first straw portion 10 is integrally connected or molded to housing 20 at wall 27. Preferably, first straw portion 10 and circular wall 27 are cylindrical in shape. Also preferably, housing 20, valve seat 30 and housing cavity 24 are basically cylindrical in shape.
./ V
The housing cavity 24 has an inner diameter 25 that car fractionally engage the outer wall of valve seat 3Oe r CA 02464260 2004-04-14 - 460.195~USU
In a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of housing cavity 24 is preferably about 0.4 inches to about 0.7 inches, subject to a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.025 inches, and more preferably about 0.5 inches to about 0.6 inches. Accordingly, the outer diameter 35 o f valve seat 30 is just slightly smaller than inner diameter 25 of housing cavity 24.
First straw portion 10, housing 20 and valve seat 30 are preferably made of a flexible material, most preferably from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material that can be used in the present invention is silicone, natural rubber, synthetic rubber (e.g., isoprene), TPE
(thermoplastic elastomer), or any combinations thereof.
Most preferably, the elastomeric material is silicone.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, valve. seat 30 has been removed from housing cavity 24 of housing 20. This is the position for cleaning of the assembly ~.. The valve seat 30 has a gripping tab 31, and is attached to housing 20 via a tether 32. Preferably, tether 32 is a thin, very flexible tether. The tab 3l and tether 32 allow the consumer to disassemble valve seat 30 from housing.20 for cleaning, while retaining the valve seat for subsequent use. The tethering of valve seat 30 to housing 20 also provides for a larger total assembly, which is far less likely to be ingested by a small child than would be an un-tethered valve alone.
~u : .~'.:~'.,__ ~.:'_ ~'l.rrLre ~~ s»~,ro c,~at 'fin hac a )py?G~r portion 39 and a stack 33 protruding from the lower portion. As shown in Fig. 3, valve seat 30 has an external .. CA 02464260 2004-04-14 ' ._.,, 4 d0 .1955USiJ
diameter 35, namely from outer wall 38, which is sufficient to fractionally engage the inner walls of housing cavity 29. The stack 33 and lower portion 34 of valve seat 30 define a valve cavity 37 having a valve cavity diameter 36.
The valve cavity diameter 36 permits significant, relatively unconstrained fluid flow to the area of the slit. Preferably, valve cavity 37 is substantially cylindrical, and presents a simple, wide opening to enable thorough cleaning of valve seat 30 after use. This design r also minimizes the number of corners and niches in which dried or congealed Liquid can be deposited.
Also, valve seat 30 has a membrane or valve membrane 40 having at least one slit 41 therein: Optionally, slit 41 can be two or more slits that intersect. In a preferred embodiment, slit 41 is a pair of slits that intersect essentially at the midpoint of the slits to form a cross.
The valve membrane 40 can be flat, but is preferably curved. Most preferably, valve membrane 40 is concave in the direction towards the lower portion of valve seat 30.
Ideally, valve membrane 40 has a dome shape.
Preferably, the inside diameter of the dome shape of valve membrane 40 is about 0.20 inches to about 0.40 inches, more preferably about 0.27 inches to about 0.37.
inches and most preferably about 0.32 inches. The outside diameter of the dome shape of valve membrane 40 is about 0.30 inches to about 0.&0 inches, more preferably about , , ~, ~~rHt-,~ :. ,~tfn"+-U U . 4 V 1.C1C:1iC5 t.V ai..~Uai, a . ..m lmm;u ..,~i.~.. :: ..:, ~ ~: "~~. _ ,~1 0.44 inches. In addition, the thickness of valve membrane 40 is preferably about 0.01 inches to about 0.04 inches,.
o~ CA 02464260 2004-04-14 460.1~55I~SU
and more preferably about 0.025 inches. This dimension F~as been found to be very important in providing proper ,flexion of valve membrane 40 and opening of the slit under suction during use.
Figure 4 shows straw assembly 1 of the present invention equipped with second straw portion 50. The second straw portion 50 can be operably connected to valve seat 30. The second straw portion 50 has an outer diameter Y
52 sufficient to fractionally engage valve cavity 3'7 shown in Figure 3. In a preferred embodiment, second straw portion 50 is a rigid straw, made of a hard, rigid polymeric material. Most preferably, second straw portion, 50 is made from polyethylene, po?ypropylene, or a combination thereof.
The length of stack 33 as measured from valve membrane 40 to lower portion 34, enables placement of valve membrane 40 in close proximity to first straw portion 10 within housing 20. Also, valve membrane 40 is placed in the liquid path between first straw portion 10 and second straw portion 50. Preferably, the length of stack 33 is sufficient to provide spatial clearance 60 between valve membrane 40 and first straw portion 10 sufficient to allow the valve membrane to open when negative pressure :is applied to the first straw portion. This allows fluid to flow from second straw portion 50 through valve membrane 4a and first straw portion 10 to the user of the container.
Thus, sucking on first straw portion 20 activates valve r_~ _._ _t fy...; _F....".,., ~y.!~rYraci-Y'~c"t .3U IiIE.-'i111J'tcillC 4 V l.U ~Ciiim L i:itc i.ivv. ~~ ,...~ ~ ., ,.
portion 50 to and through the first straw portion and then to the person sucking cn the first straw portion.
960.1955USU
In a preferred embodiment, drinking straw assembly 1 of the present invention can be equipped to removably engage a suitable container lid (not shown), This engagement is achieved through the use, for example, of a notch or a tab 70, and/or through a flange portion 75.
While the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that many changes, modifications and variations can be made without departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such changes, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.,
46~~.1955USU
Valued drinking devices used as trainer cups provide a partial solution to this problem and are well known ~.n the art. For example, U.S. Patents Nos. 6,102,245 and 6,116,457, both to Haberman, provide for a drinking vessel having a valve means contained in a lid mouthpiece.
U.S. Patent No. 5,085,349 to Fawcett provides a fluid supply chamber connected to a length of tubing having a closed end with a deformable slit. The tube can be received in a person's mouth to enable fluid to flow therethrough.
U.S. Patent IVo. 4,607,755 to Andreozzi pravides a children's drinking vessel with a flexible .straw disconnectably mounted on a container and s:xtendable substantially beyond the container. The outermost free end of the straw has a valve.
U.S. Patent No. 4,196,797 to Quigley et al. provides a drinking tube connected to a one-way valve located in a liquid reservoir. The valve has a flapper enclosed within a valve chamber to prevent liquid from flowing back from the tube into the reservoir.
PCT Application Number PCT/Nh93/00271 provides for a drinking system that has a check valve located near the downstream end of a straw to be held in the mouth.
U.S. Patent No. 5,031,831 to Williams, III provides W -, ,."-, c, ,., ~ ~ ~ l ~ r o a i' t, h p 7,~ .~
U ?:Or a Sl.taw llctviii~ e: ~iu~ :.,:1' _..._.y_1_ ~nfit'Wm Of the straw to prevent liquid from falling back when i:hc sucking action of the drinker ceases.
460. 1955USU
While the art provides for valued drinking systems, missing in the art is a drinking straw assembly having a valve adapted to be removably connected to a valve housing.
Another missing feature in the art is a straw assem~ely having a removable valve that is easy to clean, thereby insuring proper hygiene along with proper functioning of the valve in the straw assembly.
Applicant has discovered an improved drinking straw assembly having an easy to clean valve that can be removably connected to a valve housing. This assembly is suitable for use in a trainer cup and other applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a drinking straw assembly having a housing adapted to be secured to a first straw portion, and a valve seat having a valve or valve membrane adapted to be removably connected to the housing.
It is another object of the present invention t=o provide such a drinking straw assembly in which the valve seat is easily disassembled from the housing for cleaning.
It is still another object of the pre~~ent invention to provide such a drinking straw asserr~bly in which the valve ~~.__.__ ~.~,. r ~ ,.. ,-,y r~;+ +~,~YC.;n ,~v litcum..~~um:. ...... _t~ c:~ ___"..J _ ..__ _._ _ ' ---~
,,1 4 f~0 . 1955USU
It is yet another object of the presents invention to provide such a drinking straw assembly in which the valve membrane is concave.
It is a further object of the present invention is to provide such a drinking straw assembly in whach the valve seat can operable receive a second straw portion.
To accomplish the foregoing objectives and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, is a drinking straw assembly having a housing that can be secured ~to a first straw portion, and a valve seat that <:an be removably connected to the body. The valve seat can receive a second straw portion positioned in a container and control -the flow of fluid in the container from the second straw portion to the first straw portion. The valve seat has a membrane with at least one slit therein. The valve membrane is concave. Preferably, the drink_Lng straw assembly is formed from flexible material.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a plan view of the drinking straw assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of i~he drinking straw assembly of Fig. l.in an open positloh~
~n F; ~r».r~ ~ i s an exn7_oded cross-sectiona:L view of the valve seat of the drinking straw assembly o:E Fig. 1~ and , ..~ , ' i - 46~.1955USU
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drinking straw assembly according to the present invention, laving a second straw portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the figures and, in particular, Figure 1, a drinking straw assembly according to the present invention is generally represented by reference numeral 1.
The drinking straw assembly I has a first straw portion 10, a housing 20 that is adapted to receive, at one end thereof, the first straw portion, and a valve seat 30 that, can be removably positioned in a portion o.f the hollow cavity of the housing. As shown in Fig. 4,, straw assembly 1 includes or is adapted to include a second straw portion 50 that would be positioned in a container having a'fluid or liquid, such as, for example, milk, therein.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, housing 20 has a hollow channel 22 therethrough with an enlarged housing cavity 24.
The housing cavity 24 has a sloping wall 26 that is terminates in a circular wall 27. Circular_ wall 27 can receive an end of first straw portion 10. However, more preferably, first straw portion 10 is integrally connected or molded to housing 20 at wall 27. Preferably, first straw portion 10 and circular wall 27 are cylindrical in shape. Also preferably, housing 20, valve seat 30 and housing cavity 24 are basically cylindrical in shape.
./ V
The housing cavity 24 has an inner diameter 25 that car fractionally engage the outer wall of valve seat 3Oe r CA 02464260 2004-04-14 - 460.195~USU
In a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of housing cavity 24 is preferably about 0.4 inches to about 0.7 inches, subject to a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.025 inches, and more preferably about 0.5 inches to about 0.6 inches. Accordingly, the outer diameter 35 o f valve seat 30 is just slightly smaller than inner diameter 25 of housing cavity 24.
First straw portion 10, housing 20 and valve seat 30 are preferably made of a flexible material, most preferably from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material that can be used in the present invention is silicone, natural rubber, synthetic rubber (e.g., isoprene), TPE
(thermoplastic elastomer), or any combinations thereof.
Most preferably, the elastomeric material is silicone.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, valve. seat 30 has been removed from housing cavity 24 of housing 20. This is the position for cleaning of the assembly ~.. The valve seat 30 has a gripping tab 31, and is attached to housing 20 via a tether 32. Preferably, tether 32 is a thin, very flexible tether. The tab 3l and tether 32 allow the consumer to disassemble valve seat 30 from housing.20 for cleaning, while retaining the valve seat for subsequent use. The tethering of valve seat 30 to housing 20 also provides for a larger total assembly, which is far less likely to be ingested by a small child than would be an un-tethered valve alone.
~u : .~'.:~'.,__ ~.:'_ ~'l.rrLre ~~ s»~,ro c,~at 'fin hac a )py?G~r portion 39 and a stack 33 protruding from the lower portion. As shown in Fig. 3, valve seat 30 has an external .. CA 02464260 2004-04-14 ' ._.,, 4 d0 .1955USiJ
diameter 35, namely from outer wall 38, which is sufficient to fractionally engage the inner walls of housing cavity 29. The stack 33 and lower portion 34 of valve seat 30 define a valve cavity 37 having a valve cavity diameter 36.
The valve cavity diameter 36 permits significant, relatively unconstrained fluid flow to the area of the slit. Preferably, valve cavity 37 is substantially cylindrical, and presents a simple, wide opening to enable thorough cleaning of valve seat 30 after use. This design r also minimizes the number of corners and niches in which dried or congealed Liquid can be deposited.
Also, valve seat 30 has a membrane or valve membrane 40 having at least one slit 41 therein: Optionally, slit 41 can be two or more slits that intersect. In a preferred embodiment, slit 41 is a pair of slits that intersect essentially at the midpoint of the slits to form a cross.
The valve membrane 40 can be flat, but is preferably curved. Most preferably, valve membrane 40 is concave in the direction towards the lower portion of valve seat 30.
Ideally, valve membrane 40 has a dome shape.
Preferably, the inside diameter of the dome shape of valve membrane 40 is about 0.20 inches to about 0.40 inches, more preferably about 0.27 inches to about 0.37.
inches and most preferably about 0.32 inches. The outside diameter of the dome shape of valve membrane 40 is about 0.30 inches to about 0.&0 inches, more preferably about , , ~, ~~rHt-,~ :. ,~tfn"+-U U . 4 V 1.C1C:1iC5 t.V ai..~Uai, a . ..m lmm;u ..,~i.~.. :: ..:, ~ ~: "~~. _ ,~1 0.44 inches. In addition, the thickness of valve membrane 40 is preferably about 0.01 inches to about 0.04 inches,.
o~ CA 02464260 2004-04-14 460.1~55I~SU
and more preferably about 0.025 inches. This dimension F~as been found to be very important in providing proper ,flexion of valve membrane 40 and opening of the slit under suction during use.
Figure 4 shows straw assembly 1 of the present invention equipped with second straw portion 50. The second straw portion 50 can be operably connected to valve seat 30. The second straw portion 50 has an outer diameter Y
52 sufficient to fractionally engage valve cavity 3'7 shown in Figure 3. In a preferred embodiment, second straw portion 50 is a rigid straw, made of a hard, rigid polymeric material. Most preferably, second straw portion, 50 is made from polyethylene, po?ypropylene, or a combination thereof.
The length of stack 33 as measured from valve membrane 40 to lower portion 34, enables placement of valve membrane 40 in close proximity to first straw portion 10 within housing 20. Also, valve membrane 40 is placed in the liquid path between first straw portion 10 and second straw portion 50. Preferably, the length of stack 33 is sufficient to provide spatial clearance 60 between valve membrane 40 and first straw portion 10 sufficient to allow the valve membrane to open when negative pressure :is applied to the first straw portion. This allows fluid to flow from second straw portion 50 through valve membrane 4a and first straw portion 10 to the user of the container.
Thus, sucking on first straw portion 20 activates valve r_~ _._ _t fy...; _F....".,., ~y.!~rYraci-Y'~c"t .3U IiIE.-'i111J'tcillC 4 V l.U ~Ciiim L i:itc i.ivv. ~~ ,...~ ~ ., ,.
portion 50 to and through the first straw portion and then to the person sucking cn the first straw portion.
960.1955USU
In a preferred embodiment, drinking straw assembly 1 of the present invention can be equipped to removably engage a suitable container lid (not shown), This engagement is achieved through the use, for example, of a notch or a tab 70, and/or through a flange portion 75.
While the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that many changes, modifications and variations can be made without departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such changes, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.,
Claims (21)
1. A drinking straw assembly comprising:
a first straw portion;
a housing being adapted to be removably secured to said first straw portion, said housing having a housing cavity; and a valve seat being adapted to be removably connected to said housing cavity for preventing a flow of liquid into said first straw portion, and being adapted to receive a second straw portion.
a first straw portion;
a housing being adapted to be removably secured to said first straw portion, said housing having a housing cavity; and a valve seat being adapted to be removably connected to said housing cavity for preventing a flow of liquid into said first straw portion, and being adapted to receive a second straw portion.
2. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, wherein said valve seat has an outer wall, and wherein said housing cavity has an inner diameter that can fractionally engage the outer wall of said valve seat.
3. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flexible tether.
4. The drinking straw assembly of claim 3, wherein said flexible tether connects said valve seat to said housing.
5. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, wherein said valve seat has a gripping tab.
6. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, wherein said valve seat has a valve membrane with at least one slit therein.
7. The drinking straw assembly of claim 6, wherein said valve membrane is concave.
8. The drinking straw assembly of claim 6, wherein said at least one slit is a pair of slits.
9. The drinking straw assembly of claim 8, wherein said pair of slits intersect essentially at the midpoint of said pair of slits to form a cross.
10. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, wherein said valve membrane opens when negative pressure is applied to said first straw portion.
11. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, wherein said valve seat is tethered to said housing.
12. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing is substantially round.
13. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, wherein said first straw portion, said housing and said valve spat are made of a flexible material.
14. The drinking straw assembly of claim 13, wherein said flexible material is a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or any combinations thereof.
15. The drinking straw assembly of claim 1, wherein said second straw portion is made of rigid polymeric material.
16. A drinking straw assembly comprising:
a first straw portion;
a housing being adapted to be removably secured to said first straw portion, said housing having a housing cavity;
a valve seat being adapted to be removably connected to said housing cavity for selectively permitting or preventing a flow of liquid into said first straw portion, said valve seat having a valve cavity; and a second straw portion being adapted to positioned in said valve cavity of said valve seat.
a first straw portion;
a housing being adapted to be removably secured to said first straw portion, said housing having a housing cavity;
a valve seat being adapted to be removably connected to said housing cavity for selectively permitting or preventing a flow of liquid into said first straw portion, said valve seat having a valve cavity; and a second straw portion being adapted to positioned in said valve cavity of said valve seat.
17. The drinking straw assembly of claim 15, wherein said valve seat has a valve membrane.
18. The drinking straw assembly of claim 16, wherein said valve seat has a valve membrane with at least one slit therein.
19. The drinking straw assembly of claim 18, wherein said valve membrane is concave.
20. The drinking straw assembly of claim 18, wherein said at least one slit is a pair of slits.
21. The drinking straw assembly of claim 20, wherein said pair of slits intersect essentially at the midpoint of said pair of slits to form a cross.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/418,741 | 2003-04-18 | ||
| US10/418,741 US6915961B2 (en) | 2003-04-18 | 2003-04-18 | Spill proof straw |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2464260A1 true CA2464260A1 (en) | 2004-10-18 |
Family
ID=33298401
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002464260A Abandoned CA2464260A1 (en) | 2003-04-18 | 2004-04-14 | Spill proof straw |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US6915961B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2464260A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (32)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20040178586A1 (en) * | 2003-02-20 | 2004-09-16 | Biotronik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sealing element |
| US6915961B2 (en) * | 2003-04-18 | 2005-07-12 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Spill proof straw |
| BRPI0506471A (en) * | 2004-01-09 | 2007-02-21 | Last Straw Llc | leak prevention |
| US7837056B2 (en) * | 2004-01-09 | 2010-11-23 | The Last Straw Llc | Snap-fit valve |
| US7533783B2 (en) | 2005-04-11 | 2009-05-19 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Drink bottles with bite-actuated mouthpieces |
| US20110057050A1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2011-03-10 | Shailendria Shakur-Jenkins | Modular bendable straw with secure connection |
| US20090242658A1 (en) * | 2008-03-28 | 2009-10-01 | Shailendria Shakur-Jenkins | Modular straw with secure connection |
| AT501908B1 (en) * | 2006-04-03 | 2006-12-15 | Wiplinger Michael Ing | DEVICE FOR REMOVING LIQUID WITH A DRINKING HOSE |
| US20080023567A1 (en) * | 2006-07-12 | 2008-01-31 | Jennifer Byerly | Apparatus and method for regulation of fluid flow from a straw |
| US8622236B2 (en) * | 2007-03-21 | 2014-01-07 | Sanbrook Innovations Pty Ltd | Drinking vessel usable in different orientations |
| US7997509B2 (en) * | 2008-04-08 | 2011-08-16 | Dana Karklins | Portion-controlled dispensing straw assembly |
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2003
- 2003-04-18 US US10/418,741 patent/US6915961B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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2004
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-
2005
- 2005-06-07 US US11/146,699 patent/US7748643B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6915961B2 (en) | 2005-07-12 |
| US7748643B2 (en) | 2010-07-06 |
| US20050218242A1 (en) | 2005-10-06 |
| US20040217187A1 (en) | 2004-11-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20130507 |