Patent Application
20080223818
This invention relates generally to drinking implements, and more particularly to a spill-proof drinking straw and adapter assembly that can be attached and sealed to various beverage containers such as bottles, cans, glasses, and the like, to enable small children and infants to drink from such containers.
Infants are generally limited to drinking from nursing bottles having a nipple. Small children and toddlers typically drink from a so-called sippy cup that is specially constructed to prevent spills. However, occasions may arise when a nursing bottle or sippy cup is not readily available. In those instances it would be advantageous if the infant or toddler could drink, preferably unassisted, from an ordinary container such as a bottle, can or glass, since those types of containers are generally readily available.
Devices are known in the prior art that enable use of a drinking straw with a variety of containers, and may be able to function to enable toddlers, and in some cases even infants, to drink from a container other than a nursing bottle or a sippy cup. However, many of these devices require specially constructed containers, with means on the container that cooperate with complementary structure on the device, thus precluding their use with ordinary bottles, cans and glasses. Other prior devices comprise a nipple adapted for use with a straw, and either require the use of a nursing bottle or are not spill proof. Still other prior art devices do not seal the straw or drinking tube to the adapter and/or to the container. Some prior devices are relatively rigid structures, while others are of limited flexibility and permit only limited movement of the straw, requiring the person using it to properly position the container, and may require greater dexterity than is normally possessed by an infant or toddler. Few, if any, prior art devices enable sealed attachment of a drinking straw to an ordinary bottle, can or glass, and especially wherein the straw has great flexibility of movement so that the container does not have to be unduly manipulated.
It would be desirable, therefore, to have a device that enables an infant or toddler to drink from an ordinary container such as a bottle, can, or glass, wherein the device is constructed to avoid spills and does not require manipulation of the container to particular positions during use. It would further be desirable to have such a device that is inexpensive and can be disposed of after a single use, and that is constructed so that it can be easily attached to and removed from a container by an adult but difficult to remove by an infant or toddler.
The present invention comprises a device that enables an infant or toddler to drink from an ordinary container such as a bottle, can, or glass, wherein the device is constructed to avoid spills and does not require manipulation of the container to particular positions during use. The device is inexpensive and can be disposed of after a single use, and is constructed so that it can be easily attached to and removed from a container by an adult but difficult to remove by an infant or toddler.
More specifically, the device of the invention comprises an adapter and straw assembly, wherein the adapter comprises a flexible bag-like structure having an elastic band on a first end thereof for sealed attachment to a container, and a reduced neck on a second end fixed and sealed to a straw. The straw extends through the adapter and at one end projects beyond the first end of the adapter for insertion into a container, and at the other end projects beyond the second end of the adapter so that it can be accessed by a person using the device. Tabs are provided on the first end of the adapter to facilitate placement of the device on a container and removal therefrom. The elastic band preferably has enough strength to prevent removal of the device by infants and toddlers, but is relatively easy to apply and remove by an adult.
One or more of the devices can be easily stored and carried, since it occupies essentially no more space than that occupied by the straw. The straw itself can be made so that its length can be expanded and contracted. This feature makes the device more compact for carrying and storage, and also permits the length of the straw to be adapted to different size containers.
The device of the invention can be provided in any desired size, but preferably is provided in a smaller first size for attachment to bottles and in a larger second size for attachment to cans and glasses.
The foregoing, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
A first embodiment of the device of the invention is indicated generally at 10 in
The diameter of the band in its relaxed or contracted state is smaller than the diameter of the neck of a typical nursing bottle and typical beverage bottles, including bottles for soft drinks, juices, water, and the like. Accordingly, when the band is stretched and applied to the neck N of a bottle B as shown in
A second embodiment of the device of the invention is indicated generally at 25 in
The highly flexible nature of the bag-like adapter 11 enables the straw to be easily moved around with a great degree of freedom, whereby it is not necessary to manipulate the container in order to position the straw for use.
The device is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and may be disposed of after use.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
