Abstract: A straw holder formed from a unitary strip having a center body and first and second wing members that extend laterally from the body. The wing members include a distal tip portion that are flexed towards each other and a slot in each tip portion receives an engagement segment of the other tip portion to lock the tip portions together and form the straw holder. A straw is inserted through an opening in the body into the container and the wing members engage the exterior surface of the beverage container to mount the straw to the container. One laterally extending edge defines a shoulder which engages the rim of the container to position the straw holder and straw. The material and thickness of the strip are selected such that the strip is semi-flexible, wherein the strip may be easily flexed while resiliently resisting such flexure. Such semi-flexible property causes the strip to bow laterally outward between the tip portions and the body.

Abstract: A rubber or plastic foam bat for recreational and/or therapeutic use. The bat includes a solid, generally cylindrical handle and a long, flexible tubular impact barrel longitudinally connected to the handle. The impact portion has a blind coaxial bore which closes momentarily when the bat strikes an object and subsequently reopens, thereby generating a loud noise. The bat preferably is formed from a thermoplastic or thermosetting material such as polyethylene.