Drinking tube

Abstract

A reusable and portable drinking tube for use by quadriplegics or otherwise immobilized or handicapped individuals that is attachable to any fluid reservoir and that allows for activation through minimal exertion of suction force due to a valved mouthpiece that allows for fluid to remain primed in the tube of the device when not in use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to drinking devices. More particularly, the present invention pertains to drinking devices that facilitate the drinking process for invalids and/or other people who cannot drink beverages from a container without assistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drinking straws are a well-known delivery system of drinkable liquid from a reservoir of fluid to the mouth of a person or animal for hydration. Several variations on the theme have been developed for a variety of situations. U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,780 by Forsman defines a hydration system for use by bicydists, runners and other athletes while exercising. Similarly, Drzymkowski teaches in U.S. Pat. No. 1,699,729 of a hands-free drinking system for use by bicyclists utilizing a bite valve to open and close the drinking tube. Lee teaches of two inventions in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,745,949 and 6,360,912 that describe drinking tubes with valve functions. The valve function allows for a drinking tube that is sealed off when not in use and that is activated through the suction of the person using the tube.

Essebggers in U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,090 describes a system designed to allow a person to drink pressurized and heated beverages without exposing the liquid to ambient conditions, thereby reducing the pressure and temperature of the drink. Hung describes a drinking tube system in U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,923 for use with baby bottles. Similarly, Dark, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,458, describes a sport-drinking cup with a valved straw cap. This invention employs a drinking tube that can be in activated to an open position through the suction of the user. U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,769 by Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,117 by Garvin and U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,336 by Cohen deceased et al all describes similar drinking tubes.

Other novel applications of drinking tube technology include U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,116 by Savage et al that describes an adapter for providing fluid control between a canteen and a face mask fluid tube in the event of outside contamination through nuclear, biological or chemical attack. Hwan in U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,226 describes a pet drinking device that delivers fluid to an animal through the use of gravity and a ball and washer type valve system.

The drawback to the above-described hydration delivery systems is that they do not adequately meet the needs of persons with limited ability to use the delivery systems. Persons with physical handicaps not only have difficulty holding the straws in their hands if they are quadriplegic or otherwise immobilized, but persons with these handicaps are often limited in their ability to apply suction to a tube. Persons such as these require a drinking tube that is designed to meet the particular positioning needs of the person and that do not require a great deal of suction effort to deliver the fluid to their bodies.

Drinking tube systems designed to meet the particular needs of handicapped persons have been addressed in the prior art. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,954, Lyons describes a liquid dispensing device for persons with a limited ability to swallow. This invention involves the use of a pump and an activation switch to deliver the fluid to the person. Edstrom Sr., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,405, teaches of a drinking device for handicapped persons involving a fluid reservoir and delivery tube that is positioned over the head of the person receiving the hydration and delivered through the use of gravity.

There exists, therefore, a need for a simple, portable fluid delivery device to handicapped persons that can be primed to hold fluid without the individual needing to apply more than minimal pressure through suction, that does not need to be positioned over the person's head and that does not require an external pump and activation switch for use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a drinking tube is described that allows an immobilized or handicapped person to deliver fluid to his or her body without the use of his or her hands and without needing to apply more than minimal sucking force because the drinking tube is designed to hold fluid in the tube while not in use after it has been “primed.” The device is attachable to most typical drinking reservoirs through the use of a fastening means. The fluid is drawn up into an inflexible portion and then drawn downward through the tube towards a flexible portion that is positionally modifiable toward a mouthpiece containing a valve that activates the flow of the fluid. When the mouthpiece valve is closed, fluid from the reservoir remains in the tube thereby allowing the user to re-activate the device without applying more than minimal sucking force.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the invention is to provide a means for a quadriplegic or otherwise immobilized individual to receive hydration through a tube attachable to a fluid reservoir that requires minimal suction force to activate.

It is another object of the invention to provide a drinking tube that is modifiable for attachment to any conventional fluid reservoir, such as a drinking cup, bottle or can.

It is another object of the invention to provide the immobilized or handicapped individual the ability to adjust the location of the mouthpiece of the drinking tube for easiest access.

Numerous other advantages and features of and various means for practicing the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are used to designate like parts shown in different figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention will be best understood from the accompanying Figures, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the drinking tube of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece valve for the drinking tube of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the sprocket for the mouthpiece valve in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is the same view as FIG. 2, but with fluid flowing through the mouthpiece valve during operation of the drinking tube.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the mouthpiece valve for the drinking tube of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ENABLING AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the Figures, the drinking tube of the invention is shown and is generally designated by reference character 10. The drinking tube includes an inflexible section 12 that is releasably and selectively connected to a flexible section 14, which is further connected to mouthpiece valve 16. The inflexible section, flexible section and the mouthpiece valve cooperate in a manner hereinafter described to facilitate the drinking of liquids by invalids, quadriplegics and other people who might have difficulty drinking a liquid from a container without assistance.

As shown in the Figures, the inflexible section comprises a straight portion 18 that is angled at lower horizontal end 19 to conform to the contour of the bottom of container 24. At the other end, the straight portion merges upwardly into an arcuate trap portion 20 that terminates at outlet end 28. The straight portion and trap portion of the device combine to give the inflexible section a somewhat candy cane-like appearance when viewed in side elevation. To steady the drinking tube during operation, the inflexible portion is fixed to the sidewall of container 24 with an adjustable clip 22 or other suitable fastening means.

In the preferred embodiment, the straight section is made of a hard inflexible plastic material. Examples of such materials include industrial plastics and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials. It is to be appreciated, however, that other materials can be used for the inflexible section without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As mentioned above and shown in FIG. 1, the tube includes flexible section 14. The flexible section comprises a flexible tube having a mating end 26 that is preferably releasably connected to an outlet end 28 of the inflexible section. The outlet end is internally ribbed to more effectively hold the mating end therein. Alternatively, the mating end could be permanently fixed to the outlet end of the inflexible tube through any number of means such as sonic welding, gluing and the like.

The flexible section is preferably made of a tubing materials which are flexible enough so that it can be formed and bent into different shapes, yet which has sufficient structural strength so that once the flexible section is manipulated, it retains the desired shape. Preferably, the flexible section is provided as a coiled section of tubing that can be cut to a given length according to distance of the container from the user. This allows for use of the drinking tube without requiring re-positioning of the container and/or inflexible section.

After being cut, the flexible section can then be shaped and formed for maximum convenience of the user. Once the flexible section has the desired shape, a plurality of adjustable headset clips 62 (for clarity, only one headset clip 62 is shown in FIG. 1) allow for the flexible section to be fixed to a user-worn headset (not shown). This is an important advantage of the drinking tube for quadriplegics and other people who cannot use their extremities to move the container as desired.

Preferably, surgical tubing made of a silicone, latex or neoprene material is envisioned for the flexible section, although other types of materials are also suitable, provided the tubing could be manipulated as described above.

Referring primarily now to FIGS. 2-4, the mouthpiece valve is shown in greater detail. As shown, the mouthpiece valve comprises an internally ribbed mouthpiece inlet portion 32, which tapers and narrows into a valve mid-portion 34, which further merges into a tapered mouthpiece outlet portion 36. For assembly, the mouthpiece inlet portion 32 is attached to the mouthpiece end 30 of flexible section 14 by urging mouthpiece end 30 into an inlet chamber 38 defined in mouthpiece inlet portion 32. Once in place, the internal ribs of inlet portion 32 hold the mouthpiece end 30 in place. Alternatively, the mouthpiece can be fixed to the flexible section by sonic welding, adhesives or other means as known in the prior art.

In FIGS. 2-3, it can be seen that orifice 42 provides a path of fluid communication between inlet chamber 38 and a valve chamber 40 that is formed in valve mid-portion 34. At the opposite end of valve mid-portion 34 from orifice 42, the valve chamber is bounded by an annular shoulder 44. A mouthpiece lumen 46 outlet portion provides a path of fluid communication from the valve chamber through the mouthpiece outlet portion 36.

As shown in the FIGS. 2-3, the mouthpiece valve preferably includes an internal sprocket 51 and a resilient member 48 that interconnects the sprocket with a poppet 50. The poppet comprises a bell portion 53 that merges into stem 76, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Preferably, the sprocket, resilient member and poppet valve (and the overall mouthpiece valve) are manufactured as a single, integral structure by injection molding or similar-type process. It is to be appreciated, however, that the sprocket, resilient member and poppet valve could be manufactured separately and then assembled within the vale chamber 40.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 2A, sprocket 51 comprises a transverse hoop member 64 and a plurality of cross-members 66 that interconnect the hoop member with a concentric center disc 68. An annular gap 72 is established between the center plate 68 and hoop member 64 to allow for fluid through the sprocket 51 during operation of the drinking device. A first end 52 of the resilient member 48 is connected to/seated on center disc 68 within valve chamber 40, and the poppet is connected to/seated on second end 54 of resilient member 48 so that the stem 76 of poppet 50 extends into the coil formed by the resilient member.

The resilient member is biased so that the poppet is urged against orifice 36. This isolates valve chamber 40 from mouthpiece inlet chamber 38 and prevents fluid flow through the mouthpiece valve unless an outside force is exerted on the resilient member.

To exert an outside force on the mouthpiece, the user places his/her lips (not shown) on the mouthpiece outlet portion (to establish a substantially airtight seal on the mouthpiece outlet portion) and inhales. When this occurs, a force is placed on the resilient member that compresses the resilient member and moves poppet 50 away from orifice 42. The poppet moves away until stem 76 contacts center disc 68, as shown in FIG. 3. This allows for liquid 56 to be drawn from reservoir 58 in container 24. Importantly, the stem and center disc configuration ensures that the poppet moves the same distance each and every time an outside force is exerted on the mouthpiece. Stated differently, the same size gap between poppet 50 and orifice 42 is established every time that allows the user to control the flow rate of fluid out of the mouthpiece.

The drawn liquid from reservoir 58 is transported through inflexible section, flexible section and into the mouthpiece valve. Within the mouthpiece valve, the liquid is drawn through the mouthpiece inlet chamber 38, valve chamber 40, through mouthpiece lumen 46 and into the user.

Once the inhaling action is stopped, the biased resilient member regains its original shape. When this occurs, the poppet 50 re-seats against abutment 74 and plugs orifice 42, which stops further fluid flow through the drinking tube.

Because of the structure described above for the inflexible section, the arcuate portion provides an “inverse trap” effect and fluid from the reservoir remains in the inflexible section and the flexible section. Stated differently, the drinking tube retains fluid in the inflexible portion of the tube and essentially keeps fluid in the inflexible section and flexible section to keep the drinking tube “primed.” When the drinking tube is operated again, less effort is required to obtain fluid from the reservoir. This is an important advantage for the drinking tube for people who are very weak and do not have the lung capacity to provide an overly effective inhaling action.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment for the mouthpiece valve is shown. Specifically, a pair of flexible tonsils 60, 60 extend inwardly into the valve chamber 40 from the orifice end of the valve mid-portion 34. The tonsils 60, 60 are biased so that they contact each other to thereby provide a watertight seal between the valve chamber and mouthpiece inlet chamber to prevent fluid flow through the mouthpiece in the absence of an outside force exerted on the mouthpiece valve.

During operation, the user establishes an airtight seal on the mouthpiece outlet section as described above and inhales to draw fluid through the tube. When this occurs, the tonsils are urged away from each other, which further establishes a fluid flow path through the inflexible section, flexible section and mouthpiece valve as described above to allow the user to drink fluid from the drinking tube. Once the outside force due to the inhaling action is removed, the tonsils regain their original shape to re-establish the watertight seal to thereby prevent leakage out of the drinking tube when not in use. Further, fluid remains in the inflexible section and flexible section, and the drinking tube remains primed as described to facilitate further use of the tube.

While the particular drinking tube, as herein shown and disclosed in detail, is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages above state, it is to be understood that the presently preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and no limitations are intended therefor.

Claims

1. A drinking device comprising

a flexible section comprising a flexible tube having a releasable mating end;

an inflexible section releasably connected to said flexible section through a releasable connection to an outlet end, said outlet end being internally ribbed and said inflexible section comprising a straight portion having one end that is angled at a lower horizontal designed to be submersed in fluid for drinking and having the other end merge upwardly into an arcuate trap portion that terminates at an outlet end;

a mouthpiece valve connected to said flexible section;

fastening means for attachment to the sidewall of a fluid container.

2. A drinking device according to claim 1 wherein said flexible section is provided as a coiled section of tubing that can be cut to a given length according to the distance of the fluid container from the user.

3. A drinking device according to claim 1 wherein said mouthpiece comprises:

an internally ribbed mouthpiece inlet portion, which tapers and narrows into a valve mid-portion, which further merges into a tapered mouthpiece outlet portion, said mouthpiece inlet portion being attached to said mouthpiece end of said flexible section by urging said mouthpiece end into an inlet chamber defined in said mouthpiece inlet portion and further providing an orifice that provides a path of fluid communication between said inlet chamber and said valve chamber that is formed in a valve mid-portion, said valve mid-portion having an end opposite from said orifice, said valve chamber being bounded by an annular shoulder;

a mouthpiece lumen with an outlet portion that provides a path of fluid communication from said valve chamber through said mouthpiece outlet portion;

an internal sprocket;

a poppet comprising a bell portion that merges into a stem;

a resilient member that interconnects said sprocket with said poppet.

4. A method of delivering drinkable fluids to a person limited in his or her ability to hold a straw or exert a large amount of force comprising

the placement of a user's lips on a mouthpiece outlet portion of a drinking device said drinking device comprising a mouthpiece outlet portion; a flexible section comprising a flexible tube having a releasable mating end; an inflexible section releasably connected to said flexible section through a releasable connection to an outlet end, said outlet end being internally ribbed and said inflexible section comprising a straight portion having one end that is angled at a lower horizontal designed to be submersed in fluid for drinking and having the other end merge upwardly into an arcuate trap portion that terminates at an outlet end; a mouthpiece valve connected to said flexible section; fastening means for attachment to the sidewall of a fluid container.

inhalation by the user.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein said flexible section is provided as a coiled section of tubing that can be cut to a given length according to the distance of the fluid container from the user.

6. A method according to claim 4 wherein said mating end is permanently fixed to said outlet end of said inflexible tube.

7. A method according to claim 4 wherein a plurality of adjustable headset clips are included to allow for said flexible section to be fixed to a user-worn headset