DRINKING STRAW ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A reusable drinking straw assembly is provided, having a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form an elongate tubular portion. The modular segments are separable from one another to allow for adjustability of the length of the straw assembly and to facilitate cleaning of the straw assembly between uses. Each of the modular segments is itself separable longitudinally into at least two re-attachable components to facilitate cleaning of the straw between uses. A mouthpiece is removably attached to one end of the tubular portion. A filter is removably attached to the other end of the tubular portion. The mouthpiece may include a one-way valve for controlling the direction of fluid flow.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/719,312 filed on Aug. 17, 2018 entitled “Drinking Straw Assembly”. This application claims the benefit under 35 USC §119 of U.S. application No. 62/719,312 filed Aug. 17, 2018 entitled “Drinking Straw Assembly”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application also claims priority from application PCT/CA2019/051112, entitled “Drinking Straw Assembly,” filed Aug. 15, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/719,312 filed Aug. 17, 2018, entitled “Drinking Straw Assembly,” which is incorporated by reference above.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to drinking straws, and more particularly to a reusable drinking straw assembly.

BACKGROUND

The ubiquity of disposable or single-use plastic beverage utensils such as drinking straws contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste around the world. Plastic waste is becoming a growing concern as only a small portion of such waste is recycled. The portion that is not recycled may be discarded, and it may end up in a landfill or in the ocean. Over time this discarded plastic becomes worn down into smaller particles of microplastics that may find its way into the food chain. In view of the environmental and health issues resulting from such waste, there is a desire to reduce or even eliminate the use of single-use or disposable straws. One way to accomplish this is to replace the use of single-use straws with reusable straws. The use of reusable straws may contribute to the reduction of plastic waste over time.

Existing reusable straws have a number of drawbacks. For example, in some cases, a reusable straw may not be compatible with all beverage vessels. The reusable straw may be too long for a container such as a small drink container (e.g. children's juice box or beverage box) which can cause the straw to pivot around the insertion hole of the juice box excessively. In other cases, the straw may be too short for the container to be useful for drinking. The straw may fall inside the container, such as an elongated soda bottle, and become “trapped” therein.

Users of reusable drinking straws generally try to keep the straw clean by washing the straw between uses. It is desirable to remove residues of beverages (which can be sugary or sticky) so as to prevent mold and/or bacteria growth on the interior surface. Having a clean straw surface would also avoid contaminating the flavour of a subsequent beverage being consumed with residues of a previously consumed beverage. However, users may have difficulty with cleaning the internal surface of the straw's hollow cavity. Many existing reusable straw cleaning systems include a flexible elongated brush having outwardly extending bristles. The brush is designed for insertion into the straw's tubular cavity via one of the straw's open ends. The cleaning brush may be impregnated with a cleaning solution such as soap or a suitable disinfectant to clean the internal surface of the straw.

While such straw cleaning brushes may be used to clean the internal surface of the straw, there are a number of drawbacks to these systems. For example, the cleaning brush may be misplaced or it may wear down over many uses and require replacement. Mold and bacteria and other debris may grow on the surface of the bristles if the brushes are not thoroughly dried, thereby increasing the risk of transferring such particles to the straw. In addition, areas in the internal surface of the straw may be missed during cleaning with a straw brush, and may not be detected given that it is difficult to see into the interior of the straw.

As such, there is a need for solutions for addressing or ameliorating at least some of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, the present specification describes a reusable drinking straw assembly with removable drinking straw sections. Each removable drinking straw section is further separable to permit cleaning of the straw section's internal surface.

One aspect of the invention provides a reusable drinking straw assembly comprising a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form an elongate tubular portion having first and second ends. Defined in the tubular portion is a longitudinally-extending channel for receiving a beverage. The length of the straw assembly is adjustable by removing or adding a modular segment.

The straw assembly comprises a mouthpiece removably attached to the first end (the mouth-receiving end) of the tubular portion. The mouthpiece may comprise an attachment portion adapted to be press fit into one end of the tubular portion. At least the attachment portion or the entire mouthpiece may be made of a compressible material such as flexible plastic, silicone or rubber.

In particular embodiments, each of the modular segments is itself separable longitudinally into at least two re-attachable components for facilitating cleaning of the straw interior surfaces between uses. The re-attachable components of each modular segment may be coupled together by way of corresponding male and female T-rail interlocking connectors provided on the components.

A filter may be removably attached at the second end (beverage-immersed end) of the straw assembly. The filter comprises a plurality of perforations sized to allow a beverage to pass through during use, while blocking certain particles from entering the straw assembly.

The modular segments are separable from one another to allow for adjustability of the length of the straw assembly and to facilitate cleaning of the straw assembly between uses. In particular embodiments, each of the modular segments is provided with corresponding inner and outer threaded surfaces at opposite ends of the segment to enable attachment of the segment to adjacent segments or attachments. In some embodiments, the modular segments may be made of a non-corrosive metal or metal alloy, or a dishwasher-safe plastic.

Another aspect of the invention provides a reusable drinking straw assembly comprising a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form an elongate tubular portion. A mouthpiece is removably attachable to a first end of the tubular portion. Within the mouthpiece is a one-way valve that is movable between an open and closed position to selectively block fluid flow within the mouthpiece to prevent the backflow of fluid back to a fluid container or vessel.

In particular embodiments, the valve includes a valve flap that divides the mouthpiece into two chambers and occludes the flow of fluid between the two chambers when it is in the closed position. The valve flap is biased so that it is normally in the closed position. In another embodiment, the mouthpiece includes two longitudinally extending mouthpiece segments and the valve includes a lip portion that latches to an edge of one of the mouthpiece segments. The valve is secured between the mouthpiece segments when the mouthpiece segments are joined together. The valve can be removed from the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece segments are separated.

In some embodiments, the valve is a cross-slit valve that divides the mouthpiece into a first chamber and a second chamber. In the closed position, the valve occludes the flow of fluid between the first chamber and the second chamber. In the open position, the valve provides an opening for fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.

In some embodiments, a portion of a modular segment attached to the mouthpiece is bent away from the remainder of the tubular portion. A filter attachment can be attached to the second end (beverage immersed end) of the tubular portion. Alternatively, a tubular puncturing attachment is attached to the second end for use in puncturing through protective beverage lidding films. At least one end of the puncturing attachment is cut angularly to provide a puncturing tool.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a reusable drinking straw assembly comprising a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form an elongate tubular portion for receiving a beverage. Included in the assembly is a tubular mouthpiece with first and second mouthpiece openings at each end either of which may receive a first end of the tubular portion. The mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece neck element positioned within the mouthpiece that separates the mouthpiece into a first mouthpiece section and a second mouthpiece section.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece neck element is positioned closer to the first mouthpiece opening than to the second mouthpiece opening so that the first mouthpiece section is shorter than the second mouthpiece section. A length of the tubular section and the mouthpiece, when the tubular section is inserted into the first mouthpiece section to abut the mouthpiece neck element, is greater than a corresponding length obtainable when the tubular section is inserted into the second mouthpiece section to abut the mouthpiece neck element.

A tubular attachment is provided in some embodiments. A first and second attachment opening is defined at each end of the tubular attachment, either of which may receive an end of the tubular portion. One end of the tubular attachment (e.g. the end that is distal from the tubular portion) may be cut angularly to produce a puncturing point. An attachment neck element is positioned within the attachment to separate the attachment into a first attachment section and a second attachment section. The attachment neck element defines a circumferential attachment ledge within the attachment for abutting the second end of the tubular portion.

In some embodiments, the attachment neck element is positioned closer to the first attachment opening than to the second attachment opening so that the first attachment section is shorter than the second attachment section. A length of the tubular section and the attachment, when the tubular section is inserted into the first attachment section to abut the attachment neck element, is greater than a corresponding length obtainable when the tubular section is inserted into the second attachment section to the abut the attachment neck element.

In particular embodiments, a one-way valve is positioned within the mouthpiece of the straw assembly. The valve is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively block fluid flow within the mouthpiece. The valve may be biased in the closed position. In some embodiments, the valve has a flexible valve flap. In some other embodiments, the valve is a cross-slit valve.

The straw assembly includes at least one gasket in some embodiments. The body of the gasket has: (i) a reception end for receiving one end of the tubular portion of the straw, and (ii) an insertion end for insertion of the gasket into the mouthpiece or the attachment (e.g. tubular attachment). Openings at the reception end and insertion end allow fluid to flow through the tubular portion of the straw and to the mouthpiece or attachment. Provided on the body of the gasket is at least one rib extending longitudinally between the reception end and insertion end. Each rib is engageable with a corresponding slot provided on an internal surface of the mouthpiece or attachment to prevent rotation of the gasket therein.

Another aspect provides a straw kit, including at least one modular segment to form an elongate tubular portion, the tubular portion having a longitudinally-extending channel defined therethrough for receiving a beverage. The kit includes at least one mouthpiece adapted to be removably attached to an end of the tubular portion. In some embodiments the kit includes a storage device incorporating at least two storage compartments, each storage compartment being adapted for storing one of: (1) the at least one modular segment and the at least one mouthpiece; and (2) an accessory. Each of the first and second storage compartments may be an elongate container that is attachable end-to-end to form the storage device.

In some embodiments, the first storage compartment includes an opening with a perforated cover for draining a liquid from the first compartment. The perforated cover may be disc shaped and secured to the first storage compartment with a fastening collar, the fastening having oppositely facing notches for receiving a key operable to release the fastening collar from the perforated cover.

Additional aspects of the present invention will be apparent in view of the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a reusable drinking straw assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2A shows the components of a modular segment of the straw assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of the components of the modular segment of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece of the drinking straw assembly of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter of the drinking straw assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A shows a reusable drinking straw assembly according to another embodiment with a filter attachment;

FIG. 5B shows a cleaning brush for cleaning a reusable drinking straw assembly;

FIG. 5C is an exploded view of the reusable drinking straw assembly of FIG. 5A with alternate attachments;

FIG. 5D shows an assembled reusable drinking straw assembly with a tubular attachment according to one embodiment having a puncturing end;

FIG. 5E shows an assembled reusable drinking straw assembly with a tubular attachment according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are longitudinal sectional views of a mouthpiece for the drinking straw assembly of FIG. 1 or 5 with a one-way valve according to one embodiment shown in closed and open positions, respectively;

FIGS. 6C and 6D are transverse sectional views of the mouthpiece of FIGS. 6A and 6B with the one-way valve shown in closed and open positions, respectively;

FIGS. 6E to 6F are longitudinal and transverse sectional views, respectively, of a mouthpiece for the drinking straw assembly of FIG. 1 or 5 according to another embodiment having a cross slit valve;

FIGS. 7A and 7B (collectively, FIG. 7) are longitudinal sectional views of a mouthpiece for the drinking straw assembly of FIG. 1 or 5 with a one-way valve according to an alternate embodiment shown in closed and open positions, respectively;

FIGS. 8A to 8E (collectively, FIG. 8) show various views of a storage device for a drinking straw assembly according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 9A to 9E (collectively, FIG. 9) include perspective views (FIGS. 9A and 9B) and cross-sectional views (FIGS. 9C to 9E) of a reusable drinking straw assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the straw assembly of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and rear perspective views, respectively of a gasket for use with the straw assembly of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11C shows a portion of a mouthpiece or attachment in which is defined an internal cavity for receiving the gasket of FIGS. 11A and 11B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of examples of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not limitation, of those principles and of the invention.

The embodiments herein disclose a drinking straw assembly with one or more removable drinking straw sections in which each removable section can be further disassembled for ease of cleaning.

Referring first to FIG. 1, shown therein is an exploded view of a reusable drinking straw assembly 100 according to at least one embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 100 comprises a mouthpiece 102, a tubular portion 106, a filter attachment 115, and a filter 116. In other embodiments, filter attachment 115 and filter 116 are omitted. In other embodiments, mouthpiece 102 is omitted. In still other embodiments, all of filter attachment 115, filter 116 and mouthpiece 102 are omitted.

The components of assembly 100 described herein can be assembled to form a rigid or semi-rigid straw for consuming a beverage from a container. When the assembled straw is in use, one end of the straw is placed into the beverage (the “beverage-immersed end” or “first end”). In embodiments which include filter 116, the beverage-immersed end is preferably the end including the filter. The other, opposing end of the straw is received in the user's mouth (the “mouth-receiving end” or “second end”). In embodiments which include mouthpiece 102, the mouth-receiving end is preferably the end including the mouthpiece. With the beverage-immersed end placed in the beverage, the beverage can then be drawn to the mouthpiece 102 for consumption by the user.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, tubular portion 106 comprises a plurality of modular segments 110 which are arranged between mouthpiece 102 and filter 116. Modular segments 110 are attachable longitudinally, end-to-end, to form an elongate pipe (as used herein, “longitudinal” refers to a direction along the length of the straw assembly, the length extending between the first end and the second end of the straw). Mouthpiece 102 is removably attached to the pipe at one end of tubular portion 106 (i.e., at the mouth-receiving end of the straw). Filter 116 is removably attached to the pipe at the other (opposing) end of tubular portion 106 (i.e., at the beverage-immersed end of the straw). In the illustrated embodiment, filter 116 is attached to tubular portion 106 via filter attachment 115. One end of filter attachment 115 attaches to a modular segment 110 and the other end of filter attachment 115 attaches to filter 116. In other embodiments, filter attachment 115 is omitted, and filter 116 is adapted to be directly attached to tubular portion 106. As described in further detail herein, modular segments 110 can be joined to adjacent segments in such a way that the assembled tubular portion 106 allows the transfer of fluid from filter 116 to mouthpiece 102 without leakage along tubular portion 106. Similarly, mouthpiece 102 and filter 116 may be joined to tubular portion 106 in such a way to prevent leakage in the straw assembly 100 at these components, and to facilitate transfer of the beverage to the user.

In the present invention, each modular segment 110 is provided with connection features that are compatible with other modular segments 110, allowing modular segments 110 to be joined together end-to-end as shown. Any number of modular segments 110 can be used to form tubular portion 106. The length of tubular portion 106 can be adjusted by adding or removing one or more modular segments 110. This allows the assembled straw to be used with a variety of drinking vessels of various sizes. Each modular segment 110 can be denoted by a number so that the first segment is referenced as 110-1, the second segment is referenced as 110-2, etc. The last or Nth segment is referenced as 110-N (as illustrated in FIG. 1), where N is ≥2 in some embodiments, and N≥3 in other embodiments.

Similarly, parts of each modular segment 110 can be denoted by their respective number (e.g. a tubular body 120 of modular segment 110-2, as is described below, can be denoted as tubular body 120-2). Modular segments 110-1 to 110-N may have identical or differing lengths.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example modular segment 110-2 of tubular portion 106 of the drinking straw assembly 100 of FIG. 1. Modular segment 110-2 comprises a longitudinally-extending tubular body 120-2, which has inner and outer walls 124-2, 126-2. Inner wall 124-2 defines a portion of the straw's inner cavity and outer wall 126-2 defines a portion of the straw's exterior. The tubular body 120-2 has some thickness along a transverse axis (i.e., the radial axis) so as to provide rigidity to the tubular body 120-2; this thickness defines the distance between the inner and outer walls 124-2, 126-2. For embodiments where tubular body 120 is formed with a circular cross-section, an inner radius and outer radius can be defined as the distance from the center of the cross-section to the inner and outer walls 124, 126, respectively. The thickness of tubular body 120 may be selected based on the material(s) used to provide a desired level of rigidity and strength to tubular body 120.

Each modular segment 110 can be made of a material that is chemically non-reactive. To facilitate reusability, desirable characteristics of the material include non-corrosiveness and heat-resistance to the temperatures to which the straw assembly is exposed under regular conditions of use (e.g. consumption of hot beverages, and washing by hand in a sink, or in a dishwasher). The modular segment 110 is made to withstand multiple uses and washes, including, in preferred embodiments, washing in a dishwasher. For example, plastic materials that are also used to make dishwasher-safe utensils and dinnerware, such as polystyrene, can be used to make modular segments 110. Modular segments 110 may be made from other plastics such as: High Density Polyethylene; Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET); Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE); Polypropylene (PP);

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC); Fluorine Treated (HDPE); Post Consumer Resin (PCR); Polycarbonate, LEXAN and the like. When the modular segments 110 are worn out after repeated uses and washes, they can be recycled if the plastic with which they are made is selected from the plastic types that are accepted by a recycling depot. In other embodiments, modular segments 110 are made of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, iron or other metals or metal alloys that are non-corrosive and heat-resistant. In still other embodiments, modular segments 110 may be made of ceramic or ceramic-like materials such as china, clay, stone, bone china, earthenware, porcelain and stoneware, and the like, or organic materials such as bone, bamboo, wood, paper, glass, clay, stone and china, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 2A, opposite ends 132-2, 134-2 of the tubular body 120-2 of modular segment 110-2 are threaded to enable coupling of the modular segment 110-2 with adjacent modular segments 110 (e.g. modular segment 110-1 and 110-3, not shown in FIG. 2A) to form tubular portion 106 of straw assembly 100. A first end 132-2 is threaded internally on inner wall 124-2 with female threading. A second end 134-2 is threaded externally on outer wall 126-2 with matching male threading. The female threading at the first end 132-2 extends along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 120-2 to facilitate a secure engagement with the corresponding external male threading extending along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 120-1 of adjacent modular segment 110-1 (at the second end 134-1 of the tubular body 120-1). While an adjacent modular segment 110-1 is not shown in FIG. 2A, the external male threading that would be provided on the second end 134-1 of the tubular body 120-1 of modular segment 110-1 is the same as that shown provided on the outer wall 126-2 at the second end 134-2 of tubular body 120-2 of the FIG. 2A modular segment 110-2.

As seen in FIG. 2A, at a second end 134 of the tubular body 120, a portion of the tube body 120 is modified such that the inner and outer diameters of the tube body 120 are reduced to form an engagement portion 136 that would be matingly received within the first end 132 of an adjacent modular segment 110. Specifically, the outer diameter of the engagement portion 136 is chosen to be substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tube body 120 to enable the engagement portion 136 to be insertable into the first end 132 of another modular segment 110. Furthermore, the outer wall 126 of the engagement portion 136 is threaded with a male thread to engage with the female threading provided at the first end 132 of another modular segment 110. The matching thread engagement enables screw-on securement with an adjacent modular segment 110. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of modular segments 110 can be joined together end-to-end using the screw-on attachment of the threaded ends to form a straw of the desired length. The connection formed between adjacent modular segments 110 is sufficiently sealed by their threading such that a fluid passes through the fluid channel of tubular portion 106 and does not escape between the modular segments 110 at the connection points. In some embodiments, a sealing ring such as an O-ring made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone can be also used in conjunction with the threaded screw-on securement mechanism to provide a fluid-tight seal.

In alternate embodiments, the modular segments can be attached end-to-end using other methods. For example, strong magnets can be provided at the connecting ends of each modular segment 110 to facilitate the end-to-end attachment. Magnets, such as rare earth magnets, can generate sufficiently strong attractive forces to hold the modular segments 110 together so as to maintain rigidity of the straw during normal use. In other embodiments, the modular segments 110 can be attached by way of frictional fit or press-fit. The modular segments 110 may be joined by way of resiliently deformable interconnection. Other methods of joining modular segments 110 may include the use of one or more of: screw threads, locking joints, one end having a smaller diameter and locking the pieces by inserting the smaller diameter end into the larger end, glue or adhesive, rubber or plastic belts or hubless couplings, flanges and grooves.

FIG. 2A shows that the tubular body 120 of modular segment 110 is separable longitudinally as shown into two components 133A, 133B (collectively or individually, components 133). Each component may be washed by hand or placed in a dishwasher for cleaning. Once cleaned, components 133A, 133B can be re-assembled into a tube-shaped modular segment 110. The separation of tubular body 120 allows for ease of cleaning and more thorough cleaning, in view of the increased access to and visibility of the interior surface when the two tube halves are separated. This may help to improve the cleanliness of the inner wall 124 and help to prevent the development and growth of mold and bacteria in the straw. The separable components 133 also avoid the need for a dedicated cleaning tool such as a long brush for inserting into the straw cavity.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of the modular segment 110-2 of FIG. 2A showing one way in which components 133A, 133B can be made separable. In the example shown, each of components 133A, 133B is provided with a T-rail interlocking mechanism comprising a male connecting portion 138A, 138B respectively (collectively and individually, portion 138) and a female connecting portion 139A, 139B respectively (collectively and individually, potion 139). More particularly, male connecting portion 138A of the first component 133A is mateable with the female connecting portion 139B of the second component 133B. Likewise, the female connecting portion 139A of the first component 133A is mateable with the male connecting portion 138B of the second component 133B. Male connecting portion 138 extends along at least a portion of the length of modular segment 110 above the engagement portion 136. Female connecting portion 139 is also located above the engagement portion 136, and extends from first end 132 (the end of the modular segment 110 that is distal to the engagement portion 136), toward second end 134, by at least the length that is required for receiving the male connecting portion 138 and allowing both components 133A, 133B to be aligned longitudinally when joined.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, male connecting portion 138 comprises a protrusion which flares out toward its distal end to match the inwardly flared groove of the corresponding female connecting portion 139. In the absence of any stop in the longitudinal direction, the flared element of the male and female portions 138, 139 allow each component 133 to slide longitudinally against the other component 133 when they are coupled together. Thus the connecting portions 138, 139 provide a sliding dovetail joint. The flared features of the mating mechanism also prevent joined components 133A, 133B from separating during normal use (i.e., the flared feature prevents the components 133A, 133B from being pulled apart by opposite transverse forces applied to each component). A stop may be provided in the form of mouthpiece 102 and filter attachment 115, which, when securely attached at opposite ends of tubular portion 106, limit the movement of components 133A, 133B in the longitudinal direction and prevent them from sliding against each other. It can be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that alternately shaped structures may be used for male and female portions 138, 139 that provide similar functionality to the corresponding flared male and female components illustrated in FIG. 2B.

In other embodiments, components 133A, 133B may be provided with other features to allow them to be joined together. For example, components 133A, 133B can be joined using snap-fit or press-fit mechanisms. In other embodiments, components 133A, 133B are joined with a hinge along one side and are snap-fitted to secure the free ends.

Reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 will now be made. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece 102 of FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, the mouthpiece comprises a drinking portion 103 and an attachment portion 104. Drinking portion 103 is received in the user's mouth for drinking from the straw. Attachment portion 104 couples mouthpiece 102 to a modular segment 110-1 of the straw assembly 100. Both the drinking portion 103 and attachment portion 104 share a common hollow interior space 105 to provide a channel for fluid flow from the tubular portion 106 of the straw assembly 100 to the mouth of a user.

In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 104 has an opening 104A for receiving the tubular portion 106 of straw assembly 100. Once the first end of tubular portion 106 is inserted into the mouthpiece 102, the hollow interior space 105 of the mouthpiece 102 aligns with the hollow interior 107 of the tubular portion 106 to form a fluid channel. Attachment portion 104 can be made of a compressible material (such as flexible plastic, rubber or silicone) so that it can be press fit into first end 132 of a tubular body 120 of modular segment 110. When inserted in the tubular body 120, the compressible material of attachment portion 104 exerts a force against the wall of the tubular body 120 to maintain a friction fit. The friction fit allows the mouthpiece 102 to be removably attached to the tubular portion 106. The removability of the mouthpiece 102 allows for mouthpieces to be replaced, rather than requiring the replacement of the entire straw when the mouthpiece is worn out or damaged. It can be appreciated that this design significantly reduces the amount of trash that is generated since only a fraction of the overall straw assembly needs to be discarded when the mouthpiece 102 is worn out. In general, the mouthpiece is subject to more wear and tear than other components given that it comes into direct contact with the user's mouth.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece can be threaded in the same manner as the engagement portion 136 of a modular segment 110 to enable the mouthpiece 102 to be screwed into the tubular portion 106. A threaded attachment may provide a more robust or resilient connection between the mouthpiece 102 and the tubular portion 106. A threaded attachment allows for mouthpiece 102 to be made of materials other than compressible materials. For example, mouthpiece 102 can be made of a rigid material such as aluminum or steel. In still other embodiments, mouthpiece 102 can be made of biodegradable material (e.g. such as cellulose acetate or gelatin). Such a mouthpiece 102 would not generally be washable or reusable, but it can be disposed of in compost, and replaced with a new mouthpiece for each new use for hygienic reasons.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the filter 116 of FIG. 1. Filter 116 is attachable to tubular portion 106 at the beverage-immersed end of the straw assembly 100 via a filter attachment 115. The filter attachment 115 can be threaded internally at one end to attach to modular segment 110-N as shown in FIG. 1. At the other end of filter attachment 115, filter 116 is attached. Filter 116 may be attached to the filter attachment in a suitable manner, for example, by way of friction fit, magnetic attachment or by a complementary threaded engagement. In other embodiments, filter 116 is attachable directly to the tubular portion 106 (e.g. to modular segment 110-N) without the need for the filter attachment 115.

The filter 116 can be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, durable plastic or metal.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, filter 116 includes a plurality of perforations 119 at an outer surface 121 to enable passage of drinking fluid while blocking particles from entering the straw. Filter 116 can include one or more of water purification and water filtration elements within the body of the filter 116. These may include, but are not limited to, activated charcoal, ion-exchange resins, filtration fibers, and combinations thereof. The use of such a filter in conjunction with the straw assembly 110 can enable a user of the straw assembly 110 to safely drink otherwise unpotable or contaminated water.

FIG. 5A shows a reusable drinking straw assembly 500 according to another embodiment of the invention. The assembly 500 of FIG. 5A is similar in structure as the straw assembly 100 of FIG. 1, and similar features are similarly numbered. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 500 comprises a mouthpiece 502, a tubular portion 506, an end section or tubular attachment 515 that enables one or more filtering accessories (collectively, a filter 516) to be removably attached to the assembly 500. For the purpose of describing the assembly 500, each modular segment 510 is denoted by sequential reference numerals so that the first segment is referenced as 510-1, the second segment is referenced as 510-2, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the first modular segment 510-1 which attaches to the mouthpiece is bent away from a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form an “elbow”. The bent shape of the mouthpiece facilitates sipping from the straw (since the mouthpiece is oriented at an angle that can be more readily inserted into the mouth), and can avoid or reduce the risk of accidental injuries from the use of a straw (e.g. as caused by accidental impalement).

The straw assembly 500 can be made of various materials suitable for use with food items. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, plastic and metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, each modular segment 510 can be assembled to form the tubular portion 506 for use and disassembled for storage. In some preferred embodiments, a fully assembled straw assembly 500 has a total length of approximately 237 mm. The length of the straw can be increased or decreased, for example, by adding or removing the number of modular segments 510 used to form the tubular portion 506.

The disassembly of the straw assembly 500 enables the components of the straw assembly 500 to be separated so that these components can be cleaned more thoroughly, for instance, using a cleaning brush 530 as shown in FIG. 5B. Furthermore, disassembly enables the overall straw assembly 500 to be more compact for easier transportation. In some embodiments, to expose a flat tubular opening, the attachment 515 is used without the filter 516. In other embodiments, the attachment 515 can be replaced with a puncturing attachment 518, as seen in FIG. 5C. The puncturing attachment 518 has a tubular body with an angled tip created by cutting one end of the tubular body at an angle to create a point 520. Such a point 520 may be useful for a user to puncture through protective beverage lidding films such as those found in portable beverage boxes.

The modular segments 510, mouthpiece 502, and the tubular attachment 515 or puncturing attachment 518 can be attached or coupled to one another using threaded end portions 534, as shown in FIG. 5C, or as previously described in respect of reference numerals 132 and 134 of FIG. 2A, or using other techniques known to those skilled in the art. Each component of the straw assembly 500 can include an 0-ring 520 (as shown in FIG. 5C) or other suitable element such as a gasket, to prevent fluid leakage during use. FIG. 5D shows the straw assembly 500 fully assembled incorporating a tubular attachment having a puncturing end (i.e., a puncturing attachment 518). FIG. 5E shows the straw assembly 500 fully assembled incorporating a tubular attachment 515 according to another embodiment (which may be coupled to or provided with a filter, not shown).

Because of the modular nature of the straw assembly 500, the mouthpiece 502 can be replaced as needed. For example, a user can interchange one mouthpiece for another if a clean mouthpiece is desired. As will be described in greater detail below, the mouthpiece may also include a one-way valve that can be used to keep contaminated liquids in the user's mouth from flowing back through the straw into a drink container or drinking vessel.

Reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D will now be made. FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of a mouthpiece 600 that can be used as the mouthpiece in the straw assemblies 100, 500 of FIG. 1, FIG. 5. As best seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the hollow interior of the mouthpiece 600 includes a one-way valve 610 with a flexible valve flap 612 that is movable between an open position as shown in FIG. 6B and a closed position as shown in FIG. 6A to selectively block fluid flow within the mouthpiece 600. In the embodiment shown, the one-way valve 610 includes a valve body 614 positioned against an inner wall 616 at one side of the mouthpiece 600. In the closed position as shown in FIGS. 6A (side view) and 6C (top/plan view), the valve flap 612 extends from the valve body 614 across to the other side of the mouthpiece 600. The extension of the valve flap 612 in the described manner covers the cross-section of the mouthpiece to control the flow of liquid.

Also shown in FIG. 6A, the valve flap 612 in the closed position separates the mouthpiece 600 into a first chamber 602 and a second chamber 604. Accordingly, the one-way valve 610 prevents the backward flow of fluid contained in the first chamber 602 into the second chamber 604. More specifically, the one-way valve 610 controls the direction of fluid flow so that fluid is permitted to flow into the straw assembly 100 or 500 from a drinking vessel and into the mouthpiece 600 first through the second chamber 604 and then to the first chamber 602 before finally reaching the mouth of the user. However, due to the valve flap 612, the fluid in the first chamber 602 is prevented from flowing back into the straw assembly 100 or 500 and back into the drink container. This configuration prevents so-called “backwash” from flowing back to the drink container thereby contaminating the drink. Furthermore, with fluid remaining in the first chamber 602, the fluid displaces some of the air from the chamber. Since less air is in the chamber, less air is potentially ingested when suction is applied such that users may experience reduced choking or coughing while consuming liquids. In addition, since the fluid is drawn into and stays in the chamber that is nearer to the user's mouth, less suction is required for subsequent sips to draw the fluid into the user's mouth.

When no suction is applied to the mouthpiece 600 by the user, the flap 612 of the one-way valve 610 is biased in the closed position as shown in FIG. 6A to prevent the flow of fluid from the first chamber 602 into the second chamber 604. FIG. 6C shows a top view of the mouthpiece 600 and the one-way valve 610 in the closed position in which the flap covers the entire inner cross-section of the mouthpiece and is in circumferential contact with an inner wall 616 of the mouthpiece thereby occluding the mouthpiece to prevent the backward flow of liquid.

When suction is applied by the user to suck liquid from the drinking vessel using the mouthpiece 600 attached to the straw assembly 100, 500 of FIG. 1, FIG. 5, the suction causes the flap 612 to deflect away from the inner wall 616 of the mouthpiece so that the flap 612 is pulled away from, and is not in contact with, the inner wall 616 as shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 6D shows a top view of the mouthpiece 600 and the one-way valve 610 in the open position in which a channel 606 is formed which allows fluid to travel from the second chamber 604 to the first chamber 602 generally along a path indicated by the dotted line 606 of FIG. 6B. The flap 612 or the entire one-way 610 can be made of a suitable flexible or resilient material such as rubber or silicone to allow the valve 610 to open and close in the manner described herein to selectively control the flow of fluid through the mouthpiece 600.

The mouthpiece of FIGS. 6A to 6D can be assembled by attaching two longitudinally extending segments 630 and 640 together. The segments 630 and 640 can be secured in the manners previously described or using another method known to those in the art. The one-way valve 610 can be sandwiched between these two segments as best seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The first chamber 602 is defined in the first segment 630 and the second chamber 604 is defined in the second segment 640.

FIGS. 7A and 7B (collectively, FIG. 7) show the one-way valve 610 secured to the mouthpiece 600 in the closed and open positions, respectively. In both cases, the one-way valve 610 includes a lip portion 620 extending from the valve body 614 that hangs or latches on to the edge of the second segment 640 of the mouthpiece 600. In other embodiments, the lip portion 620 can hang or latch onto the edge of the first segment 630 of the mouthpiece 600 (not illustrated). As best seen in FIG. 7, the lip portion 620 is sandwiched between two segments 630 and 640 of the mouthpiece 600 when the two segments 630 and 640 are joined. The one-way valve 610 can therefore be secured into the mouthpiece upon joining the first and second segments 630 and 640. The segments 630 and 640 can be joined using methods previously described in respect of the modular segments 110 or any other method known to those in the art. Alternatively, if the mouthpiece is not in a two-part configuration, the one-way valve 610 can be positioned at the junction between the mouthpiece 102 and the first modular segment 110-1. The lip portion 620 therefore allows the one-way valve 610 to be removable from the straw assembly 100 or 500, and may be installed for use if desired. Furthermore, the removability of the one-way valve 610 allows worn out valves to be replaced without having to discard the rest of the straw assembly, thereby helping reduce waste.

FIGS. 6E and 6F show cross-sectional views of another embodiment of the mouthpiece 600A that can be used with the straw assemblies 100, 500 of FIG. 1, FIG. 5. For example, mouthpiece 600A can be used as the mouthpiece 502 of straw assembly 500 of FIG. 5D. FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 600A along longitudinal axis “A” of shown in FIG. 5D, and FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 600A along transverse axis “B” in FIG. 5D.

The mouthpiece 600A includes a body portion 650 and a suction portion 652 for use by the user to draw liquid. The body portion 650 includes a suitable attachment mechanism to enable attachment of the mouthpiece 600A to the tubular portions 106 and 506 of the respective straw assemblies 100 and 500. In the present embodiment, the attachment mechanism is in the form of an inner threaded surface 654 for securement to a modular segment such as segment 510-1 of FIG. 5D. In other embodiments, other manners of securement may be used, including but not limited to, mechanisms based on press fit and/or friction fit.

Also within the body portion 650 of the mouthpiece 600A is a one-way valve 660 made of a flexible material that can be used to keep contaminated liquids in the user's mouth from flowing back through the straw into a drink container or drinking vessel. In the present embodiment, the one-way valve is implemented using cross-slits 662 (i.e., a cross-slit valve), rather than a valve flap 612 as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D. As shown in FIG. 6F, a plurality of cross-slits 662 of the one-way valve 660 extend radially from a center of the valve toward an inner wall of the body portion 650. Similar to the one-way valve of 610 of FIGS. 6A to 6D, the one-way valve 660 separates the mouthpiece 600A into first and second chambers 664 and 666, respectively, so that it is able to selectively block fluid flow between the chambers. While two intersecting cross-slits (defining four flaps) are shown in the valve 660 in FIG. 6F, it will be understood by a person of skill in the art that any suitable number of cross-slits may be defined in the valve in other embodiments.

The one-way valve 660 is normally in the closed position (i.e. the flaps defined by the slits abut one another) to prevent fluid flow from the first chamber 664 located in the suction portion (proximal to the user's mouth) back to the second chamber 666 located in the body portion 650 (distal from the user's mouth). When suction is applied by the user to suck liquid from the drinking vessel the suction causes the flaps defined by the cross-slits 662 to deflect toward the mouthpiece opening (i.e., in the direction of the suction force) thereby creating an opening between the flaps that allows fluid to travel from the second chamber 666 to the first chamber 664.

FIGS. 8A to 8E (collectively, FIG. 8) show a storage device 800 for storing the above-described straw assembly 500 of FIG. 5A. It should be noted that the storage device 800 and its features can be adapted to store other straw assemblies such as straw assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The depicted storage device 800 is in the form of two elongated tube-shaped containers that define one or more compartments to store all of the components of the straw assembly 500, such as one or more mouthpiece(s) 502, modular segments 510, tubular attachment 515 (optionally coupled to or incorporating a filter 516), puncturing attachment 518, and cleaning brush 530. In other embodiments, the storage device 800 can be provided in other forms such as a rectangular-shaped storage case.

In the embodiment shown, in FIG. 8, the storage device 800 includes a main storage compartment 802 for storing larger or longer components of the straw assembly 500 such as the modular segments 510, the tubular attachment 515 (which may incorporate or be coupled to a filter 516, not shown) and puncturing attachment 518, and the cleaning brush 530. The storage of these components can be better visualized in the cross-sectional view of the storage device 800 in FIG. 8B or exploded view in FIG. 8C. Also shown in FIG. 8C, is that the main storage compartment 802 of the present embodiment includes a main storage body 802-1 and a cap 802-2 for the main storage body 802-1. An end cap 810 is also provided to close off the main storage compartment 802.

A second storage compartment or “top” storage compartment 804 positioned or stacked above the main storage compartment 802 is also provided for storage of one or more mouthpieces 502. In the present embodiment, the top storage compartment 804 is large enough to accommodate at least two mouthpieces 502 as shown in FIG. 8B. The top storage compartment 804 includes a key 812 in the form of an elongated bar for use in removing a fastening collar 818 in the main storage compartment 802, as described in greater detail below. The manner in which the key 812 is attached to the top storage compartment also creates an opening 813 for securing accessories such as a lanyard for improved transportation. In the present embodiment, each of the main storage compartment 802, top storage compartment 804, and end cap 810 is provided with a knurled grip 811 to facilitate opening and closing of the storage device 800 as shown in FIG. 8C. While a knurled grip 811 is used in the present embodiment, other textured or patterned surfaces can similarly be implemented to provide a sufficient grip to enable assembly or disassembly of the storage device 800.

Referring now to FIG. 8D, the end cap 810 encloses a perforated cover, in the shape of a disc 814 with multiple perforations 820 in the present embodiment, for allowing excess liquid to drain away from the main storage compartment 802 when the end cap 810 is removed therefrom. Such a configuration is useful to enable components of the straw assembly 500 to be rinsed by directly running water through them while they are retained within the main storage compartment 802. The perforated disc 814 acts as a strainer to allow rinsing liquid to pass through. Also shown in FIG. 8D is a circular fastening collar 818 that is fastened to an inner surface of the main storage body 802-1 to secure the perforated disc 814 in place. The fastening collar 818 includes at least a pair of notches 816 in which each pair of notches 816 is arranged so that each notch of the pair faces the other notch on opposite sides of the fastening collar 818, enabling the bar-shaped key 812 to sit into them. As illustrated in FIG. 8E, the key 812 of the top storage compartment 804 is used to remove the fastening collar 818 by mating the key 812 with the notches 816 and turning the fastening collar 818 as shown by directional arrow 830. If the fastening collar 180 is secured to the main storage body 802-1 by press fit or friction fit, the key 812 may be used to dislodge the fastening collar 818 by providing sufficient rotational force. If the fastening collar 180 is secured to the main storage body 802-1 by way of screw-on fit (e.g., using a suitable threaded securement mechanism) then the rotation of the fastening collar 818 by the key 812 is used to unscrew the fastening collar 818. With the fastening collar 818 removed, the perforated disc 814 can be removed for cleaning.

FIGS. 9A to 9E (collectively, FIG. 9) show a reusable drinking straw assembly 900 according to another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the straw assembly 900 in the extended configuration and compact or retracted configuration, respectively. In some preferred embodiments the total length of the straw assembly 900 in the extended configuration can have a length of approximately 237 mm, from one end to another, and can be reduced to a length of 134 mm in the retracted configuration. The collapsible nature of this embodiment enables easier and more convenient storage and transportation of the drinking straw assembly 900.

FIG. 9C is an exploded cross-sectional view of the straw assembly 900 to better visualize the various components. FIG. 9C shows that assembly 900 is similar in structure as the straw assemblies 100 of FIGS. 1 and 500 of FIG. 5A, and similar features are similarly numbered. In the illustrated embodiment, the straw assembly 900 has three sections including a mouthpiece 902, an elongated tubular portion 906, and an attachment 915. As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9D, and 9E each of the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915 is connectable to tubular portion 906 at opposing ends of tubular portion 906. Each of the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915 is shaped to fit over the tubular portion 906 so that at least a section of the tubular portion 906 along a longitudinal axis 925 is overlapped by the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 as shown.

The tubular portion 906 can be made of one or more modular segments 910. The modular segment 910 can be made of any suitable food-safe material such as plastic and metal including aluminum or stainless steel. While one modular segment is shown in the illustrated embodiment, other designs or configurations can be used, such as the tubular portion 106 and 506 used in association with the straw assemblies 100 and 500 of FIGS. 1 and 5A, respectively.

The mouthpiece 902 of the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C, is generally tubular with openings at each end and has a hollow tubular inner cavity to permit flow of liquid therethrough. Any suitable material, such as food grade plastic, can be used to construct the mouthpiece 902. The mouthpiece 902 can be secured to the tubular portion 906 by way of a friction fit or other suitable securement mechanism known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, a detent can further be provided to lock the mouthpiece firmly in place. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 902 may also include components such as the one-way valve as previously described.

Within the mouthpiece 902 of the current embodiment is a neck or stopper element 904 (hereinafter the “neck”) that reduces the diameter of the inner cavity along a portion of the tube-shaped body of mouthpiece 902. The reduced diameter produced by the neck element 904 creates a circumferential ledge 905 inside the mouthpiece 902 that would abut against the leading end of the modular segment 910, when the modular segment 910 of the tubular portion 906 is inserted into the mouthpiece, thereby preventing it from travelling deeper into the interior cavity of the mouthpiece 902 as shown in FIG. 9D and 9E. The ledge 905 created by the neck element 904 is shaped and sized to abut the modular segment but does not significantly impede the flow of fluid during use. For example, if the inner diameter of the modular segment 910 is 7 mm, the ledge should maintain a 7 mm opening or similarly sized opening within the neck element 904.

The neck element 904 therefore separates the mouthpiece 902 into two sections 902-1 and 902-2 as shown in FIG. 9C. In the present embodiment, the neck element 904 is also positioned closer to one end of the mouthpiece 902 (i.e., not equidistant between two ends of the mouthpiece 902) so that one section of the mouthpiece 902 is longer than the other. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece section labeled 902-1 is longer than the mouthpiece section labeled 902-2. Accordingly, when the modular segment 910 is inserted into the longer mouthpiece section 902-1, it travels deeper into the mouthpiece 902 so a greater longitudinal portion of the mouthpiece 902, with reference to the longitudinal axis 925, overlaps with the modular segment 910. Conversely, when the modular segment is inserted into the shorter mouthpiece section 902-2, it does not travel as far before it abuts the neck element 904 so a smaller longitudinal portion of the mouthpiece, with reference to the longitudinal axis 925, overlaps with the modular segment 910. Therefore the overall length of the mouthpiece attached to the modular segment 910, with reference to its longitudinal axis 925, is longer when the modular segment 910 is inserted into the shorter mouthpiece section 902-2 to the neck element 904 (the “extended” position) than when the same modular segment 910 is inserted into the longer mouthpiece section 902-1 to the same neck element 904 (the “retracted” position).

As best seen in FIG. 9C, the attachment 915 is generally tubular with openings positioned at each end. The attachment 915 has a hollow tubular inner cavity to permit flow of liquid therethrough. The attachment 915 may include one end being cut angularly to produce a point 920 (similar to the puncturing attachment 518 of FIG. 5C) to puncture protective beverage lidding films. Similar to the mouthpiece 902, a corresponding neck element 917 is provided to reduce the diameter of the inner cavity along a portion of the tube-shaped body of the attachment 915. The reduced diameter produced by the neck element 917 creates a circumferential ledge 918 inside the attachment 915. The ledge 918 created by the neck element 917 is sized and shaped to abut the modular segment but does not significantly impede the flow of fluid during use. Also, similar to the mouthpiece 902, the neck element 917 is positioned closer to one end of the attachment 915 to separate the attachment 915 into two sections to define a longer attachment section 915-1 and a shorter attachment section 915-2. As such, insertion of the modular segment 910 into the shorter attachment section 915-2 to the neck element 917 achieves a longer overall length of the attachment 915 and modular segment 910 (the “extended” position), with reference to the longitudinal axis 925, as compared to insertion of the modular segment 910 into the longer attachment section to neck element 917 (the “retracted” position). In the present illustrated embodiment, the point 920 created by the angled cut is provided on the longer attachment section 915-1. However, in other embodiments, the point 920 can be provided on the shorter attachment section 915-2 instead. In yet other embodiments, the point 920 can be provided on both ends of the attachment 915 (i.e., on both the long and short attachment sections 915-1 and 915-2)

In view of the foregoing, the overall length of the straw assembly 900 can therefore be changed by putting the assembly 900 into the extended configuration as shown in FIG. 9D or retracted configuration as shown in FIG. 9E in respect of its longitudinal axis 925. Whether the straw assembly 900 is in the extended or retracted configuration depends on which sections of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 the modular segment 910 is inserted into. For example, the straw assembly 900 in the extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 9D, is obtained by inserting the modular segment into the short sections of the mouthpiece 902-2 and attachment 915-2. The same straw assembly 900 can be re-configured to the retracted configuration, as shown in FIG. 9E, by inserting the modular segment 910 into the longer mouthpiece section 902-1 and longer attachment section 915-1. To do so, a user may pull off the mouthpiece 902, rotate it 180 degrees and reinsert the mouthpiece 902 back onto the modular segment. The same actions can be performed in respect of the attachment 915. Doing so reconfigures the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915 from their extended positions to their retracted positions. In other cases, intermediate lengths between the lengths achievable in the extended configuration and retracted configuration can be obtained. For example, while in the extended configuration, only one of the mouthpiece 902 and attached 915 is reconfigured to its retracted position.

To assist the user in determining which ends of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 corresponds to their respective longer or shorter sections, each of the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915 can be marked with visual or tactile indicators. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 902 corresponding to the longer mouthpiece section 902-1 can be provided with a matte or lightly textured finish, while the portion of the outer surface corresponding to the shorter mouthpiece section 902-2 is provided with a glossing non-textured finish. Such finishes provide both visual and tactile information. In other embodiments, colors, lettering, numbers or symbols can be used alone or in combination with or without textured finishes. In some embodiments, the respective neck element of both the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915 can further be equipped with an integrated gasket 930, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, to prevent fluid leakage during use. The integrated gasket can also provide friction between the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 and the modular segment 910 so as to further prevent slipping.

Referring now to FIG. 10, shown therein is an exploded view of the straw assembly 900 with the inclusion of integrated gaskets 930 for use in conjunction with each of the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915. In the embodiment shown, a gasket 930 is provided for insertion into the shorter mouthpiece section 902-2 and a second gasket 930 is provided for insertion into the shorter attachment section 915-2. As such, when the straw assembly 900 is in the extended position during use, the modular segment 910 is inserted into the respective gaskets 930 of the shorter mouthpiece section 902-2 and shorter attachment section 915-2. In other embodiments, a corresponding integrated gasket 930 can be provided in the longer mouthpiece section 902-1 and/or in longer attachment section 915-1 in addition to, or in lieu of, the integrated gaskets 930 shown in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views of the gasket 930 of FIG. 10 from the front and rear, respectively. FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a portion of a mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 in which is defined an internal cavity 1170 adapted for receiving the gasket 930. The gasket 930 can be made of any suitable food-safe material including, for example, silicone, rubber, plastic, and other flexible, resilient materials. The gasket includes a reception end 1102 for receiving one end of the modular segment 910 of the straw assembly 900 and an insertion end 1104 for insertion into the respective short or long sections of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915. The gasket includes a main tubular body 1106 which extends longitudinally between the reception end 1102 and the insertion end 1104 and conforms to the tubular shape of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, an opening is defined at each of the gasket ends 1102, 1104 to allow fluid to flow through the gasket body 1106 and between the modular segment 910 and the mouthpiece 902, or between the modular segment 910 and the attachment 915.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the gasket 930 is provided with a plurality of ribs 1110 that extend longitudinally between the reception end 1102 and insertion end 1104. The ribs 1110 are raised from the body 1106 in the transverse direction (i.e., radially) to serve as guide(s) that fit into corresponding slots 1160 defined in a surface of the internal cavity 1170 of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915, depicted in FIG. 11C. Engagement of one of the ribs 1110 with a corresponding slot 1160 in this manner prevents rotation of the gasket 930 within the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket also includes a plurality of secondary ribs 1112 that engage with corresponding secondary slots 1162 defined in the surface of the internal cavity 1170 of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 to further impede rotation for the purpose of securing the gasket 930 in the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915.

In the present embodiment, a lip 1120 is provided at the insertion end 1104 of the gasket 930 to tightly snap fit into a corresponding receptacle of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 to prevent the gasket 930 from dislodging (i.e., falling out) from the internal cavity 1170. In the current embodiment, the snap fit mechanism includes a gap 1130 defined between the insertion end 1104 of the tubular body 1106 and the lip 1120, as shown in FIG. 11B. The gap 1130 allows a circumferential ledge 1172 extending from a surface of the internal cavity 1170, as shown in FIG. 11C, to be positioned therein. As such, the tubular body 1106 of the gasket is positioned at one side of the ledge 1172 while the lip 1120 is positioned on the other side of ledge 1172 to secure the gasket in place. Referring now to both FIGS. 11B and 11C, retention ribs 1135 are also distributed circumferentially along the gap 1130 in the present embodiment. These retention ribs 1135 fit or mate with corresponding retention slots 1164 defined in the ledge 1172, as shown in FIG. 11C. The engagement of the retention ribs 1135 with the retention slots 1164 further helps to impede rotation of the gasket 930 when it is inserted in to the mouthpiece 902 or the attachment 915. Such a configuration may be useful when the gasket 930, once assembled or integrated with the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915, is not intended to be regularly taken apart or disassembled. In other embodiments, where regular or ease of disassembly is desired, a different retention mechanism may be used to facilitate disassembly. For example, in such embodiments, the lip 1120 and gap 1130 are omitted and the gasket 930 may be held in place by way of friction fit.

The integrated gasket 930 is suitable for preventing air and liquid leakage when each of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 is inserted into the modular segment 910 of the straw assembly 900 at either end. In some embodiments, the gasket 930 intended for use with the shorter section of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 is longer than the corresponding gasket 930 for use with the longer section, so that when inserted onto the modular segment 910, it will have a tighter and improved seal preventing leaks and from coming apart. On the other side of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 which is longer, the gasket 930 is only needed to prevent air and leakage since the modular segment 910 which makes up the straw tube generally fits snugly together with the mouthpiece 902 and the attachment 915.

The examples and corresponding diagrams used herein are for illustrative purposes only. Different configurations and terminology can be used without departing from the principles expressed herein.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the illustrative embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A reusable drinking straw assembly comprising:

a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form an elongate tubular portion having first and second ends and a longitudinally-extending channel defined therethrough for receiving a beverage;

a mouthpiece removably attached to the first end of the tubular portion; and

a one-way valve positioned within the mouthpiece, the valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively block fluid flow within the mouthpiece.

2. The straw assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve is a cross-slit valve that divides the mouthpiece into a first chamber and a second chamber, and in the closed position the valve occludes the flow of fluid between the first chamber and the second chamber, and in the open position the valve provides an opening for fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.

3. The straw assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve is biased to be in the closed position.

4. The straw assembly of claim 1 comprising a filter attachment removably attached to the second end of the tubular portion.

5. The straw assembly of claim 1 comprising a puncturing attachment removably attached to the second end of the tubular portion, wherein at least one end of the puncturing attachment is cut at an angle to provide a puncturing tool.

6. The straw assembly of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of modular segments is shaped to form a bend in the tubular portion.

7. A reusable drinking straw assembly comprising:

at least one tubular segment forming an elongate tubular portion, the tubular portion having first and second ends and a longitudinally-extending channel defined therethrough for receiving a beverage;

a tubular mouthpiece with first and second mouthpiece openings at opposed ends of the mouthpiece for receiving the first end of the tubular portion; and

a mouthpiece neck element positioned within the mouthpiece and separating the mouthpiece into a first mouthpiece section and a second mouthpiece section, wherein the mouthpiece neck element defines a circumferential mouthpiece ledge within the mouthpiece for abutting the first end of the tubular portion.

8. The straw assembly of claim 7 wherein the mouthpiece neck element is positioned closer to the first mouthpiece opening than to the second mouthpiece opening such that the first mouthpiece section is shorter than the second mouthpiece section, and wherein insertion of the tubular portion into the first mouthpiece section to abut the mouthpiece neck element produces a first overall length of the assembled straw, and insertion of the tubular portion into the second mouthpiece section to abut the mouthpiece neck element produces a second overall length of the assembled straw, and the first overall length is greater than the second overall length.

9. The straw assembly of claim 7 comprising:

a tubular attachment with first and second attachment openings at opposed ends of the attachment for receiving the second end of the tubular portion; and

an attachment neck element positioned within the attachment that separates the attachment into a first attachment section and a second attachment section, wherein the attachment neck element defines a circumferential attachment ledge within the attachment for abutting the second end of the tubular portion, wherein the attachment neck element is positioned closer to the first attachment opening than to the second attachment opening such that the first attachment section is shorter than the second attachment section.

10. The straw assembly of claim 9 wherein insertion of the tubular portion into the first attachment section to abut the attachment neck element produces a first overall length of the assembled straw, and insertion of the tubular portion into the second attachment section to abut the attachment neck element produces a second overall length of the assembled straw, and the first overall length is greater than the second overall length.

11. The straw assembly of claim 9 wherein at least one end of the tubular attachment is cut at an angle to produce a puncturing point.

12. The straw assembly of claim 9 comprising at least one gasket, each gasket having:

a body with a reception end for receiving one end of the tubular portion and an insertion end for insertion of the gasket into one of the mouthpiece and the attachment, wherein openings are defined at each of the reception end and insertion end to allow fluid to flow between the tubular portion and the one of the mouthpiece and the attachment; and

at least one rib provided on the body and extending longitudinally between the reception end and the insertion end, the at least one rib being engageable with a corresponding slot defined in an internal surface of the one of the mouthpiece and the attachment to impede rotation of the gasket therein.

13. A reusable drinking straw assembly comprising:

at least one modular segment to form an elongate tubular portion, the tubular portion having first and second ends and a longitudinally-extending channel defined therethrough for receiving a beverage; and

a mouthpiece removably attached to the first end of the tubular portion, wherein the at least one modular segment comprises a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form the tubular portion and wherein each of the modular segments is separable longitudinally into at least two re-attachable components.

14. The straw assembly of claim 13 comprising a filter removably attached to the second end of the tubular portion, the filter comprising a plurality of perforations sized to allow a beverage to pass through during use, while blocking certain particles from entering the straw assembly.

15. The straw assembly of claim 13 wherein each of the at least one modular segment is provided with corresponding inner and outer threaded surfaces at opposite ends of the segment to enable coupling of the segment to adjacent segments or attachments.

16. The straw assembly of claim 13 wherein the mouthpiece comprises an attachment portion adapted to be press fit into the tubular portion, wherein the attachment portion of the mouthpiece is made of a compressible material.

17. The straw assembly of claim 13 comprising a one-way valve positioned within the mouthpiece, the valve having a flexible valve flap movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively block fluid flow within the mouthpiece.

18. The straw assembly of claim 17 wherein the valve flap circumferentially abuts an inner wall of the mouthpiece to divide the mouthpiece into a first chamber and a second chamber, and when the valve is in the closed position the valve flap occludes the flow of fluid between the first chamber and the second chamber.

19. The straw assembly of claim 17 wherein the mouthpiece comprises two longitudinally extending mouthpiece segments and the valve comprises a lip portion that latches to an edge of one of the mouthpiece segments, and is secured to the mouthpiece between the mouthpiece segments when the mouthpiece segments are joined together.

20. A kit for a straw, comprising:

at least one modular segment to form an elongate tubular portion, the tubular portion having a longitudinally-extending channel defined therethrough for receiving a beverage;

at least one mouthpiece adapted to be removably attached to an end of the tubular portion; and

a storage device, the storage device having at least two storage compartments, each storage compartment being adapted for storing one or more of: (1) the at least one modular segment; (2) the at least one mouthpiece; and (3) an accessory.