Abstract: A paper drinking straw is provided, including a main tube and a sub-tube. The main tube includes a first neck segment, and the sub-tube is movably sleeved with the main tube. The sub-tube includes a second neck segment and is movable in a stretching direction to increase a length of the fourth segment protruding beyond the main tube. When the sub-tube is moved to a predetermined position, the second neck segment is restricted to the first neck segment, and the sub-tube is unmovable in the stretching direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A beverage container includes an enclosure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can also be moveable to permit pressurized gas entry into the container and through the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the enclosure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.

Abstract: A drinking straw has an elongated body with a longitudinal flow channel. The user end of the body is closed and rounded for safety. A pair of lateral channels open onto the body adjacent the user end and provide fluid communication to the flow channel. The straw is injection molded, and a mold is provided which accommodates thermal expansion of a rod forming the flow channel. A pair of opposed cavity inserts form the lateral channels. To reduce bending stresses on the rod upon removal of the cavity inserts, one cavity insert is formed longer to the other. This longer cavity insert is removed prior to opening of the mold plates, and as such the straw and rod are supported against bending during this removal.

Abstract: A paper straw including a straw assembly, a shortening assembly, a drinking assembly is disclosed. The paper straw includes a cylindrical biodegradable body comprising multiple perforation lines along the top portion of the straw wherein damaged sections of the straw can be removed by ripping or tearing the section off. This allows for using of a same straw even when the top portion is damaged or soggy. This aids in environmental friendliness, as less paper straws have to be used. When it comes time to dispose of the paper straw minimal damage is done to the environment as the paper straw is biodegradable.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are presented for a buildable drinking straw. A segment of a drinking straw is hollow. A segment has a narrow end and a wider end. A wider end of a segment of a drinking straw is opposite a narrow end of the segment of the drinking straw and has a wider diameter than the narrow end of the segment of the drinking straw so that the segment of the drinking straw tapers in diameter from the wider end to the narrow end of the segment of the drinking straw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of double-walled containers with the structure of two integrally connected and adjacent containers extending in the same direction with an air gap between them, stretch-blow moulded as single bodies out of thermoplastic material, and suitable for mass-production. A thermoplastic tubular blank is formed and then heat-conditioned. The heat-conditioned tubular blank is then mechanically stretched longitudinally and blow-formed outwards by gas pressure to conformingly and stretchingly assume the tubular blank to the shape of a first dual-container shaped mould cavity set in order to form a stretch-blow moulded first container integrally connected to a second container, with both containers extending in opposite directions. Next, additional heat-conditioning is applied to further heat-condition as necessary the stretch-blow moulded second container and if deemed an advantage, at least part of the first container.

Abstract: The invention of this straw is designed to turn the straw into one of reusable tableware, thereby reducing or even avoiding the use of disposable plastic straws, reducing their negative impact on the environment and health, and improving people's lives. Reducing the amount of disposable plastic straws is one of the most effective ways to reduce the damage of plastic waste to the nature. The straw in this invention has a pair of tabs affixed to the edge of the straw opening for easy opening of the straw.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a straw (1), a straw assembly (2) and a cup assembly (3). The straw (1) comprises first holes (13) in an upper half and second holes (14) in a lower half both arranged at the lateral surface of the straw (1). A sleeve element (20) can be arranged coaxially to and around the straw (1) to form a straw assembly (2). The sleeve element (20) is configured to close the first holes (13) in a first position and the second holes (14) in a second position. The straw assembly (2) can be arranged in a cup assembly (3). As the sleeve element (20) is also configured to float in a liquid the sleeve element (20) is moved through the force of buoyancy either to the first or the second position depending on the inclination of the cup assembly (3) with respect to the force of gravity. This provides a solution for any angle drinking.

Abstract: An extendable straw includes a relatively smaller diameter tube, a relatively larger diameter tube, and a collar. The smaller diameter tube includes a radially enlarged section adjacent one end. The larger diameter tube receives the smaller diameter tube and is more flexible than the smaller diameter tube. The radially enlarged section contacts and seals against an inner surface of the larger diameter tube. The collar is connected at a non-drinking end of the larger diameter tube, the collar being more rigid than the larger diameter tube and receiving the smaller diameter tube. The smaller diameter tube is movable in an axial direction with respect to both the collar and the larger diameter tube. At least one of the collar and the larger diameter tube cooperates with the radially enlarged section to inhibit further axial movement of the smaller diameter tube with respect to the collar beyond an extended position.

Abstract: The pocket straw is a straw. The straw is a tube used to consume a liquid. The pocket straw comprises a tubular transport structure and a plurality of caps. The tubular transport structure has a composite prism structure. The tubular transport structure has a tube structure. The tubular transport structure forms the tube of the pocket straw. A vacuum is created at an end of the tubular transport structure such that the liquid is drawn through the tubular transport structure for consumption. The tubular transport structure is a telescopic structure such that the span of the length of the center axis of the tubular transport structure is adjustable. The plurality of caps enclose the open ends of the tube structure of the tubular transport structure when the pocket straw is not in use.

Abstract: A barrier system for a container, includes a fluid permeable solids barrier comprising an outer flange surrounding a central fluid permeable sieve; an upper port located at an interior edge of an upper side of the outer flange, a lower port on an opposite lower side of the outer flange in fluid communication with the upper port by a flow path therebetween, and a fluid permeable sieve located in the flow path between the upper port and the lower port. The system also includes a straw having an upper end configured to fittingly engage the lower port of the fluid permeable solids barrier spout; and a spout having a lower port configured to fittingly engage the upper port of the fluid permeable solids barrier.

Abstract: An elongated hollow tubular member for drinking the beverage, an agitator for mixing the beverage, and a linear to rotary mechanism combining the elongated hollow tubular member and the agitator for converting linear motion of the elongated hollow tubular member to rotary motion of the agitator for mixing the beverage.

Abstract: A drinking straw comprises a tubular body (21) intended to define a passage for a liquid product and a tip portion (22) intended to pierce a pierceable portion of a container to allow consumption of the liquid product, wherein said tip portion (22) is bounded by two stiffness promoting elements (25) obtained by bending and permanently deforming said tubular body.

Abstract: A process for thermal cracking of a feedstock of plastic materials, in particular waste materials, includes the steps of melting the feedstock, conveying melted feedstock in a pyrolysis chamber where the melted feedstock is heated in a substantially oxygen purged environment, to convert it into pyrolysis gases, the process further comprising the steps of: driving pyrolysis gases from the pyrolysis chamber into a tray reflux column comprising a partial condenser at its upper extremity, returning pyrolysis gases condensed in the tray reflux column into the pyrolysis chamber, distilling pyrolysis gases exiting the partial condenser of the reflux column, to provide one or more fuel products.

Abstract: An environmentally-friendly fiber straw structure includes a straw body made of an environmentally-friendly fiber material. The straw body has an inlet and an outlet at two ends thereof and a circular section having a circular cross-section between the inlet and the outlet. From the circular section to the outlet forms a first tapered section at a first inclination so that the outlet has an approximately elliptical shape. When in use, the mouth of a user sucks the outlet of the straw body for drinking a beverage, the first tapered section corresponds in shape to the mouth, thereby avoiding rotation of the straw body, reducing a gap between the mouth and the straw body.

Abstract: Reusable chopsticks that are foldable into a compact configuration for storage and easily transportable in a storage case. The chopsticks each comprise a rigid external structure and at least one flexible internal member that is foldable to a compact configuration for storage. In a folded configuration, the reusable chopsticks have a significantly reduced length of approximately one-half to one-fourth of their extended length when in use. The external structure of the chopstick is preferably formed of multiple rigid segments connected by the flexible internal member(s) in the extended configuration during use as chopsticks. A storage case is provided to store the chopsticks in the folded configuration in a compact form.

Abstract: A wood-made straw includes a hollow tube formed by a wood sheet wound and an adhesive film wrapping the outer surface and the inner surface of the hollow tube. The adhesive film includes an edible glue made of natural material. The edible glue can improve the hardness of the hollow tube and have flexible, soft, and moistureproof properties. The wood sheet further includes two log sheets and a paper sheet therebetween to improve the whole strength and waterproof properties. The wood-made straw is made of natural material which is rapidly biodegradable. It costs 1-6 months to naturally decompose the wood-made straw. Thus, the wood-made straw has a vale for environment protection.

Abstract: A drinking straw including first and second straw portions. The second straw portion is configured to be removably attachable to the first straw portion. At least a portion of a through-channel is defined between the first and second straw portions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for enhancing drinking chilled drinking vessels are provided. In some aspects, a concentric set of arms or tabs in a pre-configured section of a drinking vessel applies holding pressure to expanded water poured within the section. A beverage is then poured over the frozen water, submerging it. In other aspects, holding pressure is maintained through flexible and/or adjustable arms, and lateral play eliminated, even if the frozen water melts. In other embodiments, a loop or set of loops extends from the center of the vessel above the section, and separate, flexible members (preferably cambered) are threaded through the loops after the water is frozen to apply greater holding pressure.

Abstract: A beverage container accommodating a cooling straw for dispersing heat while consuming a hot beverage from a cup or other container. A beverage container lid includes a cover portion for covering an interior chamber of a cup, a flange extending downwardly from the cover portion, and a cooling straw comprising a distal portion and proximal portion, the distal portion includes an uptake hole formed therein, and the proximal portion includes a plurality of cooling holes formed therein. The cooling straw may also include an intermediate portion disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion, the distal portion including a plurality of uptake holes formed therein, and the intermediate portion or the proximal portion includes a plurality of cooling holes formed therein. The cooling straw may also include at least one bendable section.

Abstract: A collapsible bag or compressible bottle container for accepting, holding, and filtering fluid. Fluid is filtered upon entry to the container or filtered upon egress. The filter media resides either in a removable cap, or in a second fluid-tight compartment attached to, and in fluid communication with, the container body. A one-way valve with unique one-time connection to a fluid source mitigates potential contamination from container overuse. A second collapsible layer is used in conjunction with the collapsible bag to accept compressed air that provides rigidity for the container body.

Abstract: An assist device includes: a connecting section communicatively connected to the channel; a holding section attached to an outer side of either the insertion section of the endoscope or an operation section connected to the insertion section; and a flexible section forming an insertion path through which the treatment instrument is inserted, and including an expansion-and-contraction section including a more deformable structure than any other parts in an entire length between one end and another end of the flexible section. The flexible section is connected to the connecting section at the one end and connected to the holding section at the another end.

Abstract: A water bottle is provided, including a first cover, a second cover having a convex tube, a push button structure, a bottle body, and a straw structure. The push button structure includes a body, a first buckle member, a second buckle member, and an elastic member. The first buckle member is for buckling the first cover. The second buckle member is for buckling the second cover. The elastic member is for bearing against the second cover. The bottle body is used to be connected with the second cover. The straw structure is located inside the bottle body and the convex tube, and includes an elongate tube and an elastic tube. The elastic forces of the push button structure and the straw structure facilitate the water bottle to be used easily.

Abstract: A drinking straw includes a generally elongate tube having a sidewall defining an internal bore, wherein one end of the straw is provided with a piercing projection formed from a portion of the sidewall and reinforced by a folded portion of the sidewall. The straw is manufactured from an elongate tube on which a piercing projection is formed at one end by folding a portion of the sidewall at that end to reinforce the projection.

Abstract: An improved metal drinking straw is provided. The improved metal drinking straw includes an outer wall provided with a rough surface, an inner wall formed as a smooth mirror surface, and one end formed as a guiding structure. The guiding structure includes at least one first recess and at least one first protrusion. The first recess and the first protrusion are alternately connected.

Abstract: An embryo replacement catheter has a flexible extruded shaft of a transparent polyurethane with a bore extending along its length. Gas bubbles of a diameter in the range 5.0 mu. to 10.0 mu. are incorporated into the thickness of the wall of the shaft by adding gas during extrusion. The bubbles are selected to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound imaging whilst still enabling material flowing along the catheter to be seen. The inventive catheter is not confined to embryo replacement catheters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drinking straw comprising: a thermoplastic wall having an elongate container portion; liquid permeable closures closing off the container portion; at least one effervescent tablet disposed within the container portion such that a clearance is left between the inner side of the wall and the at least one tablet; a hygroscopic filler disposed at both sides of the at least one tablet within the container portion.

Abstract: A straw includes an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated body with a hollow center and an outer surface; an opening extending through a thickness of the body and in fluid communication with the hollow center; and a sleeve slidingly engaged with the outer surface and configured to completely cover the opening.

Abstract: A drinking straw comprises a thermoplastic tube and an active ingredient in the tube, releasable in a liquid drawn through the tube. The active ingredient is held in place between branched portions of the straw defined by neighbouring recesses formed in the tube and an inner seam connecting the neighbouring recesses. The branched portions are spaced from the ends of the straw. A device and method for making the drinking straw are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating component adapted for sealed engagement to a drinking straw is provided to prevent excess fluid flow to users drinking with a straw. The device has a body adapted to engage the straw at one end to direct fluid flow through an axial cavity to an exit aperture. A translating valve body within the axial cavity ceases fluid flow during periods of excess acceleration or volume. A secondary valve may be engaged to prevent backflow of the fluid.

Abstract: A drinking straw for progressively adding an active ingredient to a carrier liquid as the liquid is drawn through the straw. The straw includes a generally elongate tubular body having an internal bore and a sidewall. The tube includes first and second filters and disposed at respective first and second ends and, of the tube. Together, the first and second filters retain a predetermined measure of soluble active ingredients within the bore of the tube, while allowing a carrier liquid to be drawn through the straw, by oral suction. The active ingredient, takes the form of a plurality of solid pellets. Each filter is formed by blocking, closing or constricting the tube at or adjacent the corresponding end and providing at least one aperture sized to be sufficiently small to retain the pellets within the tube whilst sufficiently large to allow passage of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.

Abstract: A filter straw and kit including a backwashing unit for the filter straw. The filter straw generally includes an elongated housing extending between opposite input and output openings. One or more filtering regions and/or other fluid treating regions may be located within and along a portion of the elongated passageway. The filtering and treating regions include filtering screens, activated carbon filters, silver metal treating regions, and ultraviolet light treating regions.

Abstract: A non-disposable decorative straw and embellishment system is provided that includes a drinking straw portion and an embellishment. The drinking straw portion includes a hollow tubular member, an exterior wall configured with at least one circumferential groove, a lower-wall section disposed below the circumferential groove, and an upper-wall section disposed above the circumferential groove. The at least one embellishment is configured to at least partially fit within the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A drinking straw that can be used to dispense a substance such as vitamins, pharmaceuticals, or diet supplements that is stored inside of the straw body. The straw includes a one-way liquid flow valve at one end of straw that prevents drawn liquid and any of the dissolved materials from returning to the initial liquid source that is drawn through the straw when the straw is not in use. The straw may include a one-way valve or crimp for acting as a one-way valve.

Abstract: A straw includes a straw body, an air return flap and a retaining ring, both the air return flap and the retaining ring are provided on the straw body, and the retaining ring is located above the air return flap and spaced apart from the air return flap. A lid equipped with the straw includes a lid body and an inserting hole, the inserting hole is provided on the lid body and is used for passing the straw therethrough. The present application can achieve the effect of automatic air return, the structure of which is simple, the air return effect is better, and the straw and the lid functioning to air return is easy to clean after being disassembled.

Abstract: A drinking straw includes a tube having an upper end including a first opening, a lower end including a second opening, and an outer wall extending between the upper and lower ends. A wrapper covers the tube and a securing element permanently attaches the wrapper to the outer wall of the tube. The wrapper is adapted to be opened for exposing the first and second openings of the tube while the securing element maintains the attachment of the wrapper to the tube. The outer wall of the tube has an inner surface, whereby at least two opposing sections of the inner surface of the outer wall are joined together for forming a bifurcated opening adjacent an end of the tube. The bifurcated opening defines a total area that is smaller than the area of the opening at the opposite end of the tube.

Abstract: A cap for a drinking straw preferably includes a container provided with an inner chamber and with an element to be torn from one of the wall of the container for enabling access within the chamber, and a body attached to the container and provided with a portion adapted to enter at least partly within the drinking channel, whereby the body is adapted so as to form an air passage between the drinking channel and the gas atmosphere when the body extends within the drinking straw.

Abstract: A double bend straw comprising: a first segment at a top portion of the double bend straw; a second segment in a middle portion of the double bend straw; a third segment at a bottom portion of the double bend straw; a first accordion portion connecting the first segment to the second segment; and a second accordion portion connecting the second segment to the third segment, wherein the first accordion portion and the second accordion portion enable the double bend straw to extend, retract and bend as desired by a user. The first segment includes either an opening or a mouthpiece at a top end of the first segment.

Abstract: A drinking mouth portion pointing upward is provided on a plug body of a container main body having a sealed structure. A down-pointing beverage cylindrical member is built into the container main body and has a front edge side thereof communicated with the drinking mouth portion. Provided inside a fluid passage of the beverage cylindrical member is a valve movable in accordance with a pressure difference therein. The valve is not manually opened and closed, but reacts to a suction force in the fluid passage. An up-pointing cut-out section is provided on a lower edge of the beverage cylindrical member, thus allowing one to drink up a content fluid remaining in an inner bottom section. Therefore, a relatively small number of additional parts are needed to address the spewing of a content fluid and the occurrence of a residual liquid at the time of opening the drinking mouth portion.

Abstract: A drinking straw including means for dislodging food particles stuck, for example, between teeth is disclosed. The drinking straw includes a projection which is narrower than the diameter of the straw cylinder and operable to dislodge matter from between teeth. The projection may be attached to the cylinder in such a way that that it can be removed from the drinking straw.

Abstract: A straw for dispensing fluids includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an outer surface, and at least one aperture extending from the first end to the second end defining an inner surface. The aperture has a non-circular cross-sectional shape, such as an oval, an ellipse, a tear drop, and the like. The straw is made of a durable, non-toxic material, such as thermoplastic material that is suitable to withstand a temperature of the fluid of up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, while preventing toxin release related to common cold beverage straws when immersed in hot beverages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a flexible drinking straw. The straw allows a user to easily suction liquid while preventing foreign bodies in the liquid from entering the mouth of a user. The straw comprises a tube defining a substantially constant cross-sectional inner channel, The tube has a multitude of fins extending from an inner wall of the tube to a distance from the inner wall. The fins create either a single or multiple liquid-way(s) that allow the liquid to flow freely while blocking foreign bodies that may be in the liquid. The straw comprises a tube with a cut and crimped end creating either single or multiple liquid-way(s) that allow liquid to flow freely while blocking foreign bodies.

Abstract: Devices for removably supporting a cell phone above a disposable beverage cup while a user sips the beverage, include a looped straw and a phone supporting bracket formed on the top surface of a lid for the cup.

Abstract: A temperature changing device has a tubular member with a restricting portion that changes the air speed and pressure of liquids flowing there. An air inlet is provided to allow cooling or warming air to be drawn in and mix with the liquid in a mixing region. The air inlet is placed close to the bottom portion of the restricting portion. The restricting portion and inlet opening are placed far enough from the open top portion to allow for sufficient temperature change. In one embodiment, a stirring portion is provided to allow a user to stir a beverage such as coffee or tea.

Abstract: A novelty drinking straw formed of flexible transparent tubing has a central section formed in the shape of script spelling a name or short phrase. Two end sections extend from the ends of the central section and are joined by a knot to form a necklace. Two tube sections connect at the knot to the ends of the central section and can connect to a fluid container and the user's mouth. By sucking on the mouth section, fluid is drawn from the container, through the central section and then the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A new and useful system, method and components are provided, for hydrating and cooling a cyclist, in a manner that is efficient and effective, and in a manner that minimizes disruption of the cyclists attention to his/her riding. The components and system include a liquid container connected to a portion of a cycle and hydrating and actuating components that use the liquid (preferably water) in the liquid container. The liquid container has a body of liquid and the hydrating and actuating components include a drinking straw extending into the body of liquid, a spray device having a tube extending into the container with a spray head located outside the container, and an actuator mechanism comprising a pumping component in fluid communication with the liquid in the container and a hand actuated trigger mechanism located to be accessible to the hand of a cyclist.

Abstract: This innovation about plastic drinking straw with a fixed clip designed to use with Carbonated Soft Drinks, so that the user can install and fix the straw inside the drinking glass or vessel by inserting the clip over the edge of the drinking vessel, this clip will make the straw firmly stable inside the drinking glass and prevent it from floating on the surface of the soft drink and falling outside the glass.

Abstract: The invention involves the incorporation and enablement of multiple interactive elements into high-volume consumables products to increase utility, function and features of the consumable product at minimal incremental cost and adjustment to production and manufacturing processes. The invention further reports processes and compositions that enable consumable products with differentiating features which product would otherwise be deficient for their intended use and application.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating component adapted for sealed engagement to a drinking straw is provided to prevent excess fluid flow to users drinking with a straw. The device has a body adapted to engage the straw at one end to direct fluid flow through an axial cavity to an exit aperture. A translating valve body within the axial cavity ceases fluid flow during periods of excess acceleration or volume. A secondary valve may be engaged to prevent backflow of the fluid.