Abstract: A drinking straw that purifies water by forced movement of water through the straw. The straw is composed of: 1) a filter plug made of a fibrous structure, the filter plug having sides, a first end, a second end, and a firmness sufficient to avoid collapse of the fibrous structure under a specified pressure drop; 2) a water purification material integrated in the fibrous structure; and 3) a liquid impervious wrapper covering the sides of the filter plug, the wrapper defining openings at the first and second ends of the filter plug.

Abstract: A clip-on straw apparatus permitting persons to drink from a cup, glass, or the like without a need to stabilize the straw by hand.

Abstract: A liquid delivery device for swallowing-impaired users comprising a dip tube disposed in a liquid source, a delivery straw for receipt in the user's mouth, and a pumping mechanism disposed between the dip tube and the delivery straw for conveying liquid from the source to the mouth of the user. The pumping mechanism includes a manual actuator and a central reservoir such that actuation of the actuator empties the reservoir, and return of the actuator to a rest position re-fills the reservoir.

Abstract: A bite valve for delivering liquid to the mouth of an individual includes a hollow body portion and a deformable closure connected to the body portion. A plurality of spaced slits are formed in the deformable closure. A portion of the deformable closure between the slits changes shape when the bite valve is subjected to opposed compressive forces. This causes the portion of the deformable closure to change shape and the slits to open and form a plurality of openings allowing liquid flow through the deformable closure.

Abstract: A novelty drinking straw in the form of a drinking tube having a three dimensional cage for containing a prize object therein. The straw includes first and second linear end portions, a three dimensional, prize containing cage, and means for retaining the prize in the cage. The cage may be configured so that the prize cannot slip out, or it may include a linear extending portion passing through the cage and an apertured prize contained therein. The novelty straw and contained prize object find particular utility as giveaway premiums and favors.

Abstract: A filtering straw for drawing liquid from a container includes a tube with a pair of filters, one filter being removably mounted in each end of the tube. Each of the filters includes a portion extending into the corresponding end of the tube, each of which has an outer circumferential liquid permeable surface cooperating with the inner circumferential of surface of the tube to define an annular chamber therebetween. Accordingly, the cross sectional area through which fluid is drawn by sucking on the straw is the circumferential surface of each filter.

Abstract: A straw for a drinking container that is self-ventilating and self-sealing. The straw has two parts, a straw tip and a straw cover. The cover is retained on the straw tip and is movable by manual pressure between a closed position and an open position. The tip has a solid closed top and an open bottom to allow for a straw extension piece to extend into the container for drawing liquid up into the straw. The straw is self-sealing in that a hole in the cover through which a user would suck is sized to sealingly fit the end of the tip in the closed position. In addition, the cover and tip are sealed at the open bottom in the closed position and drainage holes in the tip allow any liquid that falls between the cover and the tip to flow back into the container. The tip has an abutment surface around its perimeter between holes that release liquid in the user's mouth and holes that allow for air intake.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a cylindrical tube having a smaller diameter portion in which a plunger is mounted for sliding sealing movement. The inner end of the cylinder is sealed from the interior of the tube by a rupturable element, and the plunger has sharp end edge which will rupture the sealing element when the plunger is depressed. The outer end of the plunger is formed with a series of grooves capable of retaining a sample. Depression of the plunger breaks the sealing element and carries the sample into the tube to test its reaction with a reagent previously sealed in the tube. The end of the plunger remote from the sealing element forms a seal in the cylinder. A generally similar arrangement at the opposite end of the tube allows a second reagent to be added to the reagent in the tube.

Abstract: A novelty drinking straw which includes a planar insert for the display of amusement or advertising indicia thereon. The straw includes a drinking tube having linearly extending first and second ends, and a loop disposed therebetween. The loop passes through more than 360.degree. of arc for a distance to define a doubled portion of the loop including an inner and an outer passage. The outer passage terminates in a transverse attachment portion. A planar insert is attached to the loop by means of a first cut-out portion through which the attachment portion of the loop passes. At least one section of the insert is sandwiched between the inner and outer passages so that the insert is prevented from rotating substantially out of the plane of the loop.

Abstract: A sucking straw has a substantially flat configuration and is provided with a plurality of adjoining beverage sucking channels. The straw fits the contour of the lips so that no air may go through when liquid is being sucked by the user. The amount of liquid being sucked is substantially greater than with conventional straws.

Abstract: A tubular drinking straw assembly adapted to be positioned on the user's head and defining an icon above the user's head of any desired configuration such for example as an animal depiction. The straw assembly includes ascending and descending portions positioned along opposite sides of the user's head and intersecting below the chin of the user where they are intertwined utilizing a connector clip to firmly position the straw assembly on the user's head and preclude inadvertent displacement of the assembly from the user's head. The movement of a colored and/or effervescent liquid from a beverage container and through the straw assembly to the user's mouth creates a colorful, sparkling and jocular party atmosphere.

Abstract: A straw is formed by a hollow upper part, a hollow lower part and an enlargement provided between the hollow upper and lower parts. The lower part extends into the enlargement to define a space therein between the hollow lower part and the enlargement. The hollow upper part opens into the enlargement above this space. With this construction, after the straw has been used to draw a beverage from a container, the space in the enlargement will remain filled with a portion of the beverage.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains generally to an improved design over conventional drinking straws and is particularly suitable for individuals, such as runners, who need to intake liquid refreshment while in motion.

Abstract: In one configuration, a urine sampler comprises a hollow, cylindrical main stick body that is closed at least at one end and has a plurality of urine collection apertures formed in the wall thereof and, in another, comprises a urine collector having a long rod-shaped handle, a urine collection member constituted continuously with the handle and provided with urine collection apertures and a urine accumulator constituted continuously with the base of the urine collection member, and a urine storage capsule having a cutter for cutting a portion of the urine collector, a urine container for receiving urine flowing in from the urine collector and a lid. In the second configuration, the urine collector and the urine storage capsule are separate units. The urine sampler of either configuration is compact and extremely easy to use for collecting a urine sample of the minimum required quantity and, moreover, enables the collected sample to be safely transferred without spilling.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved water delivery apparatus which may be adapted to be mounted for use on a bicycle in which water may be delivered to be sprayingly discharged through the sprayer or to a mouthpiece which may be placed in a bicycle rider's mouth to allow water to be discharged directly therein. This apparatus operates with an existing standard water bottle for a bicycle and alleviates the possibility of having a stream of water misdirected, distracting the rider, nor will a rider be caught off-guard receiving a stream of water in the face when a spray was anticipated.

Abstract: This invention provides for a continuous PTFE fiber having on its surface a substantially round profile and a single spiralling seam formed from a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene which is helically rolled and self-adhered. The PTFE sheet may include microporous PTFE as well as expanded microporous PTFE. The PTFE sheet may be filled with particulate fillers or coated with polymeric coatings prior to the formation of the inventive fiber. The PTFE sheet may be used to contain various filamentary or sheet-like elements with the inventive fiber.The method for producing the inventive fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drinking device which, after suitable refrigeration, acts as a heat exchanger to draw heat from a hot liquid, thereby delivering cooled beverage to the user's mouth. The device includes flexible, concentric inner and outer tubes, the inner tube comprising a length of flexible, beverage grade tubing having an outer diameter at least 1/16 of an inch less than the inner diameter of the outer tube and a length at least thirty percent greater than that of the outer tube. An air space between the tubes is filled with a thermally conductive, non-toxic solid, forming the heat exchanger portion of the device.

Abstract: A beverage container having a sloping upper wall and enclosing a self-contained pop-up straw assembly. The straw assembly has telescopic inner and outer tubes and resilient means urging the tubes against the sloping container wall, causing the straw assembly to center itself and pop-up when the container is opened.

Abstract: A device for facilitating administration of medicine to a patient comprises a straw having a lower end and an upper end, a cup-shaped member defining a receptacle space, and graduation markings or other indicators on the cup-shaped member for providing a volumetric indication of an amount of liquid deposited into the receptacle space. The cup-shaped member is connected to the straw at the lower end so that a lower tip of the straw communicates with a lower region of the receptacle space.

Abstract: The invention provides spill-resistent drinking straws which are normally maintained in a substantially sealed state such that liquid is substantially prevented from flowing through the straw, but which can be manually deformed to an open state for use in drinking in which liquid can readily flow through the straw. A biasing member which is either integrally formed in the straw or attached to the straw maintains the straw in the substantially sealed state and automatically returns the straw from the open state to the substantially sealed state in the absence of external force. In some embodiments of the invention, the straw is constructed such that it is substantially sealed when in a bent condition such that the straw is crimped and thereby substantially sealed. In other embodiments of the invention, the straw is maintained in a substantially sealed position when in a straightened form.

Abstract: A drinking straw assembly includes a plurality of drinking straw tubular segments with each segment having a first open end and a second open end with a tubular passage therebetween. A tubular fastener is permanently attached to the second end of each of the tubular segments and is removably connectable to the first open end of another one of the tubular segments. A mouthpiece is connectable to one of the tubular fasteners. A plurality of the tubular segments have different shaped convolutions, twists and windings such that an assembly of the tubular segments provide for a serpentine convoluted drinking straw assembly.

Abstract: A drinking straw, designed to demonstrate the need for teamwork, which includes a hollow chamber to which is connected, at its lower end, a tubular inlet member which extends downwardly so as to form a passage for flow of liquid from a reservoir into the hollow chamber. At or proximate the upper part of the hollow chamber are connected a plurality of tubular outlet mouthpiece members, normally two for a basic "love straw" configuration, which extend outwardly therefrom so as to form passages for the flow of liquid from the hollow chamber. The hollow chamber has an internal volume of at least five cubic centimeters, a preferred volume of approximately twenty cubic centimeters, and is formed in the shape of a heart. The hollow chamber may be formed to be separable into two or more sections to facilitate cleaning of the interior of the chamber. The tubular inlet member and the tubular outlet mouthpiece members may be separable from the hollow chamber.

Abstract: A filtered drinking straw for reducing the amount of impurities in an aqueous solution and method for using same. The straw comprises a tube having a passageway containing filtering medium and plugs positioned in the tube to keep the filter medium in the straw. The plugs permit passage of the aqueous solution therethrough but not the passage of the filter medium. The plugs are retained within the tube in a force fit relation by being inserted when compressed and then released. Preferably, the plugs have increased resiliency at temperatures above room temperature, are inserted compressed when hot and cool in position to a substantially non-resilient form.

Abstract: A drinking straw contained in a beverage carton having a flexible portion (2) and a buoy (8). The carbon has a clamp (17) and a straw retainer (18) that holds the straw vertically inside the carton. When the carton is opened the straw (1) comes up immediately to an ideal drinking position. The consumer has the option of extending the straw, which consists of two telescopically engaged tubes.

Abstract: A retraction resistant straw of a generally cylindrical construction having a retaining tab having one edge secured to the outer periphery of the cylinder of the straw substantially parallel to the cylinder's longitudinal axis. A retaining edge from the tab extends radially from the cylinder. The tab is flexible and may be laid about the outer periphery of the straw when same is inserted into a disposable juice carton, and will return to a relaxed position so that the retaining surface will engage the inside of the upper wall of a juice carton when a child or other user attempts to retract same. An alternate embodiment having a circular retaining edge which is the bottom of a truncated cone coaxial with the straw is also shown.

Abstract: A drinking cup defining a cup-shaped base, including an upper terminal end securably mounting a lid thereon, wherein the lid includes a guide bore directed coaxially of the lid and aligned with an axis defined by the cup. A drinking tube is slidably directed through the bore, with the drinking tube including an abutment formed about the tube below the bore. A modification of the invention includes the abutment formed of an upper and lower cup-shaped disk member defining a cavity therebetween, wherein the cavity is arranged to receive a fluid soluble food component therewithin for enhancing flavor of fluid directed through the tube.

Abstract: A straw for drinking liquids from an initially sealed container is provided with a pointed end for piercing an opening in the container. The straw is provided with a cross-sectional configuration which creates an unobstructed air passage into the container even when the opening formed by the straw is of no larger diameter than the end of the straw which is used to pierce the container. The straw may have an enlarged piercing head or recessed flutes extending longitudinally to assure creation and maintenance of the air passage.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein which will cool potable liquids by running the material through capillary tubes which themselves are cooled by various cooling materials. As a result, by the time the liquid is sipped from the straw and through the wound capillary tubes it will have cooled to a point as if it had been refrigerated in its original container.

Abstract: A squirting straw device for playing a practical joke on a drinker or another nearby is described. The straw is constructed so as to direct pressurized liquid to strike the supposed drinker or another nearby in response to suction being applied at an opening of the straw.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device, which may be used as a drinking tube assembly to stablish fluid communication between the interior of a canteen and the interior of a protective mask, defines a pair of parallel fluid flow paths which respectively include opposite directly check valves. The parallel flow paths merge at the opposite ends of the assembly to form common flow paths which may be caused to respectively communicate with a suction tube and liquid storage container.

Abstract: A telescoping straw assembly includes an inner straw resiliently biased within an outer straw. The assembly may be placed within a container so that upon opening the container the inner straw extends beyond the container opening to become available for drinking.

Abstract: A device for extracting juice from oranges and other citrus fruits of various dimensions. The device is capable of capturing most of the juice within the fruit without juice leaking from the device onto the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telescopic drinking straw or double sucking tube in which a synthetic resin tube section having a smaller diameter is inserted into a synthetic resin tube section having a larger diameter. In the sucking tube, a flange which is in tight contact with the inner surface of the larger tube section is formed on the smaller tube section, while a convex portion supporting the smaller tube section is formed on the inside of the larger tube section. Both the larger and smaller tube sections are produced from materials having different compositions from one another, so that leakage of fluid from a joint portion of the larger and smaller tube sections as well as shaky motion of the smaller tube section are prevented by these arrangements.

Abstract: A straw guide having a body portion for suspension along the outside of a drinking glass. The body portion includes upper and lower zones of contact conformed to respectively receive the rim of the glass and the outside sidewall therein. The zones of contact releasably affix the body on the outside of the glass in a manner to preclude any undesirable wobble/spatial displacement between the guide and the glass. An aperture in the body allows for extension of an angled drinking straw therethrough and into the inside of the glass.

Abstract: A telescopic straw assembly has an outer straw with a collar of reduced diameter at one end through an inner straw of smaller diameter can be withdrawn to increase the length of the straw with a minimum resistance. The inner end of the inner straw has an intermediate portion adjacent its inner end of a larger diameter which is designed to be pulled telescopically into the outer straw's collar portion and in so doing expand the collar portion to provide an airtight seal and firmly hold the straws together. The straws have additional interengaging features to further stabilize them both axially and radially when in extended position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a beverage container having a tapered neck portion smaller than a buoyant chamber on the container advertising straw having a flexible straw the overall length of which fits from the inside of the container bottom to the inside of the container cap when the cap is seated on the container top. A mini-buoyant chamber in the geometric form of the container in which it is to be placed is on the exterior of the straw. The mini-chamber has an external diameter such as to catch against the inner neck of the beverage container to prohibit accidental separation of the straw from the bottle, but which permits removal of the straw and mini-container from the beverage container by a firm pull, which due to the constriction of the neck, will compress the mini-container from the bottle. An advertising message is on the exterior of the mini-container containing the logo of the bottler which will remain with the straw and mini-buoyant after its disassociation from the bottle.

Abstract: A straw for sucking beverages which can be utilized to convey advertizing information and messages includes a panel having two opposed flat major faces, a plurality of channels extending between the major faces and having open ends at opposite edges of the panel, and at least one liquid suction region and liquid pick-up region which are formed at the edges and interconnected by at least two of the channels.

Abstract: A liquid container is made of a flexible film and a delivery device is securely attached to the container in such a way that a conduit portion of the delivery device extends into the interior of the liquid container. An opening is formed in the cylindrical wall of the conduit portion adjacent to the sealed top of the container. When the delivery device is used as a straw, the opening is closed with the wall of the container because of its flexibility. When the content in the container is poured into another liquid receptacle, the opening is used as an inlet so that the content of the container can be completely emptied.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering liquid from a container to the mouth of a patient on demand comprises a flexible tube having first and second ends, the first end being insertable into the container, and a rigid tube having a first end attachable to the second end of the flexible tube and a second end attachable to a flexible drinking straw. The rigid tube has a first portion terminating in the first end of the rigid tube and a second portion extending laterally from the first portion in cantilever fashion so as to locate the second end of the rigid tube laterally spaced from the first portion, whereby the patient, by only a slight head movement, can grasp the straw and obtain liquid from the container through the flexible and rigid tubes and the straw, without assistance from any other person.

Abstract: A drinking apparatus for enabling more than one person to simultaneously drink a liquid which is being held in a container. The drinking apparatus includes a plurality of tubes, the tubes being secured to a base member. Each of the tubes can be used, simultaneously, to drink the liquid, in much the same fashion as a straw is used.

Abstract: A straw of telescopic construction permits the straw, when collapsed, to be no longer than a beverage container to which it is attached but long enough, when extended, to reach the container's bottom and extend beyond the top of the container. The straw includes means to prevent the inner straw being pushed through the bottom end of the outer straw and a structure which interlocks to positively hold the extended straws in extended position against inadvertent telescopic collapse. The structure includes an air seal at the straw juncture when they are fully extended.

Abstract: A portable thermos bottle with retractable suction tube comprising a case, a cup cover, an inner cover with a sliding slot, a slide block capable of sliding up and down on the sliding slot, a spiral reel fitted in the inner cover and having a helical groove, a projecting helical rib, an upper journal and a holed lower journal, two coiled springs fitted on the upper and lower journals, and a flexible sucker having one end coming out of the slide block and another extending through the lower journal hole into the bottle so that it is easier to suck the liquid or beverage in the bottle with the retractable suction tube.

Abstract: A fluid container and dispenser including an elastomeric reservoir and a dispensing tube connected thereto and a valve to either allow or inhibit fluid flow into or out of the reservoir. One embodiment includes an elongate tube with a hole in one side and an elastomeric sleeve surrounding a portion of the tube. A sliding valve element is mounted in the tube to close the hole. The valve element is mounted on a second, smaller tube which slides within the first-mentioned tube. The sleeve is filled by sliding the valve element away from the hole and injecting fluid under pressure into the sleeve to expand it. The valve then is slid to its closed position. The combined first-mentioned and second tubes together form a straw to withdraw fluid from a secondary container into which fluid may be dispensed.

Abstract: A two-stage type of freely elongatable sucking pipe comprising a larger-diameter pipe (e.g. for use as a drinking straw) member and a smaller-diameter pipe member inserted in the larger-diameter pipe member wherein the larger-diameter pipe member has a smaller diameter at the tip thereof to be brought into close contact with the outside surface of the smaller-diameter pipe member and/or the smaller-diameter pipe member has an expanded tip kept in close contact with the inside surface of the larger-diameter pipe member, the larger-diameter pipe member being made of a propylene type of polymer having a melt flow index of 7 to 14 g/10 min and stiffness of 10000 to 13000 kg/cm.sup.2, and the smaller-diameter pipe member being made of polypropylene homopolymer having a melt flow index of 7 to 14 g/10 min and stiffness of at least 13500 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A drinking device adapted for interposition between two drinking straws. An impeller mounted inside the device is rotated by fluid drawn through the device by the user, the impeller turning an external vane for the amusement of the user.

Abstract: A drinking straw in which the hollow tube has inlet and outlet ends that are coextensive with an engagement that engage walls of a drinking vessel to hold the straw and the vessel together and in which the an engagement includes turns which are a continuation of the tube and form an integral part of the flow path of the drinking straw.

Abstract: A toothpaste applicator comprises an applicator head formed on one end of a drinking straw. The head preferably comprises a pair of wing-shaped portions adapted to retain toothpaste, with a removable cover strip. The head may be textured on its convex and/or concave surfaces for effecting a brushing action in use.

Abstract: Device for beverage drinking for use by a plurality of drinkers. The device comprises a base mountable on a beverage container opening, such as the mouth of a beer mug with the base defining plural bores through which flexible drinking tubes extend into the container. Short posts or pegs are provided on the base onto each of which the drinking end of a tube can be placed, thus serving as a tube-retaining means when the tube is not in use. An elongate handle is additionally provided to facilitate handling of the device.

Abstract: A straw-equipped liquid drink container comprising a flexible straw accommodated in the container in such a manner that upon removal of the seal cover of the container, one end portion of the straw may spring out of the container by the force of a spring acting on the straw in the container to thus enable one to drink the liquid quickly and very easily.

Abstract: A device through which liquid can be drawn having at least one extended open channel member having flotation means connected thereto at a predetermined position.