CN210169628U

CN210169628U - Reusable collapsible drinking straw and system for drinking liquids

Info

Publication number: CN210169628U
Application number: CN201921079089.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: Pepper Miles; 麦尔斯·佩珀
Original assignee: Fanuo LLC
Current assignee: Fanuo LLC
Priority date: 2017-10-30
Filing date: 2018-06-15
Publication date: 2020-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-15
Also published as: CN109717697A; CN209186283U; CN109717697B

Abstract

A reusable collapsible drinking straw and a system for drinking liquids that is collapsible into a compact configuration for storage in a storage box and easy transport. The straw comprises a rigid outer tube and a flexible inner tube that is collapsible into a compact configuration for storage. In the collapsed configuration, the reusable straw has a significantly reduced length, approximately one-half to one-quarter of its extended length in use. The outer tube of the straw is preferably formed from a plurality of rigid segments which serve to support the flexible inner tube when in the extended configuration during use as a drinking straw. A simple cleaning device is provided to clean the straw after use. A storage case is provided for storing straws and for storing cleaning devices in a folded configuration, in a compact form.

Description

Reusable collapsible drinking straw and system for drinking liquids

The present application is a divisional application of chinese utility model patent application 201820928721.2 entitled "reusable collapsible drinking straw and system for drinking liquid" filed as 2018, 15/06/15.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The application claims the benefit of provisional applications with number 62/579,013 submitted at 10/30/2017 and number 62/658,976 submitted at 4/17/2018; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a reusable collapsible drinking straw and a system for drinking liquids.

Background

Over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used daily in the united states and are discarded after a single use. In the past two decades only, plastic straws have been expected in every beverage, in the case of extreme waste due to convenience. These short-lived tools are often lost into trash cans without thought and immediately become a source of plastic contamination. (http:// www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/no-straw-please /)

Enough straws to consume 5 million disposable plastic straws a day encircle the earth 2.5 times a day. Currently, it is almost impossible to recycle plastic straws, which usually end up in a dump. The plastic straw is also blown away by the wind and into gutters, eventually into the ocean. Plastic straws are confused as food by fish and seabirds. In a recent study, it was estimated that currently about 60% of seabirds had plastic in their stomachs, and by 2050, 99% of seabirds had plastic in their stomachs.

In an effort to combat this enormous environmental problem, disposable plastic straws are banned in restaurants, cafes and bars all over the world. For example, seattle, washington, prohibited all plastic straws since 2018, 1 month and 1 day. Other countries, states and cities are in the process of performing similar ban on single-use plastic straws. Despite government efforts and increased public awareness of the environmental problems caused by the disposable plastic straws, plastic straws are still available in many places.

One solution for people not using plastic straws is to carry their own reusable straw. But the problem is that the reusable straws are often made of glass or metal and are inherently long and inconvenient to carry around. Glass straws are prone to breakage and require bulky boxes to prevent them from breaking. If a person brings the reusable pipette anywhere, they want a clean place to place the reusable pipette. This means that reusable pipettes are stored in even larger and more bulky boxes than glass and metal pipettes in the current form.

Thus, there is a need for a convenient reusable drinking straw that is easy to carry, store and clean.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model discloses to a repeatedly usable drinks the straw, should drink the straw collapsible compact structure for store and easily transport in storing the box. The straw comprises a rigid outer tube and a flexible inner tube that is collapsible into a compact configuration for storage. In the collapsed configuration, the reusable straw preferably has a substantially reduced length, approximately one-half to one-quarter of its extended length in use. The outer tube of the straw is preferably formed from a plurality of rigid segments which serve to support the flexible inner tube when in the extended configuration during use as a drinking straw. The rigid segments are preferably separable from each other and slidable along the flexible inner tube. Preferably, the rigid section is configured to at least partially take the shape of a cylinder or a portion of a tube to at least partially surround a portion of the flexible inner tube. A simple cleaning device is provided to clean the straw after use. A storage case is provided for storing straws and for storing cleaning devices in a folded configuration, in a compact form.

In a preferred embodiment, a reusable drinking straw, which is collapsible for storage, has a rigid outer tube formed from a plurality of tube sections. The outer tube has a proximal end, an opposite distal end, a hollow interior, and a central longitudinal axis passing through both ends thereof. The hollow interior is accessible through both ends and has an inner diameter. Each of the tube segments is configured to couple with at least one other of the tube segments when placed adjacent to one another along a central longitudinal axis of the outer tube, thereby forming the outer tube.

The flexible inner tube is placed inside the outer tube. The flexible inner tube has a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a passageway accessible through both ends thereof. The inner tube is formed of an elastic material for guiding liquid through the channel, and is liquid impermeable. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube with proximal and distal ends of the inner tube proximate the proximal and distal ends of the outer tube, respectively, to direct fluid through the inner tube.

Preferably the drinking straw is in an extended configuration when at least two of the tube sections are coupled together to form a rigid outer tube and the flexible inner tube passes through the rigid outer tube. The flexible inner tube is placed under tension within the outer tube to maintain the segments of the tubing coupled together. The elastic properties of the inner tube, which act to essentially automatically extend and reconfigure the drinking straw into the extended configuration, return from the extended state in the collapsed configuration to a less extended state in the extended state.

Preferably, the drinking straw is in the collapsed configuration when at least two of the tube sections are disengaged from each other and moved apart along the flexible inner tube by stretching the inner tube and folding the inner tube between the at least two tube sections.

A cleaning element is provided that is configured to clean the passage of the flexible inner tube of the drinking straw. The cleaning element preferably includes a scraper sized and configured to pass through the passageway of the flexible inner tube and a cable coupled to the scraper to pull the scraper through the drinking straw.

A storage case is provided that is configured to receive a drinking straw and to store the cleaning elements. The storage box houses a drinking straw in a folded configuration. The storage box also stores cleaning elements. In a preferred embodiment, the storage box comprises a first area for storing said drinking straw and a second area for storing said cleaning element.

The utility model provides a convenient reusable drinking straw, which is easy to carry, store and clean.

The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the following specification and drawings.

A reusable drinking straw collapsible for storage, the drinking straw comprising: a rigid outer tube formed from a plurality of tube segments, the rigid outer tube having a proximal end, an opposing distal end, a hollow interior accessible through the proximal and distal ends and having an interior diameter, and a central longitudinal axis passing through the proximal and distal ends, each of the tube segments configured to couple with at least another one of the tube segments when placed adjacent to each other along the central longitudinal axis, thereby forming the outer tube; and a flexible inner tube having a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a passage through the proximal and distal ends of the inner tube, the inner tube being formed of an elastic material for conducting liquid through the passage and the inner tube being liquid impermeable, the inner tube being placed within the outer tube to conduct liquid through the inner tube, wherein when at least two of the tube segments are coupled together to form the rigid outer tube and the flexible inner tube passes through the rigid outer tube, the drinking straw is in an extended configuration, the flexible inner tube is under tension within the outer tube to maintain the tube segments coupled together, wherein when the inner tube is folded between at least two tube segments to decouple the at least two tube segments and move apart along the flexible inner tube, the drinking straw is in a collapsed configuration.

In the extended configuration, the tube segments lie coaxially with one another along the central longitudinal axis, and in the collapsed configuration, the tube segments lie generally parallel to one another.

At least one of the tube sections has the same inner diameter at both ends thereof.

At least one of the tube segments has a different inner diameter at each end thereof.

At least one of the tube sections has the same outer diameter at both ends thereof.

At least one of the tube sections has an inner diameter in the range of 2mm to 30 mm.

At least one of the tube sections has an outer diameter in the range of 3mm to 35 mm.

At least one of the tube sections has a length in the range of 2.5cm to 16.5 cm.

Each of the tube segments has one of a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, and a rectangular cross-section.

Each of the tube segments is formed from a material including at least one of a metal, stainless steel, titanium, wood, carbon fiber, a composite material, a non-recyclable plastic, a plant-based plastic, a recyclable material, and a recyclable material.

The outer tube has a maximum length, and the inner tube has a length less than the maximum length of the outer tube.

The inner tube is formed from a material comprising at least one of a plastic, a non-recyclable plastic, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), silicone, natural rubber including latex, a plant-based plastic, a recyclable material, and a renewable material.

A system for drinking a liquid comprising: a reusable collapsible drinking straw, said drinking straw collapsible for storage, and said drinking straw comprising: a rigid outer tube formed from a plurality of tube segments, the rigid outer tube having a proximal end, an opposing distal end, a hollow interior accessible through the proximal and distal ends and having an interior diameter, and a central longitudinal axis passing through the proximal and distal ends, each of the tube segments configured to couple with at least another one of the tube segments when placed adjacent to each other along the central longitudinal axis, thereby forming the outer tube; and a flexible inner tube having a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a channel through the proximal and distal ends of the inner tube, the inner tube being formed of an elastomeric material for directing liquid through the channel and being liquid impermeable, the inner tube being disposed within the outer tube to direct liquid through the inner tube, a cleaning element configured to clean the channel of the flexible inner tube; and a storage box configured to contain the drinking straw and to store the cleaning element, wherein when at least two of the tube sections are coupled together to form the rigid outer tube and the flexible inner tube passes through the rigid outer tube, the drinking straw is in an extended configuration, the flexible inner tube is under tension within the outer tube to maintain the coupled-together tube sections, wherein when the at least two tube sections are decoupled by stretching the inner tube and folding the inner tube between the at least two tube sections and moved apart along the flexible inner tube, the drinking straw is in a folded configuration, wherein the storage box contains the drinking straw in the folded configuration, wherein the storage box stores the cleaning element.

The cleaning element includes a scraper sized and configured to pass through the passage of the inner tube.

The cleaning element includes a brush sized and configured to pass through the passage of the inner tube.

The storage box includes a first area for storing the drinking straw and a second area for storing the cleaning element.

The storage box includes at least one outlet to allow at least one of drainage of any liquid from the storage box and air drying of the drinking straw when the drinking straw is received within the storage box.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention disclosed in the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the straw of the present invention, shown in a drinking glass in an extended configuration;

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of the suction tube of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a side perspective exploded view of the pipette of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged isolated view taken along dashed line 4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the suction tube of FIG. 1, with the inner tube shown partially protruding from the suction tube portion;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the straw of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration, and of an embodiment of a storage case of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the storage case and the straw of FIG. 1 in a cross-sectional state, with the straw shown in a folded configuration inserted into the storage case;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the storage case and the straw of FIG. 1, with the straw shown in a partially extended configuration removed from the storage case;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 8 in a closed position;

FIG. 11 is a bottom end perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 8 with the bottom cover removed showing the cleaning elements and the spools for holding the cleaning elements;

FIG. 12 is an elevational side view of the straw of FIG. 1, wherein the straw is being cleaned under a faucet, with the inner tube partially extending from the straw portion;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the suction tube of FIG. 1, and a side elevational view of the cleaning elements disposed therein;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 showing the cleaning element in partial cross-section disposed within the suction tube;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the straw of the present invention, with the straw in an extended configuration;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the straw of the present invention, with the straw in an extended configuration;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a storage case;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 19, with the storage case in an open position with the straw in a folded configuration therein;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 19, with the storage case in an open position and the straw in a partially extended configuration removed therefrom; and

fig. 22 is a front perspective view of the storage case of fig. 19 in an open position.

Detailed Description

The detailed description given below is intended as a description of various configurations of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present invention may be practiced. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific details set forth herein, and may be practiced without these details.

Referring to fig. 1, a reusable drinking straw 100 that is collapsible for storage in accordance with the present invention is shown. Straw 100 is used to drink liquid L from container C. The liquid L may be at ambient temperature, or above or below ambient temperature. For example, the liquid L may vary in viscosity and density from water to more concentrated liquids such as fruit juices, smoothies, milkshakes, and bubble tea, e.g. pearls (Boba), and may be at least partially frozen. The liquid L may also be a mixture with other ingredients suspended therein, which are suitable for drinking through a drinking straw.

As shown in fig. 2A-4, in a preferred embodiment, drinking straw 100 includes a rigid outer tube 102 formed from a plurality of tube segments 104. Spool piece 104 is preferably sufficiently rigid to form an outer "shell" in the form of outer tube 102 for drinking straw 100. The outer tube 102 has a proximal end 106, an opposite distal end 108, a hollow interior 110, and a Central Longitudinal Axis (CLA) passing through the

ends

106 and 108. Hollow interior 110 is in communication with

ends

106 and 108 and is accessible through

ends

106 and 108. The hollow interior 110 has an inner diameter 112. Each of the tube segments 104 is configured to couple with at least one other of the tube segments 104 when placed adjacent to one another along a Central Longitudinal Axis (CLA), thereby forming an outer tube 102.

Straw 100 preferably includes a flexible inner tube 200 disposed within hollow interior 110 of outer tube 102. The inner tube 200 preferably has a proximal end 202, an opposite distal end 204, and a passageway 206 communicating with the

ends

202, 204 of the inner tube 200 and passing through the

ends

202, 204 of the inner tube 200. In a preferred embodiment, the inner tube 200 is formed of a resilient material suitable for drinking and directing liquid through the passage 206 and is liquid impermeable so as to prevent leakage along its length. Preferably, the inner tube 200 is sufficiently resilient and flexible so as to be stretchable along the Central Longitudinal Axis (CLA) of the straw 100 to maintain the tube segment 104 under tension, and further stretchable to allow separation of the tube segment 104 and the inner tube 200 folded between two separated tube segments 104. Preferably, inner tube 200 is formed from a material including at least one of, for example, plastic, non-recyclable plastic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), silicone rubber, natural rubber including latex, plant-based plastic, and other recyclable and renewable materials.

The inner tube 200 has an outer diameter 208 and an inner diameter 210. The outer diameter 208 is less than the inner diameter 114 of the outer tube 102. The inner tube 200 is placed within the outer tube 102 with the proximal end 202 and the distal end 204 of the inner tube 200 in proximity to the proximal end 106 and the distal end 108 of the outer tube 102, respectively, to direct fluid through the inner tube. In a preferred embodiment, inner tube 200 is placed under tension within hollow interior 110 of outer tube 102 and holds pipe segments 104 together and straw 100 in an extended configuration. While the pipe segment 104 is shown as being cylindrical, it will be appreciated that the pipe segment may be configured to at least partially surround a portion of the inner pipe 200. Inner tube 200 allows liquid to pass through it while there is a spring force required to pull tube segments 104 together, forming straw 100 into a rigid, stretched configuration to allow drinking therethrough. The flexible nature of the resilient inner tube 200 causes the straw 100 to spring back into its extended form when the straw 100 (in a folded state) is removed from its storage case, thereby quickly ejecting and "self-assembling" the straw 100 into an extended configuration.

As best shown in fig. 3-6, in a preferred embodiment, aspiration tubing 100 further includes a first tip 220 at distal end 108 and a second tip 222 at proximal end 106 of outer tube 102.

Tips

220 and 222 may be coupled to inner tube 200 and configured to interdigitate with proximal end 106 and distal end 108 of outer tube 102, respectively. Each of the

nibs

220 and 222 has a reduced portion 224 for placement into an enlarged diameter portion 226 of the pipe segment 104. The enlarged diameter portion 226 has a diameter greater than the inner diameter 112 of the hollow interior 110 and a diameter greater than the outer diameter 208 of the inner tube 200. Upon insertion of the respective ends 106 and 108, as shown in fig. 6, between the inner tube 200 and the outer tube 102, the reduced portions 224 of the

tips

220 and 222 fit into the enlarged diameter portions 226. The elastic qualities of the inner tube 200 hold the

tips

220 and 222 in place with the

ends

106 and 108 of the outer tube 102.

Straw 100 may be configured from an extended configuration to a collapsed configuration. With at least two of the tube segments 104 coupled together to form rigid outer tube 102 and flexible inner tube 200 passing through the rigid outer tube, drinking straw 100 is in an extended configuration. The inner pipe is under tension within the outer pipe 102 to maintain the pipe segments 104 coupled together.

Upon decoupling and moving apart at least two of the tube segments 104 along the Central Longitudinal Axis (CLA) of the flexible inner tube 200 by stretching the inner tube 200, the straw 100 is in a collapsed configuration (fig. 7), the tube segments 104 are in a generally parallel position, and the inner tube 200 is at least partially collapsed between the at least two tube segments 104.

The tube segments 104 are preferably disposed coaxially with one another along a Central Longitudinal Axis (CLA) when in the extended configuration, and the tube segments 104 are preferably disposed generally parallel to one another when in the collapsed configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in a preferred embodiment of drinking straw 100, at least one of the tube segments 104 includes a male end 116 and a female end 118. It will be appreciated that the ends of the pipe segment 104 are not limited to male or female configurations and can be configured in other ways. In particular, it is contemplated that the free ends of spool piece 104 at the opposite end of straw 100 may be configured in the shape of or coupled to a tip portion suitable for use in drinking. Preferably, at least one of the tube segments 104 has the same inner diameter at both ends thereof. Preferably, at least one of the tube segments 104 has a different inner diameter at each end thereof. Preferably, at least one of the tube segments 104 has the same outer diameter at both ends thereof. Preferably, at least one of the tube segments 104 has a different outer diameter at each end thereof.

Preferably, at least one of the tube segments 104 has an inner diameter of about 7mm, and may be in the range of 2mm to 30mm, with an inner diameter of about 8mm measured at the female connection and about 7mm measured at the male connection; at least one of the tube segments 104 has a maximum outer diameter of about 9mm, and may be in the range of 3mm to 35 mm; and at least one of the tube segments 104 has a length of about 5cm, and may be in the range of 2.5cm to 16.5 cm. It will be appreciated that the tubular member 104 may have various sizes and configurations suitable for the intended purpose. The measurements and ranges provided herein are intended to be exemplary.

The inside and outside diameters of straw 100 may range anywhere from small to large, such that straw 100 may be used as a cocktail straw/blender, a beverage straw, and as a "pearl" straw for consumption of pearl milk tea. Pearl milk tea comprises tapioca balls, varying in diameter but typically about 1/8 inches (3.175mm) in diameter, which is a common feature. Some pearl milk tea powder circles are smaller and larger than this diameter, and straw 100 may be sized and shaped to accommodate any of these sizes. It will be appreciated that the inner and outer diameters of straw 100 may be varied to accommodate any beverage.

The tube segments 104 may have a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a triangular cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section transverse to the Central Longitudinal Axis (CLA) of the outer tube 102. Similarly, the inner tube 200 may have a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a triangular cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section transverse to the Central Longitudinal Axis (CLA) of the outer tube 102, and may, but need not, correspond to the transverse cross-sectional shape of the tube segment 104. The tube segment 104 is preferably formed from a material including at least one of stainless steel, titanium, other metals, carbon fiber, composite materials, wood, non-recyclable plastics, plant-based plastics, and other recyclable and renewable materials. Stainless steel is a preferred material because it is biocompatible, non-rusting, recyclable, high strength, can be upgraded, and has the ability to be laser engraved black. Titanium is also biocompatible, non-rusting, recyclable, high strength to weight ratio, scalable, ultra-high strength, and capable of being laser engraved into color. The metal tube segment 104 may be laser engraved with logos, designs, and illustrations. Alternatively, any sufficiently rigid material suitable for its intended purpose, including plastics and composites, may be used to form the pipe segment 104. The tubing sections may also be thermally insulated to reduce heat transfer to a user when straw 100 is used with hot liquids, such as hot coffee, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, in a preferred embodiment, drinking straw 100 has at least four tube segments 104. However, it is understood that straw 100 may have any section ranging from two to 10 or more sections, depending on the desired straw length. This range of configurations for straw 100 would be for short cocktail glasses, which only require straws that are about 2 to 4 inches long, and longer straws for tall glasses and other drink containers, for example, having lengths up to about 2 feet. Straw 100 may have a length suitable for the intended purpose of drinking liquid from a variety of shapes and sizes of containers, including, for example, oversized drinks such as "half-size glasses".

In a preferred embodiment, the tube segments 104 are preferably about 5cm long and about 9mm maximum outer diameter, and interlock with one another. In the preferred embodiment, the pipe segment 104 preferably has ends in the form of a male connection 116 and a female connection 118, or a combination of male and female connections. The female connection preferably has a larger inner diameter and terminates in an inner shoulder at the junction of the smaller inner diameters of the pipe sections. The male connection has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the female connection and, therefore, also has an inner diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the female connection. The internal diameter may be the same as the rest of the pipe section. The corresponding male and

female connections

116, 118 of each tube segment interlock with each other to form a strong straw 100 once assembled. For example, the various tube segments 104 can be easily snapped together by applying pressure to either side, similar to snapping a pen cap onto a pen. This mechanism also locks the pipe segment 104 in place, thereby preventing respective rotation of the pipe segment 104 about the inner pipe 200. As another example, the tube segment 104 may include a metal ridge that "clicks" into the channel of the female connection of the next tube segment 104. Straw 100 is preferably assembled and folded in quarters.

It will be appreciated that the straw 100 may have a variety of forms and sizes suitable for its intended purpose, while still retaining the original concept of a reusable drinking straw that folds up and fits into a compact carrying case.

Preferably, for example, for a straw 100 having an outer length of about 23cm, inner tube 200 has an unstretched length of about 14 cm. The length of the inner tube varies depending on the length of straw 100 and the elasticity of the material of the inner tube. Typically, the unstretched length of the inner tube is less than the maximum outer length of the straw itself in the extended configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the inner tube 200 has an inner diameter of about 5.0mm, and may for example be in the range of 2mm to 29 mm; has an outer diameter of about 7.1 mm; and the inner tube 200 has a wall thickness of about 1.2mm and may be in the range of 0.5mm to 5 mm. It will be appreciated that the wall thickness, inner diameter and outer diameter of the inner tube 200 may be of various sizes and configurations suitable for the intended purpose, and will vary depending on the size and configuration of the straw. The measurements and ranges provided herein are intended to be exemplary. Preferably, the outer diameter of the inner tube is smaller than or up to the inner diameter of the pipe section into which the inner tube is inserted. It will be appreciated that the tubular member 104 may have various sizes and configurations suitable for the intended purpose.

The inner tube 200 is preferably made of food grade silicone. The food grade silica gel certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers the advantages of food safety, heat safety, softness, hydrophobicity, temperature resistance (-76 to 500 degrees fahrenheit), dishwasher-ready, color variety, inexpensiveness, flexibility, better feel on teeth than bare metal, ease of cleaning, absence of bisphenol a (bpa), antibacterial, boil sterilizable, durability, moisture resistance, and immediate cooling. The inner tube may also include, be treated with, or be at least partially formed from an antimicrobial material or substance.

Referring to fig. 13 and 14, a cleaning element 400 for cleaning the channel 206 of the flexible inner tube 200 is shown. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning element 400 includes a scraper 402 sized and configured to pass through the channel 206 of the inner tube 200, and a cable 404 coupled to the scraper 402. Straw 100 is shown in use with cleaning element 400. Cable 402 is fed through one of the

ends

106, 108, through the passage 206 of the inner tube 200, and out the opposite end of the inner tube 200. The cable 402 is pulled by a user (in the direction of arrow B shown in fig. 14) to pull the scraper 402 through the channel 206 of the inner tube 200 to clear debris and fluid that may be present therein.

In a preferred embodiment, the scraper 402 is formed of injected food grade silicone and the molded scraper 402 is formed around a thin cable 404. Cleaning element 400 functions by inserting the end of cable 404 into straw 100 and pulling the end of cable 404 to pull scraper 402 through the straw. The scraper preferably has a "bullet shape" with a ring thereon, attached to the end of the cable 404. Cleaning element 400 provides the benefits of cleaning straw 100 and is a very small, compact cleaning system. Because it fits into the same box, it is carried along with the straw.

Alternatively, the cleaning element may comprise a cleaning brush or scraper with enclosed magnets. With the magnet in the box. The cleaning brush or scraper may be pulled through straw 100 using the magnetic force of the two magnets.

Referring to fig. 7-9, straw 100 is shown in a folded configuration for insertion into storage case 300. In the collapsed configuration, the inner tube 200 is exposed and folded between the tube segments 104 such that the tube segments 104 are stacked and placed parallel to each other in a compact configuration. In the folded configuration, straw 100 fits within cavity 306 of storage case 300 and is held in the folded configuration by storage case 300. Cavity 306 may be covered by lid 302, which is coupled to storage case 300 by hinge 304, to further protect straw 100 and to hold it in place for portability.

As shown in fig. 9, upon removal of the straw from storage case 300, straw 100 returns to the extended configuration and straw 100 is ready for drinking liquid. The elastic properties of inner tube 200, which act to essentially automatically extend and reconfigure straw 100 into an extended configuration, return from an extended state in a collapsed configuration to a less extended state in an extended configuration.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, the scraper 402 and the cable 404 may be stored in a designated area at the bottom of the storage case 300. The spool 308 is provided for winding the cable 404 of the cleaning element 400. The recess 310 is configured to receive the scraper 402 for storage therein. The cartridge 300 preferably includes a drain opening 312 in communication with the cavity 306 to allow for drainage of any fluid present within the cavity 306 from the straw 100. The bottom cap 314 is provided to enclose the bobbin 308 and the cleaning element 400 within the storage case 300. The bottom cap 314 may include one or more drain openings 316 to allow any liquid to drain from the storage case 300 and to allow the interior and straw 100 contained therein to be air dried. A closure blocking the drain opening 316 may be provided to prevent any liquid from being drained when not desired, such as when the storage case 300 is in a pocket or handbag.

In a preferred embodiment, for example, the storage case may be made of and include the following materials: recyclable materials, bio-plastics, plant based plastics, wood, metal, composites, plant based composites (such as wheat-linseed-bamboo based composites), and other recyclable ABS plastic injection molded materials, metal hinges, neodymium magnets, and glues. It will be appreciated that other materials suitable for the intended purpose of forming drinking straws and storage boxes are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 12, the pipette 100 may be cleaned by pulling on the

tips

220 and 222 to extend the inner tube 200 from the outer tube 102, thereby creating a space between the inner tube 200 and the hollow interior 110 of the outer tube 102. The water may then flow (as indicated by arrows a in fig. 6) through the

ends

106 and 108 of the outer tube 102 to clean out any debris or liquid that may be present between the inner tube 200 and the outer tube 102 and between the spool piece 104. As shown in figures 6 and 12, water from the faucet can flow through the end and along the length of straw 100 to flush out any debris.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown another preferred embodiment of a pipette 100 ', a proximal tip 220 ' and a distal tip 222 ' attached to

respective ends

106 and 108 of outer tube 102. Each of proximal and distal tips 220 ', 222' has a shoulder 230, a reduced diameter portion 232 configured to be inserted into

ends

106, 108 of outer tube 102, and a notched area 234 for receiving a securing strap 240. The reduced diameter portion 232 is at least partially inserted into the channel 206 of the inner tube 200, and the securing strap 240 is slipped over the inner tube 200 and over the notched area 234 to clamp and secure the inner tube 200 to the distal tip 222' in a manner similar to a hose clamp. Inner tube 200 is held at a desired tension to maintain tube segment 104 in the extended configuration while allowing straw 100 to be folded into the folded configuration as described herein when desired. The user may pull the distal tip 222' to stretch the inner tube 200 so that it partially protrudes outside the outer tube 102 for cleaning purposes as described above. Alternatively, the inner tube 200 may have a stopper on either end of the inner tube 200. The retainer serves to retain the pipe segment 104 around the inner pipe 200 without slipping.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, there is shown another embodiment of a pipette 100 "in which an inner tube 200 extends from ends 106 and 108 of outer tube 102, is folded back, and is rolled over a portion of the exterior of outer tube 102. The folded back and crimped portion of the inner tube 200 is secured to the outer tube 102 with at least one O-ring 264. As shown in fig. 18, the inner tube 200 may also include tabs 266 extending from a surface thereof and for insertion into the notches 268 of the tubular segment 104 to further secure the inner tube 200 to the outer tube 102. The folded back and wrapped portion of the inner tube 200 also serves as a rubber tip at the end of the outer tube 102. At each end of the inner tube 200, the folding back of the material onto itself preferably creates a space for the tube segment 104 to slide into. This prevents the pipe segment 104 from being removed from the inner pipe 200 and falling off. It will be appreciated that having the feature of the material folded back on itself is only one preferred way of accomplishing this. Other possible configurations and shapes may include, for example, a rounded "donut" shape on the end. There may also be channels in the rigid section into which silicone ridges may slide. Other configurations suitable for the intended purpose are contemplated. Another preferred design element of the flexible inner tube 200 includes raised ridges on the exterior of the inner tube 200 that will fit into matching recessed channels or holes formed in the tube segment 104. The function of these corresponding channels and ridges is such that the pipe segments 104 do not individually rotate about the flexible inner tube 200, which could otherwise misalign the pipe segments 104 and skew any printed image or design present on the exterior of the pipe segments 104, resulting in an incorrect display.

Referring to fig. 19 to 22, there is shown another embodiment of a cartridge 300' having a straw compartment 320 and an adjacent cleaning element compartment 322 for storing cleaning elements 400 therein. The suction tube compartment 320 preferably has a depth of about 5.25cm and the cleaning element compartment 322 preferably has a depth of about 5.25 cm. In fig. 20, the straw 100 "is shown inserted into the straw compartment 320 in a folded configuration, and the cleaning element 400 is inserted into the cleaning element compartment 322. In FIG. 21, straw 100 "is shown removed from within straw compartment 320 and returned to the extended configuration. Fig. 22 shows an empty cartridge 300' with the lid 302 in an open position and including a closure tab 326 and a magnet closure 324 for holding the cartridge 300 closed. The storage case 300 may also include a key ring 328 for holding keys or attaching other items. In a preferred embodiment, the magazine 300 is about 5.5cm high. (standard house key is 5 cm). For example, the storage case preferably holds the suction tube and the cleaning wiper; holding the cleaning device in place with a magnet; the lid hinge opens and is held closed by a magnet; easy to open, but not open by itself; small and easy to store/transport; for example, it may be retained on a key fob, stored in a pocket, or handbag. It should be understood that aspects of the embodiments herein may generally be interchanged both in whole or in part. The present disclosure further includes individual parts and/or combinations/subassemblies, methods of making the parts, methods of assembling the parts, and methods of using the drinking straws, cleaning elements, and storage cases.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A reusable collapsible drinking straw collapsible for storage, comprising:

a rigid outer tube formed from a plurality of tube segments, the rigid outer tube having a proximal end, an opposing distal end, a hollow interior accessible through the proximal and distal ends and having an interior diameter, and a central longitudinal axis passing through the proximal and distal ends, each of the tube segments configured to couple with at least another one of the tube segments when placed adjacent to each other along the central longitudinal axis, thereby forming the outer tube; and

a flexible inner tube having a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a passageway through the proximal and distal ends of the inner tube, the inner tube being formed of an elastomeric material for conducting liquid through the passageway and being liquid impermeable, the inner tube being disposed within the outer tube for conducting liquid through the inner tube,

wherein when at least two of the pipe sections are coupled together to form the rigid outer pipe and the flexible inner pipe is passed through the rigid outer pipe, the drinking straw is in an extended configuration, the flexible inner pipe is under tension within the outer pipe to maintain the coupled together pipe sections,

wherein the drinking straw is in a folded configuration when the inner tube is folded between at least two tube segments to decouple the at least two tube segments and move apart along the flexible inner tube.

2. The reusable collapsible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein in the extended configuration the tube segments lie coaxially with each other along the central longitudinal axis and in the collapsed configuration the tube segments lie generally parallel to each other.

3. A reusable collapsible drinking straw as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the tube sections has the same internal diameter at both ends thereof.

4. A reusable collapsible drinking straw as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the tube sections has a different internal diameter at each end thereof.

5. A reusable collapsible drinking straw according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the tube sections has the same outer diameter at both ends thereof.

6. A reusable collapsible drinking straw as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the tube sections has an internal diameter in the range 2mm to 30 mm.

7. A reusable collapsible drinking straw according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the tube sections has an outer diameter in the range 3mm to 35 mm.

8. A reusable collapsible drinking straw as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the tube sections has a length in the range 2.5cm to 16.5 cm.

9. The reusable collapsible drinking straw of claim 1, wherein each of the tube segments has one of a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, and a rectangular cross-section.

10. The reusable collapsible drinking straw of claim 1, wherein each of the tube segments is formed from a material comprising at least one of metal, stainless steel, titanium, wood, carbon fiber, composite materials, non-recyclable plastics, plant-based plastics, recyclable materials, and renewable materials.

11. A reusable collapsible drinking straw according to claim 1, characterised in that the outer tube has a maximum length and the inner tube has a length less than the maximum length of the outer tube.

12. The reusable collapsible drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the inner tube is formed from a material comprising at least one of plastic, non-recyclable plastic, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), silicone, natural rubber including latex, plant-based plastic, recyclable material, and renewable material.

13. A system for drinking a liquid, comprising:

a reusable collapsible drinking straw, said drinking straw collapsible for storage, and said drinking straw comprising:

a cleaning element configured to clean the channel of the flexible inner tube; and

a storage case configured to accommodate the drinking straw and to store the cleaning element,

wherein the drinking straw is in a collapsed configuration when the at least two tube sections are uncoupled and moved apart along the flexible inner tube by stretching the inner tube and folding the inner tube between the at least two tube sections,

wherein the storage box houses the drinking straw in the folded configuration,

wherein the storage box stores the cleaning elements.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the cleaning element comprises a scraper sized and configured to pass through the passage of the inner tube.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the cleaning element comprises a brush sized and configured to pass through the passage of the inner tube.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the storage box comprises a first area for storing the drinking straw and a second area for storing the cleaning element.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the storage box includes at least one outlet to allow at least one of drainage of any liquid from the storage box and air drying of the drinking straw when the drinking straw is received within the storage box.