Novelty Drinking Straw with Modular Building Blocks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novelty and educational drinking instrument for human beverage consumption consisting of a series of interlocking, interchangeable or inter-connectable three-dimensional receptacles of varying shapes, sizes, colors, materials and exterior or interior coatings. Each receptacle has at least one connector of a predetermined size and shape that will couple and decouple from another receptacle. Further, each receptacle individually and multiple receptacles coupled together will form an elongated cavity, allowing liquid to be drawn through it from a beverage container or multiple beverage containers to an end consumer. The multiple receptacles link together via their respective connectors to spell out words, phrases, symbols, numbers or combinations of for use as a drinking instrument.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to the field of drinking tubes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular drinking straw for transferring liquid. Instead of one solid cylindrical tube, this invention describes the construction of a drinking straw using modular, interlocking receptacles of varying shapes, sizes, colors, materials, interior and exterior coatings coupling together to form a straw. This invention is designed as a creative, fun and educational tool for children and adults to teach them about spelling, shapes, letters, numbers, holidays and colors.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A drinking straw is a cylindrical tube having two open ends. One end is placed in a beverage and the other end is placed in a person's mouth. By applying suction through the end of the straw in the mouth, a small amount of the beverage is drawn up through the straw and into the person's mouth for consumption.[0003]This straw is also designed for use as a nov...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system of interconnected receptacles and extenders that allows liquids to flow from one container to another without leaking. The receptacles have connectors that make a secure and tight connection, and can be attached to extenders which are long tubes with connectors on each end. The system prevents liquids from leaking from the extenders into the receptacles, and also allows for easy cleaning of the components.

Problems solved by technology

However, Lipson does not teach interlocking building blocks to create a segmented straw.

However Cohen, Lipson, Butsch, Gildersleeve, and Horvath do not teach using interlocking and interchangeable building blocks to create a novelty straw.

However Leung does not teach interlocking building blocks to create a segmented straw wherein the building blocks are shaped as various shapes, letters, characters, symbols or objects.

However Smaczny does not teach a drinking tube with interlocking, interchangable building blocks wherein the building blocks are shaped as various shapes, letters, characters, symbols or objects.

However Shakur-Jenkins does not teaching that the segments are rigid and of fixed size, nor does Shakur-Jenkins teach making the straw segments in the shapes of letters, numbers, geometric shapes, characters, or symbols.

Further, Shakur-Jenkins does not teach covering the interior walls of the drinking straw with a superhydrophobic coating.

Images