Easy Sip Straw for Individuals with Dysphagia

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disposable dysphagia straw designed to enhance the safe and comfortable consumption of fluids for individuals with dysphagia. In one embodiment, the straw is comprised of a hollow tubular pipe with a proximal end and a distal end, featuring a bendable section composed of accordion-like folds. The bendable section enables users to customize the straw's angle to their preference, ensuring effortless fluid intake without strain. The straw is shorter than the conventional straws and is flexible. The straw can come in lengths from about 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches. A mouthpiece can also be integrated to one end and a flavor coating can be added thereto. The straw reduces mouth muscle strain and ensures the user can pull liquid through a shorter straw.

Claims

1. A straw for use with individuals having dysphagia, the straw comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a hollow tubular pipe between said proximal end and said distal end; an upper section of said straw; a lower section of said straw; a bendable section between said upper section and said lower section; wherein said upper section having an upper length and said lower section having a lower length; wherein said upper length from 25% to 40% of said lower length; wherein said bendable section selectively positionable to set a selected angle between said upper section and said lower section; and further wherein said bendable section having at least a 180 degree range of motion.

2. The straw of claim 1, wherein said bendable section having a plurality of accordion folds.

3. The straw of claim 2, wherein said straw having a straw length from said proximal end to said distal of less than 7.0 inches for limiting travel distance of liquids through said hollow pipe.

4. The straw of claim 3, wherein said straw length is less than 5.5 inches.

5. The straw of claim 4, wherein said straw length is less than 4.0 inches.

6. The straw of claim 5, wherein said proximal end having an enlarged terminal end for manipulation by a user's tongue and mouth.

7. A straw for use with individuals having dysphagia, the straw comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a hollow tubular pipe between said proximal end and said distal end; an upper section of said straw; a lower section of said straw; a bendable section between said upper section and said lower section; wherein said upper section having an upper length and said lower section having a lower length; wherein said upper length is generally equal to said lower length; wherein said bendable section selectively positionable to set a selected angle between said upper section and said lower section; and further wherein said bendable section having at least a 180 degree range of motion.

8. The straw of claim 7, wherein said bendable section having a plurality of accordion folds.

9. The straw of claim 8, wherein said straw having a straw length from said proximal end to said distal of less than 7.0 inches for limiting travel distance of liquids through said hollow pipe.

10. The straw of claim 9, wherein said straw length is less than 5.5 inches.

11. The straw of claim 10, wherein said straw length is less than 4.0 inches.

12. The straw of claim 11, wherein said proximal end having an enlarged terminal end for manipulation by a user's tongue and mouth.

13. A straw for use with individuals having dysphagia, the straw comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a hollow tubular pipe between said proximal end and said distal end; an upper section of said straw; a lower section of said straw; a bendable section between said upper section and said lower section; wherein said proximal end having an enlarged terminal end for manipulation by a user's tongue and mouth; wherein said bendable section selectively positionable to set a selected angle between said upper section and said lower section; and further wherein said bendable section having at least a 180 degree range of motion.

14. The straw of claim 13, wherein said upper section having an upper length and said lower section having a lower length, and further wherein said upper length is generally equal to said lower length.

15. The straw of claim 13, wherein said upper section having an upper length and said lower section having a lower length, and further wherein said upper length is from 25% to 40% of said lower length.

16. The straw of claim 15, wherein said bendable section having a plurality of accordion folds.

17. The straw of claim 16, wherein said straw having a straw length from said proximal end to said distal of less than 7.0 inches for limiting travel distance of liquids through said hollow pipe.

18. The straw of claim 17, wherein said straw length is less than 5.5 inches.

19. The straw of claim 18, wherein said enlarged terminal end having a flavored coating.

20. The straw of claim 14, wherein said straw having a straw length from said proximal end to said distal of less than 5.0 inches for limiting travel distance of liquids through said hollow pipe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the disposable dysphagia straw of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates an individual with dysphagia using the disposable dysphagia straw of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the disposable dysphagia straw of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of the disposable dysphagia straw of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0024] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a straw designed for individuals with dysphagia. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel straw that is shorter than conventional straws and can be bent for easy accessibility into the mouth of a user. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a disposable straw that puts less strain and pressure in the mouth of a user while pulling a beverage or liquid from a container. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a disposable straw for individuals with dysphagia that has a bendable section that enables individuals to position the straw comfortably in their mouth. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a straw that can be used with all types of beverages and can come in different sizes to use with different sizes of containers. Also, there is a long-felt need in the art for a shorter and bendable straw that reduces mouth muscle strain ensuring a user with dysphagia can pull liquid or beverage therethrough. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a disposable straw that helps keep people with dysphagia content by being able to enjoy their favorite beverages independently.

[0025] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method for using a disposable dysphagia straw to facilitate the consumption of a beverage or liquid from a container is described. The method comprising the steps of providing the straw, the straw having a hollow tubular pipe including a proximal end and a distal end, a bendable section located between the proximal end and the distal end, the bendable section consisting of a plurality of accordion-like folds. The method further includes placing the distal end into a beverage or liquid stored in a container, angling an upper section of the disposable dysphagia straw towards the user's mouth, utilizing the bendable section to enable smooth movement of the upper section relative to a lower section, placing the proximal end towards the back of the user's tongue and pulling the beverage through the hollow pipe without requiring significant force or strength.

[0026] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the disposable dysphagia straw of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The disposable dysphagia straw of the present invention is designed as a specialized drinking straw to assist individuals with dysphagia to consume fluids comfortably and safely. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the straw 100 is designed to be disposable and is intended for single use for maintaining hygiene and preventing the risk of contamination. The straw 100 has a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104 opposite to the proximal end 102. The straw 100 is made of hollow tubular pipe 106 extending between the ends 102, 104. The straw 100 includes a bendable section 108 made of a plurality of accordion-like folds 110. The bendable section 108 is designed to have a range of motion of at least 180 degrees enabling a user to selectively adjust and position the angle of the straw 100 as per the requirements. The accordion-like folds 110 are configured to retain the selected angle positioned and set by a user.

[0027] The disposable dysphagia straw 100 is specially designed and includes a length of from about 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches extending between the ends 102, 104. The straw 100 helps individuals with dysphagia to pull fluids therethrough without applying much strength thereto. A shorter length minimizes the distance required by liquid to travel, making it easier and more efficient for individuals with dysphagia to drink, even when they have trouble swallowing. The upper section 112 extending between the top end 114 of the bendable section 108 and the proximal end 102 can move relative to the lower section 116 which extends between the bottom end 118 of the bendable section 108 and the distal end 104. In one exemplary embodiment, the length of the upper section 112 is from about 25% to about 40% of the length of the lower section 116 of the hollow tubular pipe 106. The straw 100 is designed to work with a wide range of fluids, from thin liquids to thickened beverages, without the need for additional attachments or modifications. Users can easily switch between different drink types without any hassle.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an individual with dysphagia using the easy sip straw of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. In use, the individual 202 places the distal end 104 in the beverage 204 stored in the container 206. The lower section 116 is positioned inside the container 206 and the user 202 angles the upper section 112 towards the mouth. The bendable section 108 enables the smooth movement of the upper section 112 relative to the lower section 116. The user 202 can easily pull the beverage 204 through the hollow pipe 106 without using undue force and strength. The upper section 112 is designed such that the proximal end 102 is placed towards the back of the tongue of the user 202 without signs of aspiration, such as coughing or choking.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the ergonomic straw for dysphagia of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the disposable straw 300 has a length of from about 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches extending between the proximal end 302 and the distal end 304. The straw 300 can be useful for drinking beverages from mugs, teacups, glasses, cocktail glasses, short tumblers, and the like. The bendable section 306 can have accordion-like folds, helical coils, or spiral springs enabling the upper section 308 to move relative to the lower section 310 of the straw 300.

[0030] A mouthpiece or enlarged terminal end 312 is configured to a user's oral anatomy is integrated to the proximal end 302. The mouthpiece or enlarged end 312 provides an enlarged surface area at the terminal end and further enhances comfort and manipulation by a tongue and mouth during use of the straw 300 by a dysphagia individual.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, the ergonomic straw for dysphagia 400 has a length of less than 5 inches and can be beneficial for young children and for use with cups. The lower section 402 below the bendable section 404 is generally equal in length to the upper section 406 positioned above the bendable section 404. The upper section 406 can be angled relative to the lower section 402 to use the straw 400 for pulling a beverage or liquid.

[0032] In different embodiments of the present invention, the upper section of the disposable dysphagia straw provides vibrations to stimulate the user's throat muscles, promoting muscle strength and improved swallowing over time. The upper section may include a flavored coating for providing additional flavor to a user. The disposable straw of the present invention can be constructed from biocompatible, medical-grade materials that are safe with all types of beverages and environmentally friendly. The material can be recyclable and sustainable.

[0033] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein disposable dysphagia straw, disposable straw, straw, easy sip straw, and ergonomic straw for dysphagia are interchangeable and refer to the ergonomic straw for dysphagia 100, 300, 400 of the present invention.

[0034] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ergonomic straw for dysphagia 100, 300, 400 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ergonomic straw for dysphagia 100, 300, 400 as shown in the FIGS. is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the ergonomic straw for dysphagia 100, 300, 400 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the ergonomic straw for dysphagia 100, 300, 400 are important design parameters for user convenience the ergonomic straw for dysphagia 100, 300, 400 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0035] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0036] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.