Smile Straw

Abstract

Methods and apparatus to provide improved straws are described. In an embodiment, a drinking straw comprises a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion is to engage with a user's upper lip and the bottom portion is to engage with a user's lower lip. The top portion is to have a curvature to promote reduced crinkle/wrinkle in the user's upper lip while sipping through the straw. Other embodiments are disclosed and/or claimed.

Claims

1. A drinking straw comprising: a top portion to engage with a user's upper lip; and a bottom portion to engage with a user's lower lip, wherein the top portion is to have a curvature to promote reduced crinkle in the user's upper lip while sipping through the straw.

2. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the top portion has a curvature that is about half of an inch deep.

3. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is substantially flat.

4. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is substantially curved.

5. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is about 1.5 inches wide and the straw is about 10 inches long.

6. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the straw comprises at least one opening on one side of the straw to allow for flow of liquid through the at least one opening.

7. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the straw has a consistent hollow portion for the entire length of the straw.

8. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the straw has a larger dimension at the top portion than the bottom portion.

9. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the straw is reusable or disposable.

10. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are flared.

11. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the straw is constructed with one or more food grade materials consisting of: silicone, eco-friendly plastics, hard plastics, bamboo, metal, paper, and wood.

12. A drinking straw tip comprising: a first end to engage a straw shaft; and a second end to engage with a user's lip, wherein the second end has an upper portion to engage an upper lip of a user and a lower portion to engage with a lower lip of the user.

13. The drinking straw tip of claim 12, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion have a curvature that is about 0.3 inches deep at center.

14. The drinking straw tip of claim 12, wherein the first end is to frictionally engage the straw shaft.

15. The drinking straw tip of claim 12, wherein the straw shaft is reusable or disposable.

16. The drinking straw tip of claim 12, wherein the second end is flared.

17. The drinking straw tip of claim 12, wherein the drinking straw tip is constructed with one or more food grade materials consisting of: eco-friendly plastics, hard plastics, bamboo, metal, paper, silicone, rubber, and wood.

18. The drinking straw tip of claim 12, wherein the drinking straw tip is one of flexible or stretchable.

19. The drinking straw tip of claim 12, wherein the second end comprises at least one opening on one side to allow for flow of liquid through the at least one opening.

20. The drinking straw tip of claim 12, wherein the straw shaft is constructed with one or more food grade materials consisting of: silicone, eco-friendly plastics, hard plastics, bamboo, metal, paper, and wood.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identify the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates images of wrinkles and lines around the upper lip that can be caused by long-term use of a traditional straw.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a smile straw, according to an embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the smile straw of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates side and top views (A) as well as a perspective view (B) of a smile straw, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates side and top views (A), a cross-sectional view (B), and a perspective view (C) of a smile straw, according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates an image of a smile straw in use to promote a wrinkle-free smile, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate sample images of a smile straw with a flared tip in use which promote a wrinkle-free smile, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a smile straw, according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate side views of exemplary whimsical straws, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, various embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the particular embodiments.

[0016] As mentioned above, for women of a certain age, the long-time enjoyment of straws can unfortunately start to show up in their smiles in negative ways as lines and wrinkles on the upper lip. Once these lines begin to appear, women begin to limit their enjoyment of the fun, whimsical straw or stop using straws altogether.

[0017] Well, where's the fun in that? The new Smile Straw will revolutionize the straw industry for everyone! The Smile Straw is a holistic straw that's made for all ages and doesn't promote a crinkly, wrinkly upper lip, but enhances a smooth upper lip line and a happy smile. There's no need to purse and crinkle your lips to indulge in this straw, just smile and sip away!

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates images of wrinkles and lines around the upper lip that can be caused by long-term use of a traditional straw.

[0019] Some embodiments relate to a novel straw design that reduces or eliminates crinkly and/or wrinkly lips by allowing the lips to relax while sipping a favorite drink. Hence, various embodiments improve the design of a traditional drinking straw by promoting, encouraging, and/or enhancing a youthful smile by not stressing the upper lip muscles into wrinkled folds.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a smile straw 200, according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the smile straw 200, according to an embodiment.

[0022] The new smile straw 200 may have various dimensions. In at least one embodiment, the smile straw 200 has a length 202 of about ten inches and a width 204 of about 1.5 inches. Also as shown in FIG. 3, the smile straw 200 may have a curved profile (e.g., with a curvature 302 that is about half of an inch deep and a diameter 304 of about 1.5 inches (e.g., matching the width 204 of the straw).

[0023] In accordance with some embodiments, the novel straw design promotes, encourages, and/or enhances a smooth and youthful upper lip line. The unique shape of the straw encourages a gentle smile while drinking through the straw, rather than the pursed, wrinkled lip formation that occurs when drinking through typical straws.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates side and top views (A) as well as a perspective view (B) of a smile straw 400, according to an embodiment. The numerical numbers in FIG. 4 are in inches and provided for exemplary reasons only with the understanding that embodiments are not limited to these specific sizes. For example, smile straw 400 may be about 8 inches long and 1.6 inches wide. The curvature on the straw may be on both sides of the straw 400, e.g., as contrasted with straw 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3 that has one curved side (e.g., to engage a user's upper lip) and a flat side (e.g., to engage a user's lower lip). In case of straw 400 the lower curvature 402 is intended to engage a user's lower lip and upper curvature 404 is intended to engage a user's upper lip. As shown in FIG. 4 (A), the straw wall may be about 0.03 inches with a width of about 1.6 inches and inside curvature depth of about 0.30 inches and outside curvature depth of about 0.36 inches.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates side and top views (A), a cross-sectional view (B), and a perspective view (C) of a smile straw 500, according to an embodiment. The numerical numbers in FIG. 5 are in inches and provided for exemplary reasons only with the understanding that embodiments are not limited to these specific sizes. For example, smile straw 500 may be about 8 inches long and 1.6 inches wide. The curvature on the straw may be on both sides of the straw 500, e.g., as contrasted with straw 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3 that has one curved side (e.g., to engage a user's upper lip) and a flat side (e.g., to engage a user's lower lip). In case of straw 500 the lower curvature 502 is intended to engage a user's lower lip and upper curvature 504 is intended to engage a user's upper lip.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and (B), the straw wall may be about 0.03 inches with a width of about 1.6 inches and inside curvature depth of about 0.30 inches and outside curvature depth of about 0.36 inches. In an embodiment (such as shown in FIG. 5 (C)), the smile straw 500 may include a straw shaft portion 506 (e.g., to facilitate flow of liquid through the straw 500) and a straw tip portion 508 (e.g., to be engaged by a user's lip). In an embodiment, the straw tip portion 508 may be separable from the straw shaft portion 506. The straw tip 508 may be frictionally engaged with the straw shaft 506 to allow for use of the straw tip 508 with different straws (e.g., disposable straws). The straw tip 508 may be constructed of material that is sufficiently flexible (e.g., stretchable) to engage and make sufficient fluid seal with a variety of straw shafts. The straw tip may be constructed with food grade silicone or rubber to allow for stretching over the straw shaft and provide a frictional sealed contact. Softer or more flexible material may also provide more comfort for users during use.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), the inner hollow portion of the straw shaft may have a diameter of about 0.24 inches (e.g., slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the straw tip 508 (see, e.g., the top view of straw tip in FIG. 5 (A)) to allow for fitting of the straw shaft into the straw tip 508. In at least one embodiment, the area 510 surrounding the straw shaft 506 may be solid to block flow of fluid into a hollow portion of the straw tip 506.

[0028] In some embodiments, the entire straw of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are hollowed out to allow for flow of more dense drinks (e.g., malts, Boba's, or milk shakes), whereas the straw of FIG. 5 only utilizes the hollow portion of the straw shaft to facilitate fluid flow. Alternatively, the straw shaft 506 (and potentially the tip 508) may be widened from the numbers shown in the example of FIG. 5 to allow for denser fluids to flow (e.g., malts, Boba's, or milk shakes). Hence, the straw has a consistent hollow portion for the entire length of the straw in the examples of FIGS. 2 through 4, whereas the straw of FIG. 5 may have a tip portion 508 with different (e.g., larger) dimensions than the straw shaft 506.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates an image of a smile straw in use to promote a wrinkle-free smile, according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate sample images of a smile straw with a flared tip in use which promote a wrinkle-free smile, according to some embodiments. FIGS. 7 and/or 8 illustrate the versions of the smile straw that feature the flared top/tip (or otherwise bent or folded to provide a more compliant or comfortable angle when the user is holding a drink closer to chest) with the tip tube or tube attachment on top of an (e.g., standard size) tube. FIGS. 6, 7, and/or 8 also illustrate the smooth upper lip, as opposed to the crinkled upper lip featured in the standard straw photos of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a smile straw 900, according to an embodiment. As shown, straw tip 902 may be flared (such as discussed with reference to FIGS. 7 and/or 8). The straw tip 902 is attached to the straw shaft 506. In various embodiments, one or both of the tip 902 (or tip 508 of FIG. 5) and/or the straw shaft 506 may be flexible, bent, or bendable, e.g., for a more compliant or comfortable angle when in use by user.

[0032] The Smile Straw components (including the straw (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 through 4), and straw tip/straw shaft (see, e.g., FIG. 5)) may be composed of any food grade material that can be used for straw production, including but not limited to; silicone, eco-friendly plastics, hard plastics, bamboo, metal, paper, and wood.

[0033] A re-usable or disposable Smile Straw can be used with sodas, smoothies and any beverage.

[0034] A re-usable or disposable Smile Straw can be marketed to all commercial food service providers.

[0035] The straw tip (such as those discussed with reference to the figures herein) may be reusable and utilized with both reusable and disposable straw shafts.

[0036] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate side views of exemplary whimsical straws, according to some embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the spouts ends are closed up/solid/capped. The sipping flow is provided through one or more openings (e.g., slits and/or holes) on only one side of the straws (e.g., via the openings 1002, 1102, and 1202). In an embodiment, the width of opening(s) is short enough to allow for sealing of a user's lips around the one or more opening(s). In one embodiment, multiple openings (and potentially their size) can allow for filtering of larger particles while maintaining flow efficiency of the liquid being consumed. That way, the lips do not have to purse around the straw end and instead they can draw liquid in through the one or more openings on the one side of the straws (e.g., at the tip of the straws, closest to a user's lips).

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, a user's lips would engage these whimsical straws on one side of the straw tip, while the user's upper lip would engage the top of the straw above the slit(s) and the user's lower lip would engage the bottom of the straw below the opening(s). In some embodiments, whimsical types of straws are constructed using hard material that would substantially keep their shapes and would not bend significantly to allow for efficient flow of liquid through the opening(s). Further, the straws walls, adjacent (e.g., on top of and/or on the bottom of) the opening(s) 1002, 1102, and 1202, may be shaped/curved to receive or support a user's upper and lower lips to reduce wrinkles, such as discussed with reference to the previous figures.

[0038] With regard to novel shapes of the Smile Straw, any unique, whimsical and novel tube shape that is intended for sipping or drawing in air (or consumable aerosol, such as a vape, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes)) and created for the purpose of maintaining a smooth lip without engaging a puckered lip may be provided according to various embodiments of a Smile Straw.

[0039] A Smile Straw can be considered a beauty utensil and marketed to medical spas, such as in connection to upper lip Botox (or Botulinum Toxin) providers, Further, in connection to lip fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, it is generally advised not to use a typical straw after Botox or filler injections, but an enhanced straw such as the Smile Straw could be used and enjoyed.

[0040] A Smile Straw can be considered a beauty product and also marketed to an array of beauty service and product providers including Sephora, CVS pharmacy, and all beauty product providers etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, use of a Smile Straw encourages a smooth upper lip by not stressing the upper lip muscles into pursed wrinkled folds. Hence, a Smile Straw is an improvement in straws, to eliminate the unattractive upper lip wrinkles that develop with typical straw use.

[0042] As discussed herein, a straw may be interchangeably used as a sipper, tube, sippy, suction tube, beverage conduit, fluid transfer tube, siphon, oral straw, drinking tube, hydraulic straw, liquid conveyance device, peristaltic straw, and the like.

[0043] With a similar association, an embodiment of the unique Smile Straw shape could be incorporated for use in devices such as vapes (or e-cigarettes) for the same purpose of maintaining smooth lip lines, as opposed to the wrinkles, caused by vaping, often referred to as smoker's lines around the lips.

[0044] References to one example, exemplary, an example, etc., indicate that the example described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every example may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same example. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an example, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other examples whether or not explicitly described.

[0045] Moreover, in the various examples described above, unless specifically noted otherwise, disjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of A, B, or C or A, B, and/or C is intended to be understood to mean either A, B, or C, or any combination thereof (i.e. A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B and C).

[0046] The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0047] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding. However, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described to avoid obscuring the details of the present embodiments.

[0048] Reference in the specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, and/or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least an implementation. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification may or may not be all referring to the same embodiment.

[0049] Also, in the description and claims, the terms coupled and connected, along with their derivatives, may be used. In some embodiments, connected may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. Coupled may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, coupled may also mean that two or more elements may not be in direct contact with each other, but may still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0050] Thus, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that claimed subject matter may not be limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as sample forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.