AU2005202882A1

AU2005202882A1 - A mouthpiece and straw

Info

Publication number: AU2005202882A1
Application number: AU2005202882A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Julia Anderson
Original assignee: SMILESTRAW Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SMILESTRAW Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-06-06
Filing date: 2005-06-30
Publication date: 2007-01-18
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-30
Also published as: AU2005202882B2

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: SMILESTRAW PTY LTD Invention Title: A MOUTHPIECE AND STRAW The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 2 A MOUTHPIECE AND STRAW ;THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION C The present invention is a modification to the invention described in our earlier application, namely application 2005202455 and the subject matter of this 0 application is to be treated as a patent of addition of 00 the earlier application. More particularly, the present

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invention relates to the use of the nozzle described in V 10 application 2005202455 in a range of different Sapplications that can be used in conjunction with other components such as a straw.

The entire patent specification of application 2005202455 is hereby incorporated into this specification.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION A difficulty experience by some is that beverages can stain or discolour their teeth. The discolouration of person's front teeth can be particularly noticeable and can be treated by dental bleaching and whitening.

Another difficulty experienced by some elderly, injured and disabled people who have impaired coordination is that they are unable to drink beverages directly from glasses and cups without spillage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mouthpiece that can be used in conjunction with a lid or straw that can assist a person with impaired bodily movement to drink a beverage or minimize the extent to which a beverage may stain or discolour a person's front teeth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a straw for drinking a fluid, the straw including: a) an elongate body defining a passageway, the elongated body capable of being positioned in a drinking H: \Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 .doc3O/06/O5 3 C vessel so that liquid can be drawn through the passageway; and a mouthpiece at one end of the elongate body having an outlet in communication with the passageway of the elongated body, the mouthpiece capable of being located completely inside a user's mouth so that the Ooutlet can be located past the user's front teeth, the 0 mouthpiece having a cross-section that is larger than the Scross-section of a portion of the elongated body adjacent the mouthpiece and has a generally flattened configuration Sthat is adapted to rest on the user's tongue, and wherein the flattened configuration defines major and minor diameters and the major diameter of the mouthpiece is at least 1.4 times the minor diameter.

An advantage provided by the present invention is that the shape of the elongated body and the mouthpiece allows a user to place the mouthpiece on their tongue and form a seal around the mouthpiece between their tongue and the roof of their mouth. More particularly, the relative dimensions of the mouthpiece and the elongated body in effect form a hammer head type structure or a mouthpiece with ears. The shape of the mouthpiece is adapted to enable a user to feel with their tongue when the straw has been positioned at an appropriate depth in their mouth to avoid a gag response and reducing spillage. The mouthpiece also enables a user to place the ends of the straw an appropriate depth in their mouth so as to direct liquid being consumed away from the user's front teeth, thereby minimising the degree to which the liquid contacts the user's front teeth.

It is preferred that the portion of the elongated body adjacent the mouthpiece include a relatively rigid material that can substantially resist deformation when the user bites the elongated portion. This preferred aspect of the invention is intended to prevent obstruction of fluid flow along the passageway when a user bites the neck portion.

H: \Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 .doc3O/06/05 4 D It is even more preferred that said portion of the elongated body adjacent the mouthpiece include an Z inner layer of the rigid material and an outer layer of 0 softer material.

It is also preferred that the mouthpiece be made of resiliently deformable material that is softer than the Origid material included in the portion of the elongated 0 body adjacent to the mouthpiece.

SIt is even more preferred that the major diameter V 10 of the mouthpiece be at least twice the minor diameter of Sthe mouthpiece. Accordingly, the mouthpiece has a relatively flat surface parallel to the major diameter that can be easily orientated within the mouth to rest against the user's tongue.

It is preferred that the minor diameter of the mouthpiece be substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the elongated body.

It is preferred that the external surface of the mouthpiece be asymmetrical about its major dimeter.

According to this preferred aspect of the invention, the external surface of the mouth piece includes a first side having a substantially flat or very slightly curved profile and a second side having a more curved profile relative to the major diameter. A user is able to orientate the flat side possibly against their tongue in preference to the curved side. This enables the user to position the tubular member in a discernable orientation within a user's mouth, and in particular, for comfort on the user's tongue.

It is preferred that the fluid passageway of the elongated body or the mouthpiece include a constriction having a cross-sectional area transverse to the direction of the fluid flow that is less than the area of the outlet at the end of the mouthpiece. An advantage provided by this preferred aspect is that the constriction can restrict the free flow of liquid through the passageway.

It is preferred that the fluid passageway taper H: \Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374.doc3O/06/05 5 from a larger cross-section at the outlet to a smaller

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cross-section at the constriction.

Z It is preferred that the straw be weighted such C that the centre of mass of the straw be closer to an end of the straw opposite to the end having the mouthpiece.

An advantage provided by this preferred aspect of the 0 invention is that the straw will, depending on the 00 viscosity of the beverage, automatically orient itself in

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a drinking vessel for drinking through the straw. More specifically, the base of the straw will tend to fall to Cthe bottom of the drinking vessel containing the beverage while the upper end of the straw will tend to rest against an upper rim of the drinking vessel. This feature allows the straw to self-orient in the drinking vessel and, thus, assist a person having impaired movement to drink through the straw without handling the straw.

It is preferred that an end of the elongated body opposite to the end having the mouthpiece include a flattened formation that can rest against a base of the drinking vessel and, thereby, reduce the tendency of the straw to swivel about a longitudinal axis of the elongated body.- This aspect of the invention can assist a person having impaired movement to more easily position the straw in their mouth.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the elongated body include a planar or concaved external wall that can enhance stirring by the straw when moved in the drinking vessel.

It is preferred that the cross-section of the elongated body taper moving toward the mouthpiece.

It is preferred that the elongate body and the mouthpiece be integrally formed by injection moulding.

According to the present invention there is also provided a nozzle for drinking a liquid, the nozzle including: a) a neck portion that can be fitted to another component for drinking beverages, such as, but by no means H: \Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 .d0C30/06/05 6 C limited to, a conventional straw or part of drinking vessel such as the walls or lid of a drinking vessel; and a mouthpiece at one end of the neck portion, Swherein the neck portion and mouthpiece define a passageway through which liquid can be drawn and the mouthpiece has an outlet at one end through which liquid Ocan be discharged into a user's mouth, the neck portion 0 being of sufficient length so that the mouthpiece is

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Scapable of being located completely inside a user's mouth V 10 so that the outlet can be located past the user's front Cteeth, and the mouthpiece having a cross-section that is larger than the cross-section of a neck portion and has a generally flattened configuration that is adapted to rest on the user's tongue, and wherein the flattened configuration defines major and minor diameters and the major diameter of the mouthpiece is at least 1.4 times its minor diameter.

The neck portion may be fitted to a conventional plastic straw and held thereto using a suitable snap coupling. In order to form an effective liquid seal, it is preferred that nozzle be fitted by way of a male and female coupling in which the passageway of the neck portion provides a sleeve into which the straw can be received or, alternatively, the straw be fitted over the neck portion.

In the situation where the nozzle is fitted to part of the drinking vessel, it is also preferred that the nozzle be fitted thereto by way of a male and female coupling.

It is preferred that the neck portion include a relatively rigid material that can substantially resist deformation when the user bites the neck portion. This preferred aspect of the invention is intended to prevent obstruction of fluid flow along the passageway when a user bites the neck portion.

It is even more preferred that the neck portion include an inner layer of rigid material and an outer H: \Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 .doc3OIO6IOS 7 D layer of softer material.

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It is also preferred that the mouthpiece be made of resiliently deformable material that is softer than the 0 rigid material included in the neck portion.

It is even more preferred that the outer layer of softer material of the neck portion be made of the same

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0 material as used to form the head portion.

00 It is preferred that the neck portion be at least

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mm in length.

V 10 It is preferred that the major diameter of the Smouthpiece be at least twice its minor diameter.

Accordingly, the mouthpiece has a relatively flat surface parallel to the major diameter that can be easily orientated within the mouth to rest against the user's tongue.

It is preferred that the external surface of the head portion be asymmetrical about the major dimeter.

According to this preferred aspect of the invention, the external surface of the mouthpiece includes a first side having a substantially flat or very slightly curved profile and a second side having a more curved profile relative to the major diameter. A user is able to orientate the flat side possibly against their tongue in preference to the curved side.

It is preferred that the fluid passageway taper from a larger cross-section at the outlet to a smaller cross-section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a side view of a straw including a mouthpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view of the straw shown in Figure H: \Pcabral\IKeep\speci\p57374 .doc3O/06/05 8 O i; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing an ;upper surface of the mouthpiece of the straw shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a bottom surface of the mouthpiece of the straw shown in 0O Figure 1; 00 Figure 5 is a side view of a nozzle including a

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Smouthpiece according to an alternative embodiment of the V 10 present invention fitted to a conventional straw; and CFigure 6 is a side view of the nozzle shown in Figure fitted to a lid of a drinking vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The straw according to the preferred embodiment of the invention includes an elongated body 10 defined in a passageway through which fluid can be drawn by suction and a mouthpiece 11 integrally connected to the proximal end of the elongated body 10. The mouthpiece 11 has an outlet 12 in communication with the passageway of the elongated body The elongated body 10 and mouthpiece 11 are moulded from different types of plastic or rubberized material. Specifically, the elongated body 10 is made from a rigid plastic material that can resist deformation when bitten by a user. In contrast, the mouthpiece is made from a rubberized deformable material that is substantially softer than the plastic material from which the elongated body 10 is made. Although not shown in the drawings, the upper end of the elongated body 10 adjacent to the mouthpiece 11 may include a softer outer sleeve on which the user can place their teeth. Located below the softer outer layer is the rigid plastic material.

As can be seen in the figures, the mouthpiece 11 is configured so as to have a generally flattened shaped with ears and may also be likened to a hammerhead type configuration.

H:\Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 .doc3o/O6/O5 9 More particularly, the external surface of the mouthpiece comprises major and minor diameters, parallel ;to lines 13 and 14 respectively. It is envisaged that the major diameter 13 of the mouthpiece 10 would be at least 1.4 times the minor diameter 14. However, it is even more preferred that the major diameter 13 of the mouthpiece be 00 at least twice the minor diameter 14 of the elongated body 00 10. It is envisaged that the minor diameter 14 of the

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mouthpiece 11 be at least equal to, or greater than, the diameter of the elongated body 10 adjacent the mouthpiece CD 11.

As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the mouthpiece 11 is asymmetric about the major diameter 13 such that the bottom surface of the mouthpiece l1a comprises a more pointed profile, whereas the top surface llb comprises a more curved surface.

The design of the mouthpiece 11 is configured such that, in use, a user can place the end of the straw and in particular the mouthpiece 11 at an appropriate depth in their mouth so as to direct liquid being consumed away from their front teeth. The mouthpiece 11 has also been configured such that the hammerhead type structure will be placed laterally across the user's tongue and the user can form a seal around the mouthpiece 11 between their tongue and the roof of the mouth. The relative hardness of the elongated portion 10 prevents the user from being able to bite and obstruct fluid flow along the passageway and the relative softness of the mouthpiece 11 enables the user to effectively form a liquid seal around the mouthpiece 11 with the top of their mouth and their tongue.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the elongated body of the straw tapers outwardly moving away from the mouthpiece 11 toward the distal end of the straw. The distal end of the straw also defines a fluid inlet through which liquid can be drawn into the fluid passageway and provides a relatively flat surface which H: \Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 10 D can rest on the bottom of a drinking vessel. As can be

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seen in Figures 1 and 2, the major diameter 14 of the mouthpiece 11 is substantially aligned with the breath of the straw at its distal end.

In addition, the outward tapering of the elongated body 10 toward the distal end ensures that the 0 centre of mass of the straw is located toward the distal 00 end of the straw. An advantage provided by this Sconfiguration is that depending on the viscosity of the beverage being consumed, the distal end of the straw will Csettle toward the bottom of the drinking vessel and the elongated body portion will rest against an upper rim of the drinking vessel. This characteristic should enable a person having impaired movement to more easily drink a beverage from a container using the straw.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in the form of a nozzle comprising a mouthpiece 11 substantially the same as the mouthpiece described above in relation to the straw shown in Figures 1 to 4 and a neck portion 10. The neck portion 10 and mouthpiece 11 include an internal passageway 12 through which liquid can be conveyed. In addition, the internal dimensions of the passageway 12 of the neck portion 10 are sizes so that a conventional plastic straw 13 can be fitted inside the passage 12 in the male and female coupling arrangement. The neck portion 10 of the nozzle includes rigid material that can substantially resist deformation when bitten by a user. Optionally, the outer surface of the neck portion 10 may also include a soft material on which a user can place their teeth.

The mouthpiece 11 of the nozzle will preferably have the same shape as the mouthpiece 11 described in relation to Figures 1 and 4 and be made of resiliently deformable material. Therefore, the mouthpiece 11 should provide the same advantages in terms of being readily located in the mouth of a user at appropriate depths in the user's mouth and allow a seal to be formed around the H:\Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374.doc3O/06/05 11 Q) mouthpiece between the tongue and roof of the user's mouth.

;Z Figure 6 illustrates the situation in which the 0 conventional straw 13 illustrated in Figure 5 has been replaced with the lid 14 of a drinking vessel having a male portion 15 which can be received inside the 00 passageway 12 of the nozzle in the same manner as the 00 conventional straw 13.

SIt will be appreciated by those skilled in the Ct 10 art of the present invention that many variations and Smodifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

H: \Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57314 .doc3O/06/O5

Claims

1. A straw for drinking a fluid, the straw 0 including: a) an elongate body defining a passageway through which liquid can be conveyed; and 00 b) a mouthpiece at one end of the elongate body having 00 00 an outlet in communication with the passageway and capable of being located completely inside a user's mouth with the V 10 outlet located past the user's front teeth, the mouthpiece Chaving a cross-section that is larger than the cross- section of a portion of the elongated body adjacent the mouthpiece and has a generally flattened configuration that is adapted to rest on the user's tongue, and wherein the flattened configuration defines major and minor diameters and the major diameter of the mouthpiece is at least 1.4 times its minor diameter.

2. The straw according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the elongated body adjacent the mouthpiece includes a relatively rigid material that can substantially resist deformation when the user bites the elongated portion.

3. The straw according to claim 2, wherein said portion of the elongated body adjacent the mouthpiece include an inner layer of the rigid material and an outer layer of softer material.

4. The straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece is made of resiliently deformable material. The straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the major diameter of the mouthpiece is at least twice the minor diameter of the mouthpiece.

H:\Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 .doc3O/06/05 13

6. The straw according to any one of the preceding (N claims, wherein the minor diameter of the mouthpiece is Z substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the elongated body.

7. The straw according to any one of the preceding 0Oclaims, wherein the external surface of the mouthpiece is 00 asymmetrical about its major dimeter.

8. The straw according to any one of the preceding Cclaims, wherein the straw is weighted such that the centre of mass of the straw is closed to an end of the straw opposite to the end having the mouthpiece.

9. The straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-section of the elongated body tapers moving toward the mouthpiece.

The straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate body and the mouthpiece are integrally formed.

11. A nozzle for drinking a liquid, the nozzle including: a) a neck portion that can be fitted to another component for drinking beverages, such as, but by no means limited to, a conventional straw or part of drinking vessel such as the walls or lid of a drinking vessel; and b) a mouthpiece at one end of the neck portion, wherein the neck portion and mouthpiece define a passageway through which liquid can be drawn and the mouthpiece has an outlet at one end through which liquid can be discharged into a user's mouth, the neck portion being of sufficient length so that the mouthpiece is capable of being located completely inside a user's mouth with the outlet located past the user's front teeth, and the mouthpiece having a cross-section that is larger than H: \Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 .doc3O/06/O5 14 C the cross-section of a neck portion and has a generally flattened configuration that is adapted to rest on the ;user's tongue, and wherein the flattened configuration defines major and minor diameters and the major diameter of the mouthpiece is at least 1.4 times its minor diameter. 00 00

12. The nozzle according to claim 11, whereby in use Sthe nozzle is fitted to a conventional straw by a coupling means.

13. The nozzle according to claim 12, wherein the coupling means is a male to female coupling means.

14. The nozzle according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the neck portion includes a relatively rigid material that can substantially resist deformation when the user bites the neck portion.

15. The nozzle according to claim 14, wherein the neck portion includes an inner layer of rigid material and an outer layer of resiliently deformable softer material.

16. The nozzle according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the mouthpiece is made of resiliently deformable material.

17. The nozzle according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the neck portion be at least 15 mm in length.

18. The nozzle according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the major diameter of the mouthpiece is at least twice its minor diameter.

19. The nozzle according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the external surface of the head portion is asymmetrical about the major dimeter.

H:\Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374 .doc3O/06/05 15 A straw substantially as hereinbefore described Z with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

21. A nozzle capable of being fitted to a conventional straw or part of a drinking vessel 00 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to 00 Figures 5 and 6. H:\Pcabral\Keep\speci\p57374.doc30/06/05