Drinking straw pump apparatus and method for using

Abstract

The invention relates to a disposable drinking straw pump apparatus and method for using the apparatus. The apparatus contains a manual pump device and two unidirectional valves, which enable the user to direct the flow of liquid through the apparatus and into the user's mouth by compressing and releasing the pump device. In addition to its functional value for those with orofacial disabilities, the drinking straw pump apparatus has entertainment value for those who prefer to manually pump liquid into their mouths, and also as a training tool in developing the muscles and dexterity involved with the suction creation process.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 105,299 filed on Oct. 14, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a novel drinking straw pump apparatus and method for using the apparatus that utilizes a manual pump to transport liquid from a vessel to the user's mouth. In particular, the drinking straw pump apparatus contains a pump device and at least two valves, on opposite ends of the apparatus. The valves effectively prevent the liquid from flowing back into the vessel and keep the liquid flowing towards the user's mouth upon compression and release of the pump device by the user.BACKGROUND[0003]With the rising demographics of the elderly population within the United States, a great deal of time and resources are being spent on the care of this patient population. The need for such care may arise out of many potential causes, but one...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]It is an object of the invention to provide a disposable, user-powered (manual powered), easily transportable, and adaptable drinking straw pump apparatus to provide consumers suffering from orofacial problems, which prevent the user from being able to drink normally from a drinking vessel or from a straw, with the ability to drink from a straw without any required mouth suction.

[0010]Yet another object of the invention is to provide a means by which a user may be able to take advantage of the set quantity of liquid housed within the upper chamber of the drinking straw pump apparatus, and delivered to the user's mouth in segmented quantities. Such an advantage is apparent in helping the user such as a child, or individual recovering from an injury, to learn how to develop the mouth suction process or to rehabilitate the user's mouth suction muscles and routine, and to prevent the user from receiving too much or too little liquid.

Problems solved by technology

The need for such care may arise out of many potential causes, but one issue involves patients with orofacial problems such as dysphagia, whether inherited or due to a secondary cause, such as a stroke.

These patients tend to have difficulty performing even the simplest of tasks, such as drinking liquids from a cup or similar apparatus or controlling the suction of a liquid through a straw.

However, no previous straw design discloses an easy to use, disposable fluid consumption option that the user can easily transport wherever he or she may go, and does not require suction from the users mouth or creation of a vacuum to facilitate use.

Given the demands of a power source, this device is not practical for users who are typically outside of their home, or traveling to destinations where an applicable power source is not readily available.

This limitation may be undesirable for users if they do not want to carry around the device-compatible bottle all of the time.

This invention is also very cumbersome, as it requires that the apparatus be worn by the user, and would also require the user to fill the harness support bag with any fluids desired to be consumed, which also could be undesirable.

Although the art has many examples of drinking straw devices, most are designed for the entertainment of the user, and none adequately address the specific needs of users who suffer from orofacial disabilities such as dysphagia.

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