Device for sugar and/or caffeine content indication

Abstract

A drinking straw incorporates a sugar indicator section. When the straw is inserted into the drink, the indicator section changes color upon detection of sugar in the drink. This enables rapid and accurate detection of sugar in the drink. The sugar indicator straw may instead be formed as a drinking straw insert. The insert incorporates a “sleeve” through which a straw may be inserted. Then, when the straw is inserted into the drink, the insert changes color upon detection of sugar. The insert may then be disposed of. Further, the indicator may be incorporated in a drinking cup, preferably of the disposable kind. A section of the cup's wall is made porous, and the indicator is provided over the porous part. When liquid passes through the porous part, the indicator changes color if the liquid contains sugar.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A liquid content indicator having at least one color-changing section, comprising: 
 an inner layer capable of immersion in liquid;    an active section provided about said inner layer, said active section changing color when coming in contact with liquid containing at least one of sugar and caffeine;    a protective clear layer provided over said active section; and    wherein said inner layer enables said liquid to reach said active section.    
     
     
         2 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 1 , wherein said inner layer forms walls of a drinking cup.  
     
     
         3 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 2 , wherein said walls comprise at least one hole enabling fluid to reach said active section.  
     
     
         4 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 1 , wherein said inner layer forms an inner tube of a drinking straw.  
     
     
         5 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 4 , wherein said active section and said protective clear layer form a sleeve for a drinking straw.  
     
     
         6 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 1 , further comprising an absorbent layer provided between said inner layer and said active section.  
     
     
         7 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 1 , further comprising an absorbent layer provided between said inner layer and said protective clear layer.  
     
     
         8 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 7 , wherein said inner layer forms a tube of a drinking straw having a lower end to be inserted in liquid; said absorbent layer comprises a ring provided about said lower end; said active section comprises a ring provided next to said absorbent layer; and said protective clears layer comprises a ring provided over at least said absorbent layer and said active section.  
     
     
         9 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 3 , wherein said active section is provided over an exterior part of said wall.  
     
     
         10 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 10 , further comprising an absorbent layer provided between said wall and said active section.  
     
     
         11 . The liquid content indicator of  claim 4 , further comprising an absorbent layer provided between said inner layer and said active section.