Straw topper and method

Abstract

A straw topper having a straw topper assembly including a cylindrical body having an open proximate end and a closed distal end. The cylindrical body is configured to be placed over a suction end of a drinking straw. The cylindrical body and the closed distal end are configured to seal the suction end of the drinking straw forming a sanitary barrier that prevents access to the drinking straw by pests, contaminants, and airborne debris. The straw topper has decorative designs on the cylindrical body and/or closed distal end for user identification as well as a label on the cylindrical body. The straw topper assembly can be provided in a variety of colors and can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The cylindrical body may have a variety of diameters for accommodating various straw sizes.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims: 
     
         1 . A straw topper comprising:
 a straw topper assembly including:   a cylindrical body having;
 an open proximate end and 
 a closed distal end; 
   wherein the cylindrical body is configured to be placed over a suction end of a drinking straw;   wherein the cylindrical body and the closed distal end are configured to seal the suction end of the drinking straw forming a sanitary barrier that prevents access to the drinking straw by pests, airborne debris, and other contaminants;   wherein the cylindrical body of the drinking straw is approximately two inches in length; and   wherein the cylindrical body of the drinking straw is approximately one inch in width.   
     
     
         2 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the straw topper assembly comprises dishwasher-safe plastic. 
     
     
         3 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the straw topper assembly comprises wax paper. 
     
     
         4 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the straw topper assembly comprises cupcake paper. 
     
     
         5 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body comprises various colors configured to functionally identify a drink for a specified user. 
     
     
         6 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body includes a label configured to identify a drink for a specified user. 
     
     
         7 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body includes a decorative design configured to identify a drink for a specified user. 
     
     
         8 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the closed distal end includes a functional decorative design configured to identify a drink for a specified user. 
     
     
         9 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body has an attached key ring configured to hold the straw topper assembly on the drinking straw while in use. 
     
     
         10 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body has at least one access opening. 
     
     
         11 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body is translucent. 
     
     
         12 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body is opaque. 
     
     
         13 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body is transparent. 
     
     
         14 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein straw topper assembly is reusable. 
     
     
         15 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein straw topper assembly is configured for a one-time use. 
     
     
         16 . The straw topper of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical body comprises various diameters configured to accommodate a variety of straw sizes. 
     
     
         17 . A straw topper comprising a straw topper assembly including:
 a cylindrical body having;
 an open proximate end and 
 a closed distal end; 
   wherein the cylindrical body is configured to be placed over a suction end of a drinking straw;   wherein the cylindrical body and the closed distal end are configured to seal the suction end of the drinking straw forming a sanitary barrier that prevents access to the drinking straw by pests, and airborne debris;   wherein the cylindrical body of the drinking straw is approximately two inches in length;   wherein the cylindrical body of the drinking straw is approximately one inch in width;   wherein the straw topper assembly comprises dishwasher-safe plastic;   wherein the cylindrical body comprises various colors configured to identify the drink for a specified use;   wherein the cylindrical body includes a label configured to identify the drink for a specified user;   wherein the cylindrical body includes a decorative design configured to identify a drink for the specified user;   wherein the closed distal end includes a functional decorative design configured to identify the drink for the specified user;   wherein the cylindrical body has an attached key ring;   wherein the cylindrical body has at least one access opening;   wherein the cylindrical body is translucent; and   wherein straw topper assembly is reusable.   
     
     
         18 . The straw topper of  claim 17 , further comprising set of instructions; and
 wherein the straw topper is arranged as a kit having:
 said straw topper assembly; 
 a set of user instructions; 
 said sanitary cap; 
 an external label sleeve; 
 an internal label sleeve; and 
 an attachment ribbon. 
   
     
     
         19 . A method of use for a straw topper, the method comprising the steps of:
 sliding a straw topper assembly onto a straw;   removing the straw topper assembly for drinking; and   drinking through the straw.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the steps of
 installing a sanitary cap on the straw topper assembly and   clipping the straw topper assembly to a key ring.