Easy Sip Straw for Individuals with Dysphagia

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disposable dysphagia straw designed to enhance the safe and comfortable consumption of fluids for individuals with dysphagia. In one embodiment, the straw is comprised of a hollow tubular pipe with a proximal end and a distal end, featuring a bendable section composed of accordion-like folds. The bendable section enables users to customize the straw's angle to their preference, ensuring effortless fluid intake without strain. The straw is shorter than the conventional straws and is flexible. The straw can come in lengths from about 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches. A mouthpiece can also be integrated to one end and a flavor coating can be added thereto. The straw reduces mouth muscle strain and ensures the user can pull liquid through a shorter straw.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A straw for use with individuals having dysphagia, the straw comprising:
 a proximal end;   a distal end;   a hollow tubular pipe between said proximal end and said distal end;   an upper section of said straw;   a lower section of said straw;   a bendable section between said upper section and said lower section;   wherein said upper section having an upper length and said lower section having a lower length;   wherein said upper length from 25% to 40% of said lower length;   wherein said bendable section selectively positionable to set a selected angle between said upper section and said lower section; and   further wherein said bendable section having at least a 180 degree range of motion.   
     
     
         2 . The straw of  claim 1 , wherein said bendable section having a plurality of accordion folds. 
     
     
         3 . The straw of  claim 2 , wherein said straw having a straw length from said proximal end to said distal of less than 7.0 inches for limiting travel distance of liquids through said hollow pipe. 
     
     
         4 . The straw of  claim 3 , wherein said straw length is less than 5.5 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The straw of  claim 4 , wherein said straw length is less than 4.0 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The straw of  claim 5 , wherein said proximal end having an enlarged terminal end for manipulation by a user's tongue and mouth. 
     
     
         7 . A straw for use with individuals having dysphagia, the straw comprising:
 a proximal end;   a distal end;   a hollow tubular pipe between said proximal end and said distal end;   an upper section of said straw;   a lower section of said straw;   a bendable section between said upper section and said lower section;   wherein said upper section having an upper length and said lower section having a lower length;   wherein said upper length is generally equal to said lower length;   wherein said bendable section selectively positionable to set a selected angle between said upper section and said lower section; and   further wherein said bendable section having at least a 180 degree range of motion.   
     
     
         8 . The straw of  claim 7 , wherein said bendable section having a plurality of accordion folds. 
     
     
         9 . The straw of  claim 8 , wherein said straw having a straw length from said proximal end to said distal of less than 7.0 inches for limiting travel distance of liquids through said hollow pipe. 
     
     
         10 . The straw of  claim 9 , wherein said straw length is less than 5.5 inches. 
     
     
         11 . The straw of  claim 10 , wherein said straw length is less than 4.0 inches. 
     
     
         12 . The straw of  claim 11 , wherein said proximal end having an enlarged terminal end for manipulation by a user's tongue and mouth. 
     
     
         13 . A straw for use with individuals having dysphagia, the straw comprising:
 a proximal end;   a distal end;   a hollow tubular pipe between said proximal end and said distal end;   an upper section of said straw;   a lower section of said straw;   a bendable section between said upper section and said lower section;   wherein said proximal end having an enlarged terminal end for manipulation by a user's tongue and mouth;   wherein said bendable section selectively positionable to set a selected angle between said upper section and said lower section; and   further wherein said bendable section having at least a 180 degree range of motion.   
     
     
         14 . The straw of  claim 13 , wherein said upper section having an upper length and said lower section having a lower length, and further wherein said upper length is generally equal to said lower length. 
     
     
         15 . The straw of  claim 13 , wherein said upper section having an upper length and said lower section having a lower length, and further wherein said upper length is from 25% to 40% of said lower length. 
     
     
         16 . The straw of  claim 15 , wherein said bendable section having a plurality of accordion folds. 
     
     
         17 . The straw of  claim 16 , wherein said straw having a straw length from said proximal end to said distal of less than 7.0 inches for limiting travel distance of liquids through said hollow pipe. 
     
     
         18 . The straw of  claim 17 , wherein said straw length is less than 5.5 inches. 
     
     
         19 . The straw of  claim 18 , wherein said enlarged terminal end having a flavored coating. 
     
     
         20 . The straw of  claim 14 , wherein said straw having a straw length from said proximal end to said distal of less than 5.0 inches for limiting travel distance of liquids through said hollow pipe.