阅读说明：本技术 可重复使用的吸管 (Reusable straw ) 是由 C·A·伯恩斯 M·Q·塞拉伊马 J·帕米利 于 2019-09-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种可重复使用的吸管组件,可包括可以可拆卸地联接在一起的多个元件。可重复使用的吸管组件可包括第一构件、第二构件和连接构件,该第一构件包括内表面和外表面,该内表面限定了延伸第一构件的长度的第一通道；该第二构件包括内表面和外表面,该内表面限定延伸第二构件的长度的第二通道；该连接构件包括内表面和外表面,该内表面限定延伸连接构件的长度的第三通道。连接构件的尺寸可以设定成在连接构件远端处将第一构件可拆卸地接纳和保持在第三通道内。连接构件的尺寸还可以设定成在连接构件近端处将第二构件可拆卸地接纳和保持在第三通道内。(A reusable straw assembly may include multiple elements that may be removably coupled together. The reusable straw assembly may include a first member including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a first channel extending a length of the first member; the second member including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a second channel extending the length of the second member; the connecting member includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a third channel extending the length of the connecting member. The connecting member may be sized to removably receive and retain the first member within the third channel at the connecting member distal end. The connecting member may also be sized to removably receive and retain the second member within the third channel at the proximal end of the connecting member.)

1. A reusable straw assembly comprising:

a first member having a length and comprising a first member inner surface and a first member outer surface, wherein the first member inner surface defines a first channel extending the length of the first member;

a second member having a length and comprising a second member inner surface and a second member outer surface, wherein the second member inner surface defines a second channel extending the length of the second member; and

a connecting member having a length and comprising a connecting member inner surface and a connecting member outer surface, wherein the connecting member inner surface defines a third channel extending the length of the connecting member;

wherein the connecting member is sized to removably receive and retain the first member within the third channel at a connecting member distal end, and the connecting member is sized to removably receive and retain the second member within the third channel at a connecting member proximal end.

2. The reusable straw assembly of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first channel and the diameter of the second channel are uniform along the length of the first member and the second member, respectively.

3. The reusable straw assembly of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the third channel varies along a length of the connecting member.

4. The reusable straw assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling member comprises at least one insertion limiting feature that extends partially into the third channel.

5. The reusable straw assembly of claim 4, wherein a connecting member inner diameter through the intermediate portion of the connecting member is smaller than the connecting member inner diameter at the connecting member distal end and the connecting member proximal end.

6. The reusable straw assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one insertion limiting feature comprises a first shoulder located near a proximal end of the coupling member and a second shoulder located near a distal end of the coupling member, at least one of the first shoulder or the second shoulder extending at an approximately 90 degree angle from the coupling member inner surface into the third channel.

7. The reusable straw assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one insertion limiting feature comprises a first shoulder located near a proximal end of the coupling member and a second shoulder located near a distal end of the coupling member, at least one of the first shoulder or the second shoulder extending from the coupling member inner surface into the third channel at an angle greater than about 90 degrees.

8. The reusable straw assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one insertion limiting feature comprises a first tab located near a proximal end of the connecting member and a second tab located near a distal end of the connecting member.

9. The reusable straw assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one insertion limiting feature is configured to prevent insertion of the first member and the second member into the third channel beyond the at least one insertion limiting feature.

10. A drinking vessel system comprising:

a beverage container;

a beverage container lid defining an opening; and

a reusable straw assembly, the reusable straw assembly comprising:

a first member having a length and defining a first channel extending the length of the first member;

a second member having a length and defining a second channel extending the length of the second member; and

a connecting member having a length and defining a third channel extending the length of the connecting member;

wherein the connecting member is sized to removably receive and retain the first member within the third channel at a connecting member distal end, and the connecting member is sized to removably receive and retain the second member within the third channel at a connecting member proximal end.

11. The drinking vessel system of claim 10, wherein the opening of the beverage container lid is sized to receive the first member and to receive a portion of the connecting member.

12. The drinking apparatus system of claim 10, wherein the first portion of the connecting member is inserted into the opening and frictionally engages the opening such that the second portion of the connecting member and the second member cannot be inserted into the opening.

13. A reusable straw, comprising:

a first member having a length and comprising a first member inner surface and a first member outer surface, wherein the first member inner surface defines a first channel extending the length of the first member;

a second member having a length and comprising a second member inner surface and a second member outer surface, wherein the second member inner surface defines a second channel extending the length of the second member; and

and an angled coupling member having a length and including an angled coupling member inner surface, an angled coupling member outer surface, and at least one protrusion, wherein the angled coupling member inner surface defines a third channel extending the length of the angled coupling member,

wherein the angled connecting member is removably coupled to the first member at an angled connecting member distal end, and wherein the angled connecting member is also removably coupled to the second member at an angled connecting member proximal end.

14. The reusable pipette of claim 13 wherein the diameter of said third passageway of said angled connecting member varies along the length of said angled connecting member.

15. The reusable pipette of claim 14 wherein said diameter of said third passageway is greater at said angled connecting member distal end than at a middle region of said angled connecting member, and wherein said diameter of said third passageway is greater at said angled connecting member proximal end than at said middle region of said angled connecting member.

16. The reusable pipette of claim 13 wherein said at least one projection is integrally formed with said angled connecting member and partially projects into said third channel.

17. The reusable pipette of claim 16 wherein said at least one projection comprises a shoulder extending from said angled connecting member inner surface at an angle of about 90 degrees or extending from said angled connecting member inner surface at an angle greater than about 90 degrees.

18. The reusable pipette of claim 16 wherein said at least one projection comprises a first shoulder located near a distal end of said angled connecting member, said first shoulder preventing said first member from extending beyond said first shoulder toward a proximal end of said angled connecting member when said first member is coupled to said angled connecting member.

19. The reusable pipette of claim 18 wherein said projection includes a second shoulder located near a proximal end of said angled connecting member, said second shoulder preventing said second member from extending beyond said second shoulder toward said angled connecting member distal end when said second member is coupled to said angled connecting member.

20. The reusable pipette of claim 19 wherein said first shoulder and said second shoulder are integral or separate.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to reusable pipettes and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a reusable pipette that may be assembled for use and disassembled for storage, transport and/or cleaning.

Background

Plastic or disposable straws are becoming more and more an environmental issue. Disposable straws that are discarded after use are transported to landfills, and some disposable straws may eventually enter the ocean and other waterways, causing negative environmental impact. Reducing the number of disposable straws used can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste, including waste that eventually enters the ocean. Furthermore, reusable straws may be more durable and economical in the long term for those who purchase them.

Disclosure of Invention

The terms "invention," "the invention," and "the current invention" as used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of this patent and the following patent claims. Statements containing these terms should not be understood to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the following patent claims. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the following claims, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood with reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all of the figures, and each claim.

Embodiments of the present invention include a multi-piece reusable straw having a straw member and a connecting member. The straw member may be inserted into and removed from the connecting member to assemble and disassemble the reusable straw. The connecting member may include one or more protrusions extending from an inner surface of the connecting member into a channel defined by the inner surface of the connecting member. The one or more projections may prevent insertion of the one or more straw members into the coupling member beyond the projection(s).

In some embodiments, the reusable straw may be used with a drinking vessel system that includes a beverage container and a beverage container lid. The beverage container lid may define an opening into which a reusable straw may be inserted.

Drawings

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable straw assembly according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the reusable straw assembly of figure 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first member of the reusable straw assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a connecting member for the reusable straw assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a connecting member for the reusable straw assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a connecting member for the reusable straw assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the reusable straw of FIG. 1 inserted into a lid of a beverage container as part of a beverage container system.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is described herein with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but the description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Except where the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described, this description should not be construed as to imply any particular order or arrangement among or between individual steps or elements. Directional references, such as "upper," "lower," "top," "left," "right," "bottom," and the like, are intended to refer to the orientation shown and described in the figure(s) to which these components and orientations refer.

The described embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable straw assembly formed from multiple elements, which may be separate elements. In some embodiments, the reusable straw assembly may be formed of three elements that may be removably (removably) coupled to one another. Each element may include an internal channel, and when the elements are assembled to form the reusable straw assembly, each internal channel may be in fluid communication with the other internal channels such that liquid may flow through the internal channels of the reusable straw assembly.

The components of the reusable straw assembly impart a number of advantages to the reusable straw assembly. For example, one or all of the elements may be disengaged from each other so that the reusable straw assembly may be more compact to assist in storing and transporting the reusable straw assembly. In addition, disengaging the elements may allow a user to easily and thoroughly clean each element, as separating or separating (disengaging) the elements may provide easy access to the internal passages of the individual elements. In embodiments having bends or curves in one or more of the elements, separating the elements may provide access to the bends that may otherwise be difficult to clean. Reusable straws may be particularly beneficial and economical for those individuals who must use them for drinking and/or eating due to medical conditions or disabilities.

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 1-4, the reusable straw assembly 10 may include three elements: a first member 12, a second member 14, and a connecting member 16. The first member 12 may be removably coupled with the connecting member 16 at a first end of the connecting member 16, while the second member 14 may be removably coupled with the connecting member 16 at a second end of the connecting member 16. The connecting member 16 may be positioned between the first member 12 and the second member 14 such that the first member 12 and the second member 14 may be removably coupled to the connecting member 16.

In some embodiments, the first member 12 may include a first member proximal end 28 and a first member distal end 30, the second member 14 may include a second member proximal end 32 and a second member distal end 34, and the connecting member 16 may include a connecting member proximal end 38 and a connecting member distal end 40. The proximal end may be defined as the end of the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 that is positioned closest to a user drinking through the reusable straw assembly 10 when moving along the reusable straw assembly 10. For example, a user can drink liquid through the reusable straw assembly 10 by placing his or her lips around the second member proximal end 32 and creating suction. The distal end may be defined as the end of the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 that is positioned furthest away from a user drinking through the reusable straw assembly 10 when moving along the reusable straw assembly 10.

In some embodiments, the second member proximal end 32 may be designed such that the size, shape, material, etc. of the second member proximal end 32 may reduce the risk of possible injury to a user. For example, the second member proximal end 32 may have a slightly rolled or curved edge. Further, second member proximal end 32 may be made of or covered with a soft material, such as plastic, silicone, bamboo, rubber, or any other suitable material. For example, the second member proximal end 32 may be covered with a protective sleeve, also referred to as a tubular cover, made of flexible silicone.

The first member 12 may be any suitable length to extend into the beverage container. In some embodiments, the first member 12 may have a length in the range of about 4 inches to about 8 inches. Although the first member 12 is depicted as straight in fig. 1-3, in some embodiments, the first member 12 may be any other suitable shape, including curved, curvilinear, or any other desired shape. The second member 14 may be any suitable length. In some embodiments, the second member 14 can have a length in the range of about 1 inch to about 4 inches. Although the second member 14 is shown as straight in fig. 1-3, in some embodiments, the second member 14 may be curved, curvilinear, or any other desired shape. Although the first member 12 is depicted as being longer than the second member 14, in some embodiments, the second member 14 may be longer than the first member 12, or both the first member 12 and the second member 14 may be the same length.

Similarly, the connecting member 16 may be any suitable length or shape. For example, the connecting member 16 may have an angled, curved, or curvilinear profile (e.g., angled at any suitable angle θ greater than or equal to about 90 degrees and less than about 180 degrees). However, in some embodiments, the connecting member may be straight (e.g., substantially straight)

Additionally, while the first and second members 12, 14 are each shown as a single, unitary piece, one or both members 12, 14 may be formed from multiple pieces. For example, one or both of the first and second members 12, 14 may be formed from a plurality of segments that engage one another in a telescoping manner. In this way, the length of the first member 12 and/or the second member 14 can be adjusted and locked in place as desired. This may be particularly useful for storage, transport and cleaning of the reusable straw assembly 10. In some embodiments, adjusting the length of the first member 12 and the second member 14 can allow a user to adjust the overall length of the reusable straw assembly 10. This may allow the reusable straw 10 to be adjusted to fit various sized beverage containers and adjusted for use by users of various ages (e.g., children to adults). Similarly, the connecting member 16 may also be formed as a single integral piece or from adjustable pieces.

In some embodiments, the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 may each have a circular cross-sectional shape and include an outer surface and an inner surface. For example, the first member 12 has a first member outer surface 24 and a first member inner surface 25, the second member 14 has a second member outer surface 26 and a second member inner surface 27, and the connecting member 16 has a connecting member outer surface 36 and a connecting member inner surface 37.

The inner surfaces 25, 27, 37 may define a channel that extends the entire length of the respective member 12, 14, 16. For example, the first member inner surface 25 may define the first channel 18, the second member inner surface 27 may define the second channel 20, and the connecting member inner surface 37 may define the third channel 22 (see fig. 2-4). The channels 18, 20, 22 may extend centrally through the length of the respective members 12, 14, 16. For example, the third channel 22 may extend along the same shape and angle as the connecting member outer surface 26. The first, second, and third passages 18, 20, 22 may allow fluid to pass through the first, second, and connecting members 12, 14, 16, respectively.

Although the first and second members 12, 14 are shown as cylinders having a circular cross-sectional shape and the connecting member 16 is shown as a curved cylinder having a circular cross-sectional shape, the first, second and connecting members 12, 14, 16 may have any other suitable cross-sectional shape, including but not limited to square, triangular, oval, and the like. Further, the shape of the first member 12, the second member 14, and/or the connecting member 16 may be the same or different. For example, the first member 12 may have a square cross-sectional shape, while the second member 14 may have an oval cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the connecting member 16 may have a triangular cross-sectional shape, while both the first member 12 and the second member 14 may have a square cross-sectional shape. In general, the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 can be any shape that allows these components to be coupled to form the reusable straw assembly 10. Further, although the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of each of the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 is shown as being the same as the cross-sectional shape of the corresponding outer surface of each of the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16, the cross-sectional shapes of the corresponding inner and outer surfaces of the members 12, 14, 16 may be different. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first member inner surface 25 may be circular, while the cross-sectional shape of the first member outer surface 24 may be triangular.

In some embodiments, the first member outer diameter 17 and the second member outer diameter 21 may be the same. In other embodiments, the first member outer diameter 17 and the second member outer diameter 21 may be different. The connecting member outer diameter 29 may be greater than the first member outer diameter 17 and the second member outer diameter 21.

In addition, the first channel diameter 19 and the second channel diameter 23 may be the same or different. The first and second channel diameters 19, 23 may vary over the length of the first and second members 12, 14, respectively, such that the thickness of the first and second members 12, 14 varies over the length of the first and second members 12, 14, respectively. In some embodiments, the thickness of each member 12, 14, 16 is the distance between the respective outer surface 24, 26, 36 and inner surface 25, 27, 37 at any given point along each member 12, 14, 16.

The first member outer diameter 17, the second member outer diameter 21, and the connecting member outer diameter 29 and/or the first channel diameter 19, the second channel diameter 23, and the third channel diameter 31 can vary depending on the intended use of the reusable straw assembly 10. For example, if the reusable straw assembly 10 is intended for drinking "thicker" or more viscous liquids, such as mixed smoothies or mixed frozen beverages, the first channel diameter 19, the second channel diameter 23, and/or the third channel diameter 31 may have larger diameters. In some embodiments, the first channel diameter 19, the second channel diameter 23, and/or the third channel diameter 31 may be smaller if the reusable straw assembly 10 is intended for drinking "thinner" or less viscous liquids such as water or juice.

The third channel diameter 31 may be uniform or vary along the length of the connecting member 16. In some embodiments, the third channel diameter 31 at the connecting member proximal end 38 and the connecting member distal end 40 is sized to receive and retain the second member 14 and the first member 12, respectively. The third passage diameter may be sized such that the first member 12 and the second member 14 are secured via a friction fit with the connecting member 16. For example, the first member outer surface 24 may contact the connecting member inner surface 37 at the connecting member distal end 40, while the second member outer surface 26 may contact the connecting member inner surface 37 at the connecting member proximal end 38. The friction fit between the connecting member 16, the first member 12, and the second member 14 may allow the first member 12 and the second member 14 to be removably (removably) coupled to the connecting member 16.

In some embodiments, one or more insertion limiting features (e.g., a protrusion, tab, lip, shoulder, protrusion, or other similar structure) may extend from the connecting member inner surface 37 into the third passage 22 near one or both of the connecting member proximal end 38 and the connecting member distal end 40 to limit the distance the first and second members 12, 14 may be inserted into the third passage 22. Such an insertion limiting feature may be integrally formed with (formed integrally with) the connecting member 16, or may be attached to the connecting member 16.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate other embodiments of a coupling member 50 that can be used in the reusable straw assembly 10 of figure 1. The connecting member 50 is provided with an insertion limiting feature in the form of a shoulder (projection) 53 formed along the connecting member inner surface 54 so as to extend partially into the third channel 56. In this manner, the connecting member inner diameter 51 of the connecting member 50 varies to create a central portion having a connecting member inner diameter 51 that is smaller than both ends of the third passageway 56 adjacent the connecting member proximal end 58 and the connecting member distal end 59. The shoulder 53 prevents the first member 12 and the second member 14 from being inserted into the connecting member 50 beyond the shoulder 53. More specifically, the first member 12 and the second member 14 may be inserted into the connecting member 50 until they abut the shoulder 53, where the connecting member inner diameter 54 is less than the outer diameter of the first member 12 and the second member 14. The location of the shoulder 53 along the connecting member 50 may control the distance that the first member 12 and the second member 14 may be inserted into the connecting member 50.

In some embodiments (see fig. 5), the shoulder 53 may extend from the connecting member inner surface 54 into the third channel 56 at an angle θ of about 90 degrees relative to the connecting member inner surface 54. In other embodiments (see fig. 6), the shoulder 53 is an inclined surface that extends from the connecting member inner surface 54 at an angle θ that is greater than about 90 degrees. The shoulder portion 53 may extend completely or only partially around the circumference of the connecting member inner surface 54. While the insertion limiting feature is shown as a shoulder 53, other limiting features may be used, including, for example, discrete points, tabs, and the like.

Additionally, the first and second members 12, 14 may each include one or more receiving features (e.g., recesses, notches, openings, etc.) on the first and second member outer surfaces 24, 26 near the first and second member proximal ends 28, 34, respectively, for engagement with the insertion limiting features of the connecting member 50. Such engagement may indicate to a user when each of the first and second members 12, 14 are properly positioned within the connecting member 50 and may facilitate retention of the first and/or second members 12, 14 within the connecting member 16.

The first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 may be formed of any material suitable for use as a drinking accessory. The material may have sufficient rigidity such that the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 do not collapse when subjected to suction forces generated during use, as this may restrict liquid flow through the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16. In some embodiments, the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 may include materials including, but not limited to, metals (e.g., titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), rigid plastics, glass, bamboo, silicone, etc. In some embodiments, the connecting member 16, the first member 12, and the second member 14 can be formed of a material that is sufficiently strong to support the reusable straw assembly 10 while also allowing for flexion, bending, or other suitable movement. The flexible material may include, but is not limited to, a deformable polymer such as silicone or a rubber material, or any other suitable material.

The first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 may each be formed of the same or different materials. For example, the first member 12 may be formed of titanium, the second member 14 may be formed of bamboo, and the connecting member 16 may be formed of silicone.

By forming the connecting member 16 from a relatively flexible material, the risk of injury to the user may be reduced. For example, if the first member distal end 30 impacts the bottom of the beverage container while the user is drinking through the reusable straw assembly 10, the connecting member 16 comprising a deformable material may flex or bend to absorb some of the force from the impact. The flexing or bending of the connecting member 16 will allow the second member 14 to change position and prevent the brute force of the second member 14 against the user's teeth and roof of the mouth. Minimizing the force that second member 14 may exert on the top of a user's teeth or a user's mouth may minimize the likelihood of chipping or cracking of the teeth or damage to the interior of the mouth. Similarly, if the force is applied directly to the second member 14, the connecting member 16 may bend to minimize the risk of injury to the user.

In some embodiments, the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 may have any suitable kind of color that may be imparted during or after the formation of each of the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16. Further, the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 can be opaque, semi-opaque, translucent, substantially transparent, or the like. The translucent or substantially transparent connecting member 16 may include the additional benefit of being able to see the third channel 22 through the outer surface of the connecting member 16. This view of the third channel 22 may help position the first and second members 12, 14 within the connecting member 16.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the outer surface of the first member 12, the second member 14, and/or the connecting member 16 may be textured while one or more other portions of the outer surface of one or more of the first member 12, the second member 14, and the connecting member 16 may be smooth. In other embodiments, the entire outer surface of the first member 12, the second member 14, and/or the connecting member may be textured.

In some embodiments (e.g., fig. 7), the reusable straw assembly 80 can be the same reusable straw assembly 10 described above with respect to fig. 1-4. For example, the reusable straw assembly 80 can include a first member 82, a second member 84, and a connecting member 86. The reusable straw assembly 80 can be used as part of a drinking vessel system 70, and the drinking vessel system 70 can further include a beverage container 72 and a beverage container lid 74. The beverage container lid 74 may define an opening 76 through which a reusable straw assembly 80 may be inserted and extend into the beverage container 72 when the beverage container lid 74 is coupled to the beverage container 72. In some embodiments, the reusable straw assembly 80 may be inserted through the opening 76 when the beverage container lid 74 is removed from the beverage container 72.

The opening 76 is sized to receive at least the first member 82, and may be sized to receive at least a portion of the connecting member 86. In embodiments where the connecting member 86 is formed of a deformable material, the connecting member 86 may be friction fit into the opening 76 and may conform to the shape of the opening 76. This enables the reusable straw assembly 80 to remain in place while positioned within the beverage container lid 74 of the drinking vessel system 70 and prevents the reusable straw assembly 80 from sliding down into the beverage container 72 and possibly striking the bottom of the beverage container 72, which could cause injury to the user. In some embodiments, the connecting member 86 can serve as a stop when the reusable straw assembly 80 is assembled and inserted into the opening 76. By conforming to the shape of the opening 76, the reusable straw assembly can help prevent spillage through the opening 76 when the drinking utensil assembly is knocked over.

As used below, any reference to a series of examples should be understood as a separate reference to each of these examples (e.g., "examples 1-4" should be understood as "examples 1, 2, 3, or 4"). In the following, further examples are described to facilitate understanding of the invention:

example 1 is a reusable straw assembly, comprising: a first member having a length and comprising a first member inner surface and a first member outer surface, wherein the first member inner surface defines a first channel extending the length of the first member; a second member having a length and comprising a second member inner surface and a second member outer surface, wherein the second member inner surface defines a second channel extending the length of the second member; and a connecting member having a length and comprising a connecting member inner surface and a connecting member outer surface, wherein the connecting member inner surface defines a third channel extending the length of the connecting member; wherein the connecting member is sized to removably receive and retain the first member within the third channel at the connecting member distal end, and sized to removably receive and retain the second member within the third channel at the connecting member proximal end.

Example 2 is the reusable straw assembly of example 1, wherein the diameter of the first channel and the diameter of the second channel are uniform along the length of the first member and the second member, respectively.

Example 3 is the reusable straw assembly of example 1, wherein a diameter of the third channel varies along a length of the connecting member.

Example 4 is the reusable straw assembly of example 1, wherein the coupling member comprises at least one insertion limiting feature that extends partially into the third channel.

Example 5 is the reusable straw assembly of example 4, wherein a connecting member inner diameter through the intermediate portion of the connecting member is smaller than a connecting member inner diameter at the connecting member distal end and the connecting member proximal end.

Example 6 is the reusable straw assembly of example 4, wherein the at least one insertion limiting feature comprises a first shoulder located near the coupling member proximal end and a second shoulder located near the coupling member distal end, at least one of the first shoulder or the second shoulder extending at an approximately 90 degree angle from the coupling member inner surface into the third channel.

Example 7 is the reusable straw assembly of example 4, wherein the at least one insertion limiting feature comprises a first shoulder located near the coupling member proximal end and a second shoulder located near the coupling member distal end, at least one of the first shoulder or the second shoulder extending from the coupling member inner surface into the third channel at an angle greater than about 90 degrees.

Example 8 is the reusable straw assembly of example 4, wherein the at least one insertion limiting feature comprises a first tab located near a proximal end of the connecting member and a second tab located near a distal end of the connecting member.

Example 9 is the reusable straw assembly of example 4, wherein the at least one insertion limiting feature is configured to prevent insertion of the first and second members into the third channel beyond the at least one insertion limiting feature.

Example 10 is a drinking vessel system, comprising: a beverage container; a beverage container lid defining an opening; and a reusable straw assembly comprising: a first member having a length and defining a first channel extending the length of the first member; a second member having a length and defining a second channel extending the length of the second member; and a connecting member having a length and defining a third channel extending the length of the connecting member; wherein the connecting member is sized to removably receive and retain the first member within the third channel at the connecting member distal end, and sized to removably receive and retain the second member within the third channel at the connecting member proximal end.

Example 11 is the drinking vessel system of example 10, wherein the opening of the beverage container lid is sized to receive the first member and to receive a portion of the connecting member.

Example 12 is the drinking appliance system of example 10, wherein the first portion of the connecting member is inserted into the opening and frictionally fits with the opening such that the second portion of the connecting member and the second member cannot be inserted into the opening.

Example 13 is a reusable pipette, comprising: a first member having a length and comprising a first member inner surface and a first member outer surface, wherein the first member inner surface defines a first channel extending the length of the first member; a second member having a length and comprising a second member inner surface and a second member outer surface, wherein the second member inner surface defines a second channel extending the length of the second member; and an angled connecting member having a length and comprising an angled connecting member inner surface, an angled connecting member outer surface, and at least one protrusion, wherein the angled connecting member inner surface defines a third channel that extends the length of the angled connecting member (extending along the length of the angled connecting member), wherein the angled connecting member is removably coupled to the first member at an angled connecting member distal end, and wherein the angled connecting member is also removably coupled to the second member at an angled connecting member proximal end.

Example 14 is the reusable pipette of example 13, wherein a diameter of the third channel of the angled connecting member varies along a length of the angled connecting member.

Example 15 is the reusable pipette of example 14, wherein a diameter of the third channel is greater at the angled connecting member distal end than at a middle region of the angled connecting member, and wherein a diameter of the third channel is greater at the angled connecting member proximal end than at the middle region of the angled connecting member.

Example 16 is the reusable pipette of example 13, wherein the at least one protrusion is integrally formed with (integrally formed with) the angled connecting member and partially protrudes into the third channel.

Example 17 is the reusable straw of example 16, wherein the at least one projection comprises a shoulder extending from the angled connecting member inner surface at an angle of about 90 degrees, or extending from the angled connecting member inner surface at an angle greater than about 90 degrees.

Example 18 is the reusable straw of example 16, wherein the at least one projection comprises a first shoulder located near a distal end of the angled connecting member, the first shoulder preventing the first member from extending beyond the first shoulder toward the angled connecting member proximal end when the first member is coupled to the angled connecting member.

Example 19 is the reusable pipette of example 18, wherein the projection includes a second shoulder located near the angled connecting member proximal end that prevents the second member from extending beyond the second shoulder toward the angled connecting member distal end when the second member is coupled to the angled connecting member.

Example 20 is the reusable straw of example 19, wherein the first shoulder and the second shoulder are integral or separate.

It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended to be examples only. It must be emphasized that various embodiments may omit, replace, or add various processes or components as appropriate. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details, for example, well-known structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an embodiment of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above-described elements may simply be components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, many steps may be performed before, during, or after the above-described elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.