Irreversibly Attachable Drinking Straws and Methods of Use Thereof

Abstract

A drinking straw configured to be irreversibly attached to a container lid is provided. Aspects of the drinking straw according to certain embodiments include a proximal end, a distal end and a fastener between the proximal end and the distal end that is configured to irreversibly attach the drinking straw to the container lid. Methods for irreversibly attaching a drinking straw to a container lid by inserting the drinking straw through an orifice of the container lid are also provided. Kits having a container lid having an orifice and a drinking straw that irreversibly attaches to the container lid are also described.

1 . A drinking straw configured to irreversibly attach to a container lid when inserted through an orifice of the container lid. 
     
     
         2 . The drinking straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the drinking straw comprises:
 a proximal end;   a distal end; and   a fastener between the proximal end and the distal end that is configured to irreversibly attach the drinking straw to the container lid.   
     
     
         3 . The drinking straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the container lid and drinking straw are formed from a plastic. 
     
     
         4 . The drinking straw according to  claim 3 , wherein the container lid and drinking straw are formed from the same type of plastic. 
     
     
         5 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The drinking straw according to  claim 2 , wherein the fastener is an interlocking fastener. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The drinking straw according to  claim 2 , wherein the drinking straw comprises one or more grooves or notches. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The drinking straw according to  claim 2 , wherein the drinking straw comprises a screw thread. 
     
     
         12 . The drinking straw according to  claim 2 , wherein the fastener is positioned from 2 cm to 10 cm from the proximal end. 
     
     
         13 . The drinking straw according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more markings for positioning the drinking straw in the container. 
     
     
         14 . The drinking straw according to  claim 2 , wherein the fastener is co-molded with the drinking straw. 
     
     
         15 . The drinking straw according to  claim 2 , wherein the position of the fastener is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the drinking straw between the proximal end and distal end. 
     
     
         16 . The drinking straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the drinking straw is configured to deform the container lid when inserted through the orifice of the container lid. 
     
     
         17 . The drinking straw according to  claim 16 , wherein the drinking straw deforms the shape of the orifice of the container lid. 
     
     
         18 . The drinking straw according to  claim 16 , wherein the drinking straw increases the width the orifice of the container lid. 
     
     
         19 . The drinking straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the drinking straw is configured to irreversibly attach to the orifice walls of the container lid. 
     
     
         20 . The drinking straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the width of the drinking straw is greater than the width of the orifice in the container lid. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . The drinking straw according to  claim 1 , further comprising a marking. 
     
     
         23 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A method comprising inserting a drinking straw through an orifice of a container lid in a manner sufficient to irreversibly attach the drinking straw to the container lid. 
     
     
         26 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A kit comprising:
 a container lid having an orifice; and   a drinking straw that is configured to irreversibly attach to the container lid when inserted through the orifice of the container lid.   
     
     
         41 - 47 .