Patent Publication Number: US-2021186243-A1

Title: Aerating drinking straw

Description:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various embodiments relate generally to drinking straws and, more specifically, relate to drinking straws that aerate a fluid. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section is intended to provide a background or context. The description may include concepts that may be pursued, but have not necessarily been previously conceived or pursued. Unless indicated otherwise, what is described in this section is not deemed prior art to the description and claims and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     Beverages can be served in a variety of containers. Some containers include straws which are intended to last as long as the container. However, such straws are not suitable for all beverages and uses. For example, a travel mug with a straw can be dangerous when drinking hot tea as the drinker may inadvertently burn themselves. 
     Additionally, drinkers may wish to alter how they drink a beverage. After whitening, teeth can be extremely vulnerable to new staining. Accordingly, a person may wish to drink coffee through a straw in order to minimize the coffee&#39;s contact with their teeth. However, there is a risk they may scald their soft palate or tongue. 
     What is needed is a way for the drinker to control the temperature of fluids going through the straw. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The below summary is merely representative and non-limiting. 
     The above problems are overcome, and other advantages may be realized, by the use of the embodiments. 
     In a first aspect, an embodiment provides a straw for aerating fluids. The straw includes a body and a cover. The body defines a flow space and an aeration area. The cover includes an aeration opening and a movable barrier. The cover is configured to enclose the body and the movable barrier can move between a first position occluding the aeration area and a second position exposing a portion of the aeration area. The straw body and the straw cover, when in the second position, enable air flow into the flow space through the exposed portion of the aeration area so as to aerate fluid flowing through the flow space. The straw body and the straw cover dampen sound created by the aeration of the fluid when in the second position. The movable barrier may be a plug or a slider. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the described embodiments are more evident in the following description, when read in conjunction with the attached Figures. 
         FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of a straw in accordance with a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows an isometric view of a collar in accordance with the first embodiment. 
         FIGS. 3A-3B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 3 , shows isometric views of the combined straw and collar in accordance with the first embodiment. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C , collectively referred to as  FIG. 4 , show isometric views of straws and collars in accordance with additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows an isometric view of a collar in accordance with the further embodiment. 
         FIGS. 6A-6C , collectively referred to as  FIG. 6 , show a combination of the collar from  FIG. 5  and the straw from  FIG. 1  in accordance with a further embodiment. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 7 , show a cross section of the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  shows an isometric view of a collar in accordance with a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of a straw and collar in accordance with the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  shows another isometric view of a straw and collar in accordance with the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  shows an isometric view of a straw in accordance with a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows an isometric view of a straw in accordance with a sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  shows an isometric view of a collar in accordance with the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  shows an isometric view of the straw and collar in accordance with the sixth embodiment. 
         FIGS. 15A-15B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 15 , show cross-section views of straws and collars in accordance with additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  shows a view of a cover in accordance with a seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  shows a cross-section view of a straw, collar and cover in accordance with an eighth embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  shows a cross-section view of a cover in accordance with a ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  shows an isometric view of a straw and collar in accordance with a tenth embodiment. 
         FIGS. 20A-20B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 20 , show isometric views of a straw and collar in accordance with an eleventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  shows an isometric view of a straw in accordance with a twelfth embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  shows a view of a flute straw in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  shows views of the straw portion of the flute straw in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  shows views of the wrapper portion of the flute straw in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  shows additional views of the flute straw in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  shows a close-up view of the drinking end of the flute straw in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  shows cut-away views of the flute straw in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  shows a close-up, cut-away view of the flute straw in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  shows a view of a straw body, cover and slider in a non-aerating position in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  shows a view of the straw body, cover and slider in an aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  shows another view of the straw body, cover and slider in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  shows another view of the straw body, cover and slider in the aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 33  shows a cross-section view of the straw body, cover and slider in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 34  shows a cross-section view of the straw body, cover and slider in the aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 35  shows a view of the straw body in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 36  shows a close-up view of an aeration area of the straw body in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 37  shows a view of the cover and straw body in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 38  shows a view of the cover in the aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 39  shows a view of a straw body, cover and plug in a first aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 40  shows a view of the straw body, cover and plug in a second aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 41  shows a view of the straw body, cover and plug in a non-aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 42  shows another view of the straw body, cover and plug in the first aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 43  shows another view of the straw body, cover and plug in the second aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 44  shows another view of the straw body, cover and plug in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 45  shows a cross-section view of the straw body, cover and plug in the aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment. 
         FIG. 46  shows a cross-section view of the straw body, cover and plug in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This patent application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No.: 62/581,988, filed Nov. 6, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Various embodiments provide means for controlling the temperature of fluids going through a straw. In one embodiment, a straw includes aeration holes which allow the user to aerate the fluid with ambient air, for example, to cool down hot liquids. Further embodiments enable the user to further control the amount of aeration, such as by controlling the number of aeration holes that are covered or uncovered. In some embodiments, the straw and wrapper are configured such that in a default state the maximum aeration is provided so as to prevent accidentally burning or scalding of the user. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     As used herein, “holes” can mean any structure or openings that permits movement of air or other fluid through. Similarly, “slot” can mean one or more openings that allow air or other fluid to pass through. As such, “holes” or “slots” may include additional features, for example, a “mesh” or “screen” which covers the opening while allowing air or other fluid to pass through. A hole is considered “uncovered” when air is allowed to flow through the hole even though the hole may be obscured by another structure, for example, by a mesh or a cover which allows air to flow around the sides of the cover. 
       FIG. 1  shows a straw  110  of a first embodiment. Straw  110  is similar to a standard drinking straw, but has a series of aeration holes  120  defined towards an upper end  112  thereof. Aeration holes  120  allow air to enter the straw when negative pressure is applied to the upper end  112  of the straw  110  when lower end  114  of the straw  110  is submerged in a liquid. 
       FIG. 2  shows a collar  130  according to an embodiment. Collar  130  fits onto straw  110  such that it is able to slide thereon. Collar  130  defines a slot  132  that roughly corresponds to aeration holes  120  when collar  130  is installed on straw  110  as shown in  FIG. 3A . Collar  130  can also be rotated so that slot  132  is not disposed over aeration holes  120 , as shown in  FIG. 3B , thereby occluding the holes and blocking air from entering straw  110  through aeration holes  120 . 
       FIG. 4A  shows another embodiment where straw  210  has a multiple sets of aeration holes including first aeration holes  220  having a first maximum airflow rate, and second aeration holes  222  having a second maximum airflow rate. While only two sets of aerations holes are shown, it is contemplated that more than two sets of holes can be used, or alternatively a single set of holes that have different maximum airflow rates depending on the circumferential location of slot  132  as collar  130  is rotated about straw  210 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows collar  130  on straw  210 , where slot  132  is aligned with second aeration holes  222 , with first aeration holes  220  covered by the remaining structure of collar  130 . In this configuration, collar  130  restricts the air rate to that of the second maximum airflow rate. Collar  130  can alternatively be positioned such that slot  132  is aligned with first aeration holes  220 , with second aeration holes  222  covered by the rest of the collar  130 . While not shown, the collar may also be positioned so that no aeration holes  220 ,  222  are aligned with the slot  132 , similar to as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
       FIG. 4C  shows an alternative collar  230  having a slot  232  similar to slot  132  in collar  130 , but also has a shoulder  234  that limits the movement of collar  230  along the axis of straw  210 . Shoulder  234  also defines a mouthpiece  236  through which a fluid can flow. With this collar  230 , a user&#39;s teeth can contact shoulder  234  with the opening of mouthpiece  236  extending beyond an inside surface of a user&#39;s teeth so that a staining beverage does not stain the front surface of a user&#39;s teeth. Mouthpiece  236  can be formed so as to disperse fluid across a wide area of a user&#39;s mouth to help reduce chances of burning the user&#39;s mouth when a hot fluid is utilized. 
       FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of a collar  330  that does not include a slot.  FIG. 6A  shows collar  330  installed on straw  110  such that aeration holes  120  are completely blocked by collar  330 , allowing no air to flow through them.  FIG. 6B  shows collar  330  positioned on straw  110  so that all of the aeration holes  120  are uncovered, allowing a maximum airflow rate through.  FIG. 6C  shows collar  330  slid to partially cover aeration holes  120 , allowing an intermediate airflow rate through. While  FIG. 6C  shows collar  330  covering two out of four of the aeration holes  120 , it is possible to cover more or fewer of the aeration holes to adjustably control the airflow rate. 
       FIG. 7  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 6  in use. Straw  110  having collar  330  installed thereon is lowered into a container (or cup)  400  having fluid (or liquid)  440  contained therein so that lower end  114  of straw  110  is below the surface of liquid  440 . 
     In  FIG. 7A , collar  330  is covering all of the aeration holes  120 . When negative pressure is applied to an upper end  112  of straw  110  fluid  440  is drawn into the straw  110  as if the straw  110  were a typical straw with no aeration holes. 
     In  FIG. 7B , aeration holes  120  are partially covered by collar  330 , such as shown in  FIG. 6C . As negative pressure is applied to upper end  112  of straw  110 , fluid is drawn up from the lower end  114  of the straw  110 , but because the aeration holes  120  are exposed to the atmosphere, air is drawn into aeration holes  120  and forms bubbles  500  in fluid  440  drawn through the straw  110 . If the ambient air is at a lower temperature than fluid  440 , bubbles  500  will lower the temperature of fluid  440 . Also, letting air into the fluid stream lowers the effective flow rate of the liquid  440  through straw  110 , decreasing the amount of fluid entering the user&#39;s mouth at any one time. For hot fluids  440 , the decreased flow rate and introduction of air bubbles  500  will help to prevent burning a user&#39;s mouth. 
     The embodiments of  FIGS. 1-4  operate similarly to the methods portrayed in  FIG. 7  in that adjusting collar  130  or  230  to selectively cover aeration holes  120 ,  220 ,  222  affects the temperature and flow rate of fluid  440  passing through straws  110  or  210 . 
     Straws  110 ,  210  may be made of durable material that can withstand multiple cycles of a dishwasher. Such materials include porcelain, ceramics, metal, glass, borosilicate glass, hard plastics, stone, or other durable materials. 
     Collars  130 ,  230  may be made of either durable or pliant/elastic materials (or a combination of both). Such durable materials include porcelain, ceramics, metal, glass, borosilicate glass, hard plastics, stone, or other durable materials. Alternatively, collars  130 ,  230  may be made of more pliant materials, such as rubber, nylon, etc. 
     Additionally, the straws  110 ,  210  may include subcomponents, such as a tube portion and a mouthpiece portion. Each subcomponent may be made of the same material or of different materials, for example, the tube portion may be made of hard plastic of one color and the mouthpiece portion may be made of hard plastic of another color, or the tube portion may be made of metal and the mouthpiece portion may be made of hard plastic. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the material contacting a user&#39;s mouth may have a low thermal conductivity coefficient so that the outside surface of the straw or collar does not get as hot as the fluid traveling through. A high specific heat capacity is also desired to initially lower the temperature of a hot fluid  440  as the material absorbs heat, and holding onto the heat to help maintain the temperature of the fluid  440 . 
     Straws  110 ,  210  can further be made with a layer of insulation that can maintain the temperature of fluid  440  while protecting the user from being burned. 
       FIG. 8  shows an isometric view of a collar  830  in accordance with a fourth embodiment. This slotted collar  830  is similar to the collar  130  shown in  FIG. 2 . However, collar  830  includes a mesh  834  which fills slot  832 . This mesh  834  allows the creation of many tiny bubbles  500  to form in a fluid. The high surface area of these bubbles  500  helps to efficiently cool the fluid. Additionally, the creation of many tiny bubbles  500  also assists in reducing any noise produced by the formation of the bubbles  500 . 
     In further, non-limiting embodiments, the mesh  834  may be a screen, porous material, air-permeable membrane or other structure which facilitates the creation of many tiny bubbles  500 , such as a porous plastic, porous polymer fibers, porous glass fibers, Porex or Tyvek. 
       FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of a straw  110  and collar  830  in accordance with the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment which is similar to that shown in  FIG. 3A , the collar  830  is used with straw  110 . The slot  832  is positioned over the holes  120  so that air may be brought though the mesh  834  into a fluid flowing through the straw  110 . Additionally, the collar  830  may be made from an elastic material so as to hold the mesh  834  taut against the outer surface of the straw  110 . 
       FIG. 10  shows another isometric view of a straw  210  and collar  830  in accordance with the fourth embodiment. Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4B , the collar  830  is aligned so that it covers first aeration holes  220  and allows air to flow through the mesh  834  in slot  832  into second aeration holes  222 . 
       FIG. 11  shows an isometric view of a straw  1110  in accordance with a fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, a straw  1110 , similar to straw  110  of  FIG. 1 , includes an upper end  1112  and a lower end  1114 . Aeration holes  1120  are located mid-way along the length of the straw  1110 . 
     Here, the aeration holes  1120  include a mesh covering the opening. In one, non-limiting embodiment, the mesh may be embedded in the material of the straw  1110 . In further, non-limiting embodiments, the material of the straw  1110  itself may include an array of tiny openings, or an air-permeable surface, such as a porous plastic, porous polymer fibers, porous glass fibers, Porex or Tyvek. 
       FIG. 12  shows an isometric view of a straw  1200  in accordance with a sixth embodiment. The straw  1200  has two ends, a lower end  1210  and an upper end  1220 , separated by a shoulder  1230 . Various position indicators  1211 ,  1213 ,  1215  are located on the outer surface of the lower end  1210  near the shoulder  1230 . As shown, there are at least three position indicators: a “0” position indicator  1211 , a “2” position indicator  1213  and a “1” position indicator  1215 . 
     The upper end  1220  includes a hexagonal prism having six facings or sides. A first side  1221  has no opening and has a rotational orientation around the axis of the straw  1200  corresponding to the “0” position indicator  1211 . The second side  1223  has a large slot  1224  and has a rotational orientation corresponding to the “2” position indicator  1213 . At a rotational orientation corresponding to the “1” position indicator  1215  is a third side  1225  having a small slot  1226 . 
     Although not show, the remaining three sides may repeat this pattern of sides/openings in one, non-limiting embodiment. In further embodiments, the other sides may include different sized openings with corresponding position indicators. 
       FIG. 13  shows an isometric view of a collar  1300  in accordance with the sixth embodiment. The collar  1300  is constructed with interior surfaces (shown with dashed lines) which correspond to the sides of upper end  1220 . First interior side  1321 , second interior side  1323  and third interior side  1325  are similarly sized and match every side of upper end  1220 . As shown, second interior side  1323  includes a mesh  1324  which allows air to flow through it. Collar  1300  also includes a pointer  1310  located near edge  1330 . 
       FIG. 14  shows an isometric view of the straw  1200  and collar  1300  in accordance with the sixth embodiment. The collar  1300  is placed over the upper end  1220  so that second interior side  1323  abuts the second side  1223 . In this orientation, mesh  1324  covers large hole  1224  so that air can flow into a fluid moving through the straw  1200  and collar  1300 . 
     Pointer  1310  near edge  1330  provides a visual cue as to the rotational orientation. In this orientation, the mesh  1324  allows air through the large slot  1224  and the pointer  1310  points to the “2” position indicator  1213 . 
     Should the collar  1300  be rotated clockwise so that the second interior side  1323  abuts first side  1221  which has no opening, the pointer  1310  would point to the “0” position indicator  1211 . Likewise, if the collar  1300  were rotated counter-clockwise so that the mesh  1324  would allow air through the small slot  1226 , the pointer  1310  would then be pointing to the “1” position indicator  1215 . 
     In further, non-limiting embodiments, the structures located on the straw  1200  and collar  1300  may be reversed, for example, structures similar to those on the upper end  1220  may be located on a collar (or mouth piece) and cooperate with matching structures on the straw  1200 . Likewise, position indicators similar to position indicators  1211 ,  1213 ,  1215  may be located on a collar while a pointer is located on a straw  1200 . In other, non-limiting embodiments, the pointer  1310  and position indicators  1211 ,  1213 ,  1215  may also be replaced with other indications of orientation, for example, a collar may include a notch or opening so that a position indicator may be seen through the notch or opening. 
     Additionally, as described the upper end  1220  is a hexagonal prism. However, in other, non-limiting embodiments different shaped structures may be used, for example, a cylindrical structure or an octagonal prism. Furthermore, the structure of the upper end  1220  may include rounded corners or slightly curved faces in order to ease rotation of the collar  1300 . 
       FIG. 15  shows cross-section views of a straw  1520  and collars  1510 ,  1530  in accordance with additional embodiments. In  FIG. 15A , a ring collar  1510  surrounds the straw  1520  and ensures the mesh  1515  is held against the outer surface of the straw  1520 . In this non-limiting embodiment, the collar  1510  includes an elastic membrane  1512  which pulls the mesh  1515  tight. The elastic membrane  1512  is further designed to prevent air from flowing through or around it into any holes in the straw  1520  covered by the elastic membrane  1512 . 
     In  FIG. 15B , a clamp collar  1530  surrounds the straw  1520  and ensures the mesh  1535  is held against the outer surface of the straw  1520 . In this non-limiting embodiment, the clamp collar  1530  has a first clamp collar side  1532  on an end of the mesh  1515  and a second clamp collar side  1534  on the other end. The first clamp collar side  1532  and the second clamp collar side  1534  cooperate to hold the collar  1530  against the straw  1520  and prevent air from flowing through or around the collar sides  1532 ,  1534  into any holes in the straw  1520  covered by them. 
     In further embodiments, the collar and straw may have other shapes, for example, an octagonal prism shape. In such cases the collar may be malleable enough to conform to the shape of the straw and/or be shaped to match the outer surface of the straw. 
       FIG. 16  shows a view of a cover  1600  in accordance with a seventh embodiment. The cover  1600  is designed to go around both a collar and a straw. In this non-limiting embodiment, the cover  1600  is clamp shaped cover with a first edge  1610  and a second edge  1612 . These edges  1610 ,  1612  grip the sides of the collar/straw and hold the cover in place. 
     The cover  1600  includes an interior surface  1620  which may be configured to allow air to flow past the cover  1600 . This may serve to dampen any sounds made by bubbles forming in the fluid passing through the straw. The cover  1600  is shown with a lightning shaped graphic  1632  on the outer surface  1630 . 
     The cover  1600  may be made of any suitable material, for example, plastic. Additionally, the material may provide insulation so as to give the user a convenient place to hold the straw. 
       FIG. 17  shows a cross-section view of a straw  1710 , collar  1720  and cover  1730  in accordance with an eighth embodiment. The straw  1710  and collar  1720  are generally cylindrical with a flat surface. The straw  1710  includes a flat surface  1712  which has an aeration hole  1714 . Matching the shape of the straw  1710 , the collar  1720  includes a mesh  1722  which abuts the flat surface  1712  and allows air to flow through the aeration hole  1714 . 
     The clamp cover  1730  grips the side of the collar  1720 . The cover  1730  is designed to allow an opening (or gap)  1740  to form between the inner surface of the cover  1730  and the mesh  1722 . Air can flow past the cover  1730  through the opening  1740  and into the aeration hole  1714 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a cross-section view of a cover  1800  in accordance with a ninth embodiment. In this non-limiting embodiment, the cover  1800  has a first edge  1810  with a first shoulder  1812 . A second edge  1820  with shoulder  1822  is located opposite the first edge  1810 . Between the shoulders  1812 ,  1822  is a narrow section  1830 . The relatively thick structure of the edges  1810 ,  1820  hold the narrow section  1830  away from an inner circumference  1840  (corresponding to an outer surface of a circular straw/collar). This creates a gap  1832  through which air can flow. 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment, the cover may be ring cover, for example, the cover may be a solid cylinder or may include cooperating structures which allow the ends of the cover to latch together and form a closed ring. 
       FIG. 19  shows an isometric view of a straw  110  and collar  1910  in accordance with a tenth embodiment. In this non-limiting embodiment, the collar  1910  has a triangular shaped mesh  1912  and is positioned in a partial covered configuration  1900 . The mesh  1912  allows air to flow into various uncovered aeration holes  122  and the collar  1910  prevents air from flowing through covered aeration holes  124 . By rotating the collar  1910  around the straw  110 , more or less aeration holes  120  may be covered. This allows the user to control the amount of air entering a fluid passing through the straw  110 . 
     In another, non-limiting embodiment, the mesh  1912  may have an alternative shape, such as a stair-shaped edge. 
       FIGS. 20A-20B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 20 , show isometric views of a straw  2020  and collar  2010  in accordance with an eleventh embodiment. In the fully covered configuration  2000  shown in  FIG. 20A , the collar  2010  is positioned so that no aeration holes  2034  are allowed to have air flow through the mesh  2012  into a fluid moving through the straw  2020 . 
     Straw  2020  includes position indicators  2022  and corresponding grooves  2024 . A structure on the interior side of the collar  2010  may function with the grooves  2024  to retain the collar  2010  at a given position. In the fully covered configuration  2000 , this position corresponds with the “0” position. 
     In the partial covered configuration  2005  shown in  FIG. 20B , two aeration holes  2034  are covered by the collar  2010  and two uncovered aeration holes  2032  are allowed to have air flow through the mesh  2012  into a fluid moving through the straw  2020 . This corresponds to a position “2” as shown by position indicators  2022 . 
       FIG. 21  shows an isometric view of a straw  2100  in accordance with a twelfth embodiment. The straw  2100  is separated into a lower end  2110 , a mid-section  2120  and an upper end  2130 . The lower end  2110  and the upper end  2130  may be identical as shown. Alternatively, the ends  2110  and  2130  may be different, for example, the lower end  2110  may be oval shaped to securely fit an opening in a lid while the upper end  2130  may be round shaped. Additionally, the ends  2110 ,  2130  may be made of different materials. 
     In this, non-limiting embodiment, the mid-section  2120  is located between shoulders  2115  and  2125 . This octagonal shaped mid-section  2120  includes at least one opening  2122 . A collar, such as one similar to either ring collar  1510  or clamp collar  1530  may be placed between shoulders  2115  and  2125 . In such an embodiment, the ring collar  1510  may be made of a malleable material in order to be slid over upper end  2130  into place around the mid-section  2120  while still remaining elastic enough to hold the collar  1510  against the outer surface of the straw  2100 . 
       FIG. 22  shows a view of a flute straw  2200  in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment. The flute straw  2200  includes two portions—a straw body  2210  and a wrapper  2220 . When used the flute straw  2200  provides a comfortable drinking experience which offers additional safety benefits. By aerating the fluids moving through the flute straw  2200 , the user can safely drink hot liquids. Additionally, the flute straw  2200  is configured so that when used in the default state (for example, when drinking without holding the straw) the maximum amount of aeration is provided so that the user is less likely to accidently burn or scald themselves. Another safety feature is that when the straw body  2210  and wrapper  2220  are misaligned, there is a large amount of aeration to likewise prevent accidental burning or scalding. 
     The straw body  2210  may be made of durable material that can withstand multiple cycles of a dishwasher, such as, porcelain, ceramics, metal, glass, borosilicate glass, hard plastics, stone, or a combination of such materials. The wrapper  2220  may be made of pliant materials, such as rubber, nylon, etc. The straw body  2210  and/or the wrapper  2220  may also include additional elements, such as a pattern, a logo, a textured surface, etc. 
       FIG. 23  shows views of the straw body  2210  of the flute straw  2200 . The straw body  2210  has a straw upper end  2305  and a straw lower end  2310 . During use, the straw lower end  2310  would be directed at or submerged in a fluid, such as coffee, water, etc. and the upper straw edge  2345  on the straw upper end  2305  would be directed at the user. 
     The straw body  2210  includes a straw wall  2315  with one or more aeration areas  2320 . In this non-limiting embodiment, there are three aeration areas  2320 ; however, in other embodiments there may be two or four aeration areas  2320 . 
     Each aeration area  2320  provides a passageway for air to be drawn into the straw body  2210 . In this non-limiting embodiment, a series of aeration holes  2325  provides this passageway. In other embodiments, this passageway may be provided by a screen, a porous material, an air-permeable membrane or another structure which facilitates the creation of many tiny bubbles, such as a porous plastic, porous polymer fibers, porous glass fibers, Porex or Tyvek. 
     The straw body  2210  also includes one or more alignment opening  2335 . The alignment opening  2335  operates with the wrapper  2220  so as to ensure the wrapper  2220  is properly aligned with the aeration areas  2320 . This is explained in further detail with regards to  FIG. 27 . 
       FIG. 24  shows views of the wrapper  2220  of the flute straw  2200 . The wrapper  2220  has a wrapper wall  2415  extending from a wrapper upper end  2405  having a mouthpiece  2440  to a wrapper lower end  2410 . Along the length of the wrapper  2220  are one or more finger pads  2420  with each finger pad  2420  having an associated side opening  2425 . On the side opposite the finger pads  2420  is a side opening  2425  and a side groove  2450  (shown in further detail in  FIG. 26 ). 
     Located on the interior surface of the wrapper wall  2415  is an alignment protrusion  2435  and an interior shoulder  2445 . When used with the straw body  2210 , these features ensure the wrapper  2220  and straw body  2210  are properly aligned. 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, there may be an alternative number of finger pads  2420 , e.g., five (5) or two (2) finger pads  2420 . Furthermore, the side openings  2425  may be larger so as to be associated with more than one finger pad  2420 . Each of the side openings  2425  may also be located along only one side, for example, all side openings  2425  may be present on the same side, or the side openings  2425  may alternate sides. Additionally, the side openings  2425  may include a screen, a porous material, an air-permeable membrane and/or other material allowing airflow into the space between the wrapper  2220  and straw body  2210 , the aeration gap  2520  as shown in  FIGS. 25-28 . 
       FIG. 25  shows additional views of the flute straw  2200 . Here, the wrapper  2220  is in place on the straw body  2210 . The upper straw edge  2345  at the straw upper end  2305  is placed adjacent to the interior shoulder  2445  near the wrapper upper end  2405 . This ensures the aeration areas  2320  are located at the same approximate location as the finger pads  2420 . 
     The wrapper lower end  2410  is positioned towards the straw lower end  2310 . When aligned properly, the alignment protrusion  2435  matches with the alignment opening  2335  and resists rotation or movement of the wrapper  2220  along the length of the straw body  2210 . 
     The wrapper  2220  is configured so that an aeration gap  2520  allows the flow of air from outside the flute straw  2200 , through the side openings  2425  and into the interior of the straw body  2210  via the aeration hole  2325 . This allows aeration of a fluid being drawn through the flute straw  2200 . 
       FIG. 26  shows a close-up view of the drinking end of the flute straw  2200 . This end includes the mouthpiece  2440  of the wrapper  2220  at the wrapper upper end  2405 . This view shows the reverse side of the flute straw  2200  opposite the finger pads  2420 . A side groove  2450  extends for at least part of the length of the wrapper  2220  ending in a groove opening  2455 . The side groove  2450  and groove opening  2455  aid in assembling and disassembling the straw body  2210  and the wrapper  2220  as they allow the flexible material of the wrapper  2220  to be opened. This also assists when removing the alignment protrusion  2435  from the alignment opening  2335  in order to disassemble the flute straw  2200 , for example, for cleaning. 
       FIG. 27  shows cut-away views of the flute straw  2200  in order to demonstrate the aeration of fluid traveling through the flute straw  2200 . Fluid is drawn up through the interior of the straw body  2210 , shown as the liquid intake  2702  which enters at the straw lower end  2310 . The fluid is pulled up past the straw upper end  2305  and the mouthpiece  2440  of the wrapper  2220  for the user to drink. 
     Each finger pad  2420  may left in a default position or may be pressed in order to alter the amount of aeration is allowed for a liquid being drawn through the flute straw  2200 . When in the default position, air (an aeration intake  2707 ) may be drawn through an associated aeration gap  2520  and into the interior of the straw body  2210  via the aeration holes  2325  (as shown in higher detail in  FIG. 28 ). In this non-limiting embodiment, by pressing down on the finger pad  2420 , the material of the wrapper is forced down over the aeration holes  2325  and preventing aeration. Thus, by selectively pressing the finger pads  2420 , the wrapper  2220  may be used to control the amount of aeration while providing an additional level of safety preventing accidentally taking non-aerated liquid. 
     In this non-limiting embodiment, the straw body  2210  and the wrapper  2220  include various features to ensure that the finger pads  2420  of the wrapper  2220  are properly aligned over the aeration areas  2320  of the straw body  2210 . 
     Transverse alignment along the length of the straw body  2210  and the wrapper  2220  is ensured by the upper straw edge  2345  of the straw body  2210  and the interior shoulder  2445  of the wrapper  2220 . When assembled, the upper straw edge  2345  abuts the interior shoulder  2445  preventing over-insertion. When not fully inserted, an alignment gap  2720  exists between the upper straw edge  2345  and the interior shoulder  2445 . This alignment gap  2720  may be configured to draw in additional air in order to further aerate the fluid traveling through the straw body  2210 . 
     Rotational alignment (as well as transverse alignment) is provided by the alignment opening  2335  of the straw body  2210  and the alignment protrusion  2435  of the wrapper  2220 . The alignment protrusion  2435  is able to seat within the alignment opening  2335  when the straw body  2210  and the wrapper  2220  are properly aligned. 
     Based on the amount of air allowed into the fluid, the user may be provided minimally aerated liquid  2715 , fully aerated liquid  2705 , or some amount of aeration in between. When the wrapper  2220  is not properly aligned, the alignment protrusion  2435  does not block the alignment opening  2335  and the safety aeration intake  2712  of air is allowed to aerate the fluid resulting in the user being provided an alignment correction output  2710 . The amount of aeration in the alignment correction output  2710  may be approximately equal to the amount of aeration in the fully aerated liquid  2705 . In other embodiments, the amount of aeration in the alignment correction output  2710  may be more than or less than to the amount of aeration in the fully aerated liquid  2705 . This adds a further level of safety preventing accidentally taking non-aerated liquid which, in the case of a hot liquid, would otherwise scald or burn the user. 
     The side groove  2450  provides 1) ease of cleaning of the interior of the straw, 2) facilitates easy install and removal and 3) enables the misalignment safety feature. If the wrapper  2220  were closed, for example, with no side groove  2450 , this misalignment safety feature might not work as the straw body  2210  and wrapper  2220  could create a non-aerated condition with the aeration areas  2320  being obscured by the wrapper wall  2415 , such as if the wrapper  2220  where rotated 180°. However, with the side groove  2450 , this rotated orientation would not obscure the aeration areas  2320 . Likewise, the alignment protrusion  2435  and alignment opening  2335  also prevent a non-aerated condition from occurring. 
     An embodiment of the flute straw provides a variable aerating straw. The flute straw includes a straw body and a wrapper. The straw body defines a flow space configured to allow fluid to flow through the drinking straw, at least one aeration area, and an alignment opening. The wrapper includes at least one finger pad and an alignment protrusion. The wrapper is configured to enclose at least one end of the straw body and the alignment protrusion is configured to seat within the alignment opening when the wrapper is properly aligned over the straw body. Each of the at least one finger pad is configured to occlude an associated aeration area when the finger pad is pressed. The straw body and the wrapper are configured to enable air flow into the flow space through any non-occluded aeration area when fluid is flowing through the flow space so as to aerate the fluid. 
     In a further embodiment of the drinking straw above, the drinking straw also includes an air-permeable membrane. 
     In another embodiment of any one of the drinking straws above, the drinking straw also includes a mesh or a porous material disposed in the aeration holes. 
     Using a slider, the aerating straw may be changed intuitively by the user between cooling (or aerating) and non-cooling (or non-aerating). When open, air can pass through a large hole in the cover exposed by the slider, and then through the smaller holes in the straw body into the straw. The cover can seal against straw body but leave an open chamber over the holes in the straw body. 
     An array of holes in the straw body can allow incorporation of air into the liquid during drinking without excessive noise. Incorporation of air is used to cool the liquid as well as to create a mixture of air and liquid that reduces the likelihood of burning the mouth during use. In some embodiments, the holes may be less than 0.0135″ in order to be sufficiently quiet. Hole size also ensure incorporating air without a significant pressure drop. The pressure drop relates to how difficult it is for the user to suck liquid up. The chosen hole size can allow incorporation of sufficient air without making the straw difficult to use. 
     The array of holes may be provided with various potential configurations. There may be fourteen holes in an offset array. However, there may be more, or less holes, for example, between five and twenty-five holes. 
       FIG. 29  shows a view of a straw body  2910 , straw cover  2920  and slider  2930  in a non-aerating position in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900  and  FIG. 30  shows a view of the straw body  2910 , straw cover  2920  and slider  2930  in an aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900 . In the aerating position of  FIG. 29 , the slider  2930  covers aeration opening  2925  so that no air is allowed to enter the straw body  2910 . In the non-aerating position of  FIG. 30 , the aeration opening  2925  is unobstructed and air is able to enter the straw body  2910 . 
     The straw body  2310  may be made of porcelain, ceramics, metal, glass, borosilicate glass, hard plastics, and/or stone. The straw cover  2920  may be made of silicone, neoprene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or flexible rubber. 
       FIG. 31  shows another view of the straw body  2910 , straw cover  2920  and slider  2930  in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900  and  FIG. 32  shows another view of the straw body  2910 , straw cover  2920  and slider  2930  in the aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900 . The straw cover  2920  defines a slider area  2924  which limits the movement of the slider  2930  with an upper shoulder  2922  and lower shoulder  2923 . At the top of the straw cover  2920  is a mouthpiece  2921  which defines an upper opening  2905 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the mouthpiece  2921  is made of a separable element which can be removed for cleaning. Alternatively, the mouthpiece  2921  may be unitary with the straw cover  2920 . 
     In the aerating position of  FIG. 31 , the slider  2930  abuts the upper shoulder  2922  and covers aeration opening  2925  so that no air is allowed to enter the straw body  2910 . In the non-aerating position of  FIG. 32 , the slider  2930  touches the lower shoulder  2923  and the aeration opening  2925  is unobstructed so that air is able to enter the straw body  2910 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the straw cover  2920  and slider  2930  may have features which secure the slider  2930  in place, for example, a groove and complementary protrusion. 
       FIG. 33  shows a cross-section view of the straw body  2910 , straw cover  2920  and slider  2930  in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900  and  FIG. 34  shows a cross-section view of the straw body  2910 , straw cover  2920  and slider  2930  in the aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900 . The straw body  2910  and straw cover  2920  define an aeration gap  2916  which allows air to flow through aeration holes  2912  into the flow space  2918 . When in the non-aerating position of  FIG. 33 , the slider  2930  creates a seal with the straw cover  2920  which prevents air from flowing into the aeration gap  2916 . In contrast, when in the aerating position of  FIG. 34 , the aeration opening  2925  is clear and air can aerate fluid flowing through the flow space  2918 . 
     As show, the straw cover  2920  includes an inner shoulder  2926  which abuts against the upper edge  2911  of the straw body  2910  (see  FIG. 36 ). In an alternative embodiment, the inner shoulder  2926  and upper edge  2911  may include features which align the straw cover  2920  and the straw body  2910  in order to ensure proper aeration. 
       FIG. 35  shows a view of the straw body  2910  in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900  and  FIG. 36  shows a close-up view of an aeration area  2914  of the straw body  2910  in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900 . A series of aeration holes  2912  define an aeration area  2914 . The size, placement, shape and arrangement of the aeration holes  2912  may be selected so as to reduce any sound created by the aeration of fluid. 
       FIG. 37  shows a view of the cover  2920  and straw body  2910  in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900  and  FIG. 38  shows a view of the cover  2920  in the aerating position in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the straw  2900 . 
     In another embodiment, the aerating straw may have a plug to change between cooling (or aerating) and non-cooling (or non-aerating). When open, air can pass through a large hole in the cover exposed by the plug, and then through the smaller holes in the straw body into the straw. The plug can include two protrusions, one to seal against the cover preventing aeration and the other to hold the plug secured when in the open configuration. 
       FIG. 39  shows a view of a straw body  3910 , straw cover  3920  and plug  3930  in a first aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment of the straw  3900 . The straw body  3910  includes an aeration opening  3925  which, when unobstructed, allows air to flow into the aeration area  3914 . A plug  3930  is secured to the opposite side of the straw cover  3920 . 
       FIG. 40  shows a view of the straw body  3910 , straw cover  3920  and plug  3930  in a second aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment of the straw  3900 . In this position, the plug  3930  is secured to the straw cover  3920  by a hinge  3932 .  FIG. 41  shows a view of the straw body  3910 , straw cover  3920  and plug  3930  in a non-aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment of the straw  3900 . 
     The plug body  3938  has a first protrusion  3934  and a second protrusion  3936 . The first protrusion  3934  can be used to secure the plug  3930  to the straw cover  3920  as shown in  FIG. 41 . In this position, the first protrusion  3934  seals aeration opening  3925  and prevents air from entering the flow space  3918  (see  FIGS. 45 and 46 ). 
     In a non-limiting embodiment, the hinge  3932  may be a living hinge. In a further non-limiting embodiment, the hinge  3932  may be replaced with a cord or tether. Such a plug  3930  The may omit the second protrusion  3936  and use the first protrusion  3934  to secure the plug in either the aerating position or the non-aerating position.  FIG. 42  shows another view of the straw body  3910 , straw cover  3920  and plug  3930  in the first aerating position,  FIG. 43  shows another view of the straw body  3910 , straw cover  3920  and plug  3930  in the second aerating position and  FIG. 44  shows another view of the straw body  3910 , straw cover  3920  and plug  3930  in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment of the straw  3900 . 
       FIG. 45  shows a cross-section view of the straw body  3910 , straw cover  3920  and plug  3930  in the aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment of the straw  3900  and  FIG. 46  shows a cross-section view of the straw body  3910 , straw cover  3920  and plug  3930  in the non-aerating position in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment of the straw  3900 . The straw body  3910  and straw cover  3920  define an aeration gap  3916  which allows air to flow through aeration holes  3912  into the flow space  3918 . When in the non-aerating position of  FIG. 46 , the first protrusion  3934  of plug  3930  creates a seal with the straw cover  3920  which prevents air from flowing into the aeration gap  3916 . In contrast, when in the aerating position of  FIG. 46 , the aeration opening  3925  is clear and air can aerate fluid flowing through the flow space  3918 . In the aerating position of  FIG. 46 , the second protrusion  3936  of plug  3930  secures the plug  3930  in a non-aeration opening  3927 . 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, the plug  3930  may be disconnected from the straw cover  3920  and able to be detached completely from the straw  3900 . The plug  3930  may omit the second protrusion  3936  and use the first protrusion  3934  to secure the plug to either the aeration opening  3925  or the non-aeration opening  3927 . 
     In a further non-limiting embodiment, the aeration opening  3925  may be configured to produce an air-tight seal when the user&#39;s finger is placed against the aeration opening  3925 . This non-limiting embodiment may include a detachable plug  3930  (e.g., in order to ensure functionality of the straw  3900  even without the plug  3930 ) or omit the plug  3930  entirely. Additionally, in the embodiment where the plug  3930  is omitted, the straw cover  3920  may also omit the non-aeration opening  3927 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the non-aeration opening  3927  may define a similar gap to the aeration gap  3916 . In such an embodiment, the straw body  3910  may be rotated 180° so that the aeration opening  3925  and the non-aeration opening  3927  switch roles. 
     The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments. However, other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. It will be further appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that modifications to the above-described systems and methods may be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited by the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, various features of the described embodiments may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Thus, this description should be read as merely illustrative of various principles, and not in limitation. 
     LISTING OF PARTS 
     
         
           110  straw 
           112  upper end 
           114  lower end 
           120  aeration holes 
           122  uncovered aeration holes 
           124  covered aeration holes 
           130  slotted collar 
           132  slot 
           210  straw 
           220  first aeration holes 
           222  second aeration holes 
           230  slotted collar 
           232  slot 
           234  shoulder 
           236  mouthpiece 
           330  solid collar 
           400  cup 
           440  liquid 
           500  bubbles 
           830  slotted collar 
           832  slot 
           834  mesh 
           1110  straw 
           1112  upper end 
           1114  lower end 
           1120  mesh covered holes 
           1200  straw 
           1210  lower end 
           1211  “0” position indicator 
           1213  “2” position indicator 
           1215  “1” position indicator 
           1220  upper end 
           1221  first side 
           1223  second side 
           1224  large slot 
           1225  third side 
           1226  small slot 
           1230  shoulder 
           1300  collar 
           1310  pointer 
           1321  first interior side 
           1323  second interior side 
           1324  mesh 
           1325  third interior side 
           1330  edge 
           1510  ring collar 
           1512  elastic membrane 
           1515  mesh 
           1520  straw 
           1530  clamp collar 
           1532  first clamp collar side 
           1534  second clamp collar side 
           1535  mesh 
           1600  clamp cover 
           1610  first edge 
           1612  second edge 
           1620  interior surface 
           1630  exterior surface 
           1632  graphic 
           1710  straw 
           1712  flat surface 
           1714  aeration hole 
           1720  collar 
           1722  mesh 
           1730  clamp cover 
           1740  opening 
           1800  clamp cover 
           1810  first edge 
           1812  first shoulder 
           1820  second edge 
           1822  second shoulder 
           1830  narrow section 
           1832  gap 
           1840  inner circumference 
           1900  partial covered configuration 
           1910  collar 
           1912  mesh 
           2000  fully covered configuration 
           2005  partial covered configuration 
           2010  collar 
           2012  mesh 
           2020  straw 
           2022  position indicators 
           2024  grooves 
           2032  uncovered aeration holes 
           2034  covered aeration holes 
           2100  straw 
           2110  lower end 
           2115  first shoulder 
           2120  mid-section 
           2122  aeration opening 
           2125  second shoulder 
           2130  upper end 
           2200  flute straw 
           2210  straw body 
           2220  wrapper 
           2305  straw upper end 
           2310  straw lower end 
           2315  straw wall 
           2320  aeration area 
           2325  aeration hole 
           2335  alignment opening 
           2345  upper straw edge 
           2405  wrapper upper end 
           2410  wrapper lower end 
           2415  wrapper wall 
           2420  finger pad 
           2425  side opening 
           2435  alignment protrusion 
           2450  side groove 
           2455  groove opening 
           2440  mouthpiece 
           2445  wrapper interior shoulder 
           2520  aeration gap 
           2702  liquid intake 
           2705  fully aerated liquid 
           2707  aeration intake 
           2710  alignment correction output 
           2712  safety aeration intake 
           2715  minimally aerated liquid 
           2720  alignment gap 
           2900  straw 
           2905  upper opening 
           2910  straw body 
           2911  upper edge 
           2912  aeration holes 
           2914  aeration area 
           2916  aeration gap 
           2918  flow space 
           2920  straw cover 
           2921  mouthpiece 
           2922  upper shoulder 
           2923  lower shoulder 
           2924  slider area 
           2925  aeration opening 
           2926  inner shoulder 
           2930  slider 
           3900  straw 
           3905  upper opening 
           3910  straw body 
           3912  aeration holes 
           3914  aeration area 
           3916  aeration gap 
           3918  flow space 
           3920  straw cover 
           3925  aeration opening 
           3926  inner shoulder 
           3927  non-aeration opening 
           3930  plug 
           3932  hinge 
           3934  first protrusion 
           3936  second protrusion 
           3938  plug body