The Invention of the Bendy Straw: A Case Study in Universal Design
Origins of the Bendy Straw
The bendy straw was invented by Joseph Friedman in 1937. Friedman was inspired to create a straw that could be easily used by people of all ages and abilities, including children and hospital patients.
Evolution of Drinking Straws
The first drinking straw was invented in the 1880s by Marvin Chester Stone. These early straws were made of coiled paper dipped in paraffin wax. While they were a popular invention, they were not always easy to use, especially for people who had difficulty bending their heads to drink from a straight straw.
Friedman’s Innovation
Friedman’s bendy straw solved this problem by allowing the straw to bend at any angle. He achieved this by inserting a screw into a paper straw and wrapping dental floss around the paper into the screw threads. This created corrugations in the paper, which allowed the straw to bend without collapsing.
Industrial Production and Commercial Success
It took some time to develop the machinery necessary to produce bendy straws on an industrial scale. However, Friedman’s company, Flex-Straw, made its first sale in 1947 to a hospital. The bendy straw quickly became a popular product, and it is now used in homes, restaurants, and hospitals around the world.
Universal Design and Accessibility
The bendy straw is a classic example of universal design. Universal design is a mode of thinking that tries to make products accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their age, ability, or disability. The bendy straw is designed to be easy to use for people of all ages and abilities, making it a truly inclusive product.
Other Inventions by Joseph Friedman
In addition to the bendy straw, Joseph Friedman held a number of other patents. His first patent was for a fountain pen that showed the amount of ink left before it needed to be refilled. This invention demonstrated Friedman’s talent for making small but crucial improvements to existing products.
Impact of the Bendy Straw
The bendy straw has had a significant impact on the way we drink beverages. It has made it easier for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy their favorite drinks. The bendy straw is also a reminder of the importance of universal design, and it continues to inspire new innovations that make the world a more accessible place for everyone.
Long-Tail Keyword Phrases
- How to invent a bendy straw
- History of the bendy straw
- Disadvantages of a straight straw
- Benefits of a bendy straw
- Bendy straw for children
- Bendy straw for hospital patients
- Bendy straw as a case study in universal design
- Joseph Friedman’s other inventions
- Straws made from renewable materials