Short Description

The Drinkup is a freestanding, plastic drinking system consisting of a polycarbonate beaker and PVC tube that is adjustable in height and horizontal reach. It can be used hands free to consume warm or cold drinks, thickened fluids, nutritional or food supplement drinks, thin soups and liquidised food. There is a table-top/bedside table version or a wheelchair / powerchair / bed frame version. PLEASE NOTE: this system has to be brought in from overseas.

Method Of Use

How Drinkup Works
Once set-up and a drink is in place, the user bites gently onto the CamelBak bite valve, makes a seal with their lips and sucks, as if using a straw. The drink will then rise and flow along the fluid tube. If the user needs to rest, they can relax without the drink returning to the vessel.

The 'Safe-Siphon' Mode
If the user has difficulty coordinating biting and sucking actions, has a weak 'suck ability' or is completely unable to suck, the Drinkup System may be used in the 'Safe-Siphon' mode, taking advantage of gravity. The supplier can supply a special syringe and a bite valve adaptor for this purpose. Please contact the supplier for further information on priming and using the Drinkup in the 'Safe-Siphon' mode.

Models

Drinkup Hands-free Drinking System - freestanding, plastic drinking system.

Drinkup Travel Lite - This attaches to manual and electric wheelchairs, round section bed frames and cot sides. It is compatible with CamelBak Better Bottles (when used with the CamelBak Hands-free Adaptor) and other tube-fed drinking bottles. The complete arm assembly from the Hands-free Drinking System may be removed from the Drinkup base and fitted to the wheelchair adaptor (Drinkup Travel Lite) for mobile use.

More Details

Features
* The tube has a non - return, silicone rubber bite valve to allow drinking in elevated or reclined positions
* The system is adjusted to allow reach of the drinking valve from a bed or chair
* The bite valve allows the user to control the flow of liquid
* If the user needs to rest, the fluid remains at the same level without returning to the vessel
* Dycem discs are used to make the base slip resistant
* It has stainless steel fittings

Components
The system comes with the following parts
Base, arm pivot knob, flexible arm, straw holder, valve holder, jug with lid, arm extension, arm pivot, crank arm, two tube clips, a can or cup holder and user manual.

Safe-Siphon Mode
* This is for users who have difficulty with coordinating biting and sucking actions, have a weak 'suck ability' or are completely unable to suck
* The system uses gravity and a bite valve adaptor
* Please refer to the manufacturer for more information on this set up

Adaptions and Variations
*Threaded base inserts allow fitting to Mobilia Mounting System, Vertical Mount, Adjustable Floor stand and various other Mobilia clamps
* The Mobilia Mounting System is a range of interconnected clamps, poles and brackets used to attach accessories to wheelchairs, chairs, bed frames and tables.

Factors To Consider

Some people have problems eating or drinking. This is a serious health risk. Signs include difficulty swallowing and chewing foods, coughing when eating or drinking, or food getting stuck in or spilling from the mouth. If you are concerned, visit a speech pathologist or consult your GP.

Place Of Manufacture

United Kingdom

Standards

Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For a fact sheet about standards contact us or visit www.ilcaustralia.org/home/standards.asp