Drinking Device Patents (Class 220/703)
  • Publication number: 20140034661
    Abstract: A device for storing liquid comprises a housing having side walls, an inner cavity wherein said housing comprises two unequal vertical parts and is designed to prevent said liquid being spilled and to revert to the vertical position when the vertical symmetry axis of said device leaves the original. The center of mass of said device filled with said liquid is at the bottom of said housing, lower than the geometrical center of said device. The lower outer surface of said housing is convex and is a sphere segment. The upper part of said walls of said housing is bent towards said inner cavity to form a central aperture for filling and emptying said inner cavity such that said liquid stored in said inner cavity cannot be spilled when said device leaves the vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Dmitry Vladimirovich Kotlov
  • Patent number: 8636170
    Abstract: A wine straw comprising an elongated hollow tubular body and attaching member secured to an outer surface of the hollow tubular body is provided. The hollow tubular body comprises an upper portion and a lower portion integrally connected to the upper portion, the upper and lower portions having open ends. The attaching member comprises a clip member integrally connected to a hollow attachment member. The clip member comprises a front portion and a back portion. The front portion includes a pair of top portions; a bottom portion; an outer edge extending upwardly and outwardly, in a vertical plane, from the bottom portion towards the pair of top portions; and an inner edge extending downwardly and inwardly, in a vertical plane, from the pair of top portions to a clip center portion. The back portion includes a pair of elongated members integrally connected to the hollow attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Jenny LaFever
  • Publication number: 20140008378
    Abstract: A container (1), such as a drink container, comprises a body (2) for accommodating fluids, a bottom (10), a side wall (12), a body opening (28), and a first connecting element (32). A fluid-tight closing unit (30) is connectable to the first connecting element (32) in a fluid-tight manner and has a region where a fluid passage to the body can be provided. A mouthpiece module (24) comprises a mouthpiece (26), a fluid line (34), and a unit (36) for creating a fluid passage to the body in the region. By way of a guiding unit, the fluid line (34) and the unit (36) can be transferred from a distance from the region to a position in which a fluid passage through the closing unit (30) and, by way of the fluid line (34), a connection between the body (2) and the mouthpiece (26), is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Red Bull GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Rinderer, Catherine Reiter, Nathalie Mikhaeel, Peter Huels, Roland Concin, Gabriele Weber-Trinkfass
  • Patent number: 8608018
    Abstract: A container including a base container having a side wall that extends about a longitudinal axis to define an internal volume and an overwrap positioned over the side wall, the overwrap including a first zone circumferentially extending about the base container, the first zone including a first pattern of bosses, and a second zone circumferentially extending about the base container, the second zone including a second pattern of bosses, the second pattern of bosses being different than the first pattern of bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Vladislav Babinsky, Sven Samuel Arenander, Melvin Joshua Leedle, Jonathan P. Sundy
  • Patent number: 8596314
    Abstract: A container including a body defining an outflow opening and at least one chamber adapted for storing a product, such as a fat containing liquid product, and a container closure including a primary seal for hermetically sealing the product within the chamber during storage. The container closure includes a sealing member forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the container closure and the body, and a dispensing member in fluid communication with the chamber. The container closure and body move relative to each other between a first position where the primary seal is seated about the outflow port to hermetically seal the product in the chamber during storage, and a second position where the primary seal is displaced from the outflow port to allow product to pass from the chamber through the outflow port and into dispensing member to dispense the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Julian Chan, Jeffrey Willey
  • Patent number: 8579136
    Abstract: Limited flow cups are provided which deliver a metered amount of fluid to a user during a drinking motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Reliant Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Burke, Richard M. Davis, Gerald Melsky, David Porat, Jerry Porter
  • Patent number: 8579148
    Abstract: A reusable straw includes a first part having a hollow elongated body that has a first end and an opposing second end and a second part having a hollow elongated body that has a first end and an opposing second end. The second part has a width that allows the first part to be received within a hollow interior of the first part. A first coupling member is formed along an inner surface of the first part proximate the first end; and a second coupling member is formed along an outer surface of the second part at the first end thereof. The first and second coupling members mate together to securely and sealingly couple the second part to the first part. The first coupling member is either a male member or a female member and the second coupling member is complementary and is the opposite member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GreenPaxx LLC
    Inventor: Cindy Slansky
  • Patent number: 8567635
    Abstract: A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: By The Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Boyd I. Willat, Joseph T. Perrulli, Paul H. Velick
  • Patent number: 8561851
    Abstract: A beverage bottle for storing and dispensing water and impure sports beverages having a container and a dispensing opening on a top wall movable between an open position and a closed position and a unitary valve disposed within the container bottom wall having a vertically sinuous contour, and laterally opposed, laterally actuating, compliant slit faces and a substantially rigid annular flat surface. As the vertically sinuous contour is flattened upon the annular flat surface, the slit faces are laterally urged together establishing a preloaded seal, for leak resistant valve operation, and reduced restriction dispensing of water and impure sports beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher A. Leonoff
  • Patent number: 8544676
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system including a container defining a chamber for holding a beverage, a lid for engaging the container, a drinking straw located on the lid, and a fluid router detachable from the lid to facilitate the withdrawal of the beverage from the container. The fluid router includes a base adapted for placement in the proximity to an opening of the container, and a conduit having a first and a second ends disposed on the base. The fluid router can further include a connector disposed on the base and adapted to engage a thermal energy storage member located in the chamber. The first conduit end is adapted to engage the drinking straw. The system can further include a second straw engaged with the second conduit end and positioned in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cool Gear International, LLC
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Patent number: 8540122
    Abstract: A hydration system includes first and second opposing flexible walls that form a bladder having a sealable compartment for containing a liquid. The system includes a drinking tube having a first end with a valve and a second end. A first port is configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment. A second port is configured to provide fluid communication between the compartment and the drinking tube. The third port allows liquid to be supplied into the compartment. A first baffle and a second baffle connect the opposing walls within the compartment. The first and second baffles are configured to oppose expansion of the bladder as the pressurizing gasses are introduced into the compartment. A space between the first and second baffles is accessible via the third port. The space is configured to receive and secure a thermal pack. The thermal pack is insertable and removable via the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Skillern, James H. Sadler
  • Patent number: 8511507
    Abstract: A decorative cover object supported on the lid of a can to enable drinking from the can. The decorative cover object includes a decorative spout member having a drinking spout and an internal collar and an insert received by the internal collar and for support from the can. The insert includes a base that mates with the collar and a deflectable peripheral flange that releasably engages with the can lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Neil Kumar Malik
  • Patent number: 8474641
    Abstract: A stackable, self-standing, liquid-tight, disposable drinking cup to keep ice separated from a beverage in the cup to permit cooling without resultant dilution. A collapsible plastic film liner is secured to certain inner cup surfaces to provide a flexible wall for dividing the interior into two separate areas. The liner forms a pocket with an expandable top edge which may be pulled away from the cup body to hold ice. The pocket may be made of one film layer with the edges of the pocket attached to the cup body. Alternatively, the pocket may be made of two layers joined by a heat sealed seam with the film layer next to the cup body attached to the cup wall at least along a portion of the top edge. The container body may be manufactured from conventional materials. Conventional cup dispensers, beverage dispensers, cup lids, and straws may be utilized without modification of design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Barrett K. Hays, Greta Hays
  • Patent number: 8469225
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to drinkware and in particular to drinkware formed from pliable materials, such as silicone. When used in the present invention, the flexibility of the silicone material differentiates the new drinkware from existing drinkware in a number of ways. First, the novel drinkware is pliable, foldable and bendable, so that it can safely travel without fear of breakage or injury. Furthermore, the form will always return to its original shape, and there will be no wear, tear or fatigue to the material, thereby enabling the drinkware to be stored in a smaller space than that required by drinkware formed from rigid materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Silipint, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Fredland
  • Patent number: 8464895
    Abstract: A drinking vessel and lid assembly that is adapted for selectively opening an open end of the drinking vessel. The lid is selectively couplable to the drinking vessel and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the drinking vessel and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the drinking vessel at a location where a user normally grasps the drinking vessel. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the stopper using a single hand operation without the need to remove the lid from the drinking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Sean Gilbert, Randy Sims
  • Patent number: 8459494
    Abstract: A shaped Styrofoam insulated sheet for shading a beverage container has fold lines thereacross to define a bottom coaster portion for resting on flat surface and shaped for supporting a base of the beverage container, an upstanding piece along one side of the beverage container shaped to follow a side elevation of the beverage container to act as a shade the beverage container and an upwardly inclined top cover piece extending over the beverage. The upstanding piece is bottle or glass shaped and carries advertising printed on the outside surface or inserted as a sheet into a transparent envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Cory Dewinetz
  • Patent number: 8459491
    Abstract: An insert assembly is outfitted upon a lidded beverage container for enabling the user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage so as to prevent scalding prior to consumption. The insert assembly comprises a damming structure and a rim-engaging structure. The damming structure is formed from a semi-rigid material and is sized and shaped for receipt within the upper rim perimeter of a container structure. The rim-engaging structure is formed from a flexible material and extends outwardly from the beverage-damming structure. The rim-engaging structure is received intermediate the upper container rim and a lid for defining beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments. The insert structure comprises first and second apertures for outletting beverage and inletting air intermediate the beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Pavel Savenok
  • Patent number: 8453870
    Abstract: A device by a drinking cup (1) comprising a container (2) and a valve element (4), the valve element (4) being provided with, on at least a portion of its free edge portion (12), an abutment (14) for a sealing, actuable gasket (8), and wherein a user's lip is resting against the gasket (8) when the drinking cup (1) is in its operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Anne May Berg, Heidi Berg
  • Patent number: 8424711
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to disposable beverage lids which may be used in conjunction with beverage containers. In one embodiment, a disposable beverage lid is generally circular and configured to removeably couple to a beverage container. The lid may include an elevated rim in-set and about the periphery thereof with a dome within a recess defined by the elevated rim. A plurality of apertures may be located within a channel defined by an inner wall of the elevated rim and an outer periphery of the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Charbonnet, Tricia Charbonnet, Nicholas Charbonnet
  • Patent number: 8418876
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve arrangement for location on a vessel for holding liquids, comprising: a supporting member configured to form a valve seat; a deformable sealing member located against said valve seat and arranged for deformation under an applied pressure to present a first gap between said sealing member and said valve seat in a region where pressure is applied to allow a liquid to be dispensed from the vessel via said valve arrangement, and a second gap between said sealing member and a valve seat in a region where pressure is applied, to allow air to enter said valve arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Gavin Reay
  • Patent number: 8413838
    Abstract: An inverted bottle holder is described for holding a bottle with a neck upside down inside a container having an exterior wall. The bottle holder includes a clip having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced to accept the exterior wall of the container in between, wherein the clip is formed having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the container, and a deck connected to the clip and extending into the container, the deck including an aperture sized to accept the neck of the bottle, such that the bottle is held upside down in the container when inserted into the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Alexander K. Miller
  • Patent number: 8408410
    Abstract: A straw holder 200 retains a drinking straw within a bottle such that the straw holder may be reused within other bottles. A plug section comprises a hollow funnel section 211 with an outer side and an inner area 212, with the outer side attaching to a top gasket member 204, a middle inner sealing member 205 and a lower guiding member 206, with the lower guiding member having means of centering the straw holder within the middle of a bottle, with the middle inner sealing member 205 having mean of contacting the inner wall area 402 of a neck section 401 of a bottle, and the top gasket member being configured to sit on top of a top lip 403 of a bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Erez Raman
  • Patent number: 8403168
    Abstract: A cup for reducing or eliminating spillage or shake-out. The cup has a cap and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element. The spill and shake-out inhibiting element is a dispensing tunnel, which provides for the formation of a pressure differential between the inside of the cup and the atmosphere when fluid begins to flow through the dispensing tunnel. The pressure differential, when it reaches a predetermined level, prevents further flow or movement of the fluid through the dispensing tunnel until additional suction is applied by the user. The diameter of the dispensing tunnel is small enough to effectively prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilan Samson, Joshua Lieberman
  • Patent number: 8397940
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing vessel is described and which includes a container body for enclosing a fluid to be dispensed, and a removable lid having first and second portions which move one relative to the other, and wherein when the second portion of the lid is in a first position, fluid may not be dispensed from the container body, and when located in the second position, fluid may be dispensed from the container body, and wherein a latch is provided which releases the second portion of the removable lid from the first portion for travel to a second position to allow the dispensing of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ZAK Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Steininger
  • Patent number: 8387816
    Abstract: A stackable beverage cups and, in particular to a dual use stackable beverage cup that can be used both as a standard size cup and as a smaller shot size cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Solomon Fallas
  • Patent number: 8348078
    Abstract: A leak proof/resistant drinking lid (10) is provided for use with beverage container. The lid (10) includes a manually actuated valve stem (16) mounted to a housing (14), a drinking port (18) extending through the housing (14), a drinking valve head (20) carried on the stem (16), a pressure relief port (22) extending through the drinking valve head (20), and a pressure relief valve head (24) mounted to the stem 16. The pressure relief valve head (24) is releasably mounted to the stem (16) by a connector (26). A resilient member (28) is sandwiched between the stem (16) and the drinking valve head (20) to transmit an actuating force from the stem (16) to the drinking valve head (20) and to allow the stem (16) and the pressure relief valve head (24) to translate relative to the drinking valve head (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Thermos L.L.C.
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Patent number: 8336730
    Abstract: A protective seal for application onto a beverage can, which is capable by virtue of its geometric configuration of providing efficient sealing against possible contamination that may come into contact with the upper outer portion of the can, and providing high resistance to penetration of substances and/or contaminants onto the can surface by virtue of the cooperation of compressive forces exerted by the surfaces of the protective seal onto the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: CBE—Companhia Brasileira De Embalagens S/A
    Inventor: Jacques Pontes
  • Patent number: 8333287
    Abstract: A longneck glass or metal bottle of one-piece integrally formed construction has a body with a closed base and a shoulder at an end of the body remote from the base, and a neck extending from the shoulder along an axis and terminating in a neck finish for attachment of a closure. The bottle neck includes at least one internal embossment for affecting flow of liquid from the body through the neck. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one internal embossment includes at least one internal annular rib or at least one internal rib coplanar with the neck axis or at least one internal spiral rib or at least one internal elliptical rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Lonsway, Bruce A. Becker, Vincent J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8322562
    Abstract: The bellows beverage lid is a lid for a hot liquid container that has a hole or port for sipping a beverage and a bellows portion incorporated into its central beverage cover region. Pushing on the bellows portion causes air to be forced in and out of the hot liquid container. The collapsible bellows allows a user to cool the liquid held in the container without the necessity of removing the lid and risking the possible spills or injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fine Line Contracting Corp.
    Inventor: Philip R. Dybala
  • Patent number: 8302803
    Abstract: A device for selective attachment to a conventional aluminum beverage can with internal liquid-holding pouch. A flavoring, alcohol based, energy drink, a medication, etc. can be contained in the device and mixed with the liquid contained in beverage cans. With the device atop a can and the device and can opened, tilting and pouring the liquid of the can causes liquid within the device to be dispensed and entrained into the stream of the liquid exiting the beverage can. A mixed drink can be provided comprised of the first liquid of the device and the second liquid provided by the can. Substantially uniform concentration of the two liquids is maintained from start to finish. Mixing occurs on an incremental basis and there is no substantial mixing of liquid from the device within the chamber of the can or from the liquid of the can within the cavity/pouch of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: WIX Industries LLC
    Inventors: Russell Jon Greenberg, Christopher Eden Marchant Beardsley
  • Patent number: 8281954
    Abstract: A sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a fluid barrier; and a fluid container designed for containing a fluid. The fluid barrier is in contact with the rim or internal or external sidewall of the fluid container. The fluid barrier extends into the fluid container. The fluid barrier has an opening that allows aroma of the fluid to escape from the fluid container without allowing the fluid to escape from the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: E. & J. Gallo Winery
    Inventors: Lewis Stern, Meara Kelley, Tim Ryan
  • Patent number: 8276781
    Abstract: A drinking container assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall which is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the housing. A closure is attached to and is coextensive with the upper edge. The closure is positionable in an open position extending upwardly from the upper edge or in a closed position folded downwardly over the opening. The closure has an access aperture extends their through and into the housing when the closure is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Bryon M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8276776
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a lid comprising: a base defining a first orifice; and a sealing member rotatably coupled to the base, the sealing member configured to seal the first orifice when placed in a sealing position. The base and the sealing member include one or more detents configured to releasably hold the sealing member in the sealing position. Still another aspect of the invention provides a container including a mug and a lid configured for releasable coupling with the mug. The lid includes a base defining a first orifice and a sealing member rotatably coupled to the base. The sealing member is configured to seal the first orifice when placed in a sealing position. The base and the sealing member include one or more detents configured to releasably hold the sealing member in the sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Cool Gear International, LLC
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Jason Meek
  • Patent number: 8272525
    Abstract: A lip-openable lid is provided for use in connection with a container or container cap having a valve seat and an opening for egress of container contents. A lip-openable container is also provided that employs the lip-openable lid. The lid is comprised of a gasket with a lip-engageable annular wall, a central portion radially inward of the wall, and a peripheral flange that is engageable with the valve seat. The lid includes a rigid support that has liquid flow openings, supports the central portion of the gasket and positions the gasket against the valve seat. The lid can also include means for securing the gasket to the support. The central portion of the gasket is comprised of a flexible elastomer and is capable of flexing and stretching to displace the flange from the valve seat when downward pressure is applied against the gasket. When downward pressure is applied, the central portion of the gasket contacts the rigid support and flexes and stretches downward from and/or over the rigid support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D La Torre, Joseph P Sejnowski, Aidan J Petrie, Richard S Chomik
  • Patent number: 8267271
    Abstract: A collapsible beverage container has a plurality of co-axially oriented, concentric cylindrical wall sections of progressively different diameters. The wall sections are extendable from a collapsed position wherein the wall sections substantially completely overlap in an axial direction to an extended position wherein the wall sections only partially overlap in an axial direction. The collapsible beverage container includes one or more elastomeric gaskets between adjacent cylindrical wall sections, each gasket providing a liquid-tight seal along the entire extension of the adjacent cylindrical wall sections between the extended and collapsed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Faris Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: David Faris
  • Publication number: 20120223089
    Abstract: A drinking vessel configured to enclose an amount of dry ice produces smoke while chilling a beverage. The drinking vessel may comprise a watertight container for holding the beverage and a filter to enclose the dry ice within a section of the watertight container. The filter will typically be permeable such that the beverage may contact the dry ice within the section of the watertight container but also flow out of the section so that the beverage may be consumed. The filter may be attached to an interior of the watertight container to enclose the dry ice. The interior wall(s) of the watertight container may have one or more mounts to engage and secure the filter to to the watertight container. The filter prevents dry ice particles from escaping thus allowing a user to drink directly from the drinking vessel even as smoke is generated by the dry ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Leejon Moore
  • Patent number: 8256642
    Abstract: A sippy cup assembly including a valve insert having a sheath and a stabilizing core is disclosed. The sippy cup assembly generally includes a container, a lid releasably coupled to and enclosing the container, and an annular seal for preventing liquid from leaking out of the container. The valve insert maintains form while permitting repeated removal and insertion, in addition to washing and long-term use, by providing that the stabilizing core has a rigidity greater than that of the sheath formed over the stabilizing core. The valve insert may be installed in the lid to correspond with a spout and air exchange aperture to permit egress of liquid and ingress of air upon application of suction by a user. When no suction is applied to the spout, the valve insert prevents leakage of liquid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Conor McNamara, Boris Kontorovich
  • Patent number: 8245870
    Abstract: A drinking container has a bottle with an open top, a cap assembly attachable to the bottle to cover the open top, and a drinking spout with a top opening on the cap assembly. A spout cover is removably fitted on the top opening of the drinking spout. A flexible tether is connected to the spout cover and to the cap assembly or the bottle. The tether is looped unto itself permitting the spout cover and a portion of the tether to be extended to reach the top opening and to be retracted withdrawing the spout cover to a position remote from the drinking spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry T. McKinney, Jacob Connelly
  • Patent number: 8225956
    Abstract: A precision pour drink shaker is disclosed herein. The precision pour drink shaker includes a first means for containing one or more liquids, and a second means for measuring an amount of matter placed into the first means. In one aspect, the first means may include a shaker and the second means may include a post extending from the first means, for example, from an interior surface of a base of the first means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tin Play LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy M. LeBlanc, Chad A. Berkey
  • Patent number: 8215511
    Abstract: A container lid with a latch handle is taught that incorporates a drinking lip, having a flared brim, configured to interface with a liquid container. A lip sealing ring is disposed on the drinking lip creating a watertight fit between the lip and the container. A lid body, having lid male threads, is configured to interface with container lid female threads, and the lid body includes a bottom cover which forms a dead air space for insulation purposes within the lid. The lid body incorporates a vertical arched handle with a snap-in hinged spring loaded latch for quick release attachment of the container lid and container securely to an object. A lid sealing ring is disposed on the lid body forming a watertight fit between the lid body and the container drinking lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Publication number: 20120168450
    Abstract: A spout for a spill-proof beverage container has a side wall defining an outer surface and an inner surface defining a discharge passage. A valve in the discharge passage includes two flanks formed integrally with the side wall and projecting from opposite sides of the inner surface of the spout. The front end faces of the flanks mate with one another along a slit that extends generally parallel to the longer axis of the spout. At least the front portions of the flanks are inclined away from the mouth of the spout such that pressure within the container acts to urge the flanks against one another so as to maintain the slit closed. Deformation of the side wall when the spout is held between the lips of a drinker acts to open the slit and create an opening between the flanks to allow the beverage to be discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Ilanm Zadik Samson
  • Publication number: 20120145726
    Abstract: A liquid container beneficially configured for use with a water bottle cage attached to a frame member of a bicycle for use by the bicyclist when riding the bicycle. The liquid container has a container body, a cap removably attached to the upper end of the container body to close the inlet opening which is utilized to fill the liquid container with liquid and a spout located in the bottom wall of the container to allow the bicyclist to drink from the container in a more ergonomic manner than existing water bottles. In one embodiment, the spout includes a nozzle removably attached to a discharge tube integral with the bottom wall to allow the user to select the type of nozzle. In another embodiment, a storage container for storing items and/or a gel dispenser for dispensing an energy gel are utilized at the upper end to close the inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Albert Sae, Chanh Q. Do
  • Patent number: 8196772
    Abstract: The invention comprises a disposable beverage cup that comprises a ledge between the cup's rim and the grasping portion of the cup that is commonly held in the user's hand. The ledge, which comprises a curb, a horizontal plane, and one or more indentations, acts as a barrier between the user's hand and other objects, preventing a lid that has been press fit onto the cup's rim from being dislodged. In order to remove the lid, the user must insert a finger and/or thumb into the indentation(s) and press upward on the lid. The cup has a contour between the ledge and the grasping portion with ergonomic features to increase the user's comfort in handling the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Leon, David W. McGinnis
  • Patent number: 8181817
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a raised container lid bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner, Michael Barry
  • Patent number: 8181816
    Abstract: A drinking cup usable by persons having limited physical faculties includes a vessel portion having one or more walls and being closed at a bottom end to define a bottom surface, the vessel portion being configured to retain a liquid; a drinking portion having one or more walls and an open top end from which the liquid located in the vessel portion can be removed, the open top end defining a rim; and a flexible member connecting the vessel portion and the drinking portion. The flexible member facilitates movement of the drinking portion relative to the vessel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Laurie Allen
  • Patent number: 8177085
    Abstract: A tooth protector device is disclosed for attachment to the top of a glass bottle to provide protection against injury, including chipping of teeth that can occur during drinking from a glass bottle. One embodiment comprises a monolithic structure for insertion into the mouth of a glass bottle and comprises inner, outer and top portions. The inner portion and the outer portion are substantially concentric structures defining an annulus for engaging the mouth of the bottle, and the top portion joins the inner and outer portions and protects the consumer from the top edge of the bottle. The length of the outer portion is selected such that the bottom part of the consumer's mouth is protected from the bottle. When installed, a tooth protector according to the present invention cushions the teeth and mouth from any blunt force or impulse that can occur when a bottle is hit or blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Krag David Hopps
  • Publication number: 20120097685
    Abstract: A container including a wall that defines an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the wall including an internal surface and an external surface, and being formed as a layered structure that includes a first layer positioned proximate the internal surface and a second layer positioned proximate the external surface, the second layer including major bosses extending into engagement with the first layer to space the second layer from the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Vladislav Babinsky, Sven Samuel Arenander, Dobridge Celeste Newman
  • Patent number: 8141732
    Abstract: A bottle. The bottle may include a cup with a number of first conical sections, a lid with a number of second conical sections, and a closure positioned on the lid. The upper conical sections mate with the lower conical sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jeremie F. Bohen, Donna B. Baida, Paul McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8136702
    Abstract: A hydration system includes opposing flexible walls forming a bladder having a sealable compartment for containing a liquid. The system includes a drinking tube having a first end with a valve and a second end. A first port is configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment. A baffle connects the opposing walls within the compartment. The baffle is configured to oppose expansion of the bladder as the pressurizing gasses are introduced into the compartment. A second port is configured to couple to the second end of the drinking tube to provide fluid communication between the compartment and the drinking tube. A third port allows the liquid to be supplied into the compartment. Activation of the valve unseals the compartment and allows the liquid to be expelled from the compartment via the second port and the drinking tube as a result of a pressurization of the compartment by the pressurizing gasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Skillern, James H. Sadler
  • Patent number: 8122626
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle