Abstract: A method for a person to discharge a consumable liquid including the steps of: obtaining a container having a body bounding a volume and an opening in communication with the volume; placing a quantity of the consumable liquid in the volume; and grasping the container and positioning the container so that the consumable liquid within the volume flows through at least a portion of the opening and into the person's mouth. The container has a blocking structure that is configured to allow the consumable liquid to flow to and through the portion of the opening while blocking movement of material, of a predetermined size suspended in the quantity of consumable liquid, into the at least portion of the opening.

Abstract: A straw comprising a straw member having an outer straw portion and an inner straw portion, the outer and inner straw portions being telescopingly fitted with each other, the inner straw portion including an elastic upper section, and a cylindrical plug member having an opening at the upper end thereof. The inner straw portion is retained in the state inserted into a beverage container by mounting the plug member to the upper end of a mouth of the beverage container, and the upper section of the inner straw portion is bent by pressing with a beverage container cap so as to attach the beverage container cap to the beverage container, and the upper end of the inner straw portion is protruded from the upper end of the plug member by detaching the beverage container cap.

Abstract: An ice retaining apparatus for use in a drinking vessel comprises a generally semi-circular surface which defines a plurality of orifices therethrough. The ice retaining apparatus includes retaining clips which are coupled to the semi-circular surface on either end of a diameter of that surface. Preferably, the retaining clips are coupled to the semi-circular surface in a fixed angular relationship defining an obtuse angle in relation thereto. The surface defines a slot therein which, due to the flexible nature of the surface, allows the slot to be widened and narrowed, thereby allowing the geometry of the surface to be varied. Additionally, to accommodate a users nose while drinking, the apparatus may include an aperture along the diameter of the semi-circular surface. The ice retaining apparatus is positioned within a drinking vessel by the retaining clips. The semi-circular surface then acts to block solid objects within a beverage while allowing the liquid to flow freely through.

Abstract: An ice blocking cup lid for use in association with a cup including a rim, ice cubes and fluid, the apparatus comprising: at least one plate formed in a planar configuration and including a front section, the plate including coupling devices to permit coupling to the rim of a cup, each plate being retained within the cup below the rim.

Abstract: A drink making receptacle for mixing and dispensing beverages including a lid with rotation means mounted on the lid and rotation means on the receptacle. Flanges serve to limit rotation of the lid to facilitate beverage dispension without discharge of ice.

Abstract: A method of making coffee or tea by use of a coffee maker or tea maker kit which includes a mortar, a pestle, a scoop, and a cup, the cup including a brewing section and a sipping section separated by a partition projecting inward from the inside wall of the cup, the partition having an aperture through which the finished beverage is passed and sipped.