With Straw Or Sucking Tube Patents (Class 220/705)
  • Patent number: 11864541
    Abstract: A portable pet canteen having a flexible bladder with peripheral edges and defining a footprint, an upper wall of the bladder defining an upper mouth, and a cavity being formed within the bladder. A rigid inner scaffold is secured to the upper mouth of the bladder and extends into the cavity. The inner scaffold has a height defined by side walls, the side walls having apertures for passage of water. An upper lid secures to an upper edge of the rigid inner scaffold such as with mating threads to form a closure such that the portable pet canteen is watertight. Water may be retained within the bladder until such time as the upper lid is removed and the canteen placed on the ground for the pet to drink from within the inner scaffold which provides a relatively wide opening. The canteen may be placed within a flexible outer cover for protection, which can also have various handles or straps for ease of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: DENNIS A. DOMINGOS FAMILY TRUST
    Inventor: Dennis Domingos
  • Patent number: 11851250
    Abstract: Drink bottles, or drink containers with cap assemblies that include a drink spout. The drink spout is pivotally coupled to a base of the cap assembly and includes a mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the cap assembly includes a dust cover configured to at least partially cover the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece and pivotal mount are in the stowed position. In some embodiments, the cap assembly includes a dispensing guard configured to at least partially cover the dispensing outlet when the mouthpiece and pivotal mount are in the stowed position. In some embodiments, the cap assembly includes a handle, which may include at least one guard for the drink spout and/or mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Choi, Barley A. Forsman, Jeremy Galten
  • Patent number: 11772894
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a system, computer program product, and method for smart storage units using Internet of things (IoT) technology, and, more specifically, for substantially end-to-end autonomous management of consumable commodities. The system includes a robot including one or more external lighting devices and a storage unit comprising a cap and a container portion, the cap is coupled to the container portion and is communicatively coupled to the robot. The cap includes one or more external energy collection devices configured to receive light energy from the one or more external lighting devices. The cap also includes a first processing device electrically coupled to the one or more external energy collection devices. The first processing device is configured to collect data associated with an inventory of the contents of the container portion and transmit the inventory data to the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Radhika Sharma, Mukundan Sundararajan, Shilpa Shetty
  • Patent number: 11603246
    Abstract: A beverage container having a straw storage compartment in the base of the container for a self-contained straw is described herein. The beverage container may comprise a container body having a beverage holding chamber and a straw storage compartment configured to enable storage of a removable drinking straw. A removable bottom closure component may be provided for opening and closing the straw storage compartment. The straw-holding structure may be attached to a wall defining the straw storage compartment or attached to an inner portion of the removable bottom closure component, such that when the removable bottom closure component is positioned to close the straw storage compartment, the straw-holding structure is located within the straw storage compartment. When the removable bottom closure component is fully engaged with the container body at an open lower end of the container body, the removable drinking straw may be entirely enclosed within the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Hogg Outfitters, LLC
    Inventor: Irene Mavrianos
  • Patent number: 11490590
    Abstract: A portable pet canteen having a flexible bladder with peripheral edges and defining a footprint, an upper wall of the bladder defining an upper mouth, and a cavity being formed within the bladder. A rigid inner scaffold is secured to the upper mouth of the bladder and extends into the cavity. The inner scaffold has a height defined by side walls, the side walls having apertures for passage of water. An upper lid secures to an upper edge of the rigid inner scaffold such as with mating threads to form a closure such that the portable pet canteen is watertight. Water may be retained within the bladder until such time as the upper lid is removed and the canteen placed on the ground for the pet to drink from within the inner scaffold which provides a relatively wide opening. The canteen may be placed within a flexible outer cover for protection, which can also have various handles or straps for ease of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Dennis Domingos
  • Patent number: 11321747
    Abstract: A system of these teachings for providing a graphical activatable link (also referred to as a badge) related to a activity includes a handheld mobile communication device, and a web site server configured to receive information from the handheld mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Hill
  • Patent number: 10278526
    Abstract: A portable drinking device capable of fitting over a typical pressurized beverage can to direct the flow of fluid from the can to a recipient's mouth. The portable drinking device may be positioned over the open top of the can and the can and portable drinking device are slightly tilted sideways. After the can has been punctured on its side, the entire assembly is positioned so that the portable drinking device directs a rapid and steady stream of fluid from the punctured can through the tube of the portable drinking device into a recipient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Chayancze A. Stirbis
  • Patent number: 10266318
    Abstract: A solar jar lid having a solar unit and having a support housing that supports the solar unit, and wherein the solar unit has a light emitting diode. The support housing has an internal thread such that it can be threaded to ajar and defines an opening for receiving a straw. The support housing is capable of being threaded to a jar. When the light emitting diode is turned on a beverage in the jar is illuminated. In another embodiment the support housing is replaced with a tabbed support housing, and in another embodiment the support housing is replaced with a clamp arm support housing. The solar unit includes a solar panel and rechargeable battery and may include an on and off switch. The user fills the jar with a beverage and the light emitting diode illuminates the beverage as the user drinks the beverage through the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Callanan, Jesse Callanan, Madeleine Callanan
  • Patent number: 9913455
    Abstract: A portable dispensing device for administering fluids intended for animals comprising a backpack with a main compartment delimited by a rear wall configured to come into contact with the back of the user, an outer wall arranged opposite the rear wall and a side wall linking the rear and outer walls, in addition to a flexible pouch containing the fluid to be administered, placed in said main compartment, in which at least the part of the outer wall of the backpack opposite said pouch is made from a rigid material in order to form a shockproof protection and the pouch is removably secured to the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: VIRBAC
    Inventors: Charles Borde, Michel Robin
  • Patent number: 9228164
    Abstract: A beverage receptacle for louching alcohol. Particular implementations include a beverage receptacle with a first reservoir and a second reservoir coupled by a communication channel with a minimum diameter sufficient to cause dripping. Beverage receptacle dimensions and features may vary. Communication channel may comprise any of a plurality of shapes and sizes and may even comprise a controllable valve. Mixed beverage may be served directly from the beverage receptacle or in a separate glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventors: Dimitri Uhlik, Michael Uhlik
  • Publication number: 20150144645
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for consuming beverages, e.g. shots of alcohol. The tube, cylinder or straw preferably comprises a transparent acrylic cylinder having a tapered interior chamber having a volume between 0.5 of an ounce and 2.0 fluid ounces, a first opening and a second opening, an exterior grip and a stopper guide. The second opening has an O-ring and is closed by a stopper. The stopper has a finger grip placed above the stopper guide and is biased closed by a spring. The tapered interior chamber volume is preferably 1.3 fluid ounces and the cylinder has a preferred height of seven inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Dominique Claessens
  • Patent number: 8973776
    Abstract: A cup with nestable food container and cover includes at least one wall that defines at least one container body and a plurality of downward oriented cavities. The cup includes a lower and upper cup body a portion of which defines a fill line that indicates a volume of beverage to fill the cup with. The upper cup body holds the food container, and the at least one container body may descend into the annular opening of the cup down to the fill line. Each of the plurality of downward oriented cavities include a bottom outer corner portion, such that at least one of the plurality of downward oriented cavities may rest on the portion that is wider in the upper cup body. The at least one container and at least one cover may include at least one cavity that may hold at least one independent drop-in container and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Top-That!, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald Mark Buck
  • Publication number: 20150001231
    Abstract: A container top and/or a fluid container includes a straw and a hole in the top or some other portion of the container. The straw has a first open end and a second open end. The first open end of the straw is disposed outside the container and the second open end of the straw is disposed inside the container. The straw frictionally engages the hole in the top or other portion of the container to provide a seal between the straw and the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Hershey Lerner
  • Patent number: 8915454
    Abstract: A drinking straw includes a tube having an upper end including a first opening, a lower end including a second opening, and an outer wall extending between the upper and lower ends. A wrapper covers the tube and a securing element permanently attaches the wrapper to the outer wall of the tube. The wrapper is adapted to be opened for exposing the first and second openings of the tube while the securing element maintains the attachment of the wrapper to the tube. The outer wall of the tube has an inner surface, whereby at least two opposing sections of the inner surface of the outer wall are joined together for forming a bifurcated opening adjacent an end of the tube. The bifurcated opening defines a total area that is smaller than the area of the opening at the opposite end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Scott E. Churchill
  • Patent number: 8852439
    Abstract: A liquid filtration method and device, for example a drinking straw with a mouthpiece, and a bundle of hollow fibres. The open ends of the fibres are embedded in a base and provided in a compartment between the base and a liquid outlet. Water or other liquid flows into the inner volume of the hollow fibres and from there through their filtering membrane walls and into the compartment before the liquid flows out through the liquid outlet, for example the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LifeStraw SA
    Inventors: Daniel Frauchiger, Roelie Bottema, Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen
  • Patent number: 8833597
    Abstract: A straw guide container that comprises of a housing that defines a straw guide. The straw guide is on one of the exterior sides of the housing. The housing has a first and a second side. The sides are attached to each other using a vertical latching system. The housing is designed to hold at least one solid carbon dioxide pellet. The housing has a stem that is attached to the exterior of the housing. The stem defines a handle. The handle is used to easily position the container within a beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Ira Goldsmith
  • Publication number: 20140246431
    Abstract: Devices for removably supporting a cell phone above a disposable beverage cup while a user sips the beverage, include a looped straw and a phone supporting bracket formed on the top surface of a lid for the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Erik Lipson
  • Patent number: 8783492
    Abstract: A cover for single serving beverage filter containers is provided. The cover may have a body forming an aperture at its center, a door hingedly attached to the body and capable of covering the aperture, and a flange extending from an outer perimeter of the body. A spring may allow the door to be biased in a closed position to cover the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Petitpas
  • Patent number: 8783506
    Abstract: A food/beverage container has a main body having a main receiving cavity containing contents and a spouting portion for discharging the contents. A sub-receiving cavity is formed in the main receiving cavity to receive other foods. The main receiving cavity and the sub-receiving cavity are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Jung Min Lee
  • Publication number: 20140166679
    Abstract: A beverage container includes a container main body, an inner lid portion that covers the container main body, a spout portion which is formed on the inner lid portion and through which a beverage is discharged, a spout blocking portion 3a that blocks the spout portion, an outer lid portion disposed so as to be able to engage with and disengage from the inner lid portion, a ventilation portion that allows air to flow between the inside and the outside of the container main body, and a vent blocking portion formed on the outer lid portion or the inner lid portion to block the ventilation portion when the outer lid portion is placed to close the inner lid portion. A cancellation operation portion which cancels engagement between the outer lid portion and the inner lid portion is formed, and the beverage container further includes a ventilation adjusting protruding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Pigeon Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Arai, Masakazu Yoshida, Norio Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140151376
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container including a quick release valve including a lid connector, a drinking tube connector, and a quick-release apparatus, the quick-release apparatus including a push button and a release mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Joshua Clay Sprague, Elizabeth Sprague
  • Publication number: 20140099423
    Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating a bottom open end of a drinking straw from objects, such as fruit, leaves, seeds, etc., located within a beverage container. A sieve is disclosed that has outer dimensions that substantially match inner dimensions of a bottom portion of a drinking glass. The sieve includes a top platform having a drinking straw opening and a plurality of filter openings sized to permit liquid to pass therethrough while preventing passage by objects. The bottom open end of the drinking straw is positionable within a cavity of the sieve that is isolated from the objects, such that a user may consume the beverage through the drinking straw without the objects obstructing the drinking straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SON-CLIFF INC.
    Inventor: Son-Cliff Inc.
  • Patent number: 8672174
    Abstract: A lid assembly including a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover including first and second apertures providing access to contents of the container; a drinking member having a bore there through, the drinking member pivotal between a first closed position wherein the drinking member seals the first aperture and a second open position wherein the bore is aligned with the first aperture to allow contents of the container to pass through the first aperture and the drinking member; and a closure member pivotal between a first closed position wherein the closure member seals the second aperture and a second open position wherein the second aperture is exposed to allow contents of the container to pass there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Leedsworld, Inc.
    Inventor: Morgan Requel McMullin
  • Patent number: 8657148
    Abstract: A container including a main body and a removable lid. The main body defines an interior cavity accessible through an opening at an upper end of the main body, and the main body has a rim about the opening. The removable lid secures to the rim of the main body to enclose the interior cavity. The removable lid includes an upper portion having a convex surface and comprises a soft, flexible material. The removable lid also includes a spout integrally molded with the upper portion and extending from the upper portion at an off-center location. The spout is shaped and sized to be received inside a child's mouth. The spout includes a wall and a flexible membrane supported by the wall. The membrane has a convex surface facing a distal end of the spout and forming a cavity within the distal end of the spout, and a valve configured to provide fluid communication between the interior cavity and the child's mouth when sufficient pressure is applied to the distal end of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Learning Curve Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John Krammes, James J. Britto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8622236
    Abstract: A drinking vessel is provided for use in an upright orientation and an upturned orientation. The vessel includes a mouthpiece portion and a conduit portion fluidly connected to the mouthpiece portion. The conduit portion has a lower opening through which fluid may be drawn to the mouthpiece portion when the vessel is oriented in a substantially upright orientation. The vessel further includes an intermediate inlet (fluidly connected to the mouthpiece portion. The intermediate inlet is disposed intermediate the lower opening and the mouthpiece portion. The vessel further includes a flow controller operable to control flow to the mouthpiece portion from the intermediate inlet, according to the orientation of the vessel. A lid for a drinking vessel and a drinking conduit are also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sanbrook Innovations Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Sanbrook, Sean Edwin Moran, Jon Seddon
  • Patent number: 8608016
    Abstract: A straw having a flexible portion. The flexible portion of the straw is removably coupleable to a lid. The straw may be bent to engage a straw latch on the lid, sealing the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Wilton Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Chiu, David Starr, Mason Umholtz, Stephanie Guttas, Traci Chapple
  • 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: 8579138
    Abstract: The cocktail glass cover is a cover for beverage glasses. The cover is designed with raised ridges on its underside that permit the cover to rest securely on glasses of various sizes. An opening is formed in the cover to receive a straw therethrough. The opening can be optionally closed with a removable knob. The knob is color-coded to allow a drinker to distinguish one beverage from another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Will C. Jamison, Lynette P. Jamison
  • Publication number: 20130256320
    Abstract: A solid and liquid dispenser apparatus allows a food and a beverage to be simultaneously consumed from the same container with one hand. The apparatus includes a solid dispenser body that securely attaches above a liquid dispenser body. A segregation portion separates the bodies, provides a secure attachment between the bodies, and forms a spill proof seal between the bodies. The solid dispenser body serves as both a lid for the liquid dispenser body and a container for the solid. The solid dispenser body compartmentalizes to segregate an eclectic variety of solids. At least one aperture positions on a peripheral wall of the solid dispenser body and the segregation portion. A straw passes through the aperture, whereby the straw engages the liquid in the lower liquid dispenser body. An insulating portion positions between the bodies to at least partially restrict thermal transfer between the solid and the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mostafa Sorkhabi
  • Patent number: 8544674
    Abstract: A shaker has a container body, lid and sieve, with the lid and sieve detachably securable to one another, separate and apart from the lid and container body being detachably securable together. A substantially U-shaped track is situated around an internal surface of the lid to receive a mating projection of the sieve so that the sieve and lid can be snapped together in complementary fashion and detachably secured together by a snap fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Mikael Nilsson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130231026
    Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed that uses fluid flow through a straw to set in motion an impeller. The impeller may rotate an axle that may be attached to a novelty object outside the straw shaft. Rotation of the axle may cause the novelty object to move as the straw is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: SAM KEUNGMANIVONG
  • Patent number: 8505783
    Abstract: A squeezable bottle is disclosed. The squeezable bottle includes a pliable bottle skin, an outlet and a spinal assembly within the pliable skin, for providing longitudinal rigidity along an elongated axis of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Source Vagabond Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoram Gill, Roee Bigger, Yariv Sade, Arik Yuval
  • Publication number: 20130186906
    Abstract: A hydration system for all sports enthusiasts includes a malleable hose with a mouth piece that connects to water in a water bottle, water bottles, a back pack hydration bladder system, a bed side hydration system, or the like. The malleable hose and mouth piece may be adapted to conventional systems to provide a ready-accessible source of hydration in a simple, easy and safe manner. A user can stay focused and keep a competitive advantage with the hydration system, as it eliminates the need to reach for a bottle or a water hose by having the malleable tube right where it is needed, when you need it, with no priming or pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Scot Lee Underhill
  • Patent number: 8464896
    Abstract: The invention is a container or container lid, including but not limited to a container or lid or container-lid combination of the kind commonly used to distribute bulk-dispensed beverages that features an integrated component used for attaching and holding a straw vertically to the outside of the container. The integrated component may be made a part of the container or a part of the lid, and may take any of a variety of shapes as described in the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Beary
  • Patent number: 8459484
    Abstract: A system for aiding in drinking from a drink container is provided. The system includes a spring-style, flexible straw located inside a drink container such that when the container is closed the straw is compressed. A lever located on the exterior top portion of the container can be used to produce a circular orifice in the top of the container. When the container is opened via the circular orifice, the straw automatically extends through the orifice in the top of the container, thereby allowing a person to use the straw to drink the liquid in the container. Whereas the lower portion of the straw is spirally shaped like a spring mechanism, the upper portion of the straw is straight and an accordion mechanism is located at a base of the upper portion to allow the consumer to bend the straw when sipping from the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Raul Ravelo
  • Patent number: 8459492
    Abstract: This invention improves the cooling effect of ice in a drinking cup and economizes on the amount of ice used. The invention comprises a truncated cone with the widest base at the bottom, and with a hole at its apex, the hole being large enough to allow a straw to pass through. It also comprises a mechanism located at the apex of the cone, which holds the straw in place. This cone structure prevents ice cubes, which are normally buoyant, from floating up to the surface of the liquid. Instead, the cone forces the ice to congregate near the straw inlet thereby cooling the liquid entering the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jaime Angel Merino
  • Patent number: 8459493
    Abstract: A device for eating and drinking is disclosed. The device includes a substantially cylindrical container for holding a liquid and a substantially bowl-shaped element having a tubular element extending through a central axis of the bowl-shaped element, wherein a lumen of the tubular element fits securely around a top portion of the cylindrical container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Felix E. Suarez, Jr., Felix E. Suarez, Sr., Manuel J. Suarez
  • Patent number: 8438972
    Abstract: A cookie support system has a lower component, an upper component, and a coupling component. The lower component includes an elongated first section having a hollow cylindrical portion configured for sipping a liquid by a user and a second section coupled to the first section and having parallel side walls with an open top portion and a bottom portion configured for receiving a cookie. The bottom portion is formed of an arcuate face coupling the side walls. The upper component includes a first section formed of parallel side walls with an open bottom portion and a top portion formed of an arcuate face coupling the side walls. An elongated second section is coupled to and protruding from the first section. A coupling component between the lower and upper components is configured to thereby open and separate the lower and upper components for positioning a cookie there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Mark E. Cotter
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130075410
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid reservoir shell that provides protection for the fluid reservoir of a personal hydration system. The fluid reservoir shell is rigid and does not collapse easily under external pressure. The fluid reservoir shell is sized to contain the fluid reservoir but still fits in a personal hydration system pack. The shell protects the fluid reservoir and prevents the fluid reservoir from leaking due to excessive external pressure. The fluid reservoir shell disclosed includes a shell top piece and a shell bottom piece, which couple together to enclose the bladder of the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir shell provides ready access to the fill port and the drink tube of the fluid reservoir when the fluid reservoir is contained in the fluid reservoir shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Leonard B. Wood
  • Publication number: 20130032605
    Abstract: Embodiments of the apparatus is a personal hydration apparatus comprising a drink manifold with a receptor configured such that a water tight seal can form between a threaded bottle and the receptor. A check valve is coupled to the drink manifold configure to allow air into manifold and a first tube coupled to the manifold that is configured to allow liquid to be drawn from the threaded bottle. The hydration manifold allows an individual the convenience of using a conventional bottle filled with liquid in a hydration system accessible through a hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Peterson
  • Patent number: 8354130
    Abstract: A system for facilitating a user's intake of edible substances. The system may include a first portion, a second portion, and a partition unit disposed between the first portion and the second portion. A first space may be located between the first portion and the partition unit for containing a first edible substance. A second space may be located between the second portion and the partition unit for containing a second edible substance. The system may also include a tube for causing a change at the partition unit to open an opening between the first space and the second space, and for transmitting a portion of an edible mixture to the mouth of the user. The edible mixture may include part of the first edible substance provided from the first space and part of the second edible substance provided from the second space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Ming Tseng
  • Publication number: 20120325835
    Abstract: This invention improves the cooling effect of ice in a drinking cup and economizes on the amount of ice used. The invention comprises a truncated cone with the widest base at the bottom, and with a hole at its apex, the hole being large enough to allow a straw to pass through. It also comprises a mechanism located at the apex of the cone, which holds the straw in place. This cone structure prevents ice cubes, which are normally buoyant, from floating up to the surface of the liquid. Instead, the cone forces the ice to congregate near the straw inlet thereby cooling the liquid entering the straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jaime Angel Merino
  • Patent number: 8333145
    Abstract: A sip and dip cookie apparatus. The sip and cookie dipper apparatus is made up of an upper elongated portion configured to hold a straw, a lower portion configured to hold a cookie, and a cookie cover. The upper elongated portion and lower portion are integrally connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: David S. Kowlessar
  • Patent number: 8328113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a leakage prevention straw, a method of manufacturing the leakage prevention straw, and containers employing the leakage prevention straw. In accordance with the present invention, the leakage prevention straw has an open-ended, hollow tube; an open-ended, hollow receiver sealably mounted on the tube; a valve assembly sealably engaging the receiver; and a resilient locking adapter disposed on the tube and lockingly engaging the valve assembly to secure the valve assembly in liquid seal engagement with the receiver. The valve assembly has a hollow, open-ended, resilient enclosure and a check valve disposed within the enclosure. Although the check valve is biased in a closed position, the check valve opens upon manual manipulation of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Last Straw LLC
    Inventors: Robert Patton Stribling, Samuel Clifford Crosby
  • Patent number: 8302804
    Abstract: A lid (18) for a drinking container (14) includes an engagement means (26) for removably securing the lid (18) to the drinking container (14). The lid (18) is formed as a one piece unit and has a deformable spout (20) with a liquid outlet (46). The one piece lid is further provided with an air inlet (22) for the ingress of air into the container (14). Defamation of the spout (20) effects opening of the liquid outlet (46) and the air inlet (22). The spout (20) may be disposed in a forward position on the lid (18). The container wall may lean in the forwards direction when the container is seated on its base (16) on a level surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Jackel Holdings Victoria Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Jon Seddon
  • Patent number: 8281708
    Abstract: A sip and cookie dipper apparatus. The sip and cookie dipper apparatus is made up of a straw holder, a detachable cookie holder, and a cookie holder attachment mechanism. The straw holder defines a through bore with open opposite ends. At least one straw stabilizing member is located inside the through-bore. The cookie holder attachment mechanism is attached to the bottom end of the straw holder and is used to reversibly attach the detachable cookie holder to the straw holder. In one embodiment, the detachable cookie holder includes first and second outer slots and a central slot, wherein removable side-inserts fit into the first and second outer slots. Optional images of interest are disposed on the side-inserts. In another embodiment, detachable cookie holder is a one-piece detachable cookie holder lacking first and second outer slots and the central slot, and has permanent sides in place of removable side-inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: David S. Kowlessar
  • 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