Abstract: An apparatus includes a pliable material to form a dispenser insert. The dispenser insert includes a lower section and an upper section. The lower section is configured for insertion into and stable engagement with the mouth and interior of a dispensing container. The upper section is configured to extend outward and away from the mouth of the dispensing container. The upper section defines an orifice at a distal end of the upper section. The orifice maintains a closed configuration in an undeformed state and an open configuration for passage of a liquid in a deformed state subject to application of an external force on the upper section of the dispenser insert.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pliable material to form a dispenser insert. The dispenser insert includes a lower section and an upper section. The lower section is configured for insertion into and stable engagement with the mouth and interior of a dispensing container. The upper section is configured to extend outward and away from the mouth of the dispensing container. The upper section defines an orifice at a distal end of the upper section. The orifice maintains a closed configuration in an undeformed state and an open configuration for passage of a liquid in a deformed state subject to application of an external force on the upper section of the dispenser insert.

Abstract: Water bottles and flavor tablets for use therewith. The water bottle includes a container having a closed end, an open end, and a removable lid selectively coupleable over the open end of the container. A straw is disposed through the lid, or attached to the lid. A filter may be disposed within the straw, the filter removing impurities from water as it is drawn from the chamber through an opening within the straw, through the filter. A flavor tablet (e.g., a dissolvable solid including a flow channel disposed therein, or defined between a perimeter edge of the tablet and the straw or spout) can be placed within the straw or spout of the water bottle, downstream from (e.g., above) the filter so that water drawn through the straw passes first through the filter (if present), and then around or through the flavor tablet, flavoring the water drawn therethrough.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an article of open-toe footwear including a sole member and a modular retaining system that allows a user to affect the appearance and function of the article of footwear. The modular retaining system includes a strap member and a plurality of coupling members. The strap member extends from an upper surface of the sole member over a corresponding user's foot between various recesses located on the surface of the sole member. The end regions of the strap member are releasably coupled with the sole member at the recesses via a releasable engagement with coupler members oppositely oriented within the recesses from a lower surface of the sole member. The releasable engagement between the strap member and the coupling members may utilize a threaded coupling configuration in which a male portion of the coupler member is threadably coupled within a corresponding female portion of the end region.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an article of open-toe footwear including a sole member and a modular retaining system that allows a user to affect the appearance and function of the article of footwear. The modular retaining system includes a strap member and a plurality of coupling members. The strap member extends from an upper surface of the sole member over a corresponding user's foot between various recesses located on the surface of the sole member. The end regions of the strap member are releasably coupled with the sole member at the recesses via a releasable engagement with coupler members oppositely oriented within the recesses from a lower surface of the sole member. The releasable engagement between the strap member and the coupling members may utilize a threaded coupling configuration in which a male portion of the coupler member is threadably coupled within a corresponding female portion of the end region.

Abstract: An improved guide for securing a lace, rope or other material, which enables the material to be tightened and secured with ease is disclosed. The guide allows the material to slide through a buckle allowing a user to tighten the material and lock the buckle without the loss of tension in the material. The guide is implemented on footwear, watch bands, luggage and backpack straps, ropes for tents, boats and other structures, and any other buckling or line securing apparatus.