Abstract: A child's drinking container, e.g. sippie cup or baby bottle, uses a cover with a functionally integrated flexible cheek valve within an exiting fluid path for leakage protection. The valve is preferably a flexible check valve such as a crossbill. The valve comprises two or more flexible members that restrict the flow of fluid from a container during non-drinking situations. The flexible members of the valve limit pressurized flow and substantially prevent fluid from exiting while remaining normally closed. To open a valve section, external compressive force is applied (e.g., by a user's fingers or lips) which separates the flexible members allowing fluid to flow through, and encapsulated within a tubular drinking section having a fluid path and is attached to the exit end of the cover. An additional ventilation mechanism is added in various embodiments including a flexible air intake check valve added to the bottom of a baby bottle.

Abstract: A flexible tube check valve is introduced within a fluid path for leakage protection from flexible liquid containers. The flexible check valve can be a crossbill valve comprising multiple flexible members that restrict the flow of fluid in a tubular member. The flexible check valve is preferably functionally integrated with the container itself to prevent liquid from exiting a container. Preferably, the flexible check valve is a crossbill valve that is encapsulated within a flexible tube and mechanically attached to the flexible container. Alternatively, the check valve is manufactured as part of the flexible container. Liquid is designed to only flow through when an external compressive force (e.g. users fingers or lips) is applied to the valve. When force is no longer applied to the valve section, the valve returns to its normally closed position and fluid is wholly or substantially prevented from exiting.

Abstract: A flexible check valve is introduced within a fluid path for leakage protection. The flexible check valve is preferably a crossbill used in conjunction with a drinking straw to prevent undesired liquid leakage from a container such as a drink box. A transition section is used to mate the dissimilar materials of the straw and flexible check valve. The transition section retains an internal bayonet section of the flexible check valve within a snap-fit ring.

Abstract: A flexible check valve is introduced within a fluid path for leakage protection. The flexible check valve can be a duckbill/crossbill valve comprising multiple flexible members that restrict the flow of fluid in a tubular member. The flexible check valve is preferably used in conjunction with a drinking straw to prevent liquid from exiting a container such as a drink box. Preferably, the flexible check valve is a crossbill valve that is attached using an adapter. Liquid is designed to only flow through when an external compressive force (e.g. users fingers or lips) is applied to the valve. When force is no longer applied to the valve section, the valve returns to its normally closed position and fluid is wholly or substantially prevented from exiting.

Abstract: A method for enhancing .beta.-carotene absorption in animals and humans by administering a beverage comprising:(a) from about 0.05% to about 0.3% calcium;(b) at least 0.0004% of .beta.-carotene;(c) about 0.5% to about 60% sweetener;(d) at least 0.005% flavor; and(e) the remainder being water is disclosed. The beverage can contain vitamin C, A, B, D and E. The beverage must be essentially free of iron and metals which cause vitamin degradation. Preferably the beverage contains gums or thickeners.