Abstract: Various configurations of discharge valves for humidifier water containers are disclosed herein. Among other things, the present invention provides simple and economical discharge valves that may be constructed in one piece using an elastic material such as silicone rubber. One configuration includes a valve body and stopper with an elastic rib integrally formed with the valve body and the stopper having adequate length to maintain the stopper in a closed position absent external forces. Another configuration uses a flexible barrier is integrally formed with a valve body. The barrier has a slit through its thickness, and is sufficiently resilient to prevent liquid flow through the slit under the weight of water inside the container. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the valve has a flexible member defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall that has at least one opening therethrough.

Abstract: A filling trough/dispensing cap for a filling/dispensing opening at a lower end of an elongated liquid container is disclosed. The filling trough/dispensing cap includes a retractable/extensible liquid filling trough that extends through the filling/dispensing opening of the container and is movable to a retracted position with the container or an extensible position outside the container. When moved to the extensible position, the retractable/extensible liquid filling trough facilitates filling of the container. The retractable/extensible filling trough can be rotated and/or angularly positioned relative to the container to facilitate filling. A dispensing cap is associated with the outer end of the retractable/extensible liquid filling trough for covering the filling/dispensing opening when the retractable/extensible trough is retracted. This dispensing cap includes a selective liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid from the container, as desired.