Abstract: A beverage can lid (10) is provided with an articulated neck (15) which can be lifted after partly tearing a closure seal (13) to drink the beverage contained in the can and which can be then folded down together with the seal so as to close hermetically the can to preserve the remaining part of the beverage for subsequent consumption.

Abstract: A straw set with a ventilating structure includes a nipple connected to a circular base with a circular air guiding trench, an air hole that passes through, and a chamber with two axles attached underneath. Underneath, a straw base consists of an inner circular wall fixed to the nipple, an outer circular wall fixed to the bottom of the circular base, another circular air guiding trench concaved between the inner and the outer circular walls, and a hollow pipe protruding downwards. The straw base is supported by a soft plastic circular base with a hole at the center, a second outer circular wall expanded upward to fix upon the first outer circular wall, a air guiding trench expanded downward from the edge of the second outer circular wall, and another air hole that passes through the soft plastic circular base.

Abstract: A spill or squirt resistant fluid management system is described. The system primarily includes: (1) a first fluid passage portion having a first open end; (2) a second fluid passage portion having a second open end; (3) a fluid accumulator portion disposed between, and in fluid communication with, the first and second fluid passage portions; (4) a fluid inlet disposed between the second fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion; and (5) a fluid exit disposed between the first fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion. The system is useful for incorporation into drinking straws, fluid containers, drinking container lids, and tanker trucks.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for allowing one wearing a protective mask to drink fluids from a standard drinking fluid container. The device includes a punch at one end, a central body, and a capture port at the other end of the central body. The punch punctures a wall of a fluid container. Drinking fluid flows into the central body. The drinking tube is inserted into the port to allow one to drink fluid from the container. The device allows one wearing a protective suit in a contaminated environment to obtain drinking fluid from a standard, commercially-available container.

Abstract: A bottle holding a beverage includes a straw and stopper combination that is moved into a deployed position within the neck of the bottle after the cap of the bottle is removed. In this position, an air path through the stopper provides for air flow into the bottle when suction is applied through the straw. When suction is not applied, the air path is closed by a flexible member of the stopper, so that the beverage cannot leak outward through the air path or through the straw.

Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container; in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.

Abstract: The packwedge is a bicycle accessory with multi purpose functions allowing the bicycle rider to carry a large amount of water while attaching the packwedge to the inside of the bicycle frame. With adjustable velcro straps the Packwedge is able to fit any bicycle through a universal means of adjustment, allowing the rider the freedom of mobility. The packwedge has multiple pockets for storage and a flexible drinking straw, which allows the rider access to his water supply while maintaining balance and control of the bicycle at any speed of travel.

Abstract: A hydration system with an improved fluid reservoir. A drinking tube extends from an outlet port of the reservoir and includes a distal end upon which a mouthpiece may be mounted. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a relatively large-diameter fill port. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a closure member with a handle for selectively sealing the input port. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a wrench assembly that enables the user to more easily open and close the input port and/or to position the reservoir for filling. In some embodiments, the hydration system includes a pack into which the reservoir is received, and in some embodiments, the pack includes a hanger assembly adapted to support the reservoir within the pack.

Abstract: The valved liquid dispenser allows hands-free operation of the dispenser while preventing leakage caused by positive pressures within the container. The valved liquid dispenser provides a passageway and diaphragm that operate by applying suction to the proximal end of the valve. In another embodiment of the valved liquid dispenser, the diaphragm includes a duckbill or other venting means that is supported by a diaphragm support to allow liquid to flow through the passageway similar to the first embodiment, but also allows for pressure equalization within the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging for liquids (1). It consists essentially of a body (2) with a parallelepiped format whose height to width ratio is less than 1 and it has a lower inner part consisting of two planes (3) that are slightly inclined towards the central part in order to facilitate the suction of the liquid, and an upper surface with a central area (4) with an opening (5) and the respective cover (6) which, when removed, allows the inside of the packaging to be accessed, as well as its liquid through a telescopic tube (7). This packaging can also contain a gift place inside, at the bottom which is duly protected from contact with the liquid and is accessed after the liquid has been drunk by breaking the brittle area (14) of the upper surface.

Abstract: A lid includes a top having a cover receiving portion having a first aperture and a second aperture formed therein, a hinge positioned about a center of the cover receiving portion such that the first aperture is on one side of the hinge and the second aperture is on an opposite side of the hinge, and a cover having two directly opposing sidewalls rotatably attached to the cover receiving portion via the hinge. Each sidewall includes a protrusion extending therefrom shaped to fit within one of the first and second apertures. The cover pivots relative to the cover receiving portion so as to engage either the first aperture or the second aperture, and when the protrusion on one sidewall of the cover is pivoted towards the first aperture, the protrusion on the other sidewall simultaneously pivots away from the second aperture.

Abstract: A drink container for small children includes a container, a lid joined to an upper opening of the container, and a drip prevention element. The lid has a sucking portion for allowing a young child, to suck on to draw out drink contents of the container with the mouth. The lid is formed with a passage for allowing drink contents of the container to pass through. The drip prevention element is arranged in a passage of the lid to block the passage when there is no external sucking force exerted on the sucking portion, and which can bend to effect opening of the passage when there is external sucking force exerted on the sucking portion. Thus, liquid contents can't drip through the lid when a young child is learning to grasp objects with the drink container.

Abstract: Pressurized Drinking Mug with a drinking mug capable of retaining a liquid. The mug has an attached hollow handle. The mug also has a removable, replaceable lid. The hollow handle contains a standard air pump mechanism that creates positive air pressure inside the mug. The lid has a liquid retaining reservoir that has a rigid straw portion extending down to the bottom of the mug and also extends upward to a removable replaceable flexible straw. The flexible straw is capable of being pinched closed or opened by a pinch valve so that when the pinch valve is opened, the liquid is forced up through the straw to the user's mouth. The rigid straw portion also contains a side port that can be restricted by a removable, replaceable plug. The port is also capable of retaining a push button valve that allows the pressurized liquid to be pumped into the reservoir.

Abstract: A fluid container pouch has first and second opposing side walls forming at least one enclosed chamber between them, each side wall is comprised of a laminate material having at least two layers. A first layer of the laminate is sealant layer for sealing to a sealant layer of an opposed side wall. A second layer of the laminate provides a barrier between the contents of the pouch and its environment. Each of the first and second layers comprises a material having oriented structure, such that energy sufficient to tear the material will be directed in a predetermined direction across the material, and further that the oriented structures of the first and second layers are aligned with each other. At least one design weakness in the pouch operative to direct tearing energy in a direction aligned with the oriented structure of said first and second layers.

Abstract: A drink container for small children includes a container, a lid joined to an upper opening of the container, and a drip prevention element. The lid has a sucking portion for allowing a young child, to suck on to draw out drink contents of the container with the mouth. The lid is formed with a passage for allowing drink contents of the container to pass through. The drip prevention element is arranged in a passage of the lid to block the passage when there is no external sucking force exerted on the sucking portion, and which can bend to effect opening of the passage when there is external sucking force exerted on the sucking portion. Thus, liquid contents can't drip through the lid when a young child is learning to grasp objects with the drink container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drinking straw with valve function adapted to be mounted to a beverage container, the straw including a straw member having a straw body, a bellows portion formed at a desired portion of the straw body, and a tube arranged in the bellows portion while being integral with the straw body and having a desired elasticity, and a straw mounting member for mounting the straw member to the beverage container. The straw mounting member includes a fixed base attached to a top of the beverage container while being in close contact with the top of the beverage container, a straw fitting section formed at one side portion of the fixed base, and adapted to mount the straw member thereto, and a straw holding section formed at the other side portion of the fixed base, and adapted to hold the straw member in a bent state or to release the straw member from the bent state. A cut-out is selectively formed at an inner tube portion of the tube in a region where the inner tube portion bends.

Abstract: A lid for a beverage container, comprising: a container attachment portion for removable association with the rim of an associated liquid container in a snug liquid-tight relation, an annular cover panel portion extending radially inwardly from the container attachment portion, an opening in the annular cover panel portion to permit insertion of straw while the container attachment portion is attached to an associated container, and a sauce compartment in the annular cover panel portion to provide an vacant area for sauce, said sauce compartment is sunken-in from the annular cover panel portion.

Abstract: A hydration system with an improved fluid reservoir. A drinking tube extends from an outlet port of the reservoir and includes a distal end upon which a mouthpiece may be mounted. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a relatively large-diameter fill port. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a closure member with a handle for selectively sealing the input port. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a wrench assembly that enables the user to more easily open and close the input port and/or to position the reservoir for filling. In some embodiments, the hydration system includes a pack into which the reservoir is received, and in some embodiments, the pack includes a hanger assembly adapted to support the reservoir within the pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallic beverage end closure which is adapted to receive a drinking straw through a puncturable membrane in one embodiment, and which utilizes a hinged closure mechanism in another embodiment to provide access to a beverage stored in a container interconnected thereto.

Abstract: The invention concerns a packaging for liquid, semiliquid or pasty food product (30) comprising a body (1) made of deformable material to enable the product (30) to be expelled by exerting pressure, and a mouthpiece (4) for dispensing the product which a user may bring to his mouth for consuming of the product. The invention is characterised in that the dispensing mouthpiece (4) has two stable positions, namely a retracted position wherein the opening (4) is retracted inside the body (1) defining a cavity (9), and an extended position wherein the mouthpiece (4) extends at least partly beyond the body (1) to enable consumption of the product (30) and an inner seal (10) protects said cavity (9), when the mouthpiece (4) is in retracted position before its initial unfolding by a consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallic beverage can end and more specifically to a substantially spillproof end which is adapted for penetration and opening by a drinking straw.

Abstract: Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spout assembly having a plurality of fluid passages so as to enable easy and convenient drinking of liquid beverages contained in the container through an associated straw and easily dispense the liquid beverages into another container. The spout assembly includes a main body coupled on a top of a container, a fluid spout assembly having a first fluid passage through which the liquid beverage can flow out of the container in a state where the container is inclined and a second fluid passage through which the liquid beverage can be socked in a state where the container vertically stands; and a cap coupled to the fluid spouting assembly. The fluid spout assembly can be folded on a folding portion or be elected so that the user can drink or dispense the liquid beverages.

Abstract: The invention provides a beverage container which can be readily handled by a child, and which is spill-proof, sterile and can be pre-filled for use as a single-use beverage container. The beverage container can be mass-produced inexpensively, pre-filled and disposable. A top portion and spout are constructed to be spill resistant and sealable for ease of manufacture and use by a toddler learning to drink from a cup.

Abstract: A beverage container lid includes a first body configured as a cover for removable securement over an opening of a beverage container. The first body has a first side surface opposite a second side surface. A second body is secured in the first body for pivotal movement about a pivot point. The second body defines a bore to provide fluid communication between an environment proximate the first side surface of the first body and an environment proximate the second side surface of the first body.

Abstract: A cap for a water bottle or other liquid container. The cap has a liquid-dissolvable disk in it that dissolves in the water when the bottle is shaken. The preferred cap also has an annular cavity between inner and outer walls in the sidewall of the cap into which the liquid can flow through fluid passageways once the disk is at least partially dissolved.

Abstract: A drinking mug with integral straw includes a cup-like vessel portion, and a straw portion having an internal passage joined in fluid communication with an interior volume of the vessel portion. The straw portion is preferably positioned in spaced apart relationship to the vessel portion, whereby the straw portion can be easily gripped for holding the mug during use. Notably, the straw portion includes a plurality of subdivisions in the internal passage arranged in series flow relationship, with each of the subdivisions including a pair of sections through which liquid can flow. Thus, as liquid is drawn through the straw portion from the vessel portion, the liquid flow is repeatedly subdivided and joined as liquid flows through the series of subdivisions. By formation of the present drinking mug from transparent plastic material, the flow of liquid from the vessel portion through the straw portion is readily visually apparent, thus enhancing enjoyable use of the article.

Abstract: A beverage can end is provided herein which has a small opening preferably centrally disposed which is adapted for receiving a straw. Preferably, the small opening end is opened with a conventional pull tab, but which establishes a vent area positioned adjacent the small opening end which provides sufficient venting during use of the straw. It is further preferred that the pull tab be slightly elevated with rounded corners to provide a smooth, easily accessible pulling surface for the user of the beverage can.

Abstract: A sports bottle cap having a pressure differential valve is provided which allows water to flow out through the bottle cap only when the bottle is inverted and squeezed or alternatively a straw may be threaded through the pressure differential valve, thereby deactivating it, and attached to the bottle cap allowing the user to draw liquid from the bottle through the straw. In operation the bottle cap of the present invention allows the user to dispense fluid from within the bottle in two different ways. The first manner of use allows liquid to be dispensed only when the bottle containing the liquid is inverted and squeezed. Squeezing causes the pressure to increase on the inside of the bottle thereby causing the pressure differential valve to open and liquid to exit; however, when the bottle is not squeezed the pressure differential valve remains in the closed position sealing bottle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drinking straw with valve function adapted to be mounted to a beverage container, the straw including a straw member having a straw body, a bellows portion formed at a desired portion of the straw body, and a tube arranged in the bellows portion while being integral with the straw body and having a desired elasticity, and a straw mounting member for mounting the straw member to the beverage container. The straw mounting member includes a fixed base attached to a top of the beverage container while being in close contact with the top of the beverage container, a straw fitting section formed at one side portion of the fixed base, and adapted to mount the straw member thereto, and a straw holding section formed at the other side portion of the fixed base, and adapted to hold the straw member in a bent state or to release the straw member from the bent state. A cut-out is selectively formed at an inner tube portion of the tube in a region where the inner tube portion bends.

Abstract: A liquid container of plastic coated boxboard, laminated cardboard or the like having a straw therein is disclosed. The container includes a container body, a holder, a straw and a seal. The container has an interior volume and a plurality of exterior walls. The holder is mounted with a liquid and gas tight seal in an exterior wall. The holder has an aperture formed therein. The holder is constructed such that liquid that enters the holder drains into the interior volume. A straw extends through the aperture in the holder with a snug fit. The straw has a stowed position and an in use position. The seal is for sealing the straw in the stowed position with a liquid and gas tight seal thereby sealing the liquid inside the container.

Abstract: A stopper (30) for use with an individual beverage container (40) is disclosed. The stopper has a generally tubular side wall (32) with an upper edge and a lower edge. The side wall is dimensioned to fit snugly in the neck (50) of the beverage container with a pressure fit. A bottom (34) extends inwardly from the side wall. A flat upper portion is integrally attached to the bottom and is spaced upwardly from the bottom. An aperture (36) is formed in the bottom or the flat upper portion. In addition, a vent hole (38) is formed in the bottom or the flat upper portion. Preferably the flat upper portion is spaced from the side walls thereby forming a trough therebetween. Preferably the aperture is formed in the bottom and dimensioned to receive a straw (58) snugly therethrough.

Abstract: An easy-open lid assembly for a bottle has a body connected to the bottle, a socket centrally defined in the body, a nipple received in the socket, a straw connected to the nipple and extending into the bottle, a first spring disposed around the nipple, a lid hinged to the body, and a pushbutton. The lid is able to be closed for convenient transportation, or a user is able to push the pushbutton to open the lid and the nipple will rise out of the socket automatically for the user to easily access the beverage in the bottle.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod such that both the left clipping rod and the right clipping rod of the frame member in the injected mold being propped by a propping member to open outward, and forms an integrally wrapped nozzle. After the propping member in the mold retracts and separates from the mold, the contraction of the elasticity for the two clipping rods of the supporting frame member made of hard plastic material gives an excellent anti-leaking effect for the crevices at the center of the nozzle.

Abstract: A sucking structure attachable to any bottle or container generally available in the market that is incorporated to a bottle by an external straw provided with a sucker to sip water or other potable liquid contained in the bottle; both of said straw and a water inlet hose inside the bottle are connected to a bottle cap and a connector penetrating said bottle cap with its portion exposed above the cap indicating a barb for the straw to press firmly against the connector when the straw is inserted into the connector while the portion of the connector inside the bottle reduces downwardly as its outer diameter becomes larger upwardly to hold it in position when inserted into the bottle cap; and the sucking structure allows the use of any recyclable bottle or container and thus contributes to environmental purpose.

Abstract: Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.

Abstract: A tab top beverage can has a compressible drinking straw held between the can bottom and an upwardly extending detachable closed cavity formed in the can top. Detachment of the cavity by a pivoting tab top uncovers a straw access orifice through which the straw is projected by the force of a previously compressed corrugated spring section formed in the straw wall. A bulge located on the straw prevents passage of the straw from the can and facilitates extension of the straw. The tab is attached to the can top by outwardly projecting lips formed on upwardly projecting closed cavities defined in the can top. The cavities extend through openings in the tab and the lips extend beyond the opening perimeters to secure the tab to the cavities and top.

Abstract: A straw comprises a cylindrical plug member having an opening at a top thereof, and a straw member which vertically extends through a bottom portion of the plug member and which is retractable in the longitudinal direction of the straw member, wherein the straw is adapted to fit the plug member with a top of a mouth of a beverage container so as to retain in a state where the straw is inserted into the beverage container. The straw is also adapted to allow a top of the straw member to be protruded from the mouth of the beverage container by extending the straw member and to allow the top of the straw member to be contained within the plug member by retracting the straw member so as to attach a cap of the beverage container.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a beverage container. The beverage container includes a container body that is comprised of a main body and a lid. The main body is comprised of a bottom and a sidewall, and is provided with a recess. The lid covers the open top of the main body, and has container opening means. A straw is attached to the sidewall of the main body within the recess. The rear surface of the recess may be flat, concave or convex. The straw may be attached to the sidewall of the main body within said recess while being sealed by a film. The beverage container of the present invention is capable of not only preventing its straw from being undesirably separated from its container body, but also being inexpensively fabricated regardless of its material.

Abstract: A rigid container holds fluid for human consumption. A first fluid tube and an air vent tube have first ends connected internal the container and have second ends extending away from the container. A rigid tube mount includes a fluid flow passageway with a fluid output and a fluid input that is connected to the second end of the fluid tube, and an air flow passageway with an air input and an air output connected to the second end of the air vent-tube. A flexible mouth member includes a bite valve portion and an air filter portion, the air filter portion includes an open sided cavity having an air filter mounted therein, the cavity having an open bottom mounted onto the air input of the air flow passageway, the bite valve portion includes a fluid cavity formed by a number of side walls and a top wall, the fluid cavity has an open bottom mounted onto the fluid output of the fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: A beverage vessel (10) whose constriction resembles a typical coffee mug except for the fact that the hollow handle (16) of the beverage vessel (10) is hollow with one end of the hollow handle (16) connected to the container (12) at a normal location; at the bottom side of the container (12), with the hollow handle (16) then passing over lip of the container (12) at the opening (14) of the container (12) with the other end of the hollow handle (16) connecting to the container (12) at the bottom of the container (12). The hollow handle (16) hollow feature extends through its connections to the container (12) on both the lower side and bottom of the container (12). This configuration allows a communication between the environment outside of the beverage vessel (10) container (12) through the hollow handle (16) at the bottom of the container (12) and the contents of the container (12) through the hollow handle (16) connected at the lower side of the container (12.

Abstract: A beverage container equipped with a top and a pop-up straw inside for a convenient and sanitary drinking purpose. The straw has an upper end and a lower end and is placed in the container. The straw has substantially lower density than a liquid in the container to urge the upper end through an openable portion of the top. Preferably, a bonding agent fixes the straw temporarily to the container at the time of filling the container with the liquid and closing the container with the top, and releases the straw automatically to allow flotation of the straw within the container after closing the container. The beverage container with the pop-up straw facilitates sanitary drinking and is compatible with the current high-speed canning and bottling processes.

Abstract: A disposable container according to present invention is embodied in a thin-walled container having an integral sealing flap. Such containers include cups or other vessels for holding beverages, food or other substances. The disposable container preferably has a truncated conical shape. One example of such a shape is a typical beverage cup commonly dispensed at fast food restaurants and convenience stores. However, any shape or size of disposable container may be used, so long as the container is sealed using an integral sealing flap in accordance with the present invention. Once the container has been filled it is closed by squeezing or folding the top of the container together. The container is then sealed by folding the integral sealing flap over one side of the top of the closed container. In one embodiment, the sealing flap is then secured using conventional adhesives that are integral to either or both the surface of the container, and the surface of the sealing flap.

Abstract: A straw including 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: A drinking apparatus which generally includes a drinking straw with a weight thereon for anchoring the drinking straw against the buoyancy of a carbonated beverage.

Abstract: A combination drinking container and straw and method of manufacture. The container has at least one straw retaining member molded into either the outer or inner surface of the container wall, or a portion of the wall may be shaped to include a constricted stem. A malleable straw is fitted onto each such retaining member so that at least a portion of the pathway of the straw is defined by the retaining members. A first end of the straw extends into the container and a second end extends upwardly so that beverage may be sipped therefrom. A lid may close the container, the lid optionally including an aperture to permit passage of the straw, the straw passing through the aperture. Also disclosed is a lidded container wherein the lid is provided with an aperture. A first portion of a drinking straw extends from inside the container, through the hole and to the container's outside to form a hinge for the lid. A second portion of the straw is attached to the container.

Abstract: A reclosable drinking straw for flexible or semi-flexible beverage containers including a pot-like closure cap externally mounted on a drinking straw end to be axially displaced between a closed position and an open position, the inner cap bottom portion being designed as a closing element for the drinking straw openings, and the cap wall comprising at least one lateral passage opening which in the open position is in flow communication with the drinking straw opening.

Abstract: A straw including a straw body defined therein with a passage extending throughout the length of the straw body, a bellows portion formed at a desired portion of the straw body, the bellows portion having a desired length, and a tube arranged in the bellows portion and integrally formed with the bellows portion, the tube having a desired elasticity and being configured in such a fashion that opposite inner surface portions thereof are in close contact with each other in a bent state of the bellows portion by a desired angle, thereby closing the passage of the straw body.

Abstract: A beverage container has a straw-dispensing mechanism that is disposed within the container to bring the straw into alignment with the orifice in the top of the container. When the orifice is opened, the straw elevates through the orifice to become accessible to the user. The straw engages a floating member which is located adjacent to the lid of the container when the container is filled with a fluid. The floating member includes a contoured or cam surface which is engaged by the opening tab of the container to rotate the floating member until the straw aligns with the opening. Various design configurations for the floating member are disclosed.

Abstract: Opposite sides of a closable passage body formed from a soft sheet are interposed between a support body bent at a predetermined curvature and an elastic material capable of closely contacting with the support body. The passage body is closed in a normal state but the elastic material deforms to open the passage body when a rod-shaped body is inserted into the passage body between the support body and the elastic material. The elastic material is caused by its restoring force to come into close contact with the support body to close the passage body when the rod-shaped body is pulled out. With a closing mechanism of the invention for an opening of a container, it is possible to subject the closing mechanism to waste disposal such as incineration together with the container after use, and to store the container for several separate eatings and drinkings, because the opening is automatically closed after use so that there is no possibility of spilling while grasping and carrying the container.