Abstract: A reusable drinking straw that is foldable into a compact configuration for storage and easily transportable in a storage case. The straw comprises a rigid external tube and a flexible internal tubing that is foldable to a compact configuration for storage. In a folded configuration, the reusable straw has a significantly reduced length of approximately one-half to one-fourth of its extended length when in use. The external tube of the straw is preferably formed of multiple rigid segments for supporting the flexible internal tubing in the extended configuration during use as a drinking straw. A simple cleaning device is provided to clean the straw after use. A storage case is provided to store the straw in the folded configuration in a compact form and to store the cleaning device.

Abstract: A reusable drinking straw that is foldable into a compact configuration for storage and easily transportable in a storage case. The straw comprises a rigid external tube and a flexible internal tubing that is foldable to a compact configuration for storage. In a folded configuration, the reusable straw has a significantly reduced length of approximately one-half to one-fourth of its extended length when in use. The external tube of the straw is preferably formed of multiple rigid segments for supporting the flexible internal tubing in the extended configuration during use as a drinking straw. A simple cleaning device is provided to clean the straw after use. A storage case is provided to store the straw in the folded configuration in a compact form and to store the cleaning device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a can which, after it is filled, is closed by fitting a cover, and also to an apparatus which is intended to be inserted into an initially open can, and to a method for providing a can. The can according to the invention is characterized in that an apparatus is located in the can, the said apparatus being arranged and designed in such a way that it is moved from a first state to a second state when a cover is fitted onto the initially open can.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container can that is sealed after being filled, to a holding device for introduction into a container can, and to a method for manufacturing a container can. A container can according to the invention that has a bottom, a peripheral wall that adjoins the bottom, and a narrowed end on one end facing away from the bottom is characterized in that a two-part holding device is located in the container can that has a second part and a first part detachably connected thereto, of which the first part has a connecting section for connecting the second part to the first part as well as a plurality of support arms, at least two upper support arms of which are designed to be supported in the region of the narrowed end on the peripheral wall of the container can and at least two lower support arms of which are designed to be supported on the peripheral wall of the container can in a place that is nearer to the bottom of the container can than the connecting section is.

Abstract: A food/beverage container includes a cup-shaped main body for containing liquid content, and a cap having a hemisphere body provided with a spouting portion. The cap is designed to be normally or inversely fitted on the cup-shaped main body. The cap includes a first coupling part along an outer circumference configured to attach to and tightly contact a coupling edge of the container for normal fitting in an opposed second coupling part positioned opposite the first coupling part for inversely fitting to the cup-shaped main body.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack. Feeding straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened using only one hand.

Abstract: A beverage container equipped with a straw includes a straw that is arranged within the container so that the straw pops up automatically when the container is being opened; the straw includes a buoyant member and an accordion section above its buoyant member; the beverage container further includes, at its upper end, a guiding means for guiding the straw, when the container is being opened, substantially in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the container, for fixing the upper end of the straw in the state of storage of the container, and for limiting the extent of emersion of the straw.

Abstract: A straw is held within a beverage container in a manner providing for the upper end of the straw to be deployed upward, through an opening provided within the top of the container when an opening tab in the top of the container is pivoted downward. An upper end of the straw is held in a straw holding portion of a straw supporting structure within the beverage container, with the straw supporting structure including a cantilever portion that is deflected downward by contact with an edge of the opening tab as the opening tab is pivoted downward.

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 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: An internal to external self-buoyant straw system for the safe and sanitary removal of contents from aluminum can lift tab containers. The system includes a top straw component (14) cylindrical and hollow in fabrication which vertically slides within close tolerance over its hollow bottom straw component (16) whose lower end is angular cut (30) and held in continuous contact with the container's inner bottom. The top straw component continues its vertical ascent until its integrally fabricated buoyancy float (15) makes contact with the guidance ring (13) which keeps the top straw component directly positioned inline with the container's lid opening. The upper straw component (23) having reached drinking access level may now be angularly adjusted at the outer segmented straw portion (22) for ease of consumption of contents through the rolled lip end (28).

Abstract: A beverage container having a baffle system which may be inserted into the container for reducing the splashing sound caused by sloshing within the container. The baffle system of the present invention includes an elongate tubular core having a longitudinal axis. A plurality of deformable fins are attached to the tubular core in spaced apart relation along the longitudinal axis of the core. Each fin extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. Each fin has a generally disc shape and includes radial slits through the fin to allow water to pass between the slits within the bottle. The central core is hollow and may be used as a straw for drawing liquid from the container by a user.

Abstract: An internal to external self buoyancy lifted drinking straw system and its assembly for lift tab opening aluminum can beverage containers is provided for which consists of a aluminum straw guidance stationary holding frame affixed to or near its bottom to a cylindrical drinking straw of aluminum at an angle, upon which vertically slides with close tolerance through a perpendicular integral straw guidence ring connected and integral of the straw guidance stationary holding frame, a cylindrical aluminum drinking straw with an integral float at its bottom having further up towards its top a bendable straw segment and at its top a rolled end segment which driven by its integrated float will raise by floatation upward to drinking access level when the aluminum can beverage container is opened by lift tab.

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: A straw device for a beverage or drink vessel comprises a support element which can be introduced into the vessel and a straw, telescopically tightly housed inside the supporting element, the supporting element being of a floating type and designed for moving upward inside the beverage to allow the straw to be accessed through an opening of the vessel as a sealing element is detached from the opening.

Abstract: A drink instrument in the form of a beverage container has a prepackaged internal straw inserted into the interior thereof during a package process. The internal straw is automatically drawn from the interior of the container when the top is opened to access the drinking fluid therein.

Abstract: A straw assembly disposed within a beverage container and adapted for use with various positioning mechanisms is disclosed. The straw assembly includes a plurality of structural features formed therein for appropriately locating the positioning mechanism. Additionally, a positioning mechanism slidably locatable along the axial length of the straw is disclosed which appropriately positions the straw in an opening of the container. The straw assembly may be fabricated from a photo-degradable material which expedites the photodegradation of the straw assembly when exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: A container includes a body defining a chamber and a neck region. A straw is disposed within the chamber. The straw is inserted through the neck region and into the chamber prior to filling the chamber and is trapped or wedged between a first portion of the container and a second portion of the container by mechanical engagement with the container. The position of the straw within the chamber does not interfere with the filling of the container. When filling has been completed, the body of the container is manipulated to release the straw from its mechanical engagement with the container and position it within the neck region.

Abstract: The present invention includes a conduit assembly having a fitment adapted to be sealingly coupled to a container, a closure mechanism, and a conduit operably coupled to the closure mechanism. The fitment includes a fitment passage and the closure mechanism is movable between a sealed position engaging the fitment to seal the fitment passage and an open position. The conduit is coupled to the closure mechanism for movement between a stored position and an operative position wherein the conduit is moved from the stored position toward the operative position when the closure mechanism is moved into its open position.

Abstract: A beverage container has a straw-dispensing mechanism that is disposed within the container and is responsive to appropriate manipulation of the container to bring the straw into alignment with the orifice in the top end of the container. In one embodiment, the straw is supported by a weighted member that responds to the manipulation of the container to move the straw. A buoyant member is attached to the straw to elevate the straw through the orifice when the straw is aligned with the orifice. Several alternative embodiments of the invention incorporating the weighted member are disclosed. In another embodiment, the straw is supported by a buoyant member that responds to the manipulation of the container to move the straw. The buoyant member is attached to the straw to elevate the straw through the orifice when the straw is aligned with the orifice as well as to align the straw with the orifice due to the manipulation of the can.

Abstract: A straw assembly disposed within a beverage container and adapted for use with various positioning mechanisms is disclosed. The straw assembly includes a plurality of structural features formed therein for appropriately locating the positioning mechanism. Additionally, a positioning mechanism slidably locatable along the axial length of the straw is disclosed which appropriately positions the straw in an opening of the container. The straw assembly may be fabricated from a photo-degradable material which expedites the photodegradation of the straw assembly when exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: A container includes a body defining a chamber having a neck region and a straw disposed within the chamber. The straw is inserted through the neck region and into the chamber prior to filling the chamber and is trapped or wedged between the bottom of the container and an annular ridge defined by the neck region of the chamber. When filling has been completed, the body is manipulated to release the straw from the annular ridge and position it within the neck region.

Abstract: A beverage can has a tab member rotatably and pivotally mounted thereon. The tab member can be used to form two separate openings in the can top. Under one of the openings is a drinking straw which will be presented to the user after the opening with which it is associated is formed in the can top.

Abstract: The present invention includes a conduit assembly having a fitment adapted to be sealingly coupled to a container, a closure mechanism, and a conduit operably coupled to the closure mechanism. The fitment includes a fitment passage and the closure mechanism is movable between a sealed position engaging the fitment to seal the fitment passage and an open position. The conduit is coupled to the closure mechanism for movement between a stored position and an operative position wherein the conduit is moved from the stored position toward the operative position when the closure mechanism is moved into its open position.

Abstract: A new Beverage Container With Self-Contained Straw for providing a more convenient and sanitary way to consume a canned beverage. The inventive device includes a container body including a bottom and a top with a drink opening therein, a tubular guide member extending upward from the bottom of the container body in vertical alignment with the drink opening, and a buoyant drinking straw positioned within and extending upward from the tubular guide member wherein the buoyant drinking straw is self-extendable through the drink opening when the drink opening is opened.

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. In one embodiment, the straw is attached to a buoyant member which urges the straw into contact with a contoured surface on the can lid. In a second embodiment, the straw engages a floating member which is urged against the lid of the container. In a third embodiment, a buoyant member is integrally formed with the straw and is disposed orthogonally within the body of the can. In a fourth embodiment, the floating member includes a surface treated for facilitating the nucleation of CO.sub.2 thereon. In a fifth embodiment, the floating member is provided with a skirt for entrapping a head space gas bubble under the floating member. In a sixth embodiment, the floating member reacts to a change in pressure to disengage from the container wall.

Abstract: A straw assembly disposed within a beverage container and adapted for use with various positioning mechanisms is disclosed. The straw assembly includes a plurality of structural features formed therein for appropriately locating the positioning mechanism. Additionally, a positioning mechanism slidably locatable along the axial length of the straw is disclosed which appropriately positions the straw in an opening of the container. The straw assembly may be fabricated from a photo-degradable material which expedites the photodegradation of the straw assembly when exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: A beverage container has a straw-dispensing mechanism that is disposed within the container to bring a straw or prize delivery device into alignment with the orifice in the top of the container. When the orifice is opened, the straw or prize delivery device elevates through the orifice to become accessible to the user. In one embodiment, two straws engage a floating member which is urged against the lid of the container. When the container is opened by deflecting a closure tab into the container, the closure tab engages a cam surface on the floating member and imparts rotational motion to the floating member. The floating member rotates until one of the straws is aligned with the open orifice and a buoyant member associated with the straw elevates the straw through the orifice. In a second embodiment, one of the straws is replaced with the prize delivery device.

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. In one embodiment, the straw is attached to a buoyant member which urges the straw into contact with a contoured surface on the can lid. The contoured surface is angled towards the orifice. In a second embodiment, the straw engages a floating member which is urged against the lid of the container. When the container is opened by deflecting a closure tab into the container, the closure tab engages a cam surface on the floating member and imparts rotational motion to the floating member. The floating member rotates until the straw is aligned with the open orifice and a buoyant member associate with on the straw elevates the straw through the orifice.

Abstract: A beverage container having a straw-dispensing mechanism that is disposed within the container and is responsive to appropriate manipulation of the container to bring the straw into alignment with the orifice in the top end of the container. The straw is supported by a weighted member that responds to the manipulation of the container to move the straw. A float is attached to the straw to elevate the straw through the orifice when the straw is aligned with the orifice. Several alternative embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A pop-up straw device for containers such as cans and bottles having necks narrower than the body of the bottle. When the device is employed in a can, a vertical guide assembly aligns a telescoping straw assembly with a beverage container's mouth. The telescoping straw assembly includes interior and exterior straws. The interior straw extends out of the mouth of the beverage container once the container is opened. A floater, having a density less than that of the liquid in the container, urges the telescoping straw assembly to protrude out of the container's mouth. In an alternative embodiment, a bracket assembly is mounted to the interior top of the can and aligns the telescoping straw assembly with the mouth of the can. When the device is utilized in a bottle only the floater and the telescoping straw assemblies are required.

Abstract: A beverage container having a sloping upper wall and enclosing a self-contained pop-up straw assembly. The straw assembly has telescopic inner and outer tubes and resilient means urging the tubes against the sloping container wall, causing the straw assembly to center itself and pop-up when the container is opened.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for a container. The container includes a tubular body having a closed end, an open end and a longitudinal axis. A lid is secured to the open end and having an orifice. A closure tab is pivotally connected to the lid and temporarily closes the orifice. An actuating member is pivotally secured to the lid and is being manually actuated for moving the closure tab into the interior of the body to open the orifice in the lid. The device includes a conduit disposed within the body. A means is disposed within the body and adapted to engage the body for supporting the conduit substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Another means forms a float for elevating the conduit through the orifice in the lid when liquid is present within the body and the tab is deflected into the interior of the body to open the orifice. The device may include means for rotating the conduit to align the conduit with the orifice of the lid.

Abstract: A drinking straw contained in a bottle having a flexible portion (3), a floating ball (2), a ring (4), and a washer (5). When the cap is opened, the straw comes up immediately to an ideal drinking position and the user does not have to use his/her fingers to hold it. This convenient and safe way of drinking beverages will make any drinking experience a pleasurable one.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for a container. The container includes a tubular body having a closed end, an open end and a longitudinal axis. A lid is secured to the open end and having an orifice. A closure tab is pivotally connected to the lid and temporarily closes the orifice. An actuating member is pivotally secured to the lid and is being manually actuated for moving the closure tab into the interior of the body to open the orifice in the lid. The device includes a conduit disposed within the body. A means is disposed within the body and adapted to engage the body for supporting the conduit substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Another means forms a float for elevating the conduit through the orifice in the lid when liquid is present within the body and the tab is deflected into the interior of the body to open the orifice. The device may include means for rotating the conduit to align the conduit with the orifice of the lid.