Straw Extends Through Removable Closure Patents (Class 220/709)
  • Patent number: 7210602
    Abstract: A multifunctional bottle cap is disclosed, which includes a cap body having a lower portion with internal threads for connecting to a neck of a bottle, and an upper portion having an upwardly protruding nozzle with an outlet opening at an edge portion of the nozzle; a straw having an upper end extending out of the protruding nozzle adjacent to the outlet opening, the straw being vertically movable to extend upward from the cap body; and a spray assembly having a press pumping mechanism, an aspiration tube, a pump button extending upwardly, and a spray nozzle in perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cap body; the spray pump being positioned on an opposing side of the protruding nozzle. The multifunctional bottle cap provides a user the ability to drink, spray and pour liquid from an attached bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Blanchester
  • Patent number: 7204382
    Abstract: A hydration system is disclosed for carrying readily dispensable fluids, such as water. A removable cap having an annular valve covers a container. A flexible tube is disposed through the center of the annular valve and extends generally to near the bottom of the container. A bite valve is attached to the end of the tube that is external to the container. When the annular valve is closed, the hydration system is substantially closed, preventing fluid loss. When the annular valve is opened, an air channel is created that allows air to enter the container, facilitating the flow of fluid from the container through the flexible tube. The annular valve may be a poppet-type valve having a valve stem that is movable between the closed position and the open position. The hydration system is sufficiently compact to be utilized with narrow-mouthed bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Cezeaux
  • Patent number: 7182242
    Abstract: A food container includes an upper portion having a generally frusto-conicle upwardly tapered food containing portion which is adapted to be superimposed on a cover of a beverage container with the cover serving as a base. The food container also includes an integral lower portion for encircling a beverage container below its cover and wherein the upper portion includes a cover engaging portion which extends over only a portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dopaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Liming Cai
  • Patent number: 7178685
    Abstract: A lids for a child's drinking cup has a projection extending integrally from an underside of the lid, the projection defining, in an upper surface of the lid body, a straw receptacle. The projection defines a plurality of break lines, such as slits, terminating at break line ends and defining separable segments of the projection. The break line ends are spaced from the base of the projection in a region of the straw receptacle having a cross-section approximately equal in extent to a cross-section of a corresponding drinking straw, such that inserting the straw into the straw receptacle and through the projection forces the projection segments apart, the segment bases engaging an outer surface of the inserted straw to inhibit leakage. Some of the projections include molded stiffening ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Hidalgo, Thomas J. Powers, Alexander J. Sinton, Joseph F. Brewin, John A. Hession
  • Patent number: 7172085
    Abstract: An easy to use, squeezable device with a soft, flexible tube for feeding liquid nutrition to a person, includes: a) a squeezable bottle portion for holding the ingestible liquid therewithin, the bottle portion comprising an opening at its top surrounded by a neck; and b) a cap assembly comprising: flexible fluid-flow tubing, a spout or nipple assembly, and a threaded collar, an upper portion of the spout assembly being insertable through a central aperture in the collar, the flexible tubing having a first end in fluid communication with the bottle portion and a second end insertable in the patient's mouth, the flexible tubing extending through or encircling a central aperture in the spout assembly. The spout assembly preferably includes a leakproof flange, and a valve assembly for controlling flow. The device is particularly intended for use where suction such as nipples, straws, or sip cups are contraindicated after craniofacial surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Susan A. Beaudette
  • Patent number: 7140509
    Abstract: A suction hose stop valve of a water bag comprised a holder having a central passage, a swivel cap and a suction hose penetrating through the central passage; a retaining member each on both sides of the central hole; a locking bolt each in front and rear of the holder, a hole in the swivel cap to admit penetration of the suction hose for delivery the water, a press tab on each side of the hole in the swivel cap; a locking trough at lower edge of the press tab to engage the retaining member to bend the suction hose to prevent delivery of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7111748
    Abstract: A novel combination cup for carrying soft drinks and snacks within one cup structure is comprised of: 1) an upper cup body, 2) a lid cover for the upper cup body, 3) an insulating plate 4) a ring, and, 5) a lower cup body jointed together. The upper cup body lid cover may be used as cup holder to prevent the cup from falling over and spilling its contents. The lower cup body may be used to contain liquid drinks while the upper cup body may be used to contain solid snacks. The convenient combination of this invention enables a user to eat and drink using only one hand, and also to enjoy the cool or hot temperature of the drinks longer and safer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Won Il Cha
  • Patent number: 7097065
    Abstract: A straw adapter 2 is removably disposed in the opening of a beverage container 1, and a straw 22 is attached to the straw adapter 2. A straw cap 12 is mounted on the straw adapter 2, for covering the straw attached to the straw adapter 2. Operations of the straw cap 12 opens and closes an air hole opening/closing valve 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yoneoka, Kazunao Ogura, Momoe Kigushi
  • Patent number: 7021490
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Fun-Time International, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Lipson
  • Patent number: 7021481
    Abstract: A lid for use with a container may include a panel and a first dispensing opening on the panel. The lid may also include a first closure on the panel, where the first closure may include a second dispensing opening. The first closure may be configured to at least partially cover the first dispensing opening. The lid may further include a second closure on the panel, where the second closure may be configured to cover the second dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Freida St. Germain, Tim Kilpatrick, James S. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 6889859
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally concerns a lid for disposable or reusable beverage containers which facilitates access to the contents for addition of condiment and which enhances the users sensory perception of the state of such contents, without removal of the lid. The lid of the invention combines various sensory elements to simultaneously enhance the user's sensory responses of taste, smell, touch and sight during drinking with the beverage cup lid in place. The sensory elements comprise openings, transparent materials, shape and media, through which liquid and vapor can pass, and through which heat can, conduct or convect. In addition to the elements already described, the beverage cup lid of the invention comprises a physical element that allows the addition and stirring of condiments while the lid is fully installed on the cup. The invention disclosed herein integrates multiple elements of a press and lock on a beverage cup lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Joseph Leon
  • Patent number: 6840397
    Abstract: Containers for beverages, e.g. cans for soft drinks are provided with a tubular lever arranged on the top part of the can. The lever (L) is mounted with possibility to pivot and once pivoted to pierce by its one extremity (17) the can's top and to perforate it. The piercing extremity (17) is connected to a flexible extension (38) protruding into the can and through which the content of the container can be consumed. In one of the embodiments the extension (38) is formed as folded tubular member made of plastic material. Once the can is perforated the extension is capable to unfold and fall into the can so as to approach the beverage and to allow its consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Baruch Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20040262323
    Abstract: A novel combination cup for carrying soft drinks and snacks within one cup structure is comprised of: 1) an upper cup body, 2) a lid cover for the upper cup body, 3) an insulating plate 4) a ring, and, 5) a lower cup body jointed together. The upper cup body lid cover may be used as cup holder to prevent the cup from falling over and spilling its contents. The lower cup body may be used to contain liquid drinks while the upper cup body may be used to contain solid snacks. The convenient combination of this invention enables a user to eat and drink using only one hand, and also to enjoy the cool or hot temperature of the drinks longer and safer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Won Il Cha
  • Publication number: 20040245250
    Abstract: A lids for a child's drinking cup has a projection extending integrally from an underside of the lid, the projection defining, in an upper surface of the lid body, a straw receptacle. The projection defines a plurality of break lines, such as slits, terminating at break line ends and defining separable segments of the projection. The break line ends are spaced from the base of the projection in a region of the straw receptacle having a cross-section approximately equal in extent to a cross-section of a corresponding drinking straw, such that inserting the straw into the straw receptacle and through the projection forces the projection segments apart, the segment bases engaging an outer surface of the inserted straw to inhibit leakage. Some of the projections include molded stiffening ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Craig A. Hidalgo, Thomas J. Powers, Alexander J. Sinton, Joseph F. Brewin, John A. Hession
  • Publication number: 20040245257
    Abstract: The invention provides a straw and beverage container combination wherein the straw has retention means such as a convoluted portion adjacent one end that resists removal of the straw from the central aperture of the container lid when a lid is attached to the container. The means also serve to maintain the straw inside the container in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Erik Lipson
  • Patent number: 6802438
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Garey Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040182862
    Abstract: The invention provides for a disposable container lid (200) adapted to fit over of the opening (208) of a disposable beverage cup (210) or other container. The container lid (200) generally comprises a reservoir (204), a thermal insulating layer (300) disposed on a floor (207) of said reservoir (204), and an orifice (202) that accommodates a straw. In one embodiment, the circular container lid (200) advantageously prevents the contents of a condiment package from quickly assuming the temperature of the liquid inside the disposable beverage cup (210). In another embodiment, the container lid (200) includes an adhesive means, such as a pair of sticky patches (302) and (304) that firmly holds the condiment package in place in the reservoir (204).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Tom Scott
  • Publication number: 20040169002
    Abstract: A bottle adapter inserts into the mouth of a standard-sized baby bottle and converts it into a “sippy bottle” for toddlers who have outgrown nipples and can negotiate straws. The adapter, which is normally made of soft plastic, comprises a disk with a lip around the periphery that fits into the mouth of the bottle, providing a leakproof seal. The disk further defines a center hole for the straw, such straw being made from soft, flexible plastic which is transparent so that one can easily ascertain its cleanliness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Illissa Carrol White-Wooten
  • Patent number: 6783019
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Zettle, Gregory Ball, Anthony Weber, Anthony R. Miller, William L. DiMieri
  • Patent number: 6779679
    Abstract: A desired serving temperature of a beverage contained in a flexible beverage bag for soft-sided container (20) is maintained for a prolonged period without undesirable leakage in a structure that includes an insulating container having a bottom wall (10), an upstanding, insulated side wall (12) defining a beverage bag receiving space (18) and having an upper opening (14) together with a closure (16) arranged for movement between positions opening and closing the upper opening (14). A rigid straw (42) is mounted on the container and has opposed ends (44,46) with one of the ends (44) having a sharp, lance-like tip located within the beverage bag receiving space (18) and the other end (46) extending away from the insulating container. A straw-like mouthpiece (50) is disposed on the other end (46) and a seal (68) is disposed about the end (44) that seals against the rigid straw (42) as well as the beverage bag (20) when the end (44) is pierced and enters the beverage bag (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Thermos L.L.C.
    Inventors: Richard J. Dias, Jr., Alex Yuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 6776303
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluid-storage container facilitating its efficient retrieval, use, and discard by an individual engaged in an athletic activity. The invention is comprised of a weighted base attached to a tube so that both are rotatably disposed effecting a self-righting movement about a preferred axis. In preferred embodiments, fluid is stored within a chamber along the tube. In alternate embodiments, fluid is stored within both tube and base. In yet other embodiments, the base is comprised of a rigid upper element attached to a lower deformable element capable of absorbing and dissipating impact energy. One or more optional hand grips are provided about the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Fripps
  • Publication number: 20040149755
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a combined saucer and cover for a beverage cup comprising a disc having a downwardly projecting peripheral skirt, a concave molded portion provided on said disc defining a raised portion thereof, and a circular perforation provided on said raised portion for straw opening. The concaved molded portion serves as a compartment for condiments like catsup, mayonnaise, mustard and food in general.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Dante R. Olivar
  • Publication number: 20040140314
    Abstract: A non-spillable beverage container. The container includes a cover having a straw opening and a second vent opening. The vent opening is covered by a diaphragm attached at a plurality of points on the second vent opening. The diaphragm prevents the passage of air through the vent opening. With the vent opening covered, liquid contained within the container is locked within the container and prevented from exiting through a straw inserted within the straw opening. When a user inhales through the straw, air drawn through the straw from the interior of the container causes the diaphragm to bend downwardly and allow the passage of air into the container. The liquid may then exit through the straw. When the user discontinues inhaling through the straw, the diaphragm closes the vent opening and prevents liquid from exiting via the straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Hongbiao Li
  • Patent number: 6745949
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kyou Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 6739933
    Abstract: A wearable drink holder apparatus. In accordance with one embodiment, the wearable drink holder apparatus includes an animal-shaped body member having an interior compartment for securely encasing a drink container therewithin. Elongated support straps shaped as grasping animal limbs are utilized to attach the animal-shaped body member to a wearer's body. A protuberance member formed in the shaped of an animal face extends from the top of and approximately centrally aligned with the body member. The protuberance member includes an interior cavity through which a drinking conduit extends from the drink container to the exterior of the protuberance member toward the wearer's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Elaine Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040089629
    Abstract: An anti-spill drinking straw and cap assembly for use with a beverage container is disclosed. The assembly includes a drinking straw and receptacle cover having a substantially sealed interface, either by interference fit or thermal or chemically fused attachment to provide an anti-spill sealed interface. According to either embodiment, the straw-and-cap assembly is readily adapted to be used with any container having either a full-rim opening, or an opening such as that defined by a scored region or other predetermined opening provided within the top surface of the cap removed by a pull-tab or push-through structure either central to or eccentric with a central portion of the top surface. The drinking straw and cap may be provided as an assembly for use with any receptacle configured to receive it, with standard or custom sized openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Paul M. Villaescusa, Tangie K. Villaescusa
  • Publication number: 20040069783
    Abstract: An easily usable bottle cap includes a cap base, an upper cap, two press buttons, a flexible sucking tube and a straw. The cap base has a lower connect member to engage with an upper end of a bottle containing water or the like. A user only presses the two press buttons inward to compress two coil springs for disengage engage blocks from the upper cap so as to let the upper cap swung up by resilience recovery of the flexible sucking tube. Then a user can use the sucking tube to drink liquid contained in a bottle threadably combined with the cap base through the straw connected with the sucking tube. The upper cap can be kept closed on the cap base by swinging down to engage the engage blocks with hooks of the upper cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Sin-Hsiung Chen
  • Publication number: 20040011760
    Abstract: A closure top is especially suited for use with a bottle for medical use, particularly for enteral feeding. The closure top screws onto the bottle. The bottle contents are accessible to a feeding tube by means of a passage through the closure top. The closure top may be provided with a freshness seal which is penetrated by insertion through the passage of the feeding tube or a cannula attached to the feeding tube. The top may have a pressure-relief opening. A semi-permeable membrane may be fitted in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Marco Schupp, Harro Westermann
  • Publication number: 20040007573
    Abstract: A double cup capable of containing snacks and drinks in a separate manner is provided so as to allow consumers to enjoy snacks and drinks at the same time. The double cup is divided into an upper section and a lower section through an auxiliary member having a drinking straw insertion portion, and the auxiliary member is a disk having a tapered outer periphery or an auxiliary cup having a shape same as that of the main cup. The auxiliary member is an auxiliary cup having a recess of a predetermined shape formed at the side surface of the auxiliary member, and the auxiliary cup has a stopper formed along an outer periphery of the top of the auxiliary cup in such a manner that an outer periphery of the auxiliary cup excluding the recess contacts an inner periphery of the main cup when inserted into the main cup, and the stopper is disposed onto the top of the main cup. The space defined between the main cup and the recess of the auxiliary cup forms a drinking straw insertion portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Sung-Mo Kang
  • Patent number: 6675960
    Abstract: The holder for an optical disc comprises a sheet of plastic material deformed to include a flat generally circular or annular portion having an outer circular edge and an inner circular edge; an at least partially annular first flange portion depending from the outer circular edge a short distance to an inwardly extending first detent formation and an at least partially annular second flange portion depending from the inner circular edge a short distance to an outwardly extending second detent formation, the holder being adapted to receive an optical disc against the flat circular portion and between the first and second flange portions and held in that location by the first and second detent formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: John Innis
  • Patent number: 6635332
    Abstract: A sanitary holder comprising a base panel, at least one aperture formed in the base panel, a sanitary band joined to the base panel and extending around the periphery of the aperture, and another sanitary band joined to the base panel and extending around the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Erich McArthur
  • Publication number: 20030168462
    Abstract: In a replacement cap for a vessel, in which a cap body 2 is mounted on a mouth portion 1a of a vessel 1 so as to be replaceable so that a liquid in the vessel 1 can be drunk through a tube 5 provided on the cap body 2, the cap body 2 is provided with an air supply port 4 having cup-shaped valve means 10 which is closed normally and is opened to supply the outside air into the vessel 1 when the interior of the vessel 1 becomes at a negative pressure. Since the valve means 10 is opened to supply the outside air into the vessel 1 when the interior of the vessel 1 becomes at a negative pressure, a liquid in the vessel 1 can be drunk smoothly through the tube 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: KIYOTA ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hozumi Kiyota
  • Patent number: 6609624
    Abstract: A cap body of beverage container wherein a lid plate of lid body forming a connection mouth at a drinking straw member is mounted with an air hole between a hinge axle for rotatively supporting a cap and the connection mouth, and a straw unit for being connected to the connection mouth of the drinking straw member is formed thereunder with a closing unit for covering the air hole, while the cap is disposed with a bend member for bending the drinking straw member and a blocking protruder for blocking the air hole via the closing unit, whereby the drinking straw member can be bent to enable to close the cap with one touch operation and to surely block the air hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Goto, Yasuhiro Kowa, Hatsumoto Kunio, Matsuyama Shin
  • Publication number: 20030102318
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Jung Min Lee
  • Patent number: 6550631
    Abstract: A drinking vessel comprises a body part (10) to receive a drinks liquid, a lid (30) to seal the top of the body part, a liquid outlet passage (50, 52) extending down to a lower region of the interior space of the body part, and an air intake passage (54) also extending down to the lower region of the interior space of the body part. As the user draws liquid out of the vessel through the liquid outlet passage (50, 52), replacement air enters through the air intake passage (54) and then bubbles upwardly through the liquid within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Vogue International Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Mark Francis Thompson
  • Patent number: 6523711
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventors: Douglass E. Hughes, Raymond G. Bryan
  • Patent number: 6513686
    Abstract: A water-supply pack assembly adapted to hitch onto the driver's seat in an automobile, thereby making it possible for the driver to drink water drawn from the supply without having to interrupt his driving activity The assembly includes a fixture attachable to the headrest of the driver's seat and a water-supply pack mountable on the fixture so that it is then behind the back of the seat. A flexible tube extending from the outlet of the supply and terminating in a valved mouthpiece functions as a straw to permit the driver with the mouthpiece in place to suck water from the supply as he drives the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Amit Ben-Sasson
  • Patent number: 6502714
    Abstract: A novelty drinking apparatus. The apparatus has a liquid reservoir with at least one liquid outlet (“first liquid outlet(s)”), ducted by a first ducting from at least one inlet (“first inlet(s)”) in the liquid pulled within the reservoir, at least one liquid outlet (“second liquid outlet(s)”) ducted by a second ducting from at least one inlet (“second inlet(s)”) outside of said reservoir yet in the vicinity of said first liquid outlet(s), and a chamber which holds said first liquid outlet(s) and said second liquid inlet(s) in a separated condition within said chamber. In the operation of the device, a suction applied at, on or about said second liquid outlet(s) induces a flow of liquid of liquid pulled from the liquid reservoir through said first and second ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Global Win Industrial Limited
    Inventor: Ping Fai Lèi
  • Patent number: 6491184
    Abstract: A container having an interior, a device for opening the container, the device for opening having an orifice, a straw arranged in the interior of the container, the straw having a first end, a device and method for automatically extracting the straw from the interior of the container. The device for automatically extracting includes a straw supporting element movable between a free position in which the first end of the straw is located in the orifice of the device for opening the container and a locked position in which the first end is arranged in the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Dany Prieto
  • Publication number: 20020179604
    Abstract: A lid for use with a container may include a panel and a first dispensing opening on the panel. The lid may also include a first closure on the panel, where the first closure may include a second dispensing opening. The first closure may be configured to at least partially cover the first dispensing opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Freida St. Germain, Tim Kilpatrick, James S. Sheffield
  • Publication number: 20020158069
    Abstract: A straw adapter 2 is removably disposed in the opening of a beverage container 1, and a straw 22 is attached to the straw adapter 2. A straw cap 12 is mounted on the straw adapter 2, for covering the straw attached to the straw adapter 2. Operations of the straw cap 12 opens and closes an air hole opening/closing valve 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yoneoka, Kazunao Ogura, Momoe Kigushi
  • Publication number: 20020145000
    Abstract: A non-spillable beverage container. The container includes a cover having a straw opening and a second vent opening. The vent opening is covered by a diaphragm attached at a plurality of points on the second vent opening. The diaphragm prevents the passage of air through the vent opening. With the vent opening covered, liquid contained within the container is locked within the container and prevented from exiting through a straw inserted within the straw opening. When a user inhales through the straw, air drawn through the straw from the interior of the container causes the diaphragm to bend downwardly and allow the passage of air into the container. The liquid may then exit through the straw. When the user discontinues inhaling through the straw, the diaphragm closes the vent opening and prevents liquid from exiting via the straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Hongbiao Li
  • Patent number: 6457597
    Abstract: A combination of beverage can cap and straw, including a beverage can cap including a top plate portion and a peripheral rim portion which is to be fitted into a can edge of a beverage can. The beverage can cap being formed with a straw-inserting aperture at a position corresponding to a drinking aperture which is to be opened in a top cover of the beverage can. The beverage can cap being formed with a straw retaining portion on the outer surface of the peripheral rim portion as rising outward in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the top plate portion. The straw retaining portion having a fitting slot capable of retaining a straw fitted thereinto. A straw having a diameter capable of being fitted into the fitting slot formed in the straw-retaining portion. The straw being formed with a bendable accordion-like portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Kyowa Electric and Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kashichi Hirota, Junji Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6431382
    Abstract: A beverage container holding a drinking straw having an upper portion located in an insert that is fixed to an inner surface of the container and directs the straw toward an opening through an neck, and a removable cap having a plug that engages the upper end of the straw and draws the straw outward through the opening as the cap is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Tianfu Li
  • Patent number: 6427864
    Abstract: A conventional lid for a drinking cup, a straw, and a ring-shaped container with an inner through-hole suitable for receiving the drinking straw are combined with the drinking cup. The straw is used to couple the container to the drinking cup by passing the straw trough the through-hole and through the cup's lid, such that the container is firmly anchored thereby. Thus, the condiment container is available to a user holding the cup without having to manage it as a separate item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Randy P. Asselin
  • Publication number: 20020092858
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald L. Bowman
  • Patent number: 6394302
    Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup having a bottom and a sidewall extending generally upwardly from the bottom, the sidewall including an upper edge and an inner surface. The lid comprises a base, a mouthpiece which extends generally upwardly from the base and which has a longitudinal hole formed therethrough, and an elongated stem which depends generally downwardly from the base generally opposite the mouthpiece. The stem comprises two longitudinal side surfaces which are adapted to conform to the inner surface and a longitudinal channel which is formed between the side surfaces. The stem further comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a spring element for hingedly connecting the lower portion to the upper portion and for biasing the lower portion radially outwardly relative to the upper portion. The channel communicates with the hole in the mouthpiece and, when the lid is secured to the cup, the side surfaces engage the inner surface to form a fluid passageway through which fluid in the cup may be extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Henry C. Query, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020040909
    Abstract: A cap body of beverage container wherein a lid plate of lid body forming a connection mouth at a drinking straw member is mounted with an air hole between a hinge axle for rotatively supporting a cap and the connection mouth, and a straw unit for being connected to the connection mouth of the drinking straw member is formed thereunder with a closing unit for covering the air hole, while the cap is disposed with a bend member for bending the drinking straw member and a blocking protruder for blocking the air hole via the closing unit, whereby the drinking straw member can be bent to enable to close the cap with one touch operation and to surely block the air hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Goto, Yasuhiro Kowa, Hatsumoto Kunio, Matsuyama Shin
  • Publication number: 20020040910
    Abstract: A portable and securable liquid holder and dispenser having an outer shell formed from a stiff material, the liner having a top defining an opening surrounded by a top edge, a liner sized to insertably fit within the outer shell, the liner further having a top lip and sides, the top lip extending outward from the sides, the lip further sized to abut the top of the outer shell when inserted therein to locate the liner, a cup sized to insertably fit within the liner, the cup having a flange formed around the top periphery thereof, the flange sized to abut the top surface of the liner when the cup is inserted therein, the cup further having a top seal extending upwardly from the flange, a cover sized to removably sealably attach to the cup, the cover having a mating seal formed thereon to mate with the top seal of the cup and an aperture formed therein, means for withdrawing liquid from the cup, the means for withdrawing liquid insertable through the aperture defined in the cover, and means for selectively attac
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce Pahl
  • Patent number: 6357619
    Abstract: Domed lids for beverage cups include an arcuately convex lower side wall section, and an arcuately convex upper side wall section protruding upwardly from the lower side wall section. Most preferably, each of these upper and lower side wall section is in the form of a respective spherical surface, with the upper side wall section having a lesser radius of curvature as compared to the radius of curvature of the lower side wall section. In particularly preferred forms, cup lids are provided having an arcuately convex lower side wall section establishing a circular base skirt adapted to being attached to an upper lip of a cup; and an arcuately convex upper side wall section. The upper side wall section is joined at a lower edge region thereof to the lower side wall section by means of an annular concavity, and protrudes coaxially upwardly from the lower side wall section to an annular apical edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sweetheart Cup Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schaefer