Abstract: A mouthpiece has a bite-off-prevention feature. The mouthpiece has been manufactured from an elastomeric parent material with at least one first component, where a reinforcing component embedded within the parent material forms the bite-off-prevention feature and derives from the same group of substances or group of materials as the first component. The reinforcing component is preferably composed of fibers.

Abstract: A flow control valve is described and which includes a first portion, and a second portion, and wherein the first portion rotates relative to the second portion and wherein the invention further includes a rigid locking member which cooperates with a resilient sealing and biasing member which is carried to positions which, on the one hand, either seals the vessel to prevent the escape of fluid from the vessel, or which allows the convenient dispensing of fluid from the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drinking apparatus including a vent system that removably connects to a drinking container. The vent system is used to form a variety of leak free and essentially vacuum-free drinking containers. The vent system, includes a closure member and a valve, and may be used with an anti-bubble tube. The closure member may be a single member or may be formed of two portions. The valve may be coupled thereto or integrally formed therewith. The anti-bubble tube and valve function as a diving bell to generally prevent liquid from entering the anti-bubble tube.

Abstract: A drinking vessel is provided for use in an upright orientation and an upturned orientation. The vessel includes a mouthpiece portion and a conduit portion fluidly connected to the mouthpiece portion. The conduit portion has a lower opening through which fluid may be drawn to the mouthpiece portion when the vessel is oriented in a substantially upright orientation. The vessel further includes an intermediate inlet (fluidly connected to the mouthpiece portion. The intermediate inlet is disposed intermediate the lower opening and the mouthpiece portion. The vessel further includes a flow controller operable to control flow to the mouthpiece portion from the intermediate inlet, according to the orientation of the vessel. A lid for a drinking vessel and a drinking conduit are also claimed.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing cover for a container has a dispensing recess extending into a cover top thereof. The dispensing recess is resiliently openable and closable to enable placement of cover into a closed configuration, in which the dispensing recess is closed, and an open configuration in which the dispensing recess is open to allow flow of liquid through the dispensing recess for drinking.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the device comprises a stainless steel container portion, a stainless steel annular portion, and a silicone mouthpiece portion. Fluid or other contents stored in the device only come in contact with the stainless container portion, the stainless steel annular portion, and the silicone mouthpiece portion. The stainless steel container portion, the stainless steel annular portion, and the silicone mouthpiece portion all do not contain plastic, therefore the fluid in contact with these surfaces is not exposed to any toxins or other compounds found in plastic and therefore the leaching of plastic toxins and compounds cannot occur while the fluid is stored in the device. The mouthpiece portion can be any of a number of different varieties, sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A beverage container closure that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, the user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container. The beverage container closure includes a venting mechanism configured to vent the beverage container before the stopper is opened when the user depresses the button, thereby allowing pressure in the beverage container to equalize before the stopper is opened.

Abstract: A cover assembly is capable of attaching to a container and has a dispensing orifice and a substantially perpendicular button opening on a side with a button. A single piece valve beam formed of a deflectable material has the actuator button located on one end and a fulcrum located on another end opposite the actuator button. An inner region of the cover has a retention surface opposite the button accommodating the fulcrum. The single piece valve beam is held inside the inner region of the cover between the button opening and the retention surface by deflection of the beam and rotation about the fulcrum such that the sealing surface moves away from the dispensing orifice when the actuator button is pressed. The deflectable material of the single piece valve beam acts as a spring that exerts force on the sealing surface and exerts force on the actuator against the button opening. The single piece valve beam can be configured to move away from the dispensing orifice when the button is pressed.

Abstract: A lip-operable spill-proof container (1) comprises (A) an open container base (2), (B) a lid element (4) comprising a lid edge (5) mountable on said container base and with a valve seat surface (7) directed to the inside of the container, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (8) of the container, and (C) an at least partially flexible valve element (11), comprising (1) a valve body (12), (2) a valve flange (13) extending from the valve body with a valve surface (14) that faces said valve seat surface, and (3) a control element (15). The lid element has a carrier (16) positioned inwards from said lid edge (5) and mounted to said lid edge, and the valve element is provided with a mounting rim (17), that engages the carrier (16) and allows movement of the valve element (11) along the longitudinal axis of the container by elastic deformation of the valve element (11).

Abstract: A flow control valve is described and which includes a first portion, and a second portion, and wherein the first portion rotates relative to the second portion and wherein the invention further includes a rigid locking member which cooperates with a resilient sealing and biasing member which is carried to positions which, on the one hand, either seals the vessel to prevent the escape of fluid from the vessel, or which allows the convenient dispensing of fluid from the vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a leak proof drinking cup including a valve assembly and a removable lid with a drinking spout and a vent. The valve assembly includes a drinking valve, a venting valve, or both. When in use, the valve assembly engages with the lid to prevent leaks or spills and to permit the flow of air into the cup. When not in use, the valve assembly disengages from the lid and the valve is open to facilitate proper cleaning of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A cover assembly for allowing a drinking opening in beverage container assembly to be selectively covered. The beverage container assembly comprises a cup and a lid and the drinking opening is formed in an upper wall of the raised portion of the lid. The cover assembly comprises a substantially planar cover member and a substrate. The cover member comprises first and second layers and defines a cover portion, a surrounding cover portion, and a perimeter edge. The first layer is a structural layer having flexural characteristics that allow the cover member to be transported by engaging opposing portions of the perimeter edge of the cover member without substantially deforming the cover member. The second layer defines an adhesive surface adapted to detachably attach the cover member to the substrate and the lid.

Abstract: A device for a cup and lid providing a thermal shield to keep the cup's liquid contents hot and facilitating the interval transfer, temporary storage, and cooling of a small amount of liquid prior to drinking. The conservation of heat energy within the cup allows the preservation of aroma and taste, a definite must for a prolonged and enjoyable drinking experience, while a controlled volume of the beverage cools down to a palatable temperature. Also, when the device is used in conjunction with a disposable cup and lid assembly, it improves the stiffness characteristics of the containment assembly, thereby preventing potential spillage or discharge of the hot contents due to accidental or improper handling.

Abstract: A venting assembly for a closed container having a lid and a container portion with a neck and a rim. The assembly comprises a venting unit having a substantially rigid ring having a lid-interfacing surface; and a resilient annular valve member having a one-way valve disposed at the inner wall of the neck. The assembly further comprises at least one air passageway leading from the ambient atmosphere to the one-way valve member; and a fixing mechanism adapted to prevent planar movement between the venting unit and the container.

Abstract: A drinking vessel and lid assembly that is adapted for selectively opening an open end of the drinking vessel. The lid is selectively couplable to the drinking vessel and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the drinking vessel and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the drinking vessel at a location where a user normally grasps the drinking vessel. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the stopper using a single hand operation without the need to remove the lid from the drinking vessel.

Abstract: An insert assembly is outfitted upon a lidded beverage container for enabling the user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage so as to prevent scalding prior to consumption. The insert assembly comprises a damming structure and a rim-engaging structure. The damming structure is formed from a semi-rigid material and is sized and shaped for receipt within the upper rim perimeter of a container structure. The rim-engaging structure is formed from a flexible material and extends outwardly from the beverage-damming structure. The rim-engaging structure is received intermediate the upper container rim and a lid for defining beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments. The insert structure comprises first and second apertures for outletting beverage and inletting air intermediate the beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments.

Abstract: A device by a drinking cup (1) comprising a container (2) and a valve element (4), the valve element (4) being provided with, on at least a portion of its free edge portion (12), an abutment (14) for a sealing, actuable gasket (8), and wherein a user's lip is resting against the gasket (8) when the drinking cup (1) is in its operating position.

Abstract: An advanced transitional cup (ATC) for training developing children and developmentally-challenged individuals to drink from a cup. The ATC includes a lid with a small fluid aperture and an electric air valve. A microcontroller located in the base of the ATC converts a user-defined “flow rate” into a PWM voltage signal that successively opens and closes the air valve. A higher flow rate results in a PWM signal that opens the air valve for longer spans of time and closes the air valve for shorter spans of time as compared to a lower flow rate, thereby allowing more air to enter the ATC and fluid to be expressed from the fluid aperture more readily. A touch sensor on the sidewall of the ATC prevents the air valve from being opened, and thus fluid from exiting the fluid aperture, unless a drinker is touching the touch sensor, thereby preventing accidental spills.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve arrangement for location on a vessel for holding liquids, comprising: a supporting member configured to form a valve seat; a deformable sealing member located against said valve seat and arranged for deformation under an applied pressure to present a first gap between said sealing member and said valve seat in a region where pressure is applied to allow a liquid to be dispensed from the vessel via said valve arrangement, and a second gap between said sealing member and a valve seat in a region where pressure is applied, to allow air to enter said valve arrangement.

Abstract: A cap is described for closing a liquid beverage container for allowing the beverage to be sucked out of the container through a spout, while preventing spillage when no suction takes place. A demand valve is incorporated into the cap, which has an inlet port communicating with the interior of the container, a discharge port communicating with the spout and a control port communicating with the ambient atmosphere through a hole in the cap. The valve has a valve seat and a closure element controlling the flow from the inlet port to the discharge port urged to move into an opening position in dependence on the excess of the control pressures over that in the discharge ports, this movement being in the direction opposed to the flow and urged by the pressure in the container in a direction to seal against the valve seat. In the invention, the demand valve is formed by two members that are mounted on the inner surface of the cap. The first member is rigid and defines the valve inlet port and the valve seat.

Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user when the user presses a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing vessel is described and which includes a container body for enclosing a fluid to be dispensed, and a removable lid having first and second portions which move one relative to the other, and wherein when the second portion of the lid is in a first position, fluid may not be dispensed from the container body, and when located in the second position, fluid may be dispensed from the container body, and wherein a latch is provided which releases the second portion of the removable lid from the first portion for travel to a second position to allow the dispensing of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a travel mug that is made of metal materials and can be used for microwave oven, comprising: a container having a double-layered structure with an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein said inner shell and said outer shell are joined by a joint in such a way that a cavity is provided therebetween, and a heat transfer medium is filled to at least part of said cavity; a first neat transfer member and a second transfer member formed from the bottom of said outer shell; a handle formed on one side of said outer shell; a pressure release device formed at one side of said outer shell; and a lid having a receiver part forming a concave portion to receive said joint.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a trigger assembly in a lid of a drinking container is provided. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a button member, a stop and a manifold. The button member is moveable in a first direction from a first locked position to a second unlocked position. The button member is further moveable in a second direction toward an interior of the lid when the button is disposed in the second position. The button member has a locking protrusion portion. The locking protrusion portion of the button member is disposed proximate the stop in the first position, and distal the stop in the second position. The stop limits movement of the button member in the second direction with the button member disposed in the first position. A manifold is slidingly connected to the button member. The manifold is displaced by the button member when the button member is moved in the second direction.

Abstract: A leak proof/resistant drinking lid (10) is provided for use with beverage container. The lid (10) includes a manually actuated valve stem (16) mounted to a housing (14), a drinking port (18) extending through the housing (14), a drinking valve head (20) carried on the stem (16), a pressure relief port (22) extending through the drinking valve head (20), and a pressure relief valve head (24) mounted to the stem 16. The pressure relief valve head (24) is releasably mounted to the stem (16) by a connector (26). A resilient member (28) is sandwiched between the stem (16) and the drinking valve head (20) to transmit an actuating force from the stem (16) to the drinking valve head (20) and to allow the stem (16) and the pressure relief valve head (24) to translate relative to the drinking valve head (20).

Abstract: A leak resistant drinking cup has a container with an open top and a lid assembly for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly includes a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup. A closure member is adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container. A flexible diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The diaphragm is moveable from the sealed position to the unsealed portion by a vacuum being applied to the diaphragm by a user sucking on the liquid discharge member. The vacuum causes the diaphragm to flex toward the container and at least in part away from the closure member and thereby move the diaphragm from the sealed position to the unsealed position.

Abstract: A bottle cap assembly includes a mount, a hose unit connected to the mount, a mouthpiece unit and a dust cap. A lug is connected to the mount and the dust cap is pivotably connected to the lug. A tubular portion is located in the mount and has two spiral ribs. The mouthpiece unit includes a rotatable member, a seal ring and a mouthpiece. The rotatable member is engaged within the tubular portion and has spiral grooves with which the spiral ribs are engaged. The rotatable member has a knob and has a passage is defined therethrough. The seal member seals the mouthpiece unit when the rotatable member is located at the lowest position. When the knob is rotated, the spiral grooves moved upward along with the spiral rib and the passage is separated from the seal member to open the mouthpiece unit.

Abstract: A spillproof container assembly includes a container body and a lid body that is adapted to be fastened onto the container body by screwing. Both the container body and the lid body are advantageously provided with outwardly extending wing portions for enhancing the grippability of and properly orienting the container assembly for small children. The outwardly extending wing portions of the container body are aligned with the outwardly extending wing portions of the lid body. The lid body is provided with an acoustic waveguide, and sound generating structure is provided in communication with the acoustic waveguide for creating an audible feedback when the lid body has been tightened onto the container body to a predetermined relative position and tightness. The acoustic waveguide further functions as a viewing port that provides a visual feedback so that a user can visually verify the position of the lid body with respect to the container body.

Abstract: A lid (18) for a drinking container (14) includes an engagement means (26) for removably securing the lid (18) to the drinking container (14). The lid (18) is formed as a one piece unit and has a deformable spout (20) with a liquid outlet (46). The one piece lid is further provided with an air inlet (22) for the ingress of air into the container (14). Defamation of the spout (20) effects opening of the liquid outlet (46) and the air inlet (22). The spout (20) may be disposed in a forward position on the lid (18). The container wall may lean in the forwards direction when the container is seated on its base (16) on a level surface.

Abstract: The container closure (1) includes a flange (2) having an inlet opening (2p) and an outlet tube (2a) having a thread (2b) arranged after the inlet opening (2p) in the outflow direction and includes a rotary closure (3) with an outlet opening (3p) and with a thread (3i), wherein the two threads (2b, 3i) engage into one another and are aligned such that the rotary closure (3) is rotatable with respect to the flange (2) about an axis of rotation (D) and is displaceably mounted in the direction of the rotary axis (D), wherein the flange (2) includes a sealing lip (2i) projecting towards the axis of rotation (D) which forms the inlet opening (2p) extending concentric to the axis of rotation (D), wherein the rotary closure (3) has a spigot (3a) arranged concentric to the axis of rotation (D) which is arranged in the outflow direction after the inlet opening (2p) and wherein the spigot (3a) and the sealing lip (2i) are designed mutually matched so that the spigot (3a) which can be displaced in the direction of the a

Abstract: A drinking cup that has a lid that engages a nipple. A cup body engages and is releasably attachable to the lid. A medicine cup is present and medicine is disposed within the medicine cup. The medicine in the medicine cup moves through a flow control element and then through the nipple. Also provided is a drinking cup with a medicine cup and a straw. At least a portion of the straw is located between a lower surface of a lid and a bottom surface of a cup body.

Abstract: A lip-openable lid is provided for use in connection with a container or container cap having a valve seat and an opening for egress of container contents. A lip-openable container is also provided that employs the lip-openable lid. The lid is comprised of a gasket with a lip-engageable annular wall, a central portion radially inward of the wall, and a peripheral flange that is engageable with the valve seat. The lid includes a rigid support that has liquid flow openings, supports the central portion of the gasket and positions the gasket against the valve seat. The lid can also include means for securing the gasket to the support. The central portion of the gasket is comprised of a flexible elastomer and is capable of flexing and stretching to displace the flange from the valve seat when downward pressure is applied against the gasket. When downward pressure is applied, the central portion of the gasket contacts the rigid support and flexes and stretches downward from and/or over the rigid support.

Abstract: A cup is provided having a lid with a spout defined by walls tapered towards a distal end of the spout. The lid has handles extending therefrom that are preferably formed of a first and second material having different Shore A hardnesses to define a rigid portion and a gripping portion.

Abstract: A sippy cup assembly including a valve insert having a sheath and a stabilizing core is disclosed. The sippy cup assembly generally includes a container, a lid releasably coupled to and enclosing the container, and an annular seal for preventing liquid from leaking out of the container. The valve insert maintains form while permitting repeated removal and insertion, in addition to washing and long-term use, by providing that the stabilizing core has a rigidity greater than that of the sheath formed over the stabilizing core. The valve insert may be installed in the lid to correspond with a spout and air exchange aperture to permit egress of liquid and ingress of air upon application of suction by a user. When no suction is applied to the spout, the valve insert prevents leakage of liquid from the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telescope tap to be used for the tapping of liquid from a bag-in-box where a bag containing the liquid and equipped with a spout is placed inside a box. The telescope tap comprises a base member which engages with the spout and with the box wall, a telescope pipe placed sliding extractable in the base member, a handle to extract the telescope pipe from inside the box, a knob for opening and closing the outlet in the telescope pipe, and a gap around a part of the telescope tap for slidably receiving the box wall when sliding the telescope tap into the box. The invention furthermore concerns a method of filling a bag-in-box with a fluid, where a bag with a spout is filled with a fluid, a telescope tap is placed in the spout thereby closing the bag, a cut is made in the box, and the bag then is slid into the box with the tap fitting the cut in the box.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to open.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve is described which includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; and a valve control element having a continuous and deformable sidewall is coaxially and rotatably received within the internal cavity of the valve housing, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as facilitate the controllable delivery of a source of fluid into the valve housing.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment, a nipple for a feeding bottle or a soother comprises a base portion, a teat portion, an areola portion and a flex region allowing flexing of the teat portion towards and away from the areola portion. According to a second embodiment, a nipple for a feeding bottle or soother is provided with a helical flow formation on the inner face of the teat, which allows continuous flow of liquid even when the teat is collapsed via the helical flow path which allows extension at the teat, in particular rotational or torsional extension.

Abstract: A closure for a multiple component container includes an insert (12), a piston (20) and a cap (10). The insert (12) and the piston (20) define a reservoir and the insert (12) comprises a fixed cylindrical wall (26) and a movable wall (32) connected thereto and movable with respect thereto by the action of gas pressure within the reservoir. The movable wall (32) has a discharge aperture (36) formed therein. The cap (10) comprises a closure plate (14), integral with whose outer edge is a depending skirt (16), by means of which the cap may be secured to a container. The closure plate (14) cooperates with the piston (20) such that movement of the closure plate towards the insert (12) results in movement of the piston also in the same direction. The piston (20) forms a sliding seal with the internal surface of the fixed cylindrical wall (26). A valve member (22) is integral with, the piston (20) and is slidably received in and seals the discharge aperture (36).

Abstract: A closure for a beverage container that has a cap for overlapping a mouth of the beverage container. An arcuate member attached to the cap having a pair of extremity portions separated from one another and a springing member is connected to the arcuate member proximate to one of the extremity portions that is angularly pivotally moveable in response to a manually applied force, between a first position at which the springing member closes and completes a continuous periphery of the arcuate member and a second position at which the arcuate member periphery is open.

Abstract: A cover assembly is capable of attaching to a container and has a dispensing orifice and a substantially perpendicular button opening on a side with a button. A single piece valve beam formed of a deflectable material has the actuator button located on one end and a fulcrum located on another end opposite the actuator button. An inner region of the cover has a retention surface opposite the button accommodating the fulcrum. The single piece valve beam is held inside the inner region of the cover between the button opening and the retention surface by deflection of the beam and rotation about the fulcrum such that the sealing surface moves away from the dispensing orifice when the actuator button is pressed. The deflectable material of the single piece valve beam acts as a spring that exerts force on the sealing surface and exerts force on the actuator against the button opening. The single piece valve beam can be configured to move away from the dispensing orifice when the button is pressed.

Abstract: A no-spill drinking vessel includes a cup, lid, spout and valve assembly. The valve assembly includes: a liquid-out valve with hinged flap, air vent check valve, air and liquid inlets, air and liquid outlets, and a mechanism for retention to the lid. The valve assembly is constructed from inexpensive molded elastomeric components. In usage mode these components cleave sealingly together by the resilient returning forces they exert on each other's complementary interlocked geometries. The fluid and air passageways, inlet and outlet port openings, mouthpiece channels and openings, and the interior volumes of the valve bodies are defined by spaces between the abutted elastomeric components. When manually separated into a cleaning configuration, the interior liquid-contacting surfaces become exposed, external surfaces for ready cleaning. The closure is baby-proof and small parts are tethered together.

Abstract: A closure assembly (11) for a baby's bottle (10) comprising a regulator cap (16) which is adapted to be mounted to the bottle (10) and having one or more apertures (22), a teat collar (17) threaded to the bottle and moveable between an open and closed position and a teat (18) coupled to the teat collar (17) and having an outlet (45) for passage of fluid, the teat having (17) a base flange (38) adapted for cooperation with the regulator cap (16) such that in the open position of said teat collar (17) fluid can pass through the one or more apertures (22) and through the teat outlet (45) and air can pass between the base flange (38) and regulator cap (16) into the bottle (10) through one or more of the apertures (22). In the closed position, fluid is prevented from passage through the one or more apertures (22) into the teat (16) and air is prevented from passing between the base flange (38) and regulator cap (16) into the bottle (10).

Abstract: A bottle closure includes the unitarily-molded combination of: an internally-threaded sidewall; a tamper indicator ring; and a hinge connecting the ring to the sidewall. The hinge permits the ring to be shifted from an initial position to an installation position. The installation position is essentially coaxially aligned with the sidewall.

Abstract: According to the invention a drinking vessel (10) comprises a generally cylindrical container (11) adapted to contain liquid and a generally cylindrical lid (12) adapted to close the container. The lid comprises a generally cylindrical outer member (20), a generally cylindrical inner member (22) located within the outer member so as to define a generally cylindrical aperture (50) between the outer surface of the inner member and the inner surface of the outer member, and a generally cylindrical sealing element (21) located in the aperture. The sealing element normally forms a seal between the outer surface of the inner member and the inner surface of the outer member but is deformable by suction at the end of the aperture remote from the container so as to cause liquid within the container to flow, from the end of the aperture adjacent to the container, out through the aperture under the action of the suction.

Abstract: A spill resistant cap for a container, such as a commercially available water or other beverage bottle, includes a cap body that forms a mating fit with the container and a spout having liquid dispense holes that allow fluid to flow out of the container. A removable valve is sized to fit within the cap body. The valve includes a valve mechanism that opens in response to a pressure differential applied across the valve face, such as the mouth suction applied to the spout when a person attempts to drink from the container, allowing fluid to flow through the valve and through the liquid dispense holes in the spout.

Abstract: A mouth piece assembly includes a mouth piece unit having a pivot which is pivotably connected to a first connector so that the mouth piece unit is pivotable about an axis of the pivot relative to the first connector. The first connector is pivotably inserted into a second connector so that the first connector is pivotable about an axis of the second connector. The two respective axes are perpendicular to each other. A locking key is connected to the second connector and engaged with the first connector inserted into the second connector. The mouth piece unit can be pivoted in two different directions and the volume of liquid sucked from the container is not changed.

Abstract: A leak proof/resistant drinking lid (10) is provided for use with beverage container. The lid (10) includes a housing (14) to mount the lid (10) to the beverage container, a manually actuated valve stem (16) mounted to the housing (14) to translate relative to the housing (14), a drinking port (18) extending through the housing (14), a drinking valve head (20) carried on the stem (16) for movement relative to the housing (14) between a closed position closing the drinking port (18) and an open position wherein the beverage can flow through the drinking port (18), a pressure relief port (22) extending through the drinking valve head (20) to allow equalization of pressure across the head 20 with the head 20 in the closed position, and a pressure relief valve head (24) mounted to the stem 16 for movement relative to the drinking valve head (20) between a closed position closing the pressure relief port (22) and an open position wherein air can pass through the pressure relief port (22).

Abstract: An insulated container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a shutter for a drinking orifice and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger has an actuation stroke. The vent seal is initially actuated during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the vent seal from the closed position to the open position, and the shutter is initially actuated during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the shutter from the closed position to the open position. Further, the shutter remains in the closed position during the initiation of the first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.