Abstract: A disposable lid for a cup has an annular clamp which is adapted to be seated on the rim of the cup and to grip the interior and exterior walls of the lip of the cup so as to firmly fix the lid to the cup and a frustoconical spout which extends upwardly from the rim to a liquid discharge port at the apex of the spout, the spout having a truncation in the shape of a horizontal plane tangent to the bottom wall of a horizontal cylinder and a base of inside diameter equal to the top inside diameter of the clamp so as to permit an unobstructed, non-turbulent flow of liquid from the cup to the discharge port. Preferably, the clamp has a circular rim with inner and outer edges and a bottom face adapted to be seated on a rim of the cup and an inner inverted frustoconical serrated lip extending downwardly from the inner edge and an outer frustoconical nodulous lip extending downwardly from the outer edge which cooperate to grip the lip of the cup therebetween.

Abstract: A drinking container for assisting a disabled person in drinking a fluid by reducing the degree of tilt necessary to drain the fluid from the container into the person's mouth comprising a fluid holding vessel having an upper rim and a closed bottom, the upper rim having an opening through at least a sipping region thereof, and a fluid diverter member contiguous with an inner surface and the bottom of the vessel. The diverter member slopes downward substantially from the sipping region of the rim toward an opposing side of the vessel such that when the bottom of the vessel is pivoted upward about the sipping region of the rim, the diverter member compels fluid through the sipping region. The fluid diverter member is preferably wedge shaped. A flow channel preferably extends lengthwise along an outer surface of the fluid diverter member.

Abstract: A dispensing closure (10) for a drinks container, having a closure body (100), the passage opening (126) of which is in communication with the outlet opening of the container, a closure element (200) and a flexible dispensing tube (300). A pinch member (280) is arranged on the closure element (200), and a mating holder (180) is arranged on the closure body (100). A cover (120) of the closure body (100) has a stepped stub (124) with an outlet opening (126) for the flexible dispensing tube (300). The flexible dispensing tube (300) is matched to the stub (124). An annular shoulder of the flexible dispensing tube (300) bears against an annular stop face (130) of the flexible tube holder (122, 124) and is widened by an annular bead (332) which engages in an annular groove (132) of the second step (134). The flexible dispensing tube (300) covers the annular shoulder (122).

Abstract: A closure for a liquid container, such as a sports drink bottle, includes a base component that is engaged over the mouth of the container, and a cap component engaged on the base component for movement from a closed position to an open position by pressure from the lips of the consumer. The base component includes a valve element supported on a fenestrated pedestal. The cap component includes a body defining a drinking surface for contacting the lips of the consumer and an annular sealing disc recessed below the drinking surface. The sealing disc is retained by the valve element against the force of a resiliently deformable seal disposed between the base component and the cap component. The seal has a sealing rim that is in constant contact with the base portion and provides an upward spring force to hold the sealing disc in the normally closed position. The seal includes a flexible hinge that allows the resiliently deformable seal to bow outward or bellows when the cap is depressed.

Abstract: A drinking valve assembly includes an inner member with an aperture and an outer member with a movable drinking spout extending from an upper surface of the outer member. The inner member and the outer member of the drinking valve assembly form a channel extending from the aperture to a spout outlet. The outer member has an inner surface that contacts the inner member about the aperture to block flow along the channel with the spout in a first position, the inner surface of the outer member being displaced from the inner member in response to movement of the spout to a second position to enable flow along the channel.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a one-piece lid for a cup, the lid comprising: a top wall having a generally circular periphery; an annular side wall depending from the top wall about its periphery; an annular mounting portion at a bottom of a side wall for sealingly engaging the lip of the drinking cup; the lid having a drinking opening therein adjacent the periphery to enable drinking from the cup without removal of the lid; the top wall including a recessed portion adjacent to the drinking opening for receiving the upper lip of a person drinking from the cup; at least one vent opening, which is separate from the drink opening, is positioned on the top wall; a flap integrally hinged to the lid, the flap, when in a covering position, has dimensions that permit the flap to cover the drinking opening and vent opening, the flap having an underside provided with a button, which is positioned to be received within the drinking opening, and at least one plug, which is positioned to be received within the vent opening, an

Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid.

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.

Abstract: A disposable drinking device comprising a cup is disclosed. The cup defines a cup cavity and comprises a cup opening communicated with the cup cavity and a cup brim annularly associated with the cup opening. The cup brim comprises a brim curl having a lip configuration and a flare configuration. When the brim curl is in the lip configuration, the brim curl arcuately and concavely extends away from the cup opening to form a brim lip. When the brim curl is in the flare configuration, the brim curl arcuately and convexly extends away from the cup opening to form a brim flare. The described configuration results in the cup brim being destroyed when the lid is removed from the cup, making subsequent re-capping impossible.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flow restrictor for a liquid, e.g. water, the restrictor having an upper end, an opposite lower end, and a channel with an inlet at the first end and an outlet at the second end, the path allowing the passing of the liquid from the inlet to the outlet, and the path has a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is upstream of the second portion, and the distance between the first portion and the second end is shorter than the distance between the second portion and the second end. A drinking cup incorporating such a flow restrictor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-sealing drinking container includes a cup body having a hollow interior for holding and dispensing a liquid, and a lid assembly which fits sealingly on the cup body. The lid assembly has an inlet passage with an inlet value in communication with an outlet value in communication therewith, each of the values including a resilient flexible diaphragm member. Each of the inlet and outlet valves includes a cage having an open top and an open bottom to allow fluid passage therethrough, the cage having a seat formed therein for receiving a diaphragm member. The diaphragm member is located seatably into the seat so as to selectively seal thereagainst and thereby prevent fluid flow therepast. A locator post in each cage is secured to the diaphragm member thereof to ensure its sealing. A predetermined level of fluid pressure differential across each diaphragm member courses, respectively, the diaphragm members to concavely bend away from their respective seat and thereby allow fluid flow through the valves.

Abstract: A disposable container assembly suited for use as an child's drinking cup with a passive closure system, the assembly comprises a container portion, a lid portion, and a hinge, which joins the container portion and the lid portion; the hinge is joined to a location on a sidewall of the container portion and is also joined to the lid portion; the lid portion is provided with a top surface, from which depends a skirt that extends around the perimeter of the top surface, the top surface is also provided with a drinking spout, which extends upward from the top surface; the drinking spout is provided at its upper end with at least one opening; the passive closure system consists of the opening in the lid that is sufficiently sized so that, when a liquid beverage is unintentionally positioned at the opening, the surface tension of the liquid beverage is sufficient so that the liquid beverage does not flow though the opening under normal conditions but when a person intentionally desires to drink from the container

Abstract: A beverage dispenser may include a container defining a container volume, and a substantially spill-proof cap coupled to the container so as to indicate if the cap has been uncoupled from the container. The cap may also define at least one dispensing aperture in communication with the container volume and with ambient air.

Abstract: A drinking-cup placed on a bottle containing a beverage to be consumed. The drinking-cup has a hollow body pierced by a beverage intake, an air intake, and a mouth, and defined by a wall with an annular cross-section enclosing an axis. A closure wall is arranged obliquely relative to the axis. The air intake and the mouth are in respective connecting zones and form an open angle and a closed angle between the wall having an annular cross-section and the closure wall. The wall with an annular cross-section is a surface of rotation and flares out at some distance from the beverage intake. A mid-plane connecting the air intake to the mouth forms, with the axis, an angle not less than 30 degrees. The cup is particularly applicable to champagne tasting.

Abstract: A container cap (2) for a drinking container (1) comprising at least one one-way drinking valve (3) adjacent at least one drinking opening (25), a cylinder-type closed valve seat (5) and a valve body (6) abutting the valve seat (5) in the closing position is proposed. The valve body (6) comprises a tubular sealing lip (7) made of an elastomeric material which in the closing position abuts on the valve seat (5) from within, and which is integrally connected with a base part (8). The base part (8) is part of a connecting body (17) which at the same time forms a base part (18) for an elastomeric, tubular valve body (19) of an air valve (4) which is slipped onto a tubular valve seat (20) in the region of at least one opening (26) of the container cap (2), whereby a one-piece, elastomeric valve body insert (23) is formed.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided for a cup having side walls tapered along a length of the cup. The cup has a bead around an open top of the cup. The adaptor includes a cap with a spout having openings in fluid communication with an inside of the cap. An annular base depends from the cap and has threads that engage the side walls of the cup to hold the cup to the adaptor. The base has a recess sized to engage the bead of the cup and seal the opening of the cup. Handles fasten to the adaptor for easier gripping.

Abstract: A device which has a cap having connection means of multiple geometries such that connection can be made with a variety of bottle openings and a valve to inhibit spillage through the cap.

Abstract: A no-spill cover assembly (14) includes a lid assembly (16) that is releasably mated to the drink container (10). The lid assembly (16) has an outlet channel (22) and an inlet channel (24) integrally formed therein. Furthermore, the cover assembly (14) includes a one-piece valve assembly (18) for attachment to the lid assembly (16). The one-piece valve assembly (18) is an integral one-piece structure that is formed of a flexible material and includes has an outlet valve portion (36) and an inlet valve portion (38). The outlet valve portion (36) includes a resilient outlet flange (44) that is positioned within the outlet channel (22) for selectively permitting a first flow therethrough and out of the drink container. The inlet valve portion (38) includes a resilient inlet flange (54) that is positioned within the inlet channel (24) for selectively permitting a second flow therethrough and into the drink container (10).

Abstract: A child-resistant closure prevents a toddler or other young child from unscrewing the top off from a beverage container, such as a milk bottle or covered sipping cup, and spilling its contents on furniture or other inappropriate locations. The child-resistant closure prevents ugly staining of clothes or furniture by difficult to wash beverages, such as grape juice. The child-resistant closure for a beverage container includes an inner screw cap which is threadably mountable on the beverage container, such as the milk bottle with a nipple or the sipping cup. An outer operating ring cap is mounted on the inner cap. The outer operating ring cap has a circumferential retaining rim on a lower end thereof to retain the inner cap within the outer cap.

Abstract: An adaptor enables a child to drink from a cup having a bead extending around an open end of the cup. The adaptor has an annular collar that supports the cup by engaging a lower portion of a bead of the cup around a substantial portion of a periphery of the bead. A lid is removably engageable with the collar. The lid has an annular flange depending from a lower surface toward the collar with the flange being located to abut an interior side of the wall of the cup when the lid engages the collar to form a fluid seal with the cup. The lid has a channel formed therein and located between the flange and a periphery of the lid and encircling the flange. The channel encloses an upper portion of the bead of the cup. The lid has a child drinking spout on an exterior surface of the lid adjacent a peripheral edge of the lid. The spout is in fluid communication with the cup during use of the adaptor.

Abstract: The drinking cup for learning which can train babies in the drinking movement step-by-step in order to provide a baby, who is at the age of taking milk and taking the liquid food, the lessons of the technique for taking either liquids or the liquid food naturally without spilling them. The drinking cup for learning includes a main container 12 for containing liquid, the main container having at least a cup-shaped opening 12a and a drinking spout member 11 removably attached to the main container. The drinking spout member 11 includes an opening communicating with the main container and a top-opened guide means 14 provided with barrier portions 15 forming at least both side edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stopper intended to be mounted on a container, of the bottle type, containing a liquid, a base provided with means for mounting on the container, a mouthpiece intended to be positioned in the user's mouth to remove the liquid from the container, an air inlet allowing air into the container in response to the removal of the liquid, said mouthpiece comprising at least one duct communicating with the internal volume of the container and ending toward the outside in the form of an outlet orifice, wherein the air inlet comprises at least one fluid passage one of the ends of which opens to the outside and the other end of which opens near the outlet orifice which, with this other end, are intended to be introduced into the user's mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an “SRS” with suction spout for beverage cans (canteens), bottles, cups or handheld containers that temporarily hold a carbonated fluid or hot drink under pressure and that is closed off with a top, holding an SRS. Spilling of the fluid held therein is prevented during awkward drinking situations such as in cars while driving, walking or other less controlled drinking conditions. The fluid in a beverage can, remains under pressure of the carbonation process while permanent access is possible through the subject SRS. For non pressurized fluids air is entered through the same valve in order to prevent a vacuum in the container when being emptied, which would reduce the fluid flow while drinking. In all situations and positions of the container, no spilling of the fluid is possible. In case of an aluminum beverage cans, the spout is permanently attached to the lid of the can, but may be removable when used for a drinking cup, bottle or handheld container.

Abstract: A lid for a rimmed beverage container. The lid has a body with a circular periphery. A lower wall depends from the periphery of the body portion in a first direction, and has an interior wall surface defining a sealing feature operable to sealably engage the rim of the container. A spout extends in a second direction from the body portion, and defines a flow limiting facility to permit passage of beverage fluids under suction, and to limit passage of fluids under gravity. The flow limiting facility may be one or more apertures of limited size, or a valve in the spout, and the wall may include several different diameter sealing features, such that different size containers may be used.

Abstract: A cap arrangement reseals a beverage container having a top with an aperture that can be opened to discharge the beverage and a rim with an inner surface around the top, in particular, carbonated soda can. The arrangement has a main cap for engagement over the beverage container top, for covering the beverage container top, a seal member connected hermetically to the main cap and extending toward the beverage container top and a locking mechanism connected to the main cap for fixing the main cap to the beverage can with sufficient force to resist pressure from, and to maintain pressure in the beverage container. The seal member has an annular pressure sealing portion adapted to engage against, and hermetical seal with the inner surface of the beverage container rim. The arrangement may also include an enclosure for receiving the beverage container. The enclosure may be insulated and form part of the locking mechanism which may be screw threads between the main cap and the enclosure.

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 no-spill cover assembly (14) includes a lid assembly (16) that is releasably mated to the drink container (10). The lid assembly (16) has an outlet channel (22) and an inlet channel (24) integrally formed therein. Furthermore, the cover assembly (14) includes a one-piece valve assembly (18) for attachment to the lid assembly (16). The one-piece valve assembly (18) is an integral one-piece structure that is formed of a flexible material and includes has an outlet valve portion (36) and an inlet valve portion (38). The outlet valve portion (36) includes a resilient outlet flange (44) that is positioned within the outlet channel (22) for selectively permitting a first flow therethrough and out of the drink container. The inlet valve portion (38) includes a resilient inlet flange (54) that is positioned within the inlet channel (24) for selectively permitting a second flow therethrough and into the drink container (10).

Abstract: A NOZZLE ADAPTED TO BE COUPLED TO A CAN CONTAINING A BEVERAGE, characterized by presenting arrangements of improvement to a nozzle for the ingestion of canned liquids in general, moldable to cans containing liquids to be ingested by means of snap-on (1) under pressure. There exists in panel (2) an aperture in a new half-moon shape (3), and the creation of two small apertures (6) to allow air into the can. There is also a new downgrading and hollowed area to direct the liquid back into aperture (3), and a new snap-on by pressure chamfered device (1.1) in channel (1) for coupling the nozzle to the can. There is a labial spout (7) provided in its internal lower base with two coupling devices, device (7.3) and device (7.4). The spout is designed as two semiarches (7.1 and 7.2), with a shape coinciding precisely with the profile of the top end of the can, destined to couple the nozzle to the can in an inverted position.

Abstract: An adaptor enables a child to drink from a cup having a bead extending around an open end of the cup. The adaptor has an annular collar that supports the cup by engaging a lower portion of a bead of the cup around a substantial portion of a periphery of the bead. A lid is removably engageable with the collar using mating threaded surfaces on the lid and collar. The lid has two annular flanges depending from a lower surface toward the collar to enclose the bead and collar between the flanges and to abut the inner flange with the interior side of the wall of the cup when the lid engages the collar to form a fluid seal with the cup. The lid has a child drinking spout on an exterior surface of the lid adjacent a peripheral edge of the lid. The spout is in fluid communication with the cup during use of the adaptor.

Abstract: A resealable single-piece push-pull dispensing closure is disclosed that includes a circumferential skirt, a top member circumferentially coupled to the skirt, and a sipper spout. The sipper spout extends upwardly from the top member and has a curved sipper surface that truncates to from a substantially flat landing surface. Plural apertures are disposed in the landing surface, and apertures may be disposed at a periphery of the sipper surface. The curvature of the sipper surface has a constant cross section curvature throughout the width of the sipper surface. A user's lip may rest on the sipper surface while drinking directly therefrom, or the top member may have a concave portion in which a user's lip may rest during drinking.

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cap for a beverage can. The cap is of a size to contain ice therein. The cap is in the shape of a cylindrical container as a compartment or a reservoir. A bottom of the compartment has several circular recesses or grooves therein which have different diameters from each other so that different grooves will snap-fit onto differently sized rims on top of beverage cans. Each of the grooves is sealed to prevent leakage between the rim of a can and the groove of the compartment. A different embodiment of a cap may have a bottom wall just above the grooves with an aperture therein so that narrow ice sticks may be placed directly in the can through the ice compartment. This cap may also be constructed of one or more parts. There is a lower part having the grooves therein and there is an upper lid or cover having a resealable drinking spout thereon.

Abstract: A leak-proof closure (10) for dispensing liquid beverages from a container. The closure (10) contains a outlet passage (14) which is open at both ends. Within outlet passage (14) there is a membrane (13) which denies communication between the interior of the container and the flow opening (15). When external suction is applied to the end of outlet passage (14), membrane (13) sealingly disengages from circumferential seal member (12). This allows the contained beverage to egress through the flow opening (15). When the external suction is removed, membrane (13) automatically sealingly engages with circumferential seal member (12).

Abstract: A drinking cup assembly having a cup having an open end, a cap adapted to enclose the open end, the cap having a drinking spout and an air vent and a pair of mating surfaces that align with the drinking spout and the air vent, and a removable flow control valve adapted to engage the mating surfaces. The cap has a retaining mechanism that in conjunction with one mating surface secures in place the flow control element when not in use.

Abstract: This patent of utility model refers to Arrangements introduced in a nozzle adapted to be coupled to a can containing a beverage, characterized by presenting arrangements of improvement to a nozzle for the ingestion of canned liquids in general, moldable to cans containing liquids to be ingested by means of snap-on (1) under pressure. There exists in panel (2) an aperture in a new half-moon shape (3), and the creation of two small apertures (6) to allow air into the can. There is also a new downgrading and hollowed area to direct the liquid back into aperture (3), and a new snap-on by pressure chamfered device (1.1) in channel (1) for coupling the nozzle to the can. There is a labial spout (7) provided in its internal lower base with two coupling devices, device (7.3) and device (7.4). The spout is designed as two semiarches (7.1 and 7.2), with a shape coinciding precisely with the profile of the top end of the can, destined to couple the nozzle to the can in an inverted position.

Abstract: A seal for use with a drink-through beverage lid, comprising a generally flat plate and a projection. When attached to a lid, the projection mates with an opening in the drink-through lid, commonly at the top of a drinking spout. The projection seals the opening, preventing spillage during transport. The seal is easily removable by grasping the plate and pulling it away from the lid.

Abstract: A one piece and/or two piece container lid designed for allowing a beverage aroma to escape from a drink container for the enjoyment of the user of the container. The two piece container lid broadly comprises an upper lid cover and a lower lid cover. The upper lid cover includes an annular upper lid top portion with a downwardly extending skirt disposed around the outer circumference of the top portion. An upper lid drink opening is disposed on one side of the top portion. Next to the upper lid drink opening is an upper recess area formed in part of the top portion. The upper recess area includes a plurality of aroma vent holes therein. The lower lid cover includes an annular lower lid top portion with a raised rim therearound. The rim includes a lower lid drink opening in one side thereon. A downwardly extending exterior flange is disposed around the outer circumference of the rim. The flange includes first and second lip grooves for receiving different diameter containers.

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.

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

Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid.

Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A splash-proof lid assembly is a substantially planar unit which is made up of a disc and a bottom section that is rotatably connected to the disc. By rotating the bottom section to the underside of the disc, a tube is formed which allows for drinking from a cup once the lid is placed on the cup.

Abstract: Limited flow cups are provided which deliver a metered amount of fluid to a user during a drinking motion.

Abstract: A drinking cup assembly including a cup having an open end; a cap adapted to enclose the open end, the cap including a drinking spout and an air vent and mating surfaces adjacent or incorporated into the drinking spout and the air vent; and a flow control valve including two stacks adapted to engage the mating surfaces, each of the two stacks having a concave valve face at a top portion thereof.

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 member near the spout having an opening therein, causing the valve member and opening to move off of a protruding member, thereby unblocking the 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 opening in the valve sitting on a protruding member and pressed against the protruding member's base, 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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a closure for a drinking container and is particularly concerned with spill-proof closures, which remain in place while drinking. The inexpensive, effective and durable closures according to this invention are suitable for both disposable and nondisposable applications where both cost and performance are important.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a raised container lid bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.

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

Abstract: A drinking cup assembly including a cup having an open end; a cap adapted to enclose the open end, the cap including a drinking spout and an air vent and mating surfaces adjacent or incorporated into the drinking spout and the air vent; and a flow control valve including two stacks adapted to engage the mating surfaces, each of the two stacks having a concave valve face at a top portion thereof.

Abstract: A drinking device including a body having an open end and for containing a liquid, and a lid for sealingly closing the open end of the body. The lid has an outlet incorporating a first one-way valve for dispensing liquid from the body upon the application of suction at the outlet and an inlet incorporating a second one-way valve for air intake to automatically balance the internal pressure within the body with external pressure outside the body while liquid is being dispensed. The first valve includes a chamber having a resiliently deformable wall including a hole in communication with the outlet. The hole is normally closed by being pressed against an internal surface of the body by the resilience of the wall and is openable upon the application of suction.