阅读说明：本技术 具有不同分配模式的封盖组件及包括封盖组件的饮用容器 (Closure assembly with different dispensing modes and drinking container including the same ) 是由 约亨·巴克斯 凯迪·布恩 杰夫·戴维斯 于 2019-06-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：具有不同分配模式的封盖组件和包括该封盖组件的饮用容器。封盖组件包括封盖基座和阀组件。阀组件包括至少一个饮用出口、至少一个淋浴出口和筒形阀。阀组件被构造为在闭合构型、饮用构型和淋浴构型之间选择性地转换。筒形阀被构造为选择性地相对于封盖基座围绕封盖组件的旋转轴线旋转,以使阀组件在闭合构型、饮用构型和淋浴构型之间转换。(Closure assemblies having different dispensing modes and drinking containers including the same. The closure assembly includes a closure base and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes at least one drink outlet, at least one shower outlet, and a barrel valve. The valve assembly is configured to be selectively converted between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration. The cartridge valve is configured to be selectively rotated relative to the closure base about an axis of rotation of the closure assembly to transition the valve assembly between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration.)

1. A closure assembly for a drinking container including a liquid vessel having a neck with an opening and having an interior compartment configured to hold a volume of drinkable drinking liquid, the closure assembly comprising:

a closure base configured to selectively couple to the neck of the liquid vessel to selectively couple the closure assembly to the liquid vessel; and

a valve assembly operably coupled to the closure base; wherein the valve assembly comprises at least one drink outlet, at least one shower outlet and a barrel valve; and wherein each drink outlet is spaced from each shower outlet;

wherein the valve assembly is configured to selectively transition between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration; wherein, in the drinking configuration, the valve assembly allows the drinkable drinking liquid to flow from the interior compartment through the opening and to the at least one drink outlet and restricts the drinkable drinking liquid from flowing through the at least one shower outlet; wherein, in the shower configuration, the valve assembly allows the potable drinking liquid to flow from the interior compartment through the opening and to the at least one shower outlet and restricts the potable drinking liquid from flowing through the at least one drinking outlet; wherein, in the closed configuration, the valve assembly restricts flow of the potable drinking liquid from the interior compartment to each of the at least one drinking outlet and the at least one shower outlet; and wherein the cartridge valve is configured to be selectively rotated relative to the closure base about an axis of rotation of the closure assembly to transition the valve assembly between the closed configuration, the drink configuration, and the shower configuration.

2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the barrel valve is configured to selectively rotate about the axis of rotation without simultaneously translating along the axis of rotation to transition the valve assembly between the closed configuration, the drink configuration, and the shower configuration.

3. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the cartridge valve is configured to remain at a constant axial position along the axis of rotation relative to the lid base when the valve assembly is selectively transitioned between the closed configuration, the drink configuration, and the shower configuration.

4. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein the barrel valve includes at least one drink inlet and a drink passage; wherein the drink passage fluidly couples the at least one drink inlet and the at least one drink outlet; wherein the cartridge valve comprises at least one shower inlet and a shower passage; wherein the shower channel fluidly couples the at least one shower inlet and the at least one shower outlet; and wherein the drink passage and the shower passage are fluidly separated from each other.

5. The closure assembly of claim 4, wherein the barrel valve includes a barrel valve base extending at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation; wherein the barrel valve base at least partially defines the at least one drink inlet; and wherein the barrel valve base at least partially defines the at least one shower inlet.

6. The closure assembly of claim 4, wherein the closure base comprises at least one base port configured to allow fluid to flow through the closure base; wherein the at least one base port is at least partially aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one drink inlet when the valve assembly is in the drink configuration; wherein, when the valve assembly is in the shower configuration, the at least one base port is at least partially aligned with a corresponding shower inlet of the at least one shower inlet; and wherein each base port is misaligned with each drink inlet and each shower inlet when the valve assembly is in the closed configuration.

7. The lid assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one base port comprises at least one base drinking port and at least one base shower port; wherein each base drink port is at least partially aligned with a corresponding drink inlet of the at least one drink inlet when the valve assembly is in the drink configuration; wherein each base shower port is at least partially aligned with a corresponding shower inlet of the at least one shower inlet when the valve assembly is in the shower configuration; and wherein each base drink port is spaced apart from each base shower port.

8. The closure assembly of claim 6, wherein the closure base comprises a basket portion that extends into the interior compartment of the liquid vessel when the closure base is operatively coupled to the neck of the liquid vessel; wherein the barrel valve is at least partially received within the basket portion; wherein the basket portion comprises a basket base extending at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation; and wherein the basket base defines the at least one base port.

9. The lid assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the barrel valve is operatively coupled to the basket portion such that removal of the barrel valve from the basket portion is restricted without damaging the lid assembly.

10. The closure assembly of claim 4, wherein the valve assembly comprises a self-sealing valve positioned within the drink passage, wherein the self-sealing valve is configured to allow the drinkable drink liquid to flow through the drink passage and to the drink outlet only when a pressure of the drinkable drink liquid on the self-sealing valve exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

11. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes an outlet spout defining each drink outlet; wherein the outlet nozzle is operably coupled to the barrel valve; and wherein the outlet spout is configured to rotate with the cartridge valve relative to the closure base and about the axis of rotation while the valve assembly transitions between the closed configuration, the drinking configuration, and the shower configuration.

12. The lid assembly of claim 11, wherein the outlet spout defines each shower outlet.

13. The closure assembly of claim 11, wherein the outlet mouth is configured to be selectively and repeatedly removed from and reattached to the barrel valve without damaging the valve assembly.

14. The lid assembly of claim 11, wherein the outlet spout is configured to remain coupled to the barrel valve when the valve assembly transitions between the closed configuration, the drink configuration, and the shower configuration.

15. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one drink outlet comprises one drink outlet, and wherein the at least one shower outlet comprises a plurality of shower outlets distributed around the drink outlet.

16. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly further comprises an actuator configured to be engaged by a user to selectively transition the valve assembly between the closed configuration, the drink configuration, and the shower configuration, and wherein the actuator comprises at least one actuator tab extending away from the lid base.

17. The closure assembly of claim 16, wherein the valve assembly includes an outlet spout defining each drink outlet; wherein the outlet nozzle comprises a spout that extends a spout height away from the closure base; wherein each actuator protrusion extends away from the cover base by an actuator protrusion height; and wherein the actuator projection height is at least 75% of the spout height.

18. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow the potable drinking liquid to flow through each of the at least one drinking outlets at a drinking flow rate when the valve assembly is in the drinking configuration, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow the potable drinking liquid to flow through each of the at least one shower outlets at a shower flow rate when the valve assembly is in the shower configuration, and wherein the drinking flow rate is greater than the shower flow rate.

19. A drinking vessel comprising:

a liquid vessel having a neck with an opening and having an interior compartment configured to hold a volume of drinkable drinking liquid; and

the closure assembly of claim 1, configured to be operably coupled to the liquid vessel.

20. The drink container of claim 19, wherein the liquid vessel is a semi-rigid liquid vessel configured to be squeezed by a user to discharge the drinkable drink liquid through the lid assembly.

21. The drink container of claim 19, wherein the liquid vessel includes: an inner wall at least partially defining the interior compartment; and an outer wall configured to be grasped by a user; and wherein the liquid vessel comprises an insulating layer configured to limit thermal energy transfer through the liquid vessel.

22. The drink container of claim 21, wherein the insulating layer includes at least one of foam and metal foil.

23. The drink container of claim 21, wherein the insulating layer includes a level indicator configured to allow visual inspection of the volume of drinkable drink liquid within the interior compartment when the lid assembly is operably coupled to the liquid vessel.

24. The drink container of claim 23, wherein the level indicator includes a plurality of level indicator features defined in the insulating layer, wherein each level indicator feature includes an aperture defined by the insulating layer.

25. The drink container of claim 24, wherein the plurality of level indicator features are distributed about a longitudinal extent of the insulating layer to allow visual inspection of each of a plurality of volumes of the drinkable drink liquid within the liquid vessel.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to closure assemblies for drinking containers (drink containers), and more particularly to closure assemblies for portable drinking containers having different dispensing modes, and to drinking containers including the closure assemblies.

Background

Many people carry drinking containers containing water or other drinkable beverages, such as for personal refilling during sporting activities. These drinking containers typically include bottles formed of plastic or metal. These containers often also include a closure, such as a cap or lid, that is removably secured to the neck or other opening of the bottle. For example, some such drinking containers include a threaded closure that is bolted to the neck of the container. Some conventional drinking containers further include a spout or spout that is integral with the closure and through which liquid can be withdrawn from the drinking bottle without removing the cap from the bottle. Some such spouts include manual or automatic valves for selectively restricting the dispensing of liquid through the spout, while others do not. Examples of such drinking containers with valved valve spouts include squeezable drinking containers with push-pull type drinking spouts and drinking containers with bite-actuated mouthpieces (mouthpiees)A branded drinking vessel.

In some instances, such as during athletic activities, an individual may wish to cool and/or wash himself or another object with water stored in a drinking container, such as showering himself or another object with water dispensed from a drinking spout. However, dispensing water through a drinking spout may produce a volume of fluid that is too large and/or too concentrated to produce an effective and/or pleasing shower effect. Therefore, there is a need for drinking containers having different dispensing patterns.

SUMMARY

Closure assemblies having different dispensing modes and drinking containers including the closure assemblies are disclosed herein. The closure assembly includes: a closure base configured to selectively couple to a neck of a liquid vessel to selectively couple the closure assembly to the liquid vessel; and a valve assembly operably coupled to the closure base. The valve assembly includes at least one drink outlet, at least one shower outlet and a barrel valve such that each drink outlet is spaced apart from each shower outlet.

The valve assembly is configured to be selectively converted between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration. In the drinking configuration, the valve assembly allows potable drinking liquid to flow from the interior compartment of the liquid vessel, through the opening of the neck of the liquid vessel, and to the at least one drink outlet. In the drinking configuration, the valve assembly also restricts the flow of potable drinking liquid through the at least one shower outlet. In the shower configuration, the valve assembly allows potable drinking liquid to flow from the interior compartment through the opening and to the at least one shower outlet. The valve assembly also restricts the flow of potable drinking liquid through the at least one drinking outlet in the shower configuration. In the closed configuration, the valve assembly restricts potable drinking liquid from flowing from the interior compartment, through the opening, and to each of the at least one drink outlet and the at least one shower outlet. The cartridge valve is configured to be selectively rotated relative to the closure base, such as about a rotational axis of the closure assembly, to transition the valve assembly between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of a drinking container including a closure assembly according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a schematic top view illustrating an example of a closure assembly according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a side view illustrating an example of a drink container having a lid assembly coupled to a liquid vessel according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a liquid vessel showing the drink container of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a top isometric view illustrating the closure assembly of fig. 3 in a drinking configuration according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a top isometric view illustrating the lid assembly of fig. 3 and 5 in a shower configuration according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a top isometric view illustrating the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-6 in a closed configuration according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is an exploded side view of the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-7.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional, top isometric view illustrating the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-8.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional top isometric view showing the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-9 in a drinking configuration.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side isometric view showing the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-10 in a drinking configuration.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional top isometric view showing the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-11 in a shower configuration.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side isometric view showing the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-12 in a shower configuration.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional, top isometric view showing the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-13 in a closed configuration.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional side isometric view showing the closure assembly of fig. 3 and 5-14 in a closed configuration.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional top isometric view representing an example of a liquid vessel having an insulating layer according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 17 is a top isometric view showing an example of an insulation layer of the liquid vessel of fig. 16.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-17 provide examples of a drink container 10, a liquid vessel 20, and/or a closure assembly 100 according to the present disclosure. Elements used for similar or at least substantially similar purposes are labeled with like reference numerals in each of fig. 1-17, and such elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of fig. 1-17. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of fig. 1-17, but for consistency, reference numerals associated therewith may be used herein. Elements, components, and/or features discussed herein with reference to one or more of fig. 1-17 may be included in and/or used with the subject matter of any of fig. 1-17 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Generally, elements that may be included in a given (i.e., particular) embodiment are shown in solid lines, while elements that are optional for a given embodiment are shown in dashed lines. However, elements shown in solid lines are not essential to all embodiments, and elements shown in solid lines may be omitted from a given embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a drink container 10 including a liquid vessel 20 and a lid assembly 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of an example of the closure assembly 100. As schematically shown in fig. 1, the liquid vessel 20 comprises a neck 24 having an opening 26. The liquid vessel 20 further includes an interior compartment 30, the interior compartment 30 being configured to hold a volume of potable drinking liquid. Examples of drinkable liquids that may be used in the drink container 10 according to the present disclosure include drinkable liquids such as water, juice, sports drinks, and the like.

The closure assembly 100 is configured to be selectively coupled to the neck 24 of the liquid container 20. More specifically, closure assembly 100 includes a closure base 110, which closure base 110 is configured to be selectively coupled to neck 24 of liquid vessel 20 to selectively couple the closure assembly to the liquid vessel. When the closure assembly 100 is coupled to the neck 24 of the liquid vessel 20, the closure assembly may be described as covering, blocking, and/or selectively preventing the dispensing of drinking liquid from the liquid vessel through the opening 26. The closure assembly 100 may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a closure 100, a lid 100, a cap assembly 100, a cap 100, and/or a cap assembly 100.

As shown schematically in fig. 1-2, closure assembly 100 includes a closure base 110 and a valve assembly 130 operatively coupled to closure base 110. Valve assembly 130 includes at least one drink outlet 144 and at least one shower outlet 154 such that each drink outlet 144 is spaced apart from each shower outlet 154. The valve assembly 130 is configured to be selectively converted between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration. In the drinking configuration, the valve assembly 130 allows potable drinking liquid to flow from the interior compartment 30 through the opening 26 of the liquid vessel 20 and to the drinking outlet 144. In the drink configuration, the valve assembly 130 also restricts the flow of potable drink liquid through the shower outlet 154. In the shower configuration, the valve assembly 130 allows potable drinking liquid to flow from the interior compartment 30 through the opening 26 of the liquid vessel 20 and to the shower outlet 154. In the shower configuration, the valve assembly 130 also restricts the flow of potable drinking liquid through the drinking outlet 144. In the closed configuration, the valve assembly 130 restricts the flow of potable drinking liquid from the interior compartment 30 to each of the drinking outlets 144 and each of the shower outlets 154. As schematically shown in fig. 1-2, and as discussed in greater detail herein, the valve assembly 130 additionally includes a cartridge valve 132, the cartridge valve 132 being configured to selectively transition the valve assembly 130 between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration. More specifically, and as discussed in greater detail herein, valve assembly 130 may be configured such that fluid may flow through cartridge valve 132 when valve assembly 130 is in a drink configuration or a shower configuration, and such that when valve assembly 130 is in a closed configuration, cover base 110 and/or cartridge valve 132 restricts fluid flow through cartridge valve 132.

The lid assembly 100 may be configured such that when a user desires to drink from the drink container 10, the user may convert the valve assembly 130 into a drinking configuration and/or may convert the valve assembly 130 into a shower configuration to dispense a drinkable drink liquid as a mist or shower that includes multiple emitted individual streams of drink liquid. In other words, drinkable drink liquid may be dispensed from the drink container 10 at different flow rates and/or characteristics when the valve assembly 130 is in the drink configuration and when the valve assembly 130 is in the shower configuration. For example, valve assembly 130 may be configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through each drinking outlet 144 at a drinking flow rate when valve assembly 130 is in the drinking configuration, and may be configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through each shower outlet 154 at a shower flow rate when valve assembly 130 is in the shower configuration, such that the drinking flow rate is greater than the shower flow rate. As more specific examples, the potable flow rate may be at least 1.5 times the shower flow rate, at least 2 times the shower flow rate, at least 5 times the shower flow rate, at least 10 times the shower flow rate, at least 20 times the shower flow rate, at most 50 times the shower flow rate, at most 30 times the shower flow rate, at most 15 times the shower flow rate, at most 7 times the shower flow rate, and/or at most 3 times the shower flow rate.

As another example, valve assembly 130 may be configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through each drink outlet 144 at a drink flow rate when valve assembly 130 is in the drink configuration, and may be configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through each shower outlet 154 at a shower flow rate when valve assembly 130 is in the shower configuration, such that the shower flow rate is greater than the drink flow rate. As more specific examples, the shower flow velocity may be at least 1.5 times the drink flow velocity, at least 2 times the drink flow velocity, at least 5 times the drink flow velocity, at least 10 times the drink flow velocity, at least 20 times the drink flow velocity, at most 50 times the drink flow velocity, at most 30 times the drink flow velocity, at most 15 times the drink flow velocity, at most 7 times the drink flow velocity, and/or at most 3 times the drink flow velocity. In the foregoing examples of relative flow rates and velocities, the corresponding values are responsive to equal forces being applied to the drink container to cause drink liquid to be dispensed from the closure assembly.

Each drink outlet 144 and/or each shower outlet 154 may have any suitable configuration for achieving the corresponding flow characteristics. For example, each drink outlet 144 may have a drink outlet cross-sectional area and each shower outlet 154 may have a shower outlet cross-sectional area such that the drink outlet cross-sectional area is greater than the shower outlet cross-sectional area. As more specific examples, each drink outlet cross-sectional area may be at least 2 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at least 5 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at least 10 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at least 20 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at most 30 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at most 15 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at most 7 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, and/or at most 3 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area.

Valve assembly 130 may have any suitable number of drink outlets 144 and/or shower outlets 154. As an example, the at least one drink outlet 144 may include 1 drink outlet, at least 2 drink outlets, at least 3 drink outlets, and/or less than 5 drink outlets. When the valve assembly 130 includes more than one drink outlet 144, the drink outlets may be oriented to emit parallel or converging streams of drink liquid. As additional examples, the at least one shower outlet 154 may include 1 shower outlet, at least 2 shower outlets, at least 5 shower outlets, at least 10 shower outlets, at least 20 shower outlets, less than 30 shower outlets, less than 15 shower outlets, less than 7 shower outlets, and/or less than 3 shower outlets. The valve assembly will typically include a plurality of shower outlets 154 that emit parallel and/or divergent streams of potable liquid.

Valve assembly 130 may have a greater number of shower outlets 154 than drink outlets 144. In such examples, drink outlet 144 and shower outlet 154 may have any suitable configuration. As a more specific example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 2, the valve assembly 130 may include a plurality of shower outlets distributed about the drink outlet 144. However, not all examples of closure assembly 100 need do so, and additionally, the number of shower outlets 154 may be less than or equal to the number of drink outlets 144 within the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example, valve assembly 130 may include an annular shower outlet 154 surrounding drink outlet 144.

In embodiments of closure assembly 100 in which valve assembly 130 includes multiple drink outlets 144 and/or multiple shower outlets 154, drink outlets 144 and shower outlets 154 may have any suitable relative cumulative flow characteristics. As an example, the ratio of the sum of the drink outlet cross-sectional areas of each drink outlet 144 to the sum of the shower outlet cross-sectional areas of each shower outlet 154 may be at least 0.5, at least 1, at least 2, at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at most 30, at most 25, at most 17, at most 13, at most 7, at most 3, and/or at most 1.

The cartridge valve 132 of the valve assembly 130 may be configured to transition the valve assembly between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration. For example, the cartridge valve 132 may be configured to selectively rotate relative to the closure base 110 about the rotational axis 102 of the closure assembly 100. As schematically shown in fig. 1-2, the axis of rotation 102 may be a central axis of the closure assembly 100, e.g., such that the closure assembly 100 is at least substantially rotationally symmetric about the axis of rotation 102. Additionally or alternatively, and as schematically shown in fig. 1, when the closure base 110 is operably coupled to the neck 24 of the liquid vessel 20, the axis of rotation 102 may be at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the liquid vessel 20.

The barrel valve 132 may be configured to rotate about the axis of rotation 102 in any suitable manner. For example, cartridge valve 132 may be configured to selectively rotate about axis of rotation 102 without simultaneously translating along the axis of rotation to transition valve assembly 130 between the closed, drinking, and shower configurations. In other words, cartridge valve 132 may be configured to remain at a constant axial position along rotational axis 102 relative to closure base 110 when the valve assembly is selectively transitioned between the closed, drinking, and shower configurations.

Cartridge valve 132 and/or closure base 110 may have any suitable structure for switching valve assembly 130 between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration. For example, and as schematically illustrated on the right side of the cut line in fig. 1, the cartridge valve 132 may include at least one drink inlet 140 and a drink passage 142, such that the drink passage 142 fluidly couples the drink inlet 140 and the drink outlet 144. In such embodiments, the closure base 110 can include at least one base port 124, the at least one base port 124 configured to allow fluid to flow through the closure base 110 such that the at least one base port 124 is at least partially aligned with a corresponding drink inlet 140 when the valve assembly 130 is in the drink configuration. In such embodiments, each base port 124 may be misaligned with each drink inlet 140 when the valve assembly 130 is in the closed configuration.

Similarly, and as schematically illustrated on the left side of the cut line in fig. 1, cartridge valve 132 may include at least one shower inlet 150 and a shower channel 152 such that shower channel 152 fluidly couples shower inlet 150 and shower outlet 154. In such embodiments, at least one base port 124 may be at least partially aligned with a corresponding shower inlet 150 when valve assembly 130 is in a shower configuration. In such embodiments, each base port 124 may be misaligned with each shower inlet 150 when valve assembly 130 is in the closed configuration.

As used herein, the terms "aligned," "partially aligned," and "fully aligned," as used to describe the arrangement of two or more ports, inlets, outlets, apertures, etc., are used to describe configurations in which the ports overlap in a manner that allows fluid to flow through each port in sequence. In other words, two or more ports may be described as being aligned when the ports are arranged to allow fluid to flow therethrough. More specifically, two or more ports may be described as "fully aligned" when the ports overlap in a manner that maximizes the overlap area of the ports and/or maximizes the rate of fluid flow therethrough. Conversely, the term "misaligned" as used to describe two or more corresponding ports is used to describe a configuration in which the ports do not overlap such that fluid flow through the ports in sequence is restricted.

As schematically shown in fig. 1, the closure assembly 100 may additionally or alternatively include a self-sealing valve 170 positioned within the drink passage 142 and/or otherwise coupled to the drink passage 142. In such embodiments, the self-sealing valve 170 may be configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through the drinking passage 142 and to the drinking outlet 144 only when the pressure of the potable drinking liquid on the self-sealing valve exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

For example, the threshold pressure may be a selected pressure differential between the inside and outside of the valve, which may be predetermined and/or preselected by the design of the valve and the material of construction of the valve. This threshold may be exceeded, for example, by the user squeezing the liquid vessel to increase the pressure applied to the inside of the valve and/or by the user sucking on the drink outlet 144 and/or mouthpiece (if present) to decrease the pressure applied to the outside of the valve. As a more specific example, the self-sealing valve 170 may include a slit diaphragm valve and/or may be a slit diaphragm valve. An example of a suitable self-sealing valve 170 is disclosed in U.S. patent No. 5,439,143, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

Each drink inlet 140 and/or each shower inlet 150 may be positioned and/or defined in any suitable portion of cartridge valve 132. By way of example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the barrel valve 132 may include a barrel valve seat 134, the barrel valve seat 134 extending at least substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis 102. In such embodiments, the cartridge valve base 134 may at least partially define each drink inlet 140 and/or may at least partially define each shower inlet 150.

In embodiments of the cartridge valve 132 that include a drink passage 142 and a shower passage 152, the drink passage 142 and the shower passage 152 may be fluidly separated from one another. Additionally or alternatively, each drink inlet 140 may be spaced apart from each shower inlet 150. Such a configuration may ensure that potable drinking liquid is dispensed only via drinking outlet 144 when valve assembly 130 is in the drinking configuration, and that potable drinking liquid is dispensed only via shower outlet 154 when valve assembly 130 is in the shower configuration.

In some examples of the lid assembly 100, each base port 124 may be selectively aligned with the drink inlet 140 when the valve assembly 130 is in the drink configuration, and each base port 124 may be selectively aligned with the shower inlet 150 when the valve assembly 130 is in the shower configuration. However, this is not required for all examples of the lid assembly 100, and further, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that each base port 124 may be configured to align with a drink inlet 140 or a shower inlet 150. For example, and as schematically shown in fig. 1, base port 124 may include at least one base drink port 126 and at least one base shower port 128 such that each base drink port 126 is spaced apart from each base shower port 128. In such embodiments, each base drink port 126 may be at least partially aligned with a corresponding drink inlet 140 (schematically shown to the right of the cut line in fig. 1) when the valve assembly 130 is in the drink configuration, and each base shower port 128 may be at least partially aligned with a corresponding shower inlet 150 (schematically shown to the left of the cut line in fig. 1) when the valve assembly 130 is in the shower configuration.

Cartridge valve 132 may be operatively coupled to closure base 110 in any suitable manner. By way of example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the closure base 110 may include a basket portion 120, the basket portion 120 extending into the interior compartment 30 of the liquid vessel 20 when the closure base 110 is operatively coupled to the neck 24 of the liquid vessel 20, and a cartridge valve 132 may be at least partially housed within the basket portion 120. In such embodiments, the basket portion 120 may include a base port 124. More specifically, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the basket portion 120 may include a basket base 122, the basket base 122 extending at least substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis 102, and the basket base 122 may define a base port 124. Additionally or alternatively, in examples of a closure base 110 that includes a basket portion 120, the basket portion 120 may restrict fluid flow through each drink inlet 140 and through each shower inlet 150 of the cartridge valve 132.

The cartridge valve 132 may be operatively coupled to the basket portion 120 of the lid base 110 in any suitable manner. For example, the cartridge valve 132 may be operatively coupled to the basket portion 120 such that removal of the cartridge valve 132 from the basket portion 120 is restricted without damaging the lid assembly 110. As a more specific example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the cartridge valve 132 and/or the basket portion 120 may include a cartridge valve retaining structure 136, the cartridge valve retaining structure 136 configured to limit removal of the cartridge valve 132 from the basket portion 120. The cartridge valve retaining structure 136 may include and/or may be any suitable structure and/or mechanism, such as a structure that allows the cartridge valve 132 to be rotated with respect to the basket portion 120 without allowing the cartridge valve to be removed from the basket portion. Examples of the cartridge valve retaining structure 136 include clips, detents (detents), flanges, pins, and the like.

Valve assembly 130 may include and/or define each drink outlet 144 and each shower outlet 154 in any suitable manner. By way of example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1-2, the valve assembly 130 may include an outlet spout 160 defining each drink outlet 144. As a more specific example, and as further schematically illustrated in fig. 1-2, the outlet spout 160 may include a spout 162 extending away from the closure base 110, and the spout 162 may define each drink outlet 144. Outlet nozzle 160 may additionally define each shower outlet 154. However, this is not required for all examples of the lid assembly 100, and in addition, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the cartridge valve 132 defines each shower outlet 154.

The outlet nozzle 160 may be a unique structure that is operatively coupled to the cartridge valve 132. More specifically, the outlet nozzle 160 may be configured to be selectively and repeatedly removed from and reattached to the barrel valve 132 without damaging the valve assembly 130. Such a configuration may facilitate cleaning and/or replacement of outlet spout 160, drink outlet 144, and/or shower outlet 154. In such a configuration, the outlet nozzle 160 may be configured to be operably coupled to the barrel valve 132 via any suitable coupling, such as a threaded coupling and/or a friction fit coupling. Outlet spout 160 may be configured to remain coupled to cartridge valve 132 when valve assembly 130 is transitioned between the closed, drinking, and shower configurations. For example, outlet spout 160 may be configured to rotate with cartridge valve 132 relative to closure base 110 and optionally about axis of rotation 102 when valve assembly 130 is transitioned between the closed, drinking, and shower configurations.

While each drink outlet 144 is spaced apart from each shower outlet 154, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the lid assembly 100 may be configured to dispense potable drink liquid via a common outlet when the valve assembly 130 is in the drink configuration and the shower configuration. In such embodiments, each drink outlet 144 and each shower outlet 154 may be fluidly coupled to a common outlet, such as may be defined by valve assembly 130 and/or by outlet spout 160. Further, each drink outlet 144 and each shower outlet 154 may define a relative orientation and/or angle from which drink fluid is emitted.

The valve assembly 130 may be configured to selectively transition between the closed configuration, the drinking configuration, and the shower configuration in any suitable manner. As an example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1-2, the valve assembly 130 may include an actuator 180 configured to be engaged by a user to selectively transition the valve assembly 130 between the closed configuration, the drinking configuration, and the shower configuration. As a more specific example, the actuator 180 may be configured to rotate at least a portion of the valve assembly 130, such as the cartridge valve 132, relative to the closure base 110 and about the rotational axis 102 of the closure assembly 100. In such examples, the actuator 180 may be configured to rotate at least a portion of the valve assembly 130 about the axis of rotation 102 without translating a portion of the valve assembly 130 along the axis of rotation 102.

The valve assembly 130 may include and/or define the actuator 180 in any suitable manner. For example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1-2, the cartridge valve 132 may at least partially define an actuator 180. In such embodiments, and as further schematically illustrated in fig. 1-2, the actuator 180 may include at least one actuator tab (activator tab)182, the actuator tab 182 extending away from the closure base 110. Additionally or alternatively, and as further schematically shown in fig. 1-2, outlet nozzle 160 may at least partially define an actuator 180, such as in the form of at least one actuator recess defined in outlet nozzle 160.

The closure assembly 100 may be configured to provide a visual indication of the selected configuration of the valve assembly 130. For example, and as best shown schematically in FIG. 2, the closure assembly 100 may include a plurality of closure pattern symbols 190. Each closed mode symbol may be configured to correspond to and/or represent a respective one of a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, or a shower configuration. The closure assembly 100 may additionally include a closed mode indicator 192. In such examples, the actuator 180 may be configured to selectively align the closure mode indicator 192 with the corresponding closure mode symbol 190 to indicate that the valve assembly 130 is in the closed, drinking, or shower configuration. The closure assembly 100 may include a closure mode symbol 190 and/or a closure mode indicator 192 in any suitable manner. As an example, the closure base 110 can include a closure mode symbol 190 and the valve assembly 130 can include a closure mode indicator 192. In such examples, the actuator 180 and/or the actuator protrusion 182 may include a closed mode indicator 192. Alternatively, the closure base 110 may include a closure mode indicator 192 and the valve assembly 130 may include a closure mode symbol 190.

The liquid vessel 20 according to the present disclosure is adapted to receive and hold or contain up to a predetermined volume of potable drinking liquid for selective dispensing through the closure assembly, such as through the drinking outlet 144 or the shower outlet 154 of the closure assembly 100. Potable drinking liquid may be selectively poured or otherwise dispensed into the interior compartment 30 of the liquid vessel via the neck 24. Drinkable drink liquid may be selectively dispensed from the interior compartment 30 from the neck 24 to the user when the closure assembly 100 is not secured to the neck, and/or when the closure assembly is in a drink configuration. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that neck 24 may (but is not required in all embodiments) define a unique opening through which potable drinking liquid may be added to or removed from liquid vessel 20. As discussed in greater detail herein, when the closure assembly 100 is operatively coupled to the liquid vessel 20, this selective dispensing of the potable liquid may be through the drink outlet 144 of the closure assembly only when the valve assembly is in the drink configuration and/or through the shower outlet 154 of the closure assembly when the valve assembly is in the shower configuration.

Liquid vessel 20 may have any suitable shape and may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials to hold up to a predetermined volume of potable liquid. Examples of suitable sizes or capacities of the liquid vessel 20 (i.e., the volume of potable drinking liquid that can be received into the liquid vessel at one time) include 4 ounces (oz.), 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces, 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, 24 ounces, 32 ounces, 36 ounces, 4-11 ounces, 6-15 ounces, 10-19 ounces, 12-25 ounces, 12-36 ounces, 15-30 ounces, 25-36 ounces, 30-45 ounces, 35-50 ounces, and 10-70 ounces (referring to the liquid (fluid) ounces of potable liquid that can be received into an empty liquid container at one time in these examples). It is within the scope of the present disclosure that liquid vessels having different sizes may be used, including sizes smaller, larger, or within the exemplary sizes and/or ranges described above, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Examples of materials that may be used to construct a liquid vessel 20 according to the present disclosure include TRITAN developed by Istmann chemical corporation^TMA copolyester polymer. Other examples of materials that may be suitable for constructing a liquid vessel or part thereof according to the present disclosure include polycarbonate, glass, plastic, and/or metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Additional examples are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 7,533,783 and 8,905,252, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The liquid vessel 20 may be (but is not required to be) rigid or at least semi-rigid, and may include a bottom surface such that when placed on a horizontal surface, the liquid vessel may be substantially self-supporting or free-standing. In such embodiments, the drinking container 10 may be referred to as a drinking bottle. As discussed herein, the liquid vessel 20 may also optionally have a double wall or other insulating structure. In some embodiments, a liquid vessel 20 according to the present disclosure may be constructed of polyethylene or other materials that allow the liquid vessel to have a semi-rigid structure, wherein the liquid vessel may reversibly (and non-destructively) collapse during use. Such examples may allow opposing portions of the liquid vessel to be squeezed and/or otherwise urged toward or even into contact with each other from a nominal or uncollapsed configuration to reduce the volume of the liquid vessel and thereby facilitate dispensing of potable drinking liquid therefrom. In such embodiments, the liquid vessel may be configured to automatically return to its previous (nominal) configuration upon a reduction in the applied force and/or pressure applied to urge the sides of the liquid vessel toward each other. Such embodiments may be described as squeeze bottles, having a squeezable liquid vessel and/or having an elastically deformable liquid vessel.

In other embodiments, a liquid vessel 20 according to the present disclosure may have a non-rigid, amorphous, and/or fully collapsible structure. In such embodiments, the liquid vessel may not be configured to automatically return to its previous configuration upon a reduction in the applied force and/or pressure applied to urge the sides of the liquid vessel toward one another in order to dispense liquid from the liquid vessel through the closure assembly. For example, in such embodiments, the liquid vessel may be configured to assume and maintain a configuration that at least substantially flattens, collapses, and/or collapses after the volume of the liquid vessel is reduced, such as by squeezing the liquid vessel and dispensing liquid from the liquid vessel through the closure assembly. Such embodiments may be described as flasks (flash), soft flasks, flexible flasks, collapsible flasks, flexible water bottles, and/or collapsible water bottles.

As schematically shown in fig. 1, spout 162 may extend from closure base 110 by a spout height 164. Spout height 164 may be any suitable height, such as a height that is or is similar to the thickness of the material forming the upper surface of closure base 110, and a length that is 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or more times that thickness. Additional examples of suitable nozzle heights 164 include at least 1 millimeter (mm), at least 2mm, at least 3mm, at least 4mm, at least 5mm, at least 10mm, at least 15mm, at least 20mm, at least 25mm, at least 30mm, at least 40mm, at least 1-10mm, at least 5-30mm, at least 10-50mm, less than 40mm, less than 30mm, less than 20mm, less than 15mm, less than 10mm, and/or less than 5 mm. The drink outlet 144 and/or the spout 162 may have any suitable size suitable for dispensing drinkable drink liquid from the drink container 10 to the user's mouth. By way of example, the drink outlet 144 can have a drink outlet cross-sectional area (measured transverse to the long axis of the drink spout) of at least 50 square millimeters (mm)²) At least 75mm²At least 100mm²At least 200mm²At least 300mm²At least 400mm²At least 500mm²At least 600mm²At least 50-300mm²At least 100-500mm²At least 250 and 750mm²Less than 750mm²Less than 600mm²Less than 500mm²Less than 400mm²Less than 300mm²And/or less than 200mm²。

In some embodiments, drink outlet 144, outlet spout 160, and/or spout 162 may define a structure configured to be received by a user's mouth. By way of example, the drink outlet 144, outlet spout 160, and/or spout 162 may be cylindrical, substantially cylindrical, circular, oval, or may have any other suitable shape and/or cross-section, such as an ergonomic shape that facilitates comfortable engagement with a user's mouth to drink potable drink liquid from the drink container 10. Additionally or alternatively, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the closure assembly 100 may include a mouthpiece 166, the mouthpiece 166 being configured to be selectively and repeatedly attached to and removed from the outlet nozzle 160 and/or spout 162. For example, mouthpiece 166 may be configured to be selectively and repeatedly attached to and removed from outlet nozzle 160 and/or spout 162 to provide a washable and/or replaceable contact surface that is engageable with a user's mouth.

Outlet mouth 160 and mouthpiece 166 may each be formed from any suitable material. By way of example, outlet mouth 160 and mouthpiece 166 may each be formed from a rigid material, a flexible material, an elastically deformable material, a polymer, and/or silicone. As a more specific example, outlet spout 160 may be formed from a rigid material, while mouthpiece 166 may be formed from an elastically deformable material. As another example, outlet mouth 160 and mouthpiece 166 may each be formed from an elastically deformable material. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 166 may not include a valve or other structure for selectively restricting the flow of liquid from the valve passage through the liquid outlet. In other embodiments, mouthpiece 166 may be a self-sealing mouthpiece that includes a self-sealing valve that selectively prevents liquid from being dispensed through the mouthpiece unless the valve has been configured from its nominal, closed configuration to a dispensing configuration, such as by a user biting on opposing sidewalls of the mouthpiece to urge the sidewalls toward one another. Examples of suitable bite-actuated mouthpieces 166 are disclosed in U.S. patent No. 7,533,783, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

In some other embodiments, drink outlet 144, outlet spout 160, and/or spout 162 may not be configured to be received by a user's mouth. For example, in embodiments where actuator 180 includes an actuator tab 182 extending away from closure base 110, actuator tab 182 may be configured to limit, interfere with, and/or otherwise prevent direct engagement between the user's mouth and outlet mouth 160. As a more specific example, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 1, each actuator protrusion 182 may extend away from cap base 110 by an actuator protrusion height 184 that is at least 50% of spout height 164, at least 75% of spout height 164, at least 100% of spout height 164, at least 125% of spout height 164, at least 150% of spout height 164, at most 175% of spout height 164, at most 130% of spout height 164, at most 110% of spout height 164, at most 90% of spout height 164, and/or at most 70% of spout height 164.

A closure assembly 100 according to the present disclosure may be adapted to be removably coupled to a liquid vessel 20 to cover or otherwise enclose a neck 24 thereof. When so coupled to the liquid vessel 20, the lid assembly 100 restricts drink liquid within the interior compartment 30 of the liquid vessel 20 from being dispensed from the drink container 10 other than through the drink outlet 144 and/or through the shower outlet 154. When each drink outlet 144 and each shower outlet 154 are blocked or otherwise closed or sealed, such as when the valve assembly 130 is in the closed configuration, the closure assembly restricts the dispensing of potable drink liquid from the liquid vessel 20. Thus, any potable drinking liquid in the interior compartment 30 of the liquid vessel 20 is restricted from being dispensed to a user or otherwise removed from the liquid container until the closure assembly 100 is separated from the liquid vessel, or until the closure assembly is converted to a drinking configuration or a shower configuration.

The closure assembly 100 is removably coupled to the liquid vessel 20, such as the neck 24 thereof, to allow selective and non-destructive removal and replacement of the closure assembly relative to the liquid vessel (i.e., repeated detachment and re-coupling). For example, the closure assembly 100 may be separated from the liquid vessel 20 to allow the liquid vessel to receive a volume of potable drinking liquid, after which the closure assembly may be re-coupled to the liquid vessel.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 1, a drink container 10 according to the present disclosure may include a lid coupling mechanism 104 configured to selectively couple the lid assembly 100 to the liquid vessel 20. The lid coupling mechanism 104 can provide a fluid-tight connection between the lid assembly 100 and the liquid vessel 20. When such a connection is established between the lid assembly 100 and the liquid vessel 20, the lid assembly may restrict liquid from being dispensed from the drink container other than through the drink outlet 144 and/or through the shower outlet 154. Neck 24 and/or closure base 110 may comprise at least a portion of closure coupling mechanism 104. As a more specific example, closure coupling mechanism 104 may include threads on neck 24 and threads on closure base 110 that cooperatively engage with each other to selectively couple closure assembly 100 to liquid vessel 20. Additional examples of lid coupling mechanisms 104 that may be incorporated into drinking containers 10 according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, snap-fit arrangements, friction-fit arrangements, clasping arrangements, and the like.

As discussed, the liquid vessel 20 may have an insulating structure. For example, and as schematically shown in fig. 1, the liquid vessel 20 may include an inner wall 40 at least partially defining the interior compartment 30 and an outer wall 42 spaced apart from the inner wall and configured to be gripped by a user. In such embodiments, the liquid vessel 20 additionally may include an insulating layer 50, the insulating layer 50 being configured to limit thermal energy transfer through the liquid vessel in order to maintain the potable drinking liquid at a temperature below or above ambient temperature. When present, the insulation layer 50 may be positioned between the inner wall 40 and the outer wall 42. The insulating layer 50 may be formed of any suitable material, such as foam and/or metal foil. As additional examples, the thermal insulation layer 50 may include and/or may be a fluid, such as a liquid, a gas, air, and/or a fluid having a low thermal conductivity. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the liquid vessel 20 may be an insulated container having an inner wall 40 and an outer wall 42 but without a distinct insulating layer 50 positioned therebetween. In such embodiments, the space between the inner wall 40 and the outer wall 42 may be at least partially evacuated.

When present, the insulation layer 50 may be formed and/or positioned within the liquid vessel 20 in any suitable manner. By way of example, the insulation layer 50 may be formed on the inner wall 40 and/or the outer wall 42, or may be adhered to the inner and/or outer wall. The insulating layer 50 may be at least substantially opaque. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal barrier layer 50 may be at least partially optically transparent and/or optically translucent. As an example, and as schematically shown in fig. 1, the insulation layer 50 may include a level indicator 52, the level indicator 52 configured to allow visual inspection of the interior compartment 30 of the liquid vessel 20 when the lid assembly 100 is operably coupled to the liquid vessel. More specifically, the level indicator 52 may be configured to allow visual inspection of the volume of potable drinking liquid within the liquid vessel 20 so as to allow a user to determine how much liquid remains within the liquid vessel without removing the closure assembly 100 from the liquid vessel.

The level indicator 52 may include and/or may be an at least partially optically transparent and/or translucent region of the insulating layer 50 that is otherwise non-transparent and/or opaque. In other words, the insulation layer 50 may be at least substantially optically opaque in portions of the insulation layer that do not include the level indicator 52. Additionally or alternatively, the level indicator 52 may include a plurality of different level indicator features 54 defined in the insulation layer 50. By way of example, each level indicator feature 54 may include and/or may be an aperture defined by an otherwise opaque insulating layer 50. When present, a plurality of level indicator features 54 may be distributed about the longitudinal extent of the insulating layer 50 to allow visual inspection of a corresponding plurality of volumes of drinkable drink liquid within the liquid vessel 20. In other words, when a plurality of level indicator features 54 are distributed about the longitudinal extent of the insulating layer 50, the volume of potable drinking liquid within the liquid vessel 20 may be determined at least in part by viewing, for example, the uppermost level indicator feature 54 through which the potable drinking liquid is visible when the drinking container 10 is held in an upright position. Additionally or alternatively, when present, the plurality of level indicator features 54 may be distributed about an azimuthal (i.e., circumferential) extent of the insulation layer 50. Such a configuration may facilitate inspection of the volume of potable drinking liquid within liquid vessel 20 from a plurality of different viewing angles. Additionally or alternatively, the insulation layer 50 may include a plurality of level indicator features 54 located on circumferentially opposite sides of the insulation layer. Such a configuration may allow light to pass through the insulating layer 50 and/or the interior compartment 30 of the liquid vessel 20 via the level indicator features on each of the circumferentially opposite sides, thereby facilitating viewing of the liquid level within the liquid vessel.

Each level indicator feature 54 may have any suitable form and/or shape. As an example, each level indicator feature may have a shape that is circular, oval, polygonal, triangular, quadrilateral, rectangular, square, and/or other regular or irregular geometric shapes. In another embodiment, and as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, the level indicator 52 and/or the level indicator feature 54 may include and/or may be a level indicator strip 56 extending along a longitudinal extent of the insulation layer. Additionally, level indicator 52 and/or each level indicator feature 54 may have any suitable size. For example, the level indicator 52 and/or each level indicator feature 54 may be sized so as not to substantially compromise the insulating properties of the insulating layer 50. As a more specific example, the insulation layer 50 may be at least substantially formed of a material having thermal insulation properties quantified by a base R value, and the level indicator 52 may be configured such that the insulation layer 50 has an average R value as measured over the entire surface area of the insulation layer. As an example, the average R-value of the insulation layer 50 may be at least 70% of the base R-value, at least 80% of the base R-value, at least 90% of the base R-value, and/or at least 95% of the base R-value. When the insulation layer does not include any level indicator feature 54, the base R value may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a predetermined R value, a nominal R value, and/or an R value of the insulation layer 50.

Turning now to fig. 3-17, fig. 3 shows a drink container 1000, the drink container 1000 being an example of the drink container 10. As shown in fig. 3, the drink container 1000 includes a closure assembly 1100, the closure assembly 1100 being an example of a closure assembly 100 that is coupled to a neck 24 of a liquid vessel 1020, the liquid vessel 1020 being an example of a liquid vessel 20. Fig. 4 shows a separate liquid vessel 1020. As shown in fig. 4, the drink container 1000 includes a closure coupling mechanism 104, the closure coupling mechanism 104 including threads defined on the neck 24 of the liquid vessel 1020 that mate with corresponding threads defined on the closure base 110 of the closure assembly 1100 (shown in fig. 8 and 10-15).

Fig. 3-17 illustrate examples of a drink container 10, liquid vessel 20, and/or closure assembly 100 having certain components, features, and/or options described above in the context of fig. 1-2. However, these examples are not limiting, and further within the scope of the present disclosure, the examples of fig. 3-17 may additionally or alternatively include any suitable combination of components, features, characteristics, structural materials, and/or options described herein, such as with respect to fig. 1-2.

Fig. 5-15 illustrate the closure assembly 1100 and/or components thereof in more detail. As shown in fig. 5-15, the valve assembly 130 of the closure assembly 1100 includes an outlet nozzle 160, the outlet nozzle 160 being operatively coupled to the barrel valve 132 via a threaded connection (visible in fig. 8-15). As best shown in fig. 10-15, the valve assembly 130 of the lid assembly 1100 is received within the basket portion 120 of the lid base 110. The closure assembly 1100 includes an actuator 180 defined by the cartridge valve 132 and including a pair of opposing actuator tabs 182 (two actuator tabs 182 are visible in fig. 5-8). Outlet spout 160 of lid assembly 1100 includes a single drink outlet 144 and 8 shower outlets 154 distributed around drink outlet 144. The outlet spout 160 additionally includes a spout 162, the spout 162 extending from the closure base 110 and defining the drink outlet 144. The valve assembly 130 of the lid assembly 1100 additionally includes a self-sealing valve 170 located within the drink passage 142.

Fig. 5 and 10-11 show the closure assembly 1100 in a drinking configuration. As best shown in fig. 10-11, the basket portion 120 of the lid base 110 includes a pair of base drink ports 126 defined in the basket base 122 of the basket portion 120, and the barrel valve 132 includes a pair of drink inlets 140 defined in the barrel valve base 134. As shown in fig. 10-11, when the valve assembly 130 of the closure assembly 1100 is in the drinking configuration, each base drinking port 126 aligns with a corresponding drinking inlet 140 to allow potable drinking fluid to flow through the closure base 110, the drinking passage 142, the self-sealing valve 170, and the drinking outlet 144 in sequence.

Fig. 6 and 12-13 illustrate the lid assembly 1100 in a shower configuration. As best shown in fig. 12-13, the basket portion 120 of the lid base 110 includes a pair of base shower ports 128 defined in the basket base 122 of the basket portion 120, and the cartridge valve 132 includes a pair of shower inlets 150 defined in the basket valve base 134. As shown in fig. 12-13, when valve assembly 130 of closure assembly 1100 is in the shower configuration, each base shower port 128 is aligned with a corresponding shower inlet 150 to allow potable drinking fluid to flow through closure base 110, shower channel 152, and each shower outlet 154 (shown in fig. 6) in sequence.

Fig. 7 and 14-15 illustrate the lid assembly 1100 in a closed configuration. As best shown in fig. 14-15, when the valve assembly 130 of the lid assembly 1100 is in the closed configuration, each base port 124 of the basket portion 120 is misaligned with each drink inlet 140 and each shower inlet 150 of the cartridge valve 132. Thus, when the valve assembly 130 of the lid assembly 1100 is in the closed configuration, the basket base 122 blocks each base port 124 to restrict potable drinking liquid from entering any one of the drinking channel 142 and the shower channel 152.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the liquid vessel 1020 of fig. 3-4, and fig. 17 shows an example of a thermal insulation layer 50 of the liquid vessel 1020. As shown on the left side of fig. 16, the liquid vessel 1020 may include a thermal insulation layer 50 in the form of a liquid, a gas and/or a partially evacuated region between the inner wall 40 and the outer wall 42. Alternatively, and as shown on the right hand side of fig. 16, the insulation layer 50 may comprise and/or may be a solid structure located between the inner wall 40 and the outer wall 42.

Fig. 17 shows an example of a thermally insulating layer 50 of a liquid vessel 1020 in the form of a solid structure and comprising a level indicator 52. As schematically shown in fig. 17, the level indicator 52 of the insulation layer 50 may include and/or may be a plurality of level indicator features 54, which may take the form of holes and/or apertures defined in the insulation layer. When present, and as schematically illustrated in fig. 17, a plurality of level indicator features 54 may be distributed about a longitudinal and/or azimuthal (i.e., circumferential) extent of the insulation layer 50. Additionally or alternatively, and as further schematically shown in fig. 17, the level indicator 52 may include and/or may be a level indicator strip 56, which may take the form of slits and/or cuts defined along the longitudinal extent of the insulation layer 50. As schematically shown in dashed lines in fig. 17, the insulation layer 50 may comprise a plurality of level indicator features 54 and/or level indicator strips 56 positioned on opposite sides of the insulation layer so as to allow light to pass through the insulation layer and/or the interior compartment 30 of the liquid vessel 20 via each of the circumferentially opposite sides.

Examples of closure assemblies, liquid vessels and drinking containers according to the present disclosure are given in the paragraphs listed below.

A1.1. A closure assembly for a drinking container including a liquid vessel having a neck with an opening and having an interior compartment configured to hold a volume of drinkable drinking liquid, the closure assembly comprising:

a closure base configured to be selectively coupled to a neck of a liquid vessel to selectively couple the closure assembly to the liquid vessel; and

a valve assembly operably coupled to the closure base; wherein the valve assembly comprises at least one drink outlet and at least one shower outlet; and wherein each drink outlet is spaced from each shower outlet;

wherein the valve assembly is configured to be selectively converted between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration; wherein, in the drinking configuration, the valve assembly allows potable drinking liquid to flow from the interior compartment through the opening and to the at least one drinking outlet and restricts potable drinking liquid from flowing through the at least one shower outlet; wherein, in the shower configuration, the valve assembly allows potable drinking liquid to flow from the interior compartment through the opening and to the at least one shower outlet and restricts potable drinking liquid from flowing through the at least one drinking outlet; and wherein, in the closed configuration, the valve assembly restricts the flow of potable drinking liquid from the interior compartment to each of the at least one drinking outlet and the at least one shower outlet.

A1.2. The closure assembly of paragraph a1.1, wherein the closure base includes at least a portion of a closure coupling mechanism configured to selectively couple the closure assembly to the liquid vessel.

A2.1. The lid assembly as recited in any of paragraphs a1.1-a1.2, wherein the valve assembly includes a barrel valve configured to selectively transition the valve assembly between a closed configuration, a drinking configuration, and a shower configuration.

A2.2. The closure assembly of paragraph a2.1, wherein the cartridge valve is configured to be selectively rotated relative to the closure base to transition the valve assembly between the closed configuration, the drinking configuration, and the shower configuration.

A2.3. The closure assembly of paragraph a2.2, wherein the cartridge valve is configured to selectively rotate about an axis of rotation of the closure assembly.

A2.4. A closure assembly as claimed in paragraph a2.3 wherein the axis of rotation is a central axis of the closure assembly.

A2.5. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a2.3-a2.4, wherein the closure assembly is at least substantially and optionally fully rotationally symmetric about the axis of rotation.

A2.6. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a2.3-a2.5, wherein the axis of rotation is at least substantially, and optionally completely, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the liquid vessel when the closure base is operably coupled to the neck of the liquid vessel.

A2.7. The lid assembly as described in any of paragraphs a2.3-a2.6, wherein the cartridge valve is configured to selectively rotate about the axis of rotation without simultaneously translating along the axis of rotation to transition the valve assembly between the closed configuration, the drinking configuration, and the shower configuration.

A2.8. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a2.3-a2.7, wherein the cartridge valve is configured to remain in a constant axial position along the axis of rotation relative to the closure base when the valve assembly is selectively transitioned between the closed, drinking, and shower configurations.

A2.9. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a2.1-a2.8, wherein the barrel valve includes at least one drink inlet and a drink passage, and wherein the drink passage fluidly couples the at least one drink inlet and the at least one drink outlet.

A2.10. The closure assembly of paragraph a2.9, wherein the barrel valve includes a barrel valve base extending at least substantially and optionally completely perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and wherein the barrel valve base at least partially and optionally completely defines the at least one drink inlet.

A2.11. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a2.9-a2.10, wherein the closure base includes at least one base port configured to allow fluid to flow through the closure base, and wherein the at least one base port is at least partially and optionally fully aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one drink inlet when the valve assembly is in the drink configuration.

A2.12. The lid assembly as paragraph a2.11 recites, wherein each base port is misaligned with each drink inlet when the valve assembly is in the closed configuration.

A2.13. The lid assembly of any of paragraphs a2.1-a2.12, wherein the cartridge valve comprises at least one shower inlet and a shower channel, and wherein the shower channel fluidly couples the at least one shower inlet and the at least one shower outlet.

A2.14. The lid assembly as recited in paragraph a2.13, wherein the barrel valve includes a barrel valve base extending at least substantially, and optionally completely, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and wherein the barrel valve base at least partially, and optionally completely, defines the at least one shower inlet.

A2.15. The lid assembly as recited in any of paragraphs a2.13-a2.14, wherein the lid base includes at least one base port configured to allow fluid flow through the lid base, and wherein the at least one base port is at least partially and optionally fully aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one shower inlet when the valve assembly is in the shower configuration.

A2.16. The lid assembly as paragraph a2.15 recites, wherein each base port is misaligned with each shower inlet when the valve assembly is in the closed configuration.

A2.17. The lid assembly according to any of paragraphs a2.13-a2.16 when depending from paragraph a2.11, wherein the at least one base port comprises at least one base drinking port and at least one base shower port; wherein each base drink port is at least partially and optionally fully aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one drink inlet when the valve assembly is in the drink configuration; wherein each base shower port is at least partially and optionally fully aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one shower inlet when the valve assembly is in the shower configuration; and wherein each base drink port is spaced apart from each base shower port.

A2.18. A closure assembly according to paragraph a2.13 when dependent on paragraph a2.9, wherein the drinking passage and the shower passage are fluidly separated from one another.

A2.19. A closure assembly according to paragraph a2.13 when dependent on paragraph a2.9, wherein each drink inlet is spaced from each shower inlet.

A2.20. The closure assembly as in any of paragraphs a2.1-a2.19, wherein the closure base restricts fluid flow through the barrel valve when the valve assembly is in the closed configuration.

A2.21. The closure assembly according to any of paragraphs a2.1-a2.20, wherein the closure base comprises a basket portion that extends into the interior compartment of the liquid vessel when the closure base is operatively coupled to the neck of the liquid vessel, and wherein the barrel valve is at least partially, and optionally fully, received within the basket portion.

A2.22. A closure assembly according to paragraph a2.21, wherein the basket portion includes at least one base port.

A2.23. A closure assembly according to paragraph a2.22, wherein the basket portion comprises a basket base extending at least substantially, and optionally completely, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and wherein the basket base defines at least one base port.

A2.24. The lid assembly as recited in any of paragraphs a2.21-a2.23, wherein the basket portion restricts fluid flow through each of the at least one drink inlet and/or the at least one shower inlet of the cartridge valve when the valve assembly is in the closed configuration.

A2.25. The lid assembly as recited in paragraph a2.21, wherein the barrel valve is operatively coupled to the basket portion such that removal of the barrel valve from the basket portion is restricted without damaging the lid assembly.

A2.26. A closure assembly as set forth in paragraph a2.25 wherein at least one of the barrel valve and the basket portion includes a barrel valve retaining structure configured to limit removal of the barrel valve from the basket portion.

A2.27. The closure assembly of paragraph a2.26, wherein the cartridge valve retaining structure is configured to allow the cartridge valve to rotate relative to the basket portion.

A2.28. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a2.9-a2.27, wherein the valve assembly comprises a self-sealing valve positioned within the drink passage, wherein the self-sealing valve is configured to allow the drinkable drink liquid to flow through the drink passage and to the drink outlet only when a pressure of the drinkable drink liquid on the self-sealing valve exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

A2.29. The lid assembly of paragraph a2.28, wherein the self-sealing valve comprises, and optionally is, a slit diaphragm valve.

A3.1. The lid assembly of any of paragraphs a1.1-a2.29, wherein each drink outlet has a drink outlet cross-sectional area, wherein each shower outlet has a shower outlet cross-sectional area, and wherein each drink outlet cross-sectional area may be at least one of: at least 2 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at least 5 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at least 10 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at least 20 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at most 30 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at most 15 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, at most 7 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area, and at most 3 times each shower outlet cross-sectional area.

A3.2. The lid assembly of any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.1, wherein each drink outlet has a drink outlet cross-sectional area, wherein each shower outlet has a drink outlet cross-sectional area, and wherein a ratio of a sum of the drink outlet cross-sectional areas of each drink outlet to a sum of the shower outlet cross-sectional areas of each shower outlet may be at least one of: at least 0.5, at least 1, at least 2, at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at most 30, at most 25, at most 17, at most 13, at most 7, at most 3, and at most 1.

A3.3. The lid assembly of any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.2, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through each of the at least one drinking outlets at a drinking flow rate when the valve assembly is in the drinking configuration, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through each of the at least one shower outlets at a shower flow rate when the valve assembly is in the shower configuration, and wherein the drinking flow rate is greater than the shower flow rate.

A3.4. A closure assembly according to paragraph a3.3, wherein the drinking flow rate is at least one of: at least 1.5 times the shower flow rate, at least 2 times the shower flow rate, at least 5 times the shower flow rate, at least 10 times the shower flow rate, at least 20 times the shower flow rate, at most 50 times the shower flow rate, at most 30 times the shower flow rate, at most 15 times the shower flow rate, at most 7 times the shower flow rate, and at most 3 times the shower flow rate.

A3.5. The lid assembly of any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.4, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through each of the at least one drinking outlets at a drinking flow rate when the valve assembly is in the drinking configuration, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow potable drinking liquid to flow through each of the at least one shower outlets at a shower flow rate when the valve assembly is in the shower configuration, and wherein the shower flow rate is greater than the drinking flow rate.

A3.6. The lid assembly of paragraph a3.5, wherein the shower flow rate is at least one of: at least 1.5 times the drinking flow velocity, at least 2 times the drinking flow velocity, at least 5 times the drinking flow velocity, at least 10 times the drinking flow velocity, at least 20 times the drinking flow velocity, at most 50 times the drinking flow velocity, at most 30 times the drinking flow velocity, at most 15 times the drinking flow velocity, at most 7 times the drinking flow velocity, and at most 3 times the drinking flow velocity.

A3.7. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.6, wherein the at least one drink outlet comprises at least one of: 1 drink outlet, at least 2 drink outlets, at least 3 drink outlets and less than 5 drink outlets.

A3.8. The lid assembly of any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.7, wherein the at least one shower outlet includes 1 shower outlet, at least 2 shower outlets, at least 5 shower outlets, at least 10 shower outlets, at least 20 shower outlets, less than 30 shower outlets, less than 15 shower outlets, less than 7 shower outlets, and less than 3 shower outlets.

A3.9. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.8, wherein the number of shower outlets is greater than the number of drink outlets.

A3.10. The lid assembly as described in any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.9, wherein the at least one shower outlet comprises an annular shower outlet surrounding the at least one drink outlet.

A3.11. The lid assembly as described in any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.10, wherein the at least one shower outlet includes a plurality of shower outlets distributed around the at least one drink outlet.

A4.1. A closure assembly as claimed in any of paragraphs a1.1-a3.11, wherein the valve assembly comprises an outlet spout defining each drink outlet.

A4.2. The closure assembly of paragraph a4.1, wherein the outlet mouth is operatively coupled to the barrel valve.

A4.3. The closure assembly of paragraph a4.2, wherein the outlet mouth is configured to be selectively and repeatedly removed from and reattached to the barrel valve without damaging the valve assembly.

A4.4. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a4.2-a4.3, wherein the outlet nozzle is configured to be operably coupled to the barrel valve by at least one of a threaded coupling and a friction fit coupling.

A4.5. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a4.2-a4.4, wherein the outlet spout is configured to remain coupled to the barrel valve when the valve assembly is transitioned between the closed configuration, the drinking configuration, and the shower configuration.

A4.6. The closure assembly of paragraph a4.5, wherein the outlet spout is configured to rotate with the cartridge valve relative to the closure base and about the axis of rotation when the valve assembly is transitioned between the closed, drinking, and shower configurations.

A4.7. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a4.1-a4.6, wherein the outlet nozzle comprises a spout extending away from the closure base.

A4.8. A closure assembly according to paragraph a4.7, wherein the spout defines each drink outlet.

A4.9. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a4.1-a4.8, wherein the closure assembly further comprises a mouthpiece configured to be selectively and repeatedly attached to and removed from the outlet mouth.

A4.10. The closure assembly of paragraph a4.9, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be selectively and repeatedly attached to and/or removed from the spout of the outlet nozzle.

A4.11. A closure assembly as claimed in any of paragraphs a4.9-a4.10, wherein the mouthpiece is formed from a resiliently deformable material.

A4.12. The lid assembly as described in any of paragraphs a4.1-a4.11, wherein the outlet nozzle defines each shower outlet.

A4.13. The lid assembly as described in any of paragraphs a2.1-a4.11, wherein the cartridge valve defines each shower outlet.

A5.1. The lid assembly as recited in any of paragraphs a1.1-a4.13, wherein the valve assembly further comprises an actuator configured to be engaged by a user to selectively transition the valve assembly between the closed configuration, the drinking configuration, and the shower configuration.

A5.2. The closure assembly of paragraph a5.1, wherein the actuator is configured to rotate at least a portion of the valve assembly relative to the closure base and about an axis of rotation of the closure assembly.

A5.3. The closure assembly of paragraph a5.2, wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the portion of the valve assembly without translating the portion of the valve assembly along the axis of rotation.

A5.4. The closure assembly as recited in any of paragraphs a5.1-a5.3, wherein one of the valve assembly and the closure base includes a plurality of closure mode symbols, wherein the other of the valve assembly and the closure base includes a closure mode indicator, and wherein the actuator is configured to selectively align the closure mode indicator with a corresponding closure mode symbol, wherein each closure mode symbol corresponds to one of a closed configuration, a drink configuration, and a shower configuration.

A5.5. The closure assembly of paragraph a5.4, wherein the actuator includes a closed mode indicator.

A5.6. A closure assembly as claimed in any of paragraphs a5.1-a5.5 when dependent on paragraph a2.1, wherein the barrel valve at least partially and optionally fully defines the actuator.

A5.7. The closure assembly of any of paragraphs a5.1-a5.6, wherein the actuator comprises at least one actuator tab extending away from the closure base.

A5.8. The closure assembly of paragraph a5.7, wherein the at least one actuator tab includes a closed mode indicator.

A5.9. The lid assembly according to any of paragraphs a5.7-a5.8, wherein each actuator protrusion extends an actuator protrusion height away from the lid base, wherein the spout extends a spout height away from the lid base, and wherein the actuator protrusion height is at least one of: at least 50% of the height of the spout, at least 75% of the height of the spout, at least 100% of the height of the spout, at least 125% of the height of the spout, at least 150% of the height of the spout, at most 175% of the height of the spout, at most 130% of the height of the spout, at most 110% of the height of the spout, at most 90% of the height of the spout, and at most.

A5.10. A closure assembly according to any of paragraphs a5.1-a5.9 when depending from paragraph a4.1, wherein the outlet mouth at least partially and optionally fully defines the actuator.

A5.11. The closure assembly of paragraph a5.10, wherein the actuator includes at least one actuator recess defined in the outlet mouth.

B1.1. A drinking vessel comprising:

a liquid vessel having a neck with an opening and having an interior compartment configured to hold a volume of drinkable drinking liquid; and

the lid assembly of any of paragraphs a1.1-a5.11, configured to be operably coupled to a liquid vessel.

B1.2. The drink container of paragraph B1.1, wherein the liquid vessel is a semi-rigid liquid vessel configured to be squeezed by a user to discharge potable drink liquid through the closure assembly.

B1.3. The drink container of any of paragraphs B1.1-B1.2, wherein the neck includes at least a portion of a closure coupling mechanism configured to selectively couple the closure assembly to the liquid vessel.

B1.4. The drink container of paragraph B1.3, wherein the closure coupling mechanism includes threads on the neck and threads on the closure base that cooperatively engage to selectively couple the closure assembly to the liquid vessel.

B2.1. The drink container of any of paragraphs B1.1-B1.4, wherein the liquid vessel comprises: an inner wall at least partially and optionally completely defining an interior compartment; and an outer wall configured to be grasped by a user.

B2.2. The drink container of any of paragraphs B1.1-B2.1, wherein the liquid vessel includes an insulating layer configured to limit thermal energy transfer through the liquid vessel.

B2.3. The drink container of paragraph B2.2, wherein the insulation layer comprises at least one of foam, metal foil, fluid, gas, and liquid.

B2.4. The drinking vessel of any of paragraphs B2.2-B2.3, wherein the insulation layer is positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall.

B2.5. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.2-B2.4, wherein the insulation layer is formed on at least one of the inner wall and the outer wall.

B2.6. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.2-B2.4, wherein the insulation layer is adhered to at least one of the inner wall and/or the outer wall.

B2.7. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.2-B2.6, wherein the insulating layer is at least one of optically transparent and optically translucent.

B2.8. The drinking vessel of any of paragraphs B2.2-B2.6, wherein the insulating layer is at least substantially and optionally completely opaque.

B2.9. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.2-B2.8, wherein the insulation layer includes a level indicator configured to allow visual inspection of the interior compartment when the lid assembly is operably coupled to the liquid vessel.

B2.10. The drink container of paragraph B2.9, wherein the liquid level indicator is configured to allow visual inspection of the volume of drinkable drink liquid within the interior compartment.

B2.11. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.9-B2.10, wherein the liquid level indicator is at least one of optically transparent and optically translucent.

B2.12. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.9-B2.11, wherein the level indicator includes a plurality of level indicator features defined in the insulating layer.

B2.13. The drink container of paragraph B2.12, wherein each level indicator feature includes an aperture defined by an insulating layer.

B2.14. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.12-B2.13, wherein the plurality of level indicator features are distributed around a longitudinal extent of the insulating layer to allow visual inspection of each of the plurality of volumes of drinkable drink liquid within the liquid vessel.

B2.15. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.12-B2.14, wherein the plurality of level indicator features are distributed around an azimuthal extent of the insulating layer to facilitate visual inspection of the volume of drinkable drink liquid within the liquid vessel from a plurality of perspectives.

B2.16. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.12-B2.15, wherein each level indicator feature has a shape including at least one of a circle, an oval, a polygon, a triangle, a quadrilateral, a rectangle, and a square.

B2.17. The drink container of any of paragraphs B2.9-B2.16, wherein the level indicator comprises at least one level indicator strip extending along a longitudinal extent of the insulating layer.

B2.18. The drinking vessel of any of paragraphs B2.2-B2.17, wherein the insulating layer is at least substantially formed of a material having insulating properties quantified by a base R-value; wherein the liquid level indicator is configured such that the thermally insulating layer has an average R-value measured over the entire surface area of the thermally insulating layer; and wherein the average R-value of the insulation layer is at least one of: at least 70% of the base R value, at least 80% of the base R value, at least 90% of the base R value, and at least 95% of the base R value.

As used herein, the term "and/or" placed between a first entity and a second entity refers to one of the following: (1) a first entity, (2) a second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with "and/or" should be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so connected. In addition to the entities specifically identified by the "and/or" phrase, other entities may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open language such as "including," references to "a and/or B" may refer in one embodiment to only a (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, only B (optionally including entities other than a); in another embodiment, refer to both a and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, acts, structures, steps, operations, values, etc.

As used herein, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more entities in the list of entities, but does not necessarily include at least one of each entity specifically listed in the list of entities, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows for the selective presence of entities, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified entities, in addition to the specifically identified entities within the list of entities referred to by the phrase "at least one". Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of a and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of a or B," or, equivalently "at least one of a and/or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, a, with no B present (and optionally including an entity other than B); in another embodiment, at least one, optionally including more than one B, no a is present (and optionally including entities other than a); in another embodiment, at least one, optionally more than one, a, and at least one, optionally more than one, B (and optionally other entities) are referred to. In other words, the phrases "at least one," "one or more," and/or "are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, the expressions "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B or C", and "A, B and/or C" may denote a alone a, a alone B, a alone C, a and B together, a and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally a combination of any of the above with at least one other entity.

As used herein, "selectively" and "selectively," when modifying the action, motion, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or features of a drink container according to the present disclosure, refers to the specified action, motion, configuration, or other activity that is a direct or indirect result of a user manipulating an aspect or one or more components of the drink container.

As used herein, "operable" and "operably" when modifying the action, movement, configuration, interconnection, coupling, or other relationship of one or more components of a drink container according to the present disclosure means that the specified action, movement, configuration, interconnection, coupling, or other relationship is performed and/or realized as a result of the standard (i.e., intended) operational and/or functional utilization of the one or more components of the drink container, such as in the manner described herein.

As used herein, the phrase "for example," the phrase "as an example" and/or simply the term "example" when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure is intended to convey that the described components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods are illustrative, non-exclusive examples of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods are not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods that include structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "adapted" and "constructed" mean that an element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, use of the terms "suitable" and "constructed" should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is merely "capable of" performing a given function, but rather that the element, component, or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed to perform the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

As used herein, the phrase "at least substantially" when used in reference to a characteristic of one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure is intended to encompass the component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method exhibiting that characteristic predominantly and/or completely. In other words, the phrase "at least substantially", as used herein, is intended to be equivalent to the phrase "at least substantially and optionally completely".

As used herein, the phrase "at least partially" when used with reference to a characteristic of one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods in accordance with the present disclosure is intended to encompass the component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method exhibiting, in part, substantially, and/or completely, the characteristic. In other words, the phrase "at least partially" as used herein is intended to be equivalent to the phrase "at least partially and optionally completely".

If any patent, patent application, or other reference is incorporated by reference herein, and (1) a term is defined in a manner that is inconsistent with the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any other incorporated reference, and/or (2) a term is defined in a manner that is otherwise inconsistent therewith, then the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control the reference that defines the term and/or the originally present incorporated disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The drinking closures and drinking containers disclosed herein are suitable for use in the beverage container industry.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.