Drink bottles with bite-actuated mouthpieces

ES 2 599 861 T3

DESCRIPTION

Drink Bottles with Bite Operated Spout

Disclosure field

The present disclosure relates generally to beverage bottles, and more particularly to beverage bottles with 5 bite actuated spouts.

Disclosure Background

For some time now, people have recognized the need to stay hydrated. Conventionally, many individuals carry drink bottles containing water or other drinkable beverages. These bottles are formed from plastic and include a cap. Some conventional beverage bottles include a threaded or other neck from which the user drinks the fluid contained in the beverage bottle after removing the cap. Some conventional beverage bottles include a spout, spout, from which fluid can be obtained from the beverage bottle without removing the cap from the beverage bottle. Conventional spouts include straws and rigid spouts that have an outlet through which the beverage fluid can flow. Other conventional bottles require the cap to be removed to allow the beverage fluid to be drawn from the beverage bottle.

US Patent No. 5,065,909 discloses a lid [10] for an open standard beverage can or container of similar final configuration that includes a cap having an outlet passage and a vent hole, and a valve arranged in the cap with a snap fit assembly. The valve has a tubular lever that can be brought into communication with the outlet passage to form a nozzle.

Disclosure Summary

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a beverage container according to claim 1.

The present disclosure relates to beverage bottles that include bite-actuated spouts. Bite actuated nozzles are deformable nozzles that are pushed from a closed or sealed configuration to a dispensing configuration when a user bites into the nozzle. Spouts can also be referred to as self-sealing spouts which are elastically inclined to automatically return to the closed configuration and thus seal the slot or other opening through which the beverage fluid can flow when the valve is pushed by the user to the open or dispense configuration. In some embodiments, the bottles are rigid bottles, while in others they are collapsible bottles. In some embodiments, the bottles include a removable cap. In some embodiments, the bottles include a manual open / close valve that is adapted to prevent beverage fluid from being dispensed regardless of the bite-actuated nozzle configuration. In some embodiments the bottle includes a straw that extends into the bottle and / or a beverage tube that extends from the cap of the bottle and with which the bite-actuated valve is in fluid communication. In some embodiments, the bottles include an air return system. In some embodiments, the bottles include a dispensing spout that is pivotably coupled to the cap of the beverage bottle, in some additional embodiments, the dispensing spout includes a mounting for a self-sealing, a spout bite actuated and / or cooperates with the cap to provide a manual open / close valve to selectively restrict the flow of the beverage fluid from the bottle, regardless of the nozzle configuration.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bite-actuated beverage bottle, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of another bite-actuated beverage bottle, in accordance with the present disclosure.

ES 2 599 861 T3

Figure 3 is a fragmentary, side elevation, partial cross-sectional view of a fluid container that may be used with bite-actuated beverage bottles in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary, side elevation, partial cross-sectional view of portions of another bite-actuated beverage bottle, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, of a cap assembly that may be used with bite-actuated beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of another cap assembly that may be used with bite-actuated beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a side elevation view of another cap assembly that may be used with bite-actuated beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 8 is a somewhat schematic, fragmentary side elevational view of portions of another bite-actuated beverage bottle, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 9 is a somewhat schematic, fragmentary, side elevational view of portions of another bite-actuated beverage bottle, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 10 is an isometric view of a bite-actuated spout that can be used with bite-actuated beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 11 is a top plan view of the nozzle of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a side elevation view of the nozzle of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the nozzle of Figure 10.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 12.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a somewhat schematic top plan view of a bite actuated nozzle in a dispensing configuration.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of another bite-actuated nozzle that may be used with bite-actuated beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of another bite-actuated nozzle that may be used with bite-actuated beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a top plan view of another cap assembly suitable for use with bite-actuated beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure, with the spout of the cap assembly in a pick-up configuration.

Figure 22 is a top plan view of the cap assembly of Figure 21, with the spout of the cap assembly in a dispensing configuration.

Figure 23 is a side elevation view of the cap assembly of Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a side elevation view of the cap assembly of Figure 22.

Figure 25 is an exploded isometric view of the cap assembly of Figure 21.

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the cap assembly of Figure 21.

ES 2 599 861 T3

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the cap assembly of Figure 22.

Figure 28 is a side elevation view, in partial cross section, of another cap assembly that may be used with bite actuated beverage bottles in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 29 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, of the cap assembly of Figure 28, with the spout pivoted to a collection configuration.

Detailed description and best mode of disclosure

Examples of beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure, are shown in Figures 1 and 2 indicated generally by 10. The beverage bottles 10, in accordance with the present disclosure, include a fluid container 12 and a stopper. or plug assembly 14 including nozzle 72. Although they have been referred to herein as "beverage bottles", it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the fluid container may have any suitable shape, including shapes that do not resemble conventional bottles, and may be formed from any suitable material. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that beverage bottles 10 may additionally or alternatively be referred to as beverage containers 10 and / or beverage containers 10. As described in more detail herein, bottles 10, in accordance with the present disclosure, will typically include a cap assembly with a base 70 that is adapted to engage the fluid container and a bite-actuated nozzle. , or a valve assembly 72 which a user can bite into to configure the nozzle from a closure configuration to a dispensing configuration.

In Figures 1 and 2, the cap assemblies are shown including optional pivot assemblies 100 in which the nozzle is mounted, and handles 140 extending from the cap assembly. In Figure 2, the cap assembly is shown assembled in a dispensing configuration, in which the nozzle is oriented in a suitable position from which the user can draw the beverage fluid from the beverage bottle to through the nozzle 72, when the user bites into the nozzle or conversely pushes the nozzle from the illustrated sealed configuration to a dispensing configuration. In Figure 1, the illustrative example of a cap assembly 14 is shown with the mount in a pick-up configuration, in which the nozzle is located closer to the base of the cap than it is in the dispensing configuration, with the configuration of collected, typically corresponding to an orientation in which the nozzle is not properly positioned for a user to bite into the nozzle to set the nozzle to a dispensing configuration. The collection configuration can also be referred to as a retracted configuration, and the dispensing configuration can also be referred to as an extended configuration, in which the distal end, or outlet, of the assembly is oriented to extend generally away from the base of the cap assembly. . The various configurations referred to herein may also selectively refer to positions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As indicated in Figures 1 to 2 and perhaps best seen in Figure 3, fluid container 12 defines an interior compartment 20 that is dimensioned to house, or receive, a certain volume of potable beverage fluid, or liquid. Illustrative examples of beverage fluids include water, sports drinks, juices, energy drinks, and the like. Typically, container 12 is sized to hold approximately two liters of beverage fluid, with many embodiments of container 12 being sized to hold a maximum volume of less than two liters of beverage fluid. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that container 12 may be of any suitable size and shape, with illustrative, non-exclusive examples being shown in Figures 1 to 3. Non-exclusive illustrative examples of suitable sizes (i.e. beverage fluid capacities capable of being received into the fluid container at one time) for the fluid container 12 include 118 mL (4 oz), 177 mL (6 oz), 227 8 oz (296 ml), 10 oz (296 ml), 12 oz (355 ml), 16 oz (473 ml), 20 oz (591 ml), 24 oz (710 ml), 32 oz (946 ml), 1,065 ml (36 oz), 0.5 L, 0.7 L, 1 L, 1.5 L, 6 to 11 oz (117 to 325 ml), 12 to 19 oz (355 to 562 ml) 19 to 562 to 739 ml to 25 oz), 355 to 1065 ml (12 to 36 oz), 739 to 1,056 ml (25 to 36 oz), and 296 to 2,070 ml (10 to 70 oz) (with these illustrative examples referring to fluid ounces of liquid fluid that can be poured into a single fill into an empty fluid container). It is within the scope of the present disclosure that containers having various sizes, including sizes that are smaller than, larger than, or within the illustrative sizes and / or ranges presented above, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. present disclosure.

The fluid container 12 can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Non-exclusive examples of factors that can be (but are not required to be) considered

ES 2 599 861 T3 when selecting the material (s) for the fluid container Include the durability of the material, the intended drinking fluid, or the types of beverage fluids that will be contained in the fluid container, the intended beverage , the period of use of the beverage bottle, whether the fluid container is intended to be refilled or otherwise reused, environmental factors, whether the fluid container is intended to resist folding during use, whether the fluid container is designed to allow a user to fold the fluid container inward when dispensing fluid from it, or to dispense beverage fluid from it, if the beverage container (and optionally the cap assembly) they are designed to be washed in a household dishwasher, etc. Illustrative examples of materials that can be used include polycarbonate, polypropylene, glass, metal, and the like. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the material (s) to be selected such that the fluid container is transparent, or at least translucent, so that a user can see the contents of the fluid container, or at least the level of beverage fluid within the fluid container, through the walls, or wall structure, of the container. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the material (s) to be selected such that the fluid container is rigid and resists folding when a user drinks from the container. In some embodiments, the material (s) may be selected such that the fluid container is designed to collapse (i.e., to allow opposing portions of the wall structure to be pushed toward or even in contact with each other) during Its use. However, even if fluid containers that are adapted to collapse during use, such as when a user squeezes the container, they will tend to be at least semi-rigid in constitution and therefore adapt to being self-supporting. In some embodiments, the material (s) can be selected so that the fluid container is not breakable, that is, it will not break if dropped. Polyethylene will normally produce a collapsible fluid container that is translucent or opaque, but not transparent. Polycarbonate will typically produce a rigid or hard fluid container that has a transparent or glass-like appearance without the brittleness of glass. Polypropylene typically produces a fluid container that is more translucent and harder than polyethylene and that is capable of further collapsing during use when a user squeezes the wall structure of the fluid container fluid.

As noted with respect to the illustrated examples of fluid containers shown in Figures 1-3, container 12 includes a body 22 with a base 24 or bottom surface and a neck 26, with the bottom surface and bottom neck separated by wall frame 28. As perhaps best appreciated in Figure 3, the bottom surface 24 is adapted to support the beverage bottle on a flat surface. In other words, in the illustrative example, when the beverage bottle is arranged on a generally flat surface, the bottom surface of the beverage bottle will support the beverage bottle in a straight configuration on this surface. Figure 3 also demonstrates that the bottom surface of the fluid container is not required to have a flattened or flat configuration, although this configuration is within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated example shown in Figure 2, the wall structure 28 has a contoured configuration, with the central region 30 of the wall structure being tapered, or defining a portion of the internal compartment having a reduced cross-sectional area, with relative to the corresponding upper and lower regions 32 34 of the wall structure. For example, the central region may be shaped to facilitate easier gripping of the beverage bottle by the user. It is within the scope of this disclosure that other configurations may be used. For example, the body can include a handle, a passage, that extends into or through the beverage compartment. As another non-exclusive illustrative example, the body may include a handle projecting outwardly from the wall structure. As a further example, the wall structure may have a cylindrical or other geometric shape. As shown in Figure 1 the container wall structure 28 may have a generally cylindrical configuration. In the illustrated example, the upper region 32 of the wall structure has a tapered configuration with respect to the central regions 30 and lower 34 of the wall structure, and therefore has a smaller internal perimeter.

The cross-sectional configuration of the wall structure may be symmetrical across the upper, central, and lower regions or at least one of the regions may have a cross-sectional configuration that is not symmetrical to the other regions and / or with regarding it. For example, by selectively shaping the cross-sectional configuration, or the perimeter, or at least the central region can allow the beverage bottle to be oriented, rotatably, by the user to drink from the consequent bite actuated valve assembly described without requiring the user to look at the rotary position of the valve assembly relative to the user's hand that is holding the central region of the wall structure of the container. fluid. For example, and with reference to Figure 2, by shaping the wall structure to have a depression or other non-symmetrical portion 36 in the central region of the wall structure, generally beyond the bite-actuated nozzle, it can be allowed a user to grasp and orient the bottle to drink from the spout

ES 2 599 861 T3 simply by feeling the position of the non-symmetrical portion of the wall structure. However this is only one of many suitable settings and is not required. In Figures 1 and 2, the wall structure includes gradations 38 to indicate the volume of fluid present in the container. As shown, the gradations are spaced along the height of the fluid container to indicate or otherwise mark the volumes of the beverage fluid. The gradations 38 provide another example of optional structure that may or may not be implemented in a particular embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Neck 26 provides an opening, or intake, through which beverage fluid can be poured into and / or removed from the interior compartment of the fluid container. Neck 26 will normally have a reduced cross-sectional area (or smaller perimeter) than the region of the fluid container from which it extends, although this configuration is not required. Neck 26 is adapted to interconnect, usually removably, with the cap assembly through any suitable mechanical interconnect or mating structure. In the illustrative example shown in Figure 3, the neck 26 includes a socket 40 with a coupling structure 42 that includes a thread 44 that is configured to be engaged, with the possibility of threading, by means of the corresponding thread 46 in the base 70 of the cap assembly to allow the cap to be threaded, or threaded into the neck, as shown in figure 3. In the illustrative example shown in Figure 3, the threads 46 of the cap assembly provide the base mating structure 45. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that a coupling assembly 43 may be used to collectively refer to base and neck coupling structures such as threads 44 and 46.

Another example of a coupling assembly 43 suitable for interconnecting the cap assembly and the fluid container is shown in Figure 4. As shown, the plug assembly is configured to engage the neck with a coupling assembly 43 in the form of a friction fit assembly, with the neck 26, including a coupling structure 42 that includes a rim or flange 48 exterior onto which a corresponding mating structure 45, in the form of an interior rim or flange 50, of the base of the cap assembly, extends to engage the cap assembly in the neck. Plug assembly 14 and / or neck 26 can form a tight seal between them without requiring the inclusion of gaskets, O-rings, or seal enhancement structures. However, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that one or more of such structures can be used.

As described, the cap assembly 14 is connected, and normally connected, removably, to the neck of the fluid container. By "detachable connected" is meant that the cap assembly is designed, or adapted, to be repeatedly connected and disconnected from the neck of the fluid container without destroying the cap assembly or neck. When properly connected to the neck, the cap assembly forms a seal with the neck of the fluid container and therefore selectively seals the interior compartment of the container to prevent beverage fluid from being dispensed therefrom. through opening 40, except as allowed by the plug assembly. One or more of the cap and neck assemblies may include a compressible gasket or other sealing structure to help provide a tight seal between the cap assembly and the neck when the cap assembly is properly attached to the neck. When removed or otherwise disconnected from the fluid container, the cap assembly may be retained proximate the fluid container by a connector that interconnects the cap assembly and the fluid container to retain a connection between these components when the base of the cap assembly is attached to the neck of the fluid container. An optional connector is schematically illustrated in Figure 4-52. When present, the connector may be integrally formed with one or both the cap assembly and the fluid container, or it may be coupled to the cap assembly and / or the fluid container through a suitable mechanism. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the cap assembly can be coupled to the fluid container via a connector.

As described, and as somewhat schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, the cap assembly 14 includes a base 70 that is adapted to interconnect with the neck of the fluid container. The cap assembly 14 further includes a nozzle such as a bite actuated nozzle 72, which is adapted to selectively allow beverage fluid to flow through it when the valve assembly is deformed from its configuration. closing to a dispensing or opening configuration. The cap assembly 14 further includes, or defines, a fluid conduit 74 through which the beverage fluid can selectively flow from the fluid container to the nozzle.

ES 2 599 861 T3

As discussed, base 70 is preferably configured to be coupled, removably, to the neck of the fluid container to seal the intake defined by the neck of the fluid container. In other words, the user can drink directly from the fluid container through the opening 40 when the cap assembly is not attached to the neck by a suitable mating structure. When the cap assembly 14 is attached to the neck, then the beverage fluid cannot be withdrawn from the fluid container 12 other than by being allowed by the cap assembly, such as through the bite-actuated nozzle 72. The base 70 forms a portion of the coupling assembly 43, with the base and neck of the fluid container cooperating to secure the base to the neck. In FIG. 5, the base 70 is shown including a coupling structure 45 in the form of threads 46 which are configured to engage, with the possibility of threading, corresponding threads in the neck of the fluid container. As shown in Figure 5, the base 70 also includes, or defines, an inlet 80 to the fluid conduit 74 through which the beverage fluid is selectively withdrawn from the fluid container and dispensed through of the bite actuated nozzle 72.

As described, cap assembly 14 defines a fluid conduit 74 that extends from the fluid container to the bite-actuated nozzle, so that the beverage fluid from container 12 can be selectively dispensed. , through nozzle 72. Figure 5 depicts, graphically, that it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the cap assembly 14 may include a mount 100 to which the bite-actuated nozzle is removably mounted or attached, with the mount defining at least one portion of fluid conduit 74, such that it can extend through a hollow passage 102 within the mount to a distal opening end region 104 of the mount. When the assembly 100 includes a fluid passageway through which the beverage fluid can at least selectively flow from the internal compartment of the fluid container to the spout, the assembly may be referred to as a beverage spout. In the illustrated example shown in Figure 5, the mount extends in a fixed orientation with respect to the base 70, thus defining the orientation of the nozzle 72 with respect to the base (and fluid container) during use of the bottle of drink. In Figure 5, the mount extends generally parallel to the central or longitudinal axis 106 of the cap assembly and the corresponding beverage bottle (ie directly from the cap assembly). However, any suitable guidance can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This is represented, graphically, in Figure 6, in which the assembly is shown extending at an inclined angle with respect to the central or longitudinal axis 106 of the cap assembly and the corresponding beverage bottle.

It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the assembly 100 can be positioned, adjustably, relative to the base of the plug assembly, thereby allowing the orientation of the bite-actuated nozzle to be adjusted within a range of positions, or configurations, that are defined, at least in part, by montage. This adjustable positioning of the spout, when provided for a particular embodiment, may allow the user to adjust the orientation of the spout to a user-selected beverage orientation. An example of an adjustably positionable mount 100 is shown in broken lines in Figure 6, in which the mount and attached nozzle are shown pivoting from the dispensing configuration shown in solid lines to a collection configuration. In the pick-up configuration, the mouthpiece is not normally positioned to be received in the mouth of a user. As described in more detail herein, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the plug assembly may include an optional valve or other fluid regulator that is adapted to prevent or otherwise restrict fluid flow. due to the nozzle when the mount is in a pickup configuration. In said one embodiment, when the mount is in the collection configuration, the beverage fluid can be prevented from flowing from the fluid container to the spout, regardless of the spout configuration.

Another illustrative example of a cap assembly 14 that includes a beverage spout assembly 100 that is pivotal within a range of positions, or configurations, relative to the base of the cap assembly is shown in Figure 7. As Shown, the plug assembly includes an adjustable gasket 108, which is somewhat schematically illustrated. As illustrative examples, the nozzle, and at least a portion of the assembly, may be coupled to the base of the plug assembly by a gasket (and / or valve) 108, such that it can take the form of a pivot joint, a ball or other suitable structure that provides adjustment of the angular and / or rotational orientation of the mount with respect to the base of the plug assembly. When the plug assembly includes such a pivotal joint 108, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the joint can form a portion of the fluid conduit 74 of the plug assembly, such as with the passage of the fluid conduit extending through of the board. However, this constitution is not required in all embodiments. As a variation of this structure, the mount may include a flexible or hinged region that allows selective adjustment of the orientation of the distal opening end region 104 of the mount relative to the fluid conduit inlet.

ES 2 599 861 T3

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the mouthpiece is not removable, or is permanently attached to the base, mount, or other position of the cap assembly. However, in many embodiments it is desirable that the nozzle be removably connected to the cap assembly in such a way as to allow the nozzle to be repeatedly removed, such as for cleaning or replacement, and starting. from there reattach to the set. As non-exclusive illustrative examples, the part may be mounted, removably, on mount 100 and / or with the mount being designed to be removable from base 70.

The nozzle 72 or bite-operable valve includes at least one opening through which the beverage fluid can flow when the nozzle is in its dispensing or opening configuration. A non-exclusive illustrative example of a suitable constitution for the bite actuated nozzle 72 is shown in Figures 10 to 15. In the example illustrated, and perhaps best shown in Figures 10 and 14-15, the nozzle includes an outlet 86 or dispensing opening that is defined by a slot 88 extending through the dispensing face 90 of the nozzle. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that other configurations may be used, including two or more slots, intersecting or separate slots, etc. This range of optional configurations is indicated, schematically, in Figure 11, in which a pair of slots are shown laterally separated in broken lines by 88 ', and in which a second slot intersecting slot 88 is shown. in dashed lines by 88 ''. The nozzle defines an interior chamber 110 into which fluid flows from the outlet or end region of the mount and into the opening formed by the slot 88, when the nozzle is in a dispensing configuration. The side walls or wall structure 92 of the mouthpiece can be described as including one or more bite regions 112, which refer to opposing regions that a user may bite into or otherwise apply compressive forces to push the mouthpiece. from its closure configuration to its dispensing configuration.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 10, the illustrated example of a nozzle 72 has a non-symmetrical cross-sectional configuration between opposite regions of the nozzle side walls 92. By this is meant that the illustrated nozzle has different dimensions transverse to the direction of fluid flow, depending on whether the dimensions or measurements are transverse or parallel to the illustrated slot. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that other symmetric or non-symmetric configurations may be used. For example, the nozzle 72 may have a configuration, in cross-section, circular among others.

The nozzle 72 is elastic and sloped in its closure configuration, as shown in Figures 10-15. In use, the nozzle is adapted to be configured to the dispensing configuration, with a user positioning the nozzle in the user's mouth and biting or otherwise compressing the appropriate portions of the side walls 92 of the nozzle, so that regions Bite 112 deform the nozzle to a position where the slot or other opening is no longer sealed and instead defines a fluid path through which the beverage fluid can flow. This is somewhat represented, schematically, in Figure 16 with another illustrative example of a suitable bite actuated nozzle. As shown, the opposing edges, or sealing surfaces 94 that define the slot 88 are spaced from each other to define the opening 86 through which the beverage fluid can be dispensed from the beverage bottle. The nozzle 72 can be referred to as a self-sealing valve, or valve assembly, since the nozzle is constituted to automatically return to its closed or sealed configuration when no more compression forces are applied, such as those that may be applied by the user's teeth or mouth, to maintain the nozzle in its dispensing configuration. Therefore, unless forces are exerted on the nozzle to deform the nozzle to a dispensing configuration, the nozzle will remain in its closing or sealing configuration.

The illustrated example also demonstrates that the region of the nozzle distal to the dispensing face, which may be referred to as the base or distal portion of the nozzle and is indicated by 113 generally in Figures 10 and 12 to 15, may have ( but it is not required to have) a contoured configuration that does not extend a constant distance from the dispensing face. In the nonexclusive illustrative example shown in Figures 12 and 13, the base portion includes a pair of protruding regions 114 separated by a pair of concave regions 115, although this constitution is not required and other irregular base configurations can be used without straying. of the scope of this disclosure. By having a contoured or otherwise irregular configuration, when mounted to a dispensing spout or other mount, which is complementary configured to receive and conform to such configuration, the mount is allowed to restrict relative rotation of the nozzle with thereto due to the engagement of the distal portion 113 of the nozzle with the mount, as shown with reference again to Figures 1 and 2. As described, the illustrative example is an example but not exclusive of a suitable configuration, it being within the scope of the present disclosure that the portion

ES 2 599 861 T3 distal of the nozzle and / or the corresponding mount may have any suitable configuration to fix the nozzle in the mount.

Other illustrative, nonexclusive examples of suitable bite actuated, self-sealing 72 nozzle configurations for use with beverage containers, in accordance with the present disclosure, are shown in Figures 17 through 20. In Figures 17 through 20, the nozzles are shown positioned in a mount 100 that extends into the neck region 116 of the nozzle and ends at the end region 104. Also shown are optional stops 118, or internal projections that are adapted to engage the end region 104 of the mount to define the fully inserted position of the mount in the mouthpiece. The illustrative portions of the mount 100 define portions of the fluid conduit 74 that extend from the end or outlet region 104 of the mount and into the internal chamber 110 of the nozzle.

Additional illustrative examples of suitable bite actuated nozzles including outer and inner constitutions that can be selectively used (in whole or in part) with 72 nozzles, according to the chairman disclosure, are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,070,767 and 6,032,831, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In the illustrated examples, the nozzle 72 has a narrower head portion than the nozzles disclosed in the incorporated patents, but any of the illustrated configurations can be used. Similarly, the internal makeup of the built-in nozzles can be used with the nozzle 72, such as the internal configurations for the side walls and / or face of the nozzle. For example, at least Figures 14 and 15 illustrate that nozzle 72 may, but is not required to, include interior discontinuities such as interior corners or edges, extending along the side walls, away from the face of dispensed and that can aid in deformation of the nozzle in its opening configuration and / or return to a sealing configuration.

In the above description, the mouthpiece 72 has been described as a bite-actuated mouthpiece. Also as described, in some embodiments, the fluid container is formed from a material that configures or allows the wall structure of the fluid container to fold inward when the user squeezes the fluid container. This intentional reduction in the interior volume of the fluid container can push the beverage fluid into the fluid conduit and expel the fluid through the bite-actuated nozzle. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the nozzle 72 may be configured to allow this additional method of dispensing the beverage fluid from the beverage bottle.

A potential benefit of the bite-actuated spout being tilted to its closure configuration is that a user can position the beverage bottle (and spout) to a desired beverage orientation, and even a partially or fully inverted orientation, without the beverage fluid being dispensed from the spout. When the user wishes to drink from the positioned beverage bottle, the user can bite down on the spout (and / or optionally squeeze the fluid container which is designed to collapse during use) to begin the flow of beverage fluid through the the mouthpiece to the user.

As described, the bite actuated nozzle 72 is inclined to a closing or sealing configuration in which the opening that is formed in the dispensing face of the nozzle is closed and prevents the beverage fluid from passing through. her. Therefore, unless the nozzle is reconfigured from its closure configuration to its dispensing configuration, the beverage fluid is prevented from being dispensed through the fluid conduit of the cap assembly. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the cap assembly to further include a flow-restriction or open / close valve in addition to the bite-actuated nozzle. For example, since the nozzle is designed to be configured in its dispensing configuration when external lateral forces are imparted to the nozzle (such as when a user bites or otherwise compresses the side walls of the nozzle against each other), it is possible external forces may be unintentionally exerted on the nozzle. Should this occur, the beverage fluid can be dispensed through the nozzle. However, the inclusion of a manual on / off valve, which selectively restricts whether the beverage fluid can flow into the spout from the fluid container, can prevent this inadvertent dispensing of the beverage fluid, regardless of the setting. of the nozzle. A graphic example of a beverage bottle, in accordance with the present disclosure, including an open / close or disconnect valve and a bite-actuated spout 72 is shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8 the on / off valve is indicated in dashed lines 120 to represent graphically that the on / off valve, when present, may be located in any suitable downstream position (i.e. towards the internal compartment of the fluid container) from the face of the nozzle, and typically proximal to or upstream (ie towards the dispensing face of the nozzle) from the inlet of fluid conduit 74.

ES 2 599 861 T3

The open / close valve is selectively configured between open and close configurations, regardless of the bite-actuated nozzle configuration. When the open / close valve is in its closed configuration, it is adapted to obstruct at least a portion of the fluid conduit and, optionally, to completely obstruct the fluid conduit, thereby preventing the drinking fluid from passing from the fluid container to the face of the bite-actuated nozzle. Therefore, when the open / close valve is in its closed configuration, the beverage cannot be dispensed from the fluid container through the nozzle, regardless of the bite-actuated nozzle configuration. As such, the on / off valve may also be referred to as a shut-off valve. When the open / close valve is in its open position, the beverage fluid is selectively dispensed from the fluid container through the nozzle, depending on the configuration of the bite-actuated nozzle.

Unlike bite actuated nozzle 72, the on / off valve will not normally be tilted to automatically return to a particular setting. Instead, the on / off valve may be configured to remain in a user-selected orientation until reconfigured to a different orientation by a user. In such an embodiment, the open / close valve may be referred to as being a static valve, in which the flow of the beverage fluid through the fluid conduit is only restricted when it is positively configured to do so by the fluid conduit. Username. The open / close valve may use any suitable actuation mechanism to selectively configure the valve between its open and close configurations.

By way of non-exclusive illustrative example, the gasket 108 illustrated in Figure 7 may be configured to provide an on / off valve 120 when the assembly is pivoted relative to the plug assembly, selectively, causing the conduit to clog. of fluid through the cap assembly into the nozzle 72. For example, at least a portion of the fluid conduit may be obstructed as the distal end of the assembly is pivoted toward the cap assembly. In some embodiments, such as when the fluid conduit extends through the gasket, the degree to which the corresponding portion of the fluid conduit is obstructed may vary depending on the degree to which the assembly is pivoted or otherwise moved. toward the plug assembly. In said embodiment, the fluid conduit cannot be obstructed by the gasket or other opening / closing valve in at least one position (and optionally in an auxiliary range of positions) within the range of positions within which it can be oriented. mounting relative to the plug assembly, the fluid conduit portion may be partially obstructed during another auxiliary range of the range of positions, and the fluid conduit portion may be completely obstructed in at least one (and optionally a third auxiliary range of positions) within a range of positions. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that a similar auxiliary range and ranges may be provided by other embodiments of the open / close valve 120. However, this constitution is not required for all beverage bottles in accordance with the present disclosure.

An illustrative, non-exclusive example of a suitable configuration of an open / close or disconnect valve is shown in Figures 26 and 27 in which the open / close valve is indicated generally by 120. As shown, the assembly 100 is pivotally coupled to the base 70 of the cap assembly to selectively restrict and allow the beverage fluid to flow from the fluid container to the fluid conduit. In at least Figures 26 and 27 the assembly 100 can be described as providing a beverage spout that is pivotally coupled to the base of the cap assembly. The beverage spout is selectively pivoted between a pickup or closure configuration (as shown in Figure 26) and a dispensing or extended configuration (as shown in Figure 27) in which the spout The beverage bottle is pivoted generally away from the base of the cap assembly with respect to the closure configuration. In the closure configuration, the beverage spout is pivoted toward or even against the base of the cap assembly relative to the dispensing configuration. In the illustrated example, the fluid conduit between the interior compartment and the beverage container and the spout of the cap assembly is blocked by the beverage spout when the beverage spout is in its closing configuration, thereby restricting (or preventing) the beverage fluid from being dispensed through the beverage spout, regardless of the spout configuration, when the spout is in its closing configuration. In the dispensing configuration, pivoting the spout away from the base aligns an opening in the beverage spout to establish a continuous fluid conduit from the interior compartment to the spout.

Another example of a suitable actuation mechanism for the open / close valve 120 that can be used with beverage bottles 10, in accordance with the present disclosure, is a squeeze / pull mechanism, in which the bite-actuated nozzle and usually at least a portion of the assembly and / or the

The fluid conduit is pushed away from a diverter or other obstruction that selectively prevents the beverage fluid from passing through the assembly, or other portion of the fluid conduit, into the interior chamber of the nozzle. For example the squeeze / pull mechanism can, in its closure configuration, prevent beverage fluid from entering the fluid conduit inlet until the spout and other corresponding structure are removed from the obstruction. As another example, the compression / pull mechanism that provides an on / off valve can selectively restrict the beverage fluid from passing through an intermediate portion of the fluid conduit (such as within the assembly) and / or from Exit the assembly into the inner compartment of the mouthpiece. In a variant of this squeeze / pull mechanism, the obstruction is selectively pushed or otherwise diverted away from the inlet of another suitable portion of the fluid conduit to allow the beverage fluid to flow through.

Yet another illustrative example of a suitable constitution for a static open / close valve 120 is a rotary mechanism, in which a portion of the fluid conduit, upstream of the inner chamber of the nozzle (such as the inlet, outlet or an intermediate portion of the mount), is selectively clogged until the spout (and typically at least a portion of the assembly and / or fluid conduit) is rotated to a position in which the obstruction no longer prevents beverage fluid from passing through the fluid conduit . Yet another non-exclusive illustrative example of a suitable actuation mechanism for an open / close valve 120 utilizes a fluid conduit having a collapsible, elastically deformable, and / or bendable region and a structure suitable for collapsing, flattening, deforming. elastically, and / or bending that region of the fluid conduit to block, obstruct, or otherwise restrict the flow of the beverage fluid therethrough. This region can define a portion of the fluid conduit through which the beverage fluid can flow selectively from the inlet to the nozzle. A non-exclusive illustrative example of a suitable material for said fluid conduit portion is silicone or other material that does not readily acquire a set compression and therefore can be repeatedly folded, flattened, bent and the like without leakage or that by otherwise it will not permanently deform or fail.

The schematic example of an open / close or disconnect valve 120 that is depicted in FIG. 8 is intended to represent, graphically, this and other suitable constitutions for a static open / close valve that selectively avoid that the beverage fluid is dispensed from the beverage bottle, through the nozzle opening, regardless of the nozzle configuration. Additional examples are presented in provisional patent applications which are incorporated by reference herein.

Beverage bottles 10, in accordance with the present disclosure may, but are not required, additionally or alternatively, to include a return air, or pressure relief assembly that is adapted to effectively allow air from outside the beverage bottle enters the interior compartment of the beverage bottle from a location other than through the dispensing opening of the nozzle. When present, the air return assembly is preferably located far enough away from the dispensing face of the nozzle that the air return valve is not obstructed when the user is withdrawing beverage fluid from the container. of fluid through the nozzle opening. Especially, when the fluid container has a rigid constitution that does not accommodate easy folding as the beverage fluid is drawn therefrom, a vacuum will tend to be drawn into the fluid container as the beverage fluid is drawn from the fluid container. same through the mouthpiece. As this vacuum, or pressure differential, increases it will be more difficult for the user to draw additional beverage fluid through the nozzle until the pressure differential is reduced.

A schematic example of a beverage bottle 10, in accordance with the present disclosure, including an air return assembly shown in Figure 9, with the air return assembly indicated generally at 160. The air return assembly 160 is adapted to allow air from outside the beverage bottle to enter the interior compartment 20 of the fluid container 12 without having to pass through the nozzle 72 of the beverage bottle (or into the minus dispensing face 90 or nozzle opening 86). It is within the scope of the present disclosure that an air return assembly may be implemented in the cap assembly, such as on the base 70 of the cap assembly. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the air return assembly, when present, can be implemented in the fluid container and / or that the fluid bottle can be formed without an air return assembly that is separate. of the bite-actuated nozzle. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that an air return valve is formed integrally with the bite-actuated nozzle or that it can be formed separately from the nozzle. When shaped separately from the nozzle, the air return assembly may be located in a spaced relationship from the nozzle, on the cap assembly, on a dispensing assembly (or nozzle) 100, on the fluid container, etc.

ES 2 599 861 T3

The air return assembly 160 may define an air passage 162 through which air can flow at least from the exterior of the beverage bottle to the interior compartment of the beverage container. In Figure 9, the conduit is schematically illustrated including an inlet 164, through which air can enter the conduit from outside the beverage container, and an outlet 166, through which air can pass into the conduit into the beverage bottle, such as into the internal compartment of the beverage container.

In embodiments of beverage bottles 10 that include an air return assembly 160, the air return assembly may, but is not required to include at least one air return valve as illustrated. schematically in Figure 9 by 168 and which is illustrated less schematically in Figures 25 to 29 described later. The air return valve 168 is adapted to selectively restrict the flow of air through the air conduit from outside the beverage bottle and / or to restrict the flow of the beverage fluid, through the conduit. of air, from the outside of the beverage bottle. The return air valve 168 is adapted to be selectively configured between a closed or sealed configuration, in which the flow of air into the interior compartment is restricted through the return air assembly from the exterior of the the air bottle, and an opening or actuated configuration, in which the air return valve is, at least partially, displaced from its sealing configuration and in which air can flow through the air return assembly, such as from the exterior of the beverage bottle to the interior compartment of the fluid container. This air flow may be through an air conduit such as conduit 162, or it may simply be through an opening in the beverage bottle that is selectively constructed by the air return valve. The air return valve 168 preferably has a relatively low actuation pressure to allow air to be drawn from the outside of the beverage bottle into the interior compartment of the beverage bottle, while also having a relatively low resistance. high that the beverage fluid is able to pass through the valve from within the interior compartment. In other words, the air return valve is preferably constructed to resist fluid flow through the valve from within the compartment. Like the bite actuation nozzle 72, the air return valve is preferably an elastic valve that is inclined toward a closed configuration, in which the valve is sealed and therefore prevents the valve from air or other fluid passes through it. As described, the air return valve may be designed to be configured in an open or actuated configuration in response to more than a predetermined pressure differential between the interior compartment of the beverage bottle and the exterior environment. of the drink bottle.

The air return valve 168 may include any suitable structure to selectively allow air to enter the interior compartment of the beverage bottle, preferably, while also restricting the exit of beverage fluid from the interior compartment through air return valve. As a nonexclusive illustrative example, the air return valve may be a pressure differential valve that is adapted to selectively allow air flow into the interior compartment of the beverage container by restricting fluid flow through of the air duct from the inside compartment to the outside of the beverage bottle. A nonexclusive illustrative example of a suitable constitution for an air return valve 168 is an umbrella or diaphragm valve, although other suitable valves may be used, including other suitable self-sealing valves. Another illustrative example of a suitable structure is a "duckbill" configuration, in which the valve assembly projects internally into the interior compartment and includes edges that are adapted to separate from each other, to define a passage through which it can returning the air to the inner compartment of the beverage bottle, but which are inclined together to resist the passage of the beverage fluid from the inner compartment into the passage. Additional examples include valves that have one or more grooves, including intersecting grooves. When using a self-sealing valve (i.e. a valve that is inclined towards a sealing configuration), sealing can be provided by abutting the surfaces of the valve itself and / or by sealing the valve against a portion of the bottle. of drink.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that beverage containers that include an air return assembly 160 may, alternatively, not include any form of physical valve that restricts fluid flow through the air passage. In some embodiments, the air return assembly may include an air passage that is obstructed at at least one of its ends (inside the fluid container or outside the fluid container) when the beverage bottle is being used, such as when a pivoting dispensing nozzle is pivoted to a closed configuration. An air return assembly 160 is preferably positioned so that its air passage is not obstructed by the user's mouth when the beverage bottle is used to dispense beverage fluid to a user.

ES 2 599 861 T3

Figure 9 also shows, graphically, that beverage bottles 10, in accordance with the present disclosure, may, but are not required to, include an optional straw 180, extending from the cap assembly to the fluid container. , such as up to (or at least approximately) the lower region of the fluid container. The straw 180 allows the user to draw the beverage fluid from the beverage container through the spout 72 without having to tilt the beverage bottle, so that the beverage fluid can flow in the fluid conduit 74. For example, as the size of the fluid container increases, users are more likely to want to draw the beverage fluid from the beverage bottle without having to lift or tilt the beverage bottle to the generally horizontal or even inverted configuration that should be used if straw 180 is not present. The straw 180 may be removably (or permanently) coupled to a corresponding mount 182 on the cap assembly, such as at or near the inlet 80 of the fluid conduit 74. One benefit of a removable straw structure 180 is that a user can selectively attach or remove the straw structure from the cap assembly, depending on the desired use of the beverage bottle at any given time. As described, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the straw can be connected, permanently or permanently, to the cap assembly as used herein, "removable", "removably attachable "And" detachably connected "refer to structures that are designed to be connected and disconnected, repeatedly, without destroying the corresponding structures. Similarly, "permanently attached" or "permanently attached" refers to structures that are not designed to be separated without destroying at least a portion of the structures and / or the mechanism that joins the structures.

Figure 9 also illustrates beverage bottles 10, in accordance with the present disclosure, which may, but are not required to, include (or be selectively used with) elongated flexible beverage tubes, or outer straw structures 190 that they fluidly interconnect the bite actuated nozzle with the mount 100 or other suitable receiver on the cap assembly 14. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that any of the beverage bottles disclosed, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein may be selectively used with an elongated beverage tube 190. A potential benefit of this optional constitution is that the user can extract the beverage fluid from the beverage bottle without having to hold the beverage bottle. Although it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the beverage tube may be integrated with or otherwise permanently attached to one or both of the cap assembly or the bite-actuated spout, it may be desirable for each of these to components is coupled, removably, to the beverage tube. For example, this allows the beverage bottle to be used with the spout directly connected to the cap assembly (such as assembly 100) or to be connected to the cap assembly via the beverage tube 190. In Figure 9, an optional mount 192 is shown that interconnects the beverage tube with the mount 100, such as with the end region thereof, although it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the beverage tube may be directly coupled to an end of the mount, such as extending the corresponding end of the beverage tube into or over the edge of the mount. After attachment to the assembly, the beverage tube may optionally be described as forming an extension of the fluid conduit 74 of the beverage bottle. When beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure, include an elongated beverage tube, such as tube 190, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the downstream assembly defined by the beverage tube and the Nozzle may optionally include one or more quick connect assemblies and / or flow regulating devices and accessories, such as those described in US Patent No. 6,908,015 and US Patent Application Nos. 10 / 617,879 and 10 / 666,856, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Figures 7 to 9 described above illustrate, schematically, a variety of components and structures that may (but are not required to) be incorporated into beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that these components and structures, when present, may have any suitable structure that meets the functional criteria set forth herein and that can be implemented individually or in combination with other of these or other components and structures. .

Figures 21 to 27 show a less schematic example of a suitable cap assembly 14 that may be used with beverage bottles 10, in accordance with the present disclosure. The example shown in Figures 21 to 27 includes non-exclusive examples of various of the components and structures described above. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that other components and / or structures may be used in place of or in addition to the illustrated components and structures. Accordingly, the depicted example is not intended to require the examples and the combination of selected components and structures. Rather, it is intended to provide a nonexclusive illustrative example of a constitution suitable for cap assemblies, according to

ES 2 599 861 T3 with the present disclosure. Other components, structures, and variants thereof that are illustrated, described, and / or incorporated herein can be selectively used with the illustrated cap assembly, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the illustrated cap assembly may be used with any other beverage bottle described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein, as may other cap and / or spout assemblies described, illustrated, and / or incorporated in this document.

In the example shown in Figures 21 to 27, the cap assembly includes a base 70 from which a beverage spout or mount 100 extends. The assembly is pivotally coupled to the base of the cap assembly and is selectively pivoted within a range of positions relative to the base of the cap assembly. In Figures 21, 23 and 26 the mount is shown in a pick-up configuration, while in Figures 22, 24 through 25 and 27, the mount is shown in illustrative dispensing configurations within the range of positions. Mount dispensing configurations can also be described as deployment and / or ready-to-drink configurations. The cap assembly includes a bite-actuated nozzle 72 that is mounted on the mount 100 and is in fluid communication therewith. The illustrative nozzle includes a dispensing face 90 having a self-sealing opening 86 through which beverage fluid can be selectively dispensed when the mount and the nozzle are both in the dispensing configurations.

In the illustrative example shown in Figures 21 through 27, the mount includes an optional flange, a lever arm 122 that protrudes from the mount and provides a surface that can be grasped or otherwise suitably grasped by a user, such as using a finger or thumb of the user, to remove the spout and its mounting from the pickup configuration to, or to, the ready-to-drink configuration. Flange 122 may optionally be used with any other pivoting (or otherwise selectively pickable) mounts disclosed, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein.

The illustrative example of a cap assembly 14 shown in Figures 21 through 27 also includes a handle 140 that extends from the base of the cap assembly. Handle 140 may take any other suitable shape, may have a rigid or flexible constitution, and may be (but is not required to be) used with other cap assemblies that are disclosed, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein. When present, the handle 140 may, but is not required to, define a closed perimeter or boundary 142 through which a lanyard, carabiner, belt, strap, a user's finger, can extend. or other structure, to maintain and / or retain the beverage bottle in the selected position. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that this closed perimeter is perhaps best appreciated in Figure 25. The closed perimeter may be defined entirely by the handle or it may be defined by the handle and the base of the cap assembly. Regardless, the closed perimeter refers to a closed perimeter around an opening through which an object can be inserted, such as to position or grasp the beverage container. Additionally or alternatively, when the beverage bottle includes a connector that interconnects the cap assembly and the fluid container, the connector may also define (when the cap assembly is properly mounted on the fluid container) one (or another) perimeter closed through which a strap or other attachment or positioning structure can extend.

Figure 25 also illustrates a nonexclusive example of a pivoting mounting mechanism suitable for mounting 100, with the mounting including side projections 150 that are received in connectors 152 defined by portions of the base 70 and handle 140 of the cap assembly. The protrusions are rotatable within the connectors, and therefore function as rotary supports, or shafts, with respect to which the assembly and any attached nozzle can be pivotally moved, relative to the base of the plug assembly, such as between collection and dispensing configurations and / or on the contrary within the range of positions described above. This illustrative mounting configuration is intended to provide a non-exclusive example of a suitable configuration and it is within the scope of the present disclosure that other configurations may be used.

In the illustrated example, and as indicated in Figures 21-22 and 25, the handle is also provided with protectors 144 which are positioned to protect the bite actuated nozzle from unintended contact and / or exposure, at least when the nozzle is in its pickup setting. In the illustrative example, handle 140 is provided with a pair of side shields 146 extending on opposite sides of the nozzle, as well as a dispensing shield face shield or cover 148 that is adapted to shield the dispensing face. of the bite-actuated nozzle, when the nozzle is in its pick-up position. For example, shield 148 can provide a form of coverage for the powder that protects the dispensing face, and thus

ES 2 599 861 T3 both the slot or other opening formed therein, that it is contacted by dust, dirt, and other substances, when the nozzle is in its collection configuration. As handle 140 is itself optional and therefore not required in all embodiments of beverage bottles, in accordance with the present disclosure, it will be understood that handle 140, when present, may be formed with only one or more of the illustrated shields, with one or more of the additional shields, and / or without any shields.

In Figures 26 and 27, the internal structure of the cap assembly illustrated in Figures 21 through 25 is shown in more detail. For example, the illustrated cap assembly includes a coupling structure 45 in the form of threads 46. As described, any suitable coupling structure can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Figures 26 and 27 provide a graphic illustration of a pivoting assembly 100 that defines a fluid conduit portion 74 and thus may be referred to as a beverage spout through which beverage fluid can selectively flow. , from the beverage container, through a fluid conduit inlet 80 defined by the plug assembly and hence through an outlet 104 of the mount in the inner chamber 110 of the bite actuated nozzle 72. When the nozzle is pushed into the dispensing configuration, such as when a user is biting the nozzle, the beverage fluid can be dispensed through the self-sealing opening 86 of the nozzle.

The illustrated example of a plug assembly 14 includes a manual open / close valve 120, or a shut-off valve that is defined at least in part by the assembly. As shown in FIG. 26, the fluid conduit 74 is obstructed by a portion of the body 154 of the assembly, when the assembly is in a collection configuration. As shown with reference to Figures 26 and 27, the body of the assembly includes an inlet 156 that is selectively aligned in fluid communication with the inlet 80 of the fluid conduit. In Figure 26, the mount is in a pickup configuration and the fluid inlet to the mount is not aligned in fluid communication with the fluid conduit inlet. As such, the beverage fluid is prevented from flowing from the fluid container and through the fluid conduit to the nozzle. Therefore, the beverage fluid from the fluid container will not be dispensed through the fluid conduit and the nozzle, regardless of the nozzle configuration. When the assembly is pivoted into a dispensing configuration, as shown in Figure 27, the beverage fluid can flow through the entire fluid conduit. Figures 26 and 27 include an optional gasket 158 ​​or sealing member. As illustrated, the gasket takes the form of a compressible O-ring but any other suitable structure can be used when the sealing member 158 is included in the cap assembly 14.

In Figures 26 and 27, the fluid conduit inlet 80 is defined by an optional mount 182 for an outer straw that can be selectively attached to the mount. When attached, the inlet for the fluid conduit may be defined by the distal end of the straw. When the mount 182 is not present, the fluid conduit inlet may be defined by a portion of the plug assembly below the mount, or optionally, by the fluid inlet to the mount itself.

Figures 26 and 27 also provide a graphic example of a cap assembly 14 that includes an air return assembly 160. In the nonexclusive illustrative example, the air return assembly includes an air return valve 168 having an umbrella valve configuration, in which the valve assembly includes a deflectable flap 170 or a perimeter region that is sloped to seal against a region 172 on the underside (or other suitable portion) of the plug assembly that contains an opening or other passageway or conduit 162 through which air can selectively flow, when the air return valve is open or in a bypass configuration.

Figures 28 and 29 generally correspond to the plug assembly shown in Figures 26 and 27. Figures 28 and 29 provide a graphical demonstration that plug assemblies 14 including an open / close valve 120 can implement the disconnect mechanism with a structure other than the structure shown in Figures 26 and 27. For example, Figures 28 and 29, the on / off valve includes a flexible tube 124, or conduit which, in Figure 28, fluidly interconnects the inlet 80 of the fluid conduit with the interior chamber 110 of the fluid conduit. the mouthpiece. However, when the assembly is pivoted into a pick-up configuration, as shown in Figure 29, the body 154 of the assembly engages the tube and collapses or otherwise compresses or bends the tube to obstruct the fluid passage. , thereby preventing the flow of the beverage fluid from the fluid container, through the fluid conduit, and out of the nozzle, regardless of the nozzle configuration. As the assembly is pivoted from the pick-up configuration shown in Figure 29 to a dispensing configuration, such as the illustrative configuration shown in Figure 28, the delivery pressure

The compression applied by the body of the assembly is consequently reduced, and a fluid flow path through the fluid conduit is reestablished.

Industrial Applicability

The beverage bottles and beverage containers of the present disclosure are applicable to the fields of hydration, and are specifically applicable to portable bottles and similar containers from which users can selectively drink a drinkable drink fluid.