Modular spill-proof cup

Abstract

Described in this paper are cups that have one or more of the following features: one system that grows over time, mistake-proof assembly that includes magnetic parts, easily-replaceable component parts, a removable seal for complete access (for cleaning), customizable component part combinations, a weighted straw, a spill-proof magnetic locking system, all component parts dishwasher-safe, and crafted of premium safe materials (e.g., BPA-, BPS-, PVC-, phthalate-, and lead-free).

Description

Docket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOlMODULAR SPILL-PROOF CUPBACKGROUND

[0001] While frequently advertised as such, spill-proof cups often lack certain valuable features, such as a magnetic locking system that keeps drinks in, being comprised entirely of parts that are dishwasher safe, and being crafted of premium safe materials. They also lack features described in further detail below.SUMMARY

[0002] Described in this paper are cups that have one or more of the following features: one system that grows over time, mistake-proof assembly that includes magnetic parts, easily-replaceable component parts, a removable seal for complete access (for cleaning), customizable component part combinations, a weighted straw, a spill-proof magnetic locking system, all component parts dishwasher-safe, and crafted of premium safe materials (e.g., BPA-, BPS-, PVC-, phthalate-, and lead- free).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an example of a modular spill-proof cup.

[0004] FIG. 2 depicts images of an example of a modular spill-proof cup.

[0005] FIG. 3 depicts an image of an example of a modular spill-proof cup with a triangular arrangement of three magnets per magnetic engagement segment.

[0006] FIGS. 4-7 depict images of examples of modular spill-proof cups with a variety of different removable spouts and a couple of different downspouts, in two different colors.

[0007] FIGS. 8 depicts images of examples of modular spill-proof cups with retro fit lids and without.

[0008] FIG. 9 depicts an image of examples of spouts, lids, and downspouts.

[0009] FIG. 10 depicts an image of examples of magnet engagement segments with a couple different magnet placement configurations.

[0010] FIGS. 11-13 depict images of an example of a modular spill-proof cup.

[0011] FIG. 14 depicts an image of the bottom of a lid assembly with a detachable main seal.Docket No. POKLOOOl.WOOlDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram 100 of an example of a modular spill-proof fluid dispenser. The diagram 100 includes a spout assembly 102, a lid assembly 104, a downspout assembly 106, and a vessel 108. In use, the spout assembly 102 is attached to a first side of the lid assembly 104; the downspout assembly 106 is attached to a second side of the lid assembly 104; and the lid assembly 104 is attached to the vessel 108. The first side of the lid assembly 104 would likely be referred to as the “top” and the second side of the lid assembly 104 is inside a cavity of the vessel 108 when the fluid dispenser is used as a kid’s cup, sippy cup, bottle with a straw, or the like, though the fluid dispenser could be inverted, making the first side of the lid assembly 104 the “bottom” of a fluid dispenser, such as would be used as a hamster water bottle or the like. In the diagram 100, the spout assembly 102 includes an inter-changeable spout 110, a one-way valve 112, and a magnetic engagement segment 114; the lid assembly 104 includes a spout-to-downspout engagement segment 120, a magnet engagement segment 122, and a lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 124; the downspout assembly 106 includes a magnet engagement segment 130, a one-way valve 132, a straw 134, and a weighted straw endpoint 136; and the vessel 108 includes a lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 140, a sealing surface 142, sidewalls 144, and a base 146.

[0013] The spout assembly 102 can be referred to as a first module of a modular spill-proof fluid dispenser. In the diagram 100, the inter- changeable spout 110 is depicted in a columnar form for illustrative convenience. Several alternative forms are depicted in the following figures. Parents often start their children off with a baby bottle, which normally has a recognizable nipple a baby inserts into its mouth to suck milk, formula, or other fluid from a bottle; the inter-changeable spout 110 can be implemented as a nipple for a suitable modular spill-proof fluid dispenser with baby bottle functionality. Babies often transition from a baby bottle (nipple) to a sippy cup with a “soft spout,” which are often shaped like a hexahedron with rounded sides (though four of the sides are often connected to a lid, with the sixth side being omitted to provide an opening through the lid and the spout could be hard rather than soft). While some bottles (e.g., for adults) have a spout that is reminiscent of a soft spout (occasionally with a locking mechanism) it is typically referred to as a “mouthpiece”; in this paper, a “mouthpiece” is intended to refer to an opening for a fluid dispenser that is neither a nipple nor a straw, and it can be thought of as a kind of catchall for the portion of a fluid dispenser that is inserted into the mouth when drinking from the fluid dispenser.

[0014] Kid’s cups often have straws that are relatively columnar (though occasionally bent or twisty), as depicted in the example of FIG. 1. In a specific implementation, the straws are rigid. Mouthpieces, typically more appropriate for adults, can come in a variety of forms, including retractable, click-to-open port, and foldable straw, to name a few. As used in this paper, a straw is a spout (or downspout) that has a relatively columnar shape.Docket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl

[0015] In a specific implementation, the inter-changeable spout 110 is implemented as part of a structure comprising it and the other components of the spout assembly 102, with the understanding that a one-way valve 112 may include subcomponents that are not necessarily monolithically formed with the structure and magnets of the magnetic engagement segment 114, if any, are unlikely to be coupled to the structure in a monolithic fashion unless one or more magnets are molded into the structure during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the inter-changeable spout 110 can be implemented as part of a structure comprising at least a portion of the one-way valve 112 and / or at least a portion of the magnetic engagement segment 114 but not entirely including all of both. Regardless of how the inter-changeable spout 110 is comprised with other components of the spout assembly 102, it is considered inter-changeable because the inter-changeable spout 110 and a subset of the components of the spout assembly 102 can be swapped out for alternative spouts of a variety of materials, sizes, and / or shapes. Also, the spout assembly 102 (including at least the inter-changeable spout 110) is modular because it is one of the components of a modular spill-proof fluid dispenser that includes additional modules as described below.

[0016] The one-way valve 112 may be implemented in the spout assembly 102, as depicted, below the magnetic engagement segment 114 (in the diagram 100, the one-way valve 112 is above the magnetic engagement segment 114 for illustrative convenience), or on the same horizontal level as the magnetic engagement segment 114, with or without extending above or below the magnetic engagement segment 114. Several forms of a one-way valve are depicted in the following figures, such as a check valve seal, over- molded seal, etc. In an alternative, the one-way valve 112 is partially or wholly implemented in the lid assembly 104 instead of the spout assembly 102, or even entirely absent, making the one-way valve 112 optional. However, in the alternative, it may be desirable to retain the one-way valve 132, described below, to ensure the modular spill-proof fluid dispenser has at least one one-way valve in the channel between the end of the inter-changeable spout 110 and the end of the straw 134, described below.

[0017] In a specific implementation, the magnetic engagement segment 114 includes multiple magnets placed in locations that correspond to corresponding placement of magnets in the magnet engagement segment 122. Several configurations of magnets of the magnetic engagement segment 114 are depicted in the following figures.

[0018] The magnetic engagement segment 114 may or may not include a physical engagement mechanism, such as a male or female portion of a locking mechanism with a corresponding female or male portion of the locking mechanism located in the lid assembly 104. However, in at least some experimental and theoretical use cases, it was determined that magnetic engagement alone may be insufficient for a secure engagement of the spout assembly 102 to the lid assembly 104. For example, force applied to the inter-changeable spout 110 in a vector parallel to the surface of a lid could causeDocket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl the spout assembly 102 to disengage from the lid assembly 104, even if relatively securely engaged with magnets. Accordingly, in a specific implementation, the spout assembly 102 includes at least a portion of a physical engagement device that includes a triangular plate (of the magnetic engagement segment 114) configured to fit into a cavity of the lid assembly 104 and twisted to position three flanges (or tips) of the triangular plate underneath a lip extending over the cavity, as depicted in some of the following figures. In an alternative, a circular plate with varying thicknesses along its outer portions is used, where twisting the spout assembly 102 causes the circular plate to rotate thicker outer portions underneath a lip extending over a cavity to secure it in place. For reasons that have to do with a desired product (e.g., one that is particularly easy to clean, one that can be rapidly assembled and disassembled, or the like), more complex locking mechanisms are not illustrated but it should be understood that they could be used to craft a modular spill-proof fluid dispenser without some of the advantages associated with the desired product.

[0019] The lid assembly 104 can be referred to as a second module of a modular spill-proof fluid dispenser, with the spout assembly being the first module of the modular spill-proof fluid dispenser. The lid assembly 104 may be designed for use with a custom vessel or for use with a known vessel (and it may work with a vessel that coincidentally has a mouth and engagement device compatible with that of the lid assembly 104), and a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes can be made available for those who wish to swap lid assemblies or portions thereof. The spout-to-downspout engagement segment 120 of the lid assembly 104 is configured to operationally engage the inter-changeable spout 110 of the spout assembly 102 to form a channel from the end of the inter-changeable spout 110, through a cavity in the spout-to-downspout engagement segment 120. The inter- changeable spout 110 can be considered a first segment of a channel and the spout-to-downspout engagement segment 120 can be considered a second segment of the channel. Examples of spout engagement devices suitable for implementation in the spout-to-downspout engagement segment 120 are depicted in the following figures. It may be noted the spout engagement section could be designed with a component located within the channel but is more likely to leave the channel clear of protrusions for unobstructed flow and easier cleaning.

[0020] The magnet engagement segment 122 of the lid assembly 104 is configured to magnetically engage the magnetic engagement segment 114 of the spout assembly 102 to secure the lid assembly 104 to the spout assembly 102 using force exerted through the magnetic field(s) of the magnetic engagement segment 122 and force exerted through the magnetic field(s) of the magnetic engagement segment 114 to attract the magnetic engagement segments to one another. Examples of magnetic engagement devices and configurations of magnets suitable for implementation in the magnetic engagement segment 114 are depicted in the following figures. In an alternative, only one of the magnetic engagement segments has one or more magnets and the other includes a material (typicallyDocket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl a ferromagnetic element, such as iron, though rare earth magnets, specialized alloys, and the like can also be attracted by a magnet) that is attracted to it / them.

[0021] In a specific implementation, the lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 124 includes threads of a screw top system, to affix the lid assembly 104 to the vessel 108. Specifically, the lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 124 of the lid assembly 104 is configured to engage with the lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 140 of the vessel 108. The pitch and depth of the ridges that form the threads of such engagement devices should match one another. The engagement device can also have one or more latches, bolts, magnets, or other devices that can serve to securely engage the lid assembly 104 to the vessel 108. In an alternative, the threaded engagement devices are replaced with one or more such devices.

[0022] As depicted in some of the figures below, the lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 124 can include a lid seal (e.g., a ring or washer) of rubber, plastic, silicon, or some other material that is located between the lid and the sealing surface 142. For illustrative convenience, a lid seal, if used, is treated as part of the lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 124.

[0023] The spout- to-do wnspout engagement segment 120 and the magnet engagement segment 122 should be operationally compatible to ensure a channel through the inter-changeable spout 110 can extend through the lid assembly 104 to the downspout assembly 106 when the spout assembly 102, the lid assembly 104, and the downspout assembly 106 are assembled for use. For illustrative convenience in the diagram 100, the spout-to-do wnspout segment 120 is depicted as being above the magnet engagement segment 122, but as is illustrated in later figures, the spout- to-do wnspout engagement segment 120 is configured to create a channel “through” the magnet engagement segment 122 to engage the straw 134 from above, while also engaging the inter-changeable spout 110 from below. As an alternative, the functionality of the spout-to-do wnspout engagement segment 120 could be described as having a spout engagement section, a downspout engagement section, and a middle section between the spout engagement section and the downspout engagement section, regardless of whether the spout- to-do wnspout engagement segment 120 is formed as a monolithic structure containing all three structures or formed as multiple structures that are attached to one another presumably during manufacturing.

[0024] The downspout assembly 106 can be referred to as a third module of a modular spill-proof fluid dispenser, with the spout assembly 102 being the first module and the lid assembly 104 being the second module of the modular spill-proof fluid dispenser. Like the other modules, downspout assemblies can come in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes. The magnet engagement segment 130 of the downspout assembly 106 is configured to magnetically engage the magnetic engagement segment 122 of the lid assembly 104 to secure the lid assembly 104 to the downspout assembly 106 using force exerted through the magnetic field(s) of the magnetic engagement segment 130 and forceDocket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl exerted through the magnetic field(s) of the magnetic engagement segment 122 to attract the magnetic engagement segments to one another. Examples of magnetic engagement devices and configurations of magnets suitable for implementation in the magnetic engagement segment 130 are depicted in the following figures. In an alternative, only one of the magnetic engagement segments has one or more magnets and the other includes a material that is attracted to it / them.

[0025] The one-way valve 132 may be implemented in the downspout assembly 106, as depicted, belowthe magnetic engagement segment 130 (in the diagram 100, the one-way valve 132 is belowthe magnetic engagement segment 130 for illustrative convenience), or on the same horizontal level as the magnetic engagement segment 130, with or without extending above or below the magnetic engagement segment 130. Several forms of a one-way valve are depicted in the following figures, such as a check valve seal, over-molded seal, etc. In an alternative, the one-way valve 132 is partially or wholly implemented in the lid assembly 104 instead of the downspout assembly 106, or even entirely absent, making the one-way valve 132 optional. However, in the alternative, it may be desirable to retain the one-way valve 112, described above, to ensure the modular spill-proof fluid dispenser has at least one one-way valve in the channel between the end of the inter-changeable spout 110 and the end of the straw 134, described below.

[0026] In a specific implementation, the straw 134 is implemented as part of a structure comprising it and the other components of the downspout assembly 106, with the understanding that the one-way valve 132 may include subcomponents that are not necessarily monolithically formed with the structure and magnets of the magnetic engagement segment 130, if any, are unlikely to be coupled to the structure in a monolithic fashion unless one or more magnets are molded into the structure during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the straw 134 can be implemented as part of a structure comprising at least a portion of the one-way valve 132 and / or at least a portion of the magnetic engagement segment 130 but not entirely including all of both. The inter-changeable spout 110 can be considered a first segment of a channel, the spout- to-do wnspout engagement segment 120 can be considered a second segment of the channel, and the straw 134 can be considered the third segment of the channel. The downspout assembly 106 (including at least the straw 134) is modular because it is one of the components of a modular spill-proof fluid dispenser that includes additional modules as described below.

[0027] In a specific implementation, the weighted straw endpoint 136 is attached at or near the end of the straw 134 that opens into the vessel 108 when assembled for use. Although not necessarily required, the use of a weighted straw endpoint suggests the straw 134 is implemented as a flexible straw because it would be unnecessary, or at least less important, to have a weight at the end of a rigid straw. Weighting a flexible straw solves some of the problems associated with a straw opening in a non-optimal location to suck or otherwise extract fluid from the vessel 108. In a specificDocket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl implementation, the weighted straw endpoint 136 uses gravitational force to move the end of the straw 134 towards fluid that is also pulled to a given location due to the gravitational force acting upon it. A more complex fluid-to- intake pairing device could be used but the costs associated with, e.g., a multivalve, pressure-based, vacuum, or other such device is too high for the uses intended for the product; such a mechanism can be referred to as a fluid-to-intake pairing device, which also includes more affordable fluid-to-intake pairing devices like a weighted straw endpoint for the purposes of this paper.

[0028] The vessel 108 can be referred to as a fourth module of a modular spill-proof fluid dispenser, with the spout assembly 102 being the first module, the lid assembly 104 being the second module, and the downspout assembly 106 being the third module of the modular spill-proof fluid dispenser. As with other modules described above, the vessel can come in a variety of interchangeable materials, sizes, and shapes. For kids’ cups, it may be desirable to include handles, which may or may not themselves be detachable from the vessel 108. For babies, it may be desirable to have an orifice in which a disposable bag can be inserted and secured in place, either with an on- vessel device, a device on the lid assembly 104, or when the lid assembly 104 is attached to the vessel 108 for use.

[0029] In a specific implementation, the lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 140 includes threads of a screwtop system, to affix the lid assembly 104 to the vessel 108. The pitch and depth of the ridges that form the threads should match those of the lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 124. The engagement device can also have one or more latches, bolts, magnets, or other devices that can serve to securely engage the lid assembly 104 to the vessel 108. In an alternative, the threaded engagement devices are replaced with one or more such devices. In an implementation in which the vessel 108 is smaller at the top than the bottom, the container can also include shoulders and a neck (not shown). In such an implementation, the lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism 140 would typically be implemented as part of a neck finish.

[0030] The sealing surface 142 is the surface around the mouth of the vessel 108. There are advantages for the sealing surface 142 to contact a lid seal located between the lid and the vessel when assembled for use, though a lid seal is not required. If the lid seal is not included, the sealing surface 142 may include a rather supple finish for a better seal when pressed against the lid, or simply rely on a relatively tight lock.

[0031] The sidewalls 144 and the base 146 define a cavity within the vessel in which a fluid is located when the modular spill-proof liquid dispenser is assembled for use. The capacity of a vessel is typically correlated with the radius of the circle defined by the inner surface of the sidewalls 144. The inner surface of the base defines the bottom, and the inner surface of the lid assembly defines the top of the cavity defined by the sidewalls 144. Desired capacity is generally based on use. For example, 6 ounces is generally considered sufficient fluid for a toddler or young child, which helps teach moderation, keeps the vessel relatively small, reduces waste, and / or provides other benefits, whileDocket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl adults will often prefer a 16 to 32 ounce capacity (some extra large bottles holding 64 ounces or more are not unusual, either). Bottles for babies often range from 2 or 4 ounces for a newborn to around 8 ounces for a large bottle and rarely exceed 12 ounces. Materials, sizes, and styles can all be changed in a modular manner if options are available. Some materials, such as silicone, enable the vessel to be collapsible.

[0032] The sidewalls 144 need not define a columnar shape, though as shapes increase in complexity, it may introduce problems associated with cleaning, increased cost, decreased durability, and the like. Such problems may be perfectly acceptable for certain markets. On the other hand, some shapes may offer advantages (e.g., square bottles have advantages such as better space utilization, shelf presence, stability, and compatibility with automation and packing lines) but lack the advantages of a rounded bottle (e.g., square bottles have increased costs and challenges associated with manufacturing and packaging, and are generally less desirable that round bottles thanks to decades of manufacturing experience and consumer expectation associated with round bottles).

[0033] FIG. 2 depicts images of an example of a modular spill-proof cup. In the upper left image, a spout assembly, a lid assembly, and a downspout module are depicted. (Note that the component between the spout assembly and the lid assembly is treated as part of the lid assembly.) These images illustrate a relatively minimalistic design of only 6 component parts, including a vessel depicted in the middle left image and a spout-to-lid engagement mechanism (conceptually treated as part of the spout assembly and which can be used instead of or in addition to a magnetic engagement segment) in the middle right image and lower left image.

[0034] FIG. 3 depicts an image of an example of a modular spill-proof cup with a triangular arrangement of three magnets per magnetic engagement segment. From right to left, you have a spout assembly comprising a spout device and a magnetic engagement segment with three magnets; then a lid assembly comprising a lid, a magnetic engagement segment with three magnets, a sealing ring, and a spout-to-downspout engagement device; then a downspout assembly comprising a magnetic engagement segment with three magnets and a downspout device; and finally a vessel.

[0035] FIGS. 4-7 depict images of examples of modular spill-proof cups with a variety of different removable spouts (top straws) and a couple of different downspouts (bottom straws with and without a weighted endpoint), in two different colors.

[0036] FIG. 8 depicts images of examples of modular spill-proof cups with retro fit lids and without. Retro fit lids can have the same technology as describe above for a lid assembly, but they are designed to work with a known vessel (or at least a standard). The spout assembly and downspout assembly can be as described above with the caveat that a given vessel size may mandate a specific set of parameters for the downspout (e.g., straw length).Docket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl

[0037] FIG. 9 depicts an image of examples of spouts, lids, and downspouts. FIG. 10 depicts an image of examples of magnet engagement segments with a couple different magnet placement configurations. FIGS. 11-13 depict images of an example of a modular spill-proof cup. FIG. 14 depicts an image of the bottom of a lid assembly with a detachable main seal (which would contact the sealing surface of a vessel when assembled).

[0038] Because there is no reason an adult cannot benefit from the modular spill-proof cups described above, there is a reasonable chance for the techniques described above to have sufficient appeal to allow entry into the market of devices that facilitate graduation from newborn, to toddler, to child, and even to adolescent and adult.

Claims

Docket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOlCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A device comprising: a spout assembly with a mouthpiece and a first magnetic engagement segment; a lid assembly with a mouthpiece-to-downspout engagement segment and a second magnetic engagement segment; a downspout assembly with a flexible straw, third magnetic engagement segment, and a weighted straw endpoint; wherein, when assembled for use: a channel is formed from the mouthpiece, through the mouthpiece-to-downspout engagement segment, to the flexible straw; the first magnetic engagement segment is magnetically attached to the second magnetic engagement segment and the second magnetic engagement segment is magnetically attached to the third magnetic engagement segment; gravity pulls an end of the flexible straw toward the gravity well, bending the straw by an amount that depends upon how much the device is tilted relative to a vertical orientation.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein each component of the spout assembly, the lid assembly, and the downspout assembly is crafted of premium safe materials.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein each component of the spout assembly, the lid assembly, and the downspout assembly is dishwasher safe.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the spout assembly is implemented as a first module, the lid assembly is implemented as a second module, and the downspout assembly is implemented as a third module.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the spout assembly includes a one-way valve, wherein, when assembled for use, the one-way valve permits fluid to pass through the one-way valve to the mouthpiece and prevents fluid from passing through the one-way valve from the mouthpiece.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece is implemented as a nipple.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece is implemented as a soft spout.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece is implemented as an inter-changeable spout.Docket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl9. The device of claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece is implemented as a spout and the mouthpiece-to-downspout engagement segment is implemented as a spout-to-downspout engagement segment.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the lid assembly includes a main seal, wherein, when assembled for use, the main seal contacts a sealing surface of a vessel.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the downspout assembly includes a one-way valve, wherein, when assembled for use, the one-way valve permits fluid to pass from the flexible straw through the one-way valve and prevents fluid from passing through the one-way valve into the flexible straw.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein, when assembled for use, the flexible straw extends into a vessel.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the lid assembly includes a first lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism, wherein, when assembled for use, the first lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism and a second lid-to-vessel engagement mechanism of a vessel attach the lid assembly to the vessel.

14. The device of claim 1, comprising a vessel with a sealing surface, sidewalls, and a base, wherein, when assembled for use, the sealing surface contacts the lid assembly and the sidewalls and base define a cavity into which the flexible straw extends.

15. The device of claim 1, comprising a collapsible vessel.

16. A device comprising: a spout assembly with a spout and a first spout-to-lid engagement mechanism; a lid assembly with a spout-to-downspout engagement segment, a second spout-to-lid engagement mechanism, and a first lid-to-downspout engagement mechanism; a downspout assembly with a flexible straw, a second lid-to-downspout engagement mechanism, and a weighted straw endpoint; wherein, when assembled for use: a channel is formed from the spout, through the spout-to-downspout engagement segment, to the flexible straw; the first spout-to-lid engagement mechanism is physically attached to the second spout-to-lid engagement mechanism and the first lid-to-downspout engagement mechanism is physically attached to the second lid-to-downspout engagement mechanism; gravity pulls an end of the flexible straw toward the gravity well, bending the straw by an amount that depends upon how much the device is tilted relative to a vertical orientation.Docket No. POKI-OOOl.WOOl17. The device of claim 16, wherein the lid assembly includes a main seal, and wherein, when assembled for use, the main seal contacts a sealing surface of a vessel attached to the lid assembly.

18. The device of claim 16 wherein the lid assembly includes a one-way valve, wherein, when assembled for use, the one-way valve permits fluid to pass from the flexible straw through the oneway valve to the spout and prevents fluid from passing from the spout through the one-way valve into the flexible straw.

19. The device of claim 16, comprising a vessel with a sealing surface, sidewalls, and a base, wherein, when assembled for use, the sealing surface contacts the lid assembly and the sidewalls and base define a cavity into which the flexible straw extends.

20. A device comprising: a spout assembly with a mouthpiece and a first magnetic engagement segment; a lid assembly with a mouthpiece-to-downspout engagement segment, a main seal, and a second magnetic engagement segment; a downspout assembly with a flexible straw, third magnetic engagement segment, and a weighted straw endpoint; a vessel with a sealing surface, sidewalls, and a base, wherein the sidewalls and base define a cavity; wherein, when assembled for use: a channel is formed from the mouthpiece, through the mouthpiece-to-downspout engagement segment, to the flexible straw; the first magnetic engagement segment is magnetically attached to the second magnetic engagement segment and the second magnetic engagement segment is magnetically attached to the third magnetic engagement segment; the main seal contacts the sealing surface; gravity pulls an end of the flexible straw toward the gravity well, bending the straw by an amount that depends upon how much the device is tilted relative to a vertical orientation; the flexible straw extends into the cavity.

Images