Closure for a drinking vessel

Abstract

A closure for a drinking vessel, the closure comprising: a collar configured to engage the top of a drinking vessel; a lid that engages the collar and is rotatable with respect to the collar; and a drinking spout mounted on the lid, the drinking spout being moveable between an open position and a closed position; wherein: the lid is formed with a side wall having a first slot that receives the drinking spout; the collar is formed with a wall having a second slot; and upon rotation of the lid with respect to the collar, the first and second slots may be brought selectively into and out of alignment to allow the drinking spout to be moved from its closed to its open position when the slots are in alignment, and to prevent the drinking spout from being moved from its closed to its open position when the slots are out of alignment.

Description

CLOSURE FOR A DRINKING VESSEL

[0001] This invention relates to drinking vessel, and is concerned particularly with closures for reusable drinking vessels.

[0002] Reusable drinking vessels, such as water bottles, have become an essential part of daily life, available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Many are designed with insulation to keep liquids hot or cold for extended periods, catering to a broad range of users, from children to athletes and professionals. In particular, bottles incorporating straws or spouts have gained popularity for their convenience, allowing for easy, spill-free drinking without the need to unscrew or remove a cap or closure. With the growing movement towards sustainability, refillable bottles have become a preferred alternative to disposable plastic bottles, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste and promoting environmentally friendly consumption habits.

[0003] Despite their benefits, bottles with integrated straws and spouts present several challenges, particularly in terms of hygiene, maintenance, and leak prevention. Many such closures are intricate, containing multiple small components that are difficult to clean thoroughly. These parts are often not designed for easy disassembly, and when they are, the process can require significant dexterity, making it impractical for everyday users. Furthermore, many bottle lids and straw mechanisms are not dishwasher-safe, leading to the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, and mould in hard-to-reach areas. Another common issue is leakage, as many designs do not incorporate secure locking mechanisms to prevent unintended spills, particularly when the bottle is stored in a bag or tipped over.

[0004] Reusable bottles are also increasingly favoured for their versatility, with many users preferring designs that do not have a narrow neck. A wider opening allows for easier cleaning, ensuring that the entire interior can be accessed and scrubbed properly, preventing residue buildup and bacterial growth. This also enables users to add ice cubes, fruit, or other ingredients to their drinks without hassle, enhancing the functionality of the bottle beyond basic hydration. However, many existing designs with straws and spouts are paired with narrow-necked bottles, limiting usability and making thorough cleaning more difficult.

[0005] There is a need to develop an improved reusable drinking vessel that addresses the common challenges associated with existing designs. While refillable bottles with straws and spouts offer convenience and support sustainable practices, many suffer from issues related to hygiene, maintenance, and leakage. Complex closure systems often contain multiple small components that are difficult to clean, are not designed for easy disassembly, and may not be dishwasher-safe, leading to the accumulation of bacteria and mould.Additionally, many bottles lack secure locking mechanisms, increasing the risk of spills when transported. There is also a growing demand for bottles with wider openings to facilitate easier cleaning and allow users to add ice cubes, fruit, or other ingredients. There is a need to ensure better hygiene, ease of use, and enhanced functionality while maintaining the benefits of straw and spout-based drinking, encouraging the use of a refillable, reuseable bottle over and above disposable plastic alternatives.

[0006] The prior art shows a number of devices which attempt to address these needs in various ways.

[0007] US 10214330B2 (Thermos LLC et al) discloses a fluid container cover that comprises a cap with an outer surface and an inner surface, the latter being configured to securely couple with the fluid container. The cover further includes a spout, which features a drinking portion, an actuation portion, and a curved distal end. The spout is designed to transition between a first closed position and a second open position when subjected to an external force. Inside the spout, a flexible tube is integrated, extending between a first end and a second end, facilitating fluid flow when the spout is opened. Additionally, an air venting component is incorporated, consisting of a nub and multiple air vent holes. In the first closed position, the flexible tube is compressed or deformed, preventing fluid from passing through the spout. When the spout is actuated to the second open position, the curved distal end interacts with and deflects the nub, thereby enabling air passage into the fluid container, ensuring smooth fluid flow.

[0008] US 2017253394 Al (Brumis Imp Inc) discloses a drinking bottle comprising a container and a lid, with the container featuring a hollow interior designed to hold liquid. The lid is configured to securely attach to the container, effectively sealing the hollow interior. The lid includes a top surface, a spout, a spout guard, and a twist ring. The spout consists of a drinking end and a drinking channel and is designed to transition between two primary positions: a stowed position, where the drinking end rests adjacent to the top surface and the drinking channel remains sealed off from the hollow interior, and a dispensing position, where the spout extends above the top surface, allowing the drinking channel to connect with the hollow interior for fluid access. The twist ring is mechanically linked to the spout and is operable in three distinct positions: a closed position, corresponding to the stowed position of the spout; a drinking position, aligning with the dispensing position of the spout; and an open position, where the lid is detached from the container.

[0009] The spout guard is securely mounted on the twist ring and extends partially above the top surface of the lid, covering part of the drinking end when the spout is in the stowed position. A swiping movement of the spout guard initiates rotation of the twist ring, transitioning it between the closed and drinking positions, thereby simultaneously shifting the spout between the stowed and dispensing positions.

[0010] Whilst the prior art attempts to address hygiene concerns by keeping the drinking straw or spout concealed when not in use and by making the closure easier to clean, it still presents challenges in terms of maintenance and leakage prevention. Complex closure systems often contain multiple small components that are difficult to clean, are not designed for easy disassembly, and may not be dishwasher-safe, leading to the accumulation of bacteria and mould.Additionally, many bottles lack secure locking mechanisms, increasing the risk of spills when transported.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a closure for a drinking vessel that prioritises hygiene, ease of cleaning, and leakproof functionality. The closure aims to have a minimal number of components and eliminate hard-to-reach areas where dirt, bacteria, and mould could accumulate. Additionally, preferred embodiments aim to provide a closure for a drinking vessel that remains hygienic during use and when being transported, ensuring a secure and spill-free experience.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure for a drinking vessel, the closure comprising: a collar configured to engage the top of a drinking vessel; a lid that engages the collar and is rotatable with respect to the collar; and a drinking spout mounted on the lid, the drinking spout being moveable between an open position and a closed position; wherein:the lid is formed with a side wall having a first slot that receives the drinking spout; the collar is formed with a wall having a second slot; and upon rotation of the lid with respect to the collar, the first and second slots may be brought selectively into and out of alignment to allow the drinking spout to be moved from its closed to its open position when the slots are in alignment, and to prevent the drinking spout from being moved from its closed to its open position when the slots are out of alignment.

[0013] Preferably, the drinking spout may engage the lid as a snap-fit, such that the spout is removable from the lid.

[0014] Preferably, the lid may be removable from the collar.

[0015] The closure may comprise a resilient member that is mounted within the collar to afford a seal with the top of a drinking vessel.

[0016] The resilient member when mounted within the collar may inhibit removal of the lid from the collar and the resilient member may be removable from the collar to allow the lid to be removed from the collar.

[0017] Preferably, the spout, when in its open position, may inhibit rotation of the lid with respect to the collar.

[0018] Preferably, the spout may move upwardly and downwardly, between its closed and open positions.

[0019] The closure may comprise a handle secured to the lid by fixings, the collar being formed with recesses to accommodate the fixings as the lid is rotated with respect to the collar.

[0020] The drinking spout may be formed with a tab that extends into the slot in the collar when the spout is in its open position.

[0021] The spout may open and close an aperture in the closure, when moving between its open and closed positions.

[0022] Preferably, the collar may be formed with a screw thread to engage a top of a drinking vessel.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drinking vessel provided with a closure as aforementioned.

[0024] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of closure for a drinking vessel, showing drinking spout in a closed position and locked condition;

[0026] Figure 2 shows the closure of Figure 1 in an unlocked condition, with a first slot in lid aligned with second slot in collar with drinking spout in a closed position;

[0027] Figure 3 shows the closure of Figures 1 and 2 in an unlocked condition; with the first slot in lid aligned with the second slot in collar and drinking spout in an open position;

[0028] Figure 4 shows the closure of Figure 1 in exploded view, showing one possible embodiment of resilient member retaining the lid on the collar;

[0029] Figure 5 shows the closure of Figure 1 in plan view, with drinking spout in a closed position and lid in a locked condition;

[0030] Figure 6 shows the closure of Figure 2 in plan view, with drinking spout in a closed position and lid in an unlocked condition;

[0031] Figure 7 shows the closure of Figure 3 in plan view, with drinking spout in an open position and lid in an unlocked condition;

[0032] Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic view of one possible embodiment of a track in the collar, showing a projection of the lid configured to run along said track, showing the position of the projection when in a locked condition;

[0033] Figure 9 shows the diagrammatic view of Figure 8 showing the projection when in an unlocked condition for disassembling the lid from the collar;

[0034] Figure 10 shows the diagrammatic view of Figures 8 and 9, showing the position of the projection when in an unlocked condition, and the drinking spout in an open position;

[0035] Figure 11 shows a section view of the closure of Figure 1 when the collar is in an unlocked condition, and the drinking spout in a closed position;

[0036] Figure 12 shows the section view of Figure 11 when the collar is in an unlocked condition, and the drinking spout is in an open position;

[0037] Figure 13 shows one embodiment of handle mounted to the lid through fixings;

[0038] Figure 14 shows one embodiment of drinking vessel releasably secured to the closure through a screw threaded portion at opening;

[0039] Figure 15 shows one embodiment of closure, showing drinking spout configured to snap fit onto the lid;

[0040] Figure 16 shows a plan view of the closure of Figure 15, with drinking spout in a closed position, and lid in a locked condition;

[0041] Figure 17 shows the closure of Figure 15 in plan view, showing the drinking spout in a closed position, and lid in an unlocked condition, with first slot and second slot in alignment;

[0042] Figure 18 shows the closure of Figure 15 in plan view, showing the drinking spout in an open position, with tab of drinking spout in the aligned first slot and second slot;

[0043] Figure 19 shows an underside view of the closure of Figure 15 showing the drinking spout in a closed position and the lid in a locked condition;

[0044] Figure 20 shows the closure of Figure 15 in underside view showing the drinking spout in a closed position and the lid in position for disassembly and removal of lid from collar;

[0045] Figure 21 shows the closure of Figure 15 in underside view showing the drinking spout in an open position;

[0046] Figure 22 shows one embodiment of drinking vessel provided with the closure of Figure 15 with drinking spout in a closed position; and,

[0047] Figure 23 shows the drinking vessel of Figure 22 showing the drinking spout in an open position.

[0048] In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.

[0049] It is to be understood that the various features that are described in the following and / or illustrated in the drawings are preferred but not essential. Combinations of features described and / or illustrated are not considered to be the only possible combinations. Unless stated to the contrary, individual features may be omitted, varied or combined in different combinations, where practical.

[0050] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of closure 1 for a drinking vessel 2, the closure comprising a collar 3 for engaging with the drinking vessel. The collar 3 is releasably secured to a lid 4, such that the lid 4 rotates into various positions in relation to the collar 3. A drinking spout 5 is connected to the lid 4.

[0051] The lid 4 comprises a side wall 6 that slots over a side wall 16 of the collar 3. To prevent spillage or leakage of liquid contained within the drinking vessel 2, and to prevent dirt, bacteria and other detritus from coming into contact with the drinking spout 5, the drinking spout 5 is movable between an open position and a closed position. Figure 1 shows the drinking spout 5 in a closed position. The side wall 16 of the collar 3 prevents the drinking spout 5 from pivoting into an open position, where the drinking spout 5 is fluidly connected to the liquid contents of the drinking vessel 2.

[0052] Figure 2 shows the closure 1 of the drinking vessel 2 when the lid 4 has been rotated about the collar 3. In this example the lid 4 has been rotated through 44 degrees counterclockwise where rotation of the lid 4 is prevented, and a first slot 7 in the lid 4 is lined up with a second slot 8 in the collar 3 to create a gap in the side wall 6 of the lid 4. The rotation of the lid 4 may be eitherin a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the collar 3. The amount that the lid 4 is rotated relative to the collar 3 is also not limited to 44 degrees, but may be a much greater or lesser amount, depending on how much rotation is required to align the first slot 7 and the second slot 8. When the first slot 7 and the second slot 8 are aligned, there is a space created into which the drinking spout 5 can pivot. Figure 2 shows this unlocked condition of the drinking spout 5 where it is now able to be moved. Figure 2 shows the drinking spout 5 in a closed condition. The drinking spout 5 may snap fit into the lid 4. Alternatively, it may be releasably secured through interference or sliding fit.

[0053] Figure 3 shows the drinking spout 5 in an open position, with a tab 13 of the drinking spout 5 filling the gap created when the first slot 7 and the second slot 8 are aligned. Once the drinking spout 5 is in this open position and fluidly connected to the contents of the drinking vessel, rotation of the lid 4 about the collar 3 is not possible. The drinking spout 5 locks this rotation.

[0054] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the closure 1 showing one possible embodiment of resilient member 9, that is inserted underneath the collar 3, retaining the lid 4 and collar 3 together. The resilient member 9 also supports the flow of liquid from the drinking vessel 2 through the drinking spout 5 to a user. A wall 16 of the collar 3 may incorporate one or more recesses 12 that create space for any additional features attached to the lid 4, such as a handle, not shown, when the lid 4 is rotated. A mouth of the drinking vessel 2 is provided with a screw threaded portion 15 for engaging with a screw threaded portion 15 of the collar 3.

[0055] Figures 5, 6, and 7 shows the different positions of lid 4 relative to collar 3, and drinking spout 5 relative to lid 4 in plan view. Figure 5 shows the closure in a locked condition, where the drinking spout 5 cannot be moved.Figure 6 shows the lid 4 rotated relative to the collar 3 to align the first slot 7 and second slot 8, in preparation to take a drink from the drinking vessel 2. Figure 7 shows the drinking spout 5 pivoted into an open or drinking position. It is by twisting the lid 4 about the collar 3 that the first slot 7 in the side wall 6 of the lid 4, aligns with the second slot 8 in a wall 16 of the collar 3 that space is created for the drinking spout 5 to pivot into open position. In the closed condition, the wall 16 of the collar 3 can be seen in the first slot 7 , filling the gap.

[0056] Figure 8 shows a track 17 in an uppermost surface of the collar 3, and a projection 18 of the lid 4 that is configured to run in the track 17. The track 17 and the projection 18 support the rotation of the lid 4 relative to the collar 3 and prevent over rotation of the lid 4 relative to the collar 3. The track 17 provides an end stop for the projection 18 and therefore the lid 4. In Figure 8 the lid 4 is in a locked condition relative to the collar 3. The resilient member 9 also projects into the track 17 at one end. When this stopper formed by the resilient member 9 is in position at the end of the track 17 the projection 18 cannot move to the end position, and the lid 4 cannot be removed from the collar 3. In Figure 9 the resilient member 9 has been removed, and the lid 4 has been rotated about the collar 3 into the unlocked condition all the way to the end of the track 17 for disassembly. The lid 4 may rotate through 15 degrees in a clockwise direction in the example shown from the locked condition to be in the position for disassembly, where the lid 4 can be removed from the collar 3. This rotation is not limited to 15 degrees, it may be more or less according to the length of the track 17 and until the lid 4 is in the correct position relative to the collar 3 for disassembly. In this example the rotation for disassembly is in the opposite direction to that for accessing the drinking spout 5 and taking a drink from the drinking vessel 2, however the rotation may be in the same direction.

[0057] Figure 10 shows another possible position of the projection 18 within the track 17 when the lid 4 has been rotated into a position for drinking. The track 17 and the projection 18 of the lid within the track 17 prevents over rotation of the lid relative to the collar 3.

[0058] Figure 11 shows a section through the closure 1 mounted to the top of the drinking vessel 2 through a screw thread 15, with the closure 1 in an unlocked condition of lid 4 relative to collar 3, but with the drinking spout 5 in a closed position, tucked within a surface of the lid 4. The section view shows the aperture 14 within the resilient member 9. The aperture 14 is closed in this position, with the drinking spout 5 blocking the passage of any liquid in the drinking vessel 2 from passing through the aperture and along the drinking spout 5. When the drinking spout 5 is in this closed position liquid cannot escape from the drinking vessel 2. The resilient member 9 presents the aperture 14 to the drinking spout 5. The resilient member 9 helps to ensure that the drinking vessel 2 is leakproof but sealing the gap between the aperture 14 and the drinking spout 5.

[0059] Figure 12 shows the drinking spout 5 in an open position, with the fluid passageway of the drinking spout 5 connecting with the aperture 14 and configured to allow the passage of fluid between the two. With the drinking spout 5 in this open position, the lid 4 cannot rotated about the collar 3, as the tab 13 of the drinking spout 5 prevents rotation.

[0060] Figure 13 shows one possible embodiment of handle 10 mounted to the lid 4 through fixings 11. The fixings 11 may include various attachment mechanisms such as rivets, press-fit fasteners, and threaded fasteners (e.g., screws and nuts). Additionally, the components may be secured using adhesives to ensure a strong and durable connection. The collar 3 may comprise recesses inthe wall 16 that allow for the passage of the fixings 11 for the handle 10 when the lid 4 is rotated about the collar 3. The handle 10 may be incorporated onto the drinking vessel 2 in several ways, utilising various fixings 11 to ensure secure attachment while maintaining user convenience. One approach is to integrate the handle directly into the collar 3 or lid 4, forming a moulded, rigid structure as part of the closure assembly. Alternatively, a removable handle can be attached using snap-fit connectors, allowing users to add or detach the handle as needed.

[0061] Other potential fixings 11 include hinged attachments, enabling the handle to fold flat when not in use, or sliding grooves, where the handle can be adjusted or repositioned along a track. Screw-fastened brackets or clip-on mechanisms provide additional options, offering a firm yet detachable connection to the drinking vessel 2. For flexible carrying solutions, a loop or strap may be affixed using integrated eyelets or D-rings, allowing for easy attachment of carabiners or wrist straps. Each fixing method should be designed for durability, ensuring that the handle 10 remains securely attached during regular use while withstanding impact, dishwasher cycles, and repeated handling.

[0062] The resilient member 9 or bung holds the lid 4 and collar 3 together and helps to seal the drinking vessel 2 from the closure 1. The resilient member 9 may also provide a passageway for the fluid between the drinking vessel 2 and the drinking spout 5, such as a resilient straw. In this embodiment, to disassemble the closure 1, the resilient member 9 must be removed from the underside of the closure 1. The resilient member 9 may be provided with a pull tab or loop to enable it to be removed from the closure 1 easily. Once removed, the lid 4 can be rotated about the collar 3 in the opposite direction to the drinking configuration, to enable the lid 4 to be removed from the collar 3. The drinking spout 5 can also be removed from the lid 4, thus the closure 1 is inseparate component parts for each of cleaning. The component parts can be placed into the dishwasher or washed under the tap.

[0063] Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of closure 1 for a drinking vessel 2 comprising lid 4 and collar 3 and drinking spout 5 releasably secured to the lid 4, through snap-fit or otherwise, but without the resilient member 9 of the previous embodiment. Figure 16 shows the closure 1 of Figure 14 in plan view, with the drinking spout 5 in a closed position and the lid 4 in a locked condition. Figure 17 shows the same plan view but with the lid 4 rotated until the first slot 7 and second slot 8 are in alignment. Figure 18 shows the plan view of Figure 17 with the drinking spout 5 pivoted into the open position ready for drinking.

[0064] Figure 19 shows an underside view of how the lid 4 is rotatably secured to the collar 3. In Figure 19 the lid 4 is in the closed condition with the drinking spout 5 in a closed position. The drinking spout 5 attached to the lid 4 runs along a cutout in the surface of the collar 3. In Figure 20 the drinking spout 5 is right at the end of the cutout, and in position for disassembly where the lid 4 comes away from the collar 3. Figure 21 shows the drinking spout 5 at the other end of the cutout, and with the first slot 7 of the lid 4 aligned with the second slot 8 of the collar 3, and therefore the drinking spout 5 is in the open position.

[0065] Figures 22 and 23 show the closure 1 attached to the drinking vessel 2, and a section through the longitudinal axis to show the drinking spout 5 in an open position (Figure 23) and a closed position (Figure 22). The aperture 14 aligns with the fluid passageway of the drinking spout 5 when in an open position to allow fluid to pass through the drinking spout 5 to the user. The aperture 14 is closed when the drinking spout 5 is in a closed position, preventing liquid from leaking out of the drinking vessel 2.

[0066] The collar 3, lid 4 and drinking spout 5 may be manufactured from a variety of durable, dishwasher-safe polymer materials that provide strength, impact resistance, and longevity. Suitable materials include polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), both of which offer excellent chemical resistance, durability, and the ability to withstand repeated exposure to high temperatures in a dishwasher. Additionally, polycarbonate (PC) copolyester may be used, as they provide superior toughness, transparency (if required), and resistance to cracking when dropped. The drinking spout 5 may also be made from ceramics or glass. The resilient member 9, which may serve as a sealing or biasing component, can be made from flexible, food-grade elastomers such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). These materials ensure a reliable seal, maintain their elasticity over time, and remain stable under varying temperatures and mechanical stresses. All selected materials should be BPA-free, non-toxic, and capable of withstanding the demands of daily use without degrading in performance.

[0067] In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word "preferable" (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.

[0068] All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0069] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0070] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A closure for a drinking vessel, the closure comprising:a collar configured to engage the top of a drinking vessel;a lid that engages the collar and is rotatable with respect to the collar; and a drinking spout mounted on the lid, the drinking spout being moveable between an open position and a closed position;wherein:the lid is formed with a side wall having a first slot that receives the drinking spout;the collar is formed with a wall having a second slot; andupon rotation of the lid with respect to the collar, the first and second slots may be brought selectively into and out of alignment to allow the drinking spout to be moved from its closed to its open position when the slots are in alignment, and to prevent the drinking spout from being moved from its closed to its open position when the slots are out of alignment.

2. A closure for a drinking vessel according to claim 1, wherein the drinking spout engages the lid as a snap-fit, such that the spout is removable from the lid.

3. A closure for a drinking vessel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid is removable from the collar.

4. A closure for a drinking vessel according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a resilient member that is mounted within the collar to afford a seal with the top of a drinking vessel.

5. A closure for a drinking vessel according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the resilient member when mounted within the collar inhibits removal of the lid from the collar and the resilient member is removable from the collar to allow the lid to be removed from the collar.

6. A closure for a drinking vessel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spout, when in its open position, inhibits rotation of the lid with respect to the collar.

7. A closure for a drinking vessel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spout moves upwardly and downwardly, between its closed and open positions.

8. A closure for a drinking vessel according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle secured to the lid by fixings, the collar being formed with recesses to accommodate the fixings as the lid is rotated with respect to the collar.

9. A closure for a drinking vessel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spout is formed with a tab that extends into the slot in the collar when the spout is in its open position.

10. A closure for a drinking vessel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spout opens and closes an aperture in the closure, when moving between its open and closed positions.

11. A closure for a drinking vessel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the collar is formed with a screw thread to engage a top of a drinking vessel.

12. A closure for a drinking vessel, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

13. A drinking vessel provided with a closure according to any of the preceding claims.

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