CN111971233B - Liquid container lid and apparatus and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to liquid containers and liquid container lids and/or filters. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to liquid container lids having a fill aperture and/or a drink aperture.

Description

Liquid container lid and apparatus and method of use

Technical Field

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of liquid containers and liquid container lids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to liquid container lids having a fill aperture and a drink aperture.

Background

Beverage containers are commonly used for the storage and transport of liquids such as water, juice, coffee and tea. Conventional beverage containers include a removable lid that covers the beverage container and provides a drinking orifice. Common drink ports include sip interfaces (e.g., openings for sipping the contained beverage) or suction interfaces (e.g., mouthpiece-style beverage container lids configured to aspirate the contained beverage via a user-generated suction). Such a cap is engaged with the beverage container by a threaded or rotatable engagement, snap fit, friction fit, mechanical interlock, male-female connector, or other suitable removable connection mechanism.

Mouthpiece-type beverage container lids have become increasingly popular in recent years. These drink container lids include a hingeable mouthpiece that moves between a closed (e.g., collapsed) position and an open (e.g., expanded) position to respectively deny or allow a user access to the contents of the drink container. Thus, in the open position, the mouthpiece of these drink container lids is in selective fluid communication with the contents of the drink container, and vice versa. In addition, such mouthpiece-style beverage container lids typically include one or more vent apertures to allow ambient air to enter the beverage container to minimize suction within the container and promote drinking.

Finally, conventional beverage container lids are inadequate for several reasons. For example, a mouthpiece-style beverage container lid typically lacks an opening through which the beverage container may be refilled. Therefore, a user must typically remove a conventional beverage container lid from the beverage container in order to refill the beverage container. The lid must be repeatedly removed and replaced each time the beverage container is refilled, causing inconvenience to the user and increasing exposure of the interior of the beverage container lid and the interior of the beverage container to contaminants and contaminating substances.

Existing beverage container lids also suffer from additional hygiene issues. For example, most beverage container lids lack a filter arrangement for decontaminating, sterilizing, or otherwise purifying the liquid in the beverage container prior to consumption of the liquid. In those lids that include a filter arrangement, the filter replacement volume often causes the beverage container to overflow when the lid is attached to a refilled beverage container. As a result, users of previously filtered beverage container lids must intentionally under-fill the beverage container to account for filter replacement volume. In addition, conventional spout beverage container lids expose an opening at the base of the spout to the environment when the spout is in a closed position. Similarly, these drink container lids may not have structure for sealing or protecting the drinking end of the mouthpiece in the closed position (i.e., when the mouthpiece is not in use). As such, existing mouthpiece-style beverage container lids provide little or no protection from contaminants or contaminating substances entering the drinking end or base opening of the mouthpiece when in the closed position.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved beverage container lid that allows for refilling of a beverage container without removing the lid, while addressing the hygiene issues posed by existing beverage container lids.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments, a liquid container lid is provided. The liquid container cap includes: a fill aperture configured to allow liquid to enter therethrough; and a drink aperture configured to allow liquid to exit therethrough. The cap may be configured to removably, sealingly engage the fill aperture. The liquid container lid also includes a mouthpiece hingedly engaged with the cap, the mouthpiece having a distal end in selectable fluid communication with the drink aperture. The mouthpiece is movable relative to the cap from a closed position to an open position.

In some embodiments, a filter assembly for use with a liquid container is provided. The filter assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing including a housing base and at least one filter wall, wherein at least one filter compartment is defined within the housing. One or more of the inlet and the outlet are configured to be removably attached to a lid of a liquid container. The lid of the liquid container is configured to allow a user to draw water through the filter and out of the aperture in the lid of the liquid container. The filter compartment is configured to house at least one filter media.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container lid.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the beverage container lid of fig. 1 except for the beverage container.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container lid of fig. 1 with the cap in an open position.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the beverage container lid of fig. 1 with a mouthpiece in an open position.

Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container lid of fig. 2, including a filter arrangement.

Fig. 5B is an exploded view of some embodiments.

Fig. 5C shows the filter assembly and functional modules in more detail.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the beverage container lid of fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a left side view of the beverage container lid of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a front side view of the beverage container lid of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-8 illustrate an embodiment of a beverage container lid 100 for storing a volume of liquid within a beverage container 200. The beverage container 200 may be used with any type of liquid; one non-limiting example of a liquid includes a potable liquid such as a beverage. As used herein, the term "beverage" includes water and other beverages. Fig. 1-3 and 5A and 5B provide cross-sectional views of a beverage container lid 100 that includes, among other features, a fill aperture 110, a drink aperture 120, a cap 111, and a mouthpiece 121. As shown in fig. 2, the beverage container lid 100 may be removably connected to the beverage container 200 by a threaded or rotatable engagement between the beverage container 200 and the lid 100, a snap fit, a friction fit, a mechanical interlock, or other suitable removable connection mechanism. Alternatively, threaded connection areas 150 disposed along the bottom of the beverage container lid 100 may be removably connected with corresponding connection areas 250 disposed along the outer periphery of the beverage container 200.

In some embodiments, the lid, the container, the filter assembly, and/or the functional module may be combined into a single arrangement. In other embodiments, one or two or three components may be sold or used or combined together as a sub-component. In some embodiments, one or two or three or all four portions may be combined with other drinking systems and/or methods and/or kits. In some embodiments, the cap is hingedly engaged with the lid. In some embodiments, opening the cap moves the mouthpiece accordingly (and the device is configured in such an arrangement).

In some embodiments, a lid is provided. The cover may include: a fill aperture configured to allow liquid to enter therethrough; and a drink aperture configured to allow liquid to exit therethrough. The cap may be configured to removably, sealingly engage the fill aperture. The liquid container lid also includes a mouthpiece hingedly engaged with the cap, the mouthpiece having a distal end in selectable fluid communication with the drink aperture. The mouthpiece is movable relative to the cap from a closed position to an open position.

In some embodiments, a filter assembly for use with a liquid container is provided. The filter assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing including a housing base and at least one filter wall, wherein at least one filter compartment is defined within the housing. One or more of the inlet and the outlet are configured to be removably attached to a lid of a liquid container. The lid of the liquid container is configured to allow a user to draw water through the filter and out of the aperture in the lid of the liquid container. The filter compartment is configured to house at least one filter media.

As shown in fig. 1, the mouthpiece 121 may include a tip opening 122 in fluid communication with a base opening 123 such that a drink passage 127 is defined between the tip opening 122 and the base opening 123. The mouthpiece 121 may have a thickness defined as the distance between the top surface 121A and the bottom surface 121B of the mouthpiece. The thickness of the mouthpiece 121 may increase with increasing distance from the distal opening 122, although the thickness may also be uniform along the length of the mouthpiece 121. The mouthpiece 121 may also include a protrusion 128 extending from the top surface 121A to facilitate the user opening and closing the mouthpiece 121.

The mouthpiece 121 may be movable relative to the beverage container lid 100 between a closed position, a semi-closed position, and an open position. This movable arrangement of the mouthpiece 121 with respect to the beverage container lid 100 may be achieved by a hinge 126. The mouthpiece 121 may be directly or indirectly connected with the hinge 126, which allows the mouthpiece 121 to pivot or rotate about the hinge axis 126A between a closed position and an open position as desired by a user.

The distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121 may be in selective fluid communication with the liquid within the alternative beverage container 200. For example, as shown in fig. 1, in the closed position, the tip opening 122, the base opening 123, and the drink passage 127 of the mouthpiece 121 are not in fluid communication with the drink aperture 120 and the delivery passage 124. In the semi-closed position, the mouthpiece 121 is partially rotated about the hinge axis 126A, but the tip opening 122, the base opening 123, and the drink passage 127 of the mouthpiece 121 are not in fluid communication with the drink aperture 120 and the delivery passage 124. However, in the open position, the mouthpiece 121 is fully rotated about the hinge axis 126A, and the end opening 122, base opening 123, and drink passage 127 of the mouthpiece 121 are in fluid communication with the drink aperture 120 and delivery passage 124. The drink aperture 120 and/or the delivery channel 124 may be in fluid communication with a straw or other conduit structure extending from the beverage container lid 100 into the optional beverage container 200. Thus, in the open position, the suction created by the user at the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121 may draw liquid from the beverage container 200 into the user's mouth.

Fig. 6-8 illustrate that the beverage container lid 100 optionally includes a base opening cover 125 that covers the base opening 123 of the mouthpiece 121 when the mouthpiece 121 is in the closed position. The mouthpiece 121 may include a base opening cover 125 that may extend downward from the protrusion 128 to cover the base opening 123. Optionally, a base opening cover 125 may extend upwardly from the beverage container lid 100 to cover the base opening 123 when the mouthpiece 121 is in the closed position. The base opening cover 125 may be shaped to surround the base opening 123. Advantageously, the base opening cover 125 prevents contaminants and other hygiene problem substances (e.g., dust, insects, etc.) from entering the base opening 123 when the mouthpiece 121 is in the closed position.

The base opening cover 125 may be formed of a resilient polymer or other suitable flexible material that is capable of deflecting away from the base opening 123 when the mouthpiece 121 is moved to the open position. Alternatively, the base opening cover 125 may be formed of a more rigid material that still allows the base opening cover 125 to deflect and allow fluid communication between the base opening 123 and the drink aperture 120 when the mouthpiece 121 is in the open position. Additionally, if the base opening cover 125 extends upwardly from the beverage container lid 100, it may be formed of a more rigid material, as the need for deflection of the base opening 125 may be reduced or eliminated altogether.

In the closed or semi-closed position, the sealing portion 129 along the bottom surface 121A of the mouthpiece 121 prevents liquid from escaping through the drink aperture 120. For example, the sealing portion 129 may engage and seal the drink aperture 120 or drink aperture wall 130 extending upwardly from the drink aperture 120, thereby preventing liquid from escaping through the beverage container lid 100 via the drink aperture 120. As described below, the sealing portion 129 of the mouthpiece 121 may be formed of a resilient material that may compress against the drink aperture 120 and/or the drink aperture wall 130 to form a snug seal. In addition, rotation of the mouthpiece 121 from the open position to the closed position eliminates any suction created by the user in the drinking passage 127 of the mouthpiece 121, which helps prevent liquid from escaping through the drinking aperture 120.

The mouthpiece 121 may be formed from a resilient polymeric material (e.g., silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane) capable of forming a snug seal with the beverage container lid 100. Alternatively, mouthpiece 121 may be formed from a semi-rigid or rigid material (e.g., polycarbonate, food grade stainless steel). Precise engineering tolerances may allow such semi-rigid or rigid materials to adequately seal against the drink aperture 120 and/or the drink aperture wall 130 without the need for elastomeric materials. In addition, the mouthpiece 121 may be a unitary structure constructed from a single material or may be constructed from multiple materials. For example, the sealing portion 129 may be formed of an elastomeric material, while the terminal opening 122 may be formed of a more rigid material. Where the mouthpiece 121 is formed from multiple materials, the more resilient material may be co-molded as a more rigid material to increase the durability or ease of manufacture of the mouthpiece 121.

In addition to the drink aperture 120, the beverage container lid 100 also includes a fill aperture 110. The fill aperture 110 is an opening in the lid 100 that allows access to the interior of the alternative beverage container 200. Thus, the filling aperture 110 is an inlet port of the bottle and is shaped to allow liquid to pour therefrom. Thus, the filling aperture 110 advantageously allows the beverage container 200 to be refilled without having to remove the beverage container lid 100 from the container 200. To facilitate faster refilling of the beverage container 200, the outer periphery of the filling aperture 110 may be larger than the outer periphery of the drink aperture 120, as shown in fig. 1-3 and 5A. In some embodiments, an inflow filter or other functional module may be removably or permanently attached to the fill aperture 110 to reduce the degree of contamination of liquid flowing therethrough into the beverage container 200 or to provide other beneficial benefits. Non-limiting examples of such filters include mesh filters, carbon filters, activated carbon filters, ceramic filters, and other suitable filters suitable for use as an influent filter. Such an inflow filter may be used alone or in combination with the straw assembly 300 (fig. 5C).

In the frame of reference of fig. 1, the filling aperture 110 includes an upper perimeter 112 and a lower perimeter 113. To prevent liquid in beverage container 200 from spilling through filling aperture 110 when cap 111 is in its open position, a one-way valve (e.g., a check valve, not shown) may be removably or permanently connected to upper perimeter 112, to lower perimeter 113, or between upper perimeter 112 and lower perimeter 113 of filling aperture 110. Further, the upper perimeter 112 of the filling aperture 110 may be larger than the lower perimeter 113 to facilitate faster refilling of the beverage container and to prevent liquid from attempting to overflow the filling aperture 110 through the upper perimeter 112. Further, as shown in fig. 3, the lower perimeter 113 of the filling aperture 110 may be smaller than the maximum inner perimeter of the beverage container lid 100, such that the maximum inner perimeter of the beverage container lid 100 is spaced apart from the lower perimeter 113.

The beverage container lid 110 also includes a cap 111 covering the fill aperture 110. The cap 111 is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the beverage container lid 100 to respectively permit or deny access to the fill aperture 110. In some embodiments, cap 111 may share hinge 126 and hinge axis 126A with mouthpiece 121, as shown in fig. 1. In some embodiments, cap 111 does not share a hinge 126 with mouthpiece 121, but may move relative to beverage container lid 100 via a separate hinge and hinge axis. In either embodiment, the cap 111 may be directly or indirectly connected to the hinge to allow the cap 111 to pivot or rotate about the respective hinge axis between the open and closed positions as desired by the user. The hinge 126 allows the mouthpiece 121 to move independently of the cap 111 if desired. For example, the mouthpiece 121 may be movably connected with the cap 111, and the cap 111 may be movably connected with the cover 100.

Cap 111 may support or carry at least a portion of mouthpiece 121. For example, the end opening 122 or a portion of the bottom surface 121B of the mouthpiece 121 may rest on the cap 111 when the mouthpiece 121 is in its closed position. Thus, as shown in fig. 3, movement of cap 111 to its open position may correspondingly move mouthpiece 121. Alternatively, the entire bottom surface 121B of mouthpiece 121 may rest on cap 111. In some embodiments, bottom surface 121B of mouthpiece 121 is not supported or carried by cap 111 such that movement of cap 111 from the closed position to the open position does not correspondingly move mouthpiece 121.

Cap 111 may include a rim 111A protruding from a bottom surface of cap 111. The perimeter of rim 111A extends around the bottom surface of cap 111 to removably engage the outer or inner perimeter of fill aperture 110 when cap 111 is in the closed position. As shown in fig. 1-3 and 5A, rim 111A may engage upper perimeter 112 of filling aperture 110 (e.g., when cap 111 is in the closed position) or disengage filling aperture 110 (e.g., when cap 111 is in the open position). Cap 111 may also include at least one vent hole 170 to facilitate drinking of liquid from beverage container 200 under suction. The vent 170 may comprise a small diameter hole in the cap 111 that is located below a portion of the mouthpiece 121 when the mouthpiece 121 is in the closed position, but the vent 170 may be located at other suitable locations along the cap 111 or at other locations on the lid 100.

The rim 111A of the cap 111 may form a seal against the filling aperture 110 to prevent liquid from leaking out of the filling aperture 110, or to prevent contaminants and contaminating substances from entering the filling aperture 110. For example, the rim 111A of the cap 111 may form a friction fit, an O-ring fit, a gasket fit, or similar suitable sealing mechanism with the upper perimeter 112 of the fill aperture 110 to prevent accidental opening of the cap 111. Rim 111A may also removably engage upper perimeter 112 via a removable snap-fit connection, wherein at least a portion of rim 111A deflects when engaged with upper perimeter 112. Such a snap-fit connection mechanism may provide tactile and/or audible feedback to the user that cap 111 is in the closed position and thus filling orifice 110 is now sealed. Other suitable connection mechanisms may be used, such as a mechanical interlock between the rim 111A and the fill aperture 110. Advantageously, the sealing engagement between cap 111 and fill aperture 110 provides a degree of leakage protection beyond the scope of the alternative check valves described above.

Fig. 1-3 and 5A also show that cap 111 of beverage container lid 100 can include a lip 111B that extends radially outward relative to rim 111A and past lid outer periphery 101. Thus, the lip 111B of the cap 111 may cover or be removably attached to the lid top surface 102. For example, lip 111B may form a removable snap fit, mechanical interlock, friction fit, or other suitable removable connection with lid top surface 102. Advantageously, the protrusion of lip 111B beyond the lid outer periphery 101 makes lip 111B an easily identifiable and accessible location that a user can use to move cap 111 between the open and closed positions.

Cap 111 may also include a protective recess 114 on its top surface that removably engages the end of first mouthpiece 121 and end opening 122 when first mouthpiece 121 is in the closed position, as shown in fig. 1. Thus, when not in use, the mouthpiece 121 may advantageously seal against the protective recess 114 to prevent any contaminants or contaminating substances from entering the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121. Optionally, the protective recess 114 may include a portion that selectively covers a portion of the top surface 121A of the mouthpiece 121 to provide additional protection against contamination of the tip opening 122.

Referring now to fig. 5A, the beverage container lid 100 may also optionally include a straw assembly 300 (fig. 5C). The straw assembly 300 is used to transfer liquid from the bottom of the beverage container 200 to the straw-connecting portion 160 of the beverage container lid 100 through the straw delivery conduit 307, thereby enabling liquid transfer when the beverage container 200 is in an upright, upright position. In some embodiments, straw assembly 300 may include straw 301, functional module 313, or both straw 301 and functional module 313 (fig. 5C). The function module 313 provides advantageous benefits when water flows through the module. The combination of straw 301 and functional module 313 may be used to span the distance from the bottom of beverage container 200 to straw-connecting portion 160 of beverage container lid 100, as shown in FIG. 5. However, if the height of functional module 313 is high enough to span this distance, suction pipe 301 may not be needed.

The straw assembly 300 may be removably connected to the beverage container lid 100. For example, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B, straw 301 may include one or more O-rings near straw top 306 for sealingly engaging straw-connecting portion 160 of beverage container lid 100. As shown in FIG. 1, straw-connecting portion 160 is defined by a rim extending downwardly from beverage container lid 100. For example, the filter connection portion may be a rim around the delivery channel 124. The straw 300 may be removably coupled to the straw-coupling portion 160 of the beverage container lid 100. In some embodiments, straw top 306 may be pressed or pushed into straw connecting portion 160 to form a friction fit between the components. Alternatively, instead of O- rings 303A, 303B, straw 301 may include one or more protruding rims near straw top 306 that engage corresponding mating recesses in straw connecting portion 160 of beverage container lid 100 to form a removable mechanical interlock or snap-fit connection. Alternatively, other suitable removable attachment mechanisms may be used to removably attach the straw 301 to the beverage container lid 100. Similar suitable removable attachment mechanisms may also be used to attach the functional module 313 directly to the beverage container lid 100. One or more of the functional modules 313 may be connected in series. Such modular assemblies may be advantageously interchanged by a user to perform different beneficial functions, such as sanitizing or removing particles, as described below. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the beverage container lid 100 may be used without one or more of the functional modules 313.

The straw assembly 300 (fig. 5A-C) can include an inlet 302 located on a straw assembly bottom 305 and positioned a distance from a bottom interior surface of the beverage container 200, as shown in fig. 5A. The spaced distance between the beverage container 200 and the straw assembly bottom 305 ensures that a user can draw liquid through the inlet 302. A support spring 308 may be attached to the straw assembly bottom 305 to contact and maintain a spaced distance from the bottom interior surface of the beverage container 200. When the beverage container lid 100, the straw assembly 300, and the beverage container 200 are assembled together, the support spring 308 ensures that all components are tightly fitted and restricts the movement of the straw assembly 300, thereby preventing damage in the event that the assembled beverage container is knocked or dropped. The support spring 308 may be formed of a material that may be compressed when pressed against the bottom interior surface of the beverage container 200. The support spring 308 may also be formed of a material that allows liquid to pass therethrough and does not prevent the transfer of liquid from the beverage container 200 to the straw assembly 300. Precise engineering and tolerances may make a semi-rigid or rigid material sufficient for use as a support spring. Alternatively, compressible materials such as sponges, foams, films or nonwovens may be used. In some embodiments, the filter assembly or filter unit is a type of functional module.

The straw assembly bottom 305 may also include a valve 304 (e.g., a one-way valve or check valve) disposed against the straw assembly bottom 305 and the inlet 302. The valve 304 may be spring biased, for example, to a closed valve position (see fig. 5A) to prevent liquid from entering the straw assembly 300 when the beverage container lid 100 is not in use. The suction created by the user at the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121 is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the valve and lift the valve 304 from the straw assembly base 305 to allow liquid to enter the straw assembly 300. Thus, only when the beverage container lid 100 is in use (e.g., under suction), liquid may enter the straw assembly 300, and the valve 304 prevents liquid from exiting the straw assembly 300 through the inlet 302.

The functional module 313 may also include an outlet 331 at the functional module top 330 that is in fluid communication with the straw delivery conduit 307 of the straw 200 or the delivery channel 124 and/or the drinking orifice 120 of the beverage container lid 100. The straw assembly bottom 305 can serve as a base for the functional module 313 and can be removably connected to the functional module 313 (e.g., via a removable snap fit, friction fit, mechanical interlock, or other suitable removable connection mechanism). Alternatively, the straw assembly bottom 305 may be integral with the functional module or otherwise not removable from the functional module 313.

The functional module 313 may be in fluid communication with the drink aperture 120 such that when a user creates a puff, liquid is drawn from the beverage container 200 through the functional module 313, then through the straw 301, then through the drink aperture 120 and the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121. For example, in use, a user's suction created at the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121 may draw liquid to the user through the inlet 302, the interior of the functional module 313, through the straw delivery conduit 307, through the delivery passage 124, the drinking aperture 120 and the mouthpiece 121. Thus, when the mouthpiece 121 is in the open position, the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121 may be in fluid communication with the inlet 302.

The straw assembly 300, including straw 301, functional module 313, functional module top 330, straw assembly bottom 305, valve 304, and support spring 308 may be formed from a semi-rigid or rigid material. Preferably, the materials forming these components are durable enough to withstand cold and hot temperatures of the liquid (e.g., between about 0-200F.) while being light enough to avoid inconveniently bulky combinations of the beverage container lid 100 and straw assembly 300. The straw assembly 300 may be formed from a polymeric material such as polycarbonate or a metallic material such as food grade stainless steel. Additionally, the valve 304 may be formed from a resilient polymeric material or any other polymeric or metallic material capable of being positioned against the bottom 305 of the straw assembly. However, in some embodiments, the valve 304 may be a rigid member that seats against a seal or O-ring disposed around the inlet 302. The beverage container 200 may be formed of glass, metal, plastic, or any suitable combination involving one or more of these materials. Alternatively, the beverage container 200 may have a double wall construction.

In some embodiments, the functional module 313 may be removably connected to the fill port 110 and may be used in the same orientation as shown in fig. 5A, or may be inverted as compared to the orientation shown in fig. 5A. For example, the functional module top 330 may be removably connected to the lower perimeter 113 of the fill aperture 110 by a snap fit, mechanical interlock, friction fit, or other suitable removable connection mechanism. This configuration allows liquid to pass through the functional module 313 when poured into the fill port 110. As a result, this configuration enables gravity or low pressure filtration of the liquid, which eliminates the need for the suction-based mechanism described above.

The beverage container lid 100 may be provided with different configurations of the functional module 313. Such a configuration may be advantageously used to perform different beneficial functions. The functional module 313 may include a filtration module that purifies the liquid by removing or eliminating harmful contaminants as the liquid passes through the module. In this embodiment, the functional module 313 may contain a filter medium or mechanism, which may include granular filter media, pleated or non-pleated non-woven filter media, filter membranes, solid ceramic or carbon blocks, disinfection media, adsorption media, a radiation source (e.g., an ultraviolet lamp for disinfection), or some combination of these water purification materials and mechanisms.

Functional module 313 can also include a module that enhances or improves the taste and flavor of the liquid as it passes through the module. In this embodiment, the function module 313 may contain a tea or coffee infuser in which tea or coffee flavoring is extracted from the tea leaves or coffee grounds as the liquid passes through the module. The modules may also contain powdered solids, granular solids, or tablets that slowly dissolve and impart flavor, improve taste, enhance mouthfeel, or provide health benefits (e.g., nutritional supplements or vitamins) as water passes through the module. Alternatively, the function module 313 may contain a mechanism that adds a dissolved gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, to the liquid as it passes through the module to provide a carbonated or nitrified beverage.

The function module 313 may also include a module that regulates the temperature of the liquid as it passes through the module. In this embodiment, the functional module 313 may contain an electrical heating or cooling element (e.g., a resistive heater or a thermoelectric cooling element), or may contain a latent heat storage unit (e.g., a suitable phase change material) that can regulate temperature. Alternatively, the module may contain a reusable freezable gel material or ice cubes that are placed in a home refrigerator prior to use with the beverage container lid 100 and beverage container 200.

The function module 313 may also include a module containing a sensor device for data collection. A sensor may be placed near the inlet 302 to measure and collect relevant water quality data for the liquid contained in the beverage container 200. Alternatively, a sensor may be placed near the outlet 331 to collect relevant water quality data of the liquid as it exits the functional module 313 and is delivered to the user through the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121. Relevant water quality parameters include, but are not limited to: pH, conductivity, total Dissolved Solids (TDS), alkalinity, turbidity, inorganic chemicals (e.g., lead, chromium, arsenic) and organic chemicals (e.g., disinfection by-products, perfluorochemicals, pesticides). The sensor data may be transmitted from the function module 313 to an external device via wireless technology. Function 313 may also be used to collect water usage and consumption data, allowing users to track their water consumption and meet their personal health or dietary goals. A mechanical or electronic counter may be used to record the volume of water that has passed through the function block 313. The counter may be used in conjunction with an alarm or shut-off device that alerts the user or physically prevents liquid from passing through the functional module when the capacity of the functional module is exhausted.

Some embodiments of the function module 313 may involve the use of a power source or power supply (e.g., uv disinfection, temperature regulation, sensors). The functional module 313 may contain a small power source, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. The function module 313 may also optionally include a mechanism for generating electricity, such as a flywheel or turbine, that rotates and generates electricity as liquid flows through the function module. The generated power may be consumed directly by other components of the functional module or may be stored in a battery.

When functional component 313 comprises a filter component, filter housing 309 may include one or more filter walls for separating or containing one or more filter media within filter housing 309. In particular, the filter housing 309 may include a first filter wall 310 and a second filter wall 320. The filter housing 309 may include as many filter walls as are needed for a particular filtration situation. For example, if filtration is not desired, the filter housing 309 may contain no filter walls, or a single filter wall, or five filter walls, or ten filter walls, or twenty filter walls, or fifty filter walls, as determined by the particular filtration needs. The embodiment shown in fig. 5A comprises first and second filter walls 310, 320. Each filter wall may be removably connected (e.g., by a snap-fit, friction-fit, or other suitable connection mechanism) to an inner wall of filter housing 309 so that the filter wall may be completely removed from the housing for inspection, cleaning, or to allow replacement of internal filter components.

As shown in fig. 5A, the filter walls separate the interior of filter housing 309 into separate filter compartments that can be used to house filter media. The first filter compartment 312 may be defined by the first filter wall 310 at the top, the straw assembly bottom 305 at the bottom, and the filter housing 309 or the straw assembly bottom 305 on the side. Similarly, the second filter compartment 322 may be defined by the second filter wall 320 at the top, the first filter wall 310 at the bottom, and the filter housing 309 on the side or a rim extending downward from the second filter wall 320. Furthermore, the third filter compartment 332 may be defined by the functional module top 330 at the top, the second filter wall 320 at the bottom, and the filter housing 309 on the side or a rim extending downward from the functional module top 330. Each filter wall defines an aperture that serves as an outlet for a preceding filter compartment and an inlet for a subsequent filter compartment. Thus, the first filter wall 310 comprises a first filter outlet 311 and the second filter wall 320 comprises a second filter outlet 321. Depending on the filtering conditions, more or fewer filter compartments may be defined within filter housing 309 and, therefore, more or fewer filter outlets may be included.

The filter compartments 312, 322, 332 may each contain at least one filter media or may be empty. A different filter media may be enclosed in each filter compartment such that the functional module 313 may include a layered or suspended combination of filter media including, for example, adsorbent media, electro-adsorbent media, disinfectant media, size exclusion media, and taste or odor control media to achieve optimal filtration performance. For example, any of the filter compartments 312, 322, or 332 may contain an adsorbent media capable of adsorbing, binding, remediating, or removing environmental contaminants, such as toxic anions (including fluoride, arsenite, arsenate, nitrate, chromate, selenite, selenate, etc.), metals, heavy metals, or salts thereof (including lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, copper, chromium, etc.), volatile organic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, medicinal chemicals, synthetic or natural organics, and the like. Examples of adsorbent media include granular filter media, ion exchange resins, metal oxide functionalized resins, anion selective resins, cation selective resins, granular activated carbon, kinetic Degradation Flux (KDF), zeolites, metal ion exchange zeolite adsorbents, zirconia or hydroxide, natural or synthetic adsorbents including cellulose, or other suitable granular filter media. The composition of the adsorbent media may include one or more selected from the group consisting of: activated carbon, particulate activated alumina, particulate diatomaceous earth, particulate silica gel, particulate zeolite, particulate silicate, particulate synthetic molecular sieve, particulate ion exchange resin particles, particulate mineral clay, particulate aluminosilicate, particulate titanate, particulate bone char, particulate KDF process media, particulate iodine resin, particulate ceramic, particulate perlite, particulate sand, particulate mixtures of ion exchange resin and metal oxide, particulate mixtures of activated carbon and metal oxide, functionalized particulate activated carbon, polymeric adsorbent resin, nanofibers or microfibers (including synthetic polymeric nanofibers or microfibers), natural polymeric nanofibers or microfibers, derivatives of natural polymeric nanofibers or microfibers, inorganic nanofibers or microfibers, nanofibrillated fibers, microfibrillated fibers, or any combination thereof. Exemplary sorption media capable of adsorbing, binding, or removing environmental contaminants are particulate filtration media mixtures described in published Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent application WO2016/025873, published 2/18/2016 and U.S. patent publication US2017-0239600, published 8/24/2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, the adsorption media may comprise a single or mixed layer of filtration media or suspended filtration media that occupies the entire filter compartment or only a portion of the filter compartment. Alternatively, one filter media may be combined with another filter media in a layered or suspended combination within a single filter compartment. Contaminants that may be removed by contact with the adsorbent media include, but are not limited to: particles, colloids, fine particles, suspended particles, organics, residual halogens (e.g., residual chlorine or residual bromine), selenium, arsenates, arsenites, fluorides, dichromates, manganese, tin, platinum, iron, cobalt, chromates, molybdates, selenites, wustite, uranium, vanadium, vanadates, ruthenium, antimony, molybdenum, tungsten, barium, cerium, lanthanum, zirconium, titanium, and/or radium, zinc, copper, lead, mercury, cadmium, and Natural Organics (NOM), pesticide and herbicide residues, endocrine disruptors, drug residues released by industrial discharge, and organic compounds. Particles include, but are not limited to: particles of lead, copper, iron oxide, iron oxyhydroxide, silica, and the like. Sources of contaminated water include, but are not limited to: tap water from municipal or rural wells; and (4) municipal water treatment. In some embodiments, the metal contaminants include, but are not limited to: zinc, copper, lead, mercury, cadmium, iron, cobalt, chromate, dichromate, manganese, tin, and the like. Contaminant particles from water sources include, but are not limited to: granular particles, colloidal particles, fine particles, suspended particles, which are widely present in polluted water.

As non-limiting examples, one filter compartment may include an adsorption composite, a second filter compartment may include a sterilization medium, and a third filter compartment may include a size exclusion membrane filter. Any reordering of the filter media is possible so that a particular filter media arrangement may be implemented in the functional module 313 in a modular fashion. In another example, one filter compartment may comprise a granular filtration media mixture as described in WO2016/025873, a second filter compartment may comprise a sterilizing media, and a third filter compartment may comprise a size exclusion membrane filter. In another example, one filter compartment may comprise a granular filter media mixture as described in WO2016/025873, a second filter compartment may comprise an ion exchange resin filter media, and a third filter compartment may comprise a KDF filter media. In addition, granular disinfecting media may be used in place of or in addition to any of the filter media described above. For example, the first filter compartment 312 may include a sterilizing media, the second filter compartment 322 may include a size exclusion membrane sterilizing filter media (e.g., a hollow fiber membrane), and the third filter compartment 332 may include an ion exchange resin filter media. Any reordering of the filter media is possible so that a particular filter media arrangement can be achieved in a modular fashion in the straw assembly 300. The filter compartments 312, 322, or 332 can have any size suitable to achieve the flow rate and filtration requirements of the straw assembly 300, and the sizes can be different from each other or can be the same size. Optionally, each filter compartment may have a top screen on a first side and/or a bottom screen on a side opposite the top screen to prevent overflow of the filter media. The filter compartment may have a top screen and a bottom screen, only a top screen, or only a bottom screen, depending on the type of filter media contained in the filter compartment.

The disinfecting medium is used to kill or inactivate or eliminate or capture bacteria, viruses, molds, algae, protozoa, or pathogens. The disinfecting medium may include a compound known as an N-halamine, including halogenated polystyrene hydantoin beads. N-halamines include cyclic amines that have biocidal properties due to the attachment of chlorine or bromine or both to the amine. Halogenated polystyrene hydantoin beads may be halogenated with chlorine or bromine and may have different percentages of cross-linking. Halogenated polystyrene hydantoin beads are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,687,072 and 6,548,054, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The sterilising medium may also comprise the biocidal polymer cyclic N-Ha Laming amine of us patent 5,490,983, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. However, other disinfecting media may be used, such as N-halamines, N-halamine polymers, quaternary ammonium compounds, or iodinated resins. The disinfection medium may comprise a mixture of a HALOPURE bromination medium, chlorinated beads, brominated beads, or halogenated beads with an adjuvant (e.g., nanofibers or nanoparticles). The nanoparticles may include nano-iron oxide, nano-iron oxyhydroxide, nano-iron trioxide Hydrate (HFO), nano-titanium oxide, nano-zirconium oxide, nano-cerium oxide, nano-manganese oxide, nano-zinc oxide, nano-magnetic iron oxide, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the disinfection media may be an electro-sorption wet process nonwoven media that traps or removes microorganisms. As noted above, combinations of disinfecting media may also be used.

The disinfection media may optionally include hybrid particles or compositions having polymers attached to nanoparticles that can provide the dual function of water disinfection by reducing biological and chemical contaminants for water purification or remediation. Such hybrid particles are described in PCT patent application WO2016/061265, published on 12/4/2016 and US patent publication US2017-0240435A1, published on 24/8/2017, both incorporated herein by reference.

Other media that may be used for filter compartments 312, 322, and 332, either alone or in combination with other media, include, but are not limited to: activated carbon, ion exchange resin, encapsulation removal media, and washing media. Activated carbon can remove compounds that may discolor or impart an unpleasant taste or odor to water. For example, activated carbon can remove organic compounds. Activated carbon media can include granular activated carbon, powdered activated carbon, extruded activated carbon (activated carbon with binder), beaded activated carbon, impregnated carbon (e.g., activated carbon with metal), and polymer coated carbon. The activated carbon may be placed in the filter in any order. In some embodiments, the activated carbon follows the pre-filter (if present).

Ion exchange resins can remove certain ionic compounds from water by ion exchange. The ion exchange resin may comprise an ion exchange medium such as a cation exchange resin that exchanges positively charged ions, an anion exchange resin that exchanges negatively charged ions, or an amphoteric exchange resin that can exchange positively and negatively charged resins. Ion exchange resins can be used to remove calcium, magnesium, iron or manganese from water. Ion exchange resins can be used to remove nitrates and organics from water. In some embodiments, the ion exchange resin media comprises a polymeric substrate, such as crosslinked polystyrene. In some embodiments, the ion exchange resin media is multi-apertured. In some embodiments, the ion exchange resin media may be in the form of beads or a membrane. The ion exchange resin media may include functional groups such as amino groups, carboxylic acid groups, and sulfonic acid groups. The functional group may depend on the ionic compound desired to be removed. The ion exchange resins may be placed in the filter in any order. In some embodiments, the ion exchange resin follows the activated carbon. In some embodiments, the ion exchange resin follows the sterilising medium.

The encapsulation-removing medium can remove encapsulates, such as giardia and cryptosporidium, or other water-borne parasites. In some embodiments, capsule removal may include a capsule removal medium, such as a "depth" type filter. In depth filters, the material to be removed (e.g., the capsules) remains throughout the depth of the filter media, not just the surface of the media. The depth type fibrous filter media may be, for example, woven, non-woven, wound, spun, melt blown, or resin bonded. The depth filter media may also include a ceramic filter. Other capsule removal media may include membrane filter media. In some embodiments, the capsule removal media may comprise pleated filter media. In some embodiments, the encapsulation removal medium may be rated to remove particles having a size of about 1 micron or less. Further, in some embodiments, the encapsulation removal filter media may have a pore size of about 1 micron or less. In some embodiments, the filter media used to remove the encapsulation may be a functionalized reticulated polyurethane foam. In some embodiments, the encapsulation removal medium may be an electro-adsorption wet process nonwoven medium. In some embodiments using a capsule removal medium, the capsule removal medium may be the last of the filter compartments (e.g., within the filter compartment closest to the end opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121).

The scrubbing media can remove halogens that may be released from any other filter media. For example, when chlorinated or brominated N-halamines are used as the disinfection medium, chlorine or bromine may be released into the water. A scrubbing medium is provided to remove chlorine, bromine or any other halogen that may be released. The washing medium may be placed after the disinfection stage in general, but also after any other medium that may release compounds that may affect the water quality. In some embodiments, the wash medium may be used after the disinfection medium, particularly when the disinfection medium includes an N-halamine. In some embodiments, the wash medium may be used after the ion exchange resin medium. The scrubbing media may comprise a scrubbing media such as an adsorbent media, including activated carbon or a block of activated carbon.

As described above, the suction created by the user may be used to draw liquid from the beverage container 200, through the straw assembly 300, and to the user through the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121. For ease of use by a user, a suction force (e.g., suction force) of about one-half (0.5) pounds per square inch ("psi") to about three (3) psi is sufficient to draw fluid to the user through the straw assembly 300 and any functional modules therein. In some embodiments, a suction force of less than one-half (0.5) psi to about one (1) psi may be sufficient to draw liquid to the user. In some embodiments, a suction force of about three (3) psi to about seven (7) psi may be sufficient to draw liquid to the user. In other embodiments, a suction force of about four (4) psi to about six (6) psi may be sufficient to draw liquid to the user. In one embodiment, a suction force of about three (3) psi may be sufficient to draw liquid to the user.

The optimal flow rate for a user-generated drawing of liquid from the beverage container 200, through the functional module 313 and the distal opening 122 of the mouthpiece 121 to the user is between about 100ml/min and 1L/min. In some embodiments, the function module 313 may implement the following flow rates to draw liquid to the user: between about 150mL/min and about 950mL/min, between about 200mL/min and about 900mL/min, between about 250mL/min and about 850mL/min, between about 300mL/min and about 800mL/min, between about 350mL/min and about 750mL/min, between about 400mL/min and about 700mL/min, between about 450mL/min and about 650mL/min, or between about 500mL/min and about 600 mL/min. In another embodiment, the suction created by the user is between about one (1) and three (3) psi and the flow rate is between about 200mL/min and about 800 mL/min. In another embodiment, the suction created by the user is about three (3) psi and the flow rate is between about 200mL/min and 800 mL/min.

Advantageously, the use of granular filtration media and granular disinfecting filtration media within the filter compartment allows water passing through the functional module 313 to meet or exceed several performance standards. For example, function module 313 may meet or exceed NSF/ANSI53 or EPA action filtration performance standards for metal contaminant removal when the influent water contaminant concentration is less than or equal to the concentration of several contaminants specified in the standards, including but not limited to lead, copper, mercury, 5+ arsenic, cadmium, chromium, volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, function module 313 may meet or exceed NSF401 or EPA action filtration performance standards when the influent water contaminant concentration is less than or equal to the concentration specified in the standards for group a, group B, and group C contaminants.

Experiments have been conducted, the results of which demonstrate the technical advantages of the functional module 313 and the closed filter medium of the beverage container lid 100. For example, NSF/ANSI standard 53 protocol for lead reduction at pH8.5 was tested using test water at pH8.5 contaminated with 150 parts per billion (ppb) of lead. The ph8.5 lead test water is pumped into the function block 313 and the halopure AC lead filter media is closed at a pressure of about 3psi, which corresponds to a suction force sufficient to draw liquid through the function block 313 to the user, as described above. After filtering 5-160 (or, for example, 10-80) L of this highly lead contaminated feed water, the function module 313 with HaloPure AC lead filter media advantageously reduces lead contamination from 150ppb to 2 to 7 (e.g., 3-6) ppb and lowers the pH of the water from 8.5 to between pH6.2 to pH6.8 (or 5.8-6.1) while maintaining a filtration flow rate of 680mL/min to 720 (or 345-510) mL/min. Thus, in use, the functional module 313 achieves an exceptional reduction of metal contamination while maintaining a flow rate safely within the above-mentioned optimal flow rate range. In some embodiments, the straw assembly includes a functional module 313.

Fig. 6-8 illustrate that the beverage container lid 100 may include a utility ring 140. Utility ring 140 may be rotatably connected to beverage container lid 100 or beverage container 200. Utility ring 140 is rotatable from a rest position (see fig. 6) to a locked position in which utility ring 140 sits on a portion of cap 111 to lock or retain the cap in the closed position. Alternatively, cap 111 may be fixedly sealed against fill aperture 110 such that ring 140 need not be used to hold cap 111 to beverage container lid 100. Thus, in some embodiments, utility ring 140 may serve as a convenient carrying handle for a user.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like numerals generally identify like components, unless context dictates otherwise. Thus, in some embodiments, reference numbers may be used for similar components in multiple figures, or the reference numbers may vary from figure to figure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, apparatuses, and methods may be practiced in many ways. As noted above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention does not imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the technical features or aspects of the terminology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that components included in one embodiment may be interchanged with other embodiments; one or more portions of the depicted embodiments may be used with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the drawings may be combined, interchanged, or excluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. Various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

In those instances where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended that one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include, but not be limited to, a system having a alone, B alone, C, A and B together, a and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention similar to "A, B or at least one of C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended that one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B or C" would include, but not be limited to, a system having a alone, B alone, C, A and B together, a and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.).

It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any ambiguous word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" will be understood to include the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

As used herein, the term "comprising" is synonymous with "having," "including," or "characterized by," and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps.

The term "contaminant" may refer to a chemical and/or biological contaminant from a contaminated fluid. In some embodiments, the biological contaminant comprises a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or an algae. In some embodiments, the chemical contaminants will include, but are not limited to: organic compounds, residual halogens, selenium, arsenate, arsenite, fluoride, dichromate, manganese, tin, platinum, iron, cobalt, chromate, molybdate, selenite, selenate, nitrate, phosphate, borate, uranium, vanadium, vanadate, ruthenium, antimony, molybdenum, tungsten, barium, cerium, lanthanum, zirconium, titanium and/or radium, zinc, copper, lead, mercury, cadmium, and natural organics (NOM (e.g., tannic acid, fulvic acid, or humic acid), pesticide and herbicide residues, endocrine disruptors, drug residues, and organic compounds released by industrial emissions.

The term "contaminated fluid" refers to water or water-containing substances containing chemical or biological contaminants.

The term "water purification" refers to a process for removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from contaminated water. The purpose of the process is to produce water suitable for specific purposes, such as human drinking, medical, pharmacological, chemical and industrial applications.

The term "water remediation" refers to a process for removing contaminants from contaminated water or wastewater of an industrial manufacturing process or a contaminated municipal or agricultural water source.

As used herein, the singular or plural "beads" may be of any size or shape, including spherical to resemble beads, but may also include irregularly shaped particles. "beads" are used interchangeably with particles.

As used herein, "hybrid particles" refers to nanocomposite particles comprising a polymer with an N-halamine or a precursor N-halamine, such as polystyrene hydantoin or methylated polystyrene or halogenated polystyrene hydantoin or any halogenated form of any methylated polystyrene or other cyclic amine and N-halamine polymers, as well as nanoparticles. The hybrid particles may be referred to as polymeric hybrid particles or compositions.

As used herein, "nanoparticles" refers to particles, such as nano-metal particles or nano-metal oxide particles or others, having a particle size in the range of 1 to 500 nanometers, preferably 1 to 200 nanometers, more preferably 1 to 100 nanometers. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle is an adsorbent. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are attached to a polymer, such as halogenated or non-halogenated polystyrene hydantoin particles or beads or any methylated polystyrene or other cyclic amine and N-halamine polymers.

The term "gravity feed or gravity flow" filtration refers to the flow of a fluid through a filter media, wherein gravity is essentially the only motive force acting on the fluid to force the fluid through the filter media.

The term "low pressure flow" filtration refers to the flow of fluid through a filter media, wherein a fluid pressure of 30psi or less is the motive force for moving the fluid through the filter media. # ^ ^

The above description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. The present invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, and variations in the manufacturing methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that the invention will include all modifications and alterations falling within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the following claims.

Claims (23)

1. A liquid container lid, comprising:

a fill aperture configured to allow liquid to enter therethrough;

a drink aperture configured to allow liquid to exit therethrough;

a cap configured to removably, sealingly engage the fill aperture; and

a mouthpiece hingedly engaged with the cap, the mouthpiece having an end in selectable fluid communication with the drinking aperture, wherein the mouthpiece is movable relative to the cap between a closed position and an open position,

wherein a one-way valve is connected at the filling aperture such that liquid is prevented from escaping through the filling aperture when the cap is in its open position.

2. The liquid container lid of claim 1, wherein the cap is hingedly engaged with the lid.

3. The liquid container cap of claim 1, wherein opening the cap causes corresponding movement of the mouthpiece.

4. The liquid container cap of claim 1, further comprising a container having an opening, wherein the cap and container are removably attached by a threaded fit, snap fit, friction fit, or mechanical interlock, and wherein the container is refillable through the filling port without removing the container cap from the container.

5. The liquid container cap of claim 1, the mouthpiece further comprising a bottom opening in fluid communication with the terminal end.

6. The liquid container cap of claim 1, wherein the drink aperture is in fluid communication with the delivery conduit.

7. The liquid container cap of claim 1, further comprising at least one vent hole in the cap to facilitate drinking through the mouthpiece.

8. The liquid container cap of claim 1, further comprising a filter assembly removably connected to and in fluid communication with the drink aperture.

9. The liquid container cap of claim 8, wherein the filter assembly comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing comprising a housing base and at least one filter wall, wherein at least one filter compartment is defined within the housing.

10. The liquid container cap of claim 9, wherein the housing base includes a check valve configured to allow liquid to enter the filter assembly under suction created by a user.

11. The liquid container lid of claim 10, wherein the filter compartment is configured to contain at least one filter media.

12. The liquid container cap of claim 11, wherein application of a user-generated suction to the tip causes the valve to lift and liquid to be drawn to the user through the inlet of the housing, through the at least one filter media in the at least one filter compartment, through the drink aperture, and then through the mouthpiece.

13. The liquid container lid of claim 1, further comprising a rim protruding from a bottom surface of the cap and configured to removably engage the fill aperture to secure the cap to the beverage container lid.

14. The liquid container lid of claim 1, further comprising a utility ring rotatably connected to an outer periphery of the liquid container lid, wherein the utility ring is configured to be rotatable until it abuts the cap, thereby facilitating securing the cap to the liquid container lid.

15. The liquid container lid of claim 1, further comprising a utility ring pivotably connected to an outer periphery of the liquid container such that the utility ring is pivotable between an unlocked position and a locked position in which the utility ring overlies the cap to prevent the cap from opening.

16. The liquid container cap of claim 1, wherein the tip of the mouthpiece engages a protective recess in the cap when the mouthpiece is in the closed position.

17. The liquid container cap of claim 1, the mouthpiece further comprising a protective flap configured to cover a bottom opening of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in the closed position.

18. The liquid container cap of claim 1, further comprising a protrusion on a top surface of the mouthpiece, the protrusion configured to assist a user in moving the mouthpiece between the closed position and the open position.

19. The liquid container lid of claim 1, the protrusion further comprising a protective flap configured to cover the bottom opening of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in the closed position.

20. The liquid container lid as recited in claim 1, further comprising a protective flap configured to cover a bottom opening of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in the closed position.

21. The liquid container cap of claim 1, wherein the liquid is water.

22. The liquid container cap of claim 8, wherein a suction force at the tip of the mouthpiece between 0.5psi and 3psi is sufficient to draw liquid through the filter assembly to the user.

23. A filter assembly for a liquid container, the filter assembly comprising:

a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing comprising a housing base and at least one filter wall, wherein at least one filter compartment is defined within the housing,

wherein one or more of the inlet and the outlet are configured to be removably attached to a lid of a liquid container,

wherein the lid of the liquid container is configured to allow a user to draw water through the filter and out of the aperture in the lid of the liquid container, the lid further comprising a fill aperture configured to allow liquid to enter therethrough,

wherein the filter compartment is configured to contain at least one filter media,

wherein a one-way valve is connected at the filling orifice to prevent liquid from overflowing through the filling orifice.

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