An apparatus comprising a straw and a one-way valve. The straw can include a top end, a straw body, and a bottom end opposite the top end and configured to be placed in a container. The one-way valve can be removably coupled to the bottom end of the straw and configured to allow liquid in the container to enter the straw when a suction force is created at the top end of the straw. Other embodiments are disclosed.

A drinking vessel comprising a drinking container comprising an interior, a drinking attachment comprising a bottom wall and a drinking element, which protrudes upwards from the bottom wall and which has at least one drinking opening on the outer end, which is connected to the interior via a passage channel, which extends through the drinking element, holding devices for releasably holding the drinking attachment on the drinking container, a drinking valve arranged in the passage channel, which closes when ambient pressure is present at the drinking opening, and which opens when a suction underpressure is present at the drinking opening, characterized in that the drinking valve comprises a tube, which is open on the top and closed on the bottom, which, in a wall, has at least one flow-through opening, which connects the inside of the tube to the outside of the tube, wherein the wall of the tube, at least in the area of the flow-through opening, is formed as a soft elastic diaphragm, and when ambient pressure is present at the drinking opening, the tube abuts with the outer rim of the flow-through opening on the wall of the passage channel so as to form a seal and, when a suction underpressure is present at the drinking opening, the diaphragm bulges inwards, so that the outer rim of the flow-through opening moves away from the wall of the passage channel.

A hydration system includes a liquid reservoir, a reservoir coupler, a tube, a hydration valve (e.g., bite valve), a tube coupler (e.g., quick connect), and a flow-restricting device (e.g., check valve). The tube comprises a first end having the hydration valve, a second end for coupling to the liquid reservoir, and the flow-restricting device interposed between the first and second ends.

The present disclosure is directed to a drinking vessel that can include a drinking container and a drinking attachment that is coupled to the container. A straw can be positioned through an opening in the drinking attachment. The straw can include a top end that includes an opening through which a user can withdraw liquid and a bottom end. A drinking valve can be positioned along the bottom end of the straw and can include a tube that is open on the top and closed on the bottom and further includes at least one flow-through opening connecting the inside of the valve to the outside of the straw. A suction tube can include a tube wall that can be slid over the valve to couple the straw to the suction tube.

The invention is characterized in that the straw body (1) is consisting of two or more segments, which are attached together with connection (5) and that the straw body (1) on its both ends has a cross-slit valve (2, 3) closure and the valves (2, 3) and the straw body (1) are integrated by molecular adhesion. The inlet and outlet valves (2, 3) are of a slit type. The straw body (1) is preferably made of a thermoplastic material and the valves (2, 3) are preferably made of elastomer material. The edge of the straw body (1) is shaped to enable larger surface of the connection between the straw body (1) and the valve (2, 3). The said shape is preferably a groove (8). On the wall on the end of the straw body (1) a tongue-shaped groove (9) is formed on the surface side.

An apparatus and methods for adaptable feeding systems comprising a graduated connector designed to accommodate varying sizes of food containers and feeding devices. The graduated connectors can be fixedly attached to feeding devices of varying sizes, featuring multiple connector steps on the opposite side to securely fit a wide range of food container sizes. Alternatively, the graduated connector can function as a standalone unit, with connector steps on both sides to accommodate varying sizes of both food containers and feeding devices. The apparatus offers flexibility and versatility, providing a secure and efficient feeding process for infants, children, and physically inhibited adults. The graduated connector's ability to handle different sizes of food containers and feeding devices makes it a convenient and user-friendly option for managing various feeding requirements, from home use to on-the-go situations, providing a practical and reliable solution that adapts to diverse feeding needs.

The invention is characterized in that the straw body (1) is consisting of two or more segments, which are attached together with connection (5) and that the straw body (1) on its both ends has a cross-slit valve (2, 3) closure and the valves (2, 3) and the straw body (1) are integrated by molecular adhesion. The inlet and outlet valves (2, 3) are of a slit type. The straw body (1) is preferably made of a thermoplastic material and the valves (2, 3) are preferably made of elastomer material. The edge of the straw body (1) is shaped to enable larger surface of the connection between the straw body (1) and the valve (2, 3). The said shape is preferably a groove (8). On the wall on the end of the straw body (1) a tongue-shaped groove (9) is formed on the surface side.