Sip-Hole Improvement Insert Device

Abstract

A insert device method and system that can prevent the undesirable spill and splash of sloshing liquids through the sip-hole a container and or the sip-hole of a lid, but yet still allow liquid to pass through the sip-hole. This is achieved by creating a tube or tubular flow-path or labyrinth flow-path device, with a inlet, and flange that could be secured to a sip-hole in efforts to direct and control the flow and rate of liquid from within a container. These elements can be combined with a tear-off seal, or plug to help to thwart and deflect sloshing liquid thereby minimizing or preventing the accidental release of liquid while still allowing the passage of liquid, and in some cases improving the flow of liquid. The addition of a removable seal or plug can allow the device to prevent liquid flow as desired.

Claims

1: A Sip-Hole Improvement Insert Device, comprising: a tube at least 1 mm long that has an upper open end; at least one inlet on said tube configured for fluid and gas communication; and at least one flange adjacent to the upper open end of said tube for securing insert device on a sip-hole; whereby said insert device and components are sized and shaped to securely fit the sip-hole of a container cover and configured to improve fluid and gas communication as desired.

2: The insert device of claim 1, wherein at least one component of the device is at least partially tapered.

3: The insert device of claims 1, and 2, wherein said tube has at least one angle.

4: The insert device of claims 2, and 3, further comprising a means to seal upper open end.

5: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, further comprising; means for configuring a plug; wherein plug is at least one of the type coming from the croup of; removable, integrated, combined, separated, built-in, insert, snap-fit; heat-sealed; adhesive, pressure-joined; bonded, fused, joined, friction-fit, slide, foldable, mated; tapered; vented, peel, pull, tear-off, insert; cap; sticky, interlocking; secured, edible, melting; flavored, scented, hard; soft, metal, plastic, wood, polymer, resin, manufactured as one unit, manufactured separately as multiple units, or any combination there of or the like.

4: The insert device of claims 1, 2, and 3, wherein said tube has at least one curve.

5: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein device tube has a labyrinth of flow-paths with at least one angle.

6: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, wherein said tube has at least one inlet on said tube configured at least partially on front most side wall of tube.

7: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, wherein tube further comprises at least one viscosity barrier.

8: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, wherein said tube further comprises at least one vented opening.

9: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, wherein a larger flange extension protrudes from the topside of the device, to safely secure the device properly to help prevent accidental removal which might cause chocking.

10: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, wherein the exterior surface of the tube has at least one flange as a protruding extension, to aid in securing the insert around a sip--hole.

11: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, wherein flange is constructed with extension protrusion formed to create a tight suction seal.

12: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, wherein flange is formed to create a snap-fit,

13: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein tube flow-path further comprising at least one flange protrusion on its inner wall, to deflect upward sloshing liquid.

14: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, wherein device is formed using a semi-ridged material capable of conforming slight variations in size and shape of sip-holes to stretch sip-hole to fit snugly with device.

15: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, wherein device is formed using a semi flexible material capable of conforming to the slight variations is sip-holes.

16: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, wherein device is formed using a material that will not leach into liquids; particularly during extreme use, such as that of the rapid heating's and cooling's of common beverages.

17: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, wherein device is formed using at least one material from the group of; edible, scented, flavored, color temperature changing, plastics, metals, woods, polymers, resins, silicones, eco-friendly.

17: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, and 16, wherein said flange is shaped and sized to fit a human mouth.

18: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, wherein said tube is formed to extend upwards beyond the surface of the flange, container and sip-hole.

19: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, wherein said tube is configured to widen the sip-hole it is inserted into to allow the flow of more liquid faster.

20: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, wherein the flange is used as a means for marketing or advertising.

21: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, configured to stack on top one and other.

22: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, configured to preserve desired temperatures of liquids.

23: The insert device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, wherein said attached plug can be slid from back and forth between an open and closed position.

24: A method of improving a beverage lid comprising: providing a beverage lid having a sip-hole; providing a device having a tube with an upper opening, a flange, a liquid inlet on tube; the device of material, size and shape such that the tube fits into the sip-hole in a sealed manner and, when fit, the upper surface of the flange is generally flush with the lid surface surrounding the sip-hole and the flange prevents the apparatus from falling downward; further, the tube extends at least 1 mm below the lid; fitting the tube into the sip-hole of the lid by inserting it in a sealed manner.

25: A System of improving a beverage lid by adding a Sip-Hole Improvement Insert Device, comprising: a beverage lid with a sip-hole; a sip-hole improvement insert device comprising; a tube at least 1 mm long that has an upper open end; at least one inlet on said tube configured for fluid and gas communication; and at least one flange adjacent to the upper open end of said tube for securing insert device on a sip-hole; and a compatible container to receive said lid with insert device; whereby said insert device and components are sized and shaped to securely fit the sip-hole of a lid that is sized and shaped to fit a container and the new assembly is configured to improve fluid and gas communication as desired.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Four (4) drawing sheets with 21 Figures.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a top down view of embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a tilted front to back view of a similar embodiment from FIG. 1.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a side view of similar embodiment from FIG. 1.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a top down tilted front side view similar embodiment from FIG. 1.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a cross section view of an embodiment with an angled flow-path.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a top down tilted side view of a similar embodiment to that seen in FIG. 1, but in the folded-closed position, with the plug inserted into the sip-tube.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a top down view of a similar embodiment to that seen in FIG. 4, but in the folded-closed position, with the plug inserted into the sip-tube,

[0063] FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention stacked upon itself.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a front to back top side view of an embodiment of the present invention in the semi-folded position,

[0066] FIG. 11 is a tilted side view of an embodiment of the present invention in the semi-folded position.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention stacked upon itself.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a top down view of an embodiment inserted into a beverage lid sip-hole in the open position.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a cross section side view of an embodiment inserted into a beverage lid sip-hole in the open position.

[0070] FIG. 15 is a top down tilted side view of an embodiment inserted into a beverage lid sip-hole in the folded-closed position.

[0071] FIG. 16 is a cross section side view of an embodiment inserted into a beverage lid sip-hole in the folded-closed position.

[0072] FIG. 17 is a side view of a triple angled flow-path embodiment with a slide plug.

[0073] FIG. 18 is a front view of a similar embodiment to FIG. 17.

[0074] FIG. 19 is a tilted tap down side view of a similar embodiment to FIG. 17 with its plug in the closed position,

[0075] FIG. 20 is a tilted top down side view of a similar embodiment to FIG. 17 with its plug in the open position.

[0076] FIG. 21 is a cross section side angle of a similar embodiment to FIG. 17 with its plug in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the present application will be further appreciated when considered with reference to the following descriptions of a few preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements. In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the appended drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, this application is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0078] We will start our detailed description by examining FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross section illustration of a hollow, angled, vented, tubular flow-path, sip-hole extension and plug combination insert device, aka “sip-tube” for short reference. Sip-tubes can vary in size, shape, and design, but in use they achieve similar benefits. Some sip-tubes are simple hollow tubes that are designed to be secured to a sip-hole found on a container, or its lids, in efforts to extend the sip-hole. The sip-tube-plug combination device not only extends the sip-hole of container or a lid, but it can also be used to plug the sip-hole when desired. The extended sip-hole, or sip-tube works by deflecting sloshing liquid, and directing the flow of liquid in a controlled and desired manner within its hollow flow-path, thereby limiting or thwarting undesirable or “accidental spill and splash” of liquid, aka “ASSL”, for short reference.

[0079] In more detail, a sip-tube works be deflecting the sloshing liquid within the container when it's jostled, and by controlling the amount of liquid within the flow-path along with its direction and rate of flow, it also lessens the force excerpted by the slashing liquid in the container on the liquid after it enters the flow-path, thereby minimizing or preventing accidental spill and slash. The combination of the sip-tube and plug can eliminate all ASSL when the sip-tube-plug combo insert device is in a foldediclosed position, such as that illustrated in FIG. 6. 16 and FIG. 19.

[0080] Some overview benefits achieved by using a sip-tube-plug in conjunction with a container or lid are, but not limited to;

[0081] BEnefits:

[0082] Lessens or eliminates accidental spill and splash (ASSL) from sip holes.

[0083] Adds suction ability to sip holes, which can increase liquid flow when desired.

[0084] Widens sip holes for faster consumption.

[0085] Allows a modern person with an active lifestyle to be able to enjoy a liquid just the same and a stationary person without having to worry about spill or splash.

[0086] Blocks dissipation of hot steam liquid which helps maintain heat longer while consuming hot liquids; thereby conserving desired temperatures, hot or cold.

[0087] Eco-conscious when compared to splash plugs, stir-sticks, and straws; less material, less waste, and they c.-,an be reused.

[0088] Can be constructed or partially constructed of edible materials that can flavor or enhance liquids.

[0089] Offers at least four ways to consume a liquid more safely: a; prevents line of sight blockage caused by containers and their lids because of sucking action, b; lessens spills which could cause burns; c; can consume liquids without the need of two hands like plugs need, d; less spill equals less distraction while conducting other potentially dangerous tasks such as driving.

[0090] Plug a sip-hole completely when desired.

[0091] Overall makes for a more enjoyable drinking experience.

[0092] The resulting benefits achieved from embodiment to embodiment vary slightly as additional features are added to the base hollow sip-tube. These additional features will be discussed in detail below. While other features might aide in deflecting a small or negligible percentage of sloshing liquids; we will discuss many of the features and their benefits.

[0093] FIG. 1 is a top down view of an embodiment disclosed within this application. FIG. 2 is a tilted front to back view of a similar embodiment from FIG. 1, it illustrates the extended sip-hole which protrudes in a downward direction, while plug element 30 is illustrated in FIG. 3, which protrudes in an upward direction. The insertion of plug element 30 into the hollow sip-tube or flow-path 01a as seen in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 shows how the sip-tube is folded and set into a closed position, Once the plug is fully inserted into the hollow sip-tube as illustrated in FIG. 6, 7, 15, and FIG. 16, this becomes the folded and or closed position. This foldediclosed position is used to eliminate and block, or plug ail AS L. The plug could be designed to fit snugly in a secured position with the sip-tube. An additional extended protrusion 02b as illustrated on plug 30 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, can help to secure and seal the plug within the sip-tube.

[0094] FIG. 17 through FIG. 21 illustrates a similar plug example, except with a slide plug 30b design instead of a fold plug 30 design. FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 show the slide plug 30b, in the closed position, Whereas FIG. 20 illustrates plug 30b in the open position. The slide plug is operated by sliding it forward or backwards, from the open position to allow liquid to flow through the sip-tube, to the closed position that plugs the sip-tube to block all ASSL. The closed position is preferred to extend off the front of the sip-tube, this way it could be slid to the open position with the mouth. A slightly elevated edge can be formed on the front arid backside of the slide plug, to secure it in place, and to have something to grab on to with the finders, or mouth.

[0095] FIG. 3 is a side view of similar embodiment from FIG. 1, it illustrates a tubular shaped sip-tube 01 which comprises the main body of the sip-tube, it can be seen clearly on FIG. 1 through FIG. 21. The hollow tubular aspect 01a or flow-path, can be seen on the topside and bottom side of FIG. 2. This hollow tubular aspect, or flow-path Ola is better illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 10, 14, 20 and FIG. 21. These sip-tubes and flow-path's are designed to be secured to, and seal a sip-hole found on a container; or its lid, and then extend the sip-hole along a guided flow-path. Liquid can then flow through the hollow extended sip-hole, along the flow-path; in a more controlled and directed fashion.

[0096] Some of the flow-paths, as seen in most of the FIGS., with the exception of FIG. 5, 17, 18, 19, 20, and FIG. 21 are single path sip-tubes. Sip-tubes and their flow-paths help to deflect sloshing liquid from accidentally splashing out from a sip-hole.

[0097] The flow-path in FIG. 5 has one angle 03 formed along its path. FIG. 17 thru FIG. 21 have more then multiple angle 03 formed along their flow-paths. These angles create a labyrinth of flow-paths each designed to further deflect sloshing liquids, By directing liquid through two or more angled flow-paths, in opposing directions, it forces the liquid into a desired and controlled flow direction and rate. These additional angles help the further deflect and control liquid flow and rate.

[0098] These angles serve other functions as well; first it helps to lessen the accidental or undesirable sloshing and splashing of liquid flow in an upward direction, and in a forward/backward direction by blocking and redirecting multiple slosh directions into a controlled and desirable direction, they give the liquid more space to settle before it can exit the container, and they deflect the liquid back at itself before it ever enters the sip-tube. The triple angle such as that one FIG. 17 deflects sloshing liquid multiple times by the time it reaches the exit point on the topside of the sip-tube. For use in certain applications, a flow-path formed in two or more opposing directions works incredibly well because it forces the liquid to travel in the opposite direction it did from the previous angle, this kind of reverse angle sip-tube can sometimes deflect and control sloshing liquid better then a single flow-path.

[0099] FIG. 3 and FIG. 14 do not have multiple angles formed in their flow-paths, but they are angle formed 29 flow-paths. This single formed angled flow-path performs the same functions mentioned above, but does so in a simpler way, and these single angle designs can be manufactured by a broader range of processes, some that could be cheaper to produce then a multiple angled flow-path. Some embodiments such as those illustrated in FIG. 14 can be designed to rest just along the inside of a container or its lid after being secured to its sip-hole, and then limits to allow the desired flow rate to enter the flow-path through the cutout space between the container wall and the sip-tube. This design often works well for helping control ASSL.

[0100] The flow-path sip-tube deflection process further benefits when accompanied by a secondary exterior base angle 07, as seen in FIG. 5, 11, 12, and FIG. 17, formed at the exterior bottom side opening of the hollow flow-path. The base opening angle on the flow-path aides by further deflecting sloshing liquid before it ever enters the sip-tube. It also helps to guide liquid into the flow-path as the beverage container empties or the cup tilts. The slightest difference in this base angle might add some advantages in liquid sloshing in one direction, however it might lessen other advantages gained by the fiow-path of slashing liquids in other directions. The preferred angle varies with size of the bottom opening hole and the number of angles along the flow-paths. The angle is not necessary, however it can be beneficial in some embodiments. It also aids and helps when trying to access all liquids within the container when pouring it and draining it. This exterior angle also aides in helping the sip-tube lay in an accommodating position to the internal angular shape of the container, thereby better improving suction and pouring abilities. An example of this is not illustrated within. The distance between the internal wall of the container and sip-tube also helps aide in the deflection of sloshing. The preferred distance varies with the viscosity of the liquid. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 illustrates a double base angle 07, separated by a single exterior base side viscosity barrier 05. This double base angle combined with viscosity barrier 05 slows down sloshing liquid and channels it into a controlled and desired flow.

[0101] FIG. 3 illustrates a downward-curved base 23, this base works well in redirecting liquid. A base that works particularly well, but that is not illustrated is the opposite base of 23, it curves in an upwards direction. A double curved base works well at deflecting liquid and makes for easy draining of liquid entering the sip-tube. These curved bases perform a similar function as the angles in a flow-path do. They force liquid to be redirected in a controlled fashion, before allowing it to enter the sip-tube, this helps with ASSL.

[0102] One of the more convenient benefits or advantages of the extended sip-hole, is that a user does not need to tilt the container to access the liquid inside like they normally would. The sip-tube extension adds a suction like ability much like that of a mini-straw or sippy-cup to any basic cup/container once it is inserted. This ability helps in many ways, some of the more notable ones pertain to safety. By using a sip-tube, a person would no longer need to tilt the cup so they can take a sip. Standard coffee cups and lids will block your line of site when tilting them to take a sip, this can be dangerous while incredibly aggravating. Standard paper cups leak from the cup-crease when the cup is tilted. This is dangerous because it can stain, distract, or burn people while walking or driving. These problems are eliminated when using a sip-tube because a person does not need to tilt the cup very much to access the liquid inside when using a sip-tube, all they need to do is suck and then syphon/vacuum action will move the liquid up the sip-tube. It also allows a person to sip the beverage at a more controlled rate, increasing or decreasing liquid flow as desired. By adding a suction ability, a person could suck more liquid through the same sized hole faster, thereby accessing the liquid faster if desired. The sip-tube can also be formed to widen or stretch the hole it is inserted into, this helps to increase the flow of liquid whether pouring, sucking or sipping. This widening or stretching can be accomplished in several ways. One of the more obvious ways is by forming the sip-tube with a taper 04 as seen in FIG. 2, 11 and FIG. 18. The taper design 04 helps with the insertion and sizing process. By constructing a sip-tube with a smaller base then any hole it might inserted into, this allows for easy insertion no matter what shape or size a sip-hole might be. It can thereby stretch a differently shaped sip-hole to conform to the shape and size of the sip-tube that is inserted, or vice-versa. This adds several benefits; one is that is allows one shape and size sip-tube to work on most sip-holes, two it also widens a sip-hole to allow for more liquid to pass through, and three it helps to secure a snug and tight leak proof seal between the sip-tube and sip-hole. It would be advantageous to mention 18 the resting zone, as seen on all the attached drawings, but which is best illustrated on FIG. 10. This zone or region is where the sip-hole rests between the locking protrusions 02 and extended arm 08c and 08d as seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 16. Much like standard beverage sip-hole plugs found at local coffee shops, this region can be formed to be slightly smaller then its neighboring upper and lower exterior flow-path, thereby allowing for perfect placement and a good seal between the sip-tube and sip-hole. FIG. 1 through FIG. 21 show a version of protruding extension 02, also called safety locking element 02d as seen in FIGS. 10. 02a, 02b and 02c are subseries of 02, they are illustrated on most of the figures with slight modifications from 02. These elements work to secure a sip-tube in a snug, and proper functioning position within the sip-hole of the container or lid it is placed into. They work together in conjunction with 18 resting zone, to secure the best snug fit within a sip-hole. Due to the soft materials used to make most containers and their lids, a slightly oversized flow-path usually works best to help form good seal between a sip-tube and a sip-hole. Sip-tubes can stretch sip-holes and enlarge them, this is why a resting zone, positioned between two protrusion extensions, or locks, works well to secure a sip-tube properly and safely.

[0103] 08c and 08d extended arm as illustrated on FIG′S. 4, 7 and FIG. 10, are extended topside ramifications or versions of locking protrusion 02 and its subsets. These extended protrusions add several benefits, including a layer of safety in the prevention of chocking. They also ensure a more snug tit, seal and positioning of a sip-tube with a sip-hole, 08, 08a and 08b extend surface area where lips might come in contact with a lid, a container, or the sip-tube itself, thereby completing a closed loop seal for a good suction sip-tube insert device. An extended arm could be designed with a slightly curved shape 38 on FIG. 18 at the topside of its sip-tube, to match the shape of a person's lips. Additional locking and securing aspects can be achieved when using an extended arm by using an adhesive agent, this can be applied to the underside of any 08, or the topside of any 02 or their subseries, to allow them to be more securely attached for positioning and safety, or permanently adhered to a container or lid. The adhesive agent can consist of any standard or specialized agents, but preferably it would be made from edible compounds, possibly even a sugar-based agent, which could be activated when wet, or possibly licked to activate its stick much like a postage stamp. Another means for attaching the insert to a container or lid is illustrated in FIG. 4 as female lock cutout window 28. This can be any size or shaped latch and groove cutout, or any other type cutout insert lock mechanism used for situations like this. Whether its female or male, it makes no difference, as long as the container or lid is formed to receive it. This feature could be combined with 02 or 08 to fit snugly along the rim or edge of a container or its lid, thereby further securing it in position and forming a snug seal. These elements help because all sip-holes have slight variations in shape and sizing, so these elements help to make up for this shortcoming by sticking out further from the external edge of the flow-path. As stated above, this mechanism could be formed on an accompanying container or lid for attachment after manufacture of each component separately.

[0104] Each element should he constructed to prevent accidental release that could result in a person choking or ingesting the sip-tube. These additional elements are not necessary but they do add secondary levels of safety and convenience. These elements also serve to protect the insert from falling into the sip-hole. All of these protrusions aide to secure and lock the insert in place, whether by themselves, with adhesive aides, with locking elements, or in combination with other protruding extensions.

[0105] Another mentionable feature of 01, 02, 08 and their subseries is illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 as 19 advertising and marketing aspect. Branding can be placed along these larger extensions and sip-tubes. This is advantageous for licensing and commercial use. Larger extensions such as these, and their longer/wider sip-tubes are big enough to use for branding. FIG. 6 illustrates a sip-tube-plug engaged in its folded/closed position, with window cutout 28 having a secondary use that allows advertising/branding aspect 19 to show on the sip-tube-plug whether it is in its open or closed position. 19 could be formed in a lifted or embossed and raised fashion so that it sits flush or extends beyond cutout 28 when the sip-tube-plug is in its folded/closed position.

[0106] FIG. 9 illustrates finger-grab cutout 25. This shape and size can be altered to fit any size extension arm. This feature helps to cut back on material, costs and allows for easy handling. The same FIG illustrate another feature, finger lift 26, 26 adds an easy to grab latch to lift the sip-tube out from the sip-hole. 08 and its subseries can work as a grab latch as well. Crease fold 22 can be added to extension arm 08 subseries, this crease will help to allow an easy fold as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0107] Another benefit gained from the sip-tube extension insert is that it seals the sip-hope, blocking the largest hole where heat escapes from. Therefore it works to keep the liquid inside the container, hot or cold, at its desired temperature for a longer period of time.

[0108] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate viscosity barrier 05. 05 is an example of an external viscosity barrier. This barrier adds a filter-like feature that breaks up sloshing liquid and makes it harder for liquid to unintentionally enter the flow-path. The more viscous the liquid, the more deflection force is applied on the sloshing liquid. 05a as seen in FIG. 5 is an example of an internal viscosity barrier. This internal barrier works and performs the same function as an external one. In other embodiments not illustrated, a viscosity barrier is formed as both an exterior and interior barrier, running the full length of the flow-path, from the base opening to the top opening. Internal viscosity barriers such as 05a create channels or cambers. These chambers constrict the passage of liquid and help to better control liquid flow and direction. Multiple barriers of different shapes and sizes can be formed outside or inside a sip-tube to increase these benefits. Many barriers can be combined to form a screen-like membrane that liquid can pass through. This screen-like membrane can further deflect sloshing liquids. These viscosity barriers push against the viscous forces of liquids, further deflecting sloshing liquids and making it harder for unintentional liquids to escape from the topside of the sip-tube. The more of these barriers added, the better they deflect liquids. The angle of the barrier, direction they run, thickness, number placement of the barrier within or on the flow-path, and space between the inner walls of the cambers and flow-path are all important when considering desired flow control and liquid direction. These barriers can also be used as a support structure when using weaker, softer or edible materials when constructing a sip-tube.

[0109] FIG. 4, 6 and FIG. 18 illustrates the vented hole 06. The vented hole serves several notable purposes but is not limited to these; first it allows more liquid to flow into the flow-path for faster pour and suction, second it allows for cross flow of liquid which also aids in this but also deflects liquid, third it allows equal liquid flow distribution, forth it serves as en air hole for better liquid flow and pour. The difference in sizing, number of vented holes and position of these vented holes can further increase some of the benefits mentioned, and can add some additional flow and deflection benefits. By adding vented holes, the base side opening of a sip-tube can be designed to be smaller then sip-hole it will be placed in, but still allow for the same, or more liquid to enter the flow-path. Examples of that are illustrated with the tapered design 04 illustrated in FIG. 2. A good spot for placement of a vented hole is on the top side of sip-tube, situated between the wall of container, and the sip-tube, this is helpful when pouring out every last drop of liquid held in the container.

[0110] The inner flow-path of FIG. 5 and FIG. 10, have an interior protrusion 10 that can be seen in the cross-section view. This serves as a splashguard to deflect upward sloshing liquids within the flow-path. As a splashguard deflector, one or more of these protrusions could be beneficial along the inner flow-path of a sip-tube. They can be placed in multiple areas, sized and shaped in various configurations to deflect upward sloshing liquid. This element might be hard to manufacture using certain processes. Other methods would lend better to forming this feature.

[0111] Another feature to mention, which is not illustrated in the drawings, is a topside flow-path extension. Meaning the flow-path does not lay flush upon the sip-hole, container, or the topside of the sip-tube, as most of the illustrated versions do. It would extend the flow-path outwardly and above to topside. This could make for easier drinking, pouring, or sucking. It could also aide to improve the flow-path benefits and prevent additional splashing. This could also be used to aide in removing the sip-tube later, be it for recycling purposes or otherwise.

[0112] Many of these features could be designed so that the sip--tube can be packaged and stacked 20 on top itself, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 12. Some embodiments could be stacked together much like cup lids are, or post-it notes are. Some embodiments could even use adhesives that could be used to secure them so they could be easily stacked for retail usage.

[0113] FIG. 13, 14, 15 and FIG. 16 illustrate a sip-tube inserted into the sip-hole of beverage lid 39. This is a practical use of the sip-tube. The sip-tube can be designed and inserted to fit any container sip-hole, or lid. It would work well with box beverages and could be used to replace the common straw with a cheaper and eco-friendly solution.

[0114] A sip-tube-plug is used by inserting it into a sip-hole found on a container or a lid. After insertion, a sip-tube can be pushed or pressed into proper position. 02 locking protrusions and 08 extension arm and resting zone 18 will lock the sip-tube in place within the sip-hole, they will also help form a tight leak proof seal. Once properly inserted, the sip-hole will then be extended to the length of the sip-tube, the sip-hole with be enhanced, and the benefits discussed within this application will be achieved. The extension arm 08 could be folded and plug 30 could be locked within the sip-tube 01. Or slide plug 30b could be slid from the open position to the closed position at will to seal the sip-tube. Overall, this will make for a happier, more controlled and better splash-free drinking experience, while also being more economical and eco--friendly solution to the common spill-plug, or splash-stick.

[0115] In certain preferred embodiments not illustrated within the art work, a plug would be constructed as a pull or tear off seal, similar to those on beverage containers. Materials can be of any plastic, metal, polymer, paper, or the like of any known seals used by those trained in the art. The seal can be bonded, attached, adhered, glued, heat sealed, heat-bonded, built in mold, as few general options. This peel or pull off tab would be a most economical solution, while also adding a level and sanitary comfort while pressing the insert tube in place within the sip-hole.

[0116] Flow-paths are referenced many times within this applications, they can be found inside a tube, and can sometimes mean the outside of a tube.

[0117] Flanges is used with the claims section, and often refers to its traditional meaning, but also any bevel, lip, protrusion in or out.

[0118] Inlets are referenced in the claims, they are used with their general meaning, but also used to reference a configured cut, hole, opening, used to control or limit liquid and gas flow, in and out of the tube is found on, They will generally be found on the front side of many embodiments, but can have more then one, and also be found on the back side, and bottoms of the tube.

[0119] Sip-hole-plug extension can be constructed using partially or fully edible materials that could be eaten, dissolved into for flavoring, or pushed into drinks for flavor. This would cutback on waste and would add a nice flavor option to the sip-tube. Many materials would work for this, but a hard crystalline sugar or coating might be a good example. Other materials include paper, cardboard, plastics, polymers, compounds, mixtures and various combinations for these. Standard materials used in the container, cup, utensil and lid industries would work well. Manufacturing processes include those used by these industries as well, but no limited to these. The sip-tube could be extruded, formed, cast, press, cut, molded, to name a few common methods. Different materials, or combinations of materials, might call far other known manufacturing processes, or others yet to be discovered. A preferred method would likely be the cheapest. When using slide plug 30b cr a similar ramification, the sip-tube and slide plug element would likely be manufactured separately, then assembled. There are some known methods that could be used to manufacture both pieces at the same time, without the need for assembly. Newer scented materials have become popular in the beverage industry as of late. The sip-tube-plug would farewell being designed from a flavored, and or scented material. Visual temperature/thermal monitoring materials have become popular recently as well in the beverage industry. A sip-tube-plug tnat cnanges color witn temperature would be advantageous for safety and best flavor drinking tern perature.

[0120] After extensive testing with the sip-tube-plug, it has been shown that a simple short, straight, hollow flow-path works incredibly well in combatting the better half of the ASSL of sloshing liquid from a sip-hole. Many of the additional elements disclosed above, add further layers of protection against this all to common problem. While a simple short sip-tube-plug inserted and secured onto a sip-hole is the base for this application, more dynamic additions like some of those illustrated within this application compound its benefits.

[0121] Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention as was described to show several possibilities.

[0122] The scope of this application should not be solely determined by the examples given but also by the appended claims and their legal equivalents as well.