Abstract:
A lid for controlled drinking from a drinking container includes an aperture adjacent a periphery, and a closure device formed as a single continuous piece of material. The closure device has an actuator portion, a web portion and a valve portion. The actuator portion has a distal portion extending outward of the periphery, and a proximal portion attached to a first end of the web portion. A second end of the web is attached to the valve portion. The valve portion can rotate about a pivot point and move from a closed position over the aperture when the actuator portion is in a first position, towards an open position away from the aperture when the actuator portion is moved towards a second position, during which the web winds around a suitably shaped region partially surrounding the pivot point.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]    Many different types of drinking vessels have been developed over the course of human history. Such include cups, bowls, bottles, cans, glasses, mugs as well as other types of drinking vessels. In all cases, there is a chamber suited for containment of a liquid, or beverage, and an opening through which the person using the drinking vessels is able to extract a portion of the beverage. Extraction is commonly accomplished by changing the vessel&#39;s orientation or changing the pressure around the fluid. 
         [0002]    However, the opening or mouth can also allow the beverage in the drinking vessel to spill. This can happen for any of many reasons. When a beverage does spill, what is spilt is usually lost, and may also cause damage to the items it comes in contact with. Some beverages can stain various items, cause resident inks or dyes to run due to a solvent-like action thus rendering the item damaged. Examples are car upholster, car seat covers, home furniture, carpeting and many other things that can suffer damage or even deterioration due to the spillage and type of liquid that has been spilt. 
         [0003]    In instances where the beverage is heated, there are additional risks associated with spilling thereof. When this type of drink is spilled, it has the potential to burn people or animals which have contact with the spilt liquid. 
         [0004]    Other problems arise when a drinking container is invaded by insects such as bees, wasps, or other pests which are small enough to enter through the container discharge. Many people have received stings and bites from drink invaders when enjoying a beverage outdoors. The invader is attracted to the beverage and are often able to enter the container without the user knowing. Stings and bites are likely to cause pain to the user and can also present serious harm to people who have allergic reactions to such. The shock from such an attack can also cause choking and instills fear in using such drink containers outdoors, especially in the case of people who already fear such invaders. 
         [0005]    Also, it is a well known problem, and has been for many years, that open beverages in motor vehicles commonly spill. Cars are now typically fitted with drink holders and the increasing popularity of drive-thru fast food increases the use of drinking containers in cars. Even prior to the inclusion of the cup holders as a standard feature in most vehicles, many people had aftermarket holders of various types and approaches to hold the containers at a convenient location and in a manner that was hoped to prevent spillage. Unfortunately many of these devices and the containers used with them don&#39;t prevent spillage, especially when the vehicle undergoes acceleration in various directions or deceleration. 
         [0006]    When a spill occurs in a vehicle which is in motion, this typically distracts the vehicle operator. This is especially exemplified in the case of hot beverages burning the vehicle operator, but any spilling may equally affect concerned vehicle owners just the same. Such distractions may result in a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian, either of which often result in the death of, or serious injury to, people involved. 
         [0007]    Children and individuals with impaired motor skills may more often lose their grip on drinking vessels, and, even if the vessel is not dropped, the contents may be spilt. People who are multitasking while drinking, such as car operators often do, are also more likely to accidentally drop a drinking vessel. Also, such people do not benefit from overly complex and difficult to operate lid devices. 
         [0008]    Although many attempts have been made to provide an easy to use, effective container and container top that prevents spillage, most or all suffer from continuing problems which proves this problem is not easily solved and thus advancements are sought after. 
         [0009]    Some or all of the problems explained above and other problems may be helped or solved by the inventions shown and described herein. Such inventions may also be used to address other problems not set out above or which are only understood or appreciated at a later time. The future may also bring to light currently unknown or unrecognized benefits which may be appreciated or more fully appreciated in the future associated with the novel inventions shown and described herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0010]    Preferred forms, configurations, embodiments and/or diagrams relating to and helping to describe preferred aspects and versions of the inventions are explained and characterized herein, often with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and all features shown therein also serve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the current document, whether described in text or merely by graphical disclosure alone. Such drawings are briefly described below. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the inventions hereof; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  depicts a left side view thereof; the right side being a mirror view thereof without the disengagement feature; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts a side view of the apparatus engaged with a common drinking container; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the apparatus engaged with another type of common drinking container; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  depicts a bottom view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  depicts a close-up view thereof of the portion indicated by circle line  6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  depicts a bottom view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  depicts a close-up bottom view thereof of the portion indicated by circle line  8  of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0019]    A table of subsections for the detailed description is set out below. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Table of Subsections 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Introductory Notes 
               
               
                   
                 Apparatus 
               
               
                   
                   FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 
               
               
                   
                   FIGS. 5 and 6 
               
               
                   
                   FIGS. 7 and 8 
               
               
                   
                 Methods 
               
               
                   
                 Manner of Use and Utility of the Inventions 
               
               
                   
                 Preferred Manners of Making 
               
               
                   
                 Interpretation Notes 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Introductory Notes  
       [0020]    The readers of this document should understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology used in any section of this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and the language common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such as known or indicated and provided by dictionaries. Dictionaries were used in the preparation of this document. Widely known and used in the preparation hereof are Webster&#39;s Third New International Dictionary (©1993), The Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition, ©1989), and The New Century Dictionary (©2001-2005), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for interpretation of terms used herein and for application and use of words defined in such references to more adequately or aptly describe various features, aspects and concepts shown or otherwise described herein using more appropriate words having meanings applicable to such features, aspects and concepts. 
         [0021]    This document is premised upon using one or more terms with one embodiment that may also apply to other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the inventions. Wording used in the claims is also descriptive of the inventions, and the text of both claims and abstract are incorporated by reference into the description entirely in the form as originally filed. Terminology used with one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing and defining the technology and exclusive rights associated herewith. 
         [0022]    The readers of this document should further understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology and features used in any section or embodiment shown in this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and language common or proper therefor. This document is premised upon using one or more terms or features shown in one embodiment that may also apply to or be combined with other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the inventions and provide additional embodiments of the inventions. 
         [0023]    Each embodiment has been assigned unique 100 series reference numerals. Embodiments that share like features will use the same 10 series identifier with their unique 100 series embodiment identifier. For example, a feature may be identified as  112  for a first embodiment and  212  for a second embodiment. Such allows for easy recognition of like features and prevents redundancy in the description since like features will not be re-described for each embodiment unless otherwise needed. 
       Apparatus  
       [0024]      FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4   
         [0025]    To facilitate an understanding of the inventions, explanation of apparatus  101  and the inventions hereof will be structured in an order according to the referenced drawings and what they illustrate. Beginning with a more general understanding of the apparatus  101  and the inventions hereof, reference is given to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4 . 
         [0026]    Looking at  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of apparatus  101  is depicted. The apparatus  101  may act as a lid for controlled drinking from a container, in accordance with the teachings of the present inventions. The apparatus may comprise at least one wall, or upper wall.  FIG. 1  shows a wall, or central portion,  110  with surface  111 . The apparatus may comprise at least one collar, or edge.  FIG. 1  shows edge or rim  114  which extends about the periphery of the wall. 
         [0027]    The apparatus may comprise at least one linear actuator. Such is shown as linear actuator  120 , which acts to provide control over the egress of a container&#39;s contents. The apparatus may comprise at least one gate valve. Such is shown as gate valve  140 , which acts to occlude egress. The apparatus may comprise at least one opening. Such is shown as opening  149  in the wall  110 . Opening  149  provides egress from the apparatus and the attached container. The apparatus may comprise at least one outer portion, or button. Such is shown in  FIG. 1  as outer portion  122 , which is part of the linear actuator  120 , and may extend beyond the apparatus&#39;s periphery through a passage in the collar  114 . The apparatus may comprise at least one bent segment. Such is shown as bent segment  121 . The bent segment  121  is part of outer portion  122  and, in the current embodiment, extends generally perpendicular to the linear actuator  120 . Bent segment  121  advantageously provides a surface for applying pressure during operation of the linear actuator  120 . When the apparatus is engaged with a drink container, a user may apply force to outer portion  122  via bent segment  121  with a digit of their hand or by some other convenient means. Such would cause the linear actuator  120  to open the gate valve  140  and allow egress of the beverage, or other foodstuffs present in the container, through opening, or mouth,  149 . 
         [0028]    The apparatus may include at least one removal feature. Such is shown as removal feature  160 . Such may aid disengagement of the apparatus by providing a gripping surface for prying the apparatus from a drinking container. 
         [0029]    The apparatus may comprise at least one straw feature. This optional feature is shown as straw feature  147  in wall  110 . Such advantageously facilitates insertion of a straw, or similar device, through wall  110 , where it can then access the drinking container&#39;s contents. Straw feature  147  comprises weakened portions of wall  110 , which can be separated and thus provide an opening through wall  110  for passage of a straw therethrough. Additional means may also be used as a straw feature to allow entry of a straw through the apparatus. 
         [0030]    Looking at  FIG. 2 , a left side view of apparatus  101  is depicted. Such illustrates the added benefit of bent segment  121  on outer portion  122 . Such provides area for application of pressure thereto to ease operation of linear actuator  120 . Although bent segment  121  is directed downward, it may also be directed upward, both upward and downward, or in some other fashion which advantageously provides a means for applying pressure to linear actuator  120 . 
         [0031]    Linear actuator  120  extends through, and slidably moves within, a passage in collar  114 . Such has a similar cross sectional shape to that of linear actuator  120  and is sufficiently small so that it may prevent escape of container contents therethrough. Additional means may also be used to prevent egress of contents therethrough. 
         [0032]    Looking at  FIG. 3 , a left side view is shown of apparatus  101  engaged, or coupled, with a common drinking vessel  50 , taking a shape similar to most soda cans. Such illustrates the potential use of the apparatus with this type of common container. The apparatus  101  may engage a drinking vessel, such as illustrated with vessel  50 , by application of force along direction arrow  165  to the apparatus, more likely to wall surface  111  and possibly collar  114 . The apparatus engages with a container via at least one engagement feature. Such is shown with the current embodiment as at least one rib or thread  116 , illustrated in  FIGS. 5 ,  7  and  8 , binding on an uneven surface, rib or thread on the drinking container. An upper rib is common to many drinking vessels. However, additional methods of engagement may also be used, when a rib is not present. More will be described later on engagement of the device to a container. 
         [0033]    In the situation of  FIG. 3 , where a can is used, such and other similar containers usually have limited openings or mouths in the top surface of the container which allow egress of the contained drink. When using a container with a limited opening, the user may benefit from positioning the container&#39;s opening with respect to the opening  149 . Such may be accomplished by aligning the two openings such that the container&#39;s opening is directly underneath or face to face with opening  149 . 
         [0034]    Looking at  FIG. 4 , a left side view is shown of apparatus  101  engaged, or coupled, with another common drinking vessel  52 , such vessel or container taking a shape similar to many cups and glasses. Such illustrates the potential use of the apparatus with another type of common container. The apparatus may disengage a drinking vessel, such as illustrated with vessel  52 , by application of force along direction arrow  166  to the apparatus, more likely to removal feature  160 . Various other containers may be used as well, even though use therewith is not explicitly shown or described herein. Such containers include containers with substantially planer tops that do not have protrusions that would contact the wall  110  and the moving components attached thereto. Contact with such parts may prevent apparatus  101  from engaging with the container and/or hinder operation thereof. 
         [0035]    It may be advantageous to relocate the components attached to surface  112  ( FIGS. 5-8 ) to surface  111  of wall  110 . Such would benefit use with containers that have protrusions which may contact the apparatus&#39;s moving parts and prevent motion thereof. At least one guard plate may also be present to cover the moving parts and prevent introduction of objects into the space necessary for movement of these parts. 
         [0036]    
       FIGS. 5 and 6 
     
         [0037]    Looking at  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a bottom view of apparatus  101 , in a closed state, is shown. A closed state is defined as when the gate valve  140  essentially fully occludes opening  149  and thus may be capable of preventing unwanted spillage from the container. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the internal workings of apparatus  101 . Such show linear actuator  120  and its inner, or second, portion  124 . Inner portion  124  extends within the collar  114  periphery, continuing from the outer portion  122 . The apparatus may comprise at least one narrowed portion, or web. Such is shown as distal narrowed portion  123  in  FIG. 6 . The narrowed portion  123  is attached to the gate valve  140  via tang portion  142 , with such attachment allowing for sufficient rotation of the gate valve  140  from a closed to an open position. The entirety of the linear actuator  120 , and all parts attached thereto, are shown as being formed from one unitary body. However, it may also be advantageous to form such from several bodies which would be sufficiently attached to one another. Different bodies may also allow for use of differing materials for each part if such is found to be desirable. 
         [0039]    The apparatus may include at least one clip. In  FIG. 5 , clips  117  are shown. Such extend from wall  110 , out surface  112 , along the sides of inner portion  124  of linear actuator  120 , then pass across the inner portion&#39;s outer surface. The clips  117  act to limit the translational movement of linear actuator  120  to directions along arrow  161 . It may prove advantageous to have at least one clip that spans part of, or the entire width of, linear actuator  120 . Looking back to  FIG. 1 , recessions  119  can be seen in opposite surface  111 . Such are where the clips  117  are formed out of wall  110 . Clips  117  may be formed by molding them into wall  110 , as is shown, or through other configurations and methods to produce clips  117 . 
         [0040]    The apparatus may comprise at least one biasing mechanism. As shown in  FIG. 5 , biasing mechanisms, or springs,  125  are attached on both sides of the inner portion  124 . Such act to bias the linear actuator  120 , and thus gate valve  140 , toward a closed position, as demonstrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5  and  6 , thus maintaining a default, closed position during non-use of the linear actuator. In the closed position, gate valve  140  occludes opening  149 , therefore helping prevent the unwanted escape of the beverage container&#39;s contents when the linear actuator  120  is not being depressed. Springs  125  may be formed out of a unitary body with the linear actuator  120 , as shown, or they may also be a separate piece, possibly of a differing material, attached thereto. In the case of more than one spring, it may prove beneficial to have at least one spring in a differing shape and or configuration from the rest. Such additional spring configurations may include a curved spring, a hair pin spring, or other spring. The at least one biasing mechanism can therefore be a spring disposed between the linear actuator  120  and the central portion  110 , and biased to urge the outer portion  122  away from the edge  114  of the central portion. For example, the biasing mechanism can be a coil spring attached at a first end to the edge or collar  114 , and attached at a second end to the linear actuator  120  at a location distal from the collar  114 . In another example, the biasing mechanism can be a leaf-spring arrangement similar to springs  125  depicted in  FIG. 5 , but with the fixed ends of the springs being secured to the surface  112 , and the free ends in contact with protrusions or the like on the linear actuator  120 . In yet another variation the biasing member can be a coil spring or folding spring attached at a first end to the tang  142  at a location proximate the edge of the tang, and at a second end at location on the surface  112  distal from the tang. 
         [0041]    The apparatus  101  may comprise at least one pivot. A pivot, or pivot pin,  143 , which is shown attached to the wall  110 , secures gate valve  140  thereto via tang portion  142 . The pivot  143  prevents translation of gate valve  140  while allowing rotation thereof. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , gate valve  140  includes tang portion  142 , which extends radially outward away from the main body of the gate valve  140 , into the path of the narrowed portion  123 . The narrowed portion  123  attaches to the tang portion  142  to one side of the pivot  143 . During sliding motion of the linear actuator  120 , such creates a rotational moment about the pivot  143 , which causes the gate valve  140  and tang portion  142  to slidable rotate about the pivot. As depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the linear actuator  120 , including narrowed portion  123 , and the gate valve  140 , including tang  142 , can all be formed as a single unitary component. 
         [0042]    The apparatus may comprise at least one guide. Guide  144  is shown secured to wall  110  via surface  112 . The size and shape of the guide  144  may vary. It may be beneficial to have a guide which extends along the entire length of narrowed portion  123 . The narrowed portion  123  is sufficient to bend and does so during sliding motion of the linear actuator  120 . Guide  144  acts to control narrowed portion  123 , during bending thereof. During inward motion of the linear actuator  120 , narrowed portion  123  may have the tendency to bend outward and only partially apply rotational force to gate valve  140 . Guide  144  may help to prevent such. This may help to maintain a more constant rotation of gate valve  140  during motion of the linear actuator  120  as well. Guide  144  can be formed as an integral part of wall  110  in a manner similar to clips  117 , or guide  144  can be a separate component secured to wall  110 . Guide  144  also can act as a stop to prevent over-rotation of the gate valve  140  when moved to the closed position, as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0043]    The apparatus may comprise at least one receptacle. Receptacle  130  is shown on gate valve  140  near tang portion  142 . Such acts to prevent over-rotation of the gate valve  140 . When the gate valve  140  is in a closed position, guide  144  is received within, and contacts, receptacle  130 . Such contact may prevent further rotation of the gate valve  140  once the closed position is reached. Further rotation of the gate valve  140  in a counter-clockwise direction (from the position depicted in  FIG. 5 ) may put the gate valve into a position which does not fully occlude opening  149 , which may allow unwanted spillage. Over-rotation of the gate valve  140  may also prevent the linear actuator  120  from operating properly to open the gate valve. 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 5 , the opening rotational path is indicated by arcuate direction arrow  162 . This occurs responsive to pressure being applied to the outer portion  122  of the linear actuator  120 , causing motion thereof, along direction arrow  161 . As a result, the spring  125  is driven into or further into compression and thus creates forces for restoring the linear actuator  120  and gate valve  140  to the closed position, when the user no longer applies the pressure to outer portion  122 . 
         [0045]    It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the outer portion  122  of the linear actuator  120  protrudes outward from the collar  114  periphery when the gate valve  140  is in the closed position as depicted in  FIG. 5 , but extends at least partially inward of the collar  114  periphery when the gate valve  140  is in the open position as depicted in  FIG. 7 . Thus the term outer portion for part  122  is not intended as limiting the location of the entire part at all times to a location outward from the collar  114  periphery. 
         [0046]    The apparatus may comprise at least one gate stopper. In  FIGS. 5 ,  7  and  8 , a gate stopper, or stop,  141  is shown. Such may prevent over-rotation of the gate valve  140 . When the gate valve  140  has returned to a closed position, it will contact gate stopper  141 . Such contact may prevent further rotation which may put the gate valve  140  into a position which may not fully occlude opening  149 . 
         [0047]    One form of an engagement feature  116  ( FIGS. 5 ,  7  and  8 ) previously discussed was the use of at least one rib. Such typically is employed with at least one corresponding rib (not shown) on the container  50  ( FIG. 3 ) or  52  ( FIG. 4 ) to provide positive engagement therebetween. With the use of plastic, and many other materials, to form collar  114 , such materials give and bend. When the apparatus is forced down on a container, the rib on the container and the rib  116  on the apparatus will be essentially similar in size and will come in contact. When enough force is applied, the collar will give and deform slightly to allow passage of the apparatus&#39;s rib  116  around the container&#39;s rib, or vise-versa if the container&#39;s material is more flexible than the apparatus&#39;s. A similar amount of force in the opposite direction is then necessary to reverse the process to disengage the two. 
         [0048]    It proves advantageous to have a multitude of different engagement configurations for securing a container to the apparatus for use. Such would allow the apparatus use with a broader assortment of containers. One such an engagement may be achieved with at least one thread on the upper outer periphery of the container. In such a case, the apparatus would need at least one thread  116  which effectively engages with the container&#39;s periphery thread through a screwing action. 
         [0049]    Another option is to have a container with at least one sufficiently large lip around the upper periphery. At least one matching lip could be placed around the outer periphery of collar  114  and a clasping band, with at least one sufficiently large channel, shaped for receiving the lips, could be secured there around, engaging the apparatus to the container. 
         [0050]    Yet another option is to use at least one screw which would pass through a threaded, or non-threaded, hole in the collar  114 . Such would be directed from the outside of the collar inward toward the container. To engage the container, the screws could be tightened until a sufficient frictional force is created to prevent disengagement of the apparatus. This engagement option may also prove advantageous with the presence of an uneven surface on the container. Such may reduce the needed friction if the at least one screw is tightened such that it cannot pass over, or from, the uneven surface. Additional methods and means for securing the apparatus  101  to an upper portion of a container, not shown or described herein, may also prove advantageous in securing the apparatus to a container. In certain embodiments no specific feature is required on the container for engagement of the apparatus therewith. For example, when rib  216  is replaced by, or supplemented with, a compressible sealing member, such as a rubber o-ring, then friction between the compressible sealing member and the container can be sufficient to maintain the apparatus in position on the container. In yet another variation the apparatus  101  can be engaged with a container using clips or the like located at the periphery of the upper portion  110 , and configured to engage a feature at the upper portion of the container. In this latter example the apparatus  101  can exclude the collar  114 . 
         [0051]    
       FIGS. 7 and 8 
     
         [0052]    Looking at  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a bottom view of apparatus  101  is depicted, with the gate valve  140  in an open state. An open state can also include any position of the gate valve  140  between closed (as depicted in  FIG. 5 ) and fully open (as essentially depicted in  FIG. 7 ), where only a portion of the opening  149  is occluded by gate valve  140 . In any of these open states, it is possible for at least a portion of the container&#39;s contents to pass through opening  149 . 
         [0053]    The apparatus may comprise at least one projection. As the linear actuator  120  is pressed inward, springs  125  bend against projections  118  creating the biasing forces which will return the linear actuator to it&#39;s default position with the gate valve  140  closed, as depicted in  FIG. 5 . Arcuate direction arrow  164  in  FIG. 7  indicates the motion of the gate valve  140  in response to the movement of the linear actuator  120  along direction arrow  163 . Such occurs when the pressure to the outer portion  122  is removed and the springs  125  are allowed to return to their normal state shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0054]    The narrowed portion  123  may also aid in applying restorative forces to return linear actuator  120  and gate valve  140  to a closed position from an open position. Additional narrowed portions  123  may be added to provide more restorative forces. Such may reduce the necessity of force by biasing mechanisms  125  and therefore allow for reduction thereof in size and/or quantity. 
         [0055]    As the linear actuator  120  is forced inward, narrowed portion  123  drives the rotation of tang portion  142  and gate valve  140 . As this happens, narrowed portion  123  winds around the circumference of tang  142 . This is aided by guide  144 . Such helps maintain the narrowed portion in a generally compressed state, prior to contact therewith, by limiting outward bending. 
         [0056]    The apparatus may comprise at least one linear actuator stopper. In  FIGS. 7 and 8 , linear actuator stoppers  129  are shown. Such contact the inside of collar  114  at the closed state (i.e., when the gate valve  140  is in the closed position, as depicted in  FIG. 5 ), thus preventing further outward movement of the linear actuator  120 . This is advantageous in that it prevents over-rotation of the gate valve  140  during the transition from an open to a closed state. Over-rotation of the gate valve  140  may position it such that it does not fully occlude opening  149 , even though it is intended to be in a closed position. Such over-rotation may therefore lead to spilling of the container&#39;s contents. 
         [0057]    In one variation, the apparatus  101  includes a sealing member disposed between the inner surface  112  of wall  110  and the outward-facing surface of the gate valve  140 . Such can facilitate in further reducing leakage of fluids or contents from the container through the opening  149  when the gate valve  140  is in the closed position. The sealing member can be a raised surface area, or an applied sealant, disposed around either the periphery of opening  149  near surface  112 , and/or around the periphery of the gate valve  140  on a side thereof facing the surface  112 . The sealing member can also be a tongue-and-groove configuration formed of complimentary features disposed around the opening  149  and the gate valve. In this latter example the tongue and groove can each be tapered at the edges to facilitate separation thereof when a force is applied to the gate valve  140  by the linear actuator  120  in direction  161  ( FIG. 5 ). 
       Methods  
       [0058]    After choosing a suitable container with means for engagement or coupling to the apparatus, the container is then filled with the desired beverage, fluid or possibly other foodstuff. 
         [0059]    To engage the container with the apparatus, a method suitable to the chosen container and apparatus, and their engagement features, is used to engage the apparatus and the container. Such may be by placing the apparatus onto the container mouth, then applying downward pressure to the wall  110  and collar  114 , along the central axis of the container. Such would be the method if a rib is present on the apparatus and the container has a rib or uneven surface such that it allows similar engagement therewith as engagement means. 
         [0060]    Another possible method of engagement would by placing the apparatus onto the container mouth, then screwing the lid onto the container. Such would be the method if suitable threads are present on the apparatus and the container as engagement means. 
         [0061]    Another possible method of engagement would be by placing the apparatus onto the container mouth, then adjusting the at least one screw, present around the periphery of the collar, until the friction force created thereby is sufficient to retain the apparatus. Such would be the method if such screws are present on the apparatus. Additionally, other methods suitable to other engagement features may be used. 
         [0062]    Once the apparatus is engaged with the container, a user may take a drink therefrom. Such would be accomplished by first opening the gate valve  140 . By depressing the outer portion  122  the linear actuator  120  and narrowed portion  123  will create a moment about pivot  143 , causing the gate valve  140  to rotate into an open position. Further depressing linear actuator  120  may expose more of opening  149 . Additionally, releasing pressure from the outer portion  122  of linear actuator  120  will cause the at least one spring  125  to drive linear actuator  120  outward from the collar  114 , rotating the gate valve  140  into a position which occludes more of opening  149 . 
         [0063]    After an open position is chosen, the user can take a drink, as they would normally from the container, by placing their lips adjacent opening  149  along collar  114 , then tipping the container to dispense the fluids therein. Controlling the dispensing rate is accomplished by either changing the container&#39;s angle to gravity, or by changing the position of gate valve  140  relative to opening  149 , thus changing the area of opening  149  occluded thereby. 
         [0064]    After the user is finished drinking, fully releasing the linear actuator  120  will cause springs  125  to drive the linear actuator outward from the collar  114  and thus cause rotation of gate valve  140  into a closed position, fully occluding opening  149  and helping prevent unwanted spilling therefrom. 
       Manner of Use and Utility of the Inventions  
       [0065]    A container, which can sufficiently engage with the apparatus, is first selected and filled with the desired contents, most likely fluids. The apparatus is then engaged to the container through a method described above, which may be by pressing or screwing the two together or by other means. Once engaged, the user can apply force to the outer portion of linear actuator  120 . Such causes the rotation of gate valve  140  from the closed position to an open position. The container can then be tipped to bring the fluid, or other, contents to the opening  149 . The user can then drink from the apparatus with their lips adjacent opening  149  against collar  114 . Further tipping and/or depression of the linear actuator  120  will increase the content&#39;s rate of flow from the mouth  149 . Doing the opposite will impede the rate of flow therefrom. After the user is finished, fully releasing the linear actuator  120  will cause the gate valve  140  to close, helping to prevent unwanted spillage from opening  149 . 
         [0066]    The inventions hereof may be useful for controlling the dispensing of fluid contents from a drinking container. Such may also be useful with dispensing other foodstuffs as well. 
       Preferred Manners of Making  
       [0067]    Various portions and components of apparatus within the scope of the inventions, including for example, structural components, can be formed by one or more various suitable manufacturing processes known to those in the art of container lids. Similarly, various portions and components of apparatus within the scope of the inventions can be made from suitable materials known to those in the art of container lids. 
       Interpretation Notes  
       [0068]    The above description has set out various features, functions, methods and other aspects of the inventions. This has been done with regard to the currently preferred embodiments thereof. Time and further development may change the manner in which the various aspects are implemented. Such aspects may further be added to by the language of the claims which are incorporated by reference hereinto as originally filed. 
         [0069]    The scope of protection accorded the inventions as defined by the claims is not intended to be necessarily limited to the specific sizes, shapes, features or other aspects of the currently preferred embodiments shown and described. The claimed inventions may be implemented or embodied in other forms while still being within the concepts shown, described and claimed herein. Also included are equivalents of the inventions which can be made without departing from the scope of concepts properly protected hereby.