Patent Publication Number: US-2023150733-A1

Title: Flip straw cup assembly

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/367,159, filed Jul. 2, 2021, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety into this disclosure 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject disclosure relates generally to a cup assembly having a container body, a lid and a straw assembly adapted for easy cleaning by a user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are numerous cup assemblies on the market adapted for use with small children. These cups are often formed of a resilient material and may include features that make it easier for children to drink from the vessel, such as attached drinking straws, sealed lids with spouts, and the like. Cups that are designed with child users in mind also generally have features to prevent or guard against spills and accidental leaks. Additionally, parents are constantly multi-tasking and transporting small children to different locations and need drinking solutions that are portable, easy to secure and easy to use. Many of these cups are touted as easy to clean, however, repeated use of these cups may lead to the accumulation of mold, mildew, or other undesirable microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Straws, in particular, are notoriously difficult to clean and the user may never actually clean the interior surface of the straw. 
     Thus, there is a need for a cup assembly which is portable, easy to use, easy to clean and has a built-in design that promotes independent and safe use by a child or adult user. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present subject disclosure presents a simplified summary of the subject disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects thereof. This summary is not an extensive overview of the various embodiments of the subject disclosure. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the subject disclosure nor delineate any scope thereof. The sole purpose of the subject summary is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter. 
     While various aspects, features, or advantages of the subject disclosure are illustrated in reference to cup assemblies, such aspects and features also can be exploited in various other drinking vessels or containers. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the subject disclosure, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. However, these aspects are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the subject disclosure may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the subject disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various example embodiments of the subject disclosure when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the present subject disclosure is a flip straw cup assembly. The cup assembly includes a container body, a lid having an extendable flip straw and a straw assembly. The straw assembly includes a straw body and a cap attached to an upper end of the straw body by a hinge. A seam extends the longitudinal length of the straw body and may be sealed closed for drinking or opened for cleaning an interior surface of the straw assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a cup assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of cup assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of cup assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of cup assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom view of cup assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded side perspective view of cup assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a close-up front perspective view of a lid shown detached from a container body of a cup assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a close-up front perspective view of a lid attached to a container body of a cup assembly with a flip straw in a closed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a side cross-sectional view of a cup assembly along plane A-A of  FIG.  4   , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a side cross-sectional view of a cup assembly along plane B-B of  FIG.  7 B , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a front perspective view of the cup assembly in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a front perspective view of the cup assembly in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded bottom view of a straw and a lid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a side perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a top view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a front perspective of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a top view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is a side cross-sectional view of a straw along plane D-D of  FIG.  17   , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    is a top cross-sectional view of a straw along plane C-C of  FIG.  16   , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  20 A  is a front perspective view of a straw in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  20 B  is a front perspective view of a straw in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  20 C  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  21 A  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  21 B  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  22 A  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  22 B  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  22 C  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  23 A  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  23 B  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  24 A  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
         FIG.  24 B  is a front perspective view of a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Particular embodiments of a cup assembly will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures. 
     The subject disclosure is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It may be evident, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. 
       FIG.  1    is a front view of a cup assembly  10 . The cup assembly  10  includes a container body  40 , a lid  20  and a straw assembly  60  ( FIGS.  4 - 5   ). The container body  40  includes an upper portion  42 , a lower portion  44  and a bottom  45 . The lid  20  includes a flip straw  22 , a recess  24  and a flip lock  26 . During use, the flip straw  22  is maintained and biased towards an extended position. During storage, travel or whenever a user desires not to drink from the cup assembly  10 , the flip straw  22  may be retracted into the recess  24  and retained by the flip lock  26  in a locked position ( FIG.  7 B ). When the user desires to drink from the flip straw  22 , a trigger  25  disposed on, or as an integral part of, the flip lock  26  may be actuated, which then releases the flip straw  22  back to the extended position ( FIGS.  9 - 10   ). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 3   , the container body  40  may be substantially cylindrical, however, the container body  40  may be any shape as long as it functions to receive a fluid for consumption as described herein. The lower portion  44  of the container body  40  may have a larger diameter across than the upper portion  42 . The lower portion  44  of the container body  40  may be integrally attached to the bottom  45  and may be integrally attached to, or detachable from the upper portion  42 . Alternatively, the bottom  45  may be detachable from the lower portion  44 . The upper portion  42  of the container body  40  may be adapted to attach to the lid  20  through a lid attachment  30  ( FIGS.  6 - 7   ), which will be described in further detail below. The container body  40  may have an outer surface  43 . The outer surface  43  may be textured to facilitate a better grip for the user. The outer surface  43  may display a design, pattern, brand identifier, image or other indicia that may entertain, inform or please the user. 
     The container body  40 , lid  20  or straw assembly  60  may be comprised of silicone, glass, ceramics, food grade materials, copolyesters such as Tritan, various thermosets or thermoplastics, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polycarbonate, an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer, or may be formed completely or partially of one or more biopolymers, such as starch, cellulose derivatives, natural rubbers, polyim ides, bio-monomers (polyim ides, polybutylene succinate (PBS), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), bio-based PE, bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and the like according to this subject disclosure. Using biodegradable plastics is advantageous in that they maintain their mechanical strength during practical use but break down into low-weight compounds and non-toxic byproducts at the end of their lifecycle. Such materials can be obtained through chemical synthesis, fermentation by microorganisms, and/or from chemically modified natural products. 
     The cup assembly  10  may include a bio-assimilator compound. One example of a bio-assimilator compound may be ECLIPSE™. Traditional plastic materials like PE may be difficult to degrade in the environment. A bio-assimilator is a compound that degrades plastic to a molecular weight that can be consumed by living organisms. This is a final and conclusive stage of plastic biodegradation that leaves behind no microplastic remnants. The addition of a bio-assimilator can be tailored to ensure a useful-life performance before degrading according to a set timetable. For example, a bio-assimilator may be added with a simple inclusion rate between 0.01-2% concentration (w/w=mass of solute/mass of solution×100) in the masterbatch or at any time during the manufacturing process. Additionally, a bio-assimilator may comprise between 0.01-10% concentration of the plastic formulation used to manufacture the cup assembly  10 . The cup assembly  10  may be adapted to degrade between 1 and 60 months after the predetermined useful-life time frame. In one embodiment the cup assembly  10  may be adapted to degrade between 18-24 months. In another embodiment the cup assembly  10  may be adapted to degrade in approximately 36 months. 
     The cup assembly  10  may include the bio-assimilator to facilitate anaerobic biodegradation. The anaerobic degradation of the cup assembly  10  may meet or exceed the standards described in ASTM D.5511-02, ASTM D.5526-94 and ISO 15985 and ISO 14853. The bio-assimilator may be made from bio-sourced or artificial materials and may be included in standard or customized masterbatch formulations incorporated in the production process. The bio-assimilator may include manganese stearate in its formulation as a transition metal that serves as a catalyst to trigger the free-radical process within a polymer. Manganese stearate, or a similar catalyst, may be added at up to 4% to masterbatches of the Bio-assimilation additive, which may then be incorporated into plastic masterbatches at levels up to 1%. Alternatively, Manganese stearate may be added at up to 10% to masterbatches of the Bio-assimilation additive, which may then be incorporated into plastic masterbatches at levels between 0.01-3.0%. The present invention is not limited in this regard, as other materials or combination of material, may be substituted without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. 
       FIG.  4    is a top view of the cup assembly  10  that shows various features of the lid  20 . The lid  20  may include an upper surface  21  and a bottom surface  23  ( FIG.  11   ). The upper surface  21  of the lid  20  may be curved and have a continuous surface area around the recess  24  that may be disposed in the center of the lid  20 . The upper surface  21  may have a convex curvature, while the bottom surface  23  may have a concave curvature. Alternatively, the respective curvatures of the upper and bottom surfaces  21 ,  23  may be reversed such that the upper surface  21  has a concave curvature and the bottom surface  23  has a convex curvature. 
     The recess  24  may extend substantially the length of the diameter of the lid  20  and may be large enough to receive the flip straw  22  therein. As shown in  FIG.  7 B , the flip straw  22  may fit flush within the recess  24  such that the upper surface  21  of the lid  20  is smooth and continuous when the flip straw  22  is closed and contained in the recess  24 . When the flip straw  22  is stored in the recess  24 , the cup assembly  10  may be designed not to leak even when in an inverted or upside-down position. In the closed position ( FIG.  8 B ), the flip straw is bent and pinched such that the liquid in the cup assembly  10  is unable to escape from therein. The flip lock  26  may be adapted to hold the flip straw  22  in the retracted or closed position and may be disposed at one end of the recess  24 , or the flip lock  26  may be integrated along either a left sidewall  27  and/or a right sidewall  28  of the recess  24 . 
     The trigger  25  may be disposed on the flip lock  26  and adapted to release the flip straw  22  from within the recess  24  and into an open and extended position when actuated by the user. The trigger  25  is actuated when the user applies a downward force to the trigger  25  thereby stretching the flip lock  26  out of the ledge  15  and thereby releasing the flip straw  22  from the captivated, locked position. The structure of the flip lock  26  will be described in greater detail below. 
       FIG.  5    is a bottom view of the bottom  45  of the container body  40 . The bottom  45  may be substantially planar or may have a convex or concave curvature relative to a resting surface. A series of concentric rings may be formed in the bottom  45  to enhance the grip and stability of the cup assembly  10  when resting on the surface. As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  8 A -B, the bottom  45  is substantially concave with a recessed center portion  45   a.  An air valve (not shown) may be disposed in the bottom  45  in order to facilitate pouring or the nursing or an infant with an appropriate lid attachment. 
       FIG.  6    is an exploded front perspective view of the cup assembly  10  showing the lid  20 , container body  40  and straw assembly  60  in greater detail. As shown in  FIG.  6   , and  FIGS.  7 A- 8 B , the lid  20  may attach to the container body  40  through the lid attachment  30 . The lid attachment  30 , including bottom lid attachment features  30   a  and container attachment features  30   b,  may be a complementary set of structural elements that secures the lid  20  to the container body  40  and prevents leaking, while also providing for an easy and efficient user experience. The container body  40  may include a lip  46  forming the uppermost rim of the container body  40  and extending annularly around a circumference of the upper portion  42 . An upper sidewall  47  extends downward from the lip  46  and annularly around an opening  41 . A lid attachment ridge  48  extends orthogonally from the upper sidewall  47 , the upper sidewall  47  extending further downward and terminating at a junction with a shoulder  49 . Additional lid attachment ridges  48  may be disposed on the upper sidewall  47 . The lid attachment ridge  48  may have a predetermined width and a height. The width and height of the lid attachment ridge  48  may be consistent around the circumference of the upper portion  42 , or the width and height may vary along its annular path about the upper portion  42 . The width of the lid attachment ridge  48  may vary along the height such that a top portion of the lid attachment ridge  48  may be thicker or thinner than a lower portion. The shoulder  49  extends radially outward and way from the upper sidewall  47 , and then curves downward along the outer surface  43  of the container body  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 A , which is a cross-section of the cup assembly  10  along plane A-A of  FIG.  4   , and  FIG.  8 B , which is a cross-section of the cup assembly  10  along plane B-B of  FIG.  7 B , the bottom lid attachment features  30   a  disposed on the lid  20  mates with the complementary container attachment features  30   b  on the container body  40  in order to secure the lid  20  to the container body  40  through a leak-proof friction fit. The lid  20  may include a lip recess  36  disposed on the bottom surface  23  of the lid  20  to receive the lip  46 . A ridge recess  38  may also be disposed on the bottom surface  23  of the lid  20  to receive the lid attachment ridge  48 . More than one ridge recess  38  may be disposed on the bottom surface  23  in order to accommodate the inclusion of multiple lid attachment ridges  48 . The ridge recess  38  may be shaped to accommodate and secure the lid attachment ridge  48  in a keyed fit. 
     A lid abutment  39  may be disposed at the lower end of the lid  20  and may extend around the lower circumference of the lid  20 . A portion of the lid abutment  39  may rest upon the shoulder  49  of the container body  40  when the lid  20  is attached to the container body  40 . The lid attachment features  30   a,    30   b  ensure the leak-proof friction fit of the lid  20  to the container body  40 , while also providing for easy disassembling and cleaning of the cup assembly  10 . One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other attachment mechanisms may be used to secure the lid  20  to the container body  40  including screw fit, snap fit, tongue and groove, locking tabs, locking collar, magnetic attachment, and the like, which may be substituted without departing from the broader aspects of the present subject disclosure. 
       FIG.  6    shows the straw assembly  60  detached from the lid  20  and removed from the container body  40 . The straw assembly  60  includes a cap  62  that is attached to a straw body  64  by a hinge  63 . The cap  62  fits within a straw receiving aperture  29  disposed on the bottom surface  23  of the lid  20  (see also  FIGS.  8 A and  11   ). The straw receiving aperture  29  provides a direct conduit from the straw assembly  60  to a fluid channel  19  disposed in the flip straw  22  ( FIG.  8 A ). When a user desires to draw a fluid from inside the cup assembly  10  thereout, a suction pressure is applied to a spout  18  disposed at a top portion  14  of the flip straw  22 . This causes the fluid to enter the bottom of the straw assembly  60  and rise up through the straw body  64  and cap  62 , past the straw receiving aperture  29  and into the fluid channel  19  on its way out of the flip straw  22  and into the mouth of the user. 
     The straw assembly  60  may be formed of a resilient and/or a flexible material having at least a first durometer. The straw assembly  60  may include a second and/or additional materials having at least a second durometer. For example, the cap  62  may be formed of the first material having the first durometer, while the straw body  64  may be formed of the second material having the second durometer. The first durometer may be harder than the second durometer, or this configuration may be reversed. 
       FIG.  7    shows a close-up view of the lid  20  with the flip straw  22  in the open and extended position. The flip straw  22  may be formed of a resilient and/or a flexible material having at least a first durometer. The flip straw  22  may include a second and/or additional materials having at least a second durometer. For example, the spout  18  may be formed of the first material having the first durometer, while the top portion  14  or a bottom portion  16  of the flip straw  22  may be formed of the second material having the second durometer. The first durometer may be harder than the second durometer, or this configuration may be reversed. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 10   , the flip straw  22  is integrally formed within the lid  20  and biased towards the open and extended position. When the user desires to store the cup assembly  10  for travel or later use, the flip straw  22  may be pushed down into the recess  24  where it will be locked and prevented from extending by the flip lock  26 . When the user desires to drink from the cup assembly  10  again, the trigger  25  may be actuated in order to release the flip straw  22  from the flip lock  26  and the recess  24 . The flip straw  22  and flip lock  26  may be adapted for single-handed use. An adult or child user may be able to secure or release the flip straw  22  with a single hand. This is especially useful for an adult user that may be carrying another item in their other hand. When the flip straw  22  is secured in the recess  24 , the cup assembly  10  may be designed to be leak-proof, such that liquid will not escape from the lid  20  or flip straw  22  when it is in the closed position. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 A-B , the flip lock  26  may have a hook end  31  that engages a ledge  15  or indentation disposed on a front side  12  of the flip straw  22 . A rear side  13  of the flip straw  22  may include a notch  17  that is reinforced to facilitate the repeated bending of the flip straw  22 . The notch  17  allows the flip straw  22  to crease and fold into a bent position for storage within the recess  24  without cracking or damaging the flip straw  22 . The notch  17  may have a reduced thickness or increased thickness compared to the rest of the flip straw  22 . 
       FIGS.  9 - 10    further detail the use of flip straw  22 .  FIG.  9    shows a user pushing the flip straw  22  into the recess  24  for storage. The opening and closing of the flip straw  22  may be accomplished with a single hand. The hook end  31  of the flip lock  26  catches and holds the ledge  15  of the flip straw  22 . A click or other audible sound may indicate that the flip straw  22  is locked within the flip lock  26 . When locked, the hook end  31  is locked into the ledge  15  on the flip straw  22 . The sides of the flip straw  22  may engage left sidewall  27  and right sidewall  28  in the recess  24 . When the user desires to use the flip straw  22  again, the trigger  25  is actuated by the user and the flip straw  22  springs out from within the recess  24 . The trigger  25  is actuated by a downward force applied by the user to the trigger  25 , which stretches the hook end  31  of the flip lock  26  out of the ledge  15  and thereby releases the flip straw  22  from the captivated, locked position. The trigger  25  may alternatively be a button that is disposed on the flip lock  26  or the lid  20 . 
     The flip straw  22  may be biased to maintain a given interior angle (Θ) in the extended position relative to the bottom of the recess  24 . The angle may be an interior angle (Θ) measured between the plane defined by the rear side  13  of the flip straw  22  and the plane defined by the bottom surface of the recess  24  and may be substantially between 30-180 degrees (see  FIG.  8 A ). The angle may be between 75-145 degrees. The angle may be approximately 120 degrees. The flip straw  22  may bend beyond angle Θ until the front side  12  of the flip straw  22  touches the upper surface  21  of the lid  20 , but the flip straw  22  will return to its resting configuration when an external force caused by the user or other environmental condition is removed. The flip straw  22  may include a bite-proof portion (not shown) having a different thickness or tougher durometer relative to the rest of the straw assembly  60  in order to protect from the bite of a user. 
       FIG.  11    shows the bottom surface  23  of the lid  20  with the straw assembly  60  removed from the straw receiving aperture  29 . An air valve  32  may be disposed in the lid  20 . The air valve  32  may be disposed through the bottom of the recess  24  and may extend through to the bottom surface  23  of the lid  20  ( FIG.  8 A ). The air valve  32  helps to prevent a vacuum pressure from forming inside the cup assembly  10  when a user is drinking by allowing air to escape from within the container body  40 . The air valve  32  may be disposed at any location on the lid  20  or container body  40 . 
       FIGS.  12 - 22 B  show the straw assembly  60  in greater detail. As shown in  FIGS.  12 - 13   , the straw assembly  60  has the straw body  64  with the cap  62 . The straw body  64  has a top end  75  and a bottom end  76  with a seam  67  running along the longitudinal length of the straw body  64 . The seam  67  joins a left end  65  of a first side and a right end  66  of a second side of the straw body  64  together. When the left and right ends  65 ,  66  are joined together in a closed position, the straw assembly  60  is a cylinder capable of transmitting a suction force and thereafter the fluid from inside the cup assembly  10  thereout. When the left and right ends  65 ,  66  are broken apart, the straw body  64  may be flattened out in an open position in order to clean an interior surface  59  of the straw assembly  60 . The cap  62  fits over the straw body  64  when the left and right ends  65 ,  66  are joined together to prevent the straw body  64  from opening during use. The cap  62  joins the straw assembly  60  to the lid  20  through its complementary fit within the straw receiving aperture  29 . The cap  62  may be joined to the straw body  64  by the hinge  63 . A top view of the straw assembly  60  is shown in  FIG.  14   . 
       FIG.  15    is a bottom view of the straw assembly  60  showing the seam  67  in greater detail. The seam  67  is formed by a rib  69  that is received within a groove  68  (see also  FIG.  19   ). The rib  69  and groove  68  extend along the longitudinal length of the left and right ends  65 ,  66  of the straw body  64 . As shown in  FIG.  15   , the rib  69  is disposed on the right end  66  and the groove  68  is disposed on the left end  65 , but this configuration may be reversed without altering the function of the straw assembly  60 . The rib  69  may lock within the groove  68  through a friction fit. The rib  69  may be shaped to lock within the groove  68  through a keyed fit. A tip  70  may extend along the length of the rib  69  and may have a hook shape in order to securely lock within the groove  68 . The right end  66  having the rib  69  may be adapted to extend over and above the left end  65  having the groove  68  (not shown). The overlapping rib  69  may then be pressed down and into the groove  68  in order to seal the seam  67  in the closed position. Additionally, the rib  69  and groove  68  may be patterned with complementary raised portions and recessed portions (not shown) that match up and lock together when the seam  67  is sealed. Various complementary geometries between the rib  69  and the groove  68  may accomplish the stated function of securely joining the seam  67  closed together and are within the scope of this subject disclosure. 
       FIG.  16    is a front perspective view of the straw assembly  60  with the seam  67  open and the cap  62  removed from the straw body  64 . The cap  62  may include an upper section  73  and a lower section  74 . The upper section  73  may be substantially cylindrical and may have a first diameter. The lower section  74  may be substantially cylindrical and may have a second diameter. As shown in  FIGS.  12 - 13 ,  16  and  18   , the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. However, this configuration may be reversed, or the diameter of the upper and lower sections  73 ,  74  may be substantially equal, without departing from departing from the broader aspects of the present subject disclosure. 
     The upper section  73  of the cap  62  may be adapted to fit within the straw receiving aperture  29  of the lid  20  (see also  FIGS.  8 A and  11   ). The larger diameter of the lower section  74  may act as a stop that limits the insertion of the cap  62  into the straw receiving aperture  29 , as the straw receiving aperture  29  may be sized only to receive the first diameter of the upper section  73 . The second diameter of the lower section  74  of the cap  62  may be sized to fit snugly over a neck portion  77  disposed at the top end  75  of the straw body  64 . The bottom of the neck portion  77  may be delimited by a flange  61  disposed on the straw body  64 . The flange  61  may be an extension of the hinge  63  that connects the cap  62  to the straw body  64  while strengthening the hinge connection. The flange  61  may also serve as a bottom stop for limiting the distance that the lower section  74  of the cap  62  may fit over the neck portion  77 . The smaller diameter of the upper section  73  may also limit how deeply the cap  62  may travel down the neck portion  77  of the straw body  64 . 
       FIG.  17    is a top view of the straw assembly  60  of  FIG.  16   .  FIG.  18    is a side cross-sectional view of the straw assembly  60  along plane D-D of  FIG.  17   , while  FIG.  19    is a top cross-sectional view of the straw assembly  60  along plane C-C of  FIG.  16   . As discussed above, the cap  62  is attached to the straw body  64  by the hinge  63 . The flange  61  may be an extension of the hinge  63  around the diameter of the straw body  64 . As shown in  FIGS.  16 - 19   , the seam  67  extends along the longitudinal length of the straw body  64 , while the cap  62  is an integral piece with no seam  67  that is adapted to fit over the straw body  64  and secures the straw assembly  60  in a closed position. In  FIG.  19   , the rib  69  is disposed on the left end  65 , while the groove  68  is disposed on the right end  66 . It is also contemplated that the seam  67  may extend into the cap  62  (not shown) so that the entire straw assembly  60  may be opened for cleaning. 
       FIGS.  20 A- 20 C  show the straw assembly  60  in preparation for use ( FIG.  20 B ) and cleaning ( FIG.  20 A ). As shown in  FIG.  20 A , when the user desires to clean the straw assembly  60 , the cap  62  is removed from the straw body  64  and the seam  67  is opened. This allows the user to clean the interior surface  59  of the straw body  64  conveniently and thoroughly. As shown in  FIG.  20 B , when the user desires to use the straw assembly  60 , the seam  67  is closed and the cap  62  is pivoted about the hinge  63  and attached to the straw body  64 .  FIG.  20 C  shows the straw assembly  60  in the closed use position. 
       FIGS.  21 A- 24 B  show alternate embodiments of the straw assembly  60 . As shown in  FIGS.  21 A-B , the straw assembly  60  may include the straw body  64  with the seam  67  extending the length of the straw body  64 . The cap  62  may have an elongated shape and may be removably attached to the straw body  64  without the hinge  63 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  22 A-C , the straw body  64  and the cap  62  may be integrally attached. An overmold portion  71  may be overmolded onto the integral straw body  64  and the  62 . The straw body  64  and cap  62  may be formed of a first material having a first material property, while the overmold portion  71  may be formed of the first material or a second material having a second material property. The overmold portion  71  may attach to the straw body  64  at an overmold junction  72  that defines the connection and border between the straw body  64  and the cap  62 . The overmold portion  71  may lock the seam  67  in a closed position at the overmold junction  72 . The overmold portion  71  may be integral with or removable from the cap  62 . The seam  67  may extend into, or along the entire length of the cap  62 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  22 B , the straw body  64  may be opened along the seam  67  to facilitate the efficient and convenient cleaning of the straw assembly  60 . The straw body  64  and the cap  62  may be one integral piece without the overmold portion  71 , or the cap  62  itself may be overmolded onto the straw body  64 . The cap  62  or the straw body  64  may include a bite-proof portion (not shown) having a different thickness or tougher durometer relative to the rest of the straw assembly  60  in order to protect from the bite of a user. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  23 A-B , the seam  67  may extend only partially along the length of the straw body  64 . As shown in FIG,  23 A, the seam  67  ends at the flange  61  and does not extend into the neck portion  77 . This may improve the stability of the seam  67  when closed and/or improve the fit of the cap  62  onto the neck portion  77  of the straw body  64 , while still allowing for the opening of the straw body  64  for cleaning purposes. It is also contemplated that the seam  67  may be sealed at the bottom end  76  of the straw body  64 , or that the seam  67  may be interrupted by a continuous portion of the straw body  64  at any point along its path extending from the bottom end  76  to the top end  75  of the straw body  64  (not shown). In such an interrupted configuration, the straw body  64  will only open partially. If, for example, a continuous portion of the straw body  64  interrupts the seam  67  at the middle of the straw body  64 , then the seam  67  may be split at the top end  75  and at the bottom end  76  but will remained closed at the middle. It is also contemplated that the left and right ends  65 ,  66  of the straw body  64  may have a complementary geometry such as a zipper configuration, ratchet, alternating steps, matching teeth and the like, for sealing the seam  67  closed (not shown). In other words, the seam  67  may not be disposed substantially as a straight line up the longitudinal side of the straw body  64  but may zig and zag along the geometry of the complementary left and right ends  65 ,  66 . The seam  67  may also extend diagonally along the straw body  64 , or the seam  67  may spiral up and along the diameter of the straw body  64 . 
       FIGS.  24 A-B  show an embodiment of the straw assembly  60  without the cap  62  or the hinge  63 . As shown in  FIG.  24 A , the seam  67  terminates at the flange  61  and does not extend into the neck portion  77 . Consequently, the neck portion  77  is more stable when it is inserted into the straw receiving aperture  29  of the lid  20 . The flange  61  in this configuration may act as a stop for inserting the straw assembly  60  into the straw receiving aperture  29 . Alternatively, the straw body  64  may be disposed without the flange  61 , and/or the seam  67  may extend along the entire length of the straw body  64  while still being adapted to be received securely into the straw receiving aperture  29  of the lid  20 . 
     As employed in this specification and annexed drawings, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. 
     What has been described above includes examples that provide advantages of the subject disclosure. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims and drawings such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 
     The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.