Abstract:
A beverage holder including a tubular housing with a chamber to hold a beverage can or beverage alone; a removable lid that seals to the housing, can rim, or both; and a variable flow, drink through, twist valve that seals to the lid. In such a configuration, a can of a beverage may be maintained in a manner that the carbonation does not escape from the beverage, keeping the beverage fresh and tasty for great periods of time.

Description:
[0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/637,373, filed Aug. 15, 2000. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a re-usable and re-sealing beverage holder and, more particularly, to a generally cylindrical receptacle that can be used to hold and seal either a beverage can containing a consumable liquid or a consumable liquid by itself.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Once a can containing a carbonated beverage, such as beer or soda, is opened the liquid releases its carbonation fairly quickly. If the beverage is consumed immediately, the release of carbonation is not generally noticeable. However, often, a person opens a can of a carbonated beverage and is then distracted, interrupted, or simply allows time to elapse before that particular beverage is consumed. As the can is open and the beverage is exposed to the ambient atmosphere, the beverage eventually becomes “flat”, losing its “fizz”, freshness, and appeal.  
           [0004]    Several products are available that provide a re-useable cover to be placed on the top of a can. However, an open soda can using a conventional cover typically still expends its carbonation fairly rapidly. This loss of carbonation occurs through an opening for ventilation. Such openings prevent the build-up of carbonation pressure that can blow, or pop, the added cover off of the can.  
           [0005]    Some products exist where the attachable cover provides a seal capability. Such sealing covers are dependent upon clamping to the can by means of engaging the outside bottom edge of the can&#39;s upper rim. This edge is very narrow, and thus the clamping force is limited, and thus the amount of pressure that can be contained is limited. The re-useable life of such products is also limited as excessive wear occurs where the product interfaces with the metal outside bottom edge of the can&#39;s upper rim.  
           [0006]    Still other products exist into which beverages may be poured to prolong freshness. Many of these containers require removal of a sealing lid or cap. This requires the use of two hands.  
           [0007]    It has been found that a standard pivoting stem type Thermos™ valve slows the release of the sealed-in carbonation. Further, such valves can also be opened with one hand. There are technical problems with the use of the pivot-stem valve to evoke a substantially pressure-proof seal. The fit of the pivot-stem to its lid-housing cannot be precise enough to be substantially pressure-proof; therefore a seal component is required. This seal must compress between the pivot-stem and its lid-housing. This compression must be obtained when the pivot-stem is installed into the lid-housing, and must be maintained for the life of the product. All pivot-stem designs brought to the marketplace so far use a snap-lock assembly of the pivot-stem to the lid-housing. The compression of the seal is therefore non-adjustable. The compressive forces in the seal act to produce friction between the moving (pivoting) components. Wear results from this friction, thereby reducing the compression of the seal. The hole in the pivot-stem also causes wear and degradation of the seal. The hole in the pivot-stem must be outside of the seal when the valve is closed, and inside of the seal for drinking. Therefore, the hole must pass over the compressed seal to either open or close the valve. The seal becomes uncompressed as the hole passes over it, and the trailing edge of the hole recompresses the seal. This condition always wears the seal in the same place, and eventually causes the seal to fail at that location. Once the seal fails it cannot be replaced because of the one-time snap-lock assembly design.  
           [0008]    There are also problems with flow characteristics of pivot-stem valves. The pouring of a liquid out of a container requires the flow out of liquid, and the flow in of air. The pivot-stem design prevents flow in and out simultaneously. Some designs incorporate an air check valve in addition to the ball-spout valve to alleviate this problem.  
           [0009]    Another problem that is found with present beverage containers is that the beverage loses its chill while in the container. Typically, to counteract this, ice is used to maintain the carbonated beverage in a chilled or at least in a cold condition while the beverage is being consumed. However, in almost all cases, the beverage must be poured out of its first original container and into a different second container in order to take advantage of ice cubes within the second container. With respect to such beverages as beer, sparkling wine and other fermented or brewed beverages, the use of ice is against the customs of consumption.  
           [0010]    Another problem encountered with present beverage containers is that condensation collects on the outside of a well-chilled container and can be a messy nuisance.  
           [0011]    Another problem found in containers of the present art relates to the spilling of canned beverages. Beverage cans do not incorporate a means to close the hole once it has been opened. Spills are especially common in environments where a beverage can is subjected to jostling and to unexpected sudden movements such as in automobiles or boats, or around toddlers. Known drink holders and or soda can covers avoid outright spills, but leak through the pressure release hole when tipped over.  
           [0012]    The prior art demonstrates a variety of inventions that address some of the problems stated above, but not all of them. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,408 illustrates a sealing cap for soda cans having various diameters. However, the patent does not disclose a bottom container for the soda can.  
           [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,596 teaches the use of a beverage dispensing mug which is capable of receiving a conventional beverage can, whereby the contents of the can may be maintained in a chilled condition and/or consumed without emptying the contents of the can into the mug. However, there is no provision for prolonging the life of the carbonation within the liquid once the can has been opened.  
           [0014]    Another design is known wherein a snap-top spout resembling the shape of a beer bottle is snapped to a top rim of a soda can. This snap-top spout has provisions so that it may be snapped on to different diameter cans. However, the snap-top spout does not provide a means to preserve the carbonation in a can, once a can to which this top is attached is opened.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0015]    We have invented a device that overcomes the problems found in the prior art. The first benefit of the present invention is that it provides a beverage holder employing a seal system capable of retaining a sealed chamber under normal carbonated beverage use conditions. This seal system to may be opened and re-sealed repeatedly while a beverage is consumed. When sealed, the carbonation is retained for a much longer period of time than an unsealed open beverage. When open, the beverage flow is virtually the same as if directly out of a standard can or bottle.  
           [0016]    Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal system has adjustable seal compression by means of, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, threaded coupling. This compensates for any wear that occurs in the seals or enclosure components. Furthermore, any wear in the threads and seals is uniformly distributed over all contact surfaces. Wear in the seals is minimal and harmless as the direction of friction radially conforms to the seal diameters and is not perpendicular to the seal diameter as it is with the pivot-stem valve.  
           [0017]    Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal system has adjustable flow characteristics. The combination of seal and flow adjustment allows the seal to be released in a controlled manner and regulates drinking flow from sealed to fall open.  
           [0018]    Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal system may be fully operable for drinking and sealing without the removal or complete separation of any of the seal system components. This allows one-handed operation.  
           [0019]    Another benefit of the present invention is the variety of methods by which beverages may be contained inside the seal system. We will disclose several embodiments that encompass enclosing an entire open beverage can, enclosing poured in open beverages, and using the present invention seal system as a manufactured beverage container constituting new beverage packaging.  
           [0020]    Another benefit of the present invention is that all components may be separable and may be reassembled by the consumer after cleaning. The sealing system can be embodied as such as a re-usable system, but can also be embodied as a one-use beverage package where components need not be separable.  
           [0021]    Another benefit of the present invention is the capability to provide insulation by means of air gaps and other barriers to thermal conductivity around the can and within an optional dual wall housing. This prolongs the coolness of the contained beverage and eliminates sweating by collected condensation. The use of a medium that recharges by being frozen or chilled between the optional dual walls in the housing is yet another benefit.  
           [0022]    It is still a further benefit of the present invention that it provides a beverage holder that can accommodate any inert liquid over the entire range of consumer friendly temperatures and prolongs the freshness and temperature of said contained liquids.  
           [0023]    It is further benefit of the present invention that it is leak proof and spill proof when sealed and subjected to knock over or turbulence.  
           [0024]    It is a further benefit of the present invention that it provides a beverage holder with a clip for attachment to clothing for “hands-free” portability.  
           [0025]    It is a further benefit of the present invention that it provides a beverage holder that fits into standard vehicle cup holders.  
           [0026]    Other benefits and advantages of the present invention will be come apparent as the description proceeds.  
           [0027]    A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]    The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the beverage holder of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2A is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the beverage holder shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 2B is another perspective view, partially cut-away, of the beverage holder shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the beverage holder of the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the beverage holder of FIG. 3.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the beverage holder of FIG. 3 in which the outside bottom edge of the can&#39;s upper rim the outside bottom edge of the can&#39;s upper rim.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the upper portions of the beverage holder of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8A is a perspective view, partially cut away, of an exemplary cap element of the present invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 8B is another perspective view, partially cut away, of an exemplary cap element of the present invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 9 is a enlarged perspective view of detail of the cap element of FIG. 7B.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the sealing cap of the present invention.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a closure screw cap of the present invention.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the closure screw cap of FIG. 10.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of a ball-spout of the present invention.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the ball-spout of FIG. 12A, taken along the plane of line B-B of FIG. 12A. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0045]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there are shown in the drawings a number of presently preferred embodiments that are discussed in greater detail hereafter. It should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this application (“Detailed Description of the Illustrative Embodiments”) relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and should not be found to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the beverage holder  20 . FIG. 2A is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the beverage holder  20  of FIG. 1. Beverage holder  20  may be used to accommodate a hot or cold beverage alone. Alternatively, and preferably, the beverage holder  20  features a chamber  24 , having a size that is sufficiently large to snugly receive a standard beverage can C. The beverage holder  20  has features to enable a re-sealing of the opened beverage can C as will be discussed in detail below. The beverage holder  20  includes a generally cylindrical housing  19  and a lid  12  that is inter-connectable with housing  19 . It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that while a beverage can C is described, any type of sealed container for holding carbonated beverages, including bottles, boxes and other types of cans (of any variety of materials and construction) and others, may be used with the present invention without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.  
         [0047]    The lid  12  houses a first seal  13  and a second seal  14 . Seal  14  seals housing  19  and lid  12 . Seal  14  seals housing  19  and lid  12  together when a can C is not within beverage holder  20 . Seal  13  seals lid  12  to the top rim R of beverage can C.  
         [0048]    Beverage holder  20  further includes a twist valve  25  that is inter-connectable to the lid  12 . Twist valve  25  is generally rotatable from a position that provides a substantially pressure-proof seal to an open position. Twist valve  25 , and lid  12 , in the present embodiment, have features that do not require removal of twist valve  25  for beverage flow through twist valve  25 .  
         [0049]    Housing  19  typically features a one piece molded construction, although, as known to persons having ordinary skill in the art, it may be alternatively comprised of multiple (e.g. inner and outer as described below in a further embodiment) components without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Housing  19 , further, features a plurality of reduced diameter extension portions  4  that extend below the main body  21  of housing  19 . This reduction in diameter allows insertion of beverage holder  20  into standard cup holders typical of those found in automobiles. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that extension portion  4  may be removably attached, molded or otherwise formed as part of or as an addition to main body  21 . Another embodiment of housing  19 , to be described later, excludes extension  4 . It will be understood, by persons having skill in the art, that the material, used in constructing housing  19 , is preferably clear or translucent to permit visual access to the contents, but may also be colored to prevent visual access of contents.  
         [0050]    Multiple convex inward protuberances  69  are located in tubular extension  4 . The interior of tubular extension creates chamber  68 . This provides the added benefit of a compartment to hold an ice pack; ice or chilled substances to cool can C.  
         [0051]    Main Body  21  of housing  19  is above tubular extension  4  (tapered portion) and sloped surfaces  22 . The main body  21  forms internal chamber  24  that contains the can C or any hot or cold beverage without can C. The main body  21  of housing  19  also typically features a plurality of convex inward protuberances  8  that are preferably oriented longitudinally and extend inward. The inward protruding ribs  8  touch and center the contained beverage can C and hold it centrally creating an insulation air gap  71  (FIG. 2B) between the can C and exterior wall of main body  21 .  
         [0052]    Multiple convex inward protuberances  69  are located in tubular extension  4 . The top of each protuberance forms a surface  22  that is capable of supporting a beverage can C as described more fully below. Gaps between the shoulders  22  create air vent passages  70  around the bottom of the contained can C. This assures easy removal of can C as air can enter the chamber below can C as can C is pulled out of chamber  24 . The shoulder  22  formed by multiple convex inward protuberances  69  in tubular extension  4  are configured such that shoulder  22  supports can C to clearly dispose the upper rim R of can C above upper edge  10  of housing  19 . This permits the can C to be conveniently grasped and removed from the housing.  
         [0053]    Protruding Ribs  72  &amp;  73  are located near the top of the main body  21 , on the exterior wall, to house a belt clip  75 . Protruding ribs  72  extend outwardly from the main body  21  and are located between protruding ribs  73 . Protruding ribs  72  support the belt clip  75  away from main body  21 . The center rib  72  contains locking boss  74 . Protruding ribs  73  also extend outwardly from main body  21  and are outward of ribs  72 . Protruding ribs  73  encircle the belt clip  75  to retain the belt clip. A gap to slide the belt clip upward for assembly is created between the top of ribs  72  and the retainer portion of ribs  73 . Locking boss  74  is ramped such that the upwardly sliding belt clip bends to pass over the locking bump which snaps into a hole on the belt clip once the belt clip is in the locked position. Protruding segment  76  of rim  11  stops the belt clip in the locked and assembled position and provides support structure and protection for the installed belt clip  75 . Belt clip  75  can be attached to housing  19  to enable a user to clip the product onto a belt.  
         [0054]    A circular ring  86  located at the bottom of housing  19 , outside of circular depression  4 A, and has a thicker wall than nominal wall thickness of housing  19  to provide added insulation and prevent sweating.  
         [0055]    Reference will now be made to FIGS. 3, 4,  5  and  6 , wherein further embodiments of the present invention are shown. The embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4,  5  and  6  are generally identical in most respects to the embodiments already described and illustrated in preceding figures, with the exceptions noted as follows.  
         [0056]    Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, this embodiment of housing  19  does not include tubular extension portion  4 . The present embodiment of housing  19  typically features a one-piece molded construction, although, it may be alternatively comprised of multiple components (e.g. inner and outer explained in the next embodiment). Main Body  21  of housing  19  extends to the bottom wall  77  of housing  19 . Bottom wall  77  is the internal surface at the bottom of chamber  24  supports a beverage can C.  
         [0057]    Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the present embodiment of housing  19  comprising an inner housing  1  and an outer housing  2  to form a second outer air gap  82  between housings. Air gap  82  is preferably air tight to prevent foreign matter from entering air gap  82 . The preferred method for joining the inner and outer walls is ultrasonic welding. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that this method of joining is only one of a number of methods of joining, and that other methods of joining the walls and other elements of the present invention are contemplated and their use does not comprise a departure from the novel scope of the present invention. It will be further understood, that such methods of joinder are equally applicable to all embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0058]    Further with respect to the present invention, Bottom wall  78  is the external surface at the bottom of housing  1 . Bottom wall  78  has a preferably round solid boss  80  that is in the center of wall  78  and protrudes downward. Bottom wall  79  is the internal surface at the bottom of housing  80 . Bottom wall  79  has a preferably round circular boss  81  protruding from upward at the center on the outside of the wall. Bosses  80  and  81  are configured such that boss  80  can slide into boss  81 , but is not allowed any lateral freedom. This locks housing  1  and  2  radially, but allows variance in housing lengths. It should be understood that bosses  80  and  81  can be different shapes and reversed.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 2A, 4,  6 , and  7  are perspective cut-away views that all depict the preferred embodiment of lid  12 . Lid  12  is coupled to twist valve  25  and housing  19 . The preferred method of coupling is by means of complimentary threads that engage between lid  12  and housing  19 , and lid  12  and twist valve  25 . Coupling thread  40  of lid  12  and coupling thread  31  of twist valve  25  form the first complimentary threaded engagement between lid  12  and twist valve  25 . Coupling thread  12 B of lid  12  and coupling thread  9  (FIG. 6) of housing  19  form the first complimentary threaded engagement between lid  12  and housing  19 . It is further preferred that the threaded coupling of lid to twist valve is separable to permit cleaning of said components. It is also further preferred that the threaded coupling of lid to housing is separable. This enables access to the internal chamber  24  of housing  19  and permits easy cleaning. The preferred coupling method described above is predicated upon a devise that is re-useable by the consumer to enhance or replace purchased beverage packaging. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that the preferred method of coupling is only one of a number of methods of coupling. Other methods of coupling the elements of housing  19 , lid  12 , and twist valve  25  are contemplated and their use does not comprise a departure from the novel scope of the present invention. Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates coupling of the lid  12  to housing  19  that is not separable to provide new beverage packaging that incorporates the benefits of the twist valve  25 .  
         [0060]    Coupling Threads  40  of lid  12  is the preferred embodiment to connect the twist valve  25  to lid  12 . The connection applies compressive force between lid  12  and bottom sealing O-ring  48 . Internal dual-lead threads on spout  41 , of lid  12 , is the preferred embodiment. The threads extend upwardly from left to right. The threads are dual lead and allow movement of the entire twist valve from a sealed position to an opened position with a ⅓ turn.  
         [0061]    Spout  41  is a hollow cylinder at the top of lid  12  that houses the means to connect the twist valve  25 . The lower interior wall also provides the side sealing rib  46 . Rotational Stop Protrusion(s)  42  (FIG. 5) is an outward protrusion emanating from the middle body  43 . This feature interacts with an opposing inward rotational stop protrusion  35  located on the thumb stem perimeter structure  34  of twist valve  25 . The lid  12  stop protrusion  42  has a ramped side  46  of the protrusion and another side with no ramp. The preferred embodiment uses two stop features diametrically opposed to accommodate dual lead thread coupling of the twist valve  25  and lid  12 . Description of the workings of the rotational stops is covered in the twist valve section: Rotational Stop Protrusion(s)  35 . Middle Body  43  is a transitional body section between the lower body  55  and spout  41  consisting of a diameter section internally housing the container seal  14  and another diameter section internally housing the can seal  13 . The rotational stop protrusion(s)  42  and flow indicator labels  63  are preferably located on the exterior wall of middle body  43 .  
         [0062]    Seal Body  51  is an annular protrusion containing pouring aperture  52  and is connected to the spout  41  and middle body  43 . Preferably the seal body is of sufficient structure to support the compressive forces generated when the twist valve  25  is sufficiently tight to compress seal  48  thus sealing can C. Also preferable a seal body  51  shape that creates seal body chamber  56 . Pouring Aperture  52  is an opening through seal body  51  that permits flow of the contents of can C out of the lid  12  and into the twist valve  25  when the valve is open. Preferably, the area of the pouring aperture is equal to the opening of can C with a circular shape.  
         [0063]    Seal Body Chamber  56  is the volume inside the seal body  51 . This space is preferable to allow use of the product when the pull tab  53  of can C is fully extended after opening. The contents of can C may enter seal body chamber  56  even when the can is sealed. This volume is preferably just small enough to accommodate the raised tab C to minimize beverage carbonation loss. Middle body chamber  57  is the interior volume of middle body  43 . This volume is preferably shaped and sufficiently large to contain the top portion of a standard beverage can such that it can easily be grasped and removed from housing  19 . Lower Body  55  is a hollow cylindrical structure at the bottom of lid  12 . This feature preferably houses the coupling feature  12 B to connect the lid  12  to housing  19  and has gripping protrusion(s)  58 .  
         [0064]    Lower body chamber  59  is the volume inside the lower body  55 . Lower coupling threads  12 B. This feature is the preferred embodiment to connect the lid  12  to housing  19 . The connection applies compressive force to create either container seal or can seal. The container seal occurs between upper seal edge  10  of housing  19  and container seal  14 . The can seal occurs between the rim R of can C supported by housing  19  and can seal  13 . The coupling method preferably provides for mutually exclusive sealing of the can and container, that is to say that when the can is contained in the devise, the can seal engages before the container seal and precludes use of the container seal, and accommodates variance in can height. Internal dual lead threads on lower body  55  of lid  12  are the preferred embodiment. The threads extend upwardly. The preferred embodiment of lower coupling threads  12 B allows use of all three embodiments of housing  19  interchangeably.  
         [0065]    Container seal seat  61  is an annular cavity housed at the bottom of middle body  43  to fixably contain container seal  14 . A sharp edged annular protrusion  60  is located in the bottom of the cavity to prevent liquid from leaking under and around the seal. Container Seal  14  is a component fabricated of elastomer material and fixably attached within container seal seat  61 . Seal  14  is compressed between the upper seal edge  10  of housing  19  and lid  12 . This seal is engaged when lid  12  is tightened and a can C is not present. Seal  14  is configured to permit sealing of various can rim R diameters. Can seal seat  62  is an annular cavity housed at the top of middle body  43  to fixably contain can seal  13 . A sharp edged annular protrusion  60  is located in the bottom of the cavity to prevent liquid from leaking under and around the seal.  
         [0066]    Can seal  13  is a component fabricated of elastomer material and fixably attached within can seal seat  62 . Seal  13  is compressed between the upper rim R of can C supported by housing  19  and lid  12 . This seal preferably has sufficient size to accommodate rim R variance in diameters. Creating a pressure resistant seal suitable to maintain beverage carbonation requires sealing of both can seal  13  and bottom seal  48  of twist valve  25 . Can seal  13  preferably is sealed once during each can C use, while the twist valve bottom seal  48  is opened and closed between drinks.  
         [0067]    Gripping Protrusions  58  are a plurality of protrusions in a radial pattern on lower body  55  that allow easy gripping to facilitate assembly and removal of the lid  12  from housing  19 . Side Sealing Rib  46  is an annular protrusion with a preferably smaller diameter than the spout  41 . This alleviates the side sealing o-ring  37  from interfering with the threaded portion of internal wall of the spout  41  as the twist valve  25  is inserted into lid  12 . The inner diameter also preferably radially compresses the side sealing O-ring  37  to create a leak proof seal.  
         [0068]    Flow indicator label(s)  63  indicate flow capacity through twist valve  25 . Preferably, this feature consists of protruding graphics integrally molded on the exterior surface of middle body  43  that consists of a scale ranging from a no flow starting point to a full flow position of the twist valve rotation.  
         [0069]    Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8A,  8 B,  9  and  10 , views, some partially cutaway of a preferred embodiment of a lid  12  and twist valve  25  are shown. Features of this embodiment will now be described. Twist valve  25  comprising a perimeter ring  26 , which is a protrusion encircling the upper body  27  to provide connection between upper body  27  and thumb stem(s) structural ribs  34 . Upper body  27  is a hollow cylindrical feature between the drinking orifice  29  and perimeter ring  26 . Preferably the size of the upper body is similar to a standard beverage bottle spout. Thumb stem(s)  28  is a protrusion or plurality of protrusions to facilitate rotation of the entire twist valve  25 . The preferred embodiment uses two thumb stems diametrically opposed to each other and symmetrical. The size of the thumb stems permits graphic instructional label(s)  36  and rotational stop feature(s)  35 . The use of two diametrically opposed and symmetrical thumb stems also allows use of dual leads on thread  31  to connect the twist valve  25  to the lid  12 .  
         [0070]    Further, drinking orifice  29  is an opening at the top of the upper body  27  where a user places their mouth for drinking. Lower body  30  is a hollow cylindrical feature under the perimeter ring  26 . This feature houses external coupling threads  31 , side O-ring seating feature  32 , and multiple, connective ribs  33 . Coupling threads  31  is the preferred method to connect the twist valve  25  to lid  12 . This connection allows the application of compressive force between lid  12  and sealing O-ring  48 . Threads  31  extend upwardly from left to right and are dual lead, allowing movement of the entire twist valve from a sealed position to an opened position with a ⅓ turn. The external thread  31  of twist valve  25  engages the internal thread  40  of spout  41  of the lid  12 .  
         [0071]    Side O-ring seat (groove)  32  is an annular depression in the lower body  30  that holds the side sealing o-ring  37 . The configuration of the side o-ring seat groove  32  is such that the side o-ring is compressed against side sealing radial rib  46  to create a leak proof seal. Connective Ribs  33  comprise a plurality of rib structures oriented in a circular pattern to support plate  38  within and offset from lower body  30  and upper body  27 . In between each rib section  33  is a vent passage  39 . It is preferable that the number of connective ribs  33  is sufficiently high to facilitate small vent passage apertures  39  that prevent bees (or other insects) from passing through the vent passages  39 .  
         [0072]    Thumb stem perimeter structure(s)  34  is a protruding surround for each thumb stem  28  to provide rigidity and connect the thumb stem(s) to the perimeter ring  26 . The top of the thumb stem perimeter structure can flex to accommodate operation of the rotational stop feature  35 . A rotational stop protrusion(s)  35  is an inward protrusion emanating from the thumb stem perimeter rib  34 . This feature interacts with an opposing outward rotational stop protrusion  42  located on the exterior of middle body  43  of the lid  12 . The twist valve rotational stop protrusion  35  has a ramp on either side of the protrusion. Ramp  44  is less inclined than ramp  45 . Ramp  44  engages the ramped side  46  of the opposing outward rotational stop protrusion  42  on lid  12  as the twist valve is screwed on to the lid  12 . The low incline of ramps  44  and  46  allows for easy bypass of the stop feature to the sealed position. Ramp  45  is inclined at 45 degrees. Ramp  45  ramp engages the opposing outward rotational stop protrusion  42  face with no ramp on lid  12 , as the twist valve is unscrewed from the sealed position (fully tight) on lid  12 . The stop features are positioned such that the stop makes contact when the twist valve is in the fully open position (⅓ turn). The twist valve cannot be opened further unless enough torque is applied to the twist valve to force the ramp  45  to jump over the opposing outward rotational stop protrusion  42  face with no ramp on lid  12 . The preferred embodiment uses two stop features diametrically opposed to accommodate dual lead thread  31  coupling of the twist valve  25  and lid  12 .  
         [0073]    An instructional label  36  provides information regarding which direction to apply force to the thumb stem(s)  28  to seal or open twist valve  25 . The preferred embodiment is integral molded protruding letters located on thumb stems  28 . Side o-ring seal  37  is a component fabricated of elastomer material that is radially compressed between the lower body  30  of twist valve  25  and side sealing radial rib  46  of lid  12 . Side o-ring seal  37  is rotationally fixed with respect to twist valve  25  and is rotationally free with respect to lid  12 . Side o-ring seal  37  is compressed to evoke a leak-proof seal when the twist valve is engaged to the lid and slides up and down in a sealed state over the linear range of motion created by the threaded coupling between the twist valve and lid. The linear range of motion is bounded by the fully engaged sealed state of the bottom seal  49  and the retracted, fully open, flow position. Side o-ring seal  37  prevents liquid from escaping under and around the outside lower body  30  of the twist valve, thus the only path for escape is through the vent passages  39 , through the upper body chamber  47 , and out of the drinking orifice  29 . It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of sealing elements, of various materials, may be used without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.  
         [0074]    Bottom seal support plate  38  is preferably a flat circular protrusion that supports the bottom o-ring seal  48  in bottom seal seat  49 . This feature is separated from the upper body  27  and lower body  30  by vent passages  39  and is connected to the lower body by multiple connection ribs  33 . Vent passage(s)  39  is a chamber bounded by the exterior diameter of support plate  38 ; the sides of two adjacent connective ribs  33 ; and wall contour  88 . Wall contour  88  is the internal wall contour formed by the transitional contour from larger lower body diameter  30  to smaller upper body diameter  27 . Each vent passage  39  allows flow of liquid from the lower body chamber  50  to the upper body chamber  47 . Preferably there is a plurality of vent passages oriented in a circular pattern. The cumulative cross-sectional area of the vent passages is sufficiently large so as not to restrict the flow of liquid pourable from a standard can C opening  54 . Furthermore, the vent passages  39  allow flow of liquid out while also simultaneously allowing flow of air the chamber containing the beverage. Furthermore, the vent passage  39  directs the path of the liquid. The path can be straight through but is preferably directed such that the flow changes direction from straight up to radially inward by as it enters the upper body chamber  47 . This minimizes splash out of the drinking orifice as the seal is opened and pressure is released.  
         [0075]    It will be seen that bottom seal seat (groove)  49  is an annular depression in the bottom seal support plate  38  that holds the bottom seal O-ring  48 . Bottom Seal  48  is a component fabricated of elastomer material that is compressed between the bottom seal support plate  38  and seal body  51  of lid  12 . The bottom seal  48  is raised and lowered with respect to seal body  51  of lid  12  as the twist valve  25  is rotated due to the threaded connection between the twist valve and the lid. Compression of bottom seal  48  determines the rotational stop of the twist valve and creates the substantially pressure-proof seal. The diameter of this component is slightly larger than the pouring aperture  52  of lid  12 . Bottom seal  48  is fixed to twist valve  25 , thus unscrewing the twist valve raises bottom seal  48  away from seal body  51  of lid  12  and liquid flow is enabled. The compression of bottom seal  48  is uniformly distributed around the entire contact surface, and is adjustable by means of the threaded coupling of twist valve  25  and lid  12 . Compression adjustment of the seal provides two important benefits: First, the seal can be opened in a slow controlled manner to quietly release pressure inside the container. Secondly, any wear in either the bottom seal  48  or thread elements coupling the twist valve  25  and lid  12  can be overcome to attain a substantially pressure-proof seal. The preferred embodiment of this component  48  is a double seal O-ring. The flow rate through the twist valve is also adjustable by means of the threaded coupling between the lid  12  and twist valve  25 .  
         [0076]    Lower body chamber  50  of twist valve  25  is the volume inside lower body  30 . This volume is not a requirement of the invention, but is preferred to permit a raised seal body  51  of lid  12  thus providing clearance for a raised pull tab  53  on can C. Upper body chamber  47  is the volume inside upper body  27  bounded by the vent passage(s)  39  and drinking orifice  29 .  
         [0077]    Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 another closure screw cap  27  embodiment is shown. This embodiment has a drinking orifice feature that is used with screw cap  63  and is inter-connectable with all three housing  19  embodiments. The features of this embodiment will now be described in detail. Spout  41  is similar to the preferred embodiment except the coupling threads  40  are preferred as external. Bee Trap Ribs  64  are located at the top of and internal to spout  41 . Preferably, the apertures through these ribs are sufficiently small to prevent bees from passing through the apertures and sufficiently large such that the cumulative cross-sectional area is equal to or greater that a standard can C opening  54 . Drinking orifice  65  is the aperture at the top of spout  41  on which the user places their mouth for drinking. This drinking orifice is sealed off to provide an airtight seal when the screw cap  63  compresses seal  66  upon tightening.  
         [0078]    Screw Cap  63  is a component with internal threads to couple with the coupling threads  40  to compress seal  66  and create a pressure resistant container. The user must remove screw cap  63  to drink from beverage holder  20 . The screw cap also contains a feature to retain tether  67  that preferably does not limit rotation. Tether Strap  67  is a component to flexibly connect the screw cap  63  to lid  12 . Preferably the tether strap is fixably attached to the top of the screw cap  63  and spout  41  with rotational freedom. Tether Strap Restraint  68  is a protrusion emanating from the exterior of lower body  55  of lid  12  to hold the tether strap out of the way for drinking.  
         [0079]    Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, another embodiment of a closure screw cap  27  is shown, and its features will now be described. This third type of closure screw cap embodiment discloses an improved sealing spout assembly. This embodiment is also inter-connectable with all three housing  19  embodiments. Pivot peg(s)  83  is a round boss that emanates inwardly from the lid  12  to interface with ball  16  along the ball pivot axis. There are two pivot peg bosses diametrically opposed to each other. The gap between the opposing pivot pegs is less than the width of ball  16 . Recess (2)  84  are a round depression in the surface of the ball  16  oriented coaxial with the ball pivot axis. Recess(s)  84  are configured to have a slightly larger diameter than pivot pegs  83  to accept insertion of pivot pegs  83 . Recess (2)  85  is a depression in the surface of the ball  16  to allow assembly of the ball  16  onto pivot pegs  83  from a specific direction. Recess(s)  84  are configured such that the ball is can only be easily snap fit assembled onto pivot pegs  83  when ball  16  is oriented in the open pouring position (unsealed and vertical). Thus, when the ball-spout is in the closed position (sealed and horizontal), the side of recess  84  has sufficient material to retain pivot pegs  83  against the forces created by seal compression and contents pressure. In this embodiment, the features to house the belt clip are preferably on the outermost housing  1 . This allows an airtight joint between housing  1  and  2  to form air gap  82 .  
         [0080]    Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention.