Patent ID: 7819276

Claim:
A valve device structured for releasable connection to a drinking container containing a fluid, the valve device comprising: a valve that is movable between an open position and a closed position for controlling fluid discharge from the drinking container when connected thereto, wherein the valve comprises a pressure-responsive, movable element; at least one bracing element; and a sealing element, the bracing element connecting the movable element to the sealing element such that movement of the movable element causes movement of the sealing element; and a cap enclosing the valve and comprising a partition wall having an inside and an outside, and wherein the partition wall is provided with a sealing element opening and a drinking opening; wherein the sealing element opening in the partition wall is structured for releasable connection to the drinking container; wherein the movable element is disposed on the outside of the partition wall and between the partition wall and the enclosing cap, whereby a suction chamber is defined between the movable element and the partition wall; wherein the movable element has at least one surface exposed to pressure in the suction chamber, and at least one opposite surface exposed to ambient pressure outside the cap; wherein the bracing element extends through the sealing element opening so as to locate the sealing element on the inside of the partition wall; wherein the sealing element, when in the closed position, seals against the inside of the partition wall, and wherein the sealing element, when in the open position, does not seal against the inside of the partition wall; and wherein application of a predetermined amount of suction at the drinking opening reduces the pressure in the suction chamber below ambient pressure so as to produce a differential pressure across the movable element, whereby the differential pressure acts on the movable element to move the movable element in the direction of the suction chamber and thereby force the sealing element and thus the valve out of the closed position.