GB2424862A

GB2424862A - Drink receptacle

Info

Publication number: GB2424862A
Application number: GB0506900A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Bradman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-06
Filing date: 2005-04-06
Publication date: 2006-10-11
Also published as: GB0506900D0

Abstract

A portable drink receptacle 1 includes a body 5. A divider 25 separates the body 5 into a lower portion 40, filled with a drink 10, and an upper portion 45. A tube 30 has an inner end 31 inside the lower portion 40, and an outer end 32 outside the body 5. The tube 30 passes through an opening 34 in the body 5 and through an opening in the divider 25. There is an opening 55 near the top of the body 5, to maintain air in the upper portion 45 at atmospheric pressure. This applies a force to the divider 25 in a direction away from the opening 34 in the lid. The lower portion 40 is therefore always completely filled with the drink 10. This prevents sloshing of the contained drink 10 as the receptacle 1 is moved, therefore the receptacle is particularly good for use during physical activity. In other embodiments, the force on the divider 25 is provided by resilient means, or manually.

Description

Drink Receptacle De8cription The present invention relates to portable

drink receptacles, and in particular although not exclusively to portable drink receptacles including components for limiting sloshing of a contained drink.

Drink containers are often carried when a user takes part in a physical activity, e.g. jogging or cycling. However, when the drink container is only part full, any movement can cause the contained drink to slosh and splash around inside the container. This can cause discomfort, unwanted noise and result in unnecessary energy use. It is generally considered to be inconvenient to carry a bottle, either in the hand or attached to the body, when exercising unless the bottle is either full or empty because of the sloshing generated by movement of the bottle.

Devices for reducing the sloshing of a contained liquid are discussed in the following documents. US 5,819,980 relates to a canteen, where the airspace is reduced by means of a moveable platform to reduce sloshing of the liquid. The liquid is housed in a plastic bag in the top portion of the canteen, and can be accessed by opening a cap. The canteen is not suitable for taking drinks easily while the user is moving, as the contained liquid is easily spilt when the cap is removed.

There is a further disadvantage in that the air must be displaced manually. US 6,588,622 relates to a beverage container having a baffle system to reduce sloshing of the liquid within the container. The baffle system comprises a tube with a plurality of deformable fins attached at fixed locations. The tube is hollow and can be used as a straw. Drinks cannot be taken when the container is upside down, as the straw extends to the bottom of the container. In addition, the baffle system will have little effect on the sloshing of a liquid when the container is held in a generally hori2ontal position. These limitations affect the effectiveness of the container for use during physical activity.

The present invention provides a portable drinks receptacle comprising: a body, with an interior having a generally constant cross section along a substantial part of its length; a divider supported within the body and dividing the body into first and second portions; and a tube, having a first end in the first portion of the body, passing through an opening in the divider and an opening in the body, and having a second end outside of the body, wherein the first portion is fillable with a liquid; and the divider is moveable along the axis of the tube as the volume of liquid in the first portion varies. Such a receptacle can ameliorate some of the above mentioned disadvantages. It can be used to eliminate or reduce sloshing of liquid within the receptacle when the receptacle is not full. The receptacle may be suitable for use as a sports bottle.

Advantageously, the portable drink receptacle comprises resilient means arranged to apply a force to the divider in a direction away from the opening in the body.

Preferably, the resilient means comprise at least one spring. The force applied by the resilient means can serve to prevent or reduce sloshing. It can also assist delivery of contained liquid through the tube, so a user may not need to suck so much or at all on the tube for the liquid to be dispensed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable drink receptacle comprising: a body, with an interior having a generally constant cross section along a substantial part of its length; a divider supported within the body and dividing the body into first and second portions; and a tube, having a first end in the body, passing through opening in the body, having a second end outside of the body, wherein the first portion is fillable with a liquid; the divider is moveable along the axis of the tube as the volume of liquid in the first portion varies; and the tube has an inlet which is present in the first portion for a substantial part of the divider's range of movement. Resilient means, such as a spring, may be used to apply a force to the divider in a direction such as to force liquid through the tube out of the body.

Instead of including resilient means, the portable drink receptacle can comprise a spindle supported with the divider, wherein the spindle is moveable through manipulation of a handle present outside the body. The handle may be used to manually move the divider away from the opening. When the first portion is filled with liquid, this action may be used to force liquid through the tube. Preferably, the divider is immoveable when the spindle is in a first position; and the divider is movable when the spindle is in a second position. Thus, the divider can be locked in a position level with the surface of the liquid to counter sloshing when the receptacle is not being drunk from. Preferably, the portable drink receptacle also comprises a pair of interconnecting strips running along the length of the body, arranged to create an opening in the body when disconnected; a first zipper, arranged to connect the strips when moved towards the opening in the body and to disconnect the strips when moved away from the opening in the body; and a second zipper, arranged to disconnect the strips when moved towards the opening in the body and to connect the strips when moved away from the opening in the body, wherein the first zipper and the second zipper are secured together, the first zipper is closer to the opening in the body than the second zipper, and the spindle passes between the first zipper and the second zipper. This arrangement can allow the first portion of the body to remain closed as the handle and divider arc moved.

If the receptacle comprises means for sealing the second end of the tube, it can be more useable as a sports bottle, for instance because when the tube is sealed the receptacle can be moved or upturned without any contained liquid spilling. The means for sealing can comprise a bite valve. This can avoid the need for a user to use their hands to release liquid from the receptacle when requiring a drink.

Also, in a receptacle comprising resilient means arranged to apply a force to the divider in a direction away from the opening in the body, the means for sealing the end of the tube, e.g. a bite valve, has the effect of avoiding liquid being expelled from the tube except when required by a user.

Advantageously, the tube and the divider can be fixed to one another. Alternatively, the portable drinks receptacle can comprise means, provided on an interior surface of the first portion of the body, for supporting the first end of the tube. Thus, the divider can be movable on the tube.

Any of the above portable drink receptacles may comprise a seal between the tube and the divider, and/or a seal between the body and the divider. Such seals can serve to restrict movement of air from the second portion to the first portion, and to restrict movement of liquid from the first portion to the second portion. This can eliminate sloshing. Even if the seals ate not perfect, sloshing can still be greatly reduced.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure Ia illustrates a cross section through a first embodied drink receptacle, in a first position, according to the invention; Figure lb illustrates a cross section through the Figure la drink receptacle, in a second position, according to the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a cross section through a second embodied drink receptacle according to the invention; Figure 3 illustrates an exterior view of a third embodied drink receptacle according to the invention; Figures 4a and 4b are perspective views of part of the Figure 3 drink receptacle at different stages of a spindle being removed; and Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are plan cross-sectional views of the Figure 3 drink receptacle, at different stages of a spindle being removed.

In the Figures, reference numerals ate re-used for like elements throughout.

Referring firstly to Figure Ia, a drink receptacle 1 includes a generally cylindrical body 5. The body 5 can be filled with a liquid 10. The liquid 10 is a drink, such as water or a sports beverage. The body 5 is provided with a lid 15. The lid 15 is in the shape of a dome. The lid 15 has a base 17. In this embodiment, the base of the lid 17 is in the shape of a ring. A first end of a spring coil 20 is attached to the lid 15. The spring coil 20 is a compression spring and therefore offers resistance to compressive forces. In a first position, the spring coil 20 is retracted inside the lid 15. A divider 25 is fixed to a second end of the spring coil 20. The base of the lid 17 supports the divider in the first position. The opening in the base of the lid 17 is at least as large as the largest coil of the spring coil 20. A tube 30 has an inner end 31 inside the body 5, and an outer end 32 outside the body 5. The tube 30 passes through an opening 34 in the top of the dome of the lid 15. The tube 30 also passes through the centre of the spring coil 20. The tube also passes through the divider to contact the liquid 10. The tube 30 contacts the surface of the body 5 opposite to the divider 25. Means (not shown) are provided for allowing liquid 10 to enter the inner end 31 of the tube 30. The tube 30 extends generally along the longitudinal axis of the body 5. A valve 35 is provided at the outer end 32 of the tube 30. Preferably, the valve 35 is a bite valve.

The drink receptacle I is in the first position when the body 5 is completely filled with liquid 10. The tube 30 is used as a straw for dispensing the contained liquid 10 to a user. The bite valve 35 closes the outer end 32 of the tube and therefore prevents the liquid 10 from being forced out of the body 5 through the tube 30.

When the bite valve 35 is deformed, such as when it is bitten by the user, the bite valve 35 opens and the liquid 10 is allowed to flow up the tube 30.

The divider 25 is movable in a direction parallel with the tube 30. The retracted spring coil 20 exerts a force on the divider 25 in a direction away from the opening 34 in the body 5. The divider 25 in turn exerts a force on the liquid 10. However, since the liquid 10 is largely incompressible and the valve 35 is closed, the liquid exerts an equal and opposite force on the divider 25. This keeps the spring coil 20 in a retracted position inside the lid 15.

The body 5 has a substantially uniform cross-section along a substantial portion of its length. Preferably, the body 5 is constructed from a substantially rigid material.

Preferably, the body is constructed from a lightweight material, such as a plastic material. Preferably, the volume of the body 5 is in the range of about 0.3 litres to I litre.

The divider 25 is also constructed from a substantially rigid material.

The lid 15 can be fixed to the body 5 by screwing it to the body 5. Alternatively, any other suitable means can be used to fix the lid 15 to the body 5. Preferably, the lid is securely attached to the body 5 when the receptacle is used, but can be easily removed by a user for refilling the lower potion 40.

The lid 15 can take any shape, provided it can be fixed to the top of the body 5. In another embodiment (not shown), the lid 15 is not provided with a dome to house the spring coil 20. In this case, the spring coil 20 has a radius which increases along the length of the spring. This ensures that, in the first position, the retracted spring forms a spiral in a single coil thickness and thus has the minimum possible height.

Figure lb shows the drinks receptacle I in a second position. In the second position, the body 5 is only part-filled with liquid 10. The force of the spring coil ensures that the divider 25 is in contact with the liquid 10. As can be seen more clearly in the second position, the divider 25 separates the body 5 into a lower portion 40 and an upper portion 45. Preferably, the lower portion 40 is always completely filled with liquid 10. This occurs because the lower surface of the divider 25 is always in contact with the liquid, due to the force exerted on the moveable divider 25 by the spring coil 20. Slashing of a contained liquid occurs when a volume is only partly full, leaving space for the liquid to move. However, in the receptacle 1, the lower portion 40 of the body 5 is completely filled with liquid 10, therefore, slashing of the liquid 10 within the receptacle 1 is eliminated. If the seal between the divider 25 and the interior surface of the body 5 is not wholly watertight, then liquid 10 may leak into the upper portion 45. In this case, the slashing of the contained liquid is not completely eliminated, however it is greatly minimised.

Advantageously, when the bite valve 35 is deformed, the force exerted on the surface of the liquid 10 by the spring coil 20 via the divider 25 forces liquid through the tube 30. This ensures that liquid 10 can be dispensed without tipping or otherwise changing the position of the receptacle 1. The liquid 10 can also be dispensed without the user using his hands. In addition, the user does not have to suck the liquid 10 up through the tube 30, since the liquid 10 is forced through the tube by the action of the spring coil 20. These features make the bottle suitable for use during physical activity. The bite valve 35 also has the effect of avoiding liquid being expelled from the tube 30 except when required by a user.

To refill the lower portion 40 of the body 5 with liquid, the lid 15, the spring coil 20, and the divider 25 can be removed. The tube 30 may also be removed. After the body 5 has been filled with liquid 10, the divider 25 is replaced in the body 5, to rest on the surface of the liquid 10. Preferably, the tube 30 is then replaced before any compression force is exerted on the spring coil 20. This prevents liquid 10 from being forced through the opening in the divider 25. The spring coil 20 is compressed as the lid 15 is forced onto the top of the body 5. Alternatively, the divider 25 can be fixed to the base of the lid 17, preferably by means of a catch on either the divider 25 or the base of the lid 17. The spring coil 20 is then held compressed inside the lid 15, allowing the lid 15 to be easily replaced. The catch is then released to allow the divider 25 to rest on the surface of the liquid 10.

In another embodiment (not shown), the spring coil 20 is instead provided in the lower portion 40. In this embodiment, the spring coil 20 is an extension spring. A first end of the spring coil 20 is attached to the lowermost surface of the divider 25.

A second end of the spring coil 20 is attached to the surface of the body 5 opposite to the divider 25. Preferably, the spring coil 20 is constructed from a material that does not corrode in water, or is provided with an anti-corrosive coating.

In other embodiments, any number of extension or compression springs may be provided, as long as the net force on the divider 25 is in a direction away from the opening 34. Alternatively, any other resilient means may be provided. If the resilient means offers resistance to compressive forces, it is supported by the uppermost surface of the divider 25, and is in the upper portion 45 of the body 5.

Preferably, the free length is larger than the height of the body 5. This still provides an appreciable force to the divider 25 as the volume of liquid 10 in the lower portion 40 of the body 5 approaches zero. If the resilient means offers resistance to expansion forces, it is supported by the lowermost surface of the divider 25, and is in the lower portion 45 of the body 5. In this case, the resilient means has a free length substantially shorter than the height of the body 5. This provides an appreciable force to the divider 25 as the volume of liquid 10 in the lower portion approaches zero. In addition, the combined length of the elastic limit and the free length is preferably larger than the height of the body 5. Thus, the resilient means will always return to the original frec length as the volume of liquid 10 in the lower portion 40 approaches zero. Preferably, the resilient means does not corrode on contact with the contained liquid 10, or is provided with an anti-corrosive coating.

Figure 2 shows a portable drink receptacle 50 in a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, there is an opening 55 in the body 5. This constitutes means for allowing air to flow into the upper portion 45 of the body 5 as the volume of the lower portion 40 of the body 5 decreases. Preferably, the opening is provided near the top of the body 5. The tube 30 is supported by a cradle 60. The cradle 60 is a ring, with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 30. A plurality of small holes 65 are present in the wall of the tube 30 near the inner end 31 of the tube 30, to allow the liquid 10 to enter the tube 30. A closable outlet 70 is provided at the outer end 32 of the tube 30, to prevent air entering the tube and thus entering the lower portion 40 of the body 5.

The outlet 70 allows the liquid 10 to leave the tube 30. Alternatively, a bite valve 35 may be provided. A lid 15 is provided to covet the top of the body 5, and the tube passes through the opening 34 in the lid 15.

The opening 55 allows air to flow into the upper portion 45 of the body 5 as the volume of the lower portion 40 of the body 5 decreases. Therefore, the pressure of the air in the upper portion 45 of the body 5 does not depend on the volume of the upper portion 45, and is at atmospheric pressure. The pressure on the surface of the divider 25 applies a force in a direction away from the opening 34. Preferably, the lower portion 40 of the body S is airtight. The user can dispense the liquid 10 by sucking the tube 30. As liquid 10 is dispensed through the tube 30, the divider moves in a direction away from the opening in the body 5 and maintains contact with the liquid 10. This ensures that the lower portion 40 is always completely filled with liquid 10. Therefore, sloshing of the liquid 10 within the receptacle 25 is eliminated. Sloshing is reduced even if some air enters the lower portion 40 or if some liquid 10 enters the upper portion 45.

In another embodiment (not shown), the opening 34 in the lid 15 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the tube 30, and the opening 55 is not provided. In another embodiment, a lid 15 is not provided at all, so that the upper portion 45 of the body is completely open to the air. In this way, air within the upper portion 45 is always at atmospheric pressure. It therefore always applies a force to the divider 25 in a direction away from the opening 34.

To refill the lower portion 40 of the body 5 with liquid, the lid 15 and the divider 25 can be removed. The tube 30 may also be removed. After the body 5 has been filled with liquid 10, the divider 25 is replaced. The opening in the divider 25 allows air to be expelled from the lower potion 40. The lid 15 and tube 30 can then be replaced. Alternatively, liquid 10 can be inserted via the outer end 32 of the tube 30, when no valve 35 or outlet 70 is in place.

Figures 3, 4a, 4b and 5a to 5c show a portable drink receptacle in a third embodiment of the invention. Referring to these Figures, the receptacle includes a zip seal, which is a modified version of the zip seals commonly found on food bags and the like.

Figures 4a and 4b show the zip seal in detail. The body 5 is not illustrated in these Figures. A zip seal line 80 runs along a substantial portion of the length of the body 5. The zip seal line 80 consists of a pair of interconnecting strips 81 and 82, usually made of a plastic material. The strips of the zip seal line 80 can be connected by running a zipper in one direction, closing the zip seal line 80. The strips of the zip seal line 80 can be separated by running the zipper back in the other direction. The zip seal line 80 is provided with two zippers 83 and 84. The zippers 83, 84 are fixed at a small distance from each other by fixing means (not shown) and face opposite directions. In this way, the portion of the zip seal line 80 between the two zippers 83, 84 is always open, and the remainder of the zip seal line 80 is always closed.

The zip seal line 80 is watertight when it is closed.

- 10 - A grip 85 is fixedly mounted on a spindle 90. A disk 86 is rotatably and slidably mounted on the spindle 90. The disk 86 is positioned between the zippers 83 and 84. The zip seals lines 81, 82 are supported against the curved edge of the disk 86.

The spindle 90 is supported totatably on the uppermost surface of the divider 25.

The spindle 90 is supported on the divider 25 by means of two brackets 93, 94.

The bottle 75 is arranged such that the level of the liquid 10 is always below the opening in the zip seal line 80. This involves selection of a suitable divider thickness, and a suitable separation between the divider 25 and the spindle 90. The disk 86 can improve the seal between the spindle 90 and the zip seal lines 81, 82 and reduce ingression of dust into the upper portion 45 of the body 5.

The disk 86 may have the shape of an eye. This avoids sharp bending of the zip seal lines 81, 82, and improves the effectiveness of the seal between the spindle 90 and the zip seal lines 81, 82.

A channel or U-shaped groove 92 extends down the length of the body 5 in parallel to the zip seal line 80. The groove 92 has a diameter and a depth of a few millimetres. The end of the spindle 90 opposite the end supporting the grip 85 may fit tightly into the groove 92 when pushed by the user. The spindle is retractable along a straight line defined by the groove 92, the brackets 93, 94 and the centre of the disc 86. The grip 85 is accessible from outside the body 5, so can be used to retract and insert the spindle 90.

With suitable design of the end of the spindle 90 and the groove 92, the spindle can be made to lock when fully inserted into the bottle 75, as shown in Figure 5a, so as to restrict movement of the spindle 90, and thus the divider 25, upwards and downwards. When the spindle 90 is retracted from the groove 92, as shown in Figure 5b, there is no locking of the divider 25. When locking is provided, a user requiring a drink will grasp the grip 85 and pull slightly, so as to remove the end of the spindle 90 from the groove 92. The divider 25 then will be free to move along with the level of liquid within the bottle 75. To take a drink, the user sucks at the tube 30. As the liquid 10 is dispensed, the divider 25 moves in a direction away - 11 - from the opening 34 and maintains contact with the liquid 10. When the user has finished drinking, the divider 25 can be locked in place again by pushing the grip 85 towards the bottle 75.

The divider 25 and the tube 30 can be removed from the bottle 75 only when the spindle 90 is removed fully from the bottle 75, as shown in Figure 5c.

As can be seen in Figures 5b and 5c, the divider 25 includes a protrusion so as to cause the divider to have a cross-section which coincides with the cross-section of the bottle 75. The groove 92 thus does not provide a conduit for the movement of fluids across the divider 25. Also, the protrusion ensures that the divider 25 is correctly orientated when it is reinserted into the bottle, for example following filling of the bottle. If the protrusion is within the groove, then the brackets 93, 94 necessarily are aligned between the disc 86 and the groove 92, enabling the spindle 90 to be reinserted easily.

The outer end 32 of the tube 30 is provided with a removable cap 95. This prevents the contained liquid 10 from spilling if the receptacle is upturned. Alternatively, the outer end 32 of the tube 30 can be provided with a valve, such as a bite valve 35, or a closable outlet 70.

To refill the lower portion 40 of the body 5 with liquid, the spindle 90 can be removed from the body of the bottle 75. The lid 15, the divider 25 and the tube 30 can then be removed from the body. Liquid 10 can then be inserted. Then, the divider 25 is inserted back in the body 5, the spindle 90 then replaced and located through the brackets 93, 94 into the groove 92 and subsequently the lid 15 is replaced. This method of refilling the lower portion 40 with liquid 10 is preferable when a valve is provided at the top end 32 of the tube 30. Alternatively, the spindle 90 is retracted from the groove 92, as shown in Figure 4b or Figure 5b, so that the divider 25 is movable. If the spindle 90 and the groove 92 do not provide locking, then retraction of the spindle 90 from the groove 92 may not be necessary - 12 - prior to refilling. When the divider 25 is unlocked or unlockable, liquid 10 can be inserted via the top end 32 of the tube 30.

In the second and third embodiments, the body 5, lid 15, and divider 25 preferably have the same properties as those discussed in relation to the first embodiment.

In all the embodiments, there is preferably a seal between the divider 25 and the interior of the body 5, and a seal between the divider 25 and the tube 30. These seals prevent the leakage of the liquid 10 from the lower portion 40 into the upper to portion 45, and prevent leakage of air from the upper portion 45 into the lower portion 40. There is optimum performance of the device when these seals are completely airtight and watertight, however the device will still operate if these two seals are not perfect.

In all the embodiments, the tube 30 either can extend to contact the surface of the body 5 opposite the divider 25, or can have the inner end 31 suspended in the liquid 10. In the latter case, a stopper can be provided at the inner end 31 of the tube 30 or on the inner surface of the body 5, to prevent the divider 25 moving past the inner end 31 of the tube 30. The tube 30 is preferably fixed to the lid 15 to hold it in position.

Alternatively, the tube 30 can be fixed to the divider 25. Here, a small portion of the tube 30 is in the lower portion 40. This ensures that the bottom end 31 of the tube 30 is submerged in the liquid 10. Also, small holes 65 need not be provided near the bottom end 31 of the tube 30. As the portion of the tube 30 outside of the body 5 will vary in length as the divider 25 moves, this solution is best chosen when the tube 30 is long in comparison to the body, such as when the receptacle 1, 50, 75 is intended to be housed in a backpack.

If the inner end 31 of the tube 30 contacts a surface of the body 5, a cradle is preferably provided to support the tube 30. In this case, small holes 65 are provided near the inner end 31 of the tube 30 to allow liquid 10 to enter the tube 30. The cradle 60 can take any form, provided that it prevents the tube 30from - 13 - moving in a direction perpendicular to its axis along the base of the body 5. In one embodiment, the tube 30 can be moved in direction perpendicular to the plane, so that it may be removed from the receptacle 1, 50, 75. In another embodiment, the tube 30 is fixed to the cradle and cannot be moved in any direction.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to the above embodiments, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

- 14 - Claims 1. A portable drink receptacle comprising: a body, with an

interior having a generally constant cross section along a substantial part of its length; a divider supported within the body and dividing the body into first and second portions; and a tube, having a first end in the first portion of the body, passing through an opening in the divider and an opening in the body, and having a second end outside of the body, wherein the first portion is fillable with a liquid; and the divider is moveable along the axis of the tube as the volume of liquid in the first portion varies.
2. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in claim 1, comprising resilient means arranged to apply a force to the divider in a direction away from the opening in the body.
3. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the resilient means comprises at least one spring.
4. A portable drink receptacle comprising: a body, with an interior having a generally constant cross section along a substantial part of its length; a divider supported within the body and dividing the body into first and second portions; and a tube, having a first end in the body, passing through opening in the body, having a second end outside of the body, wherein the first portion is fillable with a liquid; the divider is moveable along the axis of the tube as the volume of liquid in the first portion varies; and the tube has an inlet which is present in the first portion for a substantial part of the divider's range of movement.

- 15 -
5. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in claim 1, comprising a spindle supported with the divider, wherein the spindle is moveable through manipulation of a handle present outside the body.
6. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the divider is iminoveable when the spindle is in a first position; and the divider is movable when the spindle is in a second position.
7. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, comprising: a pair of interconnecting strips running along the length of the body, arranged to create an opening in the body when disconnected; a first zipper, arranged to connect the strips when moved towards the opening in the body and to disconnect the strips when moved away from the opening in the body; and a second zipper, arranged to disconnect the strips when moved towards the opening in the body and to connect the strips when moved away from the opening in the body, wherein the first zipper and the second zipper are secured together, the first zipper is closer to the opening in the body than the second zipper, and the spindle passes between the first zipper and the second zipper.
8. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for sealing the second end of the tube.
9. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the means for sealing comprises a bite valve.
10. A portable drinks receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tube and the divider are fixed to one another.
11. A portable drinks receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means, provided on an interior surface of the first portion of the body, for supporting the first end of the tube.

- 16 -
12. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a seal between the tube and the divider.
13. A portable drink receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a seal between the body and the divider.