GB2449891A

GB2449891A - Cap with handle and straw for drinking vessel

Info

Publication number: GB2449891A
Application number: GB0710881A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Moran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-06-06
Filing date: 2007-06-06
Publication date: 2008-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-06
Also published as: GB2449891B; GB0710881D0

Abstract

A cap suitable for use with a drinks container consisting of a cap part 1 for closing over the end of a container, and a handle part 2 attached to and extending from said cap. The cap part has a first opening 3 to enable a hollow tube to pass snugly therethrough and said handle part being shaped such that, when in use, it additionally functions as a clip for securing the cap and handle device to a fixed object. The cap is intended for use by persons having impaired mobility, and it may be used to attach a bottle to a bedside. Alternatively the cap may be used by operators of machinery. The cap may have pressure equalizing aperture present in its top. The hollow tube may carry a bite valve. The cap may be used with drinks cans or bottles.

Description

DRINKING DEVICE AND METHOD OF DRINKING

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cap and handle device and drinking device comprising the cap and handle device. The drinking device is suitable for persons having impaired mobility who may typically spend substantial periods of time in a bed (e.g. hospital patients), in a chair (e.g. the elderly or infirm) or in a wheelchair (e.g. disabled persons). The present invention also relates to a method of drinking whilst operating machinery.

Background of the Invention

Drinking devices which are designed for use by people with impaired movement through age, illness or injury are known in the art. For example, WO-A-96/14821, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, discloses a drinking device for bed-ridden persons, in which a closed (liquid-tight) liquid container made of stiff or rigid material is mounted on a bed with a hose hanging downwards from the container to a suction nozzle which itself is suspended in an elastic cord at a height generally level with the liquid container.

The prior art device is cumbersome and requires an arm extending over the bed, from which the elastic cord is hanging. The elastic cord can break or stretch and requires adjustment to ensure the required sub-pressure level with the height of the container, which itself requires securement to the bed. The need for an arm limits the adaptability of the prior art system to other pieces of furniture, such as a chair or a wheelchair. Furthermore, the use of an arm and elastic cord could cause an obstruction to care workers or other persons performing treatment and/or examination of the user. The prior art device does not have means to prevent inadvertent discharge of liquid. As soon as the mouthpiece is lowered below the equilibrium point, for example by the user drawing the mouthpiece to himself or herself to drink, then liquid will be discharged. If the elastic cord were to break, liquid would also be discharged. There is therefore a risk of wetting the user, bedclothes or floor, for example, when the prior art device is used.

The problems associated with drinking whilst maintaining concentration on and control over another activity that requires the user's attention, for example dnving a car, are well known by the general public.

It is an object of the present invention to provide, at least an alternative means for allowing, for example, an impaired person to drink and a method for enabling a person who is operating machinery, such as driving a car, to drive safely whilst drinKing.

Description of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cap and handle device comprising a cap part for closing over the end of a drinks container, a handle part attached to and extending from said cap part, said cap part having a first opening to enable a tube, for example a hollow tube, to pass snugly there through and said handle part being shaped such that, when in use, it additionally functions as a clip for securing the cap and handle device to a fixed object. Such fixed objects can preferably include, amongst others, a bed frame, a chair frame, a wheelchair frame or a cup holder in a motor vehicle.

The cap and handle device is preferably constructed from a suitably deformable material, such as a plastic having the required material properties such that the strain and/or stress forces exerted thereon by the handle part when clipped in use causes the point of attachment of the handle part to the cap part to deform and partially close the first opening of the cap part. This feature is beneficial and represents an advance over the prior art, because when the cap and handle device is used in combination with a hollow drinking tube and container, to form the drinking device of the present invention, the deformation of the cap part that results from the handle part being clipped in use, serves to secure the drinking tube into the first opening of the cap and prevent accidental slippage of the tube. This preferred feature also prevents the user accidentally pulling the tube out of the drinking device when reaching for the tube and moving it towards their lips.

In another preferred embodiment, there is a pressure equalising aperture present in the cap part of the device. For example, the pressure equalising aperture can be present in the top of the cap part of the device or alternatively situated at, and directly underneath the point of attachment of the handle part to the cap part. The pressure equalising aperture is preferably open when the device is in use.

In another preferred embodiment, the cap and handle device further comprises a guide tube that serves to guide a tube through the first opening of the cap part. For example, the guide tube surrounds arid extends away from the first opening on the internal face side of the cap part of the cap and handle device. The guide tube can sit proud of the internal and/or external face of the cap part of the device.

In another preferred embodiment, the cap and handle parts are made from a one piece construction. The one piece cap and handle is preferably made from a plastic material such as low density polythene (LOPE). Alternative materials such as high density polythene (HOPE) or a suitable metal are also possible.

In another preferred embodiment the cap and handle device further comprises a hollow drinking tube, said tube being flexible or rigid.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a drinking device comprising the cap and handle device of the first aspect of the present invention, in combination with a container for holding a beverage, a hollow tube, for example a flexible or rigid hollow tube, and a bite valve, wherein the cap and handle device forms a sealed closure over the open end of the container, the hollow tube extends from the inside to the outside of the container, through the first opening of the cap part of the cap and handle device to provide liquid flow communication from the inside to the outside of the container. The bite valve is preferably connected to the end of the hollow tube outside of the container so that when in use, liquid can be drunk from the container by putting the bite valve in the user's mouth and drinking there from.

In an embodiment, the drinking device further comprises a means for attaching the hollow tube of the drinking device to the user's clothing or skin. This attachment means enables the user to drink easily from the tube. The means for attaching the tube can be a clip, such as a bulldog clip or a crocodile clip or any other suitable attachment means such as a hook-and-eye fabric (e.g. Velcro ) strip or adhesive tape.

In a further embodiment, the container is flexible so that loss of liquid is compensated by a contraction of the container volume under atmospheric pressure.

Alternatively, the container is rigid.

The container capacity may suitably be about 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, or 3 litres, although other capacities are also possible. I0

In another preferred embodiment, the cap part of the cap and handle device closes over the opening of the container via a screw thread mechanism. Alternatively, a clip on mechanism is possible.

In a further embodiment, when the drinking device is located at a height substantially above the head of the user, then an initial sucking force implemented by the user will cause liquid to flow from the container along the tube into the users mouth, which in turn will invoke a siphon effect, enabling further drinking to be carried out easily by the user.

In a further embodiment, if suitable cleaning and sterilising equipment is available, it may be possible and hygienically acceptable to clean and reuse the device. In that event, the separated parts of the drinking device can be cleaned and sterilised for reuse. The cleaned/sterilised container can then be refilled with drinkable liquid, the other component parts repositioned, and the device reused.

In a further embodiment, any part or any combination of some or all parts of the drinking device may be disposable or reusable. In a particular embodiment, the container and the cap and handle device may be reusable and the tube and bite valve may be disposable. This advantageously reduces the amount of material for manufacture, transport and disposal while maintaining sterile materials for contact with the user. The reusable container and cap and handle device are easily sterilised and refilled, and then provided with a fresh tube and bite valve.

The container is preferably transparent or translucent, so that the liquid can be seen.

The container is preferably provided with markings which show the amount (weight or volume or both) of the liquid in the container at a number of degrees of fullness, and/or the amount (weight or volume or both) of liquid remaining in the container as the liquid is gradually consumed, and/or the amount (weight or volume or both) of liquid that has been consumed from the container. The markings may include numerical indicators of weight and/or volume, scale (line) indicators within a range of weights and/or volumes, or combinations thereof.

The container may be provided with further markings defining regions of the surface of the container where information about the user (e.g. a hospital or care home patient) can be written onto the container or onto an adhesive label stuck to the container, and/or regions when information about the recommended use of the device can be pnnted or otherwise applied to the surface of the container, and/or regions for advertising and/or branding use.

The bte valve is suitably constructed from a number of webs of resilient plastic or similar material, which cooperate in edge-to-edge abutment to close the liquid flow channel through the valve in the resting condition of the valve. The arrangement is such that, on biting the valve, the cooperating webs are deformed so that gaps open between their abutling edges, so permitting liquid flow.

Alternative bite valve constructions are also within the scope of the present invention, which is not limited by any particular construction of any of its component parts, for example valves in which deformable cooperating webs overlap in the resting condition or in which deformable passages are closed in the resting condition.

The bite valve is suitably provided as part of a tubular component which is mounted, e.g. by push-fitting with or without additional sealing or riluing. on the valve end of the tube. The mounting of the tubular valve component on the tube end is liquid-tight, so that liquid does not leak at the joint. The flexible tube is preferably a plastic tube of suitable length for the intended use of the device The valve end of the tube is provided with the bite valve, for example in the manner described above. The container end of the tube is connected to the container in leak-proof manner such that the liquid can freely pass from the interior of the container inside the tube to the bite valve when the user drinks from the device. The container end of the tube may be sealed to the container. The tube may be disposed within the container in such a way that the container can be substantially drained of liquid by the user's drinking, without the container having to be moved. In this way, handling and adjustment of the container is minimised, and the device can be simply replaced when the container is empty.

The hollow tube may also have a flow control mechanism attached, or integrated within the tube, whereby optionally closing or opening said control mechanism can prevent the flow of liquid along the tube. Preferably, the flow control mechanism is connected at the one end to the end of the tube outside of the container, and at its other end to the bite valve. The flow control mechanism can be a switch or a valve for example. Preferably, the flow control mechanism s a push-pull plug device comprising two cooperating sections that engage so as to allow liquid flow when they are pulled apart, and prevent liquid flow when they are pushed together.

In more detail, the present invention in at least some of its aspects and embodiments provides a substantial aid to a user recovering from injury or surgery, or chronically incapacitated, by.

1. removing the risk of dehydration by having liquid available in a very simple unit available at all times (24 hours a day); 2. removing the need for additional drugs such as laxatives which are necessary when patients are dehydrated; 3. removing the need for patients to call for assistance every time they need a drink thus increasing their participation in assisting with their own recovery by allowing for more independence; 4. enabling the user to easily access fluid at any time; 5. allowing nursing/care home staff to accurately monitor fluid intake and react accordingly; 6. reducing the risk of infection from multi-use and multi-user drinking items; 7. being usable from any position in a bed; -8. not spilling fluid all over the bed, the user or the floor; 9. being easy to fill, in its refillable/reusable version, from any tap, water cooler or jug.

The present invention in at least some of its aspects and embodiments also provides a substantial practical and economic aid to nursinglcarehome staff and hospitals, by: 1. dramatically improving patient care due to removal of the risk of dehydration for most patients; 2. enabling very accurate monitoring of the fluid intake of patients; 3. saving a substantial amount of time, and therefore money, for staff by removing the need to tend to the patient as frequently; 4. reducing the demand for laxatives and other drugs used to combat the effects of dehydration; 5. improving hygiene with one filling requirement per day and with a sealed bite valve for drinking; 6. reducing risks of infection therefore speeding recovery and freeing up bed space due to shorter recovery times; 7. providing a potential very low per unit cost (UK pence per patient per day), but with a very high potential cost saving (UK pounds per patient per day); and 8. being easy to fill, in its refillable/reusable version, from any tap, water cooler or jug.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an apparatus for drinking whilst operating machinery. Said apparatus comprises a hollow tube part, for example a flexible hollow tube or a rigid hollow tube, having a primary and secondary end, a stopper part, itself containing an opening, and a bite valve part, arranged such that the tube passes through the opening of the stopper and is connected at its primary end to the bite valve. The stopper part may additionally contain a second opening which serves as a pressure equalising hole when the apparatus is in use. The apparatus enables the user to drink and operate machinery at the same time or substantially the same time, by placing said apparatus into the open end of a drinks container which may be positioned at a remote location that is preferably stationary or substantially stationary relative to the user and which does not require the user to hold the drinks container, such that the secondary end of the tube is submerged in the liquid of the container, the stopper is pushed into the open end of the drinks container to form a seal and the remaining length of the tube extends away from the drinks container enabling the user to drink from the bite valve attached to the primary end of the tube. Said drinks container is preferably a bottle with which the stopper part will be compatible.

The hollow tube part of said apparatus may also have a flow control mechanism attached, or integrated within the tube, whereby optionally closing or opening said control mechanism can prevent the flow of liquid along the tube. Preferably, the flow control mechanism is connected at the one end to the primary end of the tube, and at its other end to the bite valve. The flow control mechanism can be a switch or a valve for example. Preferably, the flow control mechanism is a push.pull plug device comprising two cooperating sections that engage so as to allow liquid flow IS when they are pulled apart, and prevent liquid flow when they are pushed together.

In a preferred embodiment, said machinery is selected from the group consisting of a motor vehicle, an aircraft, a boat or industrial scale machine tools. Examples of motor vehicles include cars and lorries.

The use according to the third aspect of the present invention enables the user to maintain acceptable levels of hydration whilst operating machinery, without adversely affecting the operation of said machinery. For example, in a preferred embodiment the apparatus is used by the driver of a motor vehicle whilst driving.

This enables the user to drink and maintain safe control over the vehicle at the same time.

Safe combination of drinking whilst driving is not normally possible when a driver uses conventional methods of drinking. Using conventional drinking, a driver will often be distracted and have to take his eyes off the road, either at the time of drinking, at the time of picking up the drinks container from its position in the car (i.e. a drinks holder) to raise it to his lips or at the time of replacing the drinks container back into the drinks holder. The we described in the third aspect of the present invention solves these problems.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For further illustration and to show how the invention may be carried out, it will now be described in more detail, but without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, In Figures la and ib, an embodiment of a cap and handle device according to the present invention. Figure la shows the device from above in plan view, and figure lb shows a cross section of the device taken along line A-A' in plan view; and In Figure 2, in plan view an embodiment of a drinking device according to the present invention; and In Figure 3, an embodiment of the apparatus suitable for the use described in the third aspect of the present invention

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figures la and lb of the drawings depict a cap and handle device according to the present invention.

The device comprises a cap part (1) for closing over the end of a container, a handle part (2) attached to and extending from said cap, said cap part having a first opening (3) to enable a tube to pass snugly there through and said handle part being shaped such that, when in use, it additionally functions as a clip for securing the cap and handle device to a fixed object.

The device preferably contains a pressure equalising hole (31).

Figure 2 of the drawings depicts a drinking device according to the present invention.

The device comprises the cap and handle device of figure 1 and additionally a container (4) for holding a beverage, a hollow tube (5) and a bite valve (6), wherein the cap and handle device forms a sealed closure over the open end of the container, the hollow tube extends from the inside to the outside of the container through the first opening of the cap part of the cap and handle device, to provide liquid flow communication from the inside to the outside of the container and the bite valve is connected to the end of the hollow tube outside of the container.

The container (4) is provided with markings (7) which show the amount (weight or volume or both) of the liquid in the container at a number of degrees of fullness, and/or the amount (weight or volume or both) of liquid remaining in the container as the liquid is gradually consumed, md/or the amount (weight or volume or both) of liquid that has been consumed from the container. The illustrated markings (7) include scale lines and numbers in 100 ml gradations showing the volume (in ml) of liquid consumed, read off at the surface level of the liquid in the container (not shown). These markings enable a user or his/her nurses and other care workers to control and monitor very accurately the fluid intake of the user.

The container (4)is provided with further markings (8, 9, 10) defining regions of the surface of the container where information about the user (e.g. a hospital or care home patient) can be written onto the container or onto an adhesive label stuck to the container (8), and/or regions when information about the recommended use of the device can be printed or otherwise applied to the surface of the container (9), and/or regions for advertising and/or branding use (10).

The information about the recommended use of the device can, for example, include information on the importance of hydration, the effects of dehydration, the recommended daily fluid intake, the preferred single-patient use, the maximum period of use until replacement, etc. The bite valve (6) is constructed from a pair of shell-shaped webs (6a, 6b) of resilient plastic or similar material, which cooperate in edge-to-edge abutment along line 6c to close the liquid flow channel through the valve in the resting condition of the valve. The arrangement is such that, on biting the valve, the cooperating webs (6a, 6b) are deformed so that a gap opens along line 6c between the abutting edges (6a, 6b), so permitting liquid flow.

The bite valve (6) is provided as part of a tubular component (6') which is mounted, e g. by push-fitting with or without additional sealing or gluing, on the valve end (11') of the tube. The mounting of the tubular valve component on the valve end (11') is liquid-tight, so that liquid does not leak at the joint.

The hollow tube (5) is preferably a plastic tube of between about 1.0 and 1.3 m in length, or otherwise of a suitable length for the intended use of the device. The plastic may, for example, be polyvinyi chloride (pvc), silicone rubber or the like. The valve end (11') of the tube is provided with the bite valve in the manner described above. The container end (11") of the tube (5) is connected to the container (4) in leak-proof manner such that the liquid can freely pass from the interior of the container inside the tube to the bite valve when the user drinks from the device. The container end (11") of the tube is engaged into the cap of the cap and handle device of figure 1 (1) of the container and is disposed within the container in such a way that the container can be substantially drained of liquid by the user's drinking, without the container having to be moved.

The cap (1) of the container may be removable or not removable from the remainder of the container (4). If suitable cleaning and sterilising equipment are available, it may sometimes be acceptable to clean and reuse the device In that event, the cap (1) may be made removable -e.g. having a screw-seal onto a neck (12) of the container-and the separated parts (container (4) and cap/tube/bite valve 1/5/6) can be cleaned and sterilised for reuse. The cleaned/sterilised container (4) can be refilled with drinkable liquid, the cap (1) repositioned, and the device reused.

Figure 3 of the drawings depicts an apparatus suitable for use in accordance with the present invention.

The apparatus comprises a hollow tube part (13) having a primary (13') and secondary end (13"), a stopper part (14) itself containing an opening (15), and a bite valve part (16), arranged such that the tube passes through the opening of the stopper and is connected at its primary end to the bite valve.

The stopper part of the apparatus is shaped so as to allow it to be easily fit into the openings of drinks containers of various sizes. The stopper preferably contains a pressure equalising hole (17).

The forgoing information broadly describes the present invention without limitation.

Variations and modifications as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cap and handle device suitable for use with a drinks container comprising; a cap part (1) for closing over the end of a container, a handle part (2) attached to and extending from said cap, said cap part havinq a first opening (3) to enable a tube to pass snugly there through and said handle part being shaped such that, when in use, it additionally functions as a clip for securing the cap and handle device to a fixed object.

2. A cap and handle device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed object is selected from the group consisting of a bed frame, a chair frame, a wheelchair frame or a cup holder in a motor vehicle.

3. A cap and handle device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said cap part is constructed from a suitably deforniable material, such that the force exerted thereon by the handle part when clipped in use causes the point of attachment of the handle part to the cap part to deform and partially close the first opening of the cap part.

4. A cap and handle device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pressure equalising aperture (31) is present in the cap part of the device.

5. A cap and handle device according to claim 4, wherein the pressure equalising aperture is present in the top of the cap part of the device.

6. A cap and handle device according to claim 4, wherein the pressure equalising aperture is underneath the point of attachment of the handle part to the cap part, such that the pressure equalising aperture is open when the device is in normal use and closed when the device is not in use.

7. A cap and handle device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a guide tube in conjunction with the first opening of the cap part.

8. A cap and handle device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cap part and the handle part are made from a one piece construction.

9. A cap and handle device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hollow tube part passing through the first opening of the cap part.

10. A cap and handle device according to claim 9, wherein the hollow tube is flexible.

11. A cap and handle device according to claim 9, wherein the hollow tube is rigid.

12. A cap and handle device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the cap, handle and tube parts are made from a one-piece construction.

13. A drinking device comprising the cap and handle device according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a container (4) for holding a beverage, a hollow tube (5) and a bite valve (6), wherein the cap and handle device forms a sealed closure over the open end of the container, the hollow tube extends from the inside to the outside of the container through the first opening of the cap part of the cap and handle device, to provide liquid flow communication from the inside to the outside of the container and the bite valve is connected to the end of the hollow tube outside of the container.

14. A drinking device according to claim 13, wherein the hollow tube has a flow control mechanism attached, or integrated within the tube, whereby optionally closing or opening said control mechanism can prevent the flow of liquid along the tube.

15. A drinking device according to claim 14, wherein the flow control mechanism is a push-pull plug device comprising two cooperating sections that engage so as to allow liquid flow when they are pulled apart, and prevent liquid flow when they are pushed together.

16. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the hollow tube is flexible.

17. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the hollow tube is rigid.

18. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the container is flexible so that loss of liquid is compensated by a contraction of the container volume under atmospheric pressure

19. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the container is rigid.

20. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the container is provided with the means whereby a loss of liquid is compensated by introduction of air into the container.

21 A drinking device according to claim 20, wherein the compensation means takes the form of a pressure equalising aperture in the cap part of the cap and handle device.

22. A drinking device according to claim 21, wherein the pressure equalising aperture is provided by the cap and handle device of claim 4.

23. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the cap part of the cap and handle device closes over the opening of the container via a screw thread mechanism.

24. A dnnking device according to any one cJ claims 13 to 23, wherein the hollow tube is disposable and is replaced after each single period of use of the drinking device.

25. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the container is transparent or translucent so that the liquid therein can be seen

26. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the container is provided with markings (7) which show the amount of any liquid in the container at a number of degrees of fullness, and/or the amount of liquid remaining in the container as the liquid is gradually consumed, and/or the amount of liquid that has been consumed from the container.

27 A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 26, wherein the container is provided with markings (8, 9) defining regions of the surface of the container where information about the user can be written onto the container or onto an adhesive label stuck to the container, and/or regions when information about the recommended use of the device is applied to the surface of the container, and/or regions for advertising and/or branding use.

28. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 27, wherein the bite valve is constructed from a number of webs (6a, 6b) of resilient plastic or similar material, which cooperate in edge-to-edge abutment to close the liquid flow channel through the valve in the resting condition of the valve, the arrangement being such that, on biting the valve, the cooperating webs are deformed so that gaps open between their abutting edges, so rmitting liquid flow.

29. A drinking device according to any one of claims 13 to 28, wherein the bite valve is part of a tubular component (6'), which is mounted liquid-tightly on the end of the tube outside the container.

Use of the device according to any one of claims 13 to 29, by a person having restricted mobility.

31. Use according to claim 30, wherein the person is restricted to a bed, chair or wheelchair.

32. Use according to claIm 31, wherein the person is in a hospital or care home.

33. Use according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the device is mounted to the bed, chair or wheelchair.

34. Use according to claim 30, wherein said restricted mobility is a result of the person having to operate machinery.

35. Use according to claim 34, wherein said machinery is selected from the group consisting of a motor vehicle, an aircraft or industrial scale machine tools.

36. A cap and handle device as substantially herein described with reference to Figures la and lb of the accompanying drawings.

37. A drinking device substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

38. Use substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

39. Use of an apparatus, said apparatus comprising; a hollow tube part (13) having a primary and secondary end, a stopper part (14) itself containing an opening (15), and a bite valve part (16), arranged such that the tube passes through the opening of the stopper and is connected at its primary end to the bite valve; for drinking and operating machinery, wherein said apparatus is placed into the open end of a drinks container positioned at a remote location which does not require the user to hold the drinks container, such that the secondary end of the tube is submerged in the liquid of the container, the stopper is pushed into the open end of the drinks container to form a seal and the remaining length of the tube extends away from the drinks container enabling the user to drink from the bite valve attached to the primary end of me tune wflhout adversely affecting the operation of said machinery.

40. Use according to claim 39, wherein the hollow tube has a flow control mechanism attached, or integrated within the tube, whereby optionally closing or opening said control mechanism can prevent the flow of liquid along the tube.

41. Use according to claim 40, wherein the flow control mechanism is a push-pull plug device comprising two cooperating sections that engage so as to allow liquid flow when they are pulled apart, and prevent liquid flow when they are pushed together.

42. Use according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the hollow tube part of said apparatus is flexible.

43. Use according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the hollow tube part of said apparatus is rigid.

44. Use according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the stopper part of said apparatus contains a second opening which serves as a pressure equahsing hole for the apparatus when in use.

45. Use according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein said machinery is selected from the group consisting of a motor vehicle, an aircraft or industrial scale machine tools.

46. Use according to claim 45, wherein said motor vehicle is a car or lorry.

47 Use according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein said remote location of said drinks container is stationary or substantially stationary relative to the user.

48, A method of drinking whilst operating machinery, comprising the use of an apparatus comprising; a hollow tube part (13) having a primary and secondary end, a stopper part (14) itself containing an opening (15), and a bite valve part (16), arranged such that the tube passes through the opening of the stopper and is connected at its primary end to the bite valve, the method comprising, pulling said apparatus into the open end of a drinks container positioned at a remote location relative to the user and which does not require the user to hold the drinks container, such that the secondary end of the tube is submerged in the liquid of the container, the stopper is pushed into the open end of tie drinks container to form a seal and the remaining length of the tube extends away from the drinks container enabling the user to drink from the bite valve attached to the primary end of the tube without adversely affecting the operation of said machinery.

49. A method according to claim 48, wherein said remote location of said drinks container is stationary or substantially stationary relative to the user

50. A method according to claims 48 or 49, wherein the stopper part of said apparatus contains a second opening which serves as a pressure equalising hole for the apparatus when in use.

51. A method according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein said machinery is selected from the group consisting of a motor vehicle, an aircraft or industrial scale machine tools.

52 A method according to claim 51, wherein said motor vehicle is a car or lorry.