No straw liquid pouch

Abstract

A flexible tube check valve is introduced within a fluid path for leakage protection from flexible liquid containers. The flexible check valve can be a crossbill valve comprising multiple flexible members that restrict the flow of fluid in a tubular member. The flexible check valve is preferably functionally integrated with the container itself to prevent liquid from exiting a container. Preferably, the flexible check valve is a crossbill valve that is encapsulated within a flexible tube and mechanically attached to the flexible container. Alternatively, the check valve is manufactured as part of the flexible container. Liquid is designed to only flow through when an external compressive force (e.g. users fingers or lips) is applied to the valve. When force is no longer applied to the valve section, the valve returns to its normally closed position and fluid is wholly or substantially prevented from exiting. An alternative medical embodiment uses a flexible tube extension between the flexible liquid container and the flexible tube valve. A coupling connector may be added between the flexible tube extension and flexible tube valve.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid retaining flexible pouch with leakage protection, said pouch comprising:
 a flexible fluid retaining section;   a fluid withdrawing section directly attached to the fluid retaining section, said fluid withdrawing section having a proximate end and distal end, said distal end used as an exit for said fluid, said fluid withdrawing section having a base section integrated at said proximate end of said fluid withdrawing section comprising a circumferentially extending section which is retained by one or more surfaces of said flexible fluid retaining section; and   a functionally integrated, circumferentially actuated flexible check valve comprising silicone encapsulated within said fluid withdrawing section, said flexible check valve comprising two or more flexible members oriented in a direction opposite said distal end that are pressed together in a normally closed configuration and prevent unwanted leakage of fluid from said distal end while the fluid retaining section receives a compressive force and the flexible members are in the closed configuration, the two or more flexible members moving from the closed position to an open position upon the fluid withdrawing section receiving a circumferentially applied force at the position of the flexible check valve encapsulated therein   
     
     
         2 . A fluid retaining flexible pouch as per  claim 1 , wherein said flexible check valve is a duckbill. 
     
     
         3 . A fluid retaining flexible pouch as per  claim 1 , wherein said flexible check valve is a silicone material. 
     
     
         4 . A fluid retaining flexible pouch as per  claim 1 , wherein said fluid retaining flexible pouch comprises a juice pouch. 
     
     
         5 . A fluid retaining flexible pouch as per  claim 1 , wherein said flexible fluid retaining section is formed by two heat sealed layers. 
     
     
         6 . A fluid retaining flexible pouch as per  claim 5 , wherein said one or more surfaces comprises a multiple layer reinforced section for retaining said base within one of said heat sealed layers. 
     
     
         7 . A fluid retaining flexible pouch as per  claim 5 , wherein said a base section is manufactured directly as part of one of said heat sealed layers.