Liquid dispensing container

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include a liquid dispensing container and lid with a straw releasably attachable below the lid, the container with a first configuration allowing a user to sip liquid from the container at a first location when the straw is attached to the lid, and a second configuration that allows a user to pour liquid from the container, at the same first location, when the straw is not attached to the lid.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A liquid dispensing container comprising:
 a body with a reservoir configured to hold a liquid;   a lid attached to the body, the lid having a first passage for conveying liquid; and   a straw that is releasably attachable to the lid at a location below the first passage;   the liquid dispensing container further having
 a first configuration that allows a user to sip liquid from the first passage when the straw is attached to the lid; 
 a second configuration that allows a user to pour liquid from the first passage when the straw is not attached to the lid. 
   
     
     
         2 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 1 , the first passage forming a spout. 
     
     
         3 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 1 , the lid further having a second passage configured for releasably attaching the straw. 
     
     
         4 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 3 , the first and second passages forming a single channel for conveying liquid. 
     
     
         5 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 4 , further comprising a hinged cap for providing access to the first passage, the hinged cap pivotally attachable to the lid and having a first protruding member that extends through the first passage and forms a first snap fit of the hinged cap and lid between the first and second passages. 
     
     
         6 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 5 , the hinged cap further having a second protruding member that forms a second snap fit of the hinged cap and lid at a lid edge. 
     
     
         7 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 1 , the first passage generally in the shape of an elliptical truncated cone. 
     
     
         8 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 3 , the lid further having a third passage for ventilation generally located at a center of the lid. 
     
     
         9 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 8 , wherein the hinged cap also provides access to the third passage. 
     
     
         10 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 1 , the lid further having a generally angled carrying handle. 
     
     
         11 . A liquid dispensing container comprising:
 a body with a reservoir configured to hold a liquid;   a lid attached to the body, the lid having
 a first passage for conveying liquid, the first passage formed as a spout and 
 a second passage located below the first passage, 
 the first and second passages forming a single channel for conveying liquid; 
   a straw releasably attachable to the lid within the second passage;   a hinged cap for providing access to the first passage, the hinged cap pivotally attachable to the lid and having
 a first protruding member configured to extend through the first passage and form a first snap fit of the hinged cap and lid between the first and second passages; 
   the liquid dispensing container further having
 a first configuration that allows a user to sip liquid from the first passage when the straw is attached to the lid; and 
 a second configuration that allows a user to pour liquid from the first passage when the straw is not attached to the lid. 
   
     
     
         12 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 11 , the hinged cap further having a second protruding member configured to form a second snap fit of the hinged cap and lid at a lid edge. 
     
     
         13 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 11 , the first passage generally in the shape of an elliptical truncated cone. 
     
     
         14 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 11 , the lid further having a third passage for ventilation generally located at a center of the lid. 
     
     
         15 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 14 , wherein the hinged cap also provides access to the third passage. 
     
     
         16 . The liquid dispensing container of  claim 11 , the lid further having a generally angled carrying handle. 
     
     
         17 . A liquid dispensing container comprising:
 a body with a reservoir configured to hold a liquid;   a lid attached to the body, the lid having
 a first passage for conveying liquid, the first passage formed as an elliptical truncated cone-shaped spout and 
 a second passage located under the first passage, 
 a third passage for ventilation generally located at a center of the lid, 
 the first and second passages forming a single channel for conveying liquid, and a generally angled carrying handle; 
   a straw releasably attachable to the lid within the second passage through an interference fit, the straw not extendible into the first passage when it is placed in the second passage;   a hinged cap for providing access to the first passage, the hinged cap pivotally attachable to the lid and having
 a first protruding member configured to extend through the first passage and form a first snap fit of the hinged cap and lid between the first and second passages, and 
 a second protruding member configured to form a second snap fit of the hinged cap and lid at a lid edge; 
   the liquid dispensing container further having
 a first configuration that allows a user to sip liquid from the first passage when the straw is attached to the lid; and 
 a second configuration that allows a user to pour liquid from the first passage when the straw is not attached to the lid.