Improved elastomeric valve for spill-proof feeding devices

摘要

A drinking vessel, which is especially adapted for use by infants, toddlers and the like, includes a cup, a lid and a flow control valve. The cup includes a body and an overmolding which partially covers the body to function as a bumper and to provide gripping surfaces for a user. The lid has a spoutless design which allows a user to simulate drinking from a conventional open-mouthed cup and which also maximizes liquid evacuation from the cup. The flow control valve has a polygonally-shaped body with a plurality of corners and a liquid-dispensing nipple which is located in one of the corners so that the flow control valve can be positioned adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid, thereby promoting the complete evacuation of liquid from the cup. The size, shape and rigidity of the valve body inhibits it from being inserted into the throat of a user or other individual.