Importance

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Abstract

A drinking device is sanitary, easy to clean, and heightens the user's level of independence by (1) being readily yet semi-permanently positionable at a location permitting access to the device by the mouth of the user; and (2) being easily activated by the mouth of the user to reliably and continuously supply liquid to the user upon demand using only the user's mouth. The device includes a mouth operated drinking valve the semi-permanent positioning of which for accessibility by the mouth of the user is made possible by a tubing assembly in the form a flexible tube supported by a stiffener. The stiffener permits the tubing assembly to be readily bent to position the tube and drinking valve as desired yet maintains its position after bending. The stiffener is provided on the outside rather than within the flexible tube to facilitate cleaning of the tube and thus to promote sanitary use. Cleaning is further facilitated and sanitary use further promoted through the use of an easily disassembled device including a bottle with a removable lid, an easily disassembled drinking valve, and easily detachable connection of the tubing assembly to the bottle and valve.

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First Claim