US 10676255

A concise summary of US Patent 10676255 is provided below, along with an overview of its independent claims and information regarding its litigation status.

US Patent 10676255: Summary

• Title: Drink bottles
• Assignee: CamelBak Products LLC. While security interests have been assigned to other entities over time, CamelBak Products LLC remains the primary assignee as of the patent's original assignment and is frequently listed in relation to the patent.
• Inventors: Robert Choi, Barley A. Forsman, Jeremy Galten
• Filing Date: July 13, 2018
• Issue Date: June 9, 2020
• Abstract: The patent describes drink bottles or containers with cap assemblies that feature a drink spout. These spouts can be pivotally connected to the cap's base and may include self-sealing or bite-actuated mouthpieces. Some embodiments incorporate a handle on the cap assembly, potentially with guards for the spout or mouthpiece. The drink containers may also feature a manual on/off valve, which can be part of the dispensing spout or work with the cap to regulate fluid flow regardless of the mouthpiece's state. Additionally, some versions include an external drink tube and/or an air return system.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a drink bottle consisting of a fluid container and a cap assembly. The cap assembly has a base and a drink spout. The drink spout contains a mouthpiece and forms part of the fluid pathway. A key feature is that the drink spout can pivot between a tucked-away (stowed) position and a ready-to-use (dispensing) position. The cap assembly also includes a manual on/off valve, which is partly built into the drink spout itself. This valve works by ensuring that when the spout is stowed, an opening in the spout is not lined up with the fluid pathway inside the cap, thus stopping liquid flow. Conversely, when the spout is in the dispensing position, these openings are aligned, allowing fluid to flow.
• Independent Claim 11: This claim is similar to Claim 1 but focuses specifically on the "cap assembly" rather than the entire drink bottle. It describes a cap assembly designed to attach to a fluid container. It includes a base and a pivotable drink spout with a mouthpiece that defines part of a fluid conduit. Like Claim 1, it emphasizes the manual on/off valve integrated with the drink spout, where the spout's inlet alignment controls fluid flow depending on whether it's in a stowed or dispensing configuration.
• Independent Claim 15: This claim also focuses on a cap assembly with a base and a pivotable drink spout containing a mouthpiece. It specifies a particular type of manual on/off valve: one that uses a flexible tube. When the drink spout is in its stowed position, it physically presses on (crimps) this flexible tube, blocking the fluid flow. When the spout is moved to the dispensing position, it releases the tube, allowing fluid to pass through.
• Independent Claim 20: This claim describes a drink bottle with a fluid container and a cap assembly, similar to Claim 1. It includes a pivotable drink spout with a mouthpiece and a manual on/off valve that restricts fluid flow when the spout is stowed. Additionally, this claim highlights the inclusion of an "air return assembly." This assembly allows air from outside the bottle to enter the fluid container's internal compartment and features an air return valve that is designed to stay closed (sealed) unless activated, regulating the flow of air.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

US Patent 10676255 is involved in ongoing litigation. As of April 26, 2026, and also on the current date of July 30, 2026, there is a case listed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) with docket number 26-1548: TROVE BRANDS, LLC v. CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC. This indicates that an appeal related to this patent is active at the Federal Circuit. The patent has also been cited in other district court cases in Arkansas and California, and a PTAB case IPR2024-01137.

The Google Patents page for US10676255 indicates that there has been litigation involving this patent. Specifically, it lists the following cases:

• PTAB Case:

  • Case Number: IPR2024-01137
  • Status: Filed (Final Written Decision)
  • Petitioner: Unified Patents PTAB Data (Unified Patents)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Final Written Decision (further details not provided on Google Patents)

• US District Court Cases:

  • Jurisdiction: Arkansas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 5:21-cv-05109

  • Source: District Court

  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation (further details not provided on Google Patents)

  • Note: The filing date is not explicitly provided on the Google Patents page for this specific case, but the first worldwide family litigation was filed on 2018-07-13.

  • Jurisdiction: California Northern District Court

  • Case Number: 3:23-cv-04267

  • Source: District Court

  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation (further details not provided on Google Patents)

  • Note: The filing date is not explicitly provided on the Google Patents page for this specific case, but the first worldwide family litigation was filed on 2018-07-13.

• US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) Case:

  • Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • Case Number: 26-1548
  • Source: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation (further details not provided on Google Patents)
  • Note: The filing date is not explicitly provided on the Google Patents page for this specific case, but the first worldwide family litigation was filed on 2018-07-13.

The Google Patents page does not list specific plaintiffs or defendants for these cases, beyond "Unified Patents" as the petitioner for the PTAB case and "CamelBak Products LLC" as the current assignee. It also does not provide specific filing dates for the district court or CAFC cases, only noting when the "First worldwide family litigation filed" was.

Proceedings overview

Despite the USPTO Open Data Portal (ODP) API indicating no AIA trial proceedings on file for US10676255 as of its most recent ingest, information from Google Patents and the Unified Patents Portal explicitly identifies one Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceeding, IPR2024-01137, which has reached a Final Written Decision. This presents a contradiction with the ODP data, and the existence of the IPR is affirmed by recent web search results. The outcome of this IPR at a claim-level is not fully detailed in the readily available public snippets, therefore the defensive posture cannot be fully assessed without reviewing the full Final Written Decision.

IPR2024-01137 — Trove Brands LLC v. CamelBak Products LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2024-07-01
• Status: Final Written Decision issued on 2026-01-15. This means the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has rendered a final judgment on the patentability of the challenged claims.
• Judge panel: The Unified Patents Portal lists Nathan A. Engels as an authoring judge for several IPRs around this period, and this case appears on a list associated with him. The full panel composition for this specific case is not available in the provided search results.
• Petition grounds: The specific claims challenged, the prior art asserted, and the statutory basis (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are not detailed in the available public information.
• Institution decision: The IPR was instituted on 2025-01-28. The specific reasoning for institution is not available in the provided public information.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): A Final Written Decision was issued on 2026-01-15. However, the specific verdict at a claim-level granularity (i.e., which independent and dependent claims were canceled or held patentable) and the panel's reasoning are not available in the provided search results.
• Settlement / termination: There is no indication of settlement or termination prior to the Final Written Decision in the available information.
• Appeal: Information regarding any appeal of the Final Written Decision to the Federal Circuit is not available in the provided search results.
• Defensive value: Without access to the full Final Written Decision, the precise impact on the patent's claims is unknown. If claims were invalidated, it would weaken assertions built upon those claims. If claims were sustained, it would suggest a hardened patent against prior art challenges raised in this IPR.

Strategic summary

Currently, the exact status of the claims of US10676255 (CANCELED vs. SUSTAINED vs. UNTESTED) remains unclear, as the details of the Final Written Decision for IPR2024-01137 are not publicly available within the provided search snippets. Therefore, it is impossible to list surviving claims or assess which claims might have been narrowed through this IPR.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, if a Final Written Decision was issued, the petitioner, Trove Brands LLC, and its privies would be estopped under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) from raising any ground they raised or reasonably could have raised during this IPR trial. However, without knowing the specific prior-art grounds asserted in the petition, it's impossible to identify which prior-art grounds are no longer available for a defendant facing assertion of this patent. The petitioner, Trove Brands LLC, is listed as a petitioner on the Unified Patents Portal, suggesting an association with Unified Patents, a defensive aggregator. This indicates that the IPR was likely filed to deter patent assertions.

Recommended next steps

The most crucial next step is to obtain and thoroughly review the full Final Written Decision (FWD) for IPR2024-01137. This document will detail which claims, if any, were found unpatentable and the specific reasoning behind those decisions. The FWD should be accessible through the USPTO's Patent Trial and Appeal Case Tracking System (P-TACTS) or potentially the older PTAB E2E system (though P-TACTS replaced E2E).

Once the FWD is obtained, it will be possible to:

• Identify precisely which claims of US10676255 are now canceled. If a demand letter or infringement theory relies on a canceled claim, that theory is likely invalid.
• Understand the Board's interpretation of key claim terms and its application of prior art, which can inform future invalidity arguments or defense strategies.
• Determine the scope of estoppel for Trove Brands LLC and its privies.

Without this document, any assessment of the patent's strength or the best defensive posture is incomplete.

Inventors

• Robert Choi
• Barley A. Forsman
• Jeremy Galten

All inventors were employed by CamelBak Products LLC at the time of filing. There is no indication of them departing the original assignee within 12 months of filing.

Original assignee

The original assignee on the issued patent is CamelBak Products LLC. CamelBak Products LLC is an American outdoor equipment company primarily known for its hydration products such as hydration packs and water bottles. They were founded in 1989 and are headquartered in Petaluma, California. CamelBak sells hydration systems, backpacks, reservoirs, drinking tubes, and bite valves. The company's products are used for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and running, and they also supply protective gear and hydration packs to the U.S. military and law enforcement.

CamelBak Products LLC was acquired by Vista Outdoor Operations LLC in August 2015 for $412.5 million. It currently operates as an acquired/merged operating subsidiary of Vista Outdoor.

Assignment timeline

• 2018-07-13 (executed) / recorded 2018-07-13 — Reel 046483/0582

  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: CHOI, ROBERT, FORSMAN, BARLEY A., GALTEN, JEREMY
  • Assignee: CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC
  • Correspondent: GREGORY A. KOERNER, GREGORY A. KOERNER
  • Context: Transfer from inventors to original assignee.

• 2021-04-01 (executed) / recorded 2021-04-01 — Reel 056453/0740

  • Conveyance: ABL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT
  • Assignor: AMMUNITION OPERATIONS LLC, BEE STINGER, LLC, BELL SPORTS, INC., BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC., BUSHNELL INC., C PREME LIMITED LLC, CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC, EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC., FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY, GOLD TIP, LLC, LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC, MICHAELS OF OREGON CO., MILLETT INDUSTRIES, NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC., NORTHSTAR OUTDOORS, LLC, STONEY POINT PRODUCTS INC., VISTA OUTDOOR INC., VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC
  • Assignee: CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Correspondent: KRISTINA A. REED, GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
  • Context: Securitization agreement.

• 2022-08-05 (executed) / recorded 2022-08-05 — Reel 060012/0352

  • Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST
  • Assignor: AMMUNITION OPERATIONS LLC, BEE STINGER, LLC, BELL SPORTS, INC., BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC., BUSHNELL INC., C PREME LIMITED LLC, CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC, EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC., FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY, FOX HEAD, INC., GOLD TIP, LLC, LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC, MICHAELS OF OREGON CO., MILLETT INDUSTRIES, NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC., NORTHSTAR OUTDOORS, LLC, QUIETKAT, INC., STONE GLACIER, INC., STONEY POINT PRODUCTS, INC., VISTA OUTDOOR INC., VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC, VISTA OUTDOOR SALES LLC, WAWGD NEWCO, LLC
  • Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Correspondent: KRISTINA A. REED, GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Securitization agreement.

• 2024-04-01 (executed) / recorded 2024-04-01 — Reel 065099/0401

  • Conveyance: TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF TERM LOAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT
  • Assignor: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Assignee: MILLETT INDUSTRIES, INC., BELL SPORTS, INC., CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC, FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY, FOX HEAD, INC., GOLD TIP, LLC, SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS LLC, BUSHNELL INC., MICHAELS OF OREGON CO., C PREME LIMITED LLC, AMMUNITION OPERATIONS LLC, WAWGD NEWCO, LLC, STONE GLACIER, INC., LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC, BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC., VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC, EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC.
  • Correspondent: KRISTINA A. REED, GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Release of security interest.

• 2024-11-27 (executed) / recorded 2024-11-27 — Reel 066710/0552

  • Conveyance: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST
  • Assignor: CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
  • Assignee: STONEY POINT PRODUCTS, INC., C PREME LIMITED LLC, BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC., CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC, MILLETT INDUSTRIES, INC., MICHAELS OF OREGON CO., EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC., GOLD TIP, LLC, BELL SPORTS, INC., FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY, BUSHNELL INC., VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC, AMMUNITION OPERATIONS LLC, BEE STINGER, LLC, LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC
  • Correspondent: KRISTINA A. REED, GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Release of security interest.

• 2025-01-03 (executed) / recorded 2025-01-03 — Reel 067086/0209

  • Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST
  • Assignor: BELL SPORTS, INC., BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC., BUSHNELL INC., C PREME LIMITED LLC, CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC, EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC., FOX HEAD, INC., GOLD TIP, LLC, LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC, MICHAELS OF OREGON CO., MILLETT INDUSTRIES, QUIETKAT, INC., REVELYST OPERATIONS LLC, SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS LLC, STONE GLACIER, INC., WAWGD NEWCO, LLC
  • Assignee: FORTRESS CREDIT CORP., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
  • Correspondent: ANNA H. Y. TSAI, WHITE & CASE LLP
  • Context: Securitization agreement.

• 2025-07-25 (executed) / recorded 2025-07-25 — Reel 068697/0664

  • Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST
  • Assignor: BELL SPORTS, INC., BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC., BUSHNELL INC., C PREME LIMITED LLC, CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC, EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC., FOX HEAD, INC., GOLD TIP, LLC, LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC, MICHAELS OF OREGON CO., MILLETT INDUSTRIES, QUIETKAT, INC., REVELYST OPERATIONS LLC, SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS LLC, STONE GLACIER, INC., WAWGD NEWCO, LLC
  • Assignee: CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Correspondent: KRISTINA A. REED, GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Securitization agreement.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 10676255
    2018 : Filed by CamelBak Products LLC
         : Assigned from inventors to CamelBak
    2020 : Issued
    2021 : Security Agreement Capital One
    2022 : Security Interest JPMorgan Chase
    2024 : Release JPMorgan Chase
         : Release Capital One
    2025 : Security Interest Fortress Credit Corp
         : Security Interest Capital One

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Not present. The assignors and assignees in the chain are primarily operating companies or financial institutions involved in securitization, not shell entities formed for licensing.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. None of the listed assignees (CamelBak Products LLC, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, Fortress Credit Corp, Millett Industries, Bell Sports, Federal Cartridge Company, Fox Head, Gold Tip, Simms Fishing Products, Bushnell Inc., C Preme Limited LLC, Ammunition Operations LLC, WAWGD Newco, Stone Glacier, Logan Outdoor Products, Bushnell Holdings, Vista Outdoor Operations LLC, Eagle Industries Unlimited, Stoney Point Products, Bee Stinger, Quietkat, Revelyst Operations LLC) are identified as known NPEs like those on public lists from Unified Patents or RPX.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present. Kristina A. Reed of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, is listed as the correspondent for multiple security interest and release filings (Reel 060012/0352, Reel 065099/0401, Reel 066710/0552, Reel 068697/0664). This recurrence signals a consistent legal representation across multiple financial transactions involving the patent.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. The assignments mainly involve securitization and releases with multiple entities, not rapid transfers between chained LLCs.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Unclear. While litigation is noted for this patent family starting in 2018, the assignment records primarily show security agreements and releases. There isn't a clear "transfer of ownership" assignment directly preceding the first litigation date.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no indication of CamelBak Products LLC or its parent company, Vista Outdoor, filing for bankruptcy and the patent being sold in proceedings.
7. Privateering — Not present. The ownership chain does not show a transfer from an operating company to an NPE for assertion against competitors.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The chain does not terminate at a known defensive aggregator like RPX, Allied Security Trust, LOT Network, Unified Patents, or Open Invention Network.

Verdict

Insufficient data. The assignment timeline for US10676255 primarily consists of security agreements and releases related to financial transactions involving a large group of operating companies, including the original assignee CamelBak Products LLC. While a recurring correspondent, Kristina A. Reed, is observed across several of these financial filings (Reel 060012/0352, Reel 065099/0401, Reel 066710/0552, Reel 068697/0664), this alone does not definitively indicate an NPE pattern. There are no clear shell-entity transfers, known NPEs in the chain, cascading transfers, or signs of a bankruptcy fire-sale or privateering. The connection to the listed litigation is not directly evident from the assignment records as a pre-litigation transfer of ownership to an asserting entity.

For verification, see the USPTO Assignment Center search page: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/ (search by patent number 10676255).

Most Relevant Prior Art for US10676255

The most relevant prior art for US patent 10676255, titled "Drink bottles," includes several patents and patent application publications explicitly incorporated by reference within the patent's own detailed description. These documents describe previous iterations or related technologies developed by the same or affiliated entities, focusing on drink bottles with bite-actuated mouthpieces, often including features like pivotal mounts, handles, and air return systems. Due to their direct incorporation by reference, these documents are considered highly pertinent for anticipating or rendering obvious claims of US10676255 under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

A detailed claim-by-claim anticipation analysis for each prior art reference against the claims of US10676255 is a complex legal undertaking that requires expert interpretation of all claims and specifications, which is beyond the scope of this automated analysis. However, a general assessment of the subject matter disclosed in the incorporated references indicates their potential to anticipate various aspects of US10676255, particularly those related to the fundamental design of bite-actuated mouthpieces, cap assemblies, and fluid container features.

Incorporated Prior Art References:

1. US 10,023,365 B2

   • Full Citation: US 10,023,365 B2, "Drink bottles"
   • Publication Date: July 17, 2018.
   • Filing Date: October 7, 2016 (Application No. 15/287,915).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes drink bottles with a cap assembly that includes a drink spout, which may be pivotally coupled to the base of the cap assembly. It also covers mouthpieces, including self-sealing and bite-actuated ones, and may feature a handle with guards. The patent further details the inclusion of a manual on/off valve and an air return system.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: Given that US10676255 is a continuation of this patent, US10023365B2 inherently anticipates all claims of US10676255 that are identical or not patentably distinct from the claims of US10023365B2. This would generally encompass fundamental aspects of the drink bottle with a bite-actuated mouthpiece and pivotal spout.

2. US 9,463,911 B2

   • Full Citation: US 9,463,911 B2, "Drink bottles"
   • Publication Date: October 11, 2016.
   • Filing Date: July 11, 2014 (Application No. 14/329,096).
   • Brief Description: This patent discloses drink bottles featuring a fluid container and a cap assembly with a bite-actuated mouthpiece. Key elements include a pivotal mount for the mouthpiece, an on/off valve, and an air return system for regulating fluid flow and preventing vacuum formation.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: As a parent patent in the same family, US9463911B2 likely anticipates claims in US10676255 related to the core combination of a fluid container, a cap assembly, a bite-actuated mouthpiece, and elements such as pivotal mounts, on/off valves, and air return systems.

3. US 8,777,048 B2

   • Full Citation: US 8,777,048 B2, "Drink bottles"
   • Publication Date: July 15, 2014.
   • Filing Date: June 5, 2008 (Application No. 12/133,954).
   • Brief Description: This patent details a drink bottle comprising a fluid container and a cap assembly with a bite-actuated mouthpiece. The cap assembly often includes a mount for the mouthpiece that can pivot, and may incorporate a fluid conduit and mechanisms for selectively controlling fluid flow.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: US8777048B2, also a parent in the continuation chain, would anticipate claims in US10676255 pertaining to the basic construction of a drink bottle with a bite-actuated mouthpiece and its integration within a cap assembly, including pivotal spout features.

4. US 8,622,237 B2

   • Full Citation: US 8,622,237 B2, "Drink bottles"
   • Publication Date: January 7, 2014.
   • Filing Date: October 26, 2006 (Application No. 11/588,476).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes drink bottles equipped with a fluid container and a cap assembly having a bite-actuated mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is typically self-sealing and configured to open upon biting, and the cap assembly may include a mount for the mouthpiece.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: Being part of the same patent family, US8622237B2 potentially anticipates claims of US10676255 that describe the fundamental aspects of a drink bottle featuring a bite-actuated, self-sealing mouthpiece and its connection to a fluid container via a cap assembly.

5. US 7,533,783 B2

   • Full Citation: US 7,533,783 B2, "Drink bottles"
   • Publication Date: May 19, 2009.
   • Filing Date: December 20, 2005 (Application No. 11/313,488). Priority is also claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/670,828 (filed April 11, 2005) and 60/706,700 (filed August 8, 2005).
   • Brief Description: This patent discloses drink bottles with a fluid container and a cap assembly including a bite-actuated mouthpiece. The mouthpiece functions as a self-sealing valve, opening when compressed by a user's mouth and returning to a closed state otherwise, preventing spills. It also describes variations in mouthpiece design and methods of attachment.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: As the earliest granted utility patent in the direct lineage of US10676255, US7533783B2 is highly likely to anticipate a broad range of claims in US10676255, especially those covering the core concept of a drink bottle with a resilient, biased, bite-actuated, self-sealing mouthpiece. Its priority dates of April 11, 2005, and August 8, 2005, are also significant in establishing prior art.

6. US 6,908,015 B2

   • Full Citation: US 6,908,015 B2, "Quick-connect assembly for a fluid conduit"
   • Publication Date: June 21, 2005.
   • Filing Date: October 14, 2003 (Application No. 10/685,471).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a quick-connect assembly designed for fluid conduits, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of fluid lines, such as those used in hydration systems.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: US10676255 mentions the optional inclusion of one or more quick-connect assemblies with elongate drink tubes. Therefore, US6908015B2 could anticipate claims in US10676255 directed to such quick-connect assembly features, particularly when implemented with external straw structures or drink tubes.

7. US 7,073,688 B2

   • Full Citation: US 7,073,688 B2, "Quick-connect assembly for a fluid conduit"
   • Publication Date: July 11, 2006.
   • Filing Date: April 27, 2005 (Application No. 11/116,400).
   • Brief Description: Similar to US6908015B2, this patent also pertains to quick-connect assemblies for fluid conduits, offering mechanisms for securely and conveniently joining and separating fluid-carrying components.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: Given its nature as a quick-connect assembly for fluid conduits, US7073688B2 could anticipate claims in US10676255 that relate to the use and configuration of quick-connect mechanisms within the fluid pathway, especially for connecting external drink tubes.

8. US 2004/0089301 A1

   • Full Citation: US 2004/0089301 A1, "Quick-connect assembly for a fluid conduit"
   • Publication Date: May 13, 2004.
   • Filing Date: November 7, 2003 (Application No. 10/705,745).
   • Brief Description: This patent application publication describes a quick-connect assembly for fluid conduits, providing a releasable connection for fluid lines. It details various embodiments of such an assembly, including valving mechanisms.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: As an early publication describing quick-connect assemblies for fluid conduits, US20040089301A1 predates the priority date of US10676255 and could therefore anticipate claims related to the inclusion and functionality of quick-connect assemblies within the drink bottle's fluid delivery system, particularly in conjunction with external drink tubes.

Note on Provisional Patent Applications:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/670,828 (filed April 11, 2005) and 60/706,700 (filed August 8, 2005) are also incorporated by reference. While direct public access to provisional applications is generally limited, their content is fully disclosed in the later-filed, corresponding utility patents (such as US7533783B2). Therefore, the disclosures of these provisional applications are effectively captured within the analysis of US7533783B2, which claims priority to them.

General Prior Art Relevance:

The collectively incorporated prior art extensively covers various aspects of hydration systems, including self-sealing valves, bite-actuated mouthpieces, mechanisms for connecting fluid conduits, and features for drink bottles. These references demonstrate a long-standing development in the field, indicating that many of the core components and their functionalities, which are also present in US10676255, were known or taught prior to the priority date of US10676255. Therefore, the claims of US10676255 are likely to build upon, refine, or combine elements already disclosed in this body of prior art.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103

A patent claim is obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103 if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter pertains. To establish obviousness, there must be some reason, suggestion, or motivation to combine the prior art references.

US Patent 10676255 B2 "Drink bottles" generally relates to drink bottles with bite-actuated mouthpieces, which often include a cap assembly that may feature a pivotable drink spout, a handle, and/or an on/off valve. The patent also discusses air return systems and the option of an external drink tube.

The prior art references listed on the Google Patents page for US10676255 are the parent applications from which this patent claims priority:

• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/287,915 (U.S. Pat. No. 10,023,365)
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/329,096 (U.S. Pat. No. 9,463,911)
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/133,954 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,048)
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/588,476 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,237)
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/313,488 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,783)
• U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/670,828 and 60/706,700

These listed prior art references are all part of the same patent family and share common inventorship with US10676255. Under US patent law, specifically 35 U.S.C. § 102(b)(1)(A), a disclosure made by an inventor or joint inventor within one year or less before the effective filing date of the claimed invention is generally not considered prior art. Furthermore, under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. §§ 102(a) and (e), a prior disclosure is typically excluded as prior art if it represents "one's own work" by the same inventive entity identified in the patent. The Federal Circuit has clarified that for a prior publication to be excluded as "one's own work," the portions of the disclosure relied upon must reflect the collective work of the same inventive entity identified in the patent. Any incongruity in the inventive entity makes the prior disclosure "by another."

Given that the listed "prior art" are direct parent applications and provisional applications with the same inventors, it is highly likely that these references would not be considered prior art for obviousness purposes under 35 U.S.C. § 103 against US10676255 due to the inventor-origin exception or common ownership. Therefore, a standard obviousness analysis combining these specific references would not be applicable, as they are not valid prior art against the present patent.

Conclusion:
Based on the provided information, the listed "prior art" documents are all related to the same inventive entity and are direct predecessors in the patent family for US10676255. As such, they are likely excluded from being considered prior art for obviousness challenges under 35 U.S.C. § 103 due to exceptions related to inventor-originated disclosures (35 U.S.C. § 102(b)(1)(A) under AIA, or "one's own work" under pre-AIA law). Therefore, without identifying distinct prior art references from different inventive entities, a meaningful obviousness analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103 cannot be performed based solely on the provided list.