How do you make snak time fun, prevent spills and control portions? Snack Pals was the answer as we endeavored to make a sippy cup style container for small snacks. The secret was in the clever hinge assembly that governed the a trap door between the snack pieces and the serving cup. The door only allowed snacks to flow when the cap was closed. When the cap was open, the door was secured shut. The effect was a bit of magic as the child tipped the cup upside down, gave it a shake and then opened it to find a nice portion of snacks ready to eat. Snack Pals was a collaborative effort with Robert Civettini.