CUP AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

Disclosed is a cup comprising a base and a sidewall. The sidewall can comprise a plurality of spaced ribs projecting outwardly from the sidewall and extending for at least a portion of a length of the sidewall. The sidewall can also comprise an externally mounted sleeve configured to be located with respect to the ribs such that the sleeve is spaced from the sidewall adjacent to the ribs. The sleeve can extend for at least a portion of the length of the sidewall.

Claims

1. A cup comprising a base and a sidewall, the sidewall comprising: an un-ribbed upper sidewall region that is straight and that extends from an upper rim of the cup to an upper inwardly-projecting ledge, the upper ledge spaced below the rim; the upper sidewall further comprising a ribbed region that extends from the upper ledge to a further inwardly-projecting ledge, the further ledge spaced below the upper ledge; a lower sidewall that extends from the further ledge to the base; a plurality of spaced ribs projecting outwardly from the sidewall and extending along the lower sidewall and ribbed region to the upper ledge, whereby an outside edge of each rib is straight and is aligned with an external surface of the un-ribbed region to define a straight outside profile of the un-ribbed upper sidewall region and ribs; and an externally mounted sleeve configured to be located with respect to the ribs such that the sleeve is spaced by the ribs from each of the lower sidewall and a wall of the ribbed region, and such that the sleeve is able to be flush-mounted to said straight outside profile.

2. A cup as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced ribs extend generally vertically in use of the cup when its base is oriented generally horizontally.

3. A cup as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced ribs extend from the base, and wherein each rib terminates at the un-ribbed region of the sidewall.

4. A cup as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve extends for a length of the sidewall beyond the ribs.

5. A cup as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sleeve extends for a full length of the sidewall, from the base to the upper rim of the cup.

6. A cup as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve is further configured so as to function as a label for the cup.

7. A cup comprising a base and a sidewall, the sidewall comprising an in-use upper sidewall portion that extends to an in-use upper rim of the cup, and an in-use lower sidewall portion, the upper and lower sidewall portions being separated by an internal rim, the lower sidewall portion defining a lower portion of the cup and the upper sidewall portion defining an upper portion of the cup; an internal lid for the cup lower portion, the internal lid arranged in use to locate at the internal rim; and an elongated tab which in use extends from the lid and projects beyond so as to enable the tab to hook over the upper rim of the cup.

8. A cup as claimed in claim 7, wherein the internal rim is substantially perpendicular to each of and connects the lower and upper sidewall portions to form an internal ledge.

9. A cup as claimed in claim 7, wherein the internal rim traverses a perimeter of the cup to define an annular ledge surface.

10. A cup as claimed in claim 7, wherein the internal lid is configured to be releasably bonded around its periphery to the internal rim to define the cup lower portion as a lower compartment.

11. A cup as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lower compartment is arranged to hold a comestible substance therein.

12. A cup as claimed in claim 7, wherein the elongate tab is configured to abut or closely face an inner wall of the upper sidewall portion in use.

13. A cup as claimed in claim 7, the cup further comprising an upper lid arranged to releasably locate about the upper rim of the cup to define the cup upper portion as an upper compartment.

14. A cup as claimed in claim 13, wherein a portion of the in-use elongate tab is secured under the upper lid in use.

15.-20. (canceled)

21. A cup as claimed in claim 7, wherein a plurality of spaced ribs extend generally vertically in use of the cup when its base is oriented generally horizontally.

22. A cup as claimed in claim 21, wherein the plurality of ribs extend from the base, and wherein each rib terminates at an un-ribbed region of the upper sidewall portion.

23. A cup as claimed in claim 7, wherein an externally mounted sleeve extends for a length of the sidewall beyond the ribs.

24. A cup as claimed in claim 23, wherein the externally mounted sleeve extends for a full length of the sidewall, from the base to the upper rim of the cup.

25. A method for preparing a beverage in a cup as set forth in claim 7, the method comprising: opening the cup at the upper rim thereof; pouring a liquid into the open cup; releasing the elongate tab from its hooked position over the upper rim; pulling the elongate tab to remove the internal lid from the internal rim of the cup to expose a lower portion of the cup to the liquid.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein a comestible substance is located in a lower portion of the cup whereby, when the lower portion of the cup is exposed to the liquid, the comestible substance combines with the liquid to form a beverage.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0059] FIGS. 1 to 4 respectively show: a side view; an assembled side view; an in-line exploded view; and a perspective sectional view; of a first variation of a cup according to the disclosure.

[0060] FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c respectively show: side, perspective; and sectional side views; of a second variation of a cup according to the disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 5d shows a sideview of a second variation of a cup according to the disclosure. The cup is shown stacked with another cup, wherein a sectioned view of a sleeve is shown fitted in-use on each cup.

[0062] FIG. 5e shows a sectional sideview of the second variation of a cup shown in FIG. 5d

[0063] FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c respectively show: side; perspective; and sectional side views; of a third variation of a cup according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0065] The cup embodiments as described herein (i.e. cups 2, 2′, 2″ shown in FIGS. 1-6) can be used to hold a hot beverage (e.g. coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.). The cup embodiments are equally suitable to holding a cold beverage (e.g. water, soft drinks, juices, flavoured milks, etc.). The cup embodiments are also suitable to holding a beverage at room temperature. Additionally, the cup embodiments can be used to hold non-comestible materials (e.g. powders, solids and liquids), such as chemicals for mixing, adhesives, glues, grout, fillers, putty, two-part resins, etc.

[0066] When the cup embodiments are used for beverages, the beverage may be formed from a comestible substance (e.g. a beverage ingredient such as a dry powder, dry solid, liquid concentrate, etc.) that is held within the cup (i.e. held in a cup lower portion as described hereafter). The resultant beverage can be formed upon the pouring into the cup of a liquid (e.g. a hot, cold or room-temperature liquid such as water, milk, etc.), with the liquid mixing with the comestible substance to form the beverage.

[0067] Aside from the lids, the cup embodiments as described herein can advantageously be formed as a one-piece cup. For example, each embodiment of the cup can be moulded (such as by injection moulding) from a suitable plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, etc. The cup embodiments can also be formed to define an integrated compartment in the form of a lower chamber 12 for holding therein the comestible substance or non-comestible material prior to use. A sleeve (e.g. a label) 4 can also be added (e.g. mounted by friction, shrink-wrapping or adhesively) to the one-piece cup as described hereafter.

[0068] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 4, a first cup embodiment is shown in the form of a cup 2. The cup 2 comprises a base defined by an internal base wall 14 (see esp. FIG. 4) and a lower sidewall region 23. The cup 2 further comprises a sidewall that is generally designated as 16. The sidewall 16 extends up from the base 14, 23. The sidewall 16 can include the lower sidewall region 23 and can extend up to, e.g. so as to define, an upper rim 38 of the cup 2. The upper rim 38 of cup 2 can be defined as an overturned lip of the sidewall 16, as described below.

[0069] The cup 2 comprises a plurality of spaced, integrally formed ribs 18 that each project outwardly from the sidewall 16 (i.e. the ribs 18 can project outwardly in a radial direction from a central, vertically orientated axis of the cup 2). The ribs 18 can provide both a structural and insulating effect, as described hereafter. For example, the ribs 18 can stiffen and strengthen the sidewall 16.

[0070] In the cup embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the ribs 18 extend for a portion of the sidewall length (i.e. they terminate above the lower end of sidewall 16 to thereby define the lower sidewall region 23). When the base wall 14 of the cup 2 is oriented generally horizontally, the ribs 18 extend generally vertically in use.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the cup 2 can also comprise an externally mounted sleeve 4. The sleeve 4 is configured to be located with respect to the ribs 18 (i.e. so as to surround the ribs 18) and such that the sleeve is spaced from those portions 36 of the sidewall 16 that are located adjacent to but between the ribs 18. This defines respective air gaps between the sleeve, adjacent ribs, and the sidewall. Such air gaps can provide an insulating effect to the cup in use to allow for user handling of the cup 2 (i.e. such that a user's hand does not directly contact the sidewall 16 of the cup 2 when the cup filled with a hot or cold liquid). For example, when a hot liquid is held in the cup 2, the insulation effect provided by the arrangement of spaced ribs 18 allows the sleeve 4 to maintain a relatively cooler temperature than the sidewalls 16 of the cup (and vice versa for a cold liquid).

[0072] The sleeve 4 can be removably located to the cup 2. In some forms, the sleeve may be bonded with, e.g. glue/adhesive, to e.g. the ribs 18 of the cup 2. In other forms, the sleeve may be removable from the cup. In a further form, the cup 2 may be used without a sleeve.

[0073] Whilst the sleeve 4 can extend for at least a portion of the length of the sidewall 16 (e.g. just for the length of the ribs 18), typically the sleeve 4 extends for a full length of the sidewall 16. Thus, the ribs 18 can be covered and thus hidden by the sleeve 4 to give the appearance of an ‘un-ribbed’ cup. The sleeve 4 can also give an ‘unbroken’ appearance to an outside wall of the cup 2 (i.e. the sleeve can define an outside ‘false’ wall of the cup 2).

[0074] The sleeve 4 can also function as a label for the cup (i.e. it can be printed, patterned, coloured, etc. on its in-use outside face). When the sleeve 4 functions as a label for the cup, the label can comprise and display printed imagery and instructions—e.g. branding, advertising, cup contents, ingredients, directions for use, etc.

[0075] In some variations, the sleeve can comprise a moulded polypropylene material, wherein the label may be moulded into the sleeve, i.e. an in-mould label. In other variations, the sleeve may be made from a carboard or waxed paper material, or a foamed (e.g. closed cell) polymer material, such as a polypropylene, polystyrene, etc., and/or from a shrink-type polymer sleeve. As above, the sleeve 4 can be externally textured to provide for improved handling and increased grip of the cup 2. Thus, the sleeve 4 can be friction- or push-fit, shrink-wrapped or adhesively secured to the cup 2. For example, the sleeve 4 can be fastened (e.g. adhesively or glued) to the ribs 18.

[0076] In some further variations, the sleeve 4 (i.e. label) can comprise perforations 5 for venting. As best illustrated in FIG. 5d, an array of perforations (i.e. apertures) can be arranged on the sleeve, adjacent to the upper sidewall 20, to allow for heat radiating from the sidewalls of the cup to more efficiently dissipate through the sleeve. The size and arrangement of the perforations illustrated in FIG. 5d can be configured such that the dissipation of heat therethrough does not cause discomfort for a user holding the cup. In the illustrated form the perforations comprise a row of aligned elongate perforations extending about the sleeve 4 and proximal to an upper rim of the sleeve. In this form the perforations are located away from and higher than where a user's hand would be located in holding the cup. In some forms the perforations may be otherwise shaped and spaced apart around the surface of the sleeve.

[0077] The sidewall 16 is configured to have an in-use upper sidewall portion in the form of upper sidewall 20, and an in-use lower sidewall portion in the form of the lower sidewall 22. The upper sidewall 20 defines an upper cup portion in the form of an internal, upper compartment 10, and the lower sidewall 22 defines a cup lower portion in the form of and internal, lower chamber 12. As explained below, the upper compartment 10 can hold a liquid to be poured therein in use, whereas the lower chamber 12 can hold a comestible substance therein such as a beverage ingredient (i.e. the lower chamber 12 can define a ‘dosing chamber’ of the cup 2).

[0078] The cup 2 is formed such that the upper 20 and lower 22 sidewalls are separated by an ‘internal’ rim 24 (i.e. the rim extends internally of the cup). The internal rim 24 is substantially perpendicular to each of the upper and lower sidewalls 20, 22 to define thereon a generally horizontal internal ledge 44 (see FIG. 4). The internal rim 24 in effect delineates the upper compartment 10 from the lower chamber 12.

[0079] It will also be seen that each of the ribs 18 projects outwardly from, and extends for a length of, each of the upper 20 and lower 22 sidewalls. In this regard, each rib 18 extends for the full length of the upper sidewall 20 whereas each rib 18 terminates above the lower edge 25 of the lower sidewall 22 (see e.g. FIG. 4). This arrangement in turn defines the ‘un-ribbed’ lower sidewall region 23.

[0080] Typically, each of the upper sidewall 20, internal rim 24, lower sidewall 22 and base wall 14 are formed (e.g. moulded) to have a substantially identical wall thickness, although the upper rim 38 is formed with increased (e.g. near-double, or ‘folded-over’) thickness to provide rigidity to the cup 2 at its open upper end.

[0081] As best shown in FIG. 4, each rib 18 is configured as a single rib that extends for most of the cup length. Each such single rib 18 can be provided with an elongate, straight distal (outside) edge 34 that is generally parallel to the upper sidewall 20 but that tapers out with respect to the lower sidewall 22. The distal edge 34 of each rib 18 thus tapers outwardly moving up from the base 14, 23 of cup 2. The degree of taper of the ribs 18 and upper sidewall 20 are similar (e.g. they can match). This also means that the upper rim 38 is located on the upper sidewall 20 distal to and radially further from a cup vertical centreline than the internal rim 24. This outward tapering of the upper sidewall 20 helps facilitate removal of the internal lid 8 from within the cup (as described below).

[0082] As also shown in FIG. 4, the lower sidewall 22 is inset with respect to the upper sidewall 20 (i.e. when the cup is viewed front-on). This defines lower chamber 12 as a distinct (e.g. generally cylindrical) ‘dosing chamber’ for holding a comestible substance (e.g. beverage ingredient) within the cup 2. The lower chamber 12 can be provided with a predetermined volume (e.g. for accurate filling of the substance to be held therein).

[0083] Further, it will be seen in FIG. 4 that, as a result of the outward taper of each rib 18, the upper sidewall 20 has a greater average diameter than that of the lower sidewall 22. This arrangement gives rise to the inward ‘step’ of the side wall 16 (i.e. and thus results in ledge 44). The ribs 18 are accordingly deepened adjacent to the lower sidewall 22 to ensure that the outside profile (i.e. distal edge 34) of each rib 18 remains constant (e.g. straight) for the length of each rib. This also provides constant and even (e.g. straight) mounting surfaces for the sleeve 4—i.e. to provide for ease of sleeve attachment to the ribs 18, to provide for ease of holding and to enable clearly displayed labelling.

[0084] In a variation to that depicted, the lower sidewall 22 may project with a very slight and lesser degree of taper with respect to the base 14—i.e. less than that of the upper sidewall 20. In a further variation to that depicted, the lower sidewall 22 may project with the same degree of taper as the upper sidewall 20, but inset from the upper sidewall 20.

[0085] The outward taper of each rib 18 can also assist with stacking of multiple cups. The upper sidewall 20 having a greater average diameter than that of the lower sidewall 22 allows for e.g. a base of a first cup to be inserted and fit (i.e. stacked) within the larger upper rim 38 of a second cup. In this way, multiple cups can be fit within one another so as to stack a group of cups together.

[0086] As best shown in Detail AA of FIG. 5e, the lower side wall of the cup can be sized with a diameter such that when stacked with a further cup, the lower sidewall 22 (at the base) can be supported by at least part of the internal ledge 44 of the further cup. Advantageously, this allows the weight of the cup to be supported by the internal ledge, and in the case of more than one cup being stacked together, the ledge 44 provides sufficient structural integrity to support the weight of more than one cup.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 2, the cup 2 can be further provided with an upper lid 6 that is arranged to releasably locate about the upper rim 38 of the cup 2 (the location of the upper lid 6 is also indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 4). The upper lid 6 can thus close the upper compartment 10 and hence close the cup 2 at its upper end (e.g. when the cup is in use). The upper lid 6 can be releasably press-, push-, etc. fit to the cup upper rim 38. The upper lid 6 can be formed from a deformable polymeric material (e.g. thin plastic, elastomer, etc.) to be easily removed (e.g. to be peeled off the rim 38) such as for liquid pouring therein. The upper lid 6 can be easily re-attached after its removal. The upper lid 6 can comprise a spout 7 that is integrally formed (e.g. moulded) therein. The spout 7 can allow a user of the cup to drink from the cup 2 (i.e. without removing the upper lid 6).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4, the cup 2 can be further provided with an internal lid 8 that is arranged to locate on and about the internal ledge 44. The internal lid 8 can be fabricated from, for example, a foil-type material, such as a polymer-coated (i.e. polymer reinforced) aluminium sheet-type material.

[0089] An annulus-shaped region defined at the underside periphery of the internal lid 8 can lie over the internal ledge 44. This annulus region can be releasably bonded (e.g. with a tacky-type adhesive) to the ledge 44 such that the internal lid 8 encloses and seals the lower chamber 12. For example, the releasable bond may be such as to form a hermetic seal at the internal ledge 44. The resultant hermetically-sealed chamber 12 can house a comestible or non-comestible material/substance therein, such as a hydroscopic material. The comestible material/substance can be a fixed dose of a beverage ingredient (e.g. a powder mixture, such as a premix).

[0090] The internal lid 8 also comprises an elongated tab 46 which, in-use, extends from the perimeter of the internal lid 8 and projects up and beyond the lid so as to enable an enlarged distal end 47 of the tab 46 to hook over the upper rim 38 of the cup 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 47 of tab 46 locates closely against the upper rim 38, whereby it does not interfere with the location of the lid 6 on the upper rim 38.

[0091] The tab 46 can be formed from the same material as internal lid 8 (e.g. tab 46 may either be attached to or be an integral continuation of the lid material). Alternatively, the tab 46 can be formed from a different material to internal lid 8 (e.g. it may comprise a material that has shape memory). In either case, as shown in FIG. 4, the tab 46 is configured to sit closely against an internal wall surface 49 of the sidewall 16, whereby the tab does not interfere with the volumetric space within the upper compartment 10.

[0092] To open the lower chamber 12, the distal end 47 of the tab 46 is released (e.g. prised away) from its hooked-over position on the upper rim 38. This may occur prior to or after liquid has been poured into the open upper end of the cup 2. The distal end 47 of tab 46 is then grasped and pulled up to remove (i.e. to peel away) the internal lid 8 from its (adhesive) engagement with the internal ledge 44 of the cup 2, to thereby open the lower chamber 12 (see e.g. FIG. 3). Again, this may occur prior to or after liquid has been poured into the open cup. Removal of lid 8 can expose the comestible substance (e.g. powder, solid, liquid) that is held within the lower chamber 12 to a liquid. The liquid can either flow or be poured in to directly contact and mix with the comestible substance.

[0093] Reference with now be made to the cup embodiment of FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, where like reference numbers are used to denote similar or like parts. Where the components are essentially the same as the cup embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, they will not be redescribed, and the above description can be taken to apply equally to the cup embodiment of FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c.

[0094] In the cup embodiment of FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, the cup 2′ comprises an inwardly concave base 14′ (see FIG. 5c). The concavity can provide increased strength and rigidity to the base 14′. The base 14′ can also be provided with a plurality of ridges 17 defined at an interior surface of the base (see FIGS. 5b & 5c). The ridges 17 can extend radially from a centre of the base 14′ and partway up a sidewall 16 of the cup 2′. The ridges 17 can further stiffen and maintain the concavity of base 14′.

[0095] The sidewall 16 of cup 2′ extends up from a periphery of base 14′ and comprises a plurality of spaced, integrally formed, and generally vertically extending external ribs 18 (i.e. that each project outwardly from the sidewall 16). Again, in the cup 2′ of FIG. 5, the ribs 18 extend for a portion of the sidewall length. However, in this embodiment of the cup 2′, the ribs 18 terminate below the upper rim 38 of the cup 2′ to thereby define an ‘un-ribbed’ upper sidewall region 37.

[0096] In this regard, the ribs 18 extend right down to the base wall 14′ and thus extend for a full length of the lower sidewall 22. Further, each rib 18 continues on past internal rim 24 and extends for a substantial length of the upper sidewall 20. However, as above, the ribs 18 terminate prior to reaching the cup upper rim 38. In fact, each rib 18 terminates at an upper internal rim 26 that is defined in the sidewall 16. The upper internal rim 26 defines a lower edge of the un-ribbed upper sidewall region 37. The upper internal rim 26 also defines an internal upper ledge 28 within the cup 2′. In use, the internal upper ledge 28 can provide (or can function as) an upper boundary (e.g. a liquid pour line) of the upper compartment 10. The ledge 28 can thereby provide a visual ‘fill’ cue to a user (or to an optical reader, etc.).

[0097] In some forms not shown, more than one internal ledge (similar to the upper ledge 28) can be provided on a wall of the cup. The ledge can take the form of a step or other type of deviation in diameter of the cup such that the ledge increases the hoop strength of the cup. For example, a further internal upper ledge as described above can be spaced below the internal upper ledge 28, i.e. at a position closer to the base of the cup, so as to increase the hoop strength towards the middle of the cup.

[0098] Each rib 18 is configured such that, where it terminates at the upper internal rim 26, its distal (outside) edge 34 generally aligns with the external surface of upper sidewall region 37 (see FIGS. 5a & 5c). This allows the sleeve to be flush-mounted over the full extent of the sidewall 16.

[0099] In a variation, the ribs 18 can extend the full vertical length of the cup sidewall 16 (i.e. along the full length of both upper and lower sidewalls 20, 22).

[0100] As above, the sleeve 4 can be configured to extend from the base 14′ and to extend just for the length of the ribs 18 of cup 2′. Alternatively, the sleeve 4 can be configured to extend for a full length of the sidewall 16 (i.e. the sleeve can extend right up to locate under the upper rim 38).

[0101] As above for the cup embodiment 2 of FIGS. 1 to 4, the outward taper of each rib in the embodiment 2′ can assist with stacking of multiple cups. In this embodiment, the lower side wall of the cup can be sized with a diameter such that when stacked with a further cup, the ribs 18 at the lower sidewall can be supported by at least part of the internal ledge 44 of the further cup. Advantageously, this allows the weight of the cup to be supported by the internal ledge, and in the case of more than one cup being stacked together, the ledge 44 provides sufficient structural integrity to support the weight of more than one cup.

[0102] Rounds 19 can be provided on lower corners of the ribs. In addition to aiding manufacturability (i.e. tool design for injection moulding) of the cup, the rounds 19 also remove sharp corners which would otherwise be present at the lower corners of the ribs. Advantageously, the rounds 19 can also aid stacking of multiple cups, wherein the rounds can help guide the lower sidewall 22 of a first cup into the upper rim 38 of a second cup.

[0103] The cup embodiment 2′ of FIG. 5 can be otherwise as described above for FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0104] Reference with now be made to the cup embodiment of FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, where like reference numbers are used to denote similar or like parts. Where the components are essentially the same as the cup embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5, they will not be redescribed, and the above description can be taken to apply equally to the cup embodiment of FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c.

[0105] In the cup 2″ of FIG. 6, the ribs 18 extend approximately halfway of the length of the upper sidewall 20 (i.e. approximately half the distance between internal rim 24 and upper rim 38 of the cup 2″, with each rib 18 terminating at the upper internal rim 26). In a further variation, the ribs 18 can extend approximately three-quarters of the way from the internal rim 24 to the upper rim 38.

[0106] Thus, in comparison to the cup embodiment 2′ of FIG. 5, the upper internal rim 26 in cup 2″ is spaced further from the upper rim 38 (i.e. much lower than the upper internal rim 26 of the FIG. 5 cup embodiment). In a related manner, the upper sidewall region 37 is much larger than the corresponding region in the FIG. cup embodiment.

[0107] Again, each rib 18 is configured such that, where it terminates at the upper internal rim 26, its distal (outside) edge 34 generally aligns with the external surface of the upper sidewall region 37 (see FIGS. 6a & 6c). Again, this allows the sleeve to be flush-mounted over the full extent of the sidewall 16.

[0108] Again, in the cup embodiment of FIG. 6, the sleeve 4 can extend for the full vertical length of the cup sidewalls 16, from the base 14′ to the in-use upper rim 38. In other variations, the sleeve 4 can extend along a partial length of the cup sidewall, such as for the length of ribs 18.

[0109] The cup embodiment 2″ of FIG. 6 can be otherwise as described above for FIGS. 1 to 5.

Non-Limiting Examples

[0110] When using the cup 2 to prepare a beverage, the upper lid 6 can be removed from the upper rim 38 of the cup 2, 2′, 2″ (e.g. the cup can be supplied with the upper lid 6 already secured/attached thereto). Then, the upper compartment 10 can be filled with a liquid (e.g. hot or cold water) to fill a given volume of the upper portion of the cup (e.g. the entire volume, or up to the level defined by the internal upper ledge 28). In e.g. the cup 2 of FIGS. 1-4, a water level mark can be included on the inner wall surface 49 to indicate to a user a suggested volume of liquid to prepare the beverage.

[0111] Once the liquid is introduced into the upper compartment 10, the end 47 of elongate tab 46 can be released from its hooked position over the upper rim 38 (i.e. a user can bend the tab end 47 up into a ready-to-be-grasped position). Then, by pulling the tab 46 upwards (i.e. in a direction away from the chamber 12), the internal lid 8 is removed (e.g. peeled-away) from the ledge 44 of internal rim 24. This action exposes (opens) the chamber 12, allowing the liquid from the upper compartment 10 to flow into the chamber 12.

[0112] Where the chamber 12 holds a comestible substance (e.g. a beverage ingredient, such as a flavoured powder), the substance is exposed to the liquid, whereby the beverage ingredient combines and mixes with the liquid to form a beverage. The upper lid 6 can be re-attached, so that a user can now drink the beverage via the spout 7.

[0113] In a variation, the internal lid 8 can be removed prior to pouring the liquid into the cup 2, 2′, 2″. Thus, when the liquid is poured into the cup, it directly contacts the beverage ingredient to combine and mix therewith to form a beverage.

[0114] The above examples of using the cup can be performed manually (e.g. a user can add liquid to the cup 2, 2′, 2″ from a kettle, jug, tap, etc.). Alternatively, the above examples can be automated, such as by an automatic beverage dispensing machine.

[0115] For example, in a beverage dispensing machine, the cup 2, 2′, 2″ can be employed in an open format (i.e. the upper lid can already be pre-removed therefrom).

[0116] The machine can automatically distribute liquid into the cup (e.g. at a fixed/predetermined volume). However, this step can involve some degree of manual intervention by a user, such as by the user placing the open cup under a distributor (e.g. a spout/outlet) of the machine. Once placed, the liquid can be distributed into the cup either manually (e.g. via a button, lever) or distribution can occur automatically.

[0117] When automatically implemented, the unhooking of the tab end 47 from its hooked position over the upper rim 38 can be manually performed by a user, or can be automatically implemented by (e.g. by a suitable ‘grab’ mechanism located within) the beverage dispensing machine. The machine can then pull the tab 46 away from a retained cup 2, 2′, 2″ to remove (e.g. peel away) the internal lid 8 from ledge 44, to thereby expose the chamber 12, and thus the comestible substance, to the liquid. As above, removal of internal lid 8 can occur after or prior to liquid in-pour to the cup.

[0118] The upper lid 6 can be supplied to and attached manually to the automatically filled and mixed cup, or the machine can attach the lid 6 to the cup 2, 2′, 2″.

[0119] Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

[0120] For example, the cup 2, 2′, 2″ can take a non-circular form (i.e. non-circular cross-section). For example, the cup may take an ovular form, or take a regular or irregular polygonal form.

[0121] In a further variation, a sleeve 4 may not be disposed around the cup 2, 2′, 2″ (e.g. the cup can be supplied as shown in FIG. 2, 5a or 6a). Thus, only the ribs 18 space and thus offset a user's hand from the (e.g. hot or cold) sidewall 16. Additionally, in-mould labelling may be utilised to brand or decorate the cup 2.

[0122] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the cup and method, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the cup and method.