BEVERAGE MAKING, SERVING AND CLEARING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A beverage-making, serving and clearing assembly comprises a vessel and a tableware piece acting as a lid to the vessel. The piece comprises a shaped disc comprising a perimeter and two principal surfaces either side thereof, being a first principal surface comprising an upstand and a second principal surface comprising a continuous downstand surrounding a well. The piece acts as a lid on the vessel containing hot water with the first surface uppermost and the downstand preventing the piece slipping sideways off the vessel. The piece optionally comprises a perimeter recess capable of retaining a teaspoon in the vessel and optionally comprises a top recess capable of retaining a second vessel, for example a milk jug. The assembly may be held and carried securely in one hand by holding the vessel. The piece may be inverted and placed on a horizontal surface with the second principal surface uppermost to receive a used tea bag or infuser in the well. The inverted piece is capable of being relocated onto the vessel with the second surface uppermost, the upstand preventing the piece slipping sideways off the vessel. This assembly configuration is also capable of being held and carried securely in one hand by holding the vessel.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a tableware piece comprising a shaped disc comprising a perimeter and two principal surfaces either side of said perimeter, being a first principal surface and a second principal surface, wherein the second principal surface comprises a continuous loop downstand, wherein said second surface comprises a lower ledge adjacent to a part of the outside surface of said continuous loop downstand and extending to an outside of said lower ledge, wherein the piece is configured and arranged to be capable of acting as a lid to a vessel with the first principal surface uppermost, the lower ledge located on the rim of the vessel and the continuous loop downstand located within the vessel, wherein said downstand comprises three outermost downstand surface points, one in each of three 120 degree sectors, wherein each of said three outermost downstand surface points is the same radius of downstand distance from a downstand centre, wherein said second principal surface comprises a well spaced inside said perimeter, said well being impervious to aqueous liquids, wherein said tableware piece is capable of inversion and being placed on a horizontal surface, wherein said well is capable of retaining a used infusion product, wherein the first principal surface of said piece comprises an upstand, an upstand outside surface and three outermost upstand surface points, wherein one of said three outermost upstand surface points, one in each of the three 120 degree sectors, wherein each of the three outermost upstand surface points is the same radius of upstand distance from an upstand centre, wherein an upper ledge is adjacent to each of said three outermost upstand surface points and extends to an outside of said upper ledge, wherein the tableware piece is capable of acting as a lid to the vessel with the second principal surface uppermost with an upper ledge located on said rim and said three outermost upstand surface points located within said vessel, and a vessel, wherein said assembly is capable of a plurality of different configurations pertaining to beverage-making, serving and clearing said assembly, wherein said vessel comprises a vessel axis and a rim with an inside rim comprising three 120 degree sectors, and wherein said vessel is configured to support the piece acting as a lid to the vessel, wherein said vessel is capable of containing hot water with an infusing product in said hot water, wherein when the assembly is configured and arranged to be in a first configuration the piece acts as a lid to the vessel with the first principal surface uppermost, the lower ledge located on the rim of the vessel and the continuous loop downstand located within the vessel, wherein the tableware piece is locatable such that there is a gap between the outside surface of the continuous loop downstand and the inside of said vessel throughout the length of said continuous loop downstand, wherein said continuous loop downstand provides a limited movement lateral restraint against said vessel, wherein if the outside surface of said continuous loop downstand is pushed laterally against one point of the inside of said vessel within one of the three 120 degree sectors the continuous loop downstand is within 6 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm of a point on the inside of the vessel within each of the other two 120 degree sectors, wherein said tableware piece is capable of inversion and being placed on a horizontal surface in a second configuration of said assembly, wherein said well is capable of retaining said infusion product following infusion and inversion of said piece, wherein the assembly can be configured and arranged in a third configuration, wherein the tableware piece acts as a lid to the vessel with the second principal surface uppermost with said upper ledge located on said rim and said three outermost upstand surface points located within said vessel, wherein the piece is locatable such that there is a gap between each of said three outermost upstand surface points and the inside of said vessel, wherein the upstand provides a limited movement lateral restraint against said vessel, wherein if one of said three outermost upstand surface points is pushed laterally against the inside of said vessel within one of said three 120 degree sectors each of the other two of said three outermost upstand surface points is located within 6 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm of a point on the inside of the vessel within one of the other two 120 degree sectors, and wherein in the first and third configurations the assembly can be held and carried in one hand by holding the vessel.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said three outermost upstand surface points are located within a continuous upstand outside surface.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first principal surface comprises three discrete upstands, and wherein each of said three discrete upstands comprises an upstand outside surface and an outermost upstand surface point.

4. (canceled)

5. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein if a radial cross-section is taken through the piece axis, the profile of a lower ledge is one of flat and comprises a curve which does not vary by more than 90 degrees from the outside of the lower ledge to an outermost downstand surface point, and wherein the profile of an upper ledge is one of flat and comprises a curve which does not vary by more than 90 degrees from the outside of the upper ledge to an outermost upstand surface point.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radius of upstand distance and the radius of downstand distance are within 3, 2, 1 mm of each other.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first principal surface comprises a top recess comprising a top recess perimeter, a recessed area and a top recess perimeter wall between the top recess perimeter and the recessed area, wherein said assembly comprises a second vessel smaller than said vessel, and wherein in said first configuration said second vessel is locatable within said top recess and in said third configuration said second vessel is locatable within one of said vessel and said well by being located on one of said well and an infuser located within said well, wherein the vessel, the piece and the second vessel are substantially circular on plan and are assembled substantially co-axially, the vessel axis typically being substantially vertical when the vessel is hand-held or is supported on a tray or table or other substantially horizontal surface wherein the top recess perimeter is circular on plan and is substantially co-axial with the vessel, the piece and the second vessel, which are each within 1, 2, 3, 4 mm of the piece axis, wherein the top recess comprises a lateral restraint to said second vessel within said top recess in said first configuration and wherein the axis of the assembly can be rotated to an angle from vertical of over at least one of 100 and 200 and 30 and/or 40 without the second vessel sliding off the piece or overturning.

8.-13. (canceled)

14. An assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein from the top of said upstand outside surface there is an inwardly sloping guiding downslope.

15. (canceled)

16. An assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein in a radial cross-section the guiding downslope extends from the top of the upstand outside surface to the top recess perimeter, wherein said guiding downslope comprises a radial dimension gd of 3-7, 7-12 or more than 12 mm.

17.-35. (canceled)

36. An assembly as claimed in a claim 1, wherein said piece is located as a lid to said vessel and can be removed vertically from said vessel by a force no greater than the weight of the piece whether said first surface is uppermost in said first configuration or whether said second surface is uppermost in said third configuration.

37.-39. (canceled)

40. An assembly as claimed in claim 36, wherein the piece perimeter comprises a perimeter recess, wherein the piece is capable of being placed to act as a lid on the vessel containing hot water with the first surface uppermost such that the perimeter recess provides a ventilation aperture between the perimeter recess and the inside of the rim of the vessel and wherein in said second configuration said perimeter recess is locatable to be contiguous with an outside of said vessel.

41.-56. (canceled)

57. A method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using an assembly of claim 1, said method comprising the steps of: i. inserting a first liquid into the vessel comprising a rim, ii. placing the piece onto the rim of the vessel such that the first principal surface is uppermost and the downstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece, iii. optionally re-locating the assembly of steps (i) and (ii) to a surface, iv. removing the piece from the vessel, inverting the piece and locating the piece on said surface or other surface, and v. relocating the piece onto the rim of the vessel without re-inverting the piece such that the second principal surface is uppermost and the upstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece.

58. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 57, wherein in step (i) said first liquid is hot water, wherein either before or after step (i) locating a tea bag into the hot water.

59. (canceled)

60. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 58, wherein after step (iv), removing the used tea bag from the hot water, and locating the used tea bag into the well of the inverted piece.

61. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 57, wherein the piece comprises a top recess, and wherein a second vessel containing a tasting product is located within the top recess before step (iv).

62. (canceled)

63. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 57, wherein the piece comprises a perimeter recess, and wherein in step (ii) a ventilation aperture is formed between the perimeter recess and the inside of the vessel rim.

64.-86. (canceled)

87. A method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using an assembly of claim 2, said method comprising the steps of: i. inserting a first liquid into the vessel comprising a rim, ii. placing the piece onto the rim of the vessel such that the first principal surface is uppermost and the downstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece, iii. optionally re-locating the assembly of steps (i) and (ii) to a surface, iv. removing the piece from the vessel, inverting the piece and locating the piece on said surface or other surface, and v. relocating the piece onto the rim of the vessel without re-inverting the piece such that the second principal surface is uppermost and the upstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece.

88. A method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using an assembly of claim 3, said method comprising the steps of: i. inserting a first liquid into the vessel comprising a rim, ii. placing the piece onto the rim of the vessel such that the first principal surface is uppermost and the downstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece, iii. optionally re-locating the assembly of steps (i) and (ii) to a surface, iv. removing the piece from the vessel, inverting the piece and locating the piece on said surface or other surface, and v. relocating the piece onto the rim of the vessel without re-inverting the piece such that the second principal surface is uppermost and the upstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece.

89. A method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using an assembly of claim 5, said method comprising the steps of: i. inserting a first liquid into the vessel comprising a rim, ii. placing the piece onto the rim of the vessel such that the first principal surface is uppermost and the downstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece, iii. optionally re-locating the assembly of steps (i) and (ii) to a surface, iv. removing the piece from the vessel, inverting the piece and locating the piece on said surface or other surface, and v. relocating the piece onto the rim of the vessel without re-inverting the piece such that the second principal surface is uppermost and the upstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece.

90. A method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using an assembly of claim 6, said method comprising the steps of: i. inserting a first liquid into the vessel comprising a rim, ii. placing the piece onto the rim of the vessel such that the first principal surface is uppermost and the downstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece, iii. optionally re-locating the assembly of steps (i) and (ii) to a surface, iv. removing the piece from the vessel, inverting the piece and locating the piece on said surface or other surface, and v. relocating the piece onto the rim of the vessel without re-inverting the piece such that the second principal surface is uppermost and the upstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece.

91. A method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using an assembly of claim 7, said method comprising the steps of: i. inserting a first liquid into the vessel comprising a rim, ii. placing the piece onto the rim of the vessel such that the first principal surface is uppermost and the downstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece, iii. optionally re-locating the assembly of steps (i) and (ii) to a surface, iv. removing the piece from the vessel, inverting the piece and locating the piece on said surface or other surface, and v. relocating the piece onto the rim of the vessel without re-inverting the piece such that the second principal surface is uppermost and the upstand is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0141] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0142] FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic plan of a piece according to various embodiments from the side of surface 2 in which a continuous drip downstand is spaced within the outside of the perimeter.

[0143] FIGS. 1B to 1H are diagrammatic cross-sections through different exemplary pieces according to FIG. 1A.

[0144] FIGS. 1I to 1K are detailed radial cross-sections illustrating different guiding downslopes.

[0145] FIGS. 2A to 2C are perspectives of the assembly according to various embodiments before and after removal of the piece from the vessel and its subsequent relocation on the vessel.

[0146] FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrammatic cross-sections through various embodiments before and after removal of the piece from the vessel and its subsequent relocation on the vessel.

[0147] FIG. 4A is a plan of a piece comprising a perimeter recess according to various embodiments from the side of surface 2 in which a continuous loop downstand is coterminous with part of the outside of the perimeter recess.

[0148] FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic plan of the piece of FIG. 4A from the side of surface 1.

[0149] FIG. 4C is a cross-section through an exemplar piece according to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0150] FIGS. 5A to 5C are perspectives of the assembly according to various embodiments before and after removal piece from the vessel and its subsequent relocation on the vessel.

[0151] FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrammatic cross-sections through various embodiments before and after removal of the piece from the vessel and its subsequent relocation on the vessel.

[0152] FIG. 7A is a plan and FIG. 7B a diagrammatic cross-section through an exemplary piece comprising three discrete upstands on surface 1.

[0153] FIG. 7C is a plan and FIG. 7D a diagrammatic cross-section through an exemplary piece comprising three discrete upstands on surface 1, which surround a top recess intended to retain a second vessel.

[0154] FIGS. 8A and 8B are similar to FIGS. 7A and B but with four discrete upstands.

[0155] FIGS. 8C to 8E are similar to FIGS. 7C and D but with four discrete upstands and a top recess.

[0156] FIGS. 9A to 9C are perspectives of the assembly according to various embodiments before and after removal of a piece with four discrete upstands and its subsequent relocation on the vessel.

[0157] FIGS. 10A to 10 C are cross-sections through the assembly of FIGS. 9A to 9C before and after removal of the piece from the vessel and its subsequent relocation on the vessel.

[0158] FIGS. 11A to 11L are diagrammatic cross-sections of an assembly illustrating one example method of making tea using the assembly.

[0159] FIG. 12A is a diagrammatic plan of the perimeter of a piece with a perimeter recess.

[0160] FIGS. 12B to 12G are cross-sections through a vessel 60 immediately below and viewing upwards towards surface 2 of example pieces located on its rim to illustrate dimensional tolerance aspects of the invention.

[0161] FIG. 13A is a diagrammatic plan of a piece from the side of surface 2.

[0162] FIG. 13B is a diagrammatic plan of the piece of FIG. 13A from the side of surface 1.

[0163] FIGS. 13C-13E are cross-sections through the piece of FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0164] FIGS. 13F-13H are elevations of the piece of FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0165] FIGS. 131 and 13J are perspectives of the piece of FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0166] FIG. 14A is a cross-section through an infuser, vessel, teaspoon, second vessel and piece.

[0167] FIG. 14B is a cross-section through the infuser, vessel, teaspoon, second vessel and piece of FIG. 14A.

[0168] FIG. 14C is a horizontal cross-section through the infuser and vessel of FIG. 14A.

[0169] FIG. 14D is a cross-section through the infuser, vessel, teaspoon, second vessel and piece of FIG. 14A.

[0170] FIG. 14E is a cross-section through an assembly with a second vessel in an infuser located on an inverted piece on a vessel.

[0171] FIG. 14F is a cross-section through an infuser which sits in a moat of an inverted piece.

[0172] FIG. 14 G is an exploded cross-section through an assembly comprising a rim-supported infuser.

[0173] FIG. 14H is a cross-section through an assembly comprising a rim-supported infuser.

[0174] FIG. 15A is a diagrammatic plan from the side of surface 1 of a piece with dual upstand and dual downstand surfaces.

[0175] FIG. 15B is a diagrammatic plan from the side of surface 2 of a piece with dual upstand and dual downstand surfaces.

[0176] FIG. 15C is a cross-section through the piece of FIGS. 15A and 15B.

[0177] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic plan showing example dimensions of a downstand and an upstand.

[0178] FIGS. 17A to 17F are perspectives illustrating steps in a method making, serving and returning an assembly using a tea bag.

[0179] FIGS. 18A to 18F are perspectives illustrating steps in a method making, serving and returning an assembly using an infuser.

[0180] FIG. 19 is a perspective of an example assembly comprising a piece with a perimeter handle.

[0181] FIG. 20A is a diagrammatic plan of a piece made from a pulp, for example of paper or bagasse.

[0182] FIGS. 20B to 20G are diagrammatic cross-sections through pieces according to FIG. 20A.

[0183] FIG. 20H is a cross-section through an assembly with an example piece according to FIG. 20E.

[0184] FIG. 21 is a perspective of an example assembly showing how a second tasting products, for example sugar in wrapping, can form part of an assembly.

[0185] FIGS. 22A to 22C are cross-sections though example recesses in a piece.

[0186] In the figures, for clarity, only features on the facing surface are shown, features on a remote surface not indicated, even with transparent embodiments.

[0187] FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic plan view of the second principal surface of piece 10 comprising a continuous drip downstand 20 surrounding well 8 and located inside and adjacent to lower ledge 13 and spaced inside piece perimeter 30 throughout its length. This downstand 20 and adjacent lower ledge 13 is present in all the embodiments of cross-sectional FIGS. 1B to 1H, as is upstand 130, upstand outside surface 131, and adjacent upper ledge 12. In the embodiments of cross-sections X-X in FIGS. 1B to 1H, the piece perimeter 30, upstand 130 and downstand 20 are typically circular and these embodiments are collectively referred to as piece 10 for convenience but are separately identifiable by their cross-sectional figure number. The downstand 20 is designed to sit within the rim of a vessel 60 with lower ledge 13 located on the rim 62 of the vessel 60 (not shown but as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3A). The downstand 20 with downstand outside surface 121 provides a limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of vessel 60. Following inversion of piece 10, it is capable of being returned to vessel 60 (not shown) with upstand 130 and upstand outside surface 131 within and providing a limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of vessel 60.

[0188] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1B to 1E, surface 1 comprises top recess 3 comprising recessed surface 4, top recess wall 7 and top recess perimeter 5 at the top of top recess wall 7 within upstand 130. Surface 1 also comprises support point 50, typically on a circular support locus of piece 10 following inversion of piece 10 and placing on a surface, for example the horizontal surface of a table or desk. In the pieces of FIGS. 1B to 1E, the top recess perimeter wall 7 is typically of a height between the recessed surface 4 and top recess perimeter 5 of not less than 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and optionally above 6 mm.

[0189] In FIGS. 1C to 1E and 1G and 1H, inwardly sloping surface or guiding downslope 138, which slopes downwards from the top of upstand outside surface 131 towards the centre of the piece, has a primary role in enhancing the stability of the piece following inversion, ensuring that the support points 50 are at the furthest possible point from the centre of the piece, where guiding downslope 138 meets upstand outside surface 131. Secondly, if the assembly comprises a top recess 3 to retain a second vessel 100, the inwardly sloping surface or guiding downslope 138 assists in the location of the second vessel into the top recess. Thirdly, it has also been found in practice, and surprisingly so, that if a second vessel 100 located within top recess 3 is knocked sideways with sufficient force to knock it over, the inwardly sloping surface 138 supports the dislodged second vessel 100, for example enabling it to be reinstated into top recess 3, providing the dislodging force is not sufficient to knock the second vessel 100 completely off the piece. Fourthly, an inwardly sloping guiding downslope facilitates the support and retention on the piece of a second tasting product, for example sugar, for example as illustrated in FIG. 21. These four separate stability, guiding and supporting features of inwardly sloping surface 138 provide distinct advantages over the prior art. For the avoidance of doubt, any corner radius at the top of top recess wall 7 is within top recess perimeter 5 and not part of any inwardly sloping, guiding downslope 138, the radial dimension of which, between the support point 50 at the top of upstand outside surface 131 and a top recess perimeter, is preferably greater than 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm. The guiding downslope is optionally straight or curved in cross-section, for example convex or concave.

[0190] In the embodiment FIG. 1B, upstand 130 is optionally a mirror image of downstand 20.

[0191] The piece of FIG. 1C comprises top recess 3 capable of retaining a second vessel 100 (not shown) located on top recess surface 4 within top recess wall 7, which provides a lateral restraint to second vessel 100, as shown in FIG. 3A. In FIGS. 1C to 1E, inwardly sloping surface or guiding downslope 138 potentially assists the location of a second vessel 100 by guiding it inwardly towards optional top recess 3. It should be understood that any radius at the top of a top recess wall 7 does not comprise part of a guiding downslope according to the present invention albeit potentially assisting in the location of a second vessel into a top recess. The piece of FIG. 1D is similar to that of FIG. 1C but also comprises a moat recess 14 in well 8, typically an annular recess 14 located inside and adjacent to downstand 20. If the piece is inverted and located on a horizontal surface, and a used tea bag or used infuser is transferred to the inverted piece, the moat drains or receives free liquid or tea liquor emanating from the used tea bag or infuser, for example making a used tea bag more convenient to be removed for disposal or return back into vessel 60 without liquid spilling.

[0192] In FIG. 1E, upstand surface 131 comprises concave upstand surface 132, which enables the piece to be gripped, for example with opposing fingers and thumb, to assist lifting the piece from the vessel 60 rim 62 (not shown). FIG. 1F illustrates a piece with a flat top in surface 1 without a top recess. FIGS. 1G and 1H show pieces with an inwardly sloping guiding downslope 138 to enhance stability upon inversion and optionally to support and retain a second tasting product 92 (not shown), for example sugar or a cake as illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0193] The invention allows for a wide range and variety of shapes. For example, the top surface 1 in FIG. 1F is optionally convex (domed) or concave (dished). As another example, the piece perimeter 30 and continuous downstand 20 are optionally polygonal, in which case the vessel rim would optionally also be polygonal, or on a sinusoidal curve relative to a circle.

[0194] The pieces of FIGS. 1A-1H are typically intended to sit loosely within a vessel 60, comprising rim 62, for example according to FIGS. 3A and 3C, there being a dimensional tolerance between the downstand outside surface 121 of downstand 20 and the inside of the vessel 60 onto which it is located, such that the piece 10 can be subsequently removed from vessel 60 by a force no greater than the weight of the piece 10.

[0195] This tolerance between the outside surface 121 of downstand 20 and the inside of the vessel rim 62 allows for the tolerances of manufacture of the vessel 60 and piece 10, both of which will have acceptable tolerances in diameter and shape from that of a true circle, for example. The piece can be located with the continuous loop downstand 20 within the vessel with a continuous gap between the outside of the downstand outside surface 121 and the inside of the vessel. A nominal circumferential gap between the outside of downstand 20 and the inside of a vessel rim 62 of 0.1 mm to 3 mm has been found to be useful according to various embodiments, which relates to a diameter of the outside of downstand 20 being 0.2 mm to 6 mm less than the inside rim diameter of the vessel, the difference in these diameters preferably being less than 3 mm.

[0196] Similarly, if the pieces of FIGS. 1A to 1H are inverted and located on a vessel 60, the upstand 130 sits loosely within vessel rim 62. A tolerance between the upstand outside surface 131 of upstand 130 and the inside of the vessel allows the piece to be located within the vessel with a continuous gap between the outside of the upstand and the inside of the vessel. A nominal circumferential gap between the outside of upstand 130 and the inside of a vessel rim 62 of 0.1 mm to 3 mm has been found to be useful according to various embodiments, which relates to a diameter of the outside of upstand 130 being 0.2 mm to 6 mm less than the inside rim diameter of the vessel, the difference in these diameters preferably being less than 3 mm. The inverted piece 10 can be subsequently removed from vessel 60 by a force no greater than the weight of the piece 10.

[0197] Typically, a piece 10 in FIGS. 1A-1H is of rigid construction, for example of glass, plastic material for example polycarbonate, copolyester or melamine, stainless steel or ceramic material or bamboo. Optionally, a piece 10 in FIGS. 1A-1H is made of a flexible material, for example of silicone or moulded paper pulp or bagasse.

[0198] FIGS. 1I-1K illustrate example radial cross-sections through the outside of the piece 10 in FIG. 1C and piece 11 in FIG. 4C with differing guiding downslopes 138, a straight guiding downslope 138 in FIG. 1I, a convex guiding downslope 138 in FIG. 1J and a concave guiding downslope in FIG. 1K. In each case, the radial dimension gd is shown to extend from support point following inversion 50 at the top of the upstand outside surface 131 to the top recess perimeter 5 at the top of top recess wall 7. It should be understood that any prior art radius or other transition curve rTR between a top recess wall and any surrounding surface does not constitute part of or the whole of a guiding downslope according to the present invention. Guiding downslope 138 slopes down inwardly and towards surface 2 from support point following inversion 50 to top recess perimeter 5 and has a radial dimension gd greater than 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and optionally one of 3-7, 7-12 and more than 12 mm. It should be understood that a guiding downslope is an optional feature of the present invention. 5. In the radial cross-sections taken through the piece axis in FIGS. 1I to 1K, the profile of the lower ledges 13 is flat or comprises a curve which does not vary by more than 90, 180 degrees from the outside of the lower ledge to an outermost downstand surface point 21, and wherein the profile of the upper ledges is flat or comprises a curve which does not vary by more than 90, 180 degrees from the outside of the upper ledge to an outermost upstand surface point 135.

[0199] FIG. 2A is a perspective of an assembly comprising the piece 10 of FIG. 1C. Optional second vessel 100 with tasting product 91 sits inside top recess 3 within surface 1 of piece 10. Guiding downslope 138 assists the location of second vessel 100 within top recess 3. Piece 10 is supported on the rim 62 (not visible) of vessel 60 containing first liquid 90, for example hot water (not visible) and tea bag 80 (not visible) with string connector 82 and suspension handle 84, for example a paper tag, outside vessel 60. This assembly of FIG. 2A can be held and safely carried in one hand by holding vessel 60, for example by vessel handle 61. FIG. 2B shows second vessel 100 having been removed from piece 10 and piece 10 having been inverted and located adjacent to vessel 60, the well 8 within surface 2 being capable of receiving used tea bag 80. Any drops or other leakage of tea from used tea bag 80 are typically contained within well 8, without any tea dripping onto the horizontal surface supporting them. FIG. 2C shows piece 10 with used tea bag 80 returned onto rim 62 of vessel 60 without re-inversion of piece 10. This assembly of FIG. 2C can be held and securely and safely carried in one hand by holding vessel 60, for example by vessel handle 61. FIG. 3A is a cross-section through the assembly of FIG. 2A. The circular piece 10 acts as a lid to vessel 60. A string connector 82, connected to suspension handle 84 and tea bag 80, is trapped between lower ledge 13 and the rim 62 of vessel 60, to ensure the suspension handle 84 does not slip into the hot water 90. Hot water 90 becomes infused with the tea in tea bag 80. Optional second vessel 100 is located within top recess perimeter 5 in top recess 3 on surface 1 of piece 10 and contains tasting product 91, for example milk. Guiding downslope 138 assists the location of second vessel 100 within top recess 3. This assembly of FIG. 3A can be held and safely carried in one hand by holding vessel 60, for example by vessel handle 61. In FIG. 3B, piece 10 is shown inverted, enabling the transfer of tea bag 80 onto inverted piece 10 by means of connector 82 and suspension handle or tag 84, typically when the brewed tea 90 is of the drinker's preferred strength. FIG. 3C illustrates the piece 10 of FIG. 3B returned to rim 62 of vessel 60 with upstand 130 comprising upstand surface 131 within rim 62 of vessel 60. Optional second vessel 100 is optionally located inside vessel 60 for return carry of the assembly of FIG. 3C to a kitchen or other service location, optionally being held and carried in one hand, optionally by holding vessel handle 61. Upstand outside surface 131 provides a limited movement lateral restraint of piece 10 against the inside of vessel 60.

[0200] FIG. 4A is similar to FIG. 1A except for piece 11 varying from piece 10 by virtue of perimeter recess 40. Perimeter recess 40 is optionally in the arc of a circle for at least part of its length and optionally downstand 20 is coterminous with part of perimeter recess 40. Optionally perimeter recess 40 fits closely and optionally contiguously with the outside of vessel 60 (not shown) after inversion and docking of the piece 11, as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 6B.

[0201] FIGS. 1B to 1F are also optional cross-sections X-X for piece 11 comprising perimeter recess 40. FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic plan from side 1 of one embodiment of piece 11 with a cross-section S-S of FIG. 1C. Upstand 130 with upstand outside surface 131 and inwardly sloping, guiding downslope 138 surrounds top recess 3. Locus 50 in FIG. 4B comprises support point 50 in FIG. 4C, which supports piece 11 after its inversion and location on a surface, for example a table or desk supporting vessel 60 (not shown). Inwardly sloping surface 138 is capable of guiding optional second vessel 100 into top recess 3 and has been shown capable of providing a shoulder on which second vessel 60 can lie if toppled, for example by significant impact in a busy hospitality environment. FIG. 4C is cross-section S-S through piece 11 with continuous upstand 130 comprising upstand outside surface 131 adjacent to upper ledge 12. It should be understood that the embodiments of FIGS. 1B and 1D to 1H may be similarly adapted to comprise a perimeter recess 40.

[0202] FIG. 5A is a perspective of the assembly comprising the piece 11 of FIGS. 4A to 4C. Optional second vessel 100 with tasting product 91 sits on surface 4 (not shown) inside top recess 3 within surface 1 of piece 11, and optional teaspoon 95 is located within ventilation aperture 70, piece 11 being supported on the rim 62 of vessel 60 containing hot water 90 (not visible) and tea bag 80 (not visible) with string connector 82 optionally within ventilation aperture 70 and suspension handle 84 outside vessel 60. FIG. 5B shows optional second vessel 100 removed from piece 11 and piece 11 inverted and perimeter recess 40 located close to and preferably contiguously with vessel 60, the well 8 on surface 2 having received used tea bag 80. This configuration of the assembly typically enables used tea bag 80 from vessel 60 to be transferred into well 8 with any drops or other leakage of tea from tea bag 80 being contained within well 8, without any tea dripping onto the horizontal surface supporting the vessel 60 and inverted piece 11. FIG. 5C illustrates used tea bag 80 on piece 11 returned onto rim 62 of vessel 60 without re-inversion of piece 11. This assembly of FIG. 5C can be held and safely carried in one hand by holding vessel 60, for example by vessel handle 61. Optionally, for a return carry to a kitchen or other service point, optional second vessel 100 (not shown) is located within vessel 60 and optional teaspoon 95 is optionally located within ventilation aperture 70 between vessel rim 62 and perimeter recess 40.

[0203] FIG. 6A is a cross-section through the assembly of FIG. 5A. The piece 11 acts as a lid to vessel 60. Ventilation aperture 70 is located between the rim 62 of vessel 60 and the perimeter recess 40 of piece 11, enabling the escape of steam and optionally the retention of a string connector 82, connected to suspension handle 84 and tea bag 80, the ventilation aperture 70 optionally being of smaller maximum dimension than the smallest dimension of suspension handle 84, to ensure the suspension handle 84 does not slip into the hot water 90. Optionally spoon 95 is located partly within vessel 60, and the spoon shaft is also located within the ventilation aperture 70 between the piece perimeter recess and the vessel 60 rim 62. Hot water 90 becomes infused with tea or other infusion in tea bag 80. Optional second vessel 100 is located within top recess 3 on surface 1 of piece 11 and contains tasting product 91, for example milk. It should be noted that the bowl 97 of spoon 95, subject to gravity, tends to slide along the inside base of vessel 60 and push piece 11 sideways until it reaches an equilibrium point when the continuous downstand 20 bears on the opposite inside edge of rim 62 of vessel 60, which in turn provides greater stability to the assembly. In FIG. 6B, piece 11 is shown inverted, preferably with perimeter recess 40 fitting snugly or contiguously against vessel 60, enabling transfer of tea bag 80 onto inverted piece 11 by means of suspension handle 84, without any tea dripping onto the horizontal surface supporting them (not shown). Guiding downslope 138 and support points 50 at the top of upstand outside surface 131, on the outside of guiding downslope 138, together provide for a more stable support of the inverted piece 11 than the prior art pieces of '147 and '434 with their more closely spaced support points on the top, inside edges of their outwardly downsloping top surface. FIG. 6C illustrates used tea bag 80 on piece 11 returned onto rim 62 of vessel 60 without re-inversion of piece 11, seated on upper ledge 12, upstand 130 providing limited movement lateral restraint to piece 11. This assembly of FIG. 6C can be held and safely carried in one hand by holding vessel 60, for example by vessel handle 61. Optionally, for a return carry to a kitchen or other service point, optional second vessel 100 is located within vessel 60 and optional teaspoon 95 is optionally located within ventilation aperture 70 between vessel rim 62 and perimeter recess 40.

[0204] The pieces 10 of FIGS. 1A to 3C and pieces 11 of FIGS. 4A to 6C are optionally transparent allowing the first liquid 90 to be visible through a piece 10 or 11, enabling monitoring of the developing strength of infusion 90 in vessel 60, for example piece 10 or 11 being of glass or transparent plastic, for example polycarbonate or copolyester, for example Eastman Tritan, a trademark of Eastman Chemical Corporation, USA. Optionally, vessel 60 is transparent, for example of glass, polycarbonate or Eastman Tritan copolyester. Optionally, second vessel 100 is also transparent, to facilitate visibility and measurement of tasting product 91, second vessel 100 optionally having volumetric markings, for example to measure alcohol to be mixed into first liquid 90, for example tea, to make a tea cocktail.

[0205] In the above embodiments of FIGS. 4A to 6C, a perimeter recess 40 optionally includes an outer edge comprising smoothly transitioned curves to assist manipulation of a string connector 82 within the ventilation aperture 70. The perimeter recess is typically open such that if a circular arc of radius r is struck concentric with the piece perimeter 30 that intersects the perimeter recess 40 at two points, the tangents of the perimeter recess 40 at the two points intersect within the radius of the arc, at a subtended angle T greater than 0 and optionally greater than at least one of 45 and 60 and/or 90. Ventilation aperture 70 formed between perimeter recess 40 and rim 62 allows steam to escape and provides a means of retaining a string connector 82 while enabling tea in vessel 60 to be infused faster by raising and lowering tea bag 80 in hot water 90 by means of suspension handle 84. Optionally the ventilation aperture 70 between the perimeter recess 40 and rim 62 retains the shaft 96 of a spoon 95.

[0206] The piece 111 in FIGS. 7A and 7B has a surface 2 similar to that of FIGS. 1A and 1C. Surface 1 comprises three discrete upstands 136 comprising upstand surfaces 131 capable of providing lateral restraint when the piece is inverted and returned to the rim 62 of a vessel 60 (not shown), optionally with a used tea bag or used infuser on surface 2. The upstands 136 are shown as narrow fins but optionally are other shapes, for example cylindrical upstands. An optional upstand inside surface 133 to each upstand optionally provides a lateral restraint to an optional second vessel 100 (not shown) when located within the three discrete upstands 136, typically as part of an assembly including vessel 60 (not shown), capable of being held and carried in one hand by holding vessel 60. The piece 112 of FIGS. 7C and 7D is similar to that of FIGS. 7A and 7B except that the discrete upstands 136 comprise inwardly sloping upper surfaces or guiding downslopes 138, as shown in FIG. 7D, and comprise a top recess 3 to further restrain a second vessel 100 (not shown). In all the embodiments of FIGS. 7A to 7D, the discrete upstands 136 to the pieces 111 and 112 are optionally of sufficient height or projection above the adjacent upper ledge, typically greater than 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, to act as a handle which can be gripped by finger and thumb to lift a piece 111 or 112 onto and from the rim 62 of vessel 60 (not shown). The guiding downslopes 138 in conjunction with support points 50 provide a stable support for a piece 111 or 112 following inversion.

[0207] The piece 113 in FIGS. 8A and 8B comprises a perimeter recess 40 and a surface 2 similar to that of FIGS. 4A and 4C. Surface 1 comprises four discrete upstands 136 comprising upstand outside surface 131 capable of providing a limited movement lateral restraint when the piece 113 is inverted and returned to the rim 62 of vessel 60 (not shown), typically with a used tea bag or used infuser on surface 2. The upstands 136 are shown as narrow fins but could be other shapes, for example four cylindrical upstands. An inside surface 133 to each upstand 136 optionally provides a lateral restraint to a second vessel 100 (not shown) when located within the four discrete upstands 136, typically as part of an assembly including vessel 60 (not shown), capable of being held and carried in one hand by holding vessel 60. The piece 114 of FIGS. 8C to 8E is similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B except that the discrete upstands 136 comprise inwardly sloping guiding downslopes 138, as shown in FIG. 8D. The guiding downslopes 138 in conjunction with support points 50 provide a stable support for the piece following inversion. In all the embodiments of FIGS. 8A to 8E, the discrete upstands 136 to the pieces 113 and 114 are optionally of sufficient height or projection, typically greater than 8 mm, 10 mm, to act as a handle which can be gripped by finger and thumb to lift the piece 113 or 114 onto and from the rim 62 of vessel 60 (not shown). It should be understood that pieces of the present invention optionally comprise any number of discrete upstands.

[0208] In FIGS. 1A to 1 K and 7A to 8E, the upper and lower ledges are shown as continuous. However, it should be understood that the first principal surface optionally comprises a plurality of discrete upper ledges and the second principal surface optionally comprises a plurality of discrete lower ledges.

[0209] In FIGS. 1A to 1 K and 7A to 8E, the upstand outside surface 131 is typically at an angle to the piece axis of less than 14, 10 or 10 degrees.

[0210] FIG. 9A is a perspective of the assembly comprising a piece 114 of FIGS. 8C to 8E. Optional second vessel 100 with tasting product 91 sits inside and is retained by top recess 3 (not shown) and the inside surfaces 133 of discrete upstands 136. Optional teaspoon 95 is located within ventilation aperture 70, piece 114 being supported by lower ledge 13 on the rim 62 of vessel 60 containing hot water 90 (not visible) and tea bag 80 (not visible) with string connector 82 within ventilation aperture 70 and suspension handle 84 outside vessel 60. FIG. 9B shows optional second vessel 100 removed from piece 114 and piece 114 inverted and located or docked close to, preferably touching, and more preferably contiguous with vessel 60, with used tea bag 80 shown transferred to well 8 within surface 2. This configuration of the assembly typically enables the transfer of used tea bag 80 from vessel 60 into well 8, any drops or other leakage of tea from tea bag 80 being contained within well 8, without any tea dripping onto the horizontal surface supporting them. The guiding downslopes 138 with support points 50 provide a stable support for the piece 114 following inversion. Guiding downslopes 138 and support points 50, on the outside of guiding downslopes 138, together provide for a more stable support of the inverted piece 11 than the prior art pieces of '147 and '434 with their more closely spaced support points on the top, inside edges of their outwardly downsloping top surfaces. FIG. 9C illustrates inverted piece 114, optionally with used tea bag 80 within well 8, returned onto rim 62 of vessel 60 without re-inversion of piece 114. This assembly of FIG. 9C can be held and safely carried in one hand by holding vessel 60, for example by vessel handle 61, as the discrete upstands 136 (not shown) provide limited movement lateral restraint to piece 114 against the inside of vessel 60. Optionally, for a return carry to a kitchen or other service point, optional second vessel 100 (not shown) is located within vessel 60 and optional teaspoon 95 is optionally located within ventilation aperture 70 between vessel rim 62 and perimeter recess 40.

[0211] FIG. 10A is a cross-section V-V through the piece 114 of FIG. 8C and the assembly of FIG. 9A. The piece 114 acts as a lid to vessel 60. Ventilation aperture 70 is located between the rim 62 of vessel 60 and the perimeter recess 40 of piece 114, enabling the escape of steam and optionally the retention of a string connector 82, connected to suspension handle 84 and tea bag 80, the ventilation aperture 70 optionally being of smaller maximum dimension than the smallest dimension of suspension handle 84, to ensure the suspension handle 84 does not slip into the hot water 90. Optionally teaspoon 95 is located partly within vessel 60, also located within ventilation aperture 70. Hot water 90 becomes infused with tea in tea bag 80. Optional second vessel 100 is located in top recess 3 and discrete upstands 136 on surface 1 of piece 114 and contains tasting product 91, for example of milk. Discrete upstands 136 provide additional security against the toppling of optional second vessel 100. It should be noted that the bowl 97 of teaspoon 95, subject to gravity, tends to slide along the inside base of vessel 60 until it reaches an equilibrium point when the continuous downstand 20 bears on the opposite inside edge of rim 62 of vessel 60, which in turn provides greater stability to the assembly. In FIG. 10B, piece 114 is shown inverted with perimeter recess 40 fitting snugly or contiguously against vessel 60, enabling transfer of tea bag 80 from vessel 60 onto inverted piece 114 by means of suspension handle 84, without any tea dripping onto the horizontal surface 150 supporting them. FIG. 10C illustrates used tea bag 80 on piece 114 returned onto rim 62 of vessel 60 without re-inversion of piece 114. Discrete upstands 136 provide limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of vessel 60. This assembly of FIG. 10C can be held and safely carried in one hand by holding vessel 60, for example by vessel handle 61. Optionally, for a return carry to a kitchen or other service point, optional second vessel 100 is located within vessel 60 and optional teaspoon 95 is optionally located within ventilation aperture 70 between vessel rim 62 and perimeter recess 40, its bowl 97 within vessel 60.

[0212] FIGS. 11A-11I are diagrammatic cross-sections through vessel 60 in one method of tea-making using a piece 11.

[0213] An empty vessel 60 is shown in FIG. 11A and the same vessel 60 filled with hot water 90 to a suitable level below its rim 62 is shown in FIG. 11B. In FIG. 11C, piece 11 is located to act as a lid on the rim 62 of vessel 60, the continuous downstand 20 preventing piece 11 sliding off vessel 60. This arrangement maintains hot water 90 to a higher temperature than if vessel 60 remained uncovered as in FIG. 11B. Ventilation aperture 70 allows steam evaporating from the hot water 90 to be released into the atmosphere. The piece 11 is optionally placed onto the vessel 60 immediately after inserting hot water 90 into vessel 60 and the vessel is carried to a tea drinker with the piece 11 acting as a lid on vessel 60, optionally with a selected type of tea bag 80 located in top recess 3. Alternatively, a tea bag 80 is selected by the tea drinker at a serving table from a selection of types of tea being offered. In FIG. 11D, piece 11 is temporarily removed to allow the placing of tea bag 80, by means of string connector 82 and suspension handle 84, into hot water 90, following which piece 11 is relocated on the rim 62 of vessel 60, perimeter recess 40 enabling the guiding and retaining the string 82 between the perimeter recess 40 and vessel rim 62 in ventilation aperture 70, as shown in FIGS. 11E and 11F. The ventilation aperture 70 is optionally small enough to ensure suspension handle 84 is maintained outside vessel 60 and piece 11 in FIG. 11F. Ventilation aperture 70 optionally has a maximum dimension less than the minimum dimension of suspension handle 84, and optionally has a maximum dimension of less than 30 mm, 25 mm, and 20 mm. This order of steps or stages in serving tea is common in some cultures, for example the USA. However, in other cultures, for example the UK, it is more common to first place a tea bag, or loose leaf tea in a loose leaf infuser, into an empty vessel 60 and then introduce hot water 90, or to introduce a tea bag or loose tea infuser into hot water 90, before carrying the assembly to a point of brewing and/or consumption, for example a restaurant table or domestic lounge. Optionally a spoon 95 is placed in vessel 60, its shaft 96 retained inside ventilation aperture 70. Optionally, second vessel 100 with tasting product 91 is inserted in top recess 3 of piece 11 in the assembly of FIG. 10F, before the assembly is carried to a point of consumption, a complete tea service optionally being held in one hand. In all the above options, it is preferable for the piece 11 to be located on vessel 60 during any carrying of the assembly and during the infusion or brewing stage, which typically has a recommended duration of 3-5 minutes recommended by most tea brands.

[0214] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 11G, optional second vessel 100 is removed and tea bag 80 is optionally agitated by raising and lowering it in the hot water 90 by means of string connector 82 and suspension handle 84, in order to accelerate the infusion process of the tea in tea bag 80 in hot water 90, until the required strength of tea is obtained. The downstand 20 acts as a drip, allowing drops of condensed water on surface 2 to drip back into the hot water 90 in vessel 60, rather than migrating towards the outside of piece 11. The downstand 20 with coterminous perimeter recess 40 also provides a smooth side restraint to any raising and lowering of the string to agitate tea bag 80. The underside of the downstand 20 forming part of perimeter recess 40 and edge of the ventilation aperture 70, also acts as a stop to the shoulder of a tea bag being raised while piece 11 is acting as a lid to vessel 60. Optionally the piece comprises a transparent material such that the colour of the infusing tea is visible through the piece 11.

[0215] In FIG. 11H, piece 11 has been removed from vessel 60, inverted and placed snugly against the outside of vessel 60, to eliminate or reduce tea spillage on transfer of the wet, used tea bag 80 into the well 8 of inverted piece 11, as shown in FIG. 11I, following which piece 11 is typically moved relative to vessel 60. The used tea bag 80 is located in the well 8 within drip downstand 20, typically ensuring no tea leaks from the piece, an arrangement which also allows the optional reuse of tea bag 80. Optionally, the piece 11 and vessel 60 are made as part of a set or are otherwise selected such that the radius of the scalloped perimeter recess at the edge of the downstand 20 is the same as or similar to the radius of the vessel 60 at the height where they touch when the piece 11 is inverted and docked against vessel 60. This height is typically the height between the horizontal surface, for example a table (which is also the lowest point of surface 1 after inversion) and the top edge or furthermost surface from the centre of the downstand 20 within perimeter recess 40 after inversion.

[0216] FIG. 11J illustrates vessel 60 containing beverage 90, following the addition of any tasting product 91 from second vessel 100, for example milk, lemon and/or sweetener, ready to be consumed. After consumption, second vessel 100 containing any residual tasting product 91 is optionally located inside vessel 60 for ease of returning the assembly to a kitchen or other service point, as is teaspoon 95. FIG. 11L illustrates the essential capability of the present invention of piece 11 being returned to vessel 60 without re-inverting or re-flipping, with surface 1 facing downwards and used tea bag 80 located above surface 2. Piece 11 is securely located on vessel 60, upstand outside surface 131 providing limited movement lateral restraint to the inside of vessel 60. This avoids the need to tip the used tea bag into vessel 60 with any tea liquor within well 8 and the high likelihood of spilling that this would entail while otherwise re-inverting the piece 11. It also enables safe carrying of the assembly held in one hand, for example by holding handle 61. This avoidance of the need to re-invert the piece 11, without the risk of spilling the used tea bag or tea liquor, is one of the key benefits of this invention.

[0217] Optionally, any piece of the present invention can be returned temporarily to vessel 60 with or without a used tea bag 80 or used infuser 85 on surface 2 facing upwards, without the risk of spilling, for example to keep the tea or other infusion warm before or during its consumption, for example if the drinker is interrupted for any reason. Such temporary return of an upturned piece to the rim of the vessel, is also usefully as a bug barrier or preventing detritus from entering the infusion 90, particularly if one is consuming a drink outdoors.

[0218] The invention thus provides significant improvements to the enjoyment of beverage consumption, in particular by optionally keeping the tea warmer and extending its warm consumption duration, as well as avoiding the embarrassment of spills. It also provides significant improvements to the functionality, efficiency and economy of making, serving and clearing tea, in particular in avoiding mess and consequent cleaning and saving time in the clearing process, and the capability of efficiently returning a complete tea service held in one hand or taking less room on a tray.

[0219] FIGS. 12A to 12G illustrate desirable design and manufacturing tolerance aspects of the invention.

[0220] FIG. 12A illustrates the perimeter 30 of piece 11 in FIGS. 4A to 4C, including perimeter recess 40 inset from circle 31 by maximum inset dimension d.

[0221] FIG. 12B illustrates piece 11 from the underside of surface 2 showing perimeter 30, continuous downstand 20, perimeter recess 40, vessel 60 in cross-section immediately below the piece 11, in the first configuration. Piece 11 is shown pushed against the inside of vessel 60 at perimeter recess 40, resulting in points of interaction 26. Ventilation aperture 70 is the smallest possible with this combination of piece 11 and vessel 60 and optionally has a minimum dimension of greater than at least one of 1 mm, and 2 mm, and 3 mm, and 5 mm, and 10 mm and/or 15 mm and an area greater than at least one of 20 mm.sup.2, and 50 mm.sup.2, and 100 mm.sup.2, and 150 mm.sup.2 and/or 200 mm.sup.2. Gap t1 diametrically opposite the perimeter recess 40 is the maximum gap between downstand 20 and the inside surface of vessel 60 of annular cross-section, on the plane of interaction between perimeter recess 40 and the inside of vessel 60, and t1 is preferably less than 6, 4, 2, 1, 0.5 mm.

[0222] FIG. 12C illustrates a similar cross-section to FIG. 12B but piece 11 is pushed against the inside of vessel 60 diametrically opposite to the perimeter recess 40, at point of interaction 26, which provides the largest ventilation aperture 70 with this combination of piece 11 and vessel 60, optionally an area of less than 300 mm.sup.2, 250 mm.sup.2 and/or 200 mm.sup.2, with a maximum dimension of less than 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm. The maximum gap between the circular part of downstand 20 outside the perimeter recess 20 and the annular section of vessel 60 on the plane of annular interaction is typically less than gap t1 throughout the circular length of the outside of downstand 20 not including perimeter recess 40.

[0223] Similarly, if any circular piece, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1H, is pushed to interact laterally against the inside of vessel 60, the maximum gap between the inside of the annular cross-section and the outside of circular downstand 20 is less than t1 on the cross-sectional plane of interaction.

[0224] FIGS. 12D and 12E are similar to FIGS. 12B and 12C but show the same piece 11 inverted with surface 1 facing downwards in said third configuration and upstand 130 comprising upstand outside surface 131 providing limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of vessel 60. In FIG. 12D, upstand 130 is pushed against the inside of vessel 60 at perimeter recess 40, resulting in points of interaction 26. Gap t2 diametrically opposite the perimeter recess 40 is the maximum gap between upstand 130 and the inside surface of an annular vessel 60 on the annular plane of interaction between perimeter recess 40 and the inside of vessel 60, which is preferably less than 6, 4, 2, 1, 0.5 mm.

[0225] FIG. 12E illustrates a similar view to FIG. 12D but upstand 130 is pushed against the inside of vessel 60 diametrically opposite to the perimeter recess 40, at point of interaction 26. The maximum gap between the circular part of upstand 130 outside the perimeter recess 20 and the annular section of vessel 60 on the plane of annular interaction is less than gap t2 throughout the circular length of the outside of downstand 20.

[0226] Similarly, if any circular piece, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1H, is pushed to interact laterally against the inside of vessel 60, the maximum gap between the inside of the annular cross-section and the outside of circular upstand 130 is less than t2 on the annular plane of interaction.

[0227] Preferably tolerance gaps t1 and t2 are within 4, 2, 1 mm of each other and optionally identical.

[0228] With this and certain other embodiments of the present invention, if there is a point of contact or point of interaction between an upstand outside surface 131 in one 120 degree sector of the piece, there will be another upstand outside surface 131 in each of the other two 120 degree sectors with a gap between said another upstand outside surface 131 and the inside of vessel inside of vessel 60 of less than t3. Preferably gaps t1 and t3 are within 4, 2, 1 mm of each other and optionally identical.

[0229] FIGS. 12F and 12G are cross-sections similar to FIGS. 12D and E but show inverted piece 111 of FIGS. 7A and 7B sitting on vessel 60. In FIG. 12F, two of discrete upstands 136 are pushed against the inside of vessel 60 at points of contact or interaction 26 on upstand outside surfaces 131. The gap between the third upstand 136 and the inside of vessel 60 on the plane of interaction is t3, optionally less than 6, 4, 2, 1, 0.5 mm. In FIG. 12G, if the upstand outside surface 131 of one upstand 136 is pushed against the inside of vessel 60 at point of contact or interaction 26 in one 120 degree segment of piece 111, there will be an upstand outside surface 131 in each of the other two 120 degree sectors with a gap between another upstand outside surface 131 and the inside of vessel 60 of less than 6, 4, 2, 1, 0.5 mm.

[0230] FIGS. 13A-12J are drawings of an embodiment of the invention that has been reduced to practice. FIG. 13A is a plan viewed from side 2 of piece 11 comprising perimeter 30, perimeter recess 40, and downstand 20.

[0231] FIG. 13B is a plan viewed from side 1. Upstand 130 with upstand outside surface 131 and inwardly sloping guiding downslope 138, lie within upper ledge 12 and perimeter 30, and outside top recess 3. Top recess 3 accommodates optional second vessel 100 or, optionally, accommodates an unused tea bag, sugar or other item, for example a lemon wedge (not shown), when serving with the piece 11 on a drinking vessel 60 (not shown). Cross-sections FIGS. 13C, 13D and 13E show upstand 130, upstand outside surface 131, upstand guiding downslope 138 sloping down towards top recess perimeter 5 of top recess 3. Perimeter recess 40 in radial cross-section typically comprises two intersecting slopes, upstand outside slope 131 and downstand outside slope 121, as shown in FIGS. 13D and 13E, for example to enable easy mould separation in manufacture. The perimeter recess intersection point 41 of the two slopes is on a perimeter recess intersection locus which typically touches and is optionally contiguous with a drinking vessel following inversion and docking of the perimeter recess of the piece to the vessel. The inwardly sloping surface of the downstand outside surface 121 accommodates vessels that are outwardly sloping from their base. The inwardly sloping surface of the upstand outside surface 131 is useful in accommodating vessels with a projecting base portion, for example of a Toby Mug. FIGS. 13F, 13G and 13H are elevations of piece 11 showing continuous downstand 20, downstand outside surface 121, lower ledge 13, upstand 130, upstand outside surface 131 and upper ledge 12. FIG. 13I is a diagrammatic perspective of side 2 showing well 8 within continuous drip projection 20 comprising well wall 9 and moat 14. Within the perimeter recess 40, upstand outside surface 131 intersects downstand outside surface 121 at perimeter recess interaction locus 42. Perimeter recess top of upstand locus 51 is concave, appearing as an arch in elevation. FIG. 13J is a diagrammatic perspective of side 1 showing upstand 130, upstand outside surface 131, guiding downslope 138, upper ledge 12 and top recess 3. As shown in FIGS. 1C to 1E and 13B and FIG. 13J, the piece 11 comprises a continuous loop upstand with a continuous and voidless guiding downslope surface 138 from a continuous top of upstand outside surface locus 50 to a top recess perimeter 5. The continuous top of upstand outside surface locus 50 is coincident with part of a circle, which is perpendicular to the piece axis. The top recess perimeter 5 is circular and perpendicular to the piece axis. The recessed area 4 is plane, voidless, circular and perpendicular to the piece axis. The radial dimension between the continuous top of upstand outside surface locus 50 and the top recess perimeter 5 is preferably greater than 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 mm. The axial distance between the circular part of the continuous top of upstand outside surface locus 50 and the top recess perimeter 5 is preferably greater than 1, 2, 3, 4 mm and the axial distance between the top recess perimeter 5 and the recessed area 4 is preferably greater than 2, 3, 4, 5 mm.

[0232] The embodiment of FIGS. 13A to 13J suits the method of injection moulding of plastic materials, for example of polycarbonate or a co-polyester, for example Eastman Tritan, a trademark of Eastman Chemical Company, US, and has been reduced to practice. This method of injection moulding would typically comprise moulding in two parts, to form each side of piece 11. Optionally a third, centre section of the mould for surface 1 to form a logo or other graphic impression on surface 4, is interchangeable so that different logos or other designs can be impressed into surface 1 right-reading. Alternatively, a central section of the mould for surface 2 can form reverse-reading graphics, so as to be visible right-reading from side 1 through a transparent piece 11. A similar design has also been reduced to practice in a ceramic piece 11.

[0233] FIGS. 14A and 14B show tea or other infusion product 99 being brewed into first liquid 90 with loose leaf infuser 85 and optional second vessel 100 being a jug containing liquid tasting product 91, for example milk or alcohol, to be mixed with first liquid 90 following infusion and removal of piece 11 from vessel 60. Loose leaf infuser 85 comprises a perforated bowl, which is open at the top, comprising infuser drum 87 and infuser base 88. Infuser suspension handle 86, infuser connector hook 83 and infuser spine 89 are one continuous, monolithic member, the spine 89 being connected to infuser drum 87. The infuser 85 is optionally made of perforated metal, typically perforated stainless steel, typically reinforced inside its rim by a reinforcing ring. Infuser connector hook 83 is optionally intended to be remote from or pass through the ventilation aperture 70 provided by a piece 11 according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention with infuser suspension handle 86 located outside vessel 60 and piece 11. Optionally, infuser connector hook 83 extends to form a reinforcing ring to drum 73 instead of or in conjunction with spine 89. Infuser 85 is intended to contain loose leaf tea or other infusion. The infuser connector hook 83 together with infuser suspension handle 86, as shown in cross-section in FIG. 14A, enables the infuser 85 to be conveniently agitated by rocking suspension handle 86 from side to side while the infuser connector hook 83 is within ventilation aperture 70 or remote from ventilation aperture 70, optionally located within an infuser ledge recess in lower ledge 13 and optionally an infuser recess in the outer surface 121 of downstand 20. The infuser 85 comprising the connector hook 83 is configured to hook over and below the rim 62 of vessel 60. A teaspoon 95 is optionally located in ventilation aperture 70. FIG. 14B is a cross-section X-X through the assembly of FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C is horizontal cross-section Z-Z, showing infuser 85 with infuser base 88, which is optionally also perforated, within liquid 90, within vessel 60, typically a mug. Spine 89 is an optional reinforcing member of infuser 85. FIG. 14D illustrates the assembly after the inverted piece 11 with used infuser 85 is relocated onto vessel 60. Optional second vessel 100 is optionally located inside vessel 60 and optionally teaspoon 95 is partly located within vessel 60 with its shaft located within ventilation aperture 70. FIG. 14E illustrates another optional configuration of the assembly for return carry, for example to a kitchen. The optional second vessel 60 is optionally located on and partly inside a suitably sized open infuser 85 located in well 8. The resultant assembly of FIG. 14D or FIG. 14E can be cleared from a table or other point of consumption and securely carried back to a kitchen or other service point in one hand by holding the vessel or alternatively within a much smaller area of a tray than prior art tableware for making and serving tea. Optionally drum 87 of an open infuser 85 is configured and arranged to fit within downstand 20 which provides a limited movement lateral restraint to infuser 85, as shown in FIG. 14D. Optionally, infuser drum 87 extends below infuser base 88, enabling it to sit within moat 14 of a piece 10 according to FIG. 14F. The inside of moat 14 preferably provides a limited movement lateral restraint to infuser 85 for secure transfer and relocation onto vessel 60 without the need to re-invert piece 10, a key benefit of the present invention. FIG. 14G is an exploded cross-section through the assembly of FIG. 14H. Rim-supported infuser 102 comprises infuser ledge 81, which is optionally continuous throughout the perimeter of infuser 102, sits on the rim 62 of vessel 60, for example a mug. Loose leaf tea or other infusion product 99 is placed in infuser 102 optionally before or after adding hot water 90. Piece 11 is located on the the infuser 102 with piece lower ledge 13 resting on infuser ledge 81. Spoon 95, for example a small expresso spoon, optionally is located within ventilation aperture 70. Optional second vessel 100 containing tasting product 91, for example a milk jug containing milk, is located within top recess 3. Optionally, infuser base 88 is configured and arranged to sit within well 8 and be provided with limited movement lateral restraint by the inside 9 of downstand 20 following the subsequent inversion of piece 11 and transfer of infuser 85.

[0234] The embodiments of FIGS. 1A-20F are typically limited to a restricted range of vessel inside rim diameters, for example 0.5-3.0 mm larger than the largest downstand outside diameter, in order for the lower ledge to sit on the vessel rim, for the perimeter to preferably lie outside the outside of the vessel rim for ease of lifting the piece from the vessel, and to limit the lateral movement of the piece before the downstand 20 provides lateral restraint. To accommodate a plurality of ranges of vessel inside rim diameters, FIGS. 15A to 15C illustrate one embodiment of piece 115 with a plurality of upstand outside surfaces 131 and upper ledges 12, and a plurality of downstand surfaces 121 and lower ledges 13. FIG. 15A is a diagrammatic and simplified plan of surface 1, illustrating two circular upstand outside surfaces 131 and two annular upper ledges 12 within circular perimeter 30 and surrounding circular top recess 3. FIG. 15B is a diagrammatic and simplified plan of surface 2, illustrating two circular downstand surfaces 121 and two annular lower ledges 13 within circular perimeter 30 surrounding circular well 8. FIG. 15C is cross-section X-X showing the two upstand surfaces 131, the two upper ledges 12, and the two downstand surfaces 121 and two lower ledges 13. Inwardly sloping guiding downslope 138 assists the location of optional second vessel 100 in top recess 3. Optionally, piece 115 can be configured to comprise a perimeter recess which encroaches within just the outer or both outer and inner ledges.

[0235] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic representation of the dimensional requirements of a downstand 20 and upstand 130 in order to provide effective lateral restraint of the piece when acting as a lid to a vessel 60 in both the first and third configurations. When acting as a lid with the first principal surface uppermost in the first configuration, the lower ledge 13 located on the rim 62 of the vessel and the continuous loop downstand 20 located within the vessel 60, the downstand 20 comprises three outermost downstand surface points 21, one in each of three 120-degree sectors. The outermost downstand surface points 21 are points of potential interaction with the inside of the vessel 60 when the piece is subject to a lateral force. Each of the three outermost downstand surface points is the same radius of downstand distance Rd from a downstand centre Cd. For example, if a horizontal cross-section through the downstand surface 121 is circular as in FIG. 1A or circular with the exception of a perimeter recess 40, as in FIG. 4A, the downstand centre is the centre of the circle. When the piece is acting as a lid in the third configuration with the second principal surface uppermost, the upper ledge 12 located on the rim of the vessel 60 and the upstand 130 located within the vessel, the upstand 130 comprises three outermost upstand surface points 135 and the three outermost upstand surface points 135 are the same radius of upstand distance Ru from an upstand centre Cu. For example, if a horizontal cross-section through the upstand outside surface 131 is circular as in FIG. 1A or circular with the exception of a perimeter recess 40, as in FIG. 4A, the upstand centre Cu is the centre of the circle. As another example, the three outermost upstand surface points are at the outermost points of the three discrete upstands 136 in FIG. 7A. In order for the piece to be loosely but securely located as a lid to the vessel 60 in both the first and third configurations, the radius of upstand distance Ru and the radius of downstand distance Rd are preferably within 3, 2, 1 mm of each other. Drinking vessels suited to the present invention typically have a circular rim of inside rim radius in the range of 30-45 mm and Rd and Ru are preferably within 3, 2, 1, 0.5 mm of the vessel inside rim radius. Preferably the upstand centre Cu and downstand centre Cd are substantially coincident on a piece axis through the downstand centre Cd and perpendicular to the plane of the three outermost downstand surface points 21. Typically, the downstand centre Cd and the upstand centre Cu are within 3, 2, 1 mm of the piece axis.

[0236] FIGS. 17A-17F illustrate steps in an example and non-limiting method of making, serving and clearing tea according to the present invention, utilising a tea bag 80. FIG. 1A shows tea bag 80 being inserted into hot water 90 in vessel 60, and the locating of piece 11, comprising upstand 130, upstand outside surface 131 and downslope 138, onto vessel 60. Optionally, tea bag 80 is first located in vessel 60 and hot water 90 then poured into vessel 60. Optional spoon 95 is partly located in vessel 60. In FIG. 17B, an optional second vessel 100, for example a jug containing milk, is shown inserted into a top recess 3 (not visible) in piece 11 and spoon 95 located partly in vessel 60, the spoon shaft 96 retained within ventilation aperture 70. Arrow 140 represents the prepared assembly being carried in one hand 142, alternatively on a tray, to a point of consumption, for example a table or desk. FIG. 17C shows the second vessel 100 removed from piece 11, which is typically retained on vessel 60 to reduce the cooling of the infusion of tea in tea bag 80 with hot water 90 for the recommended infusion duration, typically 3-5 minutes, and/or until the preferred strength of brew is achieved, which can optionally be monitored through an optionally transparent piece 11. In FIG. 17D, piece 11 is removed from vessel 60, inverted and docked snugly to vessel 11. Upon removal of the piece 11, there is typically a concentrated aroma or aroma burst from the aromatic oils contained within downstand 20 during infusion, this concentrated aroma not being experienced from a teapot with the teapot lid kept on the teapot, or tea in an open mug, from which any aroma is continually diffused. FIG. 17D also shows the used tea bag 80 being transferred by means of tea bag connector 82 and tea bag handle 84 into well 8 within continuous downstand 20 of inverted piece 11. Optionally tea bag 80 is untagged, in which case used tea bag 80 is optionally transferred by spoon 95 onto inverted piece 11. Tasting product 91, for example milk or honey, is shown being poured from second vessel 100 into infused water 90 and optionally mixed by spoon 95 (not shown) to make the completed beverage. Following consumption of the beverage, in FIG. 17E, to enable return carry of an assembly in one hand, second vessel 100 is located inside vessel 60 before the inverted piece 11 with used tea bag 80 is returned to vessel 60 without re-inversion. As shown in FIG. 17F, optional spoon 95 is typically relocated within ventilation aperture 70, for return carry, typically in one hand or on a tray, represented by arrow 141. Upstand 130 with upstand surface 131 (not shown) provides a limited movement lateral restraint of the piece 11 within vessel 60.

[0237] FIGS. 18A-18F illustrate steps in an example and non-limiting method of making, serving and clearing tea according to the present invention, utilising an infuser 85. The example infuser 85 illustrated is an open infuser but could be any novel or prior art infuser, for example an infuser with a circular perimeter ledge which sits on the rim of vessel 60, as shown in FIGS. 14F and 14 G. FIG. 18A shows infuser 85 with loose leaf tea inside it being inserted into hot water 90 in vessel 60, and piece 11, comprising upstand 130, upstand outside surface 131 and downslope 138, being located onto vessel 60. Optionally, infuser 85 is first located in vessel 60 and hot water 90 then poured into vessel 60. In FIG. 18B, an optional second vessel 100, for example a jug containing milk, is shown inserted into a top recess 3 (not visible) in piece 11 and spoon 95 located partly in vessel 60, the spoon shaft 96 retained within ventilation aperture 70. Arrow 140 represents the prepared assembly being carried in one hand 142, alternatively on a tray, to a point of consumption, for example a table or desk. FIG. 18C shows the second vessel 100 removed from piece 11, which is typically retained on vessel 60 to reduce the cooling of the infusion of tea in infuser 85 with hot water 90 for the recommended infusion duration, typically 3-5 minutes, and/or until the preferred strength of brew is achieved, which can optionally be monitored through an optionally transparent piece 11. In FIG. 18D, piece 11 is removed from vessel 60, inverted and docked snugly to vessel 11. Upon removal of the piece 11, there is typically a concentrated aroma or aroma burst from the aromatic oils contained within downstand 20 during infusion, this concentrated aroma not being experienced from a teapot with a teapot lid maintained on the teapot, or tea in an open mug, from which any aroma is continually diffused, an advantage of the present invention. FIG. 18D also shows the used infuser 85 transferred into well 8 within continuous downstand 20 of inverted piece 11. Tasting product 91, for example milk or honey, is shown being poured from second vessel 100 into infused water 90 and optionally mixed by spoon 95 (not shown) to make the completed beverage. Following consumption of the beverage, in FIG. 18E, to enable return carry of an assembly in one hand, second vessel 100 is optionally located inside vessel 60 before the inverted piece 11 with used infuser 85 is returned to vessel 60 without re-inversion. As shown in FIG. 18F, spoon 95 is optionally relocated within ventilation aperture 70, for return carry, typically in one hand or on a tray, represented by arrow 141. Upstand 130 with upstand outside surface 131 (not shown) provides a limited movement lateral restraint of the piece 11 within vessel 60 for safe carry. Instead of second vessel 100 being optionally located within vessel 60 as shown in FIGS. 18E and 18F, the second vessel 100 is optionally located on the well 8 or infuser 85 located in the well, for return carry, as illustrated in FIG. 14E.

[0238] FIG. 19 illustrates one example of a perimeter handle 15 to an example, non-limiting piece 10, the perimeter handle 15 projecting radially from the piece to assist the location on, removal from, inversion and subsequent relocation of the piece in relation to the vessel. The example perimeter handle 15 illustrated is cylindrical, to facilitate the inversion of the piece 10 by rotating the perimeter handle 15, for example by rolling between thumb and finger, but a perimeter handle is optionally of any shape which projects outside the rim of vessel 60 when a piece 10 is located to act as a lid to vessel 60.

[0239] FIGS. 20A-20G illustrate pieces typically to be used in conjunction with single use plastic or preferably paper cups. Preferably, the pieces and vessels of FIGS. 20A-20G are made of materials which are moulded or fabricated from paper, bagasse or other natural pulp products which for environmental reasons are preferably recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable. The term paper as used herein includes other materials made from natural pulp, for example wood or sugar cane bagasse pulp, that can be moulded or otherwise fabricated from flat sheets, optionally coated to make them waterproof, and optionally folded, curved, crimped or otherwise formed to make pieces, vessels or second vessels of the present invention. It should be understood that single use assemblies of the present invention are totally different in purpose and function to prior art single use or takeaway cups and lids which are intended to be sealed for carrying, comprising a perimeter profile that grips around a drinking vessel rim, typically a rolled lip or rim to a disposable paper or plastic cup. Such prior art lids typically have a drinking port hole and a vent port hole to allow consumption of a pre-prepared beverage while the lid is otherwise sealed in place. So-called sip through lids, enable drinking after extended carrying, even when walking or in a moving vehicle. The limited lateral restraint characteristic of the present invention is totally unsuited for such use, intended only to enable an assembly to be carried safely over a short distance, for example within a home or foodservice location, where the beverage is infused primarily at the point of consumption. The present invention does not comprise a perimeter-sealed lid and prior art lids, comprising a perimeter-sealed lid with drinking and ventilation holes, would prevent the use of the lid as a waterproof receptacle after inversion for a used tea bag or used infuser, according to second configuration of the present invention. Also, prior art disposable paper cup lids are intended to be disposed of in a recycling or waste bin or re-sealed onto the cup by means of a perimeter grip profile and are not intended to be returned to a cup rim without re-inversion. FIG. 20A is a diagrammatic plan from the second side of the pieces shown in diagrammatic cross-section in FIGS. 20B-20G, the respective example pieces 117-120, 122 and 123 being derived from 360-degree rotation of these cross-sections, typically to be used in conjunction with paper cup vessels. FIG. 20B shows piece 117 comprising paper disc 31 to which is bonded upstand angle ring 134 and downstand angle ring 24 formed by folding and crimping paper sheet material, both bonded to paper disc 31. FIG. 20C is similar to FIG. 20B with the addition of top recess angle ring 34 formed by folding and crimping paper sheet material. in this embodiment, the top of the horizontal portion of upstand angle ring 134 is the top recess support surface for second vessel 100, typically a paper cup expresso cup 101 (not shown). FIG. 20D is similar to FIG. 20B with the addition of top recess paper tray 35 with a crimped perimeter upstand, bonded to paper disc 31. FIG. 20E illustrates piece 120 which is moulded apart from inner angle ring 124. FIG. 20F illustrates piece 122 which is moulded apart from outer angle ring 125. FIG. 20G illustrates piece 123 which is totally moulded. FIG. 20H is a cross-section through an example assembly comprising piece 116, for example of bagasse, sitting on vessel 60, optionally paper cup 63, typically containing infusion 90 and tea bag 80. Tea bag connector 82 to tea bag handle 84 is optionally trapped between lower ledge 13 of piece 116 and a rolled rim 64 of paper vessel 63. Optional second vessel 100 is a paper second vessel 103, for example a paper expresso cup, which sits in and is retained by top recess 3 of piece 116, containing tasting product 91, for example milk. The plan shape of top recess 3 is typically circular but optionally polygonal or other shape which allows top recess wall 7 to retain a second vessel 100, whether such second vessel is circular or other shape on plan. Such assemblies are typically for single use, in locations where reusable embodiments of the present invention, for example comprising ceramics, would be liable to breakage, pilfering or other types of loss, for example outdoor hospitality locations. FIG. 21 illustrates different options of the piece retaining a second tasting product 92, for example sugar, within one example assembly comprising piece 11 with continuous downslope 138, vessel 60, second vessel 100 and spoon 95. In one optional arrangement, a sachet wrapping 93 to second tasting product 92 has a sealed edge 94 which is trapped between the lower ledge (not shown) of piece 11 and rim 62 of vessel 60, optionally also resting on handle 61 to vessel 60 or optional infuser handle 86 (not shown but located over vessel handle 61 as in FIG. 14A). In a second optional arrangement, a sealed edge 94 of sachet 93 containing second tasting product 92 is trapped between the perimeter recess 40 of piece 11 and spoon 95 located within ventilation aperture 70, optionally also resting on second vessel 100 or spoon 95. In a third optional arrangement, second tasting product 92 is a wrapped or unwrapped sugar cube 98 and rests on guiding downslope 138 which slopes inwards towards the centre of piece 11 and thus provides a stable support to sugar cube 98, which optionally also rests against the side of second vessel 100. Other methods of piece 11 retaining a second tasting product 92 include trapping a sachet wrapping 93 between second vessel 100 and top recess 3 (not shown), optionally also resting on downslope 138. A second tasting product 92, for example sugar in a sachet, is optionally rested in the rim of the second vessel. In an assembly without a second vessel, a second tasting product 92, for example a sugar cube or granulated sugar in a sachet, is optionally located in a top recess 3 of a piece. A second tasting product 92, for example granulated sugar in an elongate sachet, sometimes referred to as a sugar stick, is optionally located and retained between an infuser handle and vessel handle which are radially aligned. If there is no second vessel in an assembly, a second tasting product, for example sugar, is optionally located in the top recess of pieces according to FIGS. 1B-1E or surface depressions of FIGS. 1G and 1H.

[0240] FIGS. 22A-22C represent cross-sections through optional infuser recesses 22 and 23 to accommodate, for example, an infuser connector hook 83 and/or infuser spine 89 (not shown) of an infuser as illustrated in FIG. 14A. Cross-section B-B in FIG. 22 shows an example lower ledge infuser recess 23 and cross-section C-C in FIG. 22C shows an example downstand infuser recess 22. FIG. 22B is a radial cross-section through optional infuser recesses 22 and 23. Lower ledge infuser recess 22 preferably envelopes infuser connector hook 83, allowing lower ledge 13 to sit directly onto the rim 62 of vessel 60. Downstand infuser recess 22 preferably envelopes the portion of infuser spine 89 within the depth of adjacent downstand 20, enabling downstand 20 to contact the inside of the vessel 20 and provide a limited movement lateral restraint of piece 11 against the inside of vessel 60. This enables piece 11 to be suited to a wider range of vessel inside rim diameter than would otherwise be the case. The dimensions of an optional infuser recess depend upon and are typically larger than the infuser connector hook 83 and infuser spine 89, for example less than 15 mm, 10 mm wide and less than 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm deep.

[0241] Pieces according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention optionally have many other designs than those illustrated. The invention enables a complete tea service to be held in one hand by holding the vessel and carried securely to a point of brewing and consumption of the tea, or following preparation, to be carried on a tray and served at a point of consumption. An assembly of the present invention typically has the footprint or plan area substantially the same as the plan area of the vessel, enabling more assemblies or other tableware to be carried than prior art tea services of equivalent brewing performance, for example a teapot service. Following relocation on the vessel according to the invention, the assembly can be carried in one hand by holding the vessel or on a tray to a kitchen or other service point with similar convenience and efficiency.

[0242] The piece is typically designed to suit the rim of a particular cup design, or range of cup sizes, or to suit cup rims of non-circular geometry, for example the rim and therefore piece perimeter being substantially square or hexagonal. Optionally, the piece incorporates a printed grayscale of a hue of tea printed or otherwise adhered onto the piece with optional advice on what graytone approximates to weak, medium or strong tea.

[0243] Pieces according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention can be made by many processes, depending on their material, including the injection moulding of plastics, press moulding glass, press or slip moulding ceramics, press moulding or folding of paper, and additive manufacture, for example 3D printing.

[0244] The piece is optionally used to make tea or other infusion by many different methods and is optionally used for other purposes. For example, the piece can be placed on a glass or other drinking vessel and the ventilation aperture is used to contain a straw in order to drink a warm or cold beverage, for example iced tea, thus protecting the beverage from flies or air borne dirt, pollen, etc. As another example, the vessel is optionally served with a saucer and the inverted piece placed under the edge of the saucer to prevent drips onto the table upon transfer of the wet tea bag to the inverted piece.

[0245] There are many other benefits in the various non-limiting embodiments of the invention than those already given. For example, trapping the tea bag suspension handle outside the ventilation aperture saves the time spent in prior art methods of serving, in winding the string connector of a tea bag around a drinking vessel or teapot handle, the prior art means of preventing the suspension handle slipping into the hot water.

[0246] As another example, it has been found to be advantageous to locate a tea bag, typically an untagged tea bag, inside an open bowl of an infuser. This enables hot water to be directed onto the tea bag which is retained in the infuser bowl and cannot be moved away from the flow of hot water, which accelerates the infusion process. It is easier to transfer the used tea bag within an infuser onto the inverted piece by means of the infuser handle rather than being suspended from a string or being retrieved by a teaspoon for transfer. It removes the need for a teaspoon within an assembly if there is no tasting product or second tasting product to be mixed with the infusion.

[0247] Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention have many secondary benefits. For example, if a hospitality company converts from a teapot service to an assembly of the present invention, the cost of the teapots, teapot lids, saucers, their storage space and washing up are eliminated. The prior art tea service comprising a teapot and teapot lid, which provides enclosed infusion conditions to keep the brewing tea hot, and typically a tasting product to be mixed with the infusion, required many pieces in the tea service, for example a teapot, teapot lid, cup, saucer, spoon and a jug for milk, or dish for lemon, or jar for honey, optionally a sieve on a dish to be served with loose leaf tea, which all together required a tray in order to carry the many components to a table or other point of brewing and consumption. The present invention allows a complete tea service to be held and safely carried in one hand.

[0248] The foregoing illustrated embodiments are provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of various embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the principles of the present invention are intended to encompass any and all changes, alterations and/or substitutions thereof (e.g. an alteration within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

[0249] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.