CUP WITH GROOVES

Abstract

A cup can include a base and a sidewall extending upward from the base to a top of the cup. The sidewall can taper at an angle between 4 and 12 from the base. The sidewall can include an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall. The lower sidewall can include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The lower sidewall can include a plurality of channels arranged around an outer circumference of the lower sidewall. In the first portion, the plurality of channels can have a first width between 0.05 inches and 0.065 inches and a first depth between 0.05 inches and 0.065 inches. In the third portion, the plurality of channels or grooves can have a second width between 0.02 inches and 0.035 inches and a second depth between 0.02 inches and 0.035 inches.

Claims

1. A cup, comprising: a base; and a sidewall extending upward from the base to a top of the cup, wherein the sidewall tapers at an angle between 4 and 12 from the base, wherein the sidewall comprises an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall, wherein the lower sidewall comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the lower sidewall comprising a plurality of channels or grooves arranged around an outer circumference of the lower sidewall and extending in a direction between the base and the top, wherein the plurality of channels extend along the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the lower sidewall, wherein in the first portion, the plurality of channels or grooves comprises a first width between 0.05 inches and 0.065 inches and a first depth between 0.05 inches and 0.065 inches, wherein in the third portion, the plurality of channels or grooves comprises a second width between 0.02 inches and 0.035 inches and a second depth between 0.02 inches and 0.035 inches, wherein in the second portion, a depth of the plurality of channels or grooves transitions from the first width to the second width and a width of the plurality of channels or grooves transitions from the first depth to the second depth, wherein a length of the second portion is less than 0.5 inches.

2. The cup of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the first width and the second width is between 2:1 and 2.2:1.

3. The cup of claim 2, wherein a ratio of the first depth and the second depth is between 2:1 and 2.2:1.

4. The cup of claim 1, wherein the length of the second portion is between 0.1 inches to 0.5 inches.

5. The cup of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a height of the cup to a diameter of the base of the cup is between 1.5:1 and 4:1.

6. A cup, comprising: a base; and a sidewall extending upward from the base to a top of the cup, wherein the sidewall tapers at an angle between 4 and 12 from the base, wherein the sidewall comprises an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall, wherein the upper sidewall comprises an upper diameter between 3.0 inches and 4.5 inches and the lower sidewall comprises a lower diameter between 3.0 inches and 4 inches, wherein the sidewall comprises a step change from the upper diameter to the lower diameter between the upper sidewall and the lower sidewall, wherein the sidewall comprises a perpendicular portion connecting the upper sidewall and the lower sidewall, wherein the lower sidewall comprises a plurality of channels or grooves arranged around an outer circumference of the lower sidewall and extending in a direction between the base and the top, wherein first ends of the plurality of the channels or grooves terminate distal to the perpendicular portion of the sidewall.

7. The cup of claim 6, wherein the cup comprises a gap between a bottom end of the upper sidewall and a top end of the plurality of channels or grooves.

8. The cup of claim 7, wherein the gap comprises a length between 0.05 inches and 0.1 inches.

9. The cup of claim 6, wherein the cup comprises a vertical overhang extending from a bottom end of the upper sidewall towards the base of the cup and spaced from the lower sidewall.

10. The cup of claim 9, wherein the vertical overhang has a length between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches.

11. The cup of claim 9, wherein a space between an inner circumferential surface of the vertical overhang and an outer circumferential surface of the lower sidewall is between 0.02 inches and 0.04 inches.

12. The cup of claim 6, wherein a difference between the upper diameter and the lower diameter is between 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches.

13. A cup, comprising: a base; and a sidewall extending upward from the base to a top of the cup, a plurality of grooves or channels extending around an outer circumference of at least a portion of the sidewall, wherein a middle portion of the sidewall comprises a length between 1 inch and 4 inches, wherein the middle portion of the sidewall extends at least 0.5 inches above and below a center of the cup along a longitudinal axis, wherein in the middle portion, the plurality of channels or grooves comprise a first width between 0.05 inches and 0.065 inches and a first depth between 0.05 inches and 0.065 inches.

14. The cup of claim 10, wherein in a lower portion of the sidewall the plurality of grooves or channels comprises a second width between 0.02 inches and 0.035 inches and a second depth between 0.02 inches and 0.035 inches.

15. The cup of claim 10, wherein the lower portion of the sidewall extends to a bottom portion of the cup.

16. The cup of claim 13, wherein a transition portion of the sidewall is positioned below the middle portion of the sidewall, wherein in the transition portion, a depth of the plurality of channels or grooves transitions from the first width to a second width and a width of the plurality of channels or grooves transitions from the first depth to a second depth, the first width being larger than the second width, the first depth being larger than the second depth.

17. The cup of claim 16, wherein the transition portion comprises a length between 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches.

18-21. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a cup with grooves.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the cup with grooves of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-3.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-4.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-5.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-6.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of a cross-sectional view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-6.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-6.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a close-up view of a cross-sectional view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-6.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up view of a cross-sectional view of a groove of the cup of FIGS. 1-6.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a draft angle of a transition portion of the groove of FIG. 11.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up view of a cross-sectional view of a transition between an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-6.

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a close-up view of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-6.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates two cups in a stacked configuration.

[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates a close-up view of a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the side wall of the cup of FIGS. 1-6.

[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates a close-up view of a cross-sectional view of the transition between the upper sidewall and the lower sidewall of the cup with grooves of FIGS. 1-6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Various cups are described below to illustrate various examples that may achieve one or more desired improvements. These examples are only illustrative and not intended in any way to restrict the general disclosure presented and the various aspects and features of this disclosure. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those discussed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments shown, but is instead to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features that are disclosed or suggested herein.

[0031] For example, many of the embodiments are described in the context of lids for cups for beverages. However, certain features and aspects of the disclosure may also have utility in lid for other types of containers for other items, such as foods or other liquids. Many of the embodiments described herein involve a beverage such as coffee, tea, juice, or other edible liquids.

[0032] Beverages can be placed in a container or cup. The cup can provide number of functions, such as user comfort or for reduction of material usage. Additionally, for ease of storage, it can be desirable for storage purposes to be able to stack the cups on one another. Disclosed herein are cups that can include an upper sidewall with an uneven length. The cups, despite the uneven length, can be stacked with any rotational orientation relative to each other with stacking features that space the outer bottom portion of an inner stacked cup from the inner bottom portion of a receiving outer stacked cup.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a cup with grooves 10. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the cup with grooves 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the cup with grooves 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The cup 10 can include a base 24. The base 24 can have a top planar surface. The outer shape of the base 24 can be circular. The cup 10 can also include a sidewall 40 that extends upward from the base 24. The sidewall 40 can extend upward from the base 24 to a top of the cup 10. The width of the cup is the maximum distance between the farthest points of the outer circumferential surface. For example, in a cross-section taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cup, the width would be the maximum outer diameter of the circular cross-section. Put another way, the width is the maximum horizontal measurement. FIGS. 7 and 9 each show a circular cross-section of the cup taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cup at two different positions. FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the cup 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the base 24 defines the minimum width of the cup 10.

[0034] The sidewall 40 can taper at an angle between 4 to 12 from the base 24, and in some examples between 6 to 10. Said another way, the width of the cup can increase along the longitudinal axis of the cup, in particular in a direction along the longitudinal axis from the base 24 of the cup 10 to the top of the cup 10. The diameter of the circular cross-sections perpendicular to the length of the cup can increase along the length of the cup from the base 24 of the cup to the top of the cup 10. The sidewall 40 can define an interior cavity of the cup 10. The sidewall 40 can also define an opening 22 at the top of the cup 10.

[0035] The cup 10 can be provided in a variety of sizes. The dimensions of the cup 10, such as the diameter of the base 24, the diameter of the opening 22, the length of the sidewall 40, and the taper of the sidewall 40 relative to the base 24, can each vary. As the various dimensions change, the volume of the interior of the cup can change. The cup can be made of a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, or paper. In some examples, the cup can be made of plastic and can be constructed in a process of injection molding. This can advantageously allow features, such as channels or grooves, to be integrated into the cup.

[0036] The sidewall 40 can include an upper sidewall 20 positioned towards the top of the cup 10 and a lower sidewall 30 positioned near the base 24 of the cup 10. The upper sidewall 20 can be positioned above the lower sidewall 30. The lower sidewall 30 can include a series or plurality of grooves or channels 42. The plurality of grooves 42 can extend from the outer circumferential surface of the sidewall 40 in a radial direction towards the center of the cup 10. The plurality of grooves 42 can be arranged around an outer circumference of the lower sidewall 30. The plurality of grooves 42 can be separated by ribs 48 such that the grooves 42 and ribs 48 alternate around the circumference of the lower sidewall 30. Each of the ribs 48 can extend in a radial direction. The outermost ends of the ribs 48 can define the maximum diameter of the circular cross section taken along the longitudinal axis of the cup. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the diameter can be taken from an outermost end of one rib 48 on a first side of a circular cross-section, through the center of the circular cross-section, to an outermost end of another rib 48 on an opposing side of the circular cross-section. As shown in FIG. 14, each of the ribs 48 can include an outermost surface that is substantially curved. The curvature of each of the ribs 48 can match the curvature of an outer circumference of the cup.

[0037] The lengths of the plurality of grooves 42 can extend into the outer surface of the sidewall 40 in a direction from the base 24 of the cup 10 towards the top of the cup 10. Each of the plurality of grooves 42 can have a width that is measured between two ends of each groove. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the width (W) of each groove 42 would be measured as a tangent line intersecting with the outer circumferential surface of the circular cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each groove can be a concave curvature that extends between two ribs 48. The width of the groove 42 can be the distance between the two adjacent ribs 48 on either side of the groove 42. The width of each groove 42 can vary along the length of the groove 42. Each of the plurality of grooves 42 can have a depth (D) that is measured in a radial direction. The depth of each groove 42 would be taken in a radial direction from the outer maximum diameter of the circular cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to the innermost point of the groove.

[0038] The lower sidewall 30 can include a first portion 32, a second portion 34, and a third portion 36. The first portion 32 can be adjacent to and positioned above the second portion 34, and the second portion 34 can be adjacent to and positioned above the third portion 36. The third portion 36 can be positioned adjacent to and above the base 24. The plurality of grooves 42 can extend along the first portion 32, the second portion 34, and the third portion 36 of the lower sidewall 30. In some examples, the upper sidewall 20 can be considered a top or upper portion. In some examples, the first portion 32 can be considered a middle portion. In some examples, the second portion 34 and third portion 36 can be considered a bottom portion.

[0039] The height or length of the middle portion 32 can generally remain the same around the outer circumference of the cup 10. The middle portion or the first portion 32 can extend between 0.5 inches to 2 inches above and below the center of the cup along the longitudinal axis. The first portion 32 can extend a first length above the center of the cup along the longitudinal axis and a second length below the center of the cup along the longitudinal axis, such that the first length and the second length are different lengths. In some examples, the middle portion 32 can extend between 0.7 inches to 1.5 inches above and below the center of the cup along the longitudinal axis and in some examples between 0.7 inches to 2 inches above and below the center of the cup along the longitudinal axis. The middle portion or the first portion 32 can have an overall length between 0.5 inches to 4 inches, and in some examples between 0.7 inches to 3.5 inches. The height or length of the middle portion 32 can generally remain the same except for a portion 38 of the middle portion 32 adjacent to the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20. The portion 38 of the middle portion 32 and the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can be configured to display a logo or a decorative element. During the molding process, the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 may utilize more plastic (e.g., resin) flow compared to other portions (e.g., proximate portions) of the cup 10. Accordingly, to balance the plastic flow into a mold when creating the cup 10, a portion of the cup 10 opposite the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can include an increased thickness. The portion 38 of the middle portion 32 can extend above the center of the cup along the longitudinal axis between 0.01 inches to 0.8 inches, and in some examples between 0.02 inches to 0.6 inches. The portion 38 of the middle portion 32 can extend below the center of the cup along the longitudinal axis between 0.5 inches to 1.6 inches, and in some examples between 0.7 inches to 1.4 inches.

[0040] The dimensions of the plurality of grooves 42 can change along the length of the grooves. In the first portion 32 of the lower sidewall 30, the plurality of grooves 42 can have a first width and a first depth. In some examples, the first width can be between 0.04 inches to 0.08 inches or between 0.05 inches to 0.065 inches, and in some examples in between 0.055 inches to 0.060 inches. In some examples, the first depth can be between 0.04 inches to 0.08 inches or between 0.05 inches to 0.065 inches, and in some examples, between 0.055 inches to 0.060 inches. In the first portion 32, the plurality of grooves 42 can have a substantially constant width and a substantially constant depth. In the third portion 36 of the lower sidewall 30, the plurality of grooves 42 can have a second width and a second depth. In some examples, the second width can be between 0.015 inches to 0.05 inches or between 0.02 inches to 0.035 inches and in some examples between 0.025 inches to 0.03 inches. In some examples, a second depth can be between 0.015 inches to 0.05 inches or between 0.02 inches to 0.035 inches, and in some examples between 0.025 inches to 0.03 inches. In the third portion 36, the plurality of grooves 42 can have a substantially constant width and a substantially constant depth. The first width can be greater than the second width. The first depth can be greater than the second depth. In this manner, the plurality of grooves 42 in the first portion 32 can be considered wide or thick and deep, while the plurality of grooves 42 in the third portion 36 can be considered narrow or thin and shallow. In some examples, the first portion 32 can be considered to have wide or thick grooves of the first depth and a first width and the third portion 25 can be considered to have thin or narrow grooves of the second depth and the second width. The ratio of the first width to the second width can be between 2.0:1 to 2.2:1, and in some examples between 2.0:1 to 2.1:1. The ratio of the first depth to the second depth can be between 2.0:1 to 2.2:1 and in some examples between 2.0:1 to 2.1:1. In this manner, the ratio of the first width to the second width and the ratio of the first depth and the second depth can create an optical effect of a substantial dimension change between the first portion 32 and the third portion 36.

[0041] The second portion 34 can be positioned between the first portion 32 and the third portion 36. In the second portion 34 of the lower sidewall 30, the depth of the plurality of channels 42 can vary and transition between the first depth and the second depth. In the second portion 34, the width of the plurality of channels 42 can vary and transition between the first width and the second width. The length of the second portion 34 is less than 1 inch, and in some examples less than 0.5 inches. In some examples, the length of the second portion 34 can be between 0.1 inches to 0.4 inches, and in some examples, the length of the second portion 34 can be between 0.1 inches to 0.5 inches, 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches, 0.2 inches to 0.3 inches, 0.25 inches to 0.38 inches, or 0.27 inches to 0.34 inches. The length of the second portion 34 between 3% to 10% of the total length of the cup, and in some examples between 4% to 8%.

[0042] In this manner, as the length of the second portion 34 can be minimized to create an optical effect of an abrupt or sharp transition between dimensions of the grooves 42 in the first portion 32 and in the third portion 36. The shortened length of the transition portion in the second portion 34 advantageously allows the transition of the substantial dimension change between the first portion 32 and the third portion 36 to be visually apparent to the user. In contrast, an increased length of the transition in the second portion 34 would appear as a gradual taper of the grooves 42 from a larger first width to a smaller second width.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the cup taken along the length of the cup 10. FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of the cup 10 taken along the width of the cup 10 or perpendicular to the length of the cup. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the cup 10 taken perpendicular to the length of the cup 10 in the first portion 32 of the lower sidewall 30. Thus, the plurality of grooves 42 shown in FIG. 7 are of the first depth and first width, which is considered relatively wide or thick and deep. FIG. 8 shows a close-up portion of the plurality of grooves 42 of FIG. 7. The plurality of grooves 42 thus have the maximum width and thickness in the cross-section shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the cup taken along the width of the cup or perpendicular to the length of the cup. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the cup 10 taken perpendicular to the length of the cup 10 in the third portion 36 of the lower sidewall 30. Thus, the plurality of grooves 42 shown in FIG. 9 are of the second depth and the second width, which is considered relatively narrow or thin and shallow. FIG. 10 shows a close-up portion of the plurality of grooves of FIG. 10. The plurality of grooves 42 thus have the minimum width and minimum thickness in the cross-section shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0044] The process of constructing the plurality of channels or grooves 42 in injection molding can be complicated. The plurality of grooves 42 can be undercuts in the injection mold process, which can prevent ejection of the cup from the mold. In particular, the transition or change of dimensions of each of the plurality of grooves 42 in the second portion 36 can become an undercut in the injection mold. During the injection mold process, when the cup is pulled away from the injection mold, the undercuts can cause portions of the cup in the second portion 36 to be deformed or sheered. This undercut problem can be further complicated by the desire to maintain a ratio of the height of the cup to a diameter of the base 24 of the cup or to minimize the taper of the sidewalls relative to the base 24. The ratio of the height of the cup to a diameter of the base of the cup is between 1.5:1 and 4:1 and in some examples, between 1.9:1 to 3.5:1. In some examples, the ratio of the height of the cup to a diameter of the base of the cup is between 1.9:1 to 2.9:1, and in some examples between 3:1 to 3.5:1. The taper of the sidewalls relative to the base is between 4 to 12 and in some examples between 6 to 10. The taper of the sidewalls relative to the base and the ratio of the height of the cup to a diameter of the base of the cup are minimized to maintain the stability of the cup 10. Otherwise, if the taper of the sidewalls relative to the base and the ratio of the height of the cup to the diameter of the base of the cup are increased to avoid undercuts in the injection molding tool, the cup 10 could become substantially conical in shape. This would result the cup in becoming top heavy such that it could be easily tipped over, especially when filled with liquid. To prevent this undercut problem while maintaining the stability of the cup (in minimizing the taper of the sidewalls relative to the base and the ratio of the height of the cup and the diameter of the base of the cup), the dimensions of the grooves can change in two directions, instead of one, as described previously. Both the depth and the width of the plurality of grooves can transition from large to small in a direction from the top of the cup to the base of the cup. Additionally, as the first depth or the second depth of the plurality of grooves 42 increases, the length of the second portion 36 can also increase. Similarly, as the first width or the second depth of the plurality of grooves increases, the length of the second portion 34 can also increase. As the length of the first portion 32 or the third portion 36 increases, the length of the second portion 34 can also increase. The length of the second portion increasing will allow the transition to accommodate the increased depth, width, or length of the plurality of grooves 42 to further minimize the undercut problem to avoid creating undercuts in the injection mold.

[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up view of a cross-sectional view of a groove of the cup of FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 12 illustrates a draft angle 56 of a transition portion 34 of the groove of FIG. 11 used during injection molding. The draft angle 56 of the transition portion 34 of the groove can be between greater than 0 to avoid creating undercuts in the injection mold. In some examples, the draft angle 56 of the transition portion 34 can be between 0 to 4, and in some examples between 0 to 2. In some examples, the draft angle 56 of the transition portion 34 can be between 0 to 1.

[0046] Furthermore, the depth of the plurality of grooves 42 can be maximized to increase the distance between the user's fingers and the beverage and prevent the user from getting burned or overheating. Similarly, the width of the plurality of grooves 42 can be minimized to ensure the user's fingers do not extend into the depth of the plurality of grooves 42, which can prevent the user's fingers from getting burned or overheating. The grooves 42 can additionally reduce the amount of material used for the cup, while still maintaining the stability and structure of the cup. The grooves 42 can additionally provide the user comfort in holding the cup and in maintaining the user's grip on the cup.

[0047] The upper sidewall 20 of the sidewall 40 can be smooth. The upper sidewall 20 can extend from the top of the cup defined by the opening 22 and the lower sidewall 30. The height of length of the upper sidewall 20 can generally remain the same around the outer circumference of the cup 10, except for a portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20. In this manner, the bottom end of the upper sidewall 20 can extend along the circumference of the cup at the same height or level of the cup, except for a portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20. In this manner, the length of the upper sidewall 20 can be generally the constant except for a portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20. The portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can be curved or another non-linear shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can form a semi-circle. The portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can be shaped to accommodate a logo or design. For example, if the logo or design has a generally circular or semi-circular shape, the semi-circular portion 26 can at least frame or surround the logo or design. The shape of the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can at least partially match at least a portion of an outer shape of a logo or design. The portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can have other shapes to accommodate various shapes of logos, such as square, a triangle, an oval, or any other shape. The shape of the lower sidewall 30 can be complementary to the shape of the upper sidewall 20 including the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20. In this manner, the upper ends of a portion of the plurality of grooves 42 can form a perimeter around the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 and thus the logo or design.

[0048] As discussed above, the width of the cup decreases in a direction from the bottom of the cup to the top of the cup. Through the upper sidewall 20, the width gradually decreases from the top end of the upper sidewall 20 to the bottom end of the upper sidewall 20. Similarly, through the lower sidewall 30, the width gradually decreases from the top end of the lower sidewall 30 to the bottom end of the lower sidewall 30. However, the sidewall 40 includes a step change in width from the upper sidewall 20 to the lower sidewall 30. The minimum width of the upper sidewall 20 is greater than the maximum width of the lower sidewall 30. In particular, the bottom end of the upper sidewall 20 can have a first diameter and the top end of the lower sidewall 30 can have a second diameter. The difference between the first diameter and the second diameter can be at least between 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches, and in some examples between 0.06 inches to 0.09 inches. The step change in diameter can be connected by a portion 50 of the sidewall that is angled relative to the central longitudinal axis of the cup. For example, the portion 50 can be disposed at an acute angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the cup 10. The portion 50 can extend radially inward and downward at an acute angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the cup 10. In this manner, the portion 50 of the sidewall 40 connecting the upper sidewall 20 to the lower sidewall 30 extends substantially inward and downward at an angle.

[0049] The upper sidewall 20 has an upper diameter between 2.5 inches to 5 inches or between 3.0 inches to 4.5 inches, and in some examples between 3.1 inches to 4.2 inches. In some examples, the upper sidewall 20 has an upper diameter between 3.0 inches to 4 inches, and in some examples between 3.1 inches to 3.7 inches. In some examples, the upper sidewall 20 has an upper diameter between 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches, and in some examples between 3.7 inches to 4.2 inches. The lower sidewall 30 has a lower diameter between 1.5 inches to 4 inches or between 1.7 inches to 3.7 inches. In some examples, the lower sidewall 30 has a lower diameter between 2 inches to 4 inches and in some examples between 2.1 inches to 3.7 inches.

[0050] The portion 50 of the sidewall can define a ledge in the injection mold, which can facilitate the application of an in mold label during the injection molding process. The in mold label, which can be referred to as an IML, can be disposed on a surface of the mold that forms the outer surface of the upper sidewall 20, which can include a annular vertical overhang 54 disposed at a bottom portion of the upper side wall 20. For example, before flowing a resin into the mold to form the cup 10, an in mold label can be disposed at the surface of the mold that forms the outer surface of the upper sides wall 20. The ledge can be formed in the mold adjacent to the area for the in mold label. For example, the ledge of the mold can be disposed in an annular recess 52 of the cup 10 that is radially inward of an annular vertical overhang 54 that extends from the bottom end of the upper sidewall 20. The portion of the mold that includes the ledge and forms the portion 50 can direct the flow of resin during the injection molding process. The ledge can prevent resin from entering a space between the mold and the label. The resin can flow through the portion of the mold that forms the portion 50, which can direct the resin to approach (e.g., impact) the in mold label from a substantially perpendicular direction. In some variants, the substantially perpendicular approach (e.g., impact) of the resin to the in mold label can avoid the resin flow moving the in mold label out of placed. In some variants, the ledge can also provide a surface that the in mold label can rest on. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the top ends of the plurality of grooves 42 do not extend all the way to the top end of the lower sidewall 30. Rather, the plurality of grooves 42 terminate distal to or below the portion 50 of the sidewalls or the top end of the lower sidewall 30. Thus, there is a gap or space 46 between the top end of the lower sidewall 30 and the ends of the plurality of grooves 42. The gap or space 46 is positioned between the plurality of grooves and the portion 50 of the sidewall. The gap 46 can have a length between 0.04 inches to 0.012 inches or between 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches and in some examples between 0.055 inches to 0.07 inches. This gap 46 advantageously prevents unwanted resin from entering the space between the in mold label and the mold. As the mold is filled with resin, the resin will fill the cavities defining plurality of grooves 42. There is a risk that injected resin will break through the cavities defining the plurality of grooves 42 towards the ledge defining the portion 50 of the sidewall. Because there is a gap 46 between the cavities defining the plurality of grooves 42 and the ledge defining the portion 50 of the sidewall, the injected resin will not enter area of the in mold label. Thus, resin is prevented from entering the space between the in mold label and the mold.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cup 10 can further include an annular vertical overhang 54 that extends from the bottom end of the upper sidewall 20. The vertical overhang 54 is radially spaced from a top portion of the lower sidewall 30. Said another way, the inner circumferential surface of the vertical overhang 54 is spaced from the outer circumferential surface of the lower sidewall 30. This spacing of the vertical overhang 54 and the lower sidewall defines an annular channel or recess 52. The spacing of the inner circumferential surface of the vertical overhang 54 and the outer circumferential surface of the lower sidewall can be between 0.02 inches to 0.04 inches, and in some examples between 0.032 inches and 0.038 inches. The annular recess 52 can have a closed end defined at least in part by the portion 50 of the sidewall. The annular recess 52 can have an open end that faces downward. The annular recess 52 can include sides defined by the inner surface of the vertical overhang 54 and the outer surface of the lower sidewall 30. The minimum diameter or width of the vertical overhang 54 is larger than the maximum diameter or width of the lower sidewall 30. The vertical overhang 54 extends around the circumference of the cup 10. The vertical overhang 54 has a length between 0.03 inches to 0.05 inches and in some examples between 0.035 inches to 0.045 inches. The vertical overhang 54 can aesthetically fill the visual gap created by the portion 50 of the sidewall.

[0052] The annular recess 52 extends around the bottom end of the upper sidewall 20. The annular recess 52 extends around the bottom end of the upper sidewall 20. The annular recess 52 curves to surround the longitudinal axis, such that the annular recess 52 curves along the circumference of the cross section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such as shown in FIG. 7 or 9. Additionally, the annular recess 52 can curve to surround the circumference of the bottom end of the upper sidewall 20. The inner surface of the annular recess 52 can curve to define the closed end and the opposing open end that faces downward.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the cup 10 can further include one or more stacking ribs 60 positioned on an inside surface of the cup 10. The stacking ribs 60 can be positioned on an inner circumferential surface of the lower sidewall 30. In some examples, the cup 10 can include at least 2, 3, 4, or more stacking ribs 60. The stacking ribs 60 can be positioned at the same level or height of the cup 10. Each stacking rib 60 can extend towards the center of the cup 10 and can be elongate along the sidewall 40 of the cup 10. Each stacking rib 60 can have an overall triangular shape. In other embodiments, the stacking rib 60 can also have other shapes, such as a diamond, a square, or other shape. The stacking rib 60 can have a top surface that is substantially parallel to the planar surface of the base 24 of the cup 10. The stacking ribs 60 can be spaced evenly around the inner circumference of the cup 10. The stacking ribs 60 of the cup can act to support a second cup received within the cup. As shown in FIG. 15, a first cup 10A can at least partially receive a second cup 10B within the interior of the first cup 10A. The first cup 10A can have a number of stacking ribs 60A. The stacking ribs 60A of the first cup 10A can contact and support the base 24B of the second cup 10B. The base 24B of the second cup 10B can be received by the substantially flat, top surfaces of the stacking ribs 60A. In this manner, the base 24A of the first cup 10A is spaced from the base 24B of the second cup 10B. Advantageously, the spacing between the cups 10A, 10B during stacking allows the cups 10A, 10B to be oriented in any direction relative to one another. As shown in the FIG. 15, the portion 26B of the second cup 10B is oriented 180 relative to the portion 26A of the first cup 10A. As discussed above, the length of the upper sidewall 20 is uneven, with at least a portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 extending downward along the length of the cup 10 relative to the remainder of the upper sidewall 20. As also discussed above, the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can be curved. The portion 50 can be curved, angled, and/or perpendicular. As such, without the stacking ribs 60, if the two cups were stacked, the portion 50 of the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 of the second cup 10B could come into contact with the portion 50 of an area of the upper sidewall 20 separate from the curved portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20. However, since the portion 50 of the portion 26 of the upper sidewall 20 can be curved, the interface between the portion 50 of the portion 26 of the first cup 10A and the portion 50 of the upper sidewall 20 separate from the curved portion 26 of the second 20A would be unstable. The stacking ribs 60 allows the vertical spacing between stacked cups to accommodate the portion 26 of the upper sidewalls while also providing a stable surface to support the base of the received cup.

[0054] The cup 10 can include a series of fill lines 62 on the interior surface of the cup. These fill lines 62 can be integrated into the cup 10, such through injection molding. The fill lines 62 can advantageously provide measurements of liquid as it fills the interior of the cup 10. Estimating the volume by the level of liquid in the cup can be difficult for a user as the width of the cup changes along the longitudinal axis of the cup. The fill lines 62 advantageously allows a user to estimate a volume of liquid in the cup based on the level of liquid relative to the fill lines 62.

[0055] FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a top portion of the upper side wall 20 of the side wall 40 of the cup 10 with example non-limiting dimensions. As illustrated, the upper side wall 20 can include an upward-facing surface 68 with a width (e.g., width in a radial direction of the cup 10) of about 0.050 inches (i.e., about 1.26 mm). In some variants, the width of the upward facing surface 68 can at least include any value or range between about 0.030-0.070 inches. The upward-facing surface 68 can span between an outer surface 64 and an angled surface 70 of the upper side wall 20. The angled surface 70 can extend radially inward and down from an inside end of the upward-facing surface 68 at an angle of about 52 degrees. In some variants, the angle of the angled surface 70 relative to the upward-facing surface 68 can at least include any value or range between about 30 and 80 degrees. In some variants, a radius can be disposed between the upward-facing surface 68 and the angled surface 70. The radius disposed between the upward-facing surface 68 and the angled surface 70 can be about 0.020 inches (i.e., about 0.51 mm). In some variants the radius disposed between the upward-facing surface 68 and the angled surface 70 can be any value or range between 0.005 and 0.040 inches. In some variants, the distance between the upward-facing surface 68 and bottom end of the angled surface 70 (e.g., axial length of the angled surface 70) can be about 0.042 inches (i.e., 1.07 mm). In some variants, the distance between the upward-facing surface 68 and bottom end of the angled surface 70 (e.g., axial length of the angled surface 70) can at least be about 0.010-0.080 inches or any value or range therebetween.

[0056] An inner surface 66 can extend down from a bottom end of the angled surface 70. The inner surface 66 can be oriented straight up and down (e.g., parallel with central longitudinal axis of the cup 10), which can include being disposed at about a 128 degree angle relative to the angled surface 70. In some variants, the inner surface 66 can be oriented at an angle relative to the angled surface 70 including at least any value or range between about 110 and 150 degrees. In some variants, a radius can be disposed between the angled surface 70 and the inner surface 66. The radius disposed between the angled surface 70 and the inner surface 66 can be about 0.010 inches (i.e., about 0.25 mm). In some variants, the radius disposed between the angled surface 70 and the inner surface 66 can be any value or range between 0.005 and 0.040 inches. The distance in a radial direction between the inner surface 66 and the outer edge of the upward-facing surface 68 can be about 0.082 inches (i.e., 2.09 mm). The radial distance between the inner surface 66 and the outer edge of the upward-facing surface 68 can at least be any value or range between about 0.050 inches and 0.12 inches. The axial length (e.g., axial relative to axis of cup 10) of the inner surface 66 can be about 0.076 inches (i.e., 1.93 mm). In some variants, the axial length of the inner surface 66 can at least be any value between about 0.050 and 0.1 inches.

[0057] An angled surface 74 can extend radially outward and downward relative to the bottom end of the inner surface 66. The angled surface 74 can be disposed axially below the angled surface 70. The angled surface 74 can be oriented at an angle relative to the upward-facing surface 68, which can include being oriented at an angle of about 25 degrees. In some variants, the angled surface 74 can be oriented at an angle relative to the upward-facing surface 68 that can at least include any value or range between 10 and 50 degrees. The angled surface 74 can create an overhang to form an annular recess that can receive features of a lid. A radius can be disposed between the inner surface 66 and the angled surface 74, which can include a radius of about 0.010 inches (i.e., 0.25 mm). In some variants, the radius between the inner surface 66 and the angled surface 74 can at least be any value or range between about 0.005 and 0.040 inches.

[0058] An angled surface 76 can extend downward and inward relative to the bottom end of the angled surface 74, which can include extending to a position inward of the inner surface 66. A radius 72 can be disposed between the angled surface 74 and the angled surface 76, which can include a radius of about 0.015 inches (i.e., 0.38 mm). In some variants, the radius 72 can be between 0.005 and 0.040 inches. In some variants, the distance between the radius 72, which can include a radially outermost portion of the radius, and the outer end of the upward-facing surface 68 (e.g., junction of upward-facing surface 68 and outer surface 64) can be about 0.053 inches (i.e., 1.35 mm). In some variants, the radial distance between the radius 72, which can include a radially outermost portion of the radius, and the outer end of the upward-facing surface 68 can include any value or range between 0.030 and 0.080 inches. The angled surface 76 can be oriented at an angle of about 70 degrees relative to the upward-facing surface 68. In some variants, the angled surface 76 can be oriented at an angle relative to the upward-facing surface 68 that can include any value or range between 40 and 85 degrees. The axial distance between the bottom end of the angled surface 76 and the upward-facing surface 68 can be about 0.250 inches (i.e., 6.36 mm). In some variants, the axial distance between the bottom end of the angled surface 76 and the upward-facing surface 68 can at least include any value or range between about 0.1 and 0.5 inches. The distance between the bottom end of the angled surface 76 and outer end of the upward-facing surface 68 (e.g., junction of upward-facing surface 68 and outer surface 64) can be about 0.096 inches (i.e., 2.45 mm). In some variants, the distance between the bottom end of the angled surface 76 and outer end of the upward-facing surface 68 can at least include any value or range between about 0.050 and 0.200 inches

[0059] A curved surface 80 can curve inward and downward from the angled surface 76. The curved surface 80 can include a radius of about 7.911 inches (200.94 mm). In some variants, the curved surface 80 can include a radius at any value or range between 6 and 10 inches. A radius 78 can be disposed between the angled surface 76 and the curved surface 80, which can include a radius of about 0.125 inches (i.e., 3.18 mm). In some variants, radius 78 can at least include any value or range between about 0.050 and 0.300 inches.

[0060] The inner surfaces of the upper portion of the upper wall 20 illustrated in FIG. 16 can provide enhanced (e.g., improved) engagement with a lid. For example, the angled surface 70, inner surface 66, angled portion 74, radius 72, angled surface 76, curved surface 80, and/or radii disposed on the inner surfaces of the upper portion of the upper wall 20 can facilitate improved engagement with a lid. In some variants, the annular recess disposed below the angled surface 74 can receive a corresponding portion of a lid. In some variants, the inner surface 66 can be positioned within a corresponding annular recess of a lid. In some variants, the reduced radial thickness of the upper wall 20 between the radius 72 and the outer end of the upward-facing surface and/or outer surface 64 can facilitate flexing, which can improve engagement with a lid.

[0061] Some of the dimensions included in FIG. 16 list TSC, which means theoretical sharp corner. Accordingly, at least those dimensions listed with TSC can be measured from theoretical sharp corners.

[0062] FIG. 17 illustrates an enlarged view of a cross-section of a portion of the cup 10 where the side wall 40 transitions from the upper side wall 20 to the lower sidewall 30 with example non-limiting dimensions. FIG. 17 shows some alternative configurations and dimensions compared to FIG. 13. As described elsewhere herein, the cup 10 can include an annular vertical overhang 54, which can extend from a bottom end of the upper side wall 20. The annular vertical overhang 54 can be spaced radially outward relative to the outer surface of the lower side wall 30. For example, the inner surface of the annular vertical overhang 54 can be spaced about 0.034 inches away from the outer surface (e.g., radially outermost surface) of the lower side wall 30. In some variants, the inner surface of the annular vertical overhang 54 can be spaced a distance that can at least include any value or range between about 0.010 and 0.050 inches. The annular vertical overhang 54 can include a radial thickness of about 0.030 inches. In some variants, the radial thickness of the annular vertical overhang 54 can at least be any value or range between 0.010 and 0.050 inches. A lower-inner corner of the annular vertical overhang 54 can include a radius that can be about 0.010 inches. In some variants, the lower-inner corner of the annular vertical overhang 54 can at least include a radius that can include any value or range between about 0.005 and 0.040 inches.

[0063] A portion 50, as described elsewhere herein, can connect and/or transition between the upper side wall 20 and the lower side wall 30. The portion 50 can extend radially inward from an inner surface of the upper side wall 20. The portion 50 can extend radially inward from a location of the upper side wall 20 that is higher than the annual vertical overhang 54. In an alternative configuration of the portion 50 compared to FIG. 13, the portion 50 can extend perpendicularly inward relative to the inner surface of the upper side wall 20. In some variants, the portion 50 can be oriented perpendicularly relative to the central longitudinal axis of the cup 10, which can include extending radially inward at an orientation that is perpendicular relative to the central longitudinal axis of the cup 10. The cup 10 can include the portion 50 oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cup as illustrated in FIG. 13 or the portion 50 oriented at a perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cup as illustrated in FIG. 17. As described herein, the portion of the mold that forms the portion 50 of the cup 10 can direct a flow of resin during the injection molding process to approach an in mold label disposed on a surface of the mold that forms the outer surface of the upper sidewall 20 from a perpendicular direction, which can avoid the resin flow causing the in mold label to move out of place. As the resin cures to form the cup 10, the in mold label can be coupled to the outer surface of the upper sidewall 20 of the cup 10. The perpendicular portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 17 can provide improved resin flow to avoid in mold label movement compared to the portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 13. The mold that forms the cup 10 can include a ledge disposed in the annular recess 52 that impedes resin flowing between the in mold label and the surface of the mold the forms the outer surface of the upper side wall 40. An upper radius of about 0.010 inches can be disposed between an upper surface of the portion 50 and the inner surface of the upper side wall 20. In some variants, the upper radius between the upper surface of the portion 50 and the inner surface of the upper side wall 20 can be about 0.005 and 0.030 inches. A lower radius of about 0.010 inches can be disposed between a lower surface of the portion 50 and the inner surface of the annular vertical overhang 54. In some variants, the lower radius between the lower surface of the portion 50 and the inner surface of the annular vertical overhang 54 can at least include any value or range between about 0.005 and 0.030 inches. The portion 50 can include a curved portion 82 that curves downward to the lower side wall 30. The curved portion 82 can be disposed at a radially inward portion of the portion 50. The curved portion 82 can include an inner surface (e.g., on an inside of the cup 10) with a radius of 0.043 inches. In some variants, the inner surface of the curved portion 82 can at least include a radius with a value or range between about 0.020 and 0.060 inches. The curved portion 82 can include an outer surface (e.g., on an outside of the cup 10) with a radius of about 0.015 inches. In some variants, the outer surface of the curved portion 82 can at least include a radius with a value or range between 0.005 and 0.040 inches. The portion 50 can include a segment with flat upper and bottom surfaces that can be parallel relative to each other. The segment of the portion 50 can be disposed radially outward relative to the curved portion 82. The segment of the portion 50 can include a radial length of about 0.007 inches. In some variants, the segment of the portion 50 can include a radial length of any value or range between about 0.001 and 0.050 inches. In some variants, the segment of the portion 50 can include an axial thickness (e.g., distance between upper and lower surfaces) of about 0.028 inches. In some variants, the segment of the portion 50 can include an axial thickness that can at least include any value or range of values between 0.010 and 0.050 inches. The axial distance between a bottom surface of the segment of the portion 50 and the bottom surface of the annular vertical overhang 54 can be 0.040 inches. In some variants, the axial distance between the bottom surface of the segment of the portion 50 and the bottom surface of the annular vertical overhang 54 can at least include any value or range between about 0.010 and 0.080 inches. In some variants, the segment of the portion 50 with flat upper and bottom surfaces can be omitted.

[0064] As discussed elsewhere herein, the portion 50 can define a ledge in the injection mold, which can facilitate the application of an in mold label during the injection molding process. The ledge can prevent resin from entering the space between the mold and the label. The ledge can provide a surface that the in mold label can rest on. The configuration of the portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 17 can provide improved application of an in mold label during the injection molding process compared to the portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 13, which can include improving registration and/or smoothness of the applied in mold label. For example, the portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 17 can extend more perpendicularly compared to the portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 13, which can create a more substantial annular recess 52. The portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 17 can create a larger gap or space between the upper side wall 20 and the grooves 46. The portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 17 can create a more substantial ledge compared to the portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 13, which can better prevent resin from entering the space between the mold and the label and/or provide a ledge with an improved surface that the in mold label can rest on.

[0065] An annular recess 52 can be disposed below the portion 50 and between the inner surface of the annular vertical overhang 54 and outer surface of the lower side wall 30. The annular recess 52 can be open in a downward direction. In some variants, the width of the annular recess 52 in a radial direction can be about 0.034 inches. In some variants, the width of the annular recess 52 in a radial direction can at least include any value or range between 0.010 and 0.060 inches.

[0066] In some variants, the top portion of the cup 10 can be flared. In some variants, the top portion of the cup 10 can be an inverted conical shape without a flare.

Certain Terminology

[0067] As used herein, the term beverage has its ordinary and customary meaning, and includes, among other things, any edible liquid or substantially liquid substance or product having a flowing quality (e.g., juices, coffee beverages, teas, milk, beer, wine, cocktails, liqueurs, spirits, cider, soft drinks, flavored water, energy drinks, soups, broths, combinations of the same, or the like).

[0068] Conditional language, such as can, could, might, or may, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0069] Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0070] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as a or an should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as a device configured to are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.

[0071] The terms comprising, including, having, and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms some, certain, and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term or is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0072] The terms approximately, about, and substantially as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms approximately, about, and substantially may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. Numbers preceded by a term such as about or approximately include the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example. For example, about 1 gram includes 1 gram. In the embodiments described in this application, terms such as about or approximately within the specification or claims that precede values or ranges can be omitted such that this application specifically includes embodiments of the recited values or ranges with the terms about or approximately omitted from such values and ranges such that they can also be claimed without the terms about or approximately before the disclosed range. The term generally as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes, or tends toward, a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term generally parallel can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees and/or the term generally perpendicular can refer to something that departs from exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees.

[0073] Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims is not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application.

[0074] The following example embodiments identify some possible permutations of combinations of features disclosed herein, although other permutations of combinations of features are also possible.

SUMMARY

[0075] Although certain aspects, advantages, and features are described herein, it is not necessary that any particular embodiment include or achieve any or all of those aspects, advantages, and features. For example, some embodiments may not achieve the advantages described herein, but may achieve other advantages instead. Any structure, feature, or step in any embodiment can be used in place of, or in addition to, any structure, feature, or step in any other embodiment, or omitted. This disclosure contemplates all combinations of features from the various disclosed embodiments. No feature, structure, or step is essential or indispensable In addition, although this disclosure describes certain embodiments and examples of beverage systems and methods, many aspects of the above-described systems and methods may be combined differently and/or modified to form still further embodiments or acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.

[0076] Also, although there may be some embodiments within the scope of this disclosure that are not expressly recited above or elsewhere herein, this disclosure contemplates and includes all embodiments within the scope of what this disclosure shows and describes. Further, this disclosure contemplates and includes embodiments comprising any combination of any structure, material, step, or other feature disclosed anywhere herein with any other structure, material, step, or other feature disclosed anywhere herein.

[0077] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0078] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0079] Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be interpreted to be limiting. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Also, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[0080] Moreover, while components and operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular arrangement or order, such components and operations need not be arranged and performed in the particular arrangement and order shown, nor in sequential order, nor include all of the components and operations, to achieve desirable results. Other components and operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the embodiments and examples. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0081] In summary, various illustrative embodiments and examples of beverage dispensing systems and methods have been disclosed. Although the systems and methods have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow as well as their full scope of equivalents.