EP4178398A1

EP4178398A1 - Beverage making, serving and clearing assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4178398A1
Application number: EP22792858.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roland Hill
Original assignee: Contra Vision Ltd
Current assignee: Contra Vision Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-04
Filing date: 2022-08-04
Publication date: 2023-05-17
Also published as: GB202111236D0; WO2023012483A1

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.

Description

BEVERAGE MAKING, SERVING AND CLEARING ASSEMBLY

Technical Field of the Invention

Various embodiments of the invention relate generally to devices for and methods of making, serving and clearing beverages and more particularly to devices and methods for making, serving and clearing tea.

Background to the Invention

Reusable infusers, mugs, cups, saucers, milk jugs, teapots and teapot lids are well known. Single use cups, for example of paper with a rolled rim, and single use cup lids with and without upstands on the upper surface are well known and invariably made of flexible materials. All known lids for single use have a perimeter grip profile intended to seal the lid to the cup rim for safe “takeaway” carry and typically have a drinking hole within the uppermost surface and a ventilation hole to enable consumption of a beverage through such “sip through” lids. Tagged and untagged tea bags are well known. Tea bags served in cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality/entertainment locations typically have a suspension handle or “tag” connected to the tea bag by a flexible string, the suspension handle enabling the tea bag to be agitated in the cup to speed up the infusion process and also enabling the hot tea bag to be safely removed from a cup.

Assemblies are known for making tea and other infusions comprising a mug and mug lid, the latter being capable of inversion to act as a tea bag tidy, for example as disclosed in GB 2 261 594A. PCT/IB2015/055147 (herein referred to as ‘ 147) discloses a mug and mug lid assembly comprising a drinking vessel and a “tea piece” initially acting as a lid and having a “perimeter recess”, which can accommodate a tagged tea bag string or, for example, the connecting chain between a loose leaf infuser and its handle. When the piece is inverted, the perimeter recess can be located or “docked” snugly against the base of the mug to allow mess-free transfer of a used tea bag or infuser onto the inverted tea piece.

Assemblies are known comprising a mug and a lid with a narrow recess to trap a tea bag string, for example JP 3038293 (Maeda), the lid being capable of inversion to receive a used tea bag.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Assemblies are also known comprising a mug and a notched lid to retain the shaft or handle of a teaspoon, the bowl of the spoon being located in the mug, for example the “Vintage Mug with notched lid for spoon” advertised on etsy.com, apparently manufactured in 1986.

Stacking cups and saucers are known, in which one cup and saucer can be placed on another cup and saucer.

PCT/GB2018/053434 (herein referred to as ‘434) discloses a beverage making and serving assembly comprising a first, drinking vessel, and a “piece” initially acting as a lid to the drinking vessel which can be inverted to allow the transfer of a used tea bag or infuser onto the inverted piece. The piece comprises a “top recess” which can retain a second vessel, for example a milk jug, enabling the assembly comprising the vessel, piece and second vessel to be held and carried in one hand.

The prior art tea service comprising a teapot and teapot lid, which provides enclosed infusion conditions to keep the brewing tea hot, typically requires 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 requires a tray in order to carry the many components to a table or other point of brewing and consumption.

A functional limitation of prior art mug and lid combinations, including those disclosed in PCT/IB2015/055147 and PCT/GB2018/053434, is that after consumption of the beverage, the mug and piece with the used tea bag or infuser on top can only be safely cleared from a table or other surface and carried back to a kitchen or other service point by carrying the mug and piece separately or depositing the used tea bag or infuser into the mug, re-inverting the piece and relocating it as a lid to the mug in its previous, lid orientation, with the associated likelihood of spilling free liquid and making a mess in the process.

The present invention enables the piece with the used tea bag or infuser to be relocated securely onto the mug without re-inversion, enabling the resultant assembly to be cleared from the table or other surface and carried back to a kitchen or other service point in one hand or within the approximate plan area of one mug on a tray.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) There are several other features and advantages of the present invention over the prior art.

Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Summary of the Invention

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an improvement in the making, serving, consumption and clearing of tea and other beverages.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided 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 act 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 and 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 portions located within said vessel.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Typically, the radius of upstand distance and the radius of downstand distance are within 3, 2, 1mm of each other.

A piece axis is coincident with the downstand centre and is typically perpendicular to the plane coincident with the three outermost downstand surface points.

Typically, in a radial cross-section take through the piece axis, the profile of the lower ledge is flat or comprises a curve which does not vary by more than 180 degrees from the outside of the lower ledge to each of the outermost downstand surface points.

Preferably the upstand centre is within 3, 2, 1 mm of the piece axis.

According to another aspect of various embodiments, a beverage-making, serving and clearing assembly comprises a vessel and a tableware piece, wherein said assembly is capable of a plurality of different configurations pertaining to beveragemaking, 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 6mm, 4mm, 2mm 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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 6mm, 4mm, 2mm 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.

The vessel is optionally annular or polygonal or other continuous loop in a cross-section perpendicular to its axis.

According to another aspect of various embodiments, said assembly comprises a second vessel, wherein said first principal surface comprises a top recess, wherein said top recess comprises a top recess perimeter and a recessed area within said top recess perimeter, and wherein the second vessel is capable of being located within the top recess.

The term “vessel” is intended to include, for example, any drinking vessel, including cups, mugs, beakers and glasses, with or without a handle forming part of the vessel. Tea cups and mugs are typically annular in cross-section about a vessel axis and typically range in inside rim diameter from 65 mm to 90 mm and in volumetric capacity from 0.25 litre to 0.5 litre. The vessel is used to contain a “first liquid”, typically hot water used in an infusion process with tea, or herbal, or fruit or other infusion product to make a beverage. It is to be understood that the vessel can be used to contain any hot or cold beverage. The vessel is typically reusable, washable, of rigid construction, for example of ceramic, glass, stainless steel or plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester, melamine, or bamboo. Optionally the vessel’s internal geometry is polygonal in cross-section perpendicular to its axis. Optionally the the vessel comprises paper.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The term “tea” is used to denote any type of tea made from tea leaf (camelia sinensis) or any other infusion product, for example any fruit or herbal infusion, including chamomile, the leaves or fruit or blossoms of other plants, for example raspberry and mint infusions, water, coffee or hot chocolate and beef or other animal extract.

The term “tea bag” is used to denote a bag containing tea and having sufficient porosity to allow hot water to flow through the bag to contact tea contained therein, to enable the tea to be infused. A tea bag typically comprises perforations or other holes, for example of non-woven micro-perforated paper or abaca or fine weave fabric. The term “tea bag” as used herein also includes the part of a reusable “infuser” that is intended to contain tea, for example of metal, ceramic or silicone, that is perforated, woven or moulded with holes to allow the passage of hot water.

The term “tagged tea bag” or “tea bag assembly” is used to denote an assembly comprising a tea bag, a suspension handle and a connector which connects the suspension handle to the tea bag.

The term “untagged tea bag” is used to denote a tea bag without a suspension handle or tag or string or other connector.

The term "suspension handle" is used to denote the part of a tea bag assembly that is intended to be held when lowering a tea bag into hot water or subsequently retrieving the tea bag. A suspension handle or "tag" optionally comprises a paper or filmic or woven material or plastic material, that is typically stapled or sewn or adhered to the connector, for example of string, which connects the suspension handle to the tea bag. The term “suspension handle” also applies to a length, loop or knot or other means of adapting a string or other connector so as to be held. The term “suspension handle” is also used to denote the part of an infuser intended to be held in order to manipulate the infuser.

The term “connector” is intended to denote a flexible or rigid connecting material, for example a string, chain, wire, metal strip or flexible silicone material, connecting the suspension handle to the tea bag.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The term “infuser” is used to denote a reusable or disposable device intended to contain tea, typically loose leaf tea or any other infusion product. An infuser optionally comprises a closable container, a suspension handle and connector. An infuser optionally comprises a perforated open bowl, optionally comprising a water-permeable drum and optionally a water-permeable base, with a suspension handle and optionally a connector hook section which hooks over the rim of the vessel and optionally comprises a monolithic extension to the connector hook section, the monolithic extension being typically one of a spine joined to one of the outside and inside of the drum and/or a top ring joined to one of the outside and inside of the top of the drum. An infuser optionally comprises a perforated open bowl with a continuous “perimeter ledge” which typically sits on the rim of the vessel, which may be referred to as a “rim- supported infuser”. The term “tea bag”, as used in relation to an infuser, is typically a container of metal, plastic or silicone material that is water permeable, optionally comprising a closing or closure component, for example a hinged lid, the lid being optionally water permeable, or a removable component, to enable dry leaf tea to be inserted into the infuser tea bag and the wet leaf tea to be subsequently removed, and to enable cleaning of the infuser for reuse. The infuser tea bag or container is water permeable, optionally comprising perforated metal, for example perforated stainless steel, woven wire or non-woven material to provide the desired water permeability. The connector is optionally of rigid or semi-rigid material, for example sheet metal or metal wire, or a flexible material, for example a metal chain or strip of silicone. Optionally, the infuser tea bag, suspension handle and connector are of integral construction, for example of metal wire, fabricated stainless steel or moulded silicone. Optionally, an open infuser comprises a perforated bowl, for example of cylindrical or frusto-conical shape, for example of perforated stainless steel, plastic or ceramic material.

The terms “tableware piece” and “piece” are used to denote a combined vessel lid and receptacle on which to transfer a used tea bag or loose leaf tea infuser. It typically comprises a “first principal surface”, which is also referred to herein as “surface 1”, and a “second principal surface”, which is also referred to herein as “surface 2”, for brevity. "Side 1" is used to denote the side of the piece facing surface 1 and "Side 2" is used to denote the side of the piece facing surface 2. Typically, a piece is reusable, washable, typically of rigid construction, for example of ceramic,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) glass, stainless steel or plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester or melamine, or bamboo or optionally of flexible material, for example silicone. The piece is optionally manufactured from Eastman Tritan copolyester, a product of Eastman Chemical Company, US. The piece is optionally made of china, for example bone china or porcelain. The piece optionally comprises paper.

The first principal surface comprises an “upstand” comprising an “upstand outside surface” facing towards the piece perimeter. Optionally the upstand is a continuous upstand with a continuous upstand outside surface and optionally is a continuous loop upstand. Optionally, there is a plurality of discrete upstands, for example three or more discrete radial fins each with an upstand outside surface and optionally an “upstand inside surface”, for example to provide restraint to a second vessel located on the first principal surface. Optionally, one or more discrete upstands comprise an upstand handle to facilitate the handling of the piece. An outermost upstand surface point is a point on the upstand that is furthest from the upstand centre, which includes the possibility of a plurality of outermost upstand surface points or a continuous locus of outermost upstand surface points, for example on a continuous loop upstand. Optionally, an inward and downward sloping surface from the top of an upstand, referred to herein as a “guiding downslope”, extends inwards from the top of an upstand outside surface towards the piece axis and downwards towards the second principal surface. Optionally, the guiding downslope terminates at a top recess perimeter. Optionally the radial length or dimension of the guiding downslope from the top of the upstand outside surface to a top recess perimeter is 3-7,7-12 or more than 12mm. Optionally the guiding downslope has a slope greater than 1 :40,1 :20, 1 :10, 1 :5, 1 :2. It should be understood that a radius or chamfer in a cross-section through the piece axis within the top recess perimeter in surface 1 does not constitute a “ guiding downslope” or part of a “guiding downslope”. A guiding downslope also facilitates stability of the piece upon inversion, being then supported at support points at the top of a continuous upstand or at least three discrete upstands, which typically coincides with the top of an upstand outside surface, these support points being furthermost from a plane or other surface coincident with the piece perimeter.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Optionally, in a radial cross-section through the piece axis, through a portion of a continuous upstand and optionally a continuous loop upstand, the upstand outside surface is concave to facilitate lifting of the piece, for example by gripping opposing concave surfaces.

Optionally, a continuous upstand and optionally a continuous loop upstand is indented or recessed in an otherwise circular perimeter. Optionally, a continuous loop upstand outside surface is coterminous with a portion of a perimeter recess. Optionally, the continuous downstand outside surface is coterminous with a portion of the perimeter recess. Within the perimeter recess, the continuous upstand outside surface optionally extends to below the level of the upper ledge to where it optionally intersects at a perimeter recess intersection locus with the downstand outside surface and which is coterminous with a portion of the perimeter recess. In a radial cross-section, this perimeter recess intersection point is the outermost point of the perimeter recess radial cross-section on a perimeter recess intersection locus which is also termed a “perimeter recess interaction locus” or “locus of contact”. Following inversion and “docking” or pushing of the inverted piece against the vessel on a common surface such as a table, the perimeter recess interaction locus preferably touches the vessel at at least one interaction point on the perimeter recess interaction locus, which more preferably is contiguous with the outside of the vessel. The depth of the upstand outside surface from the upper ledge is typically greater than 2, 4, 6mm and the depth of the upstand outside surface from this interaction point to is typically greater than 4, 6, 8mm, which is much greater than the depth above a perimeter recess interaction locus in prior art vessel lids with a perimeter recess and no upstand. Any free tea liquor that makes its way between the perimeter recess and the vessel will have a longer descent to the point of potentially dripping onto the common surface than with prior art lids with a perimeter recess, a distinct advantage of the present invention. It should be understood that instead of such a perimeter recess intersection point, in a radial cross-section through the perimeter recess, the upstand outside surface and downstand outside surface are optionally otherwise connected, for example by a transition curve. According to embodiments of the invention with a perimeter recess, a continuous upstand and a guiding downslope, the surface profile at the top and along a central length of the perimeter recess is concave, which is the locus of the intersection of the upstand outside surface and the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) guiding downslope, which is termed the perimeter recess top of upstand locus. When the piece is inverted to receive a used tea bag or infuser, this concave profile of the perimeter recess top of upstand locus along a central length of the perimeter recess is seen in elevation as raised towards the centre of the perimeter recess, in the shape of an arch. Any free tea liquor that makes its way between the perimeter recess and the vessel, on transfer of a used tea bag or infuser onto an inverted piece, on reaching the concave or arch profile, will tend to spread sideways. It is less likely to coalesce under gravity to form sufficient size of droplet to resist surface tension and drop onto the supporting surface with the concave, arch profile of the present invention than with prior art lids with a perimeter recess, another distinct advantage of the present invention.

The term “top recess” is used to denote an optional recess in the first principal surface of the piece capable of retaining a second vessel, for example a milk jug. According to one aspect of the various embodiments, the top recess comprises a “top recess perimeter” and a “perimeter restraint”. The top recess perimeter restraint optionally comprises a perimeter wall between the top recess perimeter and a lower surface or “recessed area” of the top recess. A guiding downslope in the first principal surface is capable of assisting the location of a second vessel into a top recess, which offers a significant improvement over the prior art in this and other respects, for example the retention of another tasting product, for example sugar in a wrapping, within the assembly.

The term “perimeter recess” is used to denote a recess or indent in the perimeter of the piece. Optionally, a portion of the perimeter recess is shaped in an arc of a circle with its centre located outside the perimeter of the piece. When the piece is acting as a lid to a vessel, for example a mug or cup, the perimeter recess forms a “ventilation aperture” between the perimeter recess and the inside of the rim of the vessel. The ventilation aperture allows steam to escape. It also provides a convenient void through which a tea bag connector can pass but typically is small enough to maintain the tea bag suspension handle outside the vessel and piece. The perimeter recess is optionally of smooth curvature to enable the connector to be easily manoeuvred so that it is maintained in the ventilation aperture created between the perimeter recess and vessel rim. Optionally, the perimeter recess also enables the inverted piece to be located or

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) “dock” close to, or touch and optionally fit snugly or contiguously with the vessel on a table or other horizontal surface, to reduce or eliminate the risk of tea dripping onto the horizontal surface when transferring the used tea bag from the vessel into the well of the inverted piece. Optionally, a “stirrer”, for example a wood or plastic stirrer, or a spoon, for example a teaspoon or espresso spoon, is capable of being located within the ventilation aperture between a piece perimeter recess and vessel rim, or the opening formed by the piece perimeter recess and a rim-supported infuser bowl, and within the infuser bowl, for example an open perforated stainless steel bowl. Optionally an infuser handle, hook or connector is located within a ventilation aperture.

Optionally the piece comprises a handle which extends beyond the vessel, for example a radially projecting handle, for example a cylindrical handle facilitating the rotation or inversion of the piece about the axis of the cylindrical handle.

According to one aspect of various embodiments, the second principal surface comprises a continuous loop downstand to retain the piece on the vessel rim, the continuous loop downstand having an additional function of causing condensate on the underside or second surface, which migrates to the downstand, to drip into the mug and not migrate to the piece perimeter.

According to one aspect of various embodiments, a “lower ledge infuser recess” is optionally capable of accommodating the connector, hook or handle of an infuser or a tea bag string, enabling the lower ledge to fit flush onto the rim of the vessel. Optionally, a “downstand infuser recess” on the outside of the downstand enables the downstand to fit around the connector or spine of an infuser and bear directly against the inside of the first vessel, thereby increasing the range of inside diameter of vessel that the piece can accommodate. A downstand infuser recess is optionally continuous with a lower ledge infuser recess.

The term “well” is used to denote the area of surface 2 intended to receive a used tea bag or infuser upon inversion of the piece, and which is impervious to aqueous liquids, and optionally enables a used tea bag to be easily located within its plan area and has a cubic capacity or volume suitable for retaining any liquid that emanates from a used tea bag. The well preferably comprises a minimum clear internal width of greater than 50mm, and more preferably greater than 65mm. The well optionally comprises a

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) volume or cubic capacity of liquid that it will contain, when the piece is inverted on a horizontal surface, of greater than at least one of 0.5cc and l.Occ and 3.0cc and 5.0cc and lO.Occ and/or 20.0cc.

The well optionally comprises a continuous “well wall”, for example the inside surface of a continuous loop downstand or a fold in the piece construction. The well wall comprises a continuous surface that is optionally sloping, for example to assist the extraction of a piece from a mould during manufacture. If the piece is placed on a horizontal surface with the second principal surface facing upwards, the surface of a continuous well wall is optionally at an angle of less than 45° to vertical. A continuous well wall optionally has a height greater than at least one of 1mm and 2mm and 5mm and/or 8mm.

The base of the well optionally comprises a raised or convex portion of surface when the piece is inverted, on which a used tea bag is optionally intended to be located, which allows tea from the used tea bag to drain into a lower portion of the well, optionally termed a “moat”, for example an annular recess. This moat feature assists re-use of the tea bag with less risk of spillage, and subsequent disposal of the tea bag with less risk of spillage of “free liquid”, typically brewed tea, sometimes referred to as “tea liquor.”

According to various embodiments, the well not only accommodates the base of the used tea bag when lowered into it but optionally contains any leaking fluid if the tea bag falls to one side, a common occurrence as some tea bags are typically unstable after the suspension string is released.

The continuous loop downstand is substantially located inside the vessel when the piece is acting as a lid to the vessel. The downstand prevents the piece from sliding sideways off a vessel when acting as the lid to the vessel. In a number of embodiments, the well optionally comprises the inside of a continuous loop downstand. The continuous loop downstand is optionally referred to as a “drip downstand” or “skirt”, typically configured and sized to be locatable inside the rim of the vessel and is capable of being located inside the vessel, with a gap throughout its length between the downstand and the inside surface of the vessel. The downstand, which is intended to bear against the inside of the vessel when the piece is pushed sideways, optionally has

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) a depth below the lower ledge and rim of the vessel of at least 2mm, 4mm, 6mm and/or greater than 6 mm. Optionally, the outside of the downstand is coterminous with a portion of the perimeter recess.

A “second vessel” is capable of containing a “tasting product”. The second vessel is optionally an open vessel, for example a milk jug, a drinking vessel, for example an espresso cup or glass, a sugar bowl, a ramekin, a measuring vessel, for example for spirits, a dish, for example for containing snacks, an open jar, or a baking case, for example containing a cupcake. The second vessel is optionally a vessel with a lid, for example a honey jar, a milk jug or creamer with a lid, or a capsule with a sealed lid, for example containing milk. The second vessel is optionally a sealed or unsealed flexible wrapping or packaging, for example a milk sachet or a sachet for sugar or sweetener. Optionally a flexible package, for example for example containing sugar, is capable of being folded and located within the top recess in a manner with exerts outward pressure onto the top recess perimeter wall, thus providing a passive lateral restraint to the package. A second vessel comprising a small jug, “pourer”, or “creamer”, typically comprises a spout or “lip” being a projection outside an otherwise circular perimeter of the second vessel rim to assist the drip-free pouring of a liquid “tasting product”. Optionally, the second vessel comprises one of two, three and four spouts within the second vessel rim perimeter. A second vessel is typically of smaller liquid capacity than the vessel. The second vessel is optionally made of plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester, melamine, polypropylene, or crystal polystyrene, or ceramic, glass, metal, bamboo, paper or other biodegradable or edible material, for example a pastry cup or one made of ice cream wafer biscuit. Optionally, the second vessel is disposable, for example a paper espresso cup, a paper case to a cup cake, or open or closed packaging.

A “tasting product” is any liquid or solid that is partly or wholly retained within the second vessel that is typically intended to be added to the first liquid in the vessel to amend its taste, for example milk, cream, lemon juice, honey, any edible or potable essence or “tasting sauce”, such as vanilla essence, any alcoholic liquid, any leaf or powder, lemon, sugar, sweetener, small marshmallows or any other taster, mixer or shot to change the flavour or other property of the resultant beverage, for example cold water

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) to reduce the temperature of a beverage after brewing and before its consumption. Other tasting products are typically to be consumed in conjunction with the first liquid, for example nuts, cakes, biscuits, or any other savoury or sweet snack.

An optional second vessel is restrained from sliding or toppling off the piece by being located and retained within a top recess and/or by discrete surfaces, for example the inside surfaces of discrete upstands, for example the innermost surfaces of radial fin upstands. The second vessel is optionally purpose-designed or selected from a wide range of vessels on the market, for example which are sold as milk jugs or “creamers”, for example of ceramic, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, paper or plastic, for example of polycarbonate, copolyester, acrylic, polypropylene or crystal polystyrene, any second vessel is typically small compared to the vessel, for example measuring up to 50ml.

Typically, the vessel, the piece top recess perimeter and any optional second vessel are substantially circular on plan and are typically assembled to be substantially co-axial, with the vessel, the piece top recess perimeter and the second vessel each within 1, 2, 3, 4mm of the piece axis. The piece axis is typically being substantially vertical when supported on a table, or other substantially horizontal surface. Typically, a second vessel comprises an axial length of annular cross-sections. Optionally a second vessel comprises a cross-section which transitions from a circular outer surface at the base to a square outer surface at the rim, such a configuration optionally comprising four comer projections or spouts to optionally assist holding the second vessel between finger and thumb under two opposing spouts and pouring a tasting liquid from the second vessel via another of the four spouts.

A second vessel is typically supported on its base, for example a plane base or a base with a perimeter downstand ring, “foot” or annular projection, or a tripod or other stable arrangement of discrete legs. The underside of such example base arrangements are considered to be coincident with a “base plane” to the second vessel. The “width of the second vessel base support” is the distance between the extremities of base support in a given direction.

The assembly optionally comprises a “third vessel” located on the second vessel, which is capable of containing a second tasting product, for example sugar or

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) sweetener, for example a dish with a means of restraint in relation to the second vessel. A third vessel is optionally made of plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester, melamine, polypropylene, or crystal polystyrene, or ceramic, glass, metal, bamboo, paper or biodegradable or edible material, for example a pastry cup. A third vessel is optionally a flexible packaging or sachet, for example containing sugar or sweetener. A third vessel is optionally a shallow dish, for example containing a snack such as nuts, and optionally comprising a clip to retain one or more sachets, for example of sugar or sweetener.

The piece’s second principal surface comprises a downstand which is located within the piece perimeter. When the piece is acting as a lid to the vessel, the downstand provides a lateral restraint against the inside of the vessel if the piece is subjected to a lateral force. A top recess in the piece is optionally configured to reduce the likelihood of a second vessel sliding or toppling off the piece, for example if a person carrying the assembly is accidentally knocked sideways by another person or inadvertently carries the assembly with its axis sloping at a substantial angle to vertical and/or is unsteady in attempting to hold the axis of the assembly substantially vertical.

The term “piece perimeter radius” is intended to mean the radius of a circle forming part of the perimeter of a piece, for example the piece being substantially circular apart from the extent of any perimeter recess and/or apart from any piece handle or other projection extending outwards beyond a substantially circular perimeter. If the piece perimeter is not substantially circular, for example if it comprises a multi-sided, polygonal shape such as an octagon, the piece perimeter radius is that of a circle of the same area as the alternative perimeter geometry.

The term ‘transparent material’ is used to denote a material that, if used to make a piece according to various embodiments of the present invention, allows the strength of the tea infusing in the vessel to be visibly identifiable through the transparent material. Optionally, the transparent material is clear, for example water clear, or no more tinted than common glass.

The term “stirrer” or the term “spoon” or “teaspoon” or “espresso spoon” is used to denote any utensil capable of being used to stir or otherwise agitate a liquid in the vessel, for example a metal teaspoon or a wooden or plastic stirrer. According to

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) the present invention, the use of one of these four terms includes any of the other three terms. A stirrer or teaspoon is typically used to mix a tasting product from a second vessel and/or a third vessel into the first liquid in the vessel, for example to be dissolved in the first liquid or form a suspension within the first liquid. It is optionally used to extract a tasting product from a second or third vessel, to be consumed in conjunction with liquid in the vessel. A stirrer or spoon is optionally used to transfer a used tea bag, typically an untagged tea bag, from the vessel to an inverted piece.

The shape of a top recess in the piece and the shape of the underside or base of a second vessel typically combine to provide a resistance to lateral and optionally rotational movement of the second vessel relative to the piece. For example, a top recess in the piece is optionally part cylindrical in shape. A second vessel is optionally ceramic hollowware, typically comprising an annular projection at its base, the underside of which is typically unglazed.

It is preferable to provide a resistance against lateral movement of the second vessel in relation to the piece, for example a top recess perimeter restraint, for example comprising a perimeter wall to the top recess. Such a perimeter wall in cross-section optionally comprises a bottom radius and a top radius, the top radius assisting the location of the second vessel within the top recess and the bottom radius assisting the dishwashing or other cleaning of the piece. A perimeter wall typically comprises a slope angle in relation to the plane of the recess perimeter of greater than at least one of 45o and 60o and/or 85o. Optionally the perimeter wall comprises a “transition” curve in cross-section, comprising a gradually increasing radius from the recessed area or top recess bottom, which is potentially advantageous in gradually absorbing the energy of relative lateral movement of the second vessel in relation to the piece, reducing the likelihood of any liquid in the second vessel spilling or the second vessel overturning. Optionally, the shape of the perimeter wall and the lower side of a second vessel are designed and constructed to enable the second vessel to be easily located within the recess, for example each comprising a perimeter chamfer. Preferably, this location of the second vessel into a top recess is also assisted by a guiding downslope between the upstand and top recess perimeter.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Optionally the second vessel is located into the top recess with a locking mechanical connection that resists rotational movement through the axis of the second vessel relative to the piece. While such mechanical connection could comprise a screw or bayonet or Rotite® connector (a product of Rotite Ltd, UK) or other prior art connection, these locking connections typically would comprise undesirable internal angles or other features that would complicate the manufacture and cleaning of the second vessel and piece. There is optionally a mechanical connection of the second vessel to the piece comprising a suitably shaped annular projection forming the base of the second vessel with a related, suitably shaped annular recess in the first principal surface of the piece, the respective shapes allowing easy location of the second vessel base into the annular recess and easy removal but providing a limited movement or passive rotational restraint against toppling of the second vessel.

The assembly is typically more stable and safer for carrying than a prior art open mug containing hot tea, whether being carried by hand or on a tray or a prior art teapot service carried on a tray to the point of consumption, where brewing optionally takes place, monitored by the drinker. The assembly can be assembled with relative ease and speed compared to prior art methods of making and serving tea. Such relative stability and convenience can be considered in relation to the following factors:

“Lateral restraint” of one component of the assembly in relation to another component of the assembly refers to restraint of movement perpendicular to the axis of the another component. Lateral restraint of the piece in relation to the vessel refers to restraint of movement perpendicular to the axis of the vessel. Lateral restraint of the second vessel refers to restraint of movement of the second vessel perpendicular to the axis of the piece.

“Passive lateral restraint” of one component of the assembly in relation to another means there is no relative movement of the two components.

“Limited movement lateral restraint” means there is some lateral movement of one component in one direction in relation to another before there is interaction restraining further lateral movement. For example, the shape of the downstand and vessel combine to provide a lateral restraint to movement of the piece relative to the vessel, optionally following lateral movement of less than at least one of 6mm and 3mm

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) and/or 1mm. As another example, the shape the vessel and upstand, following inversion of the piece and location of the upstand within the inside rim of the vessel, combine to provide a lateral restraint to movement of the piece relative to the vessel, optionally following lateral movement of less than at least one of 6mm and 3mm and/or 1mm.

As another example, the shape of the top recess in the piece and the shape of the base of a second vessel combine to provide a lateral restraint to movement of the second vessel relative to the piece, optionally following lateral movement of less than at least one of 6mm and 3mm and/or 1mm.

“Rotational restraint” resists rotational movement through the axis of one component of the assembly relative to another.

“Passive rotational restraint” means there is no relative rotational movement of the two components.

“Limited movement rotational restraint” means there is some rotational movement of one component in relation to another before there is interaction restraining further movement.

“360° passive lateral restraint” means that passive resistance is provided against the lateral movement of one component in relation to another component in any radial direction relative to the axis of another component.

The terms “axial alignment” and “coaxial” allow for tolerance and thereby out- of axial alignment of small dimension, typically less than at least one of 5mm and 3mm and 2mm and/or 1mm relative movement prior to interaction of two components effectively preventing further relative movement, also referred to as “interaction tolerance”.

It is preferable for the piece to be located on the vessel and the second vessel located on the piece with freedom of axial movement.

Optionally, passive lateral restraint or passive rotational restraint should not result from any degree of wedging action comprising physical deformation of one or two wedged components. Optionally, disengagement of components of the assembly

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) should only require the overcoming of gravitational force, not friction or any wedging force.

A “point of consumption” is the location at which a beverage is consumed.

A “table” is any table or other horizontal surface onto which an assembly of the present invention is placed, including a dining table, a coffee table, a desk and a bedside unit.

A “counter” is any surface on which an assembly of the present invention is assembled or prepared, for example a counter at a counter-service restaurant, a self- service counter or unit and a kitchen countertop.

A complete tea service of the invention is optionally supported by the vessel and is capable of being held and carried in one hand. The vessel typically comprises a mug or cup, which supports a piece acting as a lid, which in turn optionally supports a second vessel, for example a milk jug. A tea bag or loose leaf tea infuser is typically located within hot water within the vessel. A tea bag can be either tagged, in which case the tag is located outside the vessel, the string being optionally retained within the ventilation aperture or being located on another part of the rim where the tea bag string is typically trapped between the rim of the vessel and a perimeter ledge of the piece. The whole assembly or tea service is capable of being held in one hand, typically by a handle on the vessel, for example the handle of a mug or cup. After the assembly is carried to a table or other surface by a server or a consumer, any second vessel is typically removed from the piece and the brewing and steeping of the tea can be observed through a transparent vessel and/or a transparent piece and/or by temporarily removing the piece. When the tea has reached the required strength for the individual customer, the piece is removed, inverted and typically “docked” with the perimeter recess fitting snugly against the side of the vessel. This creates a “transfer width” which enables the transfer of a used tea bag onto the inverted piece either by means of the tag or teaspoon or the transfer of a used infuser without spilling onto a table or other surface. Milk is then optionally poured from the second vessel into the brewed tea in the vessel and stirred with the teaspoon. Milk is optionally substituted by any tasting product, for example cream, lemon, honey, an essence, for example of vanilla or hazelnut, an alcoholic beverage, for example to produce a tea cocktail, sugar, cinnamon,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) or other solid tasting product, optionally stirred with the teaspoon to produce the finished beverage.

According to one aspect of various embodiments, the assembly comprises an infuser, for example a stainless steel “bucket” or “bowl” infuser, a “ball and chain” infuser or a disposable abaca or paper envelope infuser. A stainless steel infuser optionally comprises a perforated bowl typically comprising a perforated drum and base, a connector hook which hooks over the rim of the vessel within or outside the piece perimeter recess, the hook optionally extended to form an infuser handle. The hook optionally is located within the ventilation aperture formed between the vessel rim and the piece perimeter recess, optionally also retaining a spoon, the bowl of the spoon being located within the vessel, optionally within or outside the infuser. Optionally, another type of stainless steel infuser comprises a perimeter ledge which can be located intermediate the vessel rim and the piece. Optionally, a stirrer or spoon is capable of being inserted within the piece perimeter recess, the bowl of the spoon being located within the infuser. Optionally the perimeter ledge of the infuser extends to form a handle projecting beyond the vessel. Optionally, when the infuser is located on the mug and the piece located on the infuser, at least a part of the perimeter of the piece projects beyond the perimeter of the infuser for ease of lifting the piece relative to the infuser. Depending on the size of the infuser, the spoon is typically either a teaspoon or an espresso spoon.

There is typically a tolerance between the outside of the tea piece downstand and the inside of the vessel, which allows for easy placement and removal of the tea piece. In spite of the tea piece not being sealed to the vessel, a significant reduction in spillage of any liquid in the vessel has been noted in practice, compared to an open mug of the same shape, filled to the same level. The presence of a teaspoon in the ventilation aperture has the effect of pushing the tea piece towards the opposite rim of the vessel, by virtue of the teaspoon bowl sliding until restrained by the vessel rim and the edge of the perimeter recess. This has the effect of substantially removing relative movement of the tea piece relative to the vessel under relatively low lateral force on the tea piece. Optionally the presence of an infuser connector, hook or handle within a ventilation

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) aperture or ledge recess or elsewhere on the vessel rim inhibits lateral movement of the piece relative to the vessel.

It is preferable for a second vessel to be maintained on the tea piece under a reasonable range of conditions of a person holding the handle of the vessel, allowing the vessel to slope or to shake or be disturbed in resisting sideways impact, for example into furniture or from another person. Optionally an assembly comprising a second vessel located within the top recess of the piece can be rotated to an angle of over at least one of 10° and 20° and 30° and/or 40° from vertical without the second vessel sliding off the tea piece or overturning. The slope at which liquid may spill from the second vessel depends upon the level to which the second vessel is filled by a liquid tasting product. The size of the second vessel is typically selected such that the maximum desired amount of tasting liquid can be accommodated within the second vessel’s height with a defined gap to the rim. The second vessel is optionally filled with a typically cold liquid to a level that will spill when the vessel is rotated before the typically hot first liquid in the vessel spills, providing a safety warning to avoid scalding.

The stability of the second vessel and the assembly as a whole is assisted by the second vessel being smaller than the vessel. Firstly, the smaller the second vessel the less likely it is to be knocked in a commercial hospitality environment. For an identical shape, the smaller the second vessel, the lower its centre of gravity. Optionally, the second vessel has a height above the base plane of the second vessel of less than at least one of 75mm and 60mm and 55mm and 50mm and 45mm and/or 40mm and less than at least one of 80% and 70% and 60% and/or 40% the height of the vessel. Optionally the liquid capacity of the second vessel is less than the liquid capacity of the vessel and optionally less than at least one of 80% and 60% and 40% and 30% and/or 20% the liquid capacity of the vessel.

The stability of the overall assembly in preparation of an assembly and carrying an assembly in one hand or on a tray and when placed at the point of consumption, for example on a table or desk, is optionally assessed by the diameter of the base of the vessel divided by the overall height of the assembly, optionally greater than at least one of 0.3 and 0.35 and 0.40 and 0.45 and/or 0.50.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The dynamic performance of the assembly with liquid in both the vessel and the second vessel is complex, whether in relation to an imposed slope or lateral force, and is compounded by the reaction of the person holding the vessel or a tray on which the assembly is located, making any corrective moves to compensate for any perceived risk of spillage, sliding or overturning. If a sudden force is applied laterally to the vessel in one direction the tea piece will typically slide to the other side of the rim of the vessel, unless already restrained at that point by the tea piece downstand. In either case, a lateral force will be applied to the side of the second vessel at its base in the same direction as the initial force on the vessel, resulting in a tendency for the second vessel to topple or rotate in the opposite direction. Such tendency is optionally prevented by adequate means of lateral restraint, for example by a top recess perimeter wall in a piece and/or the inside surfaces of discrete upstands, for example radial fin upstands. While spillage of hot liquid in the vessel would be the most serious consequence of such sloping, lateral movement or impact, spillage of liquid in the second vessel would likely occur before spillage of liquid in the vessel or dislodgement or overturning of the second vessel. Liquid in the second vessel will typically rise up the side of the second vessel facing the direction of lateral impact and then oscillate backwards and forwards in this direction, the timing of such oscillation possibly causing an increase or decrease in the likelihood of lateral sliding or overturning of the second vessel on the tea piece. It has been found in practice that a substantially cylindrical recess, with a perimeter wall depth optionally greater than at least one of 2mm and 3mm and/or 4mm will substantially avoid such sliding or overturning of the second vessel under typical conditions of a busy and bustling hospitality environment where sideways knocks are not unusual but limited in severity. Such locations often have hard floor surfaces and the second vessel is optionally of a plastic or metal or tempered glass rather than a ceramic material which is more likely to fracture if it falls to the floor. Nevertheless, the likelihood of such occurrence is small and aesthetic considerations or other practical considerations, such as resistance to scratching, may make a ceramic material preferable in certain circumstances.

The perceived risk of spillage of liquid from the vessel and/or second vessel, or the toppling of the second vessel from the piece, are problems that the assembly is typically configured and arranged to overcome. There are many methods of assessing

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) such risks and the performance of the present invention in relation to prior art methods of serving tea.

The “maximum angle of static equilibrium” of the second vessel is optionally assessed by slowly rotating an assembly without any contained liquids through the axis of the vessel until the second vessel topples over, which is typically at an angle of the vessel axis to vertical of greater than at least one of 30° and/or 40°, angles far greater than liquid in the vessel or second vessel would typically spill if filled to a typical level of say 5- 10mm from the rim.

In various non-limiting embodiments, a piece perimeter recess plays a number of potential roles, including to optionally provide:

(i) sufficient width within which to easily locate a tea bag string connector or infuser connector or connector hook and smoothly manoeuvre it into the ventilation aperture created between the perimeter recess and vessel rim,

(ii) a ventilation aperture that is sufficiently small to prevent the suspension handle of a tea bag assembly slipping into the hot water,

(iii) a ventilation aperture that typically enables the free, up and down movement or agitation of the tea bag to accelerate infusion,

(iv) a ventilation aperture that is typically large enough to accommodate a spoon shaft,

(v) a ventilation aperture that is typically large enough to accommodate a drinking straw, and

(vi) the ability to ‘dock’ the inverted piece close to and optionally contiguously with the vessel on a horizontal surface, to reduce or eliminate the risk of tea dripping onto the horizontal surface when transferring the used tea bag from the vessel into the well of the inverted piece.

The shortest or straight line dimension between the two extremities of the perimeter recess, for example the chord length between the points at which it deviates from a circular perimeter, is typically greater than at least one of 10mm and 25mm and 30mm and/or 35mm.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The ventilation aperture optionally has a maximum dimension in any direction (e.g., radial direction relative to a centre of the piece or a direction tangential to a circumferential direction) of less than at least one of 30 mm and 25 mm and/or 20 mm. Optionally, the ventilation aperture has a plan area of greater than at least one of 20mm² and 50mm² and 100mm² and 150mm² and/or 200mm².

A transparent piece and/or vessel enables the darkening colour of an infusion to be monitored but if an opaque piece is being used with an opaque vessel, preferably white or light colour, the strength of infusion at any point in time can be easily established by raising the tea piece in one hand. Optionally, the speed of infusion can be increased by manipulating the tea bag by a supporting tag or a teaspoon. When the desired strength of infusion is achieved, infusion is then terminated by the removal of the used tea bag onto the inverted piece. This is an improvement over prior art teapots in which the strength of infusion varies continuously from too weak to too strong.

Optionally, the perimeter recess is shaped to an arc of a circle that enables the perimeter recess edge to be contiguous (fit snugly) with the outside of the vessel after the inversion of the piece, in order to reduce the likelihood of, or to prevent, drips from a wet, used tea bag falling onto a table cloth or table during transfer from the infused tea in the vessel to the inverted piece acting as a receptacle for the wet, used tea bag.

Optionally, from the top of an upstand, there is a guiding downslope sloping downwards towards a top recess perimeter and optionally to the top of a wall comprising a perimeter restraint surrounding a top recess. This guiding downslope assists the speedy location of a second vessel, for example a milk jug, into the top recess, which in a busy foodservice environment is key advantage of the present invention over the prior art.

Optionally, a guiding downslope is continuous within a continuous upstand, optionally of an inverted frusto-conical or truncated cone shape, somewhat akin to a velodrome track. A continuous guiding downslope not only assists the stability of an inverted piece and guides a second vessel into a top recess, it is capable of supporting or partially supporting other elements of an assembly comprising a tea service, for example a tasting product, for example a sugar or sweetener sachet or one or more wrapped or unwrapped sugar cubes, for example the inward slope helping to maintain

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) the tasting product on the piece when an assembly is being carried. Optionally, the piece is configured and arranged to retain a tasting product, for example comprising a recess in surface 1.

The recessed area of the top recess comprises an ideal area to insert graphics, for example information graphics, for example providing instructions on the use of the piece, or information on the manufacturer or material of manufacture, or that it is machine dish-washable or micro-waveable, or a patent or other intellectual property notification, or an advertisement for a customer, for example a service provided by the customer or the name of a hotel or other foodservice operation in which the piece is in use. Such graphics are optionally disposed elsewhere on the piece, for example around a guiding downslope surrounding a top recess. Such graphics can optionally be applied to either the first principal surface or the second principal surface, for example by means of a ceramic ink decal on a ceramic piece or a glass piece, and then fired into the piece to produce a durable graphic. The graphics on a plastic piece are optionally moulded into or projecting from the piece, or printed onto the surface of the piece for example by screen-, inkjet- or pad-printing. If the piece is transparent, for example of glass or plastic, the graphics can be applied reverse-reading, to be read right-reading from the opposite side of the piece.

Optionally, a top recess facilitates a stable seating of the piece upon inversion, for example on a table cloth, onto which the top recess perimeter bears. Optionally, the first principal surface is raised outside a top recess to a locus of support more remote from the centre of the piece, for example the top of a continuous upstand, thereby offering a more stable support upon inversion. Optionally, a stable support to the inverted piece is provided by discrete upstands acting as legs to the inverted piece, optionally with discrete points or loci of support, preferably towards or at the outsides of discrete upstands.

Upon inversion, the piece is optionally stable on a horizontal surface, to reduce the chances of the piece being rocked to an angle that could allow spilling of tea that has emanated from a used tea bag. Optionally, the continuous or discrete points of support of the piece when inverted and placed on a horizontal surface are disposed on the horizontal surface at a distance from the centre of gravity of the piece or the piece

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) axis of not less than at least one of 20, 25, 30, 35mm. In various non-limiting embodiments, the continuous or discrete points of support are at a radial distance of within at least one of 5, 3, 1mm of the distance of the downstand outside surface adjacent to the lower ledge from the centre of the piece, further than and therefore more stable than the prior art.

In various non-limiting embodiments, a continuous loop downstand is firstly intended to prevent water, which has condensed on the second surface during infusion, dripping outside the rim of the cup. It is typically continuous throughout its length to form a closed loop well wall when observed from the second surface side of the piece, to cause tea emanating from a wet tea bag to be contained on the second surface, within a well formed by the closed loop downstand.

In various non-limiting embodiments, the perimeter recess is optionally recessed within an otherwise circular perimeter and is of a width and shape to enable easy positioning of a tea bag connector within the perimeter recess before lowering the tea bag into the hot water. If the piece perimeter is predominantly circular, then the perimeter recess preferably deviates inside that circle by a radial deviation greater than at least one of 3mm and 5mm and 10mm and/or 15mm. Optionally the perimeter recess does not comprise an angle or curvature of radius less than 3mm. The perimeter recess should optionally enable ‘docking’ of the perimeter recess against a vessel of circular plan, after inversion of the piece, such that the external surface of the vessel intrudes into a notional continuation of the piece perimeter circle by a distance of greater than at least one of 1mm and 2mm and 3mm and 5mm and 10mm and/or 15mm.

Optionally, when the inverted piece is pushed against the outside of the vessel, there is a length between two points on the vessel perimeter, over the extent of the perimeter recess, in which the gap between the vessel and piece, when measured radially from the vertical axis of the vessel, is less than at least one of 1mm and 0.5mm and/or 0.2mm. Also, the length between the two points is greater than at least one of 10mm and 20mm and/or 30mm. These ‘docking’ features reduce the likelihood of spillage of tea when transferring a used tea bag from the vessel to an inverted piece compared to prior art circular lids.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The piece acting as a lid to a vessel reduces the rate of cooling of the hot water or infusion, which results in a faster rate of infusion and stronger potential infusion than would otherwise be the case, for example with a prior art open vessel. The reduction in rate of cooling is even greater if there is a relative flow of air over an open vessel with no lid, for example if a cup of hot water is being carried by a server from a kitchen area to a table within a restaurant or other hospitality location. Optionally, the tea piece is returned to the vessel to reduce the rate of cooling of a hot beverage in the vessel. The provision of a lid during infusion or between times of consumption has been shown to be more effective in reducing the rate of cooling than, for example, an insulated mug or beaker with an open top.

Optionally the piece is capable of being used as a cover to the vessel, for example to keep the beverage warm before and/or intermittently during the duration of drinking the beverage, optionally with a used tea bag or infuser retained on the inverted piece or after removal of the tea bag and its disposal. A major feature and advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the capability to return the piece back onto the rim of a vessel without the need to re-invert the piece. The resultant assembly is stable and capable of safe clearing and return carry to a kitchen or other service point. With the second principal surface uppermost, the upstand outside surface or surfaces provide a limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of the vessel. This avoids the need to decant a used teabag and free liquid back into the vessel in order to locate a reinverted piece onto the vessel rim to clear a table and return carry, or to return carry the vessel and inverted piece separately, taking more room on a tray.

Various non-limiting embodiments provide tea-making functionality similar to a teapot, of a covered infusion environment, with an increased efficiency of infusion compared to an open mug. Optionally, the piece has enhanced insulating properties, for example comprising an internal partial vacuum, air gaps or bubbles, for example of sealed foam construction, for example to further improve heat retention during the serving of the vessel containing hot water and/or the infusion, enabling the required strength of tea to be achieved even faster, and/or keeping the tea or other beverage warmer before and during the duration of drinking the tea.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Optionally, the vessel has enhanced insulating properties, further improving heat retention, for example by the sides and/or base incorporating an air gap and/or partial vacuum and/or comprising a highly insulating material.

According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using one of the assemblies previously described, 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 following 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 with the second surface uppermost 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.

According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea including in step (i) said first liquid is hot water, wherein after step (i) locating a tea bag into the hot water. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making of tea wherein said first liquid is hot water and before step (i) locating a tea bag into the vessel. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea, wherein after step (iii) locating a tea bag into the vessel. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea, wherein after step (iii) allowing time for the tea to infuse. According to various nonlimiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea, wherein after step (iv), removing a used tea bag from the hot water, and locating the used tea bag into the well of the inverted piece.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea comprising inserting one of milk and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener into a second vessel and before or after the tea has infused transferring the one of milk and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener into the vessel.

Optionally, the tea bag is part of an assembly comprising the tea bag, a suspension handle and a connector which connects the tea bag to the suspension handle.

Optionally, the tea bag is placed into the hot water by means of the suspension handle and connector.

Optionally, the piece comprises a perimeter recess and a tea bag connector passes through a ventilation aperture between the perimeter recess and the inside of the vessel rim, and wherein the suspension handle is located outside the space contained by the vessel and piece acting as a lid to the vessel. The ventilation aperture enables ventilation of steam and, optionally before step (iv), agitating the infusing tea, for example by repeatedly lifting the tea bag up and allowing it to drop, by means of the suspension handle and connector. The infusion process is sometimes referred to as steeping or brewing the tea, which is sometimes referred to as tea liquor.

Optionally the piece comprises a perimeter recess and the perimeter recess is designed and configured to fit close to and optionally contiguously with the outside of the vessel following inversion. Optionally, in step (iv), the piece is inverted and optionally is then located onto the same surface as the vessel and is optionally located or docked close to, or touching, or contiguous with part of the outside surface of the vessel, to enable the used tea bag to be transferred onto the piece without dripping onto the surface, for example of a table or tablecloth or desk or service counter.

This docking of the piece creates a “transfer width” with little or no gap between the vessel and part of the piece perimeter, over which the used tea bag is transferred onto the inverted piece, to further reduce the possibility of tea from the used tea bag spilling onto the horizontal surface.

The tea bag connector is optionally string, optionally thread, twine, fine cable or monofilament, optionally flexible, optionally contained within the tea bag before being pulled out from the tea bag before immersion of the tea bag in the hot water.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The suspension handle or tag typically comprises paper, card or plastic material or a loop or other termination of the string and enables the tea bag to be suspended from the string by a person holding the suspension handle, typically between thumb and first finger, for the purposes of placing the tea bag into the hot water in the cup and optionally agitating the tea bag to speed up the infusion process. Following the desired degree of infusion or brewing of the tea, the suspension handle and string are typically used to retrieve the tea bag from the hot tea liquid and, following inversion of the piece and locating it onto a table or other horizontal surface, placing the wet tea bag on the second surface of the piece within the well. The tea bag is optionally part of a reusable tea infuser, for example of stainless steel or silicone. Optionally, a disposable tea bag, for example made of abaca, is located within an infuser, for example the bowl of an open infuser, to facilitate hot water being directly and continuously applied to the disposable tea bag containing tea, which otherwise would move away from the flow of hot water, for example in order to accelerate the infusion process and/or facilitate the easy retrieval of an untagged tea bag.

The tea is optionally made from boiling water, optionally poured onto the tea bag directly from a kettle or other water boiling device, or the tea bag is placed into the vessel containing hot water. In either case, according to methods according to various embodiments of the present invention, the method optionally allows the individual drinker to determine their preferred strength of tea in a location remote from a kettle or other means of boiling water, as they are in control of the duration of infusion. It also allows the drinker or other user of the piece to overcome some of the limitations of the prior art. The lid retains heat, reducing the rate of cooling of the hot water or infusion. A ventilation aperture between the piece and the rim of the cup allows the escape of steam, while typically retaining the tea bag connector, enabling the suspension handle to be maintained outside the cup, and the optional agitation of the tea bag by raising and lowering of the tea bag suspension handle. The piece provides a convenient holding receptacle for the wet tea bag after infusion, following its inversion, enabling reuse of the already used tea bag and/or its clean and convenient disposal.

Another advantage over the prior art of teapots is that lifting and inversion of the piece releases aromatic oils trapped within the continuous downstand during

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) infusion, providing a concentrated aroma or “aroma burst” not experienced with a teapot with a lid maintained on the teapot, or an open mug, from which the aroma of infusion is slowly dissipated.

A major feature and advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the capability to return the piece back onto the rim of the vessel without the need to reinvert the piece, and the resultant assembly being stable and capable of safe clearing and return carry to a kitchen or other service point. The upstand surface portions provide a limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of the vessel. This avoids the need to decant a used teabag, condensate and free liquid back into the vessel in order to locate a re-inverted piece onto the vessel rim or to clear a table and return carry the vessel and inverted piece separately. The straight lift, translation and lowering of the piece with a used tea bag or infuser onto the rim of the vessel without re-inversion of the piece enables the assembly to be cleared from a surface, for example a table, and carried back to a kitchen or other service point safely in one hand, or taking less space on a tray than prior art methods of clearing and return carrying a tea set or assembly. In either case, time is saved in clearing the assembly, for example from a restaurant table. A further benefit of the upstand is to enable the temporary relocation of the piece onto the rim of the vessel without re-inversion, in between steps of drinking the tea or other infusion, for example to keep the liquid hotter than if the vessel was left open, or to act as a “bug barrier”, preventing insects or plant detritus entering the liquid, typically if being consumed outdoors. Such temporary relocation of the piece onto the vessel is optionally with or without a used tea bag on the piece, in the latter case the used tea bag having been previously removed from the inverted piece.

The method of making a beverage optionally includes the piece comprising a perimeter recess and a teaspoon being inserted into the liquid in the vessel, the ventilation aperture retaining the shaft of the teaspoon, and wherein after step (iv) the teaspoon is used to stir and amalgamate the tasting product and the liquid in the vessel. For example, in the method of making tea, the tasting product is optionally milk which is mixed into the brewed tea in the vessel. The inclusion of a teaspoon in the assembly is especially valuable when making tea with an untagged tea bag, the used untagged tea

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) bag being transferred onto the inverted piece by using the teaspoon. Optionally, a teaspoon is located in an infuser bowl.

The method of making a beverage optionally includes an assembly comprising a second vessel, and wherein the first principal surface comprises a top recess, wherein the top recess comprises a top recess perimeter and a recessed area within the top recess top perimeter, and wherein the second vessel is capable of being located within the top recess, and before step (iii) inserting a tasting product in the second vessel and, after step (ii), locating the second vessel in the top recess and, after step (iv) inserting some of the tasting product into the vessel. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea including in step (iii) the tasting product is one of milk and cream and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener and alcohol. Optionally the tasting product in a second vessel is cold water, to be introduced into the drink after the desired time of infusion at the point of consumption, for the purpose of cooling the drink for immediate consumption. A further benefit to the foodservice industry is avoiding the loss of teaspoons and other small tableware items, which are cleared on a table onto plates with uneaten food and subsequently accidentally thrown away with the waste food. The current invention enables the replacement of the piece onto the vessel with any associated teaspoon retained within the ventilation aperture or space between the perimeter recess and vessel rim, preventing such loss of the piece or teaspoon.

As another example of use of the invention, in the making of Irish coffee, the vessel is optionally of glass which is optionally pre-warmed and, in step (i), hot coffee is the first liquid inserted into the vessel, followed by inserting and stirring brown sugar with a teaspoon until the brown sure is dissolved, and following step (i) or after step (iv), adding Irish whiskey and stirring again with the teaspoon to produce a coffee blend before, following step (iv), holding the teaspoon with the teaspoon bowl over the vessel with the convex side uppermost and slowly pouring cream from the second vessel into the coffee blend via the concave surface. As another example, a tea or other infusion cocktail is made using an alcoholic spirit as the tasting product inserted into the second vessel.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Optionally, a part or all of the vessel and/or the piece is transparent, maintaining visibility of the tea while it is infusing to the required strength of tea. Various nonlimiting embodiments of the invention enable alternative uses of the piece following tea making, either for wet tea bag disposal or reuse, or as a saucer for the cup of tea, or as a lid to keep the tea hotter than it otherwise would be before and optionally during the duration of drinking the tea. Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention enable a reduced quantity of tea to be incorporated into each tea bag because of the increased efficiency of infusion compared to the method of making tea with a tea bag in an open mug or cup. The invention avoids the spilling of tea from a teapot when serving or pouring, caused by a poorly designed or constructed teapot or the person holding the teapot.

The piece is optionally used for methods of making tea which do not comprise a tea bag assembly comprising a tea bag, a suspension handle and a string connector. For example, making tea with an untagged tea bag without a suspension handle or string connector still benefits from the heat retention in the vessel provided by the piece, for example as a mug or cup lid. The untagged tea bag is typically dropped into hot water placed in the vessel or placed in the vessel before the hot water is added, and is typically removed from the hot water and placed on the inverted piece by a teaspoon, a fork, a stirrer or other implement, which is optionally also used to agitate the tea bag or press the tea bag against the side or base of the vessel to accelerate the steeping of the tea or other infusion. A stirrer, typically a slim piece of disposable wood or plastic, is optionally used to agitate the tea bag through the ventilation aperture.

Optionally the piece is used to make tea with loose leaf tea in conjunction with an infuser. Optionally, the infuser has a flexible connector, for example a chain or made of a flexible material, for example silicone, or is suitably shaped to allow a connector part of the infuser to pass through the ventilation aperture or a recess in the lower ledge on surface and/or the outside of the downstand, with the infuser suspension handle located outside the vessel and piece and optionally be capable of manipulating the infuser up and down or side to side to accelerate the infusion. Optionally the infuser comprises an open bowl, a suspension handle and a connector hook. Optionally, the infuser comprises a continuous perimeter ledge which is supported on the rim of the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) vessel before placing the tea or other infusion within the infuser, adding hot water and placing the piece on the infuser, optionally with a stirrer or teaspoon placed within the perimeter recess with the bottom end of the stirrer or bowl of the teaspoon located within the infuser.

Optionally, before, during or following infusion, a drinking straw is located within the ventilation aperture to assist the subsequent consumption of a beverage, while keeping the beverage relatively safe from spilling, for example by the elderly or otherwise inform or children. The piece remaining on the lid with a straw also reduces cooling, of especial benefit to those who wish or are only able to drink slowly.

The assembly optionally comprises a vessel, a tea piece comprising a perimeter recess, a teaspoon retained within the tea piece perimeter recess, optionally an infuser, a second vessel, and optionally a third vessel supported on the second vessel, all being held in one hand by a handle on the vessel or gripping around the vessel.

Optionally a napkin is located within a handle on the vessel.

Optionally, a second tasting product is partially or wholly supported on the piece, for example trapped between the piece and another component of an assembly. For example, a plastic or paper sachet containing sugar or sweetener is optionally trapped between the lower ledge of a piece and the rim of the vessel, the bulk of its weight optionally supported by the vessel handle or an infuser handle. As another example, a plastic or paper sachet containing sugar or sweetener is optionally wedged between a perimeter recess and a retained spoon, the bulk of its weight optionally supported by the spoon. As a further example, wrapped or unwrapped sugar cubes are supported on a continuous downslope, optionally also resting against a second vessel within a top recess.

Non-limiting aspects of various embodiments eliminate or reduce the requirement to clean away tea which has been spilled from a prior art teapot or emanated from a wet tea bag onto a table cloth or table surface or the clothes of a customer or server, reducing cleaning and laundry bills or increasing the duration of use of disposable table cloths. One or more embodiments also prevent the annoyance of a person having to leave their seat to dispose of a wet tea bag or ask for a suitable

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) disposal receptacle. One or more of these embodiments, through their previously stated non-limiting efficiencies and avoidance of mess, enables a faster turnaround time of tables in a restaurant or other hospitality or catering location.

It has been found in practice that carrying a vessel, for example a mug, containing hot, infusing tea with a piece acting as a lid, in accordance with PCT/IB2015/055147, greatly reduces the risk of spilling the hot liquid compared with using a mug without a tea piece of the present invention. The addition of a small second vessel and tasting product, located within the top recess of the tea piece, optionally enhances the safety of carrying such hot, infusing tea, for example by increasing the weight of the assembly in an unsteady hand. As another example, the design of the second vessel and top recess are such as to ensure that a hot liquid filled to an advised level in the vessel will not spill, by virtue of the axis of the assembly being held at an angle to vertical or the vessel being subject to lateral displacement, before the typically cold tasting product filled to an advised level in the second vessel spills, thus acting as a warning to the carrier of the assembly to take corrective action in “righting” the assembly. As yet another example, the displacement of the tasting product and/or displacement of the second vessel, absorbs part of the energy of any impact, reducing the likelihood of the hot liquid in the vessel spilling. As a yet further example, a continuous downstand of a piece acts as a baffle to prevent or ameliorate the spillage of hot liquid from the vessel.

While the invention has been described primarily in relation to the making and serving of tea and other infusions, it has wider application in the serving of hot beverages, typically where the advantages of keeping a hot beverage warm and being able to carry safely a mug of hot beverage typically with a spoon and a tasting product, all contained within a small area or “footprint” on a serving tray or table, are of value to the food service operator and/or customer. For example: a combination of hot chocolate in a mug and mini marshmallows in a second, tasting vessel, black coffee, optionally made with a coffee bag in the same manner as a tea bag, in a mug or cup and cold milk in the second vessel, for example a jug,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) black coffee, sugar and whiskey, stirred in a mug with cold cream in a creamer jug, to make Irish coffee by the customer pouring in the cold cream over an upturned spoon bowl to create a cream topping in Irish coffee, and a cocktail with any beverage, for example with a measure of alcohol, for example whiskey or rum in a second vessel, which optionally has the measured volume indicated for verification, for example marked on a transparent jug, for example of glass or plastic.

One or more of these and/or other aspects of various embodiments of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All closed-ended (e.g., between A and B) and open-ended (greater than C) ranges of values disclosed herein explicitly include all ranges that fall within or nest within such ranges. For example, a disclosed range of 1 to 10 is understood as also disclosing, among other ranged, 2 to 10, 1 to 9, 3 to 9, etc.

Detailed Description of the Invention

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:

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

Figs. IB to 1H are diagrammatic cross-sections through different exemplary pieces according to Fig. 1A.

Figs. II to IK are detailed radial cross-sections illustrating different guiding downslopes.

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.

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.

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.

Figs. 4B is a diagrammatic plan of the piece of Fig. 4A from the side of surface 1.

Fig. 4C is a cross-section through an exemplar piece according to Figs. 4A and 4B.

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.

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.

Figs. 7A is a plan and Fig. 7B a diagrammatic cross-section through an exemplary piece comprising three discrete upstands on surface 1.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Figs. 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.

Figs.8A and 8B are similar to Figs. 7A and B but with four discrete upstands.

Figs.8C to 8E are similar to Figs. 7C and D but with four discrete upstands and a top recess.

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.

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

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

Fig. 12A is a diagrammatic plan of the perimeter of a piece with a perimeter recess.

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.

Fig. 13 A is a diagrammatic plan of a piece from the side of surface 2.

Fig. 13B is a diagrammatic plan of the piece of Fig. 13 A from the side of surface

1.

Figs. 13C-13E are cross-sections through the piece of Figs. 13A and 13B.

Figs. 13F-13H are elevations of the piece of Figs. 13A and 13B.

Figs. 131 and 13J are perspectives of the piece of Figs. 13A and 13B.

Fig. 14A is a cross-section through an infuser, vessel, teaspoon, second vessel and piece.

Fig.l4B is a cross-section through the infuser, vessel, teaspoon, second vessel and piece of Fig. 14A.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Fig.14C is a horizontal cross-section through the infuser and vessel of Fig.14A.

Fig.l4D is a cross-section through the infuser, vessel, teaspoon, second vessel and piece of Fig.l4A.

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

Fig.14F is a cross-section through an infuser which sits in a moat of an inverted piece.

Fig.14 G is an exploded cross-section through an assembly comprising a rim- supported infuser.

Fig.l4H is a cross-section through an assembly comprising a rim-supported infuser.

Fig.l5A is a diagrammatic plan from the side of surface 1 of a piece with dual upstand and dual downstand surfaces.

Fig.l5B is a diagrammatic plan from the side of surface 2 of a piece with dual upstand and dual downstand surfaces.

Fig.l5C is a cross-section through the piece of Figs.l5A and 15B.

Fig.16 is a diagrammatic plan showing example dimensions of a downstand and an upstand.

Figs. l7A to 17F are perspectives illustrating steps in a method making, serving and returning an assembly using a tea bag.

Figs. l8A to 18F are perspectives illustrating steps in a method making, serving and returning an assembly using an infuser.

Fig.19 is a perspective of an example assembly comprising a piece with a perimeter handle.

Fig.20A is a diagrammatic plan of a piece made from a pulp, for example of paper or bagasse.

Figs.20B to 20G are diagrammatic cross-sections through pieces according to Fig.20A.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Fig.20H is a cross-section through an assembly with an example piece according to Fig.20E.

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.

Figs.22A to 22C are cross-sections though example recesses in a piece.

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

Fig. 1 A 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. IB 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. IB 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 3 A). 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.

Tn the embodiments of Figs. IB to IE, 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. IB to IE, the top recess perimeter wall 7 is typically of a height between the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) recessed surface 4 and top recess perimeter 5 of not less than 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, and optionally above 6mm.

In Figs.1C to IE 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 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm. The guiding downslope is optionally straight or curved in cross-section, for example convex or concave.

In the embodiment Fig. IB, upstand 130 is optionally a mirror image of downstand 20.

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. 3 A. In Figs.lC to IE, 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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. ID is similar to that of Fig. lC 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.

In Fig. IE, 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. IF illustrates a piece with a flat top in surface 1 without a top recess. Figs.lG 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.

The invention allows for a wide range and variety of shapes. For example, the top surface 1 in Fig. IF 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.

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.

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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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 0.1mm to 3mm 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.

Similarly, if the pieces of Figs.1 A 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 0.1mm to 3mm 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.

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.

Figs. 1I-1K illustrate example radial cross-sections through the outside of the piece 10 in Fig.lC and piece 11 in Fig.4C with differing guiding downslopes 138, a straight guiding downslope 138 in Fig. II, a convex guiding downslope 138 in Fig.lJ and a concave guiding downslope in Fig. IK. 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) perimeter 5 and has a radial dimension gd greater than 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm 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 crosssections taken through the piece axis in Figs. II to IK, 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.

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.3 A 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.3 A can be held and safely carried in one hand by holding

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

Fig. 4A is similar to Fig. 1 A 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.

Figs. IB to IF 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. IB and ID to 1H may be similarly adapted to comprise a perimeter recess 40.

Fig. 5 A 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)

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

Fig. 6A is a cross-section through the assembly of Fig. 5 A. 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

The pieces 10 of Figs. 1 A 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.

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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

The piece 111 in Figs.7A and 7B has a surface 2 similar to that of Figs. 1 A 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 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 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.

The piece 113 in Figs.8 A 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.8 A to 8E, the discrete upstands 136 to the pieces 113 and 114 are optionally of sufficient height or projection, typically greater than 8mm, 10mm, 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.

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.

In Figs. 1 A 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.

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.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

Fig. lOA 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

Figs. 11 A-l II are diagrammatic cross-sections through vessel 60 in one method of tea-making using a piece 11.

An empty vessel 60 is shown in Fig.11 A and the same vessel 60 filled with hot water 90 to a suitable level below its rim 62 is shown in Fig.1 IB. 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.1 IB. 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.1 ID, 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.1 IE and 1 IF. The ventilation aperture 70 is optionally small enough to ensure suspension handle 84 is maintained outside vessel 60 and piece 11 in Fig.1 IF. 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 30mm, 25mm, and 20mm. 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

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.

In Fig.l lH, 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. I ll, 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

Fig.11 J 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.1 IL 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 reinverting 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.

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.

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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

Figs.12A to 12G illustrate desirable design and manufacturing tolerance aspects of the invention.

Fig.l2A 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”.

Fig.l2B 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 1mm, and 2mm, and 3mm, and 5mm, and 10mm and/or 15mm and an area greater than at least one of 20mm², and 50mm², and 100mm², and 150mm² and/or 200mm². Gap tl 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 tl is preferably less than 6, 4, 2, 1, 0.5mm.

Fig.l2C illustrates a similar cross-section to Fig.l2B 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 300mm², 250mm² and/or 200mm², with a maximum dimension of less than 30mm, 25mm, 20mm. 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 tl throughout the circular length of the outside of downstand 20 not including perimeter recess 40.

Similarly, if any circular piece, for example as illustrated in Figs.1 A to 1H, is pushed to interact laterally against the inside of vessel 60, the maximum gap between

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) the inside of the annular cross-section and the outside of circular downstand 20 is less than tl on the cross-sectional plane of interaction.

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.l2D, 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, 0.5mm.

Fig.l2E 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.

Similarly, if any circular piece, for example as illustrated in Figs.1 A 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.

Preferably tolerance gaps tl and t2 are within 4, 2, 1mm of each other and optionally identical.

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 tl and t3 are within 4, 2, 1mm of each other and optionally identical.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Figs. l2F and 12G are cross-sections similar to Figs. l2D and E but show inverted piece 111 of Figs. 7A and 7B sitting on vessel 60. In Fig.l2F, 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, 0.5mm. In Fig.l2G, 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, 0.5mm.

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

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.l3C, 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.l3D 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. l3F, 13G and 13H are elevations of piece 11 showing continuous downstand 20, downstand outside surface

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 121, lower ledge 13, upstand 130, upstand outside surface 131 and upper ledge 12. Fig.131 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.13 J 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.lC to IE 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, 12mm. 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, 5mm.

The embodiment of Figs.13 A to 13 J 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.

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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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. l4B is a cross-section X-X through the assembly of Fig.l4A. 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.l4D 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. l4E 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. l4D or Fig.l4E 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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. l4D. Optionally, infuser drum 87 extends below infuser base 88, enabling it to sit within moat 14 of a piece 10 according to Fig.l4F. 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. l4G is an exploded cross-section through the assembly of Fig.l4H. 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 withintop 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.

The embodiments of Figs.lA-20F are typically limited to a restricted range of vessel inside rim diameters, for example 0.5-3.0mm 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.15 A 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.l5B 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) circular well 8. Fig. l5C 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.

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. lA 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.lA 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, 1mm of each other. Drinking vessels suited to the present invention typically have a circular rim of inside rim radius in the range of 30-45mm and Rd and Ru are preferably within 3,2,1,0.5mm of the vessel inside rim radius. Preferably the upstand centre Cu

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

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.lA 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.l7C 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.l7D, 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. l7E, to enable return carry of an assembly in one hand, second vessel 100 is located inside vessel 60 before the inverted piece 11 with

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) used tea bag 80 is returned to vessel 60 without re-inversion. As shown in Fig.l7F, 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.

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.l4F and 14 G. Fig.l8A 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 atop 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. l8D, 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.l8D 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,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) in Fig. l8E, 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.l8F, 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. l8E 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.l4E.

Fig.19 illustrates one example of a perimeter handle 15 to an example, nonlimiting 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.

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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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 reinversion. 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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. l4A). 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.lB-lE or surface depressions of Figs.1G and 1H.

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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) (not shown) of an infuser as illustrated in Fig. l4A. 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 15mm, 10mm wide and less than 1.5mm, 1.0mm deep.

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.

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.

Pieces according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention can be made by many processes, depending on their material, including the injection

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) moulding of plastics, press moulding glass, press or slip moulding ceramics, press moulding or folding of paper, and additive manufacture, for example 3D printing.

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.

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.

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.

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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 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.

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.

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.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

69

CLAIMS 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. A piece as claimed in claim 1, wherein said three outermost upstand surface points are located within a continuous upstand outside surface. A piece as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first principal surface comprises a plurality of discrete upstands.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 70 . A piece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to claim 3, wherein a piece axis is coincident with the downstand centre, and wherein the upstand centre is within 3, 2, 1 mm of the piece axis.

5. A piece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, 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. A piece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radius of upstand distance and the radius of downstand distance are within 3, 2, 1mm of each other.

7. A piece as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first principal surface comprises a top recess comprising a top recess perimeter.

8. A piece as claimed in claim 7, wherein said top recess comprises a recessed area and a top recess perimeter wall between the top recess perimeter and the recessed area.

9. A piece as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the piece perimeter comprises a perimeter recess.

10. A piece as claimed in claim 9, wherein the downstand is coterminous with a portion of the perimeter recess.

11. A piece as claimed in claim 10, wherein the continuous upstand outside surface is coterminous with a portion of the perimeter recess.

12. A piece as claimed in claim 2, wherein in a radial cross-section a portion of the continuous upstand outside surface is concave.

13. A piece as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the depth of an upstand outside surface above an adjacent upper ledge is greater than 2, 4, 6mm.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 71

14. A piece as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein from the top of said upstand outside surface there is an inwardly sloping guiding downslope.

15. A piece as claimed in claim 2 and claim 7 and claim 14, wherein the guiding downslope surrounds and slopes downwards towards the top recess.

16. A piece as claimed in claim 15, 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 12mm.

17. A piece as claimed in claims 2, claim 9 and claim 14, wherein the surface profile at the top and along a central length of the perimeter recess is concave.

18. A piece as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said piece comprises a perimeter handle.

19. A piece as claimed in claim 3, wherein said piece comprises three discrete upstands, and wherein each of said three discrete upstands comprises an upstand outside surface and an outermost upstand surface point.

20. A piece as claimed in claim 19, wherein each of said three discrete upstands comprises an upstand inside surface.

21. A piece as claimed in claim 20, wherein said three upstand inside surfaces are capable of providing lateral restraint to a second vessel located on the first principal surface.

22. A piece as claimed in any one of claim 19 to claim 21, wherein one of said three discrete upstands comprises an upstand handle.

23. A piece as claimed in claim 22, wherein the upstand handle projects more than 6,8,10mm above the adjacent upper ledge.

24. A piece as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the depth of said downstand from said lower ledge to the underside of said downstand is greater than 3.0mm, 4.0mm or 5.0mm.

25. A piece as claimed in claim 8, wherein the top recess perimeter wall comprises a depth greater than at least one of 2 mm and 3 mm and/or 4 mm.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 72 A piece as claimed in claim 8 or claim 25, wherein said perimeter wall comprises a straight extending between a perimeter wall top radius and a perimeter wall bottom radius, and wherein the angle to the axis of the piece of the perimeter wall straight is less than at least one of 45° and 30° and 20° and 10° and/or 5°. A piece as claimed in claim 8 or claim 25 or claim 26, wherein said perimeter wall comprises a slope angle to the axis of the piece of less than at least one of 45° and 30° and 15° and/or 5°. A piece as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said well comprises an inside surface of said continuous loop downstand. A piece as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said piece comprises a rigid material. A piece as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first principal surface comprises a plurality of discrete upper ledges and the second principal surface comprises a plurality of discrete lower ledges. A piece as claimed in claim 2 and claim 4 and claim 8 and claim 14 and claim 15, wherein the piece comprises a continuous loop upstand with a continuous and voidless guiding downslope surface from a continuous top of upstand outside surface locus that is coincident with part of a circle which is perpendicular to the piece axis to a top recess perimeter that is circular and perpendicular to the piece axis, wherein the recessed area is plain, voidless, circular and perpendicular to the piece perimeter, wherein the axial dimension between the continuous top of upstand outside surface locus and the top recess perimeter is optionally greater than 1, 2, 3, 4mm, and wherein the axial distance between the top recess perimeter and the recessed area is optionally greater than 2, 3, 4, 5mm. An assembly comprising a piece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31, 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 73 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 6mm, 4mm, 2mm 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 6mm, 4mm, 2mm 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.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 74

33. An assembly as claimed in claim 32, wherein in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis the vessel is one of circular and polygonal.

34. An assembly as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33, wherein said assembly comprises a spoon, and wherein in said first and third configurations the spoon is located partly within vessel 60, and the spoon shaft is also located within the ventilation aperture between the piece perimeter recess and the rim 62 of the vessel.

35. A piece as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein said piece comprises a top recess, 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.

36. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 35, 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. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein said infusion product is contained within a bag.

38. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein said infusion product is contained within an infuser.

39. An assembly as claimed in any one of claim 32 to 38, wherein said infusion product is tea.

40. An assembly as claimed in claim 9 and any one of claim 32 to claim 39, wherein in said second configuration said perimeter recess is locatable to be one of close to and touching and contiguous with the outside of said vessel.

41. An assembly as claimed in claim 38, wherein in said first configuration said infuser is supported on said rim of said vessel.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

42. An assembly as claimed in claim 41, wherein said infuser comprises an infuser bowl, an infuser handle and an infuser hook connecting said infuser bowl to said infuser handle, and wherein in said first configuration said infuser hook is located over said rim of said vessel.

43. An assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein said lower ledge comprises a lower ledge infuser recess in which said infuser hook is locatable in said first configuration.

44. An assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein said downstand comprises a downstand infuser recess in which said infuser hook is locatable in said first configuration.

45. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 44, wherein in said third configuration said infusion product is located within said well.

46. An assembly as claimed in claim 35, 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.

47. An assembly as claimed in claim 32, 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, 4mm of the piece axis.

48. An assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the top recess comprises a lateral restraint to said second vessel within said top recess in said first configuration.

49. An assembly as claimed in claim 48, wherein the axis of the assembly can be rotated to an angle from vertical of over at least one of 10° and 20° and 30° and/or 40° without the second vessel sliding off the piece or overturning.

50. An assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the height of the second vessel centre of gravity above the second vessel base plane divided by the width of the second vessel base support is less than at least one of 0.5 and 0.4 and/or 0.3.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

51. An assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the shape of the top recess in the piece and the shape of the base of the second vessel combine to provide a lateral restraint to movement of the second vessel relative to the piece.

52. An assembly as claimed in claim 48, wherein said lateral restraint comprises limited movement lateral restraint, optionally following lateral movement of less than at least one of 6mm and 3mm and/or 1mm.

53. An assembly as claimed in claim 5, 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.

54. An assembly as claimed in claim 53, wherein the assembly comprises a spoon comprising a bowl and a handle, wherein said handle is capable of being located within said ventilation aperture with said bowl located within the vessel.

55. An assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein a third vessel is located on the second vessel.

56. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 55, wherein said piece comprises a perimeter handle which in the first and third configurations extends outside said rim of said vessel.

57. A method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using an assembly of any one of claims 32 to 56, 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 77 is inside the vessel providing limited movement lateral restraint to the piece. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 57, wherein in step (i) said first liquid is hot water, wherein after step (i) locating a tea bag into the hot water. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 58, wherein after step (iii) allowing time for the tea to infuse. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 59, wherein after step (iv), removing a used tea bag from the hot water, and locating the used tea bag into the well of the inverted piece. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 60, 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). A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 60, wherein the tea bag is part of an assembly comprising the tea bag, a suspension handle and a connector which connects the tea bag to the suspension handle. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 60, wherein the piece comprises a perimeter recess. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 63, wherein in step (ii) a ventilation aperture is formed between the perimeter recess and the inside of the vessel rim. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 64, wherein a tagged tea bag connector passes through the ventilation aperture, and wherein the suspension handle is located outside the space contained by the vessel and piece acting as a lid to the vessel. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 65, wherein before step (iv), agitating the infusing tea, typically by repeatedly lifting the tea bag up and allowing it to drop by means of the suspension handle and connector.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 78

67. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 63, wherein in step (iv) the piece is located with the perimeter recess touching the vessel to enable the used tea bag to be transferred onto the piece without dripping onto the surface.

68. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 59, wherein following the desired degree of infusion of the tea, the suspension handle and string are used to retrieve the tea bag from the hot liquid and, following inversion of the piece and locating it onto a surface, placing the wet tea bag into the well.

69. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 68, wherein following step (v) the upstand provides a limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of the vessel.

70. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 64, wherein a teaspoon is inserted into the liquid in the vessel, the ventilation aperture retaining the shaft of the teaspoon.

71. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 61 and claim 70, wherein after step (iv) the teaspoon is used to stir and amalgamate the tasting product and the liquid in the vessel.

72. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 71, wherein the tasting product is one of milk and cream and an alcoholic liquid and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener.

73. A method of making a beverage as claimed in claim 70, wherein the teaspoon is used to transfer the tea bag from the vessel onto the inverted piece.

74. A method of making a beverage according to claim 57 and claim 58, wherein the tea bag is the bowl of an infuser, wherein the infuser comprises an infuser handle.

75. A method of making a beverage according to claim 57, claim 58 and claim 74, wherein the vessel comprises a vessel handle, and wherein following step (ii) and before step (iii) the infuser handle and the vessel handle are aligned.

76. A method of making a beverage according to claim 57, wherein following step (ii) a second tasting product is located to be retained by the piece.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 79 A method of making a beverage according to claim 76, wherein the second tasting product is located on the piece. A method of making a beverage according to claim 76, wherein the second tasting product is in a sachet which is trapped between the lower ledge and the vessel rim. A method of making a beverage according to claim 76 and claim 70, wherein the second tasting product is in a sachet which is trapped between the perimeter recess and the teaspoon. A method of making a beverage according to claim 76, wherein a sugar cube is retained by the inward sloping guiding downslope. A method of making a beverage according to claim 75, wherein a sachet containing a second tasting product is trapped between the infuser handle and the vessel handle. A method of making a beverage according to claim 61, wherein before step (v) locating the second vessel within the vessel. A method of making a beverage according to claim 61 and claim 74, wherein following step (v) the piece and infuser are located on the piece and the second vessel is located partially within the infuser. A method of making a beverage according to claim 57, wherein said re-locating in step (iii) is by carrying the assembly by holding the vessel in one hand. A method of making a beverage according to claim 57, following step (v), the assembly comprising the inverted piece located on the vessel is re-located by carrying the assembly by holding the vessel in one hand. A method as claimed in claim 57, wherein a tea bag is located inside an open bowl of an infuser, which is located within the vessel before step (ii).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)