GB2561641A

GB2561641A - Multifunctional beverage article

Info

Publication number: GB2561641A
Application number: GB1719272.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hochman Cohn Sheldon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-04-17
Filing date: 2017-11-21
Publication date: 2018-10-24
Also published as: WO2018195031A1; GB201719272D0; US20210289965A1

Abstract

A beverage article 10 comprises a side wall 20 projecting from a base 12. The sidewall defines a chamber portion 22, wherein the side wall circumscribes the perimeter of the base, a rim portion 30, where the side wall terminates in a rim opposite the base, and a neck portion 24 that joins the chamber and rim portions. The chamber portion includes a hollow interior that receives a beverage and the side wall adjacent the base in the chamber portion is substantially circular. The rim portion defines an opening 34 aligned with the hollow interior of the chamber portion and the side wall in the rim portion is substantially elliptical. The neck portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the rim portion at the rim. The cup further comprises two opposing and substantially symmetrical user lip interfaces 36 that are integrated into the rim portion and part of the side wall. Each user lip interface includes a terminus 32 of the rim and slopes away from longitudinal axis LA. The surface of the side wall from the terminus to the base is substantially sinusoidal. In use, the article allows a user to consume a beverage whilst in a reclined position.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Sheldon Hochman Cohn

5750 Bloomfield Glens, West Bloomfield, Ml 48322, United States of America (72) Inventor(s):

Sheldon Hochman Cohn (51) INT CL:

A47G 19/22 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2013/002972 A1 CN 204838945 U US 5323928 A

Skinner Inc, 2008, African Carved Wood Cup, skinnerinc.com, [online], available from: http:// www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2408/lots/69, [Accessed 18/12/17].

(58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47G

Other: WPI, EPODOC, Internet (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Bawden & Associates

The Gatehouse, 2 High Street, HARPENDEN, Hertfordshire, AL5 2TH, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Multifunctional beverage article

Abstract Title: Drinks cup having sinusoidal side wall and two lips (57) A beverage article 10 comprises a side wall 20 projecting from a base 12. The sidewall defines a chamber portion 22, wherein the side wall circumscribes the perimeter of the base, a rim portion 30, where the side wall terminates in a rim opposite the base, and a neck portion 24 that joins the chamber and rim portions. The chamber portion includes a hollow interior that receives a beverage and the side wall adjacent the base in the chamber portion is substantially circular. The rim portion defines an opening 34 aligned with the hollow interior of the chamber portion and the side wall in the rim portion is substantially elliptical. The neck portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the rim portion at the rim. The cup further comprises two opposing and substantially symmetrical user lip interfaces 36 that are integrated into the rim portion and part of the side wall. Each user lip interface includes a terminus 32 of the rim and slopes away from longitudinal axis L_A. The surface of the side wall from the terminus to the base is substantially sinusoidal. In use, the article allows a user to consume a beverage whilst in a reclined position.

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At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy. This print incorporates corrections made under Section 117(1) of the Patents Act 1977.

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MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEVERAGE ARTICLE

FIELD

In general, the present teachings relate to an article defining a chamber portion adapted for receiving a liquid beverage. More particularly, the present teachings relate to a liquid beverage container that allows a user to consume the liquid beverage contained therein while the user is in a reclined position.

BACKGROUND

Traditional drinking glasses and coffee mugs are used by consumers every day. These glasses and mugs are often used during a time of relaxation, such as to begin the day with a caffeinated beverage, to enjoy a beer during a televised sporting event, or to relax outside on a nice day. During these situations, among others, the user may be in a reclined position, such as in a reclining arm chair or lounge chair, or while laying on a couch, supported by a pillow. However, this relaxation is interrupted every time the user wishes to take a sip of his or her beverage, since the user must sit up to drink to avoid spilling the beverage on himself or herself.

When traditional mugs or drinking glasses are relatively full, the user does not have to tilt the mug or glass much before the liquid begins to flow out of the cup. Tilting the mug or glass too much (e.g., greater than as low as about 10 degrees from a vertical axis) when full will result in the liquid spilling or the beverage splashing past the user’s lips and onto the user’s nose, face, or clothes. When this beverage is hot, such as coffee, this can cause burns or damage to clothing. As these traditional cups have a uniform rim upon which a user puts his or her lips, the liquid is not necessarily guided into the user’s mouth. The fluid may be distributed along a portion of the rim that may exceed the width of the user’s mouth, thereby causing the liquid to spill out onto the user’s face, body, or his or her clothing.

In addition, bedridden or hospitalized patients are unable to drink from these traditional drinking glasses mugs from a reclined position. Instead, these patients are typically given cups with a lid having a mouth opening, a straw inserted into the cup, or a combination of a lid and straw. For example, US Patent Nos. 3,915,355; 4,955,503; 7,975,868; 9,027,774 and US Patent Application No. 2016/0309931 teach beverage articles utilizing lids and straws to allow for consumption without spilling while reclined. However, these types of drinking articles are either disposable, thereby creating waste, or reusable but difficult to clean. These types of drinking articles tend to have inefficient geometries, causing a need for a large amount of material and attendant large surface areas that provide increased heat transfer surfaces. Thus, warm drinks cool relatively quickly and cold drinks warm relatively quickly. In addition, when hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, are consumed with a straw, this increases the risk of a user burning his or her tongue or mouth. In addition to bed-ridden patients or individuals resting in a reclined position, cups with lids and/or straws are used in a number of settings to prevent spilling. Individuals who may typically benefit from a cup with a lid and/or straw include children transitioning from a training cup; individuals with limited hand-eye coordination; individuals going through therapy for dexterity; individuals with tremors; and individuals with a degenerative disease impacting tissues, organs, or bones, and the like. The presence of a lid may block how much of an aroma of the liquid is smelled by a user and thus reduce olfactory priming prior to consumption. Additionally, consuming the liquid via a small opening of a lid or through a straw may limit the ability of the user to appreciate the taste of the liquid, as the opening or straw may direct the liquid in a narrow stream further into a user’s mouth which is not dispersed among a majority of the taste buds of the user’s tongue. In an effort to address some of these issues, beverage articles having fluid diverters (e.g., spouts) have been created to allow drinking in a reclined position. For example, US Patent No. 632,687; 4,235,348; 5,845,807; 7,080,752; Alternatively, an inward depression within a side wall of a beverage article, such as that taught in US Patent No. 1,651,485, has also tried to resolve the issue of spilling while consuming a liquid while an individual is lying down. Some of these fluid diverters include vertical sidewalls about the rim at the lip interface, such that they may be uncomfortable in a mouth of a user. Some of the spouts are at an angle relative to the vessel such that a user’s nose is directed away from the interior and the aromas of the beverage are not directed to the user, thus reducing the sensory experience and interaction between taste and smell. Some of the vessels have a continuously angled sidewall from the base to the spout, thus significantly reducing the interior volume of the article for retaining a beverage. Some of these vessels have a larger rim periphery than chamber periphery, such that the aromas of the beverage are spread over a wide surface area and dissipate quickly into the ambient air. Other fluid containers, such as pitchers and measuring cups, commonly utilize spouts to deliver the fluid within the fluid container to another container. For example, US Patent Nos. 5,487,486; 8,813,563 and D700.797. These spouts typically have a general V-shape crosssection which is beneficial for precision in pouring from one container to another but may not effective at mating with the curvature of a user’s lips or providing a comfortable interface with the lips of a user.

Other beverage articles address consumption while a user is in a reclined position or suffering from dysphagia by removing the rim as a barrier of the bridge of the nose. For example, US Patent No. 5,899,354 incorporates a nose bridge receptacle between two eye channels. Further, cups like those in US Patent Application No. 2001/0004080, 2006/0124718, 2007/0062961, 2013/0313271 have a cut-out in the rim adapted to fit around the nose. The nasal cut-outs in the beverage articles may prevent the use of the article being used ambidextrously as the cut-out is adapted for the nose while the opposing portion of the rim is adapted for the lip. Additionally, the nasal cut-outs or channels may reduce the volume able to be contained within the article.

Notwithstanding the above, there is still a need for a beverage article able to be used in a reclined position, which controls the flow of beverage into the user’s mouth to prevent spilling while having a comfortable lip interface and allowing the user to enjoy both the taste and smell during consumption.

What is needed is a beverage article which may be used by an individual in a reclining position while avoiding lifting of the head or may have dysphagia and tilts the head backward for consuming the beverage. What is needed is a beverage article which may be used my individuals who struggle with mobility issues while allowing the individual to effectively control the flow of liquid into the user’s mouth. What is needed is a beverage article which is able to concentrate the aromas for an improved sensory experience between taste and smell while providing a control stream of fluid to the user. What is needed is a beverage article which does not have a rim interfering with the user’s nose (e.g., nose bridge) when tilting the article for consumption but yet allows the nose to receive the aromas of the liquid within the beverage article. What is needed is a beverage article which is able to be used ambidextrously while also allowing a user’s hands to be distanced from a side wall of the article, such as when the liquid in the article is hot or cold.

SUMMARY

The present teachings make use of a simple, yet elegant, construction approach by which relatively few components can be employed for constructing a beverage article that allows a user to control the flow of his or her beverage and/or drink from the article while in a reclined position.

The teachings generally contemplate an article including a base having a perimeter and a side wall projecting from the base and circumscribing the perimeter of the base for defining a chamber portion that receives a liquid beverage. The article may include a rim portion, which may define an opening through which the liquid beverage is introduced or expelled. The rim portion may include at least one user lip interface. A neck portion may join the rim portion and the chamber portion. A terminus of the rim portion at the user lip interface may extend radially beyond the side wall defining the chamber portion. The rim portion including the user lip interface may be configured for a user consuming the liquid beverage while the user is in a reclined position.

The present teachings also include any combination of the following features: the article may include a handle that projects outwardly from the side wall and extends in a direction generally transverse to the user lip interface extending radially beyond the side wall; the article may include at least two opposing user lip interfaces; the article may include a handle that projects outwardly away from the side wall and the handle may be located between two opposing user lip interfaces; the base may be adapted to rest upon a horizontal surface; the rim portion may have a topography that varies in height around the periphery of the rim portion; the topography of the rim portion may vary for defining at least one peak and at least one valley; the height of the valley relative to the base may define a maximum fill of the article; the user lip interface may have a continuously curved profile; the user lip interface may have a generally constant radius of curvature; the user lip interface may have a varying radius of curvature; the chamber portion may have a height and a maximum width and the ratio of the height to the maximum width may be about 1:1 to about 3:1; the chamber portion may have a height and a maximum width and the ratio of the height to the maximum width may be about 1:1 to about 2:1; the article may have a maximum height from the base to a highest point, and the ratio of the maximum height of the article to the height of the valley (measured from the peak to the valley) may be about 2:1 to about 8:1; the ratio of the maximum height of the article to the height of the valley may be about 3:1 to about 6:1; the article may have a maximum height from the base to a highest point and the rim portion may have a maximum width, and the ratio of the maximum height of the article to the maximum width ofthe rim portion (e.g., from terminus to terminus) may be about 1:1 to about 3:1; the ratio of the maximum height of the article to the maximum width of the rim portion may be about 1:1 to about 1.5:1; the chamber portion may have a volume of about 200 mL to about 1000 mL; an outermost perimeter of the neck portion may be at least 10% less than a maximum outermost perimeter of the chamber portion; an outermost perimeter of the neck portion may be at least 20% less than a maximum outermost perimeter of the chamber portion; an outermost perimeter of the neck portion may be at least 30% less than a maximum outermost perimeter of the chamber portion; an outermost perimeter of the neck portion may be at least 40% less than a maximum outermost perimeter of the chamber portion; an outermost perimeter of the neck portion may be at least 50% less than a maximum outermost perimeter of the chamber portion; an outermost perimeter of the neck portion may be less than 100% less than a maximum outermost perimeter of the chamber portion; the handle may be joined to the side wall proximate the valley; the valley may have a generally parabolic shape; the user lip interface may have a gradually tapering average wall thickness; the side wall may define a chamber portion, rim portion, and/or neck portion; a chamber portion may be where the side wall circumscribes the perimeter of the base and includes a hollow interior adapted to receive a liquid beverage; the side wall adjacent to the base may be substantially circular; a rime portion may be where the side wall terminates in a rim opposite the base and defines an opening aligned with the hollow interior of the chamber portion; the side wall in the rim portion may have a substantially elliptical cross-section at the rim; a neck portion may join a rim portion and chamber portion; a neck portion may have a smaller cross-sectional area than a rim portion at the rim; two user lip interfaces may be opposing; two user lip interfaces may be substantially symmetrical; two user lip interfaces may be integrated into the rim portion and part of a side wall; a user lip interface may include a terminus of the rim; a user lip interface may slope away from the longitudinal axis configured to guide a liquid beverage to the terminus upon tilting of the beverage article; surface geometry may be substantially sinusoidal; and/or the beverage article may be adapted for ambidextrous use.

The present teachings also contemplate a method of drinking a beverage using the beverage article as described herein. The method may include assuming a reclined position and tilting the article to cause the liquid beverage to pass from the chamber portion to the user (e.g., the user’s mouth) by way of the user interface portion.

As can be seen, it is thus possible to realize a unique assembly (and associated methods) that enables a person to control the flow of a beverage from the beverage article and to consume a beverage from a beverage article (e.g., one without a straw or a lid), even while in a reclined position.

The beverage article may have one or more user lip interfaces which angle away from the longitudinal axis, thus allowing the beverage article to be used in a reclined position or head tilted back position. The one or more user lip interfaces may funnel and guide the flow of the liquid into a user’s mouth, allowing for a controlled and narrow flow (e.g., thinner than user’s mouth) while being free of spilling while still dispersing the stream of the liquid across the user’s tongue to allow the user to enjoy the flavor profile of the liquid. One or more tapered portions of the beverage article (e.g., chamber portion or neck portion) may concentrate the aromas of the liquid within the beverage article to provide for smell-priming prior to consumption, thus enhancing the taste and smell sensory experience of the user. Opposing user lip interfaces may provide a rim portion adapted for cooperating and receiving a user’s nose while also providing a portion for contacting a user’s lip. An angle of a surface of one or more user lip interfaces may guide aromas toward a user’s nose for improved smell of the aromas. Opposing user lip interfaces may provide for ambidextrous use of the beverage article. One or more handles may provide a means for holding the beverage article while avoiding direct contact with a side wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage article according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a beverage article in accordance with the present teachings being used by a user in a reclined position.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of tilting of a beverage article in accordance with the present teachings to dispose a liquid located within.

FIG. 3B is a planar view of a close-up of the beverage article FIG. 3A at a user lip interface. FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a beverage article in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of a beverage article in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a beverage article in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a beverage article in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a beverage article according to the present teachings along section A-A as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of a close up of the rim portion of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of a close up of the rim portion of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a beverage article and lid in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 12 in a top view of a beverage article and lid according to the present teachings.

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a beverage article disposed within an adapter in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the rear of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 16 is a side plan view of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 18 is a front plan view of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the rear of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 20A is a rear plan view of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 20B is a rear plan view of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 21A is a rear plan view of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

FIG. 21B is a rear plan view of a beverage article according to the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the present teachings, its principles, and its practical application. The specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

In a very general sense, the teachings herein relate to an improved assembly by which a user can drink a beverage while in a reclined position, without the need for a lid and/or a straw. The present teachings pertain to a beverage article having a base having a perimeter and a side wall projecting from the base and circumscribing the perimeter of the base for defining a chamber portion that receives a liquid beverage. The beverage article may include a rim portion defining an opening into which the liquid beverage is introduced. The rim portion may include at least one user lip interface. A neck portion may join the rim portion and the chamber portion. A terminus of the rim portion at the user lip interface may or may not extend radially beyond the side wall that defines the chamber portion. The rim portion including the user lip interface may be configured for a user consuming the liquid beverage while the user is in a reclined position. A user may be in a reclined position when the user’s head is at an angle of about 90 degrees or less from a vertical axis (e.g., laying horizontal), about 70 degrees or less, or about 60 degrees or less.

The beverage article may be formed from any material capable of being shaped to the desired shape. The beverage article may be formed from a material capable of withstanding high temperatures, such as temperatures of hot liquids such as coffee or tea. The beverage article may be formed from a material capable of withstanding cold temperatures, such as those of refrigerated or frozen beverages or beverages having ice (e.g., cubes) therein. The beverage article may be formed from clay, porcelain, ceramic (e.g., bone china, stoneware, earthenware), glass, including strengthened glass, polymeric material, plastic, metal (e.g., enameled metal), steel, aluminum, the like, ora combination thereof. Disposable materials are also possible, such as expanded and/or polymeric foam, such as extruded polystyrene foam. The beverage article may be constructed using any traditional shaping methods, such as by using a pottery wheel, by hand, firing (e.g., in a kiln), molding, slip casting, or blowing (e.g., if glass), or a combination thereof. The beverage article may be constructed using molding techniques, such as injection molding, rotational molding, or blow molding. The molds used may be multiple part reusable molds. The beverage article may be constructed by drawing or hydroforming. The beverage article may be formed from multiple materials using multiple methods. For example, a portion of the beverage article may be metal, while other portions may be polymeric or ceramic. The beverage article may be formed from multiple layers of material. For example, the chamber portion may be generally metallic on the interior, and polymeric or ceramic on the exterior for retaining heat yet providing an attractive outer surface.

The beverage article may have a total height HA, where the height is measured from the base to the highest point of the rim portion. The total height may be about 70 mm or more, about 85 mm or more, or about 100 mm or more. The total height may be about 210 mm or less, about 190 mm or less, about 170 mm or less, 150 mm or less, about 130 mm or less, or about 125 mm or less. The beverage article may have a wall thickness measured from a point on the outer wall of the beverage article to a directly opposing point on the inner wall of the beverage article. The beverage article may have a uniform or variably changing thickness (e.g., a tapered thickness). The thickness of the wall may be generally constant throughout the entire beverage article. The thickness of the wall may vary throughout the beverage article. For example, at or toward the rim portion of the beverage article, the wall thickness may decrease. The wall thickness of the chamber portion may be greater than the rim portion, which may allow the heat of the beverage to be retained. The thickness of the wall at any point may be about 1 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, or about 3 mm or more. The thickness of the wall at any point may be about 6 mm or less, about 5 mm or less, or about 4.5 mm or less. The beverage article may be generally symmetrical, where there is mirror symmetry along a vertical plane through the center of the beverage article and any handle. The beverage article may be generally asymmetrical, where variations in the profile of the chamber portion or variations in the rim portion (e.g., variations in opposing user lip interfaces) may contribute to the asymmetry.

The beverage article may include a base. A base may allow the beverage article to rest upon a horizontal (e.g., substantially flat) surface, such as a table. The base may be any shape that provides sufficient support to the beverage article to allow it to rest on a horizontal surface and to avoid tipping over when filled with a liquid beverage or other contents. The base may be compatible to reside within an adapter. The perimeter of the base may have a shape having a continuous curvature. The base, for example, may be generally circular or oval-shaped. The base may be generally square or generally rectangular. The base may be generally symmetrical. The base may be generally planar, non-planar, or a combination of both. Non-planar may include concave (e.g., apex toward the chamber), convex (e.g., apex away from the chamber), a resting rim projecting about a perimeter, or a combination thereof. A concave based may function to reduce the interior of the chamber. A resting rim may allow base having a non-planar portion to sit generally flat on a surface. A resting rim may allow for glazing of a mug to be easily wiped off the base while remaining on the side wall. The base may be generally asymmetrical. The perimeter of the base may be a shape having one or more curved segments, one or more linear segments, one or more angled portions, the like, or a combination thereof.

Extending upwardly from the base is one or more side walls. The one or more side walls may cooperate with a base to define a chamber portion of the beverage article, a neck portion, a rim portion, or any combination thereof. The one or more side walls may function to cooperate with a base to receive and retain a liquid beverage. The side wall may generally circumscribe the perimeter of the base and extend upwardly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the beverage article. A longitudinal axis may extend from the base toward the opening, rim, terminus, and/or rim portion; may extend generally orthogonal relative to the base; may be concentric or centered with the base, chamber portion, neck portion, opening, terminus, and/or rim portion; or a combination of both. The one or more side walls may terminate in a rim, located opposite the base. The one or more side walls may have a hollow portion therein, such as the chamber portion. A side wall may be any suitable shape to allow one or more side walls and a base to form a chamber portion of the beverage article suitable for receive and retain a liquid beverage. One or more side walls may have one or more neck portions, rim portions, rim, or termini formed therein. The side wall may at least partially slope away from the base along at least a portion of a height of the beverage article. The side wall may slope away from the base where the side wall is adjacent to the base. Sloping away may also mean sloping away from the longitudinal axis. The side wall may be free of a continuously inwardly-sloping wall from the rim to the base. The one or more side walls may form a three-dimensional shape which is substantially similar to a cylinder, sphere, partial-sphere (e.g., bowl-shaped), cone (e.g., tulip-shaped, narrower width near base), cube, cuboid, pyramid, prism, bulb (e.g. having a round, wider portion, narrower near neck portion), or any combination thereof. The side wall may have a cross-section taken by a transverse plane along any length of the longitudinal axis. A transverse plane may perpendicularly intersect one or more side walls and/or the longitudinal axis, may be generally parallel with a base, or both. One or more cross-sections of the side wall may be generally circular, elliptical, ovular, square, rectangular, egg-shaped, or any combination thereof. The cross-section shape of the one or more side-walls may be the same along the entire length of the beverage article or may be different. For example, the side wall may transition from a substantially circular cross-section to a substantially elliptical cross-section. A substantially elliptical cross-section may function to funnel flow of a liquid beverage along an interior of a side wall toward a user lip interface, away from one or more valleys, or both. For example, one or more vertices of a substantially elliptical cross-section of the side wall may be aligned with one or more termini of one or more user lip interfaces. Aligned may be along a line or plane parallel with the longitudinal axis. An elliptical shaped cross-section may have opposing vertices at ends of the longest interior length intersecting the longitudinal axis (e.g., major axis) and opposing co-vertices at ends of the shorter interior length intersecting the longitudinal axis (e.g., minor axis). For an elliptical shaped cross-section, a length of a major axis may be about 1.2 times greater, about 1.4 times greater, or even about 1.5 times greater than a length of a minor axis. For an elliptical shaped cross-section, a length of a major axis may be about 3 times less, about 2.5 times less, about 2 times less, about 1.8 times less, or even about 1.7 times less than a length of a minor axis.

The one or more side walls may be formed as a single, continuous wall, or a plurality of walls. For example, a single side wall may be molded to form the general shape of the chamber with the base or a plurality of side walls may be adhered to form a side wall. The side wall may be made of two or more walls joined together to define the chamber portion. For example, four walls may be joined together to form a generally rectangular cross-section of the chamber portion. In another example, two generally curved walls may be joined together to form a pointed oval shape cross-section. The cross-section of the chamber portion may take the shape of a capital D. Different shapes may be observed at different cross-sectional cuts of the side wall. For example, closer to the base of the beverage article, the cross-section may be generally round (e.g., circular). Closer to the top of the chamber portion, the cross-section may be generally oval or ellipse shaped. For example, adjacent to the base, the one or more side walls may have a substantially circular cross-section and transition to a substantially elliptical cross-section about midway along a height of the chamber portion. A portion of the cross section may include a generally parabolic geometry. The perimeter of the side wall may be generally constant. The perimeter of the side wall may vary along the height of the side wall. The perimeter of the side wall may be smaller or equal at a neck portion than any other width from the chamber portion to the neck portion. Moving from base to rim (e.g., along a length of the longitudinal axis), the outer surface geometry may have one or a combination of geometries. For example, the outer surface of the one or more side walls may be generally flat. The outer surface of the one or more side walls may be generally curved. The outer surface of the one or more side walls may have one or more generally flat segments. The outer surface of the one or more side walls may have one or more angled portions. The outer surface of the one or more side walls may have a generally sinusoidal shape.

The outer surface may have one or more features for allowing a user to grasp the beverage article (e.g., grooves for fingers). The outer surface may have one or more ribs, grooves, or textures (e.g., for allowing a user to grip the beverage article). The one or more side walls may be generally symmetric (e.g., there may be mirror symmetry along a vertical plane or the longitudinal axis through the center of the beverage article). The one or more side walls may be generally asymmetric, where there is not mirror symmetry along a vertical plane or the longitudinal axis through the center of the beverage article. For example, the one or more side walls defining the chamber portion may have a profile (e.g., when viewed from the front or from a side of the beverage article) that is shaped like a capital D, where a portion of the side wall is generally flat and a portion is generally curved.

The width of the side wall may be generally constant, where width is measured from one point on an outer surface of the side wall to the directly opposing point of the outer surface of the side wall (e.g., when viewed from the front along a transverse cross-section (e.g., a horizontal cross-section)). The width of the side wall may be equal to the diameter of side wall defining the chamber portion (e.g., if the cross-section is generally circular). The width of the side wall may be generally varied along the length of the side wall. For example, the side wall, as it extends upwardly from the base, may increase in width. The width, as the side wall approaches the top of the chamber portion, may decrease. The side wall may have a generally bulbous profile (e.g., when viewed from the front or a side), where the maximum width and/or maximum perimeter is located at or near the base or partially up a height of the chamber, such as midway up the chamber height. The maximum width of the chamber portion (measured from the outer surface of the side wall to the opposing outer surface of the side wall) may be about 50 mm or more, about 60 mm or more, or about 70 mm or more. The maximum width of the chamber portion may be about 120 mm or less, about 100 mm or less, or about 90 mm or less.

The height of the side wall defining the chamber portion, measured from the base of the beverage article to the neck portion of the beverage article, may depend upon the desired volume of the chamber portion defined by the side wall. The height of the side wall may determine the maximum fill of the beverage article with a fluid. The height of the side wall defining the chamber portion may be about 60 mm or more, about 70 mm or more, or about 80 mm or more. The height of the side wall defining the chamber portion may be about 140 mm or less, about 130 mm or less, or about 120 mm or less. By “maximum fill,” it will be appreciated that it refers to a fill to a maximum amount that is a height (e.g., a fill line) that is below an amount that a user could handle the article for transportation (e.g., by hand, by tray or both) without a lid, and incidental shaking or vibration will not cause drips or spills. “Maximum fill” may also refer to a maximum about that is a height of the fluid that allows the beverage article to be tilted for use resulting in flowing of the fluid from a user lip interface while avoiding flowing over another portion of a rim. For example, for an 8 fluid ounce (or about 237 mL) container (e.g., a conventional coffee mug), the max fill line is from about 3 mm to about 10 mm below the uppermost point of the rim.

The beverage article includes a chamber portion. The chamber portion is suitable for receiving and retaining the liquid beverage poured therein. The chamber portion may be defined by a base and one or more side walls. The chamber portion may be defined as a hollow portion located within the one or more side walls and encapsulated by the base. The chamber portion may be located between the base and a neck portion, rim portion, and/or terminus of the beverage article. The chamber portion may have a three-dimensional shape which is substantially similar to a cylinder, sphere, partial-sphere (e.g., bowl-shaped), cone (e.g., tulip-shaped, narrower width near base), cube, cuboid, pyramid, prism, bulb (e.g. having a round, wider portion, narrower near neck portion), or any combination thereof. The shape of the chamber portion may cooperate with a neck portion and rim portion to enhance the flavor and aromatics of the liquid. For example, a bulbous chamber portion may allow for retaining the volume of the beverage liquid, expose the aromas, and guiding the aromas toward a narrower neck portion for concentration of the aromas. The chamber portion may be defined by one or more side walls which angle away from the base, angle toward the base, slope away from the longitudinal axis, slope toward the longitudinal axis, angle toward a neck portion and/or rim portion, angle away from a neck portion and/or rim portion, or any combination thereof. The chamber portion may have a cross-section taken by a transverse plane along any length of the longitudinal axis. A transverse plane may perpendicularly intersect one or more side walls and/or the longitudinal axis, may be generally parallel with a base, or both. One or more cross-sections of the chamber may be generally circular, elliptical, ovular, square, rectangular, egg-shaped, or any combination thereof. The crosssection shape of the chamber portion may be the same along the entire length of the chamber portion or may be different. For example, the cross-section of the chamber portion immediately adjacent to the base may be substantially circular and transition to substantially elliptical. The cross-section of the chamber portion may be substantially circular for a certain portion of a height of the chamber portion from the base. The cross-section of the chamber portion may be substantially circular for about 2% or greater, about 5% or greater, or even about 10% or greater of a height of the chamber from the base. The cross-section of the chamber portion may be substantially circular for about 50% or less, about 40% or less, or even about 20% or less of a height of the chamber portion from the base. The cross-section of the chamber portion may be substantially elliptical for a certain portion of a height of the chamber portion from an open end of the chamber portion (e.g., where the chamber portion adjoins a neck portion). The cross-section of the chamber portion may be substantially elliptical for about 98% or less, about 95% or less, or even about 90% or less of a height of the chamber portion. The cross-section of the chamber portion may be substantially elliptical for about 80% or greater, about 60% or greater, or even about 50% or greater. Substantially in respect to a geometrical shape may be the shape is approximately the defined geometrical shape with only minor deviations. Minor deviations may be one or more portions fluctuating about +/- 15% from ideal geometry in dimensions or irregulates of a perimeter or surface. A substantially elliptical cross-section of a chamber portion may include opposing vertices and opposing co-vertices. Vertices may be defined as the opposing ends of a longest width (e.g., major axis) of the elliptical shape. Co-vertices may be defined as the opposing ends along the shorter width of the elliptical shape which intersects through a center (e.g., minor axis). For an elliptical shaped cross-section, a length of a major axis may be about 1.2 times greater, about 1.4 times greater, or even about 1.5 times greater than a length of a minor axis. For an elliptical shaped cross-section, a length of a major axis may be about 3 times less, about 2.5 times less, about 2 times less, about 1.8 times less, or even about 1.7 times less than a length of a minor axis. Vertices of the elliptical cross-section may be aligned with or off-set from one or more lip interfaces, handles, or both. In a plan view, one or more vertices may be substantially aligned with one or more lip interfaces. For example, in one plan view, one vertex may be substantially aligned with one lip interface while in an opposing plan view an opposing vertex may be substantially aligned with an opposing lip interface.

One or more side walls of the chamber portion may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis, transverse plane, or both to form one or more surface geometries in the chamber portion. One or more side walls of the chamber may be parallel, perpendicular, or any angle therebetween relative to a longitudinal axis and/or transverse plane. One or more side walls of the chamber portion may angle away from a longitudinal axis at an angle of about 70 degrees or less, about 60 degrees or less, or even about 50 degrees or less. One or more side walls of the chamber portion may angle away from a longitudinal axis at an angle of about 5 degrees or more, about 15 degrees or more, or even about 25 degrees or more. For example, one or more side walls of the chamber portion may angle away from a longitudinal axis adjacent to the base. One or more side walls at the chamber portion may angle toward a longitudinal axis at an angle of about 5 degrees or greater, 7 degrees or greater, or even about 10 degrees or greater. One or more side walls at the chamber portion may angle toward the longitudinal axis at an angle of about 30 degrees or less, 20 degrees or less, or even 15 degrees or less. One or more side walls at the chamber portion may angle toward the longitudinal axis while extending toward the neck and/or rim portion. One or more side walls may angle away and toward the longitudinal axis. One or more side walls of the chamber may have one or more contours such that the side wall changes angles relative to the longitudinal plane and/or transverse plane along a height of the chamber portion. One or more side walls may have one or more contours such that along around a perimeter, a side wall may be angled equally or differently relative to the longitudinal axis and/or longitudinal plane. For example, the one or more side walls at a portion aligned with one or more lip interfaces may angle away from and/or toward the longitudinal axis at an angle greater than the one or more side walls at a portion aligned with one or more valleys. The angles may be more pronounced at portions which form opposing vertices of an elliptical and/or ovular cross-section of the chamber portion as opposed to opposing co-vertices or of a circular cross-section.

The chamber portion may have a volume of about 100 mL or more, about 200 mL or more, or about 300 mL or more. The chamber portion may have a volume of about 1000 mL or less, about 700 mL or less, or about 500 mL or less. The volume may be achieved by forming a beverage article having a particular ratio of height of the chamber portion to width of the chamber portion. The ratio may be about 1:1 to about 3:1. For example, the ratio may be about 1:1 to about 2:1.

The beverage article may include a neck portion. The neck portion may serve to join the chamber portion to the rim portion of the beverage article, concentrate the aroma of a liquid in the chamber portion, reduce a surface area of a liquid exposed to ambient temperatures to reduce a rate of heat transfer, funnel and/or guide a liquid toward a lip interface, define a transition between the chamber portion and the rim portion, or a combination thereof. The neck portion may have a shape suitable for limiting exposure of the liquid within the chamber portion to ambient temperatures, such as at the exposed surface of the liquid. The neck portion may have a shape suitable for concentrating an aroma of the liquid. The neck portion may have a shape suitable for transitioning from the chamber portion to the rim portion. The neck portion may define a transition between the chamber portion to the rim portion. The neck portion may be defined by a change in slope direction of one or more side walls relative to a longitudinal axis, the base, a transverse plane, or a combination thereof. The neck portion may be defined where one or more portions of one or more side walls transition from angling toward the longitudinal axis to away from the longitudinal axis. The neck portion may have a cross-section that has one or more rounded segments, one or more curved segments, one or more linear segments, one or more angled segments, or a combination thereof. A tangent line to a point of the surface of the neck portion may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beverage article. The tangent line may extend from the base to opening. The point at which the tangent line is in contact may define the transition from the chamber portion to the neck portion, may be at a lower height of the beverage article than a lowest point of one or more valleys, or both.

The neck portion may have a cross-sectional shape with a continuous curvature. The neck portion may have one or more cross-sections taken by a transverse plane along a length of the longitudinal axis along a height of the neck portion. One or more cross-sections may have the same or different shape as one or more cross-sections of the chamber portion, rim portion, terminus, or any portion thereof. One or more cross-sections of the neck portion may be generally circular, elliptical, ovular, square, rectangular, egg-shaped, or any combination thereof. A cross-section shape of the neck portion may be the same along the entire height of the neck portion or may be different. A cross-section shape may be substantially the same as a cross-section shape as both an adjacent portion of the chamber portion, rim portion, or both. For example, the neck portion may have a substantially elliptical shape or circular shape. The chamber portion, neck portion, and rim portion may form a generally hourglass shape profile (e.g., when viewed from the front), where the neck portion is the narrowest part of the hourglass.

The neck portion may have an outer perimeter that is less than, equal to, or greater than a maximum outer perimeter, minimum outer perimeter, and/or average perimeter of the chamber portion. The neck portion may have an outer perimeter that is less than the average outer perimeter of the chamber portion. The neck portion may have an outer perimeter that is less than the minimum outer perimeter of the chamber portion. The neck portion may have an outer perimeter that is generally equal to the maximum outer perimeter, average outer perimeter, or minimum outer perimeter of the chamber portion. The neck portion may have one or more widths (e.g., diameter if round, major and minor axis if an elliptical, etc). The neck portion may have a constant or varying width about the height of the neck portion. A varying width of the neck portion may mean having a width which tapers, expands, or both. One or more widths may be smaller than, equal to, or larger than one or more widths of a cross-section of a chamber portion, rim portion, or any combination thereof. For example, a neck portion having a substantially elliptical-shaped cross-section may have both a major axis width and minor axis width smaller than those of a chamber portion and rim portion. One or more widths may be the same or different from one or more other widths at cross-section of the neck portion. For example, in a circle cross-section all widths may be substantially equal. For example, in an elliptical cross-section, a width at a major axis is larger than a width along a minor axis. The neck portion may have a width (e.g., when viewed from the front) measured from one point on the outer surface of the neck portion to an opposing point on the opposing outer surface of the neck portion, about 40 mm or more, about 50 mm or more, or about 60 mm or more. The width of the neck portion may be about 100 mm or less, about 90 mm or less, or about 80 mm or less. The neck portion may have an outer perimeter that is at least about 10% less than the maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. The neck portion may have an outer perimeter that is at least about 20% less than the maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. The outer perimeter of the neck portion may be at least about 30% less than the maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. The outer perimeter of the neck portion may be at least about 40% less than the maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. The outer perimeter of the neck portion may be at least about 50% less than the maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. The outer perimeter of the neck portion may be less than about 100% less than the maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. An outer perimeter of the neck portion which is smaller than a maximum and/or average perimeter of the chamber portion may aid in funneling and/or guiding the liquid residing within the chamber portion toward a lip interface (e.g., upon tilting of the beverage article). An outer perimeter of the neck portion which is smaller than the maximum and/or average perimeter of the chamber portion may concentrate the aroma of the liquid residing within the chamber portion. By concentrating the aroma, the neck portion may capture and enhance the aromas of the beverage to lead to a higher sensory experience of the user. For example, by concentrating the aromas, a user may experience improved smell-priming (e.g., smelling the aroma prior to consumption and tasting).

The beverage article includes a rim portion. The rim portion may function as the drinking portion of the beverage article, may facilitate drinking of the liquid beverage while enjoying concentrated aroma from a chamber and/or neck portion, or both. The rim portion may be a portion of the beverage article that extends upwardly along the longitudinal axis away from the neck portion and/or chamber portion. The rim portion may be comprised of at least a portion of one or more side walls. For example, the rim portion may be one or more side walls from the neck portion to the terminus. The rim portion may define an opening into which the liquid beverage can be received to be stored within the chamber portion. The opening in the rim portion may extend into the opening of the neck portion and/or chamber portion to form one continuous opening from the terminus to the base. The rim portion may have a cross section that has one or more generally curved segments, one or more rounded segments, one or more linear segments, one or more angular segments, or a combination thereof. The rim portion may have one or more cross-sections taken by a transverse plane along a length of the longitudinal axis along a height of the rim portion. One or more crosssections may have the same or different shape as one or more cross-sections of the chamber portion, neck portion, terminus, or any portion thereof. One or more cross-sections of the rim portion may be generally circular, elliptical, ovular, square, rectangular, eggshaped, or any combination thereof. A cross-section shape of the rim portion may be the same along the entire height of the rim portion or may be different. A cross-section shape may be substantially the same as a cross-section shape as both an adjacent portion of the chamber portion, neck portion, or both. For example, the rim portion may have a substantially elliptical shape or circular shape. The rim portion may have a constant or a varying cross-section size and/or shape along its entire height. For example, the crosssection of the rim portion adjacent the neck portion may be smaller (e.g., in perimeter and/or in width) than the cross-section of the rim portion at the edge of the rim portion (e.g., at or near the terminuses of the user lip interface sections of the rim portion). The rim portion may have a generally constant cross-section along all or some of its height.

One or more portions of the rim portion may be parallel, perpendicular, or any angle therebetween relative to the longitudinal axis, transverse plane, base, or combination thereof. One or more portions of the rim portion may angle toward and/or away the longitudinal axis, a transverse plane, a base, or any combination thereof. The rim portion extending from the chamber and/or neck portion toward a terminus may angle away from the longitudinal axis. Angling away from the longitudinal axis may provide a rim portion with a wider perimeter and/or one or more longer widths than a neck portion or a cross-section of the chamber portion. Angling away from the longitudinal axis may facilitate drinking from the beverage article while allowing a user to enjoy the concentrated aromas from the neck portion and/or chamber portion. The rim portion may extend away from a base, chamber portion, neck portion, or any combination thereof by forming an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of about 5 degrees or greater, about 10 degrees or greater, or even about 15 degrees or greater. The rim portion may extend away from a base, chamber portion, beck portion, or any combination thereof by forming an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of about 50 degrees or less, about 40 degrees or less, or even about 30 degrees or less. The rim portion may have a constant topography, one or more valleys, one or more lip interfaces, one or more peak portions, one or more drip catch features, or any combination thereof.

The rim portion may have a topography. The topography may function to direct the flow of the liquid from the chamber portion toward the terminus, control the rate of the flow toward the terminus, provide a user interface for the lips and/or nose of a user, provide a maximum fill of the beverage article with a liquid, or any combination thereof. The rim portion may have a topography that varies in height around the periphery of the rim portion. The topography may vary for defining at least one peak (or possibly at least one pair of peaks) and at least one valley (or possibly at least on pair of valleys).

The rim portion may have one or more valleys. The valleys may function to define a maximum fill, allow for a resting surface of a mixing utensil, distinguish a neck portion from a rim portion, facilitate manufacturing of one or more peaks or user lip interfaces, or any combination thereof. One or more valleys may be defined as one or more grooves, notches, cuts, dips, or other absence of side wall in the rim portion. The one or more valleys may allow side wall material to be used to form one or more user lip interfaces while avoiding too thin of wall sections, prevent creation of one or more weak spots, prevent wrinkling or crimping in a material of the side wall, or any combination thereof. For example, if the side wall is formed by molding a ceramic the one or more valleys may allow one or more lip user interfaces to angle away from the longitudinal axis while avoiding thinning in the side wall material and creation of a weak spot. The height of the valley relative to the base may define the maximum fill of the beverage article. The lowest point of the valley at the rim may be within the base portion, the neck portion, or the rim portion. The lowest point of the valley may be in the rim portion adjacent the neck portion. An exterior surface of a side wall adjacent to the lowest point of the valley may define the transition from a rim portion to a neck portion. The one or more valleys may have a general shape. The shape may describe viewing the valley at a planar view of the beverage article (e.g., side plan view). The valley may have a shape having one or more straight portions, curved portions, intersecting portions, or any combination thereof. The valley may be defined by a generally parabolic shape. The valley may have a generally continuous curve. The valley may have one or more straight portions. The valley may be formed by intersecting straight portions (e.g., to form the shape of a V). The valley may have a shape substantially resembling the letter U, V, or C. A valley may be substantially symmetrical at the lowest point of the valley. A valley may be substantially symmetrical at a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis and through the center of the valley. A valley may be useful in providing a resting service for a mixing or eating utensil (e.g., spoon, mixing stick). A user may leave a mixing utensil resting within the beverage article and recline a handle of the utensil at the lowest point of the valley. The valley provides access to the utensil, allows a handle of the utensil to remain at least partially dry (e.g., untouched by the liquid beverage or other fluid within the beverage article), or both. The rim portion may include two or more valleys. The valleys may be generally opposing. The two valleys which are opposing may be substantially mirrored about a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis and one or more user lip interfaces (e.g., both opposing user lip interfaces). A valley may be located on a same portion or a differing portion a side wall as a handle. A valley may be relatively aligned with handle. For example, a center of a valley (e.g., the lowest and/or symmetrical point) may be substantially aligned with the handle. Aligned may mean a line substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis. In a rim portion which is substantially elliptical, a center (e.g., lowest point) of a valley may be or aligned with (e.g., line parallel with longitudinal axis) co-vertex of a minor axes. The valley may have a height, measured from the highest point of a peak to the lowest point of the valley of about 10 mm or more, about 15 mm or more, or about 20 mm or more. The valley may have a height of about 60 mm or less, about 50 mm or less, or about 40 mm or less. The ratio of the total height of the beverage article to the height of the valley may be about 2:1 to about 8:1. For example, the ratio of total height of the article to the height of the valley may be about 3:1 to about 6:1.

The one or more peak portions may be defined by a terminus of the rim portion. The terminus may be the highest point of the beverage article. The terminus may be the outermost point of the rim portion, outermost point of the beverage article, or both, where outermost is defined as the furthest point radially extending from the longitudinal axis of the beverage article. In a rim portion have a substantially elliptical shape, a terminus may be a vertex along a major axis at the end of a sidewall.

The rim portion may include one or more user lip interfaces. The one or more user lip interfaces may allow for guiding and funneling of a controlled, narrow stream of fluid to a mouth of a user; allow for consumption from the beverage article while remaining in a reclined position; allow for a nose of the user to be proximate the concentrated aroma of the liquid beverage; or any combination thereof. The one or more peak portions may be defined by a portion of a user lip interface (which may or may not be the terminus). The one or more user lip interfaces may be formed from the same side wall as the rim portion, neck portion, and/or chamber portion. The rim portion may include one or more user lip interfaces, where a user puts his or her lips when drinking from the beverage article. The user lip interface may have a surface for contacting a lower lip of the user. The user lip interface may have a surface for contacting an upper lip of a user. The user lip interface may have surfaces for contacting both the upper lip and the lower lip of a user. The user lip interface may have a gradually tapering average wall thickness. The user lip interface may be defined as the region from the terminus to about 5 cm or less toward the neck portion of the beverage article. The user lip interface may be received between the user’s lips to allow the user to pour the liquid beverage into his or her mouth without spilling, even if in a reclined position. The rim portion may include two or more user lip interfaces. For example, the rim portion may include two user lip interfaces, situated in generally opposing relation with each other. Opposing user lip interfaces may allow the beverage article to be used ambidextrously with a handle. Opposing user lip interfaces may provide one user lip interface for being received within a user’s lips and allow the opposing user lip interface to receive a portion of a user’s nose. By having the opposing user lip interface receive a nose, the nostrils are not blocked from the aromas of the liquid beverage. An opposing user lip interface may help direct aromas from a neck portion upward to a user’s nose.

The angle of an opposing user lip interface may allow guide the aromas upward to the user’s nose. The angle of a surface of one or more user lip interfaces may be any angle suitable for the rim portion. A user lip interface may extend away from a base, chamber portion, neck portion, or any combination thereof by forming an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of about 5 degrees or greater, about 10 degrees or greater, or even about 15 degrees or greater. The user lip portion may extend away from a base, chamber portion, beck portion, or any combination thereof by forming an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of about 50 degrees or less, about 40 degrees or less, or even about 30 degrees or less. The user lip interface may have varying angles (steeper or more gradual). The user lip interface may have extend away from the longitudinal axis at a greater at the terminus than a surfaces adjacent to the terminus, The angle of the user lip interface may help guide the flow of the liquid to the user’s mouth. The angle of the user lip interface may help guide the flow of aromas toward a user’s nose. For example, with opposing user lip interfaces, one user lip interface may guide the flow of liquid to the user for consumption while the other user lip interface captures the aromas being dispersed and guides them toward the user’s nose for an improved sensory experience. The user lip interfaces may extend upwardly (e.g., along the longitudinal axis away from the base) and/or radially (e.g., generally transverse to the longitudinal axis). A valley may be situated at a side wall between the two user lip interfaces. A second valley may be situated at a side wall between the user lip interfaces on the opposing side. The valleys may have the same dimensions or may have different dimensions (e.g., where one valley dips lower than the other). One or more handles may be situated at a side wall between the two user lip interfaces.

The user lip interface may have one or more generally curved portions (e.g., the profile of the user lip interface(s) when the beverage article is viewed from the front, where the valley is centrally located and the user lip interface(s) extend radially). The profile of the user lip interface may be generally concave or generally convex. The user lip interface may be curved downward to fit around and/or generally match the shape of a user’s bottom lip, the contour of a bridge of a user’s nose, or both. The user lip interface may be continuously curved. The user lip interface may have a constant radius of curvature or a varying radius of curvature. A radius of curvature may be the radius measured from an interior surface of the user lip interface, may be taken along a cross-section, or both. The cross-section for the radius of curvature may be taken along a plane parallel to a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis, intersecting the center of one or more valley portions, intersecting the center of a handle, or a combination thereof. For example, the terminus may be the outermost point, and as the user lip interface continues toward the neck portion, the radius of curvature may be gradually increase or decrease. The largest radius of curvature may be at the outermost point (i.e., the terminus). The smallest radius of curvature may be at the outermost point (i.e., terminus). The user lip interface may have one or more generally straight segments instead of or in addition to the curved portions. The user lip interface may be free of substantially planar surfaces. The user lip interface may be free of a V-shape contour. The user lip interface may be free of a V-shape contour formed by substantially planar surfaces.

When the beverage article is viewed from the top (i.e., looking into the opening defined by the rim portion and into the cavity portion), the terminus of the rim portion and the immediately surrounding areas of the edge may form a generally curved shape. The user lip portion may have a radius at the terminus viewed from a top planar view. The top planar view may be a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis, parallel with the base, or both. A radius at the terminus may be about 15 mm or greater, about 20 mm or greater, or even about 30 mm or less. A radius at the terminus may be about 65 mm or less, about 55 mm or less, or even about 40 mm or less. The radius may be half a length of the major axis of the rim portion is substantially elliptical-shaped, half a diameter if the rim portion is substantially circular, or the like. The terminus may instead be a pointed shape, with generally linear segments extending toward the body of the beverage article. The terminus may instead be a segment rather than a point.

A radius of curvature of one or more user lip interfaces may provide for a narrow flow of fluid for controlled dispensing and consumption by a user. The radius of the terminus may be adapted so that a radius of the liquid when tangent to the terminus is a smaller radius. The smaller radius provides for the narrow stream of fluid. The narrow stream of fluid allows for a user to easily control the rate of flow of the liquid consumed. The narrow stream at a controlled rate allows the user to comfortably control the rate of swallowing the liquid and reduce the possibility of swallowing too large of an amount of air. By reducing the possibility of swallowing too much air, the risk of gas, abdominal bloating, belching, or other intestinal discomfort is reduced. A radius of the liquid may be measured when the beverage article is tilted. Tilting may mean the longitudinal axis is angled relative to a vertical axis and the user lip interface is angled at substantially the same degree. A radius of the liquid may be measured when the liquid approaches a terminus, rim at a user lip interface, vertex of a rim portion, or a combination thereof. The radius of the liquid may be measured before the liquid flows over the terminus, rim, or both. The radius of the liquid may be measured when a front edge of the liquid is tangent with the terminus. The radius of the liquid may be measures from the front edge of the liquid tangent with the terminus and inward before the liquid flows over the terminus. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 3 mm or greater, about 5 mm or greater, or even about 15 mm or greater. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 30 mm or less, about 25 mm or less, or even about 20 mm or less. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 3 mm or greater to about 30 mm or less. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 5% to about 75% of a radius of the side wall at the terminus. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 5% or greater, about 10% or greater, or even about 15% or greater of a radius of the side wall at the terminus. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 75% or less, about 70% or less, or even about 60% or less of a radius of the side wall at the terminus. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may remain substantially constant each time the beverage article is tilted from vertical (e.g., repeated tilting for sipping during consumption). The radius of the liquid at the terminus may remain substantially constant while at least a portion chamber volume capacity is consumed. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may remain substantially constant while at least about 30% or greater, 35% or greater, or even about 40% or greater of a chamber portion volume capacity is consumed. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may remain substantially constant while at least about 70% or less, about 65% or less, or even about 60% or less of a chamber portion volume capacity is consumed. Substantially constant may be defined as +/-15% fluctuation in radius length.

The rim portion may have a height, measured from the end of the rim portion to the highest point of the rim portion (e.g., a terminus of the user lip interface), of about 10 mm or more, about 20 mm or more, or about 25 mm or more. The rim portion may have a height of about mm or less, about 50 mm or less, or about 40 mm or less. The rim portion may have a maximum width (e.g., from the terminus of one user lip interface to the terminus of the opposing user lip interface) of about 50 mm or more, about 60 mm or more, about 70 mm or more, or about 80 mm or more. The rim portion may have a maximum width of about 150 mm or less, about 130 mm or less, or about 110 mm or less. The maximum width of the rim portion may be greater than the width of the neck portion, the maximum width of the chamber portion, or both. The maximum width of the rim portion may be smaller than or equal to a maximum width of the chamber portion. The measurement from the terminus of one user lip interface to an opposing terminus of the opposing user lip interface may be the widest portion of the beverage article. The measurement from the terminus of one user lip interface to an opposing terminus of the opposing user lip interface may be equal to another widest portion of the beverage article (e.g., major axis width of chamber portion at widest portion). The ratio of total height of the beverage article to the maximum width of the rim portion may be about 1:1 to about 3:1. For example, the ratio of total height of the beverage article to the maximum width ofthe rim portion may be about 1:1 to about 1.5:1.

The rim portion may include one or more drip catch features. The one or more drip catch features may function to direct any fluid remaining near the rim, terminus, back toward a hollow interior of the beverage article, along an interior of a side wall, or both to prevent dripping over a rim to an exterior surface of the side wall or elsewhere. The one or more drip catch features may be located in a side wall, in an interior of a side wall, adjacent to a terminus, adjacent to the rim of the rim portion, in the rim portion, or any combination thereof. The one or more drip catch features may be any shape suitable for redirecting the liquid upon tilting back to the vertical axis after consuming from the beverage article. The one or more drip catch features may be a groove or indent within the side wall. The one or more drip catch features may be a thinner portion of the side wall. The one or more drip catch features may include a groove, indentation, notch, change in slope, the like, or any combination thereof.

The beverage article may include one or more handles. The one or more handles may provide a handling feature for the mug, allow handling of a warm mug while avoiding direct contact of a user with a warm side wall, or both. The beverage article may include two handles on opposing sides of the beverage article. The beverage article may be free of handles. The handle may be attached to and extend from the side wall defining the chamber portion. The handle may be extend in a direction generally transverse to the direction of extension of a user lip interface. The direction of extension of the handle away from the side wall and the direction of extension of a user lip interface may be about 45 degrees or more, about 60 degrees or more, or about 80 degrees or more. The direction of extension of the handle away from the side wall and the direction of extension of a user lip interface may be about 135 degrees or less, about 120 degrees or less, or about 110 degrees or less. For example, the angle may be about 90 degrees ± about 5 degrees.

The handle may have a lower attachment portion that attaches adjacent to or near the base of the beverage article. The lower attachment portion may be located about 1 mm or higher from the base, about 2 mm or higher, or about 3 mm or higher. The lower attachment portion may be located about 20 mm or less from the base, about 10 mm or less from the base, or about 5 mm or less from the base.

The handle may have an upper attachment portion that attaches to the body of the beverage article above the lower attachment portion. The upper attachment portion may be located at or adjacent to a valley of the rim portion. The upper attachment portion may be about 10 mm or less from the edge of the rim above it; about 5 mm or less from the edge of the rim above it, or about 2 mm or less from the edge of the rim above it. The edge of the rim may be the lowest point of a valley. The highest point of the handle (e.g., if the handle extends upwardly from the upper attachment portion before extending back toward the base of the beverage article) may extend higher than the lowest point of the valley.

The handle may have any shape that allows a user to grasp the handle and rotate the beverage article to dispense the liquid beverage into his or her mouth. The handle may be generally rounded, curved, arcuate, or a combination thereof. The handle may have one or more generally straight segments. The handle may have a continuous curvature, such as a generally semi-circular or partial oval shape. The handle may have a combination of curved and straight segments. For example, the handle may have a generally half-heart shape, where the top portion is curved and the bottom portion is more straight. The handle may have generally mirror symmetry along a horizontal plane through the center of the handle. The handle may be generally asymmetrical.

The beverage article may receive a lid. A lid may function to prevent splashing of a liquid within the beverage article during movement of the beverage article (e.g., walking, during transportation in a vehicle). The lid may be disposed within the rim portion, neck portion, chamber portion, or combination thereof. The lid may include one or more contours or openings for allowing liquid to pass past the lid to a user for consumption. The lid may include one or more contours adapted to be placed in line with one or more user lip interfaces. One or more contours may be any shape in a periphery of the lid which keeps a portion of periphery out of contact with an interior of a side wall to define an opening for fluid. The one or more contours may be curved, linear, or both. The one or more contours may have a shape similar to a C or U. The one or more contours may include opposing contours. Opposing contours may allow for ambidextrous use of the beverage article while paired with a lid, allow for releasing of aromas of a liquid beverage from within the beverage article to a user, or both. For example, when a lid is resting within the beverage article, upon tilting for consumption, one contour may be adjacent to a user’s mouth while the opposing contour is adjacent to a user’s nose. Liquid may pass through the contour adjacent to the user’s mouth. Aromas concentrated in the neck portion may be released through the opposing contour by the user’s nose to allow the user to have an enhanced olfactory experience while still using a lid. Further, an opposing contour may provide for a vent. The vent may allow steam to be released to avoid pressure building within the beverage article. The lid may include a seal. The seal may be located at least partially about a periphery of the lid. The seal may be located at an under side of the periphery (e.g., around the lid facing toward an interior of the article beverage).

The beverage article may cooperate with an adapter. The adapter may function to affix the beverage article to one or more standard sized beverage holders. The adapter may include a retaining portion and a seating portion. A retaining portion may function to receive the beverage article, retain the beverage article, or both. A retaining portion may include a retaining well. A retaining well may be an opening within the retaining portion. The retaining well may include one or more engagement features to retaining the beverage article while preventing movement of the beverage article relative to the retaining portion. The one or more engagement features may include one or more seals, grooves, interference fit mechanisms, high friction surfaces, or any combination thereof. The retaining well may have a shape similar to at least a portion of the beverage article. The retaining well may have a shape with matching contours to at least a portion of the base, chamber portion, or both. The retaining well may have a shape with matching contours of the chamber portion up to the widest portion of the chamber portion. Extending from the retaining portion may be a seating portion. The seating portion may function to sit within an opening for standard beverage sizes. Exemplary openings may include drink holders within a vehicle, a furniture piece (e.g., sofa, theater seating, camping chair, etc.). The seating portion may have a shape substantially similar to a conventional cup holder, such as cylindrical. The seating portion may have a height which allows the receiving portion to be located adjacent to (e.g., above) the cup holder. The seating portion may have a width smaller than the receiving portion so that the seating portion fits within the conventional cup holder.

Due to the shape of the mug, the flow of the beverage from the beverage article to a user’s mouth can be controlled. The shape of the user lip interface allows the beverage to be directed into the user’s mouth. The user may have to tilt the beverage article a greater degree than when using a traditional mug or drinking glass when both are filled the same distance from the valley or the rim of a traditional mug or glass, thereby giving the user more control over the amount of liquid he or she drinks and allowing the user to consume his or her beverage even while in a reclined position, where reclined position is defined as an angle between a vertical axis and an axis extending from and through the user’s head, where the angle is about 90 degrees or less. A container filled to a height within about 5 mm, about 4 mm, about 3 mm, about 2 mm, or about 1 mm below its maximum fill line can be tilted to an angle a up to about up to about 150 degrees, up to about 130 degrees, up to about 110 degrees, up to about 90 degrees, up to about 45 degrees, or up to about 30 degrees relative to a vertical axis before its liquid content will exit the article. Where the liquid is filled to about 20% or less of the total height of the chamber portion, to consume the remaining contents (e.g., at the bottom of the beverage article), the user may tilt the beverage article a minimum of at least about 90 degrees relative to a vertical axis (e.g., about 110 degrees or more, about 120 degrees or more, about 135 degrees or more, or about 150 degrees or more).

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions of the Figures are provided to illustrate the teachings herein, but are not intended to limit the scope thereof. One or more features in one or more Figures may be incorporated with one or more features shown in other Figures. For example, the height of the valley 38 in FIG. 5 may be incorporated in the rim portion 30 of FIG. 1.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a beverage article 10. The beverage article 10 includes a base 12. The base 12 allows the beverage article 10 to rest on a flat and horizontal surface, such as a table (not shown). Extending from the base 12 is a side wall 20. The side wall 20 extends from the base 12 to a terminus 32. The side wall 20 defines a chamber portion 22. The chamber portion 22 is integral with a rim portion 30. The rim portion 30 terminates at the terminus 32. The chamber portion 22 is joined to the rim portion 30 via a neck portion 24. The beverage article 10 includes a longitudinal axis L_A. The longitudinal axis L_A is orthogonal to the base 12. The rim portion 30 includes opposing user lip interfaces 36. An opening 34 is defined by the terminus 32 at the rim portion. The opening 34 extends into the hollow interior defined by the side wall 20 and the base 12. The beverage holder 10 includes a handle 40. The handle 40 extends away from the side wall 20. The handle 40 is located on the side wall 20 between the opposing lip interfaces 36.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user 50 drinking from a beverage article 10 in accordance with the present teachings. The user 50 is able to drink from the beverage article 10 while in a reclined position. The reclined position is illustrated by an angle a between an axis extending through the user’s head relative to a vertical axis V_A. The vertical axis V_A may be generally perpendicular to a flat, horizontal surface such as a table. Angle a is about 90 degrees or less.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the beverage article 10 tilted at an angle β from a vertical axis V_A.

A liquid 100 resides within the hollow interior of the beverage article 10. As the beverage article 10 is tilted so that the longitudinal axis L_A is less than perpendicular relative to the vertical axis, the liquid 100 approaches the terminus 32 at the user lip interface 36. Just before the liquid 100 flows over the terminus 32, the liquid 100 is tangential T| with the terminus 32 at the user lip interface 36. The radius R_L of the liquid 100 from the terminus 32 is less than the radius of the lip interface R_h The radius R_L of the liquid is about 3mm to about 30mm. The radius of the liquid R_L is about 10% to about 75% of the radius R| of the lip interface 36. The radius of the liquid R_L is able to be maintained within the 3mm to about 30mm range, held relatively steady or constant (within +/- 15% fluctuation of the radius length) for at least 30% to about 70% of the pour volume. The radius of the liquid may allow for a narrow stream to be delivered to a user to allow the user better control of consumption of the liquid 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of the beverage article 10. The chamber portion 22 is bulbous. The beverage article 10 includes minor widths. The minor widths are measured transverse to the longitudinal axis L_A and between lip interfaces 36. The minor widths are the distance from opposing surfaces of the interior of the side wall 20. The chamber portion 22 has a minor chamber width W_Mc which expands from a minor base width W_Mb of the base 12. The chamber portion tapers in minor chamber width W_Mc adjacent to the neck portion 24. The neck portion 24 has a minor neck width W_Mn- The rim portion 30 expands in minor rim width W_Mr from the neck portion 24. The handle 40 extends from the side wall 20 a distance D_H, (measured from the side wall to the internal surface of the handle at its greatest distance). The bottom 42 of the handle 40 is secured to the side wall 20 approximate the base 12 and chamber portion 22. The top 44 of the handle 40 is secured to the side wall 20 at or near a valley 38 of the beverage article, though other configurations of the handle are possible. The handle 40 as shown is generally the shape of half of a heart, with a rounded or curved portion at the top of the handle and a generally straight portion toward the bottom, forming an acute angle h with the side wall 20 at the bottom 42 of the handle 40.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the beverage article 10. The beverage article 10 has a height H_A, measured from the base 12 to the highest point of the rim portion 30. Each portion of the beverage article 10 has a height, with the height of the rim portion 30 being designated as H_R, the height of the neck portion 24 being designated as H_N, and the height of the chamber portion being designated as H_c. The beverage article 10 includes one or more valleys 38, and as illustrated, there are two generally opposing valleys. The valleys 38 have a height H_v, and these valleys 38 may have the same height or different heights. The height H_v of each valley is measured as the linear distance from the lowest point of the terminus 32 to the highest and parallel with the longitudinal axis. The beverage article 10 includes varying major widths along the article height H_A. A major width is measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, between opposing interior surfaces of the side wall 20, and the opposing interior surfaces being aligned with the center of the lip interface 36. The expanding outward, longitudinal axis L_A.

base 12 of the article has a major width W_B. The chamber portion 22 as illustrated has a generally bulbous shape (though is not limited to such a shape), having a major width W_cmeasured at its widest part. The neck portion 24 has a major width W_N. The neck portion 24 joins the chamber portion 22 with the rim portion 30 to form a generally hourglass shape (though not limited to such a shape), where the major width W_N of the neck portion 24 is measured between the innermost points of the hourglass shape. The rim portion 30 has a major width W_R, measured from the terminus 32 of one user lip interface 36 to the terminus 32 of the opposing user lip interface 36.

FIG. 5 also illustrates one or more angles of one or more portions of a side wall 20 relative to the base 12 and longitudinal axis L_A. The side wall 20 at the chamber portion 22 adjacent to the base 12 extends at an angle δ₁ relative to the base and at an angle δ₃ relative to the longitudinal axis L_A. At the widest maximum chamber width W_c, the side wall 20 at the chamber portion 22 tapers toward the base 12 at an angle δ₂ and toward the longitudinal axis at an angle δ₄. The neck portion 24 changes contours from tapering inward to At the transition, a tangent line T_L is generally parallel with the The side wall 20 at the rim portion 30 extends away from the longitudinal axis at an angle γ.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the beverage article 10. The beverage article 10 includes a terminus 32 at the end of the rim portion 30. The rim portion 30 angles away from the longitudinal axis L_A such that an interior surface of the side wall 20 is visible. The rim portion 30 has a generally elliptical shape. The rim portion 30 has a major rim width W_R and a minor rim width W_MR. Opposing user lip interfaces 36 are located at ends of the major rim width W_R while opposing valleys 38 are located at ends of the minor rim width W_MR. A handle 40 projects from the side wall 20 between the two user lip interfaces 36.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of the beverage article 10 and FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of the beverage article 10 taken along section A-A in FIG. 6. The side wall 20 has a thickness T.

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of the cross-section of FIG. 8 at the user lip interface 36. The interior surface of the side wall 20 extends toward the terminus 32 with a fairly smooth surface.

FIG. 10 illustrates a close-up view of the cross-section of FIG. 8 at the user lip interface 36. The interior surface of the side wall 20 includes a drip-catch 46. The drip catch 46 is an inward indentation in the side wall 20. The drip catch 46 is located adjacent to the terminus

32. The drip catch 46 is located at the user lip interface 36.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a beverage article 10 with a lid 48. The lid 48 includes a seal 52.

The seal 52 may be a rubber gasket about the bottom periphery of the lid 48. The lid 48 rests below the valleys 38. The lid 48 rests within the neck portion 24 within an interior of the beverage article 10. The lid 48 includes opposing opening contours 51. The opening contours 51 provide for opposing serving gaps 54 between the lid 48 and the side wall 20. The lid 48 has substantially the same elliptical shape as the neck portion 24.

FIG. 13 illustrates a beverage article 10 with an adapter 60. The adapter 60 includes a retaining portion 62. The retaining portion 62 includes a retaining well 64. The retaining well 64 is a receptacle to receive the chamber portion 22. Extending from the retaining portion 62 is a seating portion 66. The adapter 60 may function to receive the beverage article 10 and rest within a beverage holder such as in an automotive vehicle, an item of furniture, or the like.

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the beverage article 10, showing the chamber portion 22 and the opening 34 defined by the rim portion 30. A liquid beverage may be poured through the opening 34 and into the chamber portion 22. The user is able to drink from the beverage article 10 by putting his or her lips on one of the user lip interfaces 36, and the user lip interface used may depend on which hand the user is employing to grasp the handle 40 or another portion of the beverage article 10. The rim portion 30 has a terminus 32, where the rim portion 30 extends outwardly from the beverage article 10, to allow a user to more easily drink from the beverage article, especially while in a reclined position. The beverage article 10 includes opposing valleys 38, which define the maximum fill possible for the beverage article. As illustrated, the valleys 38 are separated by a distance D_v. The distance between the valleys D_v may be less than the width of the rim portion W_R (see FIG. 6), thereby defining an opening 34 that is generally elliptical, for example, rather than circular.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a rear side view and a side view, respectively, of the beverage article 10. These figures illustrate different views of the base 12, the side wall 20 extending from the base defining a chamber portion 22, and the rim portion 30 joined to the chamber portion 22 by a neck portion 24. The rim portion includes two opposing user lip interfaces 36, allowing a user to drink from either side of the beverage article 10, depending on which hand the user is using to hold the handle 40. Other shapes are also contemplated, such as a half circle or half oval, or the handle may have one or more curved segments, one or more generally straight segments, one or more angled segments, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 17 is a front view of an illustrative beverage article 10. The beverage article 10 includes a base 12, which allows the beverage article to rest on a horizontal surface, such as a table. A side wall 20 extends upwardly (in the general direction of the longitudinal axis LA) from the base 12 to define a chamber portion 22 of the beverage article 10 for receiving and containing a beverage. The chamber portion 22 is substantially bulbous in shape. The chamber portion 22 is joined to a rim portion 30 via a neck portion 24. A handle 40 extends from the side wall 20. The rim portion 30 includes opposing user lip interfaces 36, which provide a contact surface for the lips of a user drinking from the beverage article 10. The rim portion 30 terminates at a terminus 32, which defines an opening 34 through which a beverage is poured into the beverage articlelO. Between the user lip interfaces are opposing valleys 38. The side wall 20 has a protrusion 39. The protrusion 39 is located below the valley 38. The protrusion 38 has a substantial V-shape and narrows toward the base 12. The protrusion allows for additional liquid volume to be located within the chamber portion 22.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a beverage article 10 having a base 12 with a side wall 20 extending upwardly from the base. The side wall 20 is generally cylindrical, and is generally straight (e.g., less bulbous than the beverage article of FIG. 1 or FIG. 17). The side wall 20 defines a chamber portion 22, which serves as a receptacle for a liquid beverage. The chamber portion 22 is joined via a neck portion 24 to a rim portion 30, which includes a user lip interface 36 upon which a user can put his or her lips when drinking from the beverage article 10. The rim portion 30 includes a terminus 32, which extends radially from the beverage article 10, and a valley 38, which defines the maximum fill of the beverage article

10. A handle 40 is attached to the side wall 20 and extends radially therefrom. The handle 40 is disposed between the opposing user lip interfaces 36, which allows a user to grip the handle 40, and depending on which hand he or she is using to grip the handle, the user can put his or her lips on the lip interface portion that is facing the user’s mouth. The side wall 20 has a protrusion 39. The protrusion 39 is located below the valley 38. The protrusion 38 has a substantial V-shape and narrows toward the base 12.

FIG. 20A-20B illustrate a beverage article 10. FIGS. 20A-B shows the side wall 20 at the chamber portion extending from the base relatively parallel with a longitudinal axis LA. FIGS. 21A-B shows the side wall 20 extending at the chamber portion 22 extending at an obtuse angle from the base 12 toward the rim portion 30.While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms ofthe invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

As can be appreciated, variations in the above teachings may be employed. For example, beverage articles having different dimensions, different curvatures, different profiles, different cross-sections, different shapes, different dimensional ratios, and the like may all fall within the scope of the teachings herein. The present teachings contemplate a generally uniform chamber portion as well as a generally varied chamber portion. The present teachings contemplate a rim portion that is generally straight, extending upwardly along the longitudinal axis of the beverage article. The present teachings also contemplate a rim portion having a curved profile, where the terminus of the rim portion extends radially from the longitudinal axis of the beverage article. The present teachings contemplate a combination of curved portions (e.g., a curved user lip interface) with an upwardly extending portion of the rim portion. The present teachings contemplate beverage articles of different volumes. For example, one beverage article may have a volume for accommodating a cup of coffee. Another beverage article, also within the scope of the teachings, may accommodate an entire beer or soda, which is typically served in a larger volume than a cup of coffee. Variations to the location, size, shape, number, and placement of handles are also contemplated. Different combinations and numbers of features are contemplated. For example, a beverage article within the scope of the teachings may have a single user lip interface and a single handle. A beverage article within the scope of the teachings may have a single user lip interface with two handles opposing each other and located on opposite sides of the user lip interface.

The shape, material, and/or thickness of the material forming the beverage article may be selected to enhance the insulation of the beverage article (e.g., to keep a beverage hot or cold). For example, the wall thickness may be chosen to hold in the temperature and to keep the heat or cold from escaping quickly. The opening and/or neck portion may be narrowed to reduce the area of the opening through which heat or cold can escape into the atmosphere.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of, or even consisting of, the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components io or steps.

Relative positional relationships of elements depicted in the drawings are part of the teachings herein, even if not verbally described. Further, geometries shown in the drawings (though not intended to be limiting) are also within the scope of the teachings, even if not verbally described.

Claims

1. A beverage article comprising:

a. a base having a perimeter;

b. a side wall projecting from the base, wherein the side wall defines:

i. a chamber portion where the side wall circumscribes the perimeter of the base and includes a hollow interior adapted to receive a liquid beverage, and wherein the side wall adjacent to the base is substantially circular;

ii. a rim portion where the side wall terminates in a rim opposite the base and defines an opening aligned with the hollow interior of the chamber portion, and wherein the side wall in the rim portion has a substantially elliptical crosssection at the rim.

iii. a neck portion joining the rim portion and the chamber portion, wherein the neck portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the rim portion at the rim;

c. two user lip interfaces opposing and substantially symmetrical to one another integrated into the rim portion and part of the side wall, wherein each user lip interface includes:

i. a terminus of the rim; and ii. a slope away from the longitudinal axis configured to guide a liquid beverage to the terminus upon tilting of the beverage article;

wherein the surface geometry of the side wall from the terminus to the base is substantially sinusoidal;

wherein the beverage article is adapted for ambidextrous use; and wherein the rim portion, including the two user lip interfaces, is adapted for a user to consume the liquid beverage while the user is in a reclined position.

2. The beverage article of claim 1, wherein the side wall of the chamber portion transitions from the substantially circular cross-section to a substantially elliptical cross-section.

3. The beverage article of claim 2, wherein the substantially elliptical cross-section of the chamber portion and the rim portion have a length of a major axis about 1.2 times greater to about 3 times less than a length of a minor axis.

4. The beverage article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage article includes one or more handles that project outwardly away from the side wall and are located between the two user lip interfaces.

5. The beverage article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the two user lip interfaces are adapted so that when the beverage article is tilted relative to a vertical axis, the liquid beverage forms a liquid radius tangent with a radius at the terminus before flowing over the rim at the user lip interface; and wherein the liquid radius is about 3 mm to about 30 mm.

6. The beverage article of claim 5, wherein the chamber portion has a volume capacity to retaining the liquid beverage, and the liquid radius remains substantially constant during repeated tilting while about 30% or greater to about 70% or less of the volume capacity is consumed.

7. The beverage article of any of the preceding claims, wherein a topography of the rim portion varies for defining one or more peaks and one or more valleys.

8. The beverage article of claim 7, wherein the terminus of each user lip interface is a peak.

9. The beverage article of claims 7 or 8, wherein the rim portion includes two valleys opposing one another and located between the two user lip interfaces.

10. The beverage article according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein a height of the one or more valleys relative to the base defines a maximum fill of the beverage article.

11. The beverage article according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the one or more valleys have a shape which is generally parabolic or V-shaped.

12. The beverage article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber portion has a volume of about 200 mL to about 1000 mL.

13. The beverage article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber portion angles away from the longitudinal axis at the base at an angle of about 5 degrees or more to about 70 degrees or less; and wherein the chamber portion angles toward the longitudinal axis at an angle of about 5 degrees or greater to about 30 degrees or less.

14. The beverage article of any of the preceding claims, wherein each user lip interface angles away from the longitudinal axis at an angle of about 5 degrees or greater to about 50 degrees or less.

5

15. The beverage article of any of the preceding claims, wherein each user lip interface has a continuous curved surface and is free of substantially planar surfaces forming a Vshape.

16. A method of drinking a beverage assuming a reclined position including tilting the article

10 of any of the preceding claims to cause the liquid beverage to pass from the chamber portion to the user by way of the user interface portion.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1719272.5 Examiner: Miss Cassandra Fraser