US20130264340A1

US20130264340A1 - Collapsible cup

Info

Publication number: US20130264340A1
Application number: US13/858,067
Authority: US
Inventors: Karla M. ZENS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-08
Filing date: 2013-04-07
Publication date: 2013-10-10
Also published as: WO2013155020A1

Abstract

Collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip; a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

A claim for priority is hereby made under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119 for the present application based upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/621,545 filed on Apr. 8, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Carrying a clean cup for beverages or other food items is not always convenient. Conventional cups are bulky and difficult to keep clean. Plastic bottles, while ubiquitous in modern society, are difficult to fill and even more difficult to clean than conventional cups. Conventional collapsible cups, on the other hand, may provide convenience and a smaller form factor than conventional cups. However, man conventional solutions leak or are not securely extendable. As such, collapsible cups are presented herein.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.
Collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip; a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge; and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, where the top sleeve includes a number of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, where the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve.
In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tabs each further include a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging a middle sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the middle sleeve guide channels, and where the middle sleeve guide tabs each further include a middle sleeve outer tab groove for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the top sleeve guide channels. In some embodiments, containers further include a lid configured for removeably engaging the top sleeve upper edge. In some embodiments, the middle sleeve guide channels and the top sleeve guide channels form a path selected from the group consisting of: a diagonal path and an L-shaped path.
In some embodiments, the middle sleeve guide channels each further include a middle sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the bottom cup guide tabs middle sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal end of the middle sleeve guide channel, and where the top sleeve guide channels each further include a top sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, the top sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal end of the top sleeve guide channel. In some embodiments, the circular base further includes: a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, where each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity. In some embodiments, containers further include an insert removeably attached with the top sleeve upper edge and extending to the circular base, where the insert forms a cavity, and where the insert is configured to extend and collapse in accordion fashion with the collapsible cup.
In other embodiments, collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a bottom cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along, the bottom cup lip and where the bottom cup guide tabs each further include a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the top sleeve guide channels; and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the top sleeve includes a number of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the bottom cup. In some embodiments, containers further include a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, where each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.
In other embodiments, methods for utilizing collapsible cups are presented including: receiving the collapsible cup, the collapsible cup including, a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip, a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge, and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, where the top sleeve includes a number of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, where the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve; expanding the collapsible cup to an extended position; and filling the collapsible cup. In some embodiments, methods further include collapsing the collapsible cup to a collapsed position. In some embodiments, expanding the collapsible cup further includes: grasping a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along, the circular base, where each cavity includes as flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a bottom cup of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a middle sleeve of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a collapsible cup having an insert in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates collapsible cup embodiments in extended position 100 and collapsed position 120. As may be seen collapsible cup embodiments may include at least bottom cup 102, middle sleeve 104, and top sleeve 106. Top sleeve 106 may be configured to nest middle sleeve 104 and bottom cup 102. In some embodiments, lid 108 may be further included. In those embodiments, lids may be configured for removeably engaging a top sleeve upper edge of top sleeve 106. Furthermore, lid embodiments may include, without limitation, hatch 110 configured for sipping, for receiving a straw, or for both sipping and receiving a straw. In other embodiments, a push-top dispensing feature (not shown) may be included without limitation.
FIG. 2 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates collapsible cup embodiments in extended position 200 and collapsed position 240. As above, collapsible cup embodiments may include at least bottom cup 202, middle sleeve 204, and top sleeve 206. Top sleeve 206 may be configured to nest middle sleeve 204 and bottom cup 202. Bottom cup 202 may include circular base 212 and cylindrical wall 222 attached with circular base 212. It may be appreciated that cylindrical wall 222 may include cup lip 232 formed along an edge of cylindrical wall 222. Further illustrated is bottom cup guide tab 242 formed along the cup lip 232. In embodiments bottom cup guide tab 242 is configured for slidingly engaging middle sleeve guide channel 214 of middle sleeve 204. In the illustrated embodiment, middle sleeve guide channel 214 forms an L-shaped path. Other paths will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 3.
In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tab 242 further includes bottom outer tab groove 252 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 224 disposed along a top portion of middle sleeve guide channel 214. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed. In some embodiments, circular base 212 may be configured with finger pull 262. Finger pulls will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 4. It may be appreciated that bottom cup embodiments may be formed in any manner known in the art without limitation such as casting, molding, or stamping. It may be further appreciated that any number of suitable materials may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. By way of example, a polymeric compound or stainless steel alloy may be utilized without limitation. It may be further appreciated that some embodiments may be manufactured with double walls to provide additional thermal insulation advantages.
Further illustrated, middle sleeve 204 may include a middle sleeve upper edge 234 and a middle sleeve lower edge 264. As illustrated, middle sleeve 204 may form a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting bottom cup 202 as may be seen in collapsed position 240. Middle sleeve 204 may further include, middle sleeve guide tab 244 formed along middle sleeve upper edge 234. In embodiments middle sleeve guide tab 244 is configured for slidingly engaging top sleeve guide channel 216 of top sleeve 206. In the illustrated embodiment, top sleeve guide channel 216 forms an L-shaped path. Other paths will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 3. In some embodiments, middle sleeve guide tab 244 further includes middle sleeve outer tab groove 254 for releasably engaging top sleeve ridge 226 disposed along a top portion of top sleeve guide channel 216. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed
Further illustrated, middle sleeve 204 includes middle sleeve gasket channel 274 formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of middle sleeve 204. In embodiments, middle sleeve gasket channel 274 is configured for receiving middle sleeve gasket 284 that forms a seal between middle sleeve 204 and bottom cup 202. In some embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In other embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with middle sleeve gasket channels.
Further illustrated, top sleeve 206 may include a top sleeve upper edge 236 and a top sleeve lower edge 266. As illustrated, top sleeve 206 may form a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting middle sleeve 204 and bottom cup 202 as may be seen in collapsed position 240. Further illustrated, top sleeve 206 includes top sleeve gasket channel 276 formed along the top sleeve lower edge 266 and along a top sleeve inner surface of top sleeve 204. In embodiments, top sleeve gasket channel 276 is configured for receiving top sleeve gasket 286 that forms a seal between top sleeve 206 and middle sleeve 204. In some embodiments, top sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In other embodiments, top sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with top sleeve gasket channels.
FIG. 3 is art illustrative cross-sectional view of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates collapsible cup embodiments in extended position 300 and collapsed position 340. As above, collapsible cup embodiments may include at least bottom cup 302, middle sleeve 304, and top sleeve 306. Top sleeve 306 may be configured to nest middle sleeve 304 and bottom cup 302. Bottom cup 302 may include circular base 312 and cylindrical wall 322 attached with circular base 312. It may be appreciated that cylindrical wall 322 may include cup lip 332 formed along an edge of cylindrical wall 322. Further illustrated is bottom cup guide tab 342 formed along, the cup lip 332. In embodiments bottom cup guide tab 342 is configured for slidingly engaging middle sleeve guide channel 314 of middle sleeve 304. In the illustrated embodiment, middle sleeve guide channel 314 forms a diagonal path. It may be appreciated that any path may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein.
In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tab 342 further includes bottom outer tab groove 352 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 324 disposed along a top sleeve portion of middle sleeve guide channel 314. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed. In some embodiments, circular base 312 may be smooth as contrasted with embodiments utilizing a finger pull. Finger pulls will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 4. It may be appreciated that bottom cup embodiments may be formed in any manner known in the art without limitation such as casting molding, or stamping. It may be further appreciated that any number of suitable materials may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. By way of example, a polymeric compound or stainless steel alloy may be utilized without limitation. It may be further appreciated that some embodiments may be manufactured with double walls to provide additional thermal insulation advantages.
Further illustrated, middle sleeve 304 may include a middle sleeve upper edge 334 and a middle sleeve lower edge 364. As illustrated, middle sleeve 304 may form a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting bottom cup 302 as may be seen in collapsed position 340. Middle sleeve 304 may further include, middle sleeve guide tab 344 formed along middle sleeve upper edge 334. In embodiments middle sleeve guide tab 344 is configured for slidingly engaging top sleeve guide channel 316 of top sleeve 306. In the illustrated embodiment, top sleeve guide channel 316 forms a diagonal path. It may be appreciated that any path may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. In some embodiments, middle sleeve guide tab 344 further includes middle sleeve outer tab groove 354 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 326 disposed along a top portion of top sleeve guide channel 316. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed
Further illustrated, middle sleeve 304 includes middle sleeve gasket channel 374 formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of middle sleeve 304. In embodiments, middle sleeve gasket channel 374 is configured for receiving middle sleeve gasket 384 that forms a seal between middle sleeve 304 and bottom cup 302. In some embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In other embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with middle sleeve gasket channels.
Further illustrated, top sleeve 306 may include a to sleeve upper edge 336 and a top sleeve lower edge 366. As illustrated, top sleeve 306 may form a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting middle sleeve 304 and bottom cup 302 as may be seen in collapsed position 340. Further illustrated, top sleeve 306 includes top sleeve gasket channel 376 formed along the top sleeve lower edge 366 and along a top sleeve inner surface of top sleeve 304. In embodiments, top sleeve gasket channel 376 is configured for receiving top sleeve gasket 386 that forms a seal between top sleeve 306 and middle sleeve 304. In some embodiments, top sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In other embodiments, top sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with top sleeve gasket channels.
It may be appreciated that while a three-section collapsible cup embodiment is illustrated, other configurations are possible without departing from embodiments provided herein. For example, a two-section collapsible cup may be utilized having only a bottom cup and a top sleeve. Likewise, a four-section (or more) cup may be utilized having more than one middle sleeve. Thus, various shapes and sizes may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein.
FIG. 4 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a bottom cup 400 of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As noted above, bottom cup embodiments may include circular base 402. In some embodiments circular bases may be smooth. In other embodiments, such as that illustrated, circular bases may include a finger pull. As illustrated, finger pull 406 may be formed by at least two cavities 404 and 408 formed along circular base 402. As may be seen, each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity. Thus, when collapsible cups embodiments are in a collapsed position, a user may grasp a finger pull to place collapsible cups in an extended position. As illustrated, finger pull 406 is ovoid in shape, however any shape or size linger pull may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. Further illustrated bottom cup guide tab 410 that further includes bottom outer tab groove 412 for releasably engaging as middle sleeve ridge (not shown) disposed along a top portion of middle sleeve guide channel which may be seen in detail for FIGS. 2 and 3. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed. This illustration is to provide clarity to embodiments disclosed herein.
FIG. 5 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a middle sleeve 500 of a collapsible cup in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, middle sleeve may include a number of middle sleeve guide tabs 502 that may be configured for slidingly engaging a top sleeve guide channel (see, for example, FIG. 2, 216). In addition as illustrated, middle sleeve guide tab 502 may thither include middle sleeve ridge 504 for releasably engaging a bottom cup outer tab groove (see, for example, FIG. 4, 412). In embodiments, middle sleeve guide tab 502 may further include middle sleeve outer tab groove 506 disposed along a top portion of middle sleeve guide channel 508 for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge (see, for example, FIG. 2, 226) disposed along a top portion of a top sleeve guide channel. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed. In the illustrated embodiment, middle sleeve guide channel 508 forms an L-shaped path. Other paths are discussed above for FIG. 3. Further illustrated is middle sleeve path ridge 510 disposed along a distal end of middle sleeve guide channel 508 for releasably engaging a bottom cup guide tab (see, for example, FIG. 4, 410). Middle sleeve path ridges may be provided to secure collapsible cups in an extended position. Still further, it may be appreciated that embodiments having a path and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully extended. It may be further appreciated that at least some of the features illustrated for the middle sleeve apply equally to top sleeve embodiments. For example, a top sleeve paths may include a top sleeve ridge disposed along disposed along a top portion of top sleeve guide channel and a top sleeve path ridge disposed along a disposed along distal end of a top sleeve guide channel.
FIG. 6 is an illustrative representation of a collapsible cup 600 having an insert 602 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It may be appreciated that a removable insert may be desirable to provide an easily cleanable container. Furthermore, inserts may provide an added level of protection from leakage. As illustrated, insert 602 may be removeably attached with the top sleeve upper edge 604 and extending to the circular base 606. Further, insert 602 forms a cavity that is contained by collapsible cup 600. In some embodiments, inserts may be configured to extend and collapse in accordion fashion with the collapsible cup. In some embodiments, inserts may be manufactured from: a silicone polymeric compound and a polymeric compound.
Methods of Use
Methods for utilizing collapsible cup embodiments include: receiving the collapsible cup; expanding the collapsible cup to an extended position; and filling the collapsible cup. In some embodiments, methods further include: collapsing the collapsible cup to a collapsed position. In some embodiments, methods further include: expanding the collapsible cup may include grasping a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.
While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible container comprising:

a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and wherein the cylindrical wall includes a plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip;

a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs, wherein the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, wherein the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge; and

a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, wherein the top sleeve includes a plurality of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs, wherein the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve.

2. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs each further comprise a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging a middle sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the plurality of middle sleeve guide channels, and wherein the plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs each further comprise a middle sleeve outer tab groove for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the plurality of top sleeve guide channels.

3. The collapsible container of claim 1, further comprising:

a lid configured for removeably engaging the top sleeve upper edge.

4. The collapsible container of claim 3, wherein the lid further comprises:

a hatch configured for sipping or for receiving a straw.

5. The collapsible container of claim 3, wherein the lid further comprises:

a push-top dispensing feature.

6. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the middle sleeve gasket and the top sleeve gasket are selected from the group consisting of: an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material.

7. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the middle sleeve gasket is co-molded with the middle sleeve gasket channel, and wherein the top sleeve gasket is co-molded with the top sleeve gasket channel.

8. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of middle sleeve guide channels and the plurality of top sleeve guide channels form a path selected from the group consisting of a diagonal path and an L-shaped path.

9. The collapsible container of claim 8, wherein the plurality of middle sleeve guide channels each further comprise a middle sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, the middle sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal end of the middle sleeve guide channel, and wherein the plurality of top sleeve guide channels each further comprise a top sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, the top sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal end of the top sleeve guide channel.

10. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the circular base further comprises:

a finger pull thrilled by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.

11. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising:

an insert removeably attached with the top sleeve upper edge and extending to the circular base, wherein the insert forms a cavity, and wherein the insert is configured to extend and collapse in accordion fashion with the collapsible cup.

12. A collapsible container comprising:

a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a bottom cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the bottom cup lip and wherein the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs each further comprise a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging as top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the plurality of top sleeve guide channels; and

a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, wherein the top sleeve includes a plurality of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs, wherein the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms as seal between the top sleeve and the bottom cup.

13. The collapsible container of claim 12, further comprising:

a lid configured for removeably engaging the top sleeve upper edge.

14. The collapsible container of claim 13, wherein the lid further comprises:

a push-top dispensing feature.

15. The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the top sleeve gasket is selected from the group consisting of: an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material.

16. The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the plurality of top sleeve guide channels form as path selected from the group consisting of: as diagonal path and an L-shaped path.

17. The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the circular base further comprises:

a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.

18. A method for utilizing a collapsible cup comprising:

receiving the collapsible cup, the collapsible cup including,

a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and wherein the cylindrical wall includes a plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip,

a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs, wherein the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, wherein the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge, and

a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, wherein the top sleeve includes a plurality of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs, wherein the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve;

expanding the collapsible cup to an extended position; and

filling the collapsible cup.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

collapsing the collapsible cup to a collapsed position.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the expanding, the collapsible cup further comprises:

grasping a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.