Cup

Abstract

A cup ( 2 ) for the storage and dispensing of a liquid is disclosed. The cup ( 2 ) comprises an inner cup ( 4 ), the open end of which is closed by an hermetic seal ( 8 ), and a sleeve ( 6 ) around the inner cup ( 4 ). The sleeve ( 6 ) engages with the inner cup ( 4 ) and extends beyond the open end of the inner cup ( 4 ).

1 . A cup for storage and dispensing of a liquid comprising:
 an inner cup, the open end of which is closed by a hermetic seal; and   a sleeve around the inner cup engaging therewith, which extends beyond the open end of the inner cup.   
     
     
         2 . A cup for storage and dispensing of a liquid comprising:
 an inner cup, the open end of which is closed by a hermetic seal; and   a sleeve around the inner cup engaging therewith such that a liquid tight seal exists between the rim of the inner cup and the inner surface of the sleeve.   
     
     
         3 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein a liquid tight seal exists between the ring of the inner cup and the inner surface of the sleeve. 
     
     
         4 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the inner cup is filled with a liquid and has microbiological integrity. 
     
     
         5 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve comprises a smooth lip at the open end. 
     
     
         6 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve includes a wall closing the lower end thereof to form an outer cup. 
     
     
         7 . A cup according to any preceding  claim 1  wherein the inner surface of the sleeve has an annular channel with which the rim of the inner cup engages. 
     
     
         8 . A cup according to  claim 7  wherein the rim of the inner cup has an annular flange which engages with the annular channel. 
     
     
         9 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve and inner cup are different materials. 
     
     
         10 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is paper. 
     
     
         11 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the inner cup is a plastics material suitable for aseptic use. 
     
     
         12 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the hermetic seal comprises an aluminium foil lid. 
     
     
         13 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the hermetic seal comprises a non-metallic lid. 
     
     
         14 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the lid is a laminate material. 
     
     
         15 . A cup according to  claim 1  wherein the lid includes a tab for removal of the lid from the inner cup. 
     
     
         16 . A cup according to  claim 15  wherein the tab is at the edge of the lid. 
     
     
         17 . A cup according to  claim 15  wherein the tab is in the center of the lid. 
     
     
         18 . A cup according to  claim 15  wherein the lid includes at least one vent hole sealed by the tab, the at least one vent hole openable by partial removal of the tab. 
     
     
         19 . A cup according to  claim 1  which is microwaveable. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled)