Compartmentalized cup

Abstract

A stackable compartmentalized drinking cup which is similar to separate cups with joined sides is disclosed. The separate compartments are joined in the top portion of the cup, and are apart at the bottom portion. The side of each cup section facing another cup section may be planar or may be twisted along the length of at least the bottom portion of the cup so that at least part of the cup is spiral. The cups are stackable as the joined sides can fit over and slide down the sides of a similarly constructed cup when so placed so that only the upper portion of the inner cup protrudes from the outer cup. Thermally responsive paints or dyes may further distinguish the compartments.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A tapered compartmentalized stackable cup comprising a longitudinal axis, a bottom portion and a top portion, said top portion comprising a band having a top level and a bottom level, the cup's said bottom portion comprising at least two separate compartments, each compartment comprising sides, an apex where the compartments join together, an open top with an outer edge, and a sealed bottom, such that horizontal sections of the cup increase in diameter as the level of the horizontal plane moves from the bottom of the cup to at least the lower level of the band; at least one side of each compartment facing an adjacent side of a bordering compartment of the same cup, but separated from the adjacent side of the bordering compartment by a space; and the cup's said band being attached to the the outer edges of the open tops of all the components of the cup. 
     
     
         2 . The cup of  claim 1  further comprising a wall extending from the said apex to approximately the level of the said band's top level, said wall being continuous with the cup such that a border is created extending the volume of each separate compartment from the said apex to approximately the level of the said band's top level. 
     
     
         3 . The cup of  claim 1 , wherein the cup's said bottom portion further comprises a helical twist along the cup's longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The cup of  claim 2 , wherein the cup's said bottom portion further comprises a helical twist along the cup's longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         5 . The cup of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the compartments further comprises a thermochromatic means. 
     
     
         6 . The cup of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the compartments further comprises a thermochromatic means. 
     
     
         7 . The cup of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the compartments further comprises a thermochromatic means. 
     
     
         8 . The cup of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the compartments further comprises a thermochromatic means. 
     
     
         9 . The cup of  claim 1 , wherein the cup comprises two compartments. 
     
     
         10 . The cup of  claim 1 , wherein the cup comprises three compartments. 
     
     
         11 . The cup of  claim 1 , wherein the cup comprises four compartments.