Cup and method of use

Abstract

Disclosed is a cup comprising a base and a sidewall. The sidewall can comprise a plurality of spaced ribs projecting outwardly from the sidewall and extending for at least a portion of a length of the sidewall. The sidewall can also comprise an externally mounted sleeve configured to be located with respect to the ribs such that the sleeve is spaced from the sidewall adjacent to the ribs. The sleeve can extend for at least a portion of the length of the sidewall.

1 . A cup comprising a base and a sidewall, the sidewall comprising:
 an un-ribbed upper sidewall region that is straight and that extends from an upper rim of the cup to an upper inwardly-projecting ledge, the upper ledge spaced below the rim;   the upper sidewall further comprising a ribbed region that extends from the upper ledge to a further inwardly-projecting ledge, the further ledge spaced below the upper ledge;   a lower sidewall that extends from the further ledge to the base;   a plurality of spaced ribs projecting outwardly from the sidewall and extending along the lower sidewall and ribbed region to the upper ledge, whereby an outside edge of each rib is straight and is aligned with an external surface of the un-ribbed region to define a straight outside profile of the un-ribbed upper sidewall region and ribs; and   an externally mounted sleeve configured to be located with respect to the ribs such that the sleeve is spaced by the ribs from each of the lower sidewall and a wall of the ribbed region, and such that the sleeve is able to be flush-mounted to said straight outside profile.   
     
     
         2 . A cup as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spaced ribs extend generally vertically in use of the cup when its base is oriented generally horizontally. 
     
     
         3 . A cup as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spaced ribs extend from the base, and wherein each rib terminates at the un-ribbed region of the sidewall. 
     
     
         4 . A cup as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve extends for a length of the sidewall beyond the ribs. 
     
     
         5 . A cup as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the sleeve extends for a full length of the sidewall, from the base to the upper rim of the cup. 
     
     
         6 . A cup as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is further configured so as to function as a label for the cup. 
     
     
         7 . A cup comprising a base and a sidewall, the sidewall comprising an in-use upper sidewall portion that extends to an in-use upper rim of the cup, and an in-use lower sidewall portion, the upper and lower sidewall portions being separated by an internal rim, the lower sidewall portion defining a lower portion of the cup and the upper sidewall portion defining an upper portion of the cup;
 an internal lid for the cup lower portion, the internal lid arranged in use to locate at the internal rim; and   an elongated tab which in use extends from the lid and projects beyond so as to enable the tab to hook over the upper rim of the cup.   
     
     
         8 . A cup as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the internal rim is substantially perpendicular to each of and connects the lower and upper sidewall portions to form an internal ledge. 
     
     
         9 . A cup as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the internal rim traverses a perimeter of the cup to define an annular ledge surface. 
     
     
         10 . A cup as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the internal lid is configured to be releasably bonded around its periphery to the internal rim to define the cup lower portion as a lower compartment. 
     
     
         11 . A cup as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the lower compartment is arranged to hold a comestible substance therein. 
     
     
         12 . A cup as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the elongate tab is configured to abut or closely face an inner wall of the upper sidewall portion in use. 
     
     
         13 . A cup as claimed in  claim 7 , the cup further comprising an upper lid arranged to releasably locate about the upper rim of the cup to define the cup upper portion as an upper compartment. 
     
     
         14 . A cup as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein a portion of the in-use elongate tab is secured under the upper lid in use. 
     
     
         15 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A cup as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein a plurality of spaced ribs extend generally vertically in use of the cup when its base is oriented generally horizontally. 
     
     
         22 . A cup as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the plurality of ribs extend from the base, and wherein each rib terminates at an un-ribbed region of the upper sidewall portion. 
     
     
         23 . A cup as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein an externally mounted sleeve extends for a length of the sidewall beyond the ribs. 
     
     
         24 . A cup as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the externally mounted sleeve extends for a full length of the sidewall, from the base to the upper rim of the cup. 
     
     
         25 . A method for preparing a beverage in a cup as set forth in  claim 7 , the method comprising:
 opening the cup at the upper rim thereof;   pouring a liquid into the open cup;   releasing the elongate tab from its hooked position over the upper rim;   pulling the elongate tab to remove the internal lid from the internal rim of the cup to expose a lower portion of the cup to the liquid.   
     
     
         26 . A method as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein a comestible substance is located in a lower portion of the cup whereby, when the lower portion of the cup is exposed to the liquid, the comestible substance combines with the liquid to form a beverage.