EXPANDABLE DRINKING CUP ASSEMBLY WITH LID AND STRAW

Abstract

An expandable drinking cup assembly is disclosed. The drinking cup includes a drinking cup having accordion-like sidewalls that allow the cup to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal. The cup also includes a lid secured to an upper brim of the cup, the lid having a score near a midline of the lid so as to allow the lid to be folded along the score. The lid has a first slot for allowing insertion of a straw and a second slot for allowing drinking of liquids within the cup and a sheath for closing the second slot for prevention of spillage. The cup also includes a straw having at least two bends that allow the straw to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal. The straw is also adapted for use as a stir stick with a paddle at one end of the straw. The expandable drinking cup assembly is also configured for collapsing into a first height for disposal and for extension to a second height larger than the first height for use by a consumer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to containers, and more specifically to the field of drinking cups for consumers.

BACKGROUND

Every person on Earth (an estimated 7 billion people) must drink fluids, specifically water, in order to survive. Most people drink water from sort type of container or cup. Many individuals also use a straw in order to drink from a cup. Additionally many people travel with cups. When individuals travel with cups, individuals often desire using a lid to cover the cup to prevent spillage of any fluid held within the container.

Consumers also often desire to have a stirrer or device that can stir fluid held within a cup or container. Many people use a spoon to stir fluid held within a container or cup. However, when a spoon is used, it requires a person to purchase or borrow a spoon from some person or business. This requires a person to make an additional purchase in order to effectively stir fluid held within the container or cup.

Sometimes, individuals choose to use a straw to stir fluid held within a container. However, using a straw to stir fluid can be very inefficient and ineffective. For example, when stiffing or mixing a fluid having a somewhat high viscosity, a straw may not be able to effectively stir the fluid. Because of this, an individual may not be able to thoroughly enjoy a drink or beverage.

When a user who desires the use of a cup having a lid as well as the ability to use a straw, a person may have to purchase those items separately. When such items are purchased separately there may be waste because of excess inventory due to purchasing either the cup, lid or straw. Additionally, there may be a waste of space because the packaging required to store the cup, lid or straw may occupy a large amount of room.

Also, when traveling, a person may not have enough room to store a cup, straw and lid in their bag or in their pocket because of the amount of space that a cup may occupy. In many cases, the sidewalls of a cup, which create the cavity for fluid to be inserted into, may make it difficult for a person to store in a pocket.

As a result, there exists a need for improvements over the prior art and more particularly for a more efficient way to provide and store cups with lids and straws.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An expandable drinking cup assembly is disclosed. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

In one embodiment, an expandable drinking cup assembly is disclosed. The drinking cup includes a drinking cup having accordion-like sidewalls that allow the cup to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal. The cup also includes a lid secured to an upper brim of the cup, the lid having a score near a midline of the lid so as to allow the lid to be folded along the score. The lid has a first slot for allowing insertion of a straw and a second slot for allowing drinking of liquids within the cup and a sheath for closing the second slot for prevention of spillage. The cup also includes a straw having at least two bends that allow the straw to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal. The straw is also adapted for use as a stir stick with a paddle at one end of the straw. The expandable drinking cup assembly is also configured for collapsing into a first height for disposal and for extension to a second height larger than the first height for use by a consumer.

Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a fully assembled expandable drinking cup assembly in a fully expanded state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the expandable drinking cup assembly in the fully expanded state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the sidewalls of the expandable drinking cup assembly in the expanded state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a zoomed, cross-sectional side view of a portion of the sidewalls, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the sidewalls of the expandable drinking cup assembly in a collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a top view of the lid of the expandable drinking cup assembly, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the lid of the expandable drinking cup assembly, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the straw of the expandable drinking cup assembly in an expanded state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the straw of the expandable drinking cup assembly in a collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a top view of a fully assembled expandable drinking cup assembly, in a fully collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a perspective side view of a fully assembled expandable drinking cup assembly, in the fully collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional side view of a fully assembled expandable drinking cup assembly, in the fully collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of a fully assembled expandable drinking cup assembly in the fully expanded state with the lid folded open, according to an example embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering, or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

The disclosed embodiments improve upon the problems with the prior art by providing an expandable drinking cup assembly that provides an easily-stored drinking cup with a straw and stirrer to a consumer. The expandable drinking cup assembly improves over the prior art by reducing the amount of waste by reducing the amount of excess inventory when a cup with a lid and straw is purchased. The cup also improves over the prior art by reducing the amount of space required to store a cup having a lid with a straw. The cup also improves over the prior art by providing a user-friendly device that can be used to effectively hold, drink and stir a drinkable fluid.

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an expandable drinking cup assembly 100, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates the drinking cup assembly in the fully assembled expanded or extended state or position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the drinking cup assembly, according to one example embodiment. The components of the drinking cup include accordion-like sidewall 205, a bottom 210, a lid 215 and a straw 220. The accordion-like sidewalls allow the cup to be extended for use into the extended state and collapsed for disposal or storage (more fully illustrated in the remaining FIGs. and described below). The sidewall of the cup has a top end 225 defining an opening 227 that opposes a bottom end 230. In the expanded state the cup is adapted to receive fluid or liquid. The bottom section or bottom of the cup is a substantially circular planar shaped body that is adapted to be affixed to the bottom end or base of the sidewalls. In the present embodiment, the cup is circular shaped however, it should be understood that other shapes may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. The lid (more fully described below and illustrated in the FIGS. 4A-B, 6A-C and 7) is adapted to cover the opening of the cup. The straw 220 has a first end 235 that opposes a second end 240. The straw (more fully described below and in illustrated in FIGS. 5A-B and 6A-C) has a paddle 245 at its second end and is adapted for use as a stir stick.

In one embodiment, the sidewall 205, bottom 210, lid 215 and straw 220, or any subset thereof, may be integrally formed or (partially or completely) welded or fastened together such that the entire assembly may be handled without fear that the assembly may fall apart or disassemble. In one embodiment, the lid 215 is only partially welded or otherwise fastened to the cup, such that only one portion (such as a portion of the lid on one side of the divider 455) of the lid is welded or otherwise fastened to the cup. This allows the remaining portion of the lid to be opened by the user to input or remove liquid from the cup.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the accordion-like side walls in the extended state or position. The sidewalls comprise a plurality of rings 305 connected to each other forming an accordion-like pleat or pleaded sidewalls. Inside the cup, proximate to the top end of the sidewalls an anti-spillage ring 306 may also be included. The anti-spillage ring is a substantially planer shaped ring that extends radially inward from the side wall of the cup. The anti-spillage ring that acts as a stop and prevents fluid from splashing up and outside of the walls of the cup. Additionally, an opening 307 that allows fluid to pass the anti-spillage ring. The cross-sectional diameter of the rings increase from the bottom end to the top end forming a cup having a tapered shape. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional diameter of the rings may be have same dimensions forming a non-tapered cup. In other embodiments, each of the rings can be expanded into tubular shaped bodies having a pocket of air inside each of the tubular shaped bodies. The air within each tubular shaped body provides insulation, which may perform the same functions as performed by a convention insulated sleeve placed on hot coffee cups to protect a consumer's hands. The pocket of air provides a physical barrier between any hot or cold liquid and prevents heat or cold from escaping the cup. As a result, an individual may not be required to use an additional insulator (or conventional insulated sleeve) when a hot or cold substance or liquid is held within the cup. At the second or bottom end 230 of the sidewall is solid base portion or base 310. The base is adapted to receive and hold the bottom or bottom section 210 of the cup. The base can be a rigid circular ring that is adapted to receive, and to have, the bottom 210 affixed to it.

The first end or top end 225 of the sidewalls defines a brim 315. The inside cross-sectional diameter of the brim is sized slightly larger than the outside cross-sectional diameter of a bottom section of the lid (further described below and illustrated in FIG. 4A) such that the bottom section of the lid fits inside of the brim and a top section of the lid (further described below and illustrated in FIG. 4A) is secured to the brim.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged or zoomed-in cross sectional side view of a portion of the brim of the sidewalls of the cup enclosed by Circle A, according to one embodiment. Extending radially outward from the top edge 317 of the brim is a locking feature 320. The locking feature is a somewhat cylindrical shaped body that protrudes outward from the top end of the brim and adapted to match with and be received by the U-shaped locking tabs of the lid (illustrated in FIG. 4A). In the present embodiment, a cylindrical cup is disclosed, however other shapes, such as a square or rectangle may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the sidewalls in a collapsed position, according to an example embodiment. In the collapsed position, the rings of the sidewalls abut each other and are not extended. In the collapsed position the sidewalls have a first height that is suitable for storage and for disposal given that the space that the sidewalls occupy is minimized To move from an extended state or position to a collapsed position or state, a compressive force sufficient enough to collapse the pleated sidewalls must be applied to sidewalls of the cup.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the lid 215, according to an example embodiment. In the present embodiment the lid is a circular shaped body adapted to cover the opening of the cup and prevents liquid or substances from spilling out of the cup. The lid has a first slot 405. In the present embodiment, the first slot is an oval shape. However, other shapes may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. The first slot is adapted to allow a straw to be inserted into the inside of the cup. The first slot can also adapted to retain the straw when the lid is in a folded or secure position (illustrated in FIG. 7). The lid may have a score 455 near the midline of the cup so as to allow the lid to be folded along the score. The lid further comprises a second slot 410 proximate to the edge of the lid. The second lot is positioned on top of a top section wall 435 of the lid. In the present embodiment, the top section wall is a circular ring proximate to the edge of the lid. In the present embodiment, the second slot is a curved oval shape slot, however other shapes may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the lid taken along line B of FIG. 4A, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4B illustrates a top section 410 of the lid above the bottom section 415 of the lid. The bottom section has an outer cross sectional diameter that is slightly less than the cross-sectional diameter of the top section forming a shoulder 420. When the lid is positioned such that the lid covers the opening of the cup, the outer surface of the bottom section of the lid abuts the inside surface of the brim and the shoulder rests on the top edge 317 of the brim. Once the shoulder is positioned on the brim of the cup, it can be secured into place using the U-shaped locking tabs 425. The U-shaped locking tabs are U-shaped bodies that protrude downward from the surface of the shoulder and are adapted to receive the top or edge of the brim. In other embodiments, the U-shaped locking tabs may be a continuous u-shaped feature protruding downward from the surface of the shoulder. Once the U-shaped tabs receive the edge of the rim, the tabs may be bent and locked into place to prevent the lid from being removed. Additionally, U-shaped locking tabs may comprise resilient material and be sized such that the U-shaped tabs define a channel 427 having an inside cross-sectional diameter slightly less than the outside cross-sectional diameter of the edge of the rim such that when the lid is placed on top of the opening and the U-shaped tabs receive the top edge of the brim, the lid is held in place by a friction fit. As mentioned above, the top section 410 of the lid includes a top section wall 435 proximate to the edge of the cup. In the present embodiment, the top section wall is proximate to the perimeter of the lid. In the present embodiment, the second slot is positioned along the top section wall of the lid. Additionally, the outside surface 430 of the lid is slanted defining a cavity 440 that is adapted for providing storage for a portion of the straw. The score 455 is defined by a planar section of the lid that connects a first section 445 of the lid with a second section 450 of the lid. The score of the lid allows the first and second sections to be folded up to allow a user to insert liquid into the inside of the cup. In the present embodiment the score is positioned along the midline of the cup. However, in other embodiments the score may be positioned on the lid to allow for varying sizes of the first and second sections.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a straw 220, a fully extended or expanded state or position, according to example embodiment. In the fully extended position the straw is adapted to allow a user to drink liquid therefrom. The straw has an elongated tubular shaped body having a first end 235 opposing a second end 240. Proximate to the second end of the straw is a paddle 245. The paddle is a substantially planar circular shape body attached proximate to the bottom end of the straw. In the present embodiment, the paddle has a plurality of holes 505 that span from the top surface to the bottom surface of the paddle such that fluid can pass through the holes of the paddle. In operation, when the straw is inserted into the cup, the straw can be used to stir the fluid inside of the cup. When the straw is translated or moved in an up-and-down manner, the paddle provides for a greater flow, stiffing and movement of the fluid within the cup.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the straw, according to another embodiment. In the present embodiment, the straw is in a bent or collapsed state or position. Along the body of the straw are plurality of bends 510. In the present embodiment, the straw has three bends. However, in other embodiments less bends may be used. Each of the bends can be formed from a series of circumferential grooves effectively forming an accordion shaped pleat to permit the body of the straw to bend. The straw may be made from a variety of materials including, plastics, metal, wood etc. well known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the fully assembled cup in a collapsed state or position, according to one example embodiment. In FIG. 6A, the straw 220 is also in a collapsed state or position. In the fully expanded state, (illustrated in FIG. 1) the straw has a tubular shaped body that allows an individual to suck liquid out of the cup. In FIG. 6A the tubular shaped body of the straw 220 has at least two bends 710 along its body. In each of the bends can be formed from a series of circumferential grooves effectively forming accordion shaped pleat to permit bending of the body of the straw. In the present embodiment, in the collapsed state, the straw is partially inserted into the inside of the cup through the first slot 405 of the lid. In the present embodiment, the first slot has an oval shape and is adapted to retain straw. The straw is positioned such that a portion of the body and second end of the straw is inside the cup. The bends of the straw can be used to collapse the straw such that the portion of the straw outside the cup can be bent such that the straw lays substantially flat along the top or outside surface 430 of the lid. The fully assembled cup assembly is able to occupy less space when the straw lays substantially flat on the outside surface of the lid.

FIG. 6A also illustrates the second slot 410 that is adapted for allowing a user to drink or consume liquids within the cup. In the present embodiment the second slot is an elongated curved oval. However, in other embodiments other shapes may also be used. The lid may also include a sliding closure or sheath 617 that is adapted to plug or close the second slot or hole to prevent spillage.

FIG. 6B is a perspective side view of the fully assembled cup in a collapsed state, according to one example embodiment. FIG. 6B illustrates the accordion like features of the sidewalls 205 in a collapsed state. In the collapsed state the cup has a first height that is less than a second height. The second height is the height of the cup when cup is in the extended position. In the collapsed position or state the cup can be stored or disposed of efficiently. In FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, the lid is positioned and secured on top of the cup. FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C also illustrate how the top section wall 435 forms a cavity in order to store portions of the straw on the outside surface of the lid.

As mentioned above, in the expanded position or state, the cup can be used by the consumer for drinking liquid or fluid. The sidewalls comprise material that are adapted to remain extended and less a certain amount of compressive force acts on the sidewalls of the cup. Similarly, the sidewalls are also adapted to remain in the collapsed position or state unless a certain amount of force acts on the sidewalls of the cup pulling or expanding the cup into the second height.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional side view of the cup in a collapsed position taken along line C of FIG. 6B. FIG. 6C illustrates that in one embodiment the top surface 430 of the lid can be slanted forming a cavity 440 that receives a significant portion of the straw 220. FIGS. 6C all also illustrates a pull tab 605 extending from the outside surface of the bottom 210 of the cup. The pull tab can be an elongated rectangular shaped tab that allows a user to apply a force along the longitudinal axis represented by line D in order to move the cup between the extended and collapsed positions or states. For example, if the cup is in the collapsed position and the straw with paddle is inserted into the cup, a user may grasp the pull tab with one hand and the top or first end 235 of the straw and pull in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis of the sidewalls of the cup (in the direction of line D). When such forces is applied, the paddle is stopped by the inside surface of the lid, causing the straw to move into the fully expanded state or position. Additionally when such forces are applied in an amount sufficient to move the sidewalls 205 of the cup from the collapsed position to the expanded position, the cup will move to the expanded position. To return the sidewalls back to the collapsed position or state, a force sufficient to compress the sidewalls must be applied to move the sidewalls from the expanded state or position to the collapsed state.

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of a fully assembled expandable drinking cup assembly in the fully expanded state with the lid folded open, according to an example embodiment. In FIG. 7, the second section 450 of the lid 215 is folded open allowing fluid to be inserted into the cup. It is worth noting that the positioning of the score 455 on the lid can be varied such that the sizes of the first and second sections can be varied. In the present embodiment, the score is located along a midline of the lid. The outside surface 430 of the lid may also include various advertising and marketing materials on the lid.

The sidewalls of the cup may be made from material such as paper, plastics, metals etc. and are well known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, bottom 210 and lid 215 of the cup may be comprise of material similar to or the same as the material that forms the sidewalls of the cup. Note that in one embodiment, the various components of the disclosed embodiments may be composed of a variety of materials including plastic, rubber, foil, metallic foil and the like.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An expandable drinking cup assembly, comprising:

a drinking cup having accordion-like sidewalls that allow the cup to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal;

a lid secured to an upper brim of the cup, the lid having a score near a midline of the lid so as to allow the lid to be folded along the score;

a first slot in the lid for allowing insertion of a straw;

a second slot in the lid for allowing drinking of liquids within the cup and a slide enclosure for non-spillage

a straw having at least two bends that allow the straw to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal, the straw further configured for insertion into the first slot;

wherein the straw is adapted for use as a stir stick with a paddle at one end of the straw; and,

wherein the expandable drinking cup assembly is configured for collapsing into a first height for disposal and for extension to a second height larger than the first height for use by a consumer.

2. The expandable drinking cup of claim 1, wherein the sidewalls are adapted to remain extended unless a certain amount of compressive force acts on the sidewalls of the cup.

3. The expandable drinking cup of claim 1, wherein the paddle comprises a substantially planar surface that extends radially outward from one end of the straw, wherein the paddle further defines a plurality of orifices.

4. The expandable drinking cup of claim 1, wherein the first slot is oval shaped.

5. The expandable drinking cup of claim 1, wherein the first slot is adapted to retain the straw when the lid is in a folded or a secured position.

6. The expandable drinking cup of claim 1, wherein the accordion like sidewalls comprises a plurality of rings connected to each other.

7. The expandable drinking cup of claim 1, wherein the lid has a top surface slanted defining a cavity for storing a portion of the straw.

8. The expandable drinking cup of claim 1, wherein the bottom has an outside surface having a pull tab thereon, wherein the pull tab is adapted for facilitating moving the cup between the first height and the second height.

9. The expandable drinking cup of claim 7, wherein a portion of the straw is adapted for laying substantially flat on the top surface of the lid when the straw is in a collapsed state.

10. An expandable drinking cup assembly, comprising:

a drinking cup having pleated sidewalls that allow the cup to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal, wherein the pleated sidewalls are adapted to remain extended unless a certain amount of compressive force acts on the sidewalls of the cup;

a lid secured to an upper brim of the cup, the lid having a score near a midline of the lid so as to allow the lid to be folded along the score;

a first opening in the lid for allowing insertion of a straw;

a second opening in the lid for allowing drinking of liquids within the cup and a sheath for covering the second opening;

a straw having three bends that allow the straw to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal, the straw further configured for insertion into the first slot, and wherein a portion of the straw is adapted for laying substantially flat on a top surface of the lid when the straw is in a collapsed state;

wherein the straw is adapted for use as a stir stick, wherein the straw further comprises a substantially planar body that extends radially outward from one end of the straw, wherein the substantially planer body has a plurality of orifices; and,

wherein the expandable drinking cup assembly is configured for collapsing into a first height for disposal and for extension to a second height larger than the first height for use by a consumer.

11. The expandable drinking cup of claim 10, wherein the first opening is oval shaped.

12. The expandable drinking cup of claim 10, wherein the pleated sidewalls comprises a plurality of rings connected to each other.

13. The expandable drinking cup of claim 10, wherein the top surface of the lid is slanted defining a cavity for storing a portion of the straw.

14. The expandable drinking cup of claim 10, wherein the cup further comprises a bottom, wherein the bottom has an outside surface having a pull tab thereon, wherein the pull tab is adapted for facilitating moving the cup between the first height and the second height.

15. An expandable drinking cup assembly, comprising:

a drinking cup having accordion-like sidewalls that allow the cup to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal;

a lid secured to an upper brim of the cup, the lid having a score so as to allow the lid to be folded along the score;

a first slot in the lid for allowing insertion of a straw;

a second slot in the lid for allowing drinking of liquids within the cup; and,

wherein the expandable drinking cup assembly is configured for collapsing into a first height for disposal and for extension to a second height larger than the first height for use by a consumer.

16. The expandable drinking cup of claim 15, wherein the sidewalls are adapted to remain extended unless a certain amount of compressive force acts on the sidewalls of the cup.

17. The expandable drinking cup of claim 15, wherein the cup further includes a straw having at least one bend that allows the straw to be extended for use and collapsed for disposal, and wherein the straw is further configured for insertion into the first slot.

18. The expandable drinking cup of claim 15, wherein the paddle comprises a substantially planar surface that extends radially outward from one end of the straw, wherein the paddle further defines a plurality of orifices.

19. The expandable drinking cup of claim 17, wherein the accordion like sidewalls comprises a plurality of rings connected to each other.

20. The expandable drinking cup of claim 17, wherein the bottom has an outside surface having a pull tab thereon, wherein the pull tab is adapted for facilitating moving the cup between the first height and the second height.