Abstract: An insulated cooler having an insulated bottom, an insulated peripheral wall, and an insulated lid is disclosed. The peripheral wall may extend up from the bottom to define an interior space of the cooler. The lid, pivotally attached to the peripheral wall, may be pivotable to a closed position engaging the peripheral wall to close the interior space. A vent passage may extend through the peripheral wall or the lid, communicating the interior space with an exterior of the cooler to prevent formation of a vacuum in the cooler. A retaining frame may be attached to the peripheral wall or the lid at a location on the peripheral wall or the lid corresponding to a location of the vent passage. An air-impermeable, water-impermeable material layer may block the vent passage. The material layer may be positioned between the retaining frame and the interior space of the cooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for producing three-dimensional models. The system preferably includes a z-axis drive unit on a side of a build container that is coupled to a build platform for moving the build platform in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A drinking vessel storage container combination is provided herein. The combination comprises: a first body; a first cap demountably coupled to the first body; and a storage container demountably coupled to the first body opposite the first cap. The first cap comprises a lid, a port, and a strainer. The storage container comprises a second body, a second cap, a panel, and an insert. The first body is hollow, open-faced, and substantially cylindrical in shape. The bottom face is configured to allow the storage container to be demountable affixed thereto. The strainer is positioned adjacent to the port and within the chamber when the first cap is demountably affixed to the first body. The insert is selectively positioned within the second body. The panel is selectively positioned on top of the insert. The second cap is demountably affixed to the second body and the bottom face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing three-dimensional models.

Abstract: The reusable shopping bag is a cart. The reusable shopping bag is a collapsible structure. The storage facility of the reusable shopping bag is segmented. The reusable shopping bag comprises a multi-pan containment structure, a plurality of handles, a wheel structure, and a plurality of hook and loop fasteners. The plurality of handles, the wheel structure, and the plurality of hook and loop fasteners attach to the multi-pan containment structure. Each of the plurality of handles is a grip used to transport and manipulate the reusable shopping bag. The wheel structure removably attaches to the multi-pan containment structure. The plurality of hook and loop fasteners performs a function selected from the group consisting of: a) removably attaching the wheel structure to the multi-pan containment structure; and, b) securing the multi-pan containment structure into a collapsed position selected from a plurality of collapsed positions.

Abstract: A top surface of an elevating stand of a pet feeding system defines bowl receptacles into which respective food and water bowls may be removably installed. A first zone of the top surface of the stand includes an upwardly convex ring that laterally surrounds a respective bowl receptacle. A second zone of the top surface of the stand laterally surrounds the first zone, except as interrupted by a finger notch. Each bowl has a peripheral lip with a lower surface formed as a downwardly concave ring that fits over the upwardly convex ring of the stand. An edge of the bowl rests on the second zone at a location below the upper limit of the convex ring. A base of the stand cooperates with upstanding ribs in an elastomeric mat to prevent lateral movement of the stand and to prevent rotation of the stand around the stand center.

Abstract: The garbage bag sling comprises a plurality of webbings, a plurality of fasteners, a plurality of hooks, a plurality of handles, a mesh sheeting, and a plurality of seams. The plurality of seams are used to interconnect the plurality of webbings, the plurality of fasteners, the plurality of handles, and the mesh sheeting. The plurality of fasteners attach the plurality of hooks to the interconnected structure. The plurality of hooks attach the garbage bag sling to the waste container. The garbage bag sling is placed within a waste container such that: 1) the garbage bag sling is positioned between a trash bag and the waste container; and, 2) the garbage bag sling is beneath the trash bag during normal use. The trash bag is then removed from the waste container by lifting the garbage bag sling out of the waste container.

Abstract: A cup includes a body being hollowed. The body defines a receiving cavity therein. An opening of the receiving cavity is faced upward when the body is standing. A flange is defined around the opening and protruded inward. The body defines an annular groove formed around the same height of the body and recessed inward the body. The diameter of an upper portion above the annular groove is greater than the diameter of the opening, and the diameter of a lower portion below the annular groove is less than the diameter of the opening. When two cups are to be stacked with each other, the lower portion of the body of one cup is placed into the opening of the body of the other cup, and the flange of the body of the other cup is engaged with the annular groove of the body of one cup.

Abstract: A rigid food pouch container developed to accommodate prepared food packaged in soft containers is designed to prevent a child from squeezing the container and causing its contents to spurt from the container. The food pouch container includes a back portion having an interior cavity; a front portion; a top hole; and a surface dividing the back portion into an upper cavity and a lower cavity. In some embodiments, the lower cavity is inside the back portion, while in other embodiments, the lower cavity is an exterior cavity. Also disclosed are food pouch containers that include a back portion having an interior cavity; a front portion; a top hole; means for contouring the food pouch from the bottom or side of the pouch. Some embodiments include a hinged clam shell configuration for easy insertion and removal of the food pouch. Other embodiments include a storage facility for the pouch cap.

Abstract: A multifunction cooking device includes a base unit, a cooking pan, and a cover unit. The base unit includes a base seat that defines an annular receiving space, and a heating unit disposed in the base seat and surrounded by the annular receiving space. The cooking pan is disposed on the base unit, and includes a bottom wall contacting with the heating unit, and a surrounding wall transversely extending from the bottom wall and inserted into the annular receiving space. The cover unit is movably connected to the base unit and covers the cooking pan.

Abstract: A cooler insert comprising a hexahedrical container having an exterior surface and a hollow interior forming a fluid-tight reservoir containing a refrigerant material. The hexahedrical container includes a plurality of deep beverage receptacles on the top side of its exterior surface and a plurality of shallow beverage receptacles on the bottom side of its exterior surface. The design and configuration of the beverage receptacles enables a single cooler insert to be used alone or multiple cooler inserts to be used in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: A combination food and beverage serving plate includes an annular surface defining a predominately flat surface; a centrally located cylinder member surrounded by the annular surface and interconnected with the annular surface, the cylinder member including a top cavity for receiving a beverage container; and an annular perimeter wall surrounding the annular perimeter surface and interconnected with the annular surface. The annular perimeter wall forms an outer first boundary for the annular surface while the cylinder member forms an inner second boundary for the annular surface. Moreover, the top cavity is tapered, such that a diameter of the top cavity is larger near a top surface of the cylinder member than near an interior bottom surface of the cylinder member. As such, the top cavity is structured to receive beverage containers of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, inter alia, to a system that comprises a rapid prototyping device and a material cartridge. The rapid prototyping device comprises a chamber for building up the object. The cartridge comprises a body into which a channel extends. A support is adapted to be movably arranged within the channel. The cartridge is adapted to be removably placed in the rapid prototyping device, and the rapid prototyping device can move the support of the cartridge. In one embodiment, the system helps minimizing costs in the manufacturing of dental restorations by rapid prototyping techniques.

Abstract: The bottle is provided with a base portion installed on the outer circumference brim of the bottom, a central recess installed inside the base portion and recessed toward the inside of the bottle, an annular wall portion installed between the base portion and the central recess and inclined so as to elevate gradually from the base portion to the central recess, and a plurality of ribs installed side by side at the annular wall portion in the circumferential direction of the bottom and protruding toward the inside of the bottle. The ribs are provided with a rising wall portion rising toward the inside of the bottle and an inclined wall portion inclined from the upper brim of the rising wall portion toward the lower brim of the rising wall portion of an adjacent rib. The rising wall portion is inclined more steeply than the inclined wall portion.

Abstract: A tray for carrying at least one bottle that has to be positioned and held precisely on the tray, includes a support on which the bottle is intended to be placed, at least two rails running substantially parallel to one another along the support, the rails including at least one shoulder extending above the support toward the other rail so that a lower edge of the bottle can fit between and be immobilized in the rails in a longitudinal or transverse direction and in an upwards direction, each rail having at least one imprint, the imprints being positioned facing one another, each imprint being designed to accommodate an immobilizing element provided on the bottle so that the bottle can be immobilized in the rails in a longitudinal or transverse direction. A bottle used with a tray such as this is also described.

Abstract: A caddy for holding a pastry bag comprises a receptacle having an open end, a closed end, an internal surface connecting the open and closed ends, and a plurality of fins projecting from the internal surface of the receptacle toward a central longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The fins define a tapered framework of contact ridges for contacting the pastry bag to reduce the surface area of contact between the pastry bag and the internal surface of the receptacle. A container removably receives the receptacle and holds a heat transfer medium for surrounding an external surface of the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for providing correct delivery of pharmaceuticals or the like to a patient location has a mounting body, a matching plate, a storage box and elements for associating a particular matching plate, affixed to a surface of the mounting body, with a particular storage box. The mounting body should be adapted to be fixed in place at the patient location, thereby fixing in place a storage body engaged in it. The storage box has a unitarily-formed storage body, with an open face hingedly fitted with a door for closing the open face. Proper association of the matching plate with the particular occurs when the associating elements of the storage box and the matching plate register with each other, allowing an element of the mounting body to engage the storage box. Disengagement of the element can be effected only through access to the interior of the storage body.

Abstract: A lunch box assembly having a main housing having a lid rotatably, hingedly attached to a base to provide access to an opened interior of one or more compartments is disclosed. The lid can have ferrously magnetic material and recesses to accept magnets. The magnets can be shaped to fit the recesses. The base can have compartments aligned with corresponding compartments in the lid. The base and the lid can form one or more closed food storage compartments that separate the contents from the neighboring compartments. A latch on the base and lid can produce a clamping force on a small lidded container or containers placed in one or more of the compartments. The clamping force can clamp the lidded container closed and prevent leakage of fluids in the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stackable container adapted to be stacked with a second substantially identical container in two positions. The container comprises a container body; and an arm movably connected to the container body. The container body comprising a base and walls extending upwardly from the base. The walls define an interior space and an opening. The arm is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the arm provides a support for the second substantially identical container wherein, when stacked, the second identical container is supported above the stackable container with at least part of the interior accessible. In the second position, the arm is positioned to allow the second identical container to nest within the stackable container with the interior space inaccessible.

Abstract: A shipping container comprising a cradle portion, including a plurality of upright members, formed of a first material and a basket formed of a second material wherein when a first shipping container is stacked on a second shipping container the load of the first shipping container is transferred through the plurality of upright members of the second container.

Abstract: A container for disposable applicators is described. The container has a main body section and a coupling portion for coupling a reservoir with the container. The reservoir can contain a substance suitable for the disposable applicators.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a large vacuum chamber body that has been welded together. The chamber body may have a high emissivity coating on at least one surface therein. Due to the large size of the chamber body, the chamber body may be formed by welding several pieces together rather than forging the body from a single piece of metal. The pieces may be welded together at a location spaced from the corner of the body, which may be under the greatest stress during evacuation, to ensure that the weld, which may be the weakest point in the body, does not fail. At least one surface of the chamber body may be coated with a high emissivity coating to aid in heat transfer from incoming, heated substrates. The high emissivity coating may increase substrate throughput by lowering the time that may be needed to reduce the substrate temperature.

Abstract: A drinkware rimming apparatus including a wetting receptacle, a cutout, and a rotatable tray having a plurality of spice receptacles. The tray is rotatable relative to the cutout (or vice-versa) to align and provide downward access to a desired spice receptacle or to the wetting receptacle. A cover may be included and the cutout can be in the cover and/or the tray. The cover can have beverage garnish compartments on a top surface thereof. The wetting receptacle can be positioned in a tray or on the cover. The cutout can be in another tray also having one or more spice receptacles and above the first-mentioned tray and rotatable independently of the lower tray. A method of applying spice to rims of drinkware is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container for a flexible bag of liquid that supports the bag during transportation, storage and use in dispensing of the liquid. The container is made from two generally similar pans that form lower and upper parts of the container. Each pan includes a plurality of generally similar multiple projections that function to support the container on a surface as well as in a stable stacked formation.

Abstract: A large cup and small cup are provided which are attachable together. With an upright attachment the large cup nests within a reservoir of the small cup. With an inverted attachment, the small cup has a base which can friction fit against a lower end of the large cup. The small cup includes structures such as a skirt and shelf which can exhibit a friction fit with a foot on the lower end of the large cup to facilitate the inverted attachment of the small cup to the large cup. A recess in the base of the small cup exhibits a friction fit with the foot to facilitate upright attachment when the large cup is nested into the small cup. In an alternative embodiment a fastener is provided including posts and slots in the small cup and large cup to couple the cups together when nested together.

Abstract: A baby bottle including a nipple and separable compartments for holding powdered formula and water. By sliding or rotating a knob to a pre-selected mix position, apertures in the separable compartments are aligned thereby allowing mixture of the powdered formula from an upper compartment into a lower compartment containing the water. The bottle is shaken to thoroughly mix the formula and the water, after which, the bottle and formula mix are ready to use.

Abstract: A liquid container is in the shape of a bottle with an elongated section at its top in a first position and is convertible to a glass or goblet in a second position with the elongated section at the bottom. The container includes a first end that has a closed end; a second end that has an open end wider than the elongated section, a first body that includes the elongated section, a second body that includes a hollow container, and a closure, which is a detachable closure adapted to seal the open end of the second end in the first position and to be detached from the open end of the second end in the second position.

Abstract: A dinner plate of conventional size and shape includes within its substantially planar bottom a coaxial central region having coupling means in the form of diametrically opposing, chordal grooves that mate with the outwardly curled rim of commonly available, flexible plastic drink cups. The coupling means holds the cup snugly against the bottom of the plate, enabling a user confidently to hold both in one hand, freeing his other hand and allowing considerable acentric loading of the plate with foods. Inserting the cup rim into the grooves requires squeezing it slightly and temporarily into an oval shape. Once released, the cup's resiliency enhances the snugness of the fit and the security of the coupling.

Abstract: A carrier for covering and transporting baked goods or other food products includes a base for supporting a pie, cake, cupcakes, or other baked goods. A cover is configured to be attached to the base to generally enclose the carrier, thereby protecting the baked goods for transport or storage. The cover is formed with a flexible membrane that makes it collapsible for more convenient storage.

Abstract: Tray having a container receiving space and a stepped outer sidewall including a lower step and an upper step, a cooling unit providing cooled air to the space and having a housing with a stepped base that includes a lower step and an upper step, the cooling unit venting exhaust from an end distal to the base, a plurality of containers each having a perimeter flange and, when the container is inserted into the space, portions of the flange are seated on the respective lower steps of the tray and the stepped base of the housing, and a cover configured to sealingly contact the upper steps when the cover is in a closed position, the cover shielding the containers from the exhaust, and being movably attached to the housing and movable along the housing in a range that includes the closed position at which the cover contacts the upper steps.

Abstract: The disclosed universal paint tray cart has a top surface for setting various sizes of paint trays on, wheels for moving the universal paint tray cart and one or more paint tray coupling devices. Each paint tray coupling device is coupled to a slot opening in the universal paint tray cart body. Each paint tray coupling device has a first end that is coupled to the slot opening of the universal paint tray cart, and a second end which couples to a paint tray. The paint tray coupling devices hold the paint tray to the universal paint tray cart so that the cart and the paint tray can be moved about without the paint tray falling off of the universal paint tray cart. The paint tray coupling devices slide along the length of the slot openings to adjust to the size of the paint tray being held.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is to an icebox, which has volume varying means so as to selectively vary a storage space of the icebox for storing various food supplies and to simultaneously store various portable means and household items to thereby prevent convenience in use. The icebox includes: an icebox body having a bottom and side walls, which are filled with insulating material, and a storing part opened at one side for storing foods therein; a cover for selectively opening and closing the opened side of the icebox body, the cover having a receiving part; a capacity varying part interposed between the icebox body and the cover and slidably joined to the storing part so as to vary the capacity of the storing part. Because the capacity of the storing part of the icebox is selectively varied, the icebox enables the user to utilize the space of the storing part in various ways, can accommodate various kinds of food supplies and household items, and is convenient in going long distance.

Abstract: A problem on all sail boats is the winch handle holders being occupied by beverage cans or other small items. A combination boat winch handle holder and beverage holder is made of a first housing adapted to hold the winch handle and mountable to a conventional winch handle holder position. A second housing, shorter and wider than the first, is adapted to hold a beverage can and is attachable in a manner that permits attachment and release of the second housing. The combination holder is preferably made of flexible, stretchable materials that are UV resistant.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a multi-component container system and related methods for storing and mixing liquids and associated methods of use. The system includes a first chamber configured to hold a first liquid and which has at least one opening and a second chamber and a second chamber configured to hold a second liquid and having at least one opening. The at least one opening on the second chamber is capable of being operably connected to the at least one opening of the first chamber and the second chamber can be smaller relative to the first chamber. The system can have two configurations, a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the second chamber can be removably disposed within the first chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support members supported by the tracks. Rollers are located at the ends of the support members which roll in the tracks to move the support members. The support members have product receptacles whereby products may be suspended between adjacent support members, portions of the products residing in the product receptacles.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a pastry bag comprises a caddy and an ice-bath container that removably receives the caddy. The caddy includes a tapered receptacle and a flange arranged externally about the tapered receptacle. The container includes a first wall having a generally planar external surface, a second wall adjacent the first wall, the second wall having a generally planar external surface, and a third wall adjacent the second wall. The third wall includes an external surface engaged by the flange and an opening configured to allow insertion of the tapered receptacle into the interior of the container. The flange and/or the external surface of the third wall are configured so that the tapered receptacle is inclined relative to a support surface (e.g. a tabletop) whether the container is placed on its bottom (the first wall) or on its side (the second wall).

Abstract: A versatile, small-mouthed container is readily disassemblable and reassemblable to provide direct access to its internal cavity. Portions are mutually sealingly connectable by an annular coupling ring with two sets of threads, one each respectively to mate with threads on an upper and a lower cylindrical container portion. More than two cylindrical portions and more than one coupling ring can allow assemblage of larger containers and of containers of reconfigurable capacity. Some coupling rings provide for fluid communication between adjacent body portions and others provide a degree of blockage. Inserting or removing a partitioning disk into the ring can change a ring's degree of blockage. Various partitioning disks are provided with different degrees and types of blockage, when not deployed, the disks can be retained at the base of the container. Recessed latches prevent inadvertent opening at specific coupling interfaces.

Abstract: A container system includes a plurality of containers, a plurality of container receiving regions, a plurality of base unit latches, and a base unit. Each base unit latch is arranged to latch an associated one of the containers at least partially within an associated one of the container receiving regions. The containers may be transported separately from the base unit, and may be used to store tools and other accessories. In one embodiment of the container system, each base unit latch comprises a resilient latch member connected to the base unit. The resilient latch member is biased into a lock position to engage a lock engagement portion on an associated one of the containers. The resilient latch member may be movable against the bias to a release position wherein the associated container is able to be removed from the associated container receiving region.

Abstract: An article sorting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a container having a bottom and a longitudinally extending sidewall extending therefrom and a panel positioned proximal the container. The panel includes a cylindrically shaped shoulder extending therefrom and that defines a channel in alignment with the shoulder and that extends through the panel for allowing pass-through of a matched pair of socks. The cylindrically shaped shoulder is configured for receiving an open end of a first sock. A second sock is positioned proximal the first sock and inserted into and through a respective channel and disposed into the container.

Abstract: A nestable display crate for bottle carriers having a floor and a wall structure with that is designed to reveal the labels on the bottle carriers. The wall structure is of double thickness and comprises a lower wall portion adjacent the floor and a plurality of integrally formed contoured upper wall portions extending upward from the lower wall portion. The wall structure is hollow throughout allowing the contoured upper wall portions to be received within the lower wall portion of a crate nested thereabove. The contoured upper wall portions are tapered to be smaller in cross section at the top and larger near the lower wall portion to enable easy nesting and to avoid nested crates from becoming wedged together due to interference. The upper wall portions are in the shape of gear teeth that are spaced along the opposing sidewalls and endwalls of the crate.

Abstract: A collapsible frontward-tilting receptacle device includes a stationary receiving body that defines an internal space and is collapsible and a movable receiving body that forms a receiving space. The stationary receiving body has a bottom on which a rigid movable bottom board is positioned. The stationary receiving body has a side wall to which a movable support board having a stop section is movably connected. A free end of the movable support board is connected to an opposite side wall of the stationary receiving body to serve as a top plate. The movable receiving body is received in the internal space of the stationary receiving body so that a front end of the bottom thereof is coupled to a front portion of the bottom of the stationary receiving body to allow a top opening of the movable receiving body to be rotated out of the stationary receiving body.

Abstract: A container system is provided with a container having a door mounted for pivotal reciprocation about a door pivot axis between opened and closed positions. The container system also has a carrier with a body receiving the container and an arm coupled to the body for pivotal reciprocation about an arm pivot axis that is oriented substantially parallel to the door pivot axis. The arm engages the door of the container, and the pivotal reciprocation of the arm reciprocates the door of the container between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A container assembly that includes a first container, a second container and a latch arrangement movable between a latched position and an unlatched position is provided. The first container has a first container portion having a first opening into a first interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored and a first cover for closing the first opening. The second container has a second container portion having a second opening into a second interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored and a second cover for closing the second opening. The latch arrangement, when in the latched position, is constructed and arranged to connect the first container portion to the second container portion. The latch arrangement is positioned and configured such that when it connects the first container portion to the second container portion, the first opening and the second opening face opposite directions.

Abstract: A packaging for a liquid filling with a product packaging pouch made out of a liquid-tight and elastic material and having a reaction chamber pouch made out of a liquid-tight and elastic material. The reaction chamber pouch is completely closed, and is arranged inside the product packaging pouch and partially filled with a first reactant. An inner pouch made out of a liquid-tight and elastic material is completely closed, is arranged inside the reaction chamber pouch and exhibits a predetermined breaking point that yields when its interior pressure is increased, and is filled with a second reactant. The first and second reactant induce a temperature change upon coming into contact with each other. As a result, a temperature change can be initiated by the user on the one hand, while minimizing the risk that the filling will become contaminated with chemicals on the other.

Abstract: A pouch, designed to be attached, either directly or indirectly, to a container, is provided with two end portions, each of which is formed with an elongated slit. When the pouch is directly attached atop a container, the end portions are pulled over the lid and catch a rim portion of the container. When the pouch is placed upon a lid covered container, the end portions of the pouch can catch or engage the lid. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a pair of spaced slits extends from each elongated slit, thereby creating a tab or flap in each end portion. The flap is configured to either directly catch a rim of the container or be tucked under the lid, i.e., between the lid and the container, to attach the pouch to the lid and, indirectly, the container.

Abstract: Food container is provided having a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion and the second body portion are joined together to define an interior of the container and a mouth to the interior. The first body portion has a first flap moveable between an open position and a closed position, and the first flap includes a foldable support formed therein to hold a receptacle when in the open position. The second body portion has a second flap moveable between an open position and a closed position, and the second flap includes a tab to engage the first flap in the closed position to form a lid across the mouth of the interior. A blank for forming the food container from a sheet of blank material is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-container bundle has at least two can-type individual containers, which are connected by way of their end-side pouring openings, facing one another. They are releasably connected to one another via a coupling element to form a structural unit. At least one of the can-type individual containers is equipped with a lid that can be ripped open completely. The multi-container bundle already contains all the individual components which are required for a defined mixed beverage and are present in metered form in the individual containers. Here, alcoholic and non-alcoholic components and components which are incompatible with one another are accommodated in separate individual containers.

Abstract: An exemplary device for semi-solid foods includes a separator for insertion in a food container having an optional lid. The separator provides an upper compartment for solid foods and a lower compartment for liquids. The separator has a base, and a ramp extending upwards therefrom. The separator preferably provides a barrier such that liquid in the container does not traverse the intersection between the separator and the container sidewall inner surface. When the container is tilted to dispense the food therein, liquid in the lower compartment flows out through a ramp opening (such as an aperture in the ramp or a separation between the ramp and the container sidewall), without flowing through a base aperture. When the container is returned to a level position, any fluid in the upper compartment may return to the lower compartment via an optional fluid channel in the ramp and through the base aperture.

Abstract: A retail display apparatus has a transparent inner cylinder with a top. An outer sleeve surrounds a portion of the transparent inner cylinder and has a top such that a first part of the top of the outer sleeve is a first distance from the top of the transparent inner cylinder and a second part of the top of the outer sleeve is a second distance from the top of the transparent inner cylinder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an adapter suitable for use with cups and lids. In some embodiments, the adapter is designed so that a single lid with a predetermined diameter fits, by way of the adapter, with paper cups of different diameters. In some embodiments, an adapter including an inner diameter that corresponds to the upper diameter of the paper cup cooperates with the upper portion of the cup. The adapter also includes an outer diameter that corresponds to the predetermined diameter of the lid to ensure a secure fit between that particular sized cup and the plastic lid having a predetermined diameter.