Abstract: A paper cup and a method of forming the same. The paper cup may include a sidewall and a floor portion that collectively define a cavity. In one aspect, the paper cup may include a rim that is coated with a rigid shell that encapsulates the rim. In another aspect, a void defined by a rim of the paper cup may be filled with a rigid filler material, and the rigid filler material may be one that expands upon application of heat thereto. In yet another aspect, the paper cup may include a separate rim component that is attached to the sidewall. The separate rim component may be formed from molded pulp fibers, and it may include a flange portion that is attached to the sidewall and a rim portion that protrudes from the sidewall.

Abstract: A system for the preparation of a multi-component food product, such as coffee, tea, soup or baby food. The system comprises two or more capsules (300,400), each capsule providing a component of the multi-component food product, each capsule having an inlet region for receiving liquid into the capsule and an outlet region (330) for dispensing liquid from the capsule, wherein the outlet region of a first capsule is configured to mate with the inlet region of a second capsule, such that the first and second capsules may be connected in fluid communication.

Abstract: A system for the preparation of a multi-component food product, such as coffee, tea, soup or baby food. The system comprises two or more capsules (300,400), each capsule providing a component of the multi-component food product, each capsule having an inlet region for receiving liquid into the capsule and an outlet region (330) for dispensing liquid from the capsule, wherein the outlet region of a first capsule is configured to mate with the inlet region of a second capsule, such that the first and second capsules may be connected in fluid communication.