Metal cup, one-piece metal cup and one-piece metal cup kit

Abstract

Various embodiments of metal cups, one-piece metal cups, and one-piece metal cup kits are described. The metal cup includes a body having a tightly curled rim at the top end of the cup. The body includes a plurality of tapered sections such that the diameter of the cup can be different at different locations along the height of the cup. In various embodiments, the metal cup includes a polymer coating on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of metal containers and more particularly to a metal cup. Background Art

[0002] Typical cups are usually made of plastic and are designed to hold liquids. However, plastic cups are designed for single-use. The production of such plastic cups not only generates carbon dioxide emissions, but can also have a negative impact on the environment, as a large portion of plastic cups are sent to landfills and can ultimately contribute to environmental pollution. Additionally, some plastic cups are produced with chemicals (e.g., BPA) that can cause adverse health effects to people who drink from these cups. Considering the negative environmental and health effects associated with disposable plastic cups, metal would be a more ideal material for making reusable cups.

[0003] Furthermore, it is not only the use of metal that is important, but also the choice of metal and the specific construction changes compared to typical plastic containers. In particular, the container must be constructed to allow for high-speed, economical manufacturing, to allow for dense packaging for shipping, and to include a similar volume and / or have a volume indicator that correlates to the typical volume of liquid in a cup. In addition to the specific metal and construction selection, the choice of coating used for the container is also important because it affects the manufacturability of the container, the handling of the container, and the effect of the container on the liquid contained. Summary of the invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a metal cup. The cup includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the cup. The cup also includes a circular edge extending between an outer edge and an inner edge centered on a longitudinal axis. The circular edge has a radius of less than 0.05 inches. The cup has a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end of the cup, the sidewall being centered on the longitudinal axis. The sidewall includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of tapered sections. The tapered section extends between the first end and the second end of the cup. The cup includes a bottom having a circular surface substantially parallel to the circular edge and centered on the longitudinal axis, the circular surface being connected to a groove at an outer edge of the circular surface. The cup also includes a polymer coating on at least a portion of the sidewall.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a one-piece metal beaker. The beaker includes an open end having an orifice and a closed end opposite the open end of the beaker. The beaker also includes a rim extending between an outer edge and an inner edge centered on a longitudinal central axis. The beaker has a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end of the beaker, the sidewall being centered on the longitudinal central axis. The sidewall includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a first tapered section, a second tapered section, and an upper section. The first tapered section extends at a first angle relative to the longitudinal central axis. The second tapered section extends at a second angle relative to the longitudinal central axis. The beaker also includes a bottom having a circular surface substantially parallel to the rim and centered on the longitudinal central axis. The circular surface is connected to a groove at an outer edge of the circular surface. The first tapered section is located between the bottom and the second tapered section. The upper section is located between the second tapered section and the rim.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a one-piece metal beaker kit. The one-piece metal beaker kit includes a plurality of one-piece metal beakers. Each one-piece metal beaker includes an open end having a central aperture and a closed end opposite the open end of the beaker. The one-piece metal beaker includes a circular rim extending between an outer edge and an inner edge centered on a longitudinal axis. The circular rim has a radius of less than 0.05 inches. Each one-piece metal beaker includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of tapered sections extending between the open end and the closed end. Each of the plurality of tapered sections extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Each one-piece metal beaker also includes a bottom having a circular surface substantially parallel to the circular rim and centered on the longitudinal axis. The circular surface is connected to a groove at the outer edge of the circular surface. The one-piece metal beaker kit also includes a container configured to accommodate a plurality of one-piece metal beakers when the plurality of one-piece metal beakers are stacked.

[0007] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and those skilled in the art will readily learn these features and advantages from the description, or recognize these features and advantages by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description are used to explain the principles and operation of the various embodiments. In addition, alternative exemplary embodiments are directed to other features and combinations of features that may generally be listed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a metal beaker according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front side view of a metal cup.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Rear view of a metal cup.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Right side view of a metal beaker.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Left side view of a metal beaker.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A top view of a metal cup.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of a metal cup.

[0017] Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the metal cup taken along line 8-8.

[0018] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A three-dimensional image of a stack of metal cups.

[0019] Fig.10 A packaging for a metal beaker according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Fig.11 A packaging of a metal beaker according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Fig.12 A packaging of a metal beaker according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Generally, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of metal containers such as metal beakers are shown. As discussed herein, applicants have developed a one-piece multi-tapered metal beaker that has many improvements over disposable plastic cups. In one embodiment, the metal beaker includes a relatively thin wall thickness, allowing the overall weight of the cup to be lighter while the metal material forms a sturdy beaker suitable for multiple uses. The metal beaker includes one or more tapered sections, allowing for dense packaging. The metal material, the reusable nature of the metal beaker, and the tapered shape help reduce negative health and environmental impacts (i.e., fewer chemicals ingested by the user, less pollution, dense packaging, etc.) compared to conventional plastic beakers. In addition, the multi-tapered shape of the beaker allows the user to have a better grip.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 , shows a metal container according to an exemplary embodiment, which is shown as a thin wall metal beaker 10. The metal beaker 10 includes a body 12 coupled to a curled top edge shown as a rim 18. The body 12 extends along and is centered on a longitudinal axis, shown as a central axis 20 located between a top end or first end 14 and a bottom end or second end 16. The top end or first end 14 is located adjacent the rim 18, and the bottom end or second end 16 is opposite the top end 14. The top end 14 of the body 12 includes an opening or orifice 22 centered on the longitudinal central axis 20.

[0024] The body 12 is at least partially defined by a sidewall 24. The body 12 also includes an outer surface 28 and an inner surface 26. The inner edge 19 of the rim 18 at least partially defines an orifice 22. The orifice 22 extends along the longitudinal center axis 20 between the top end 14 and the bottom end 16 and is centered on the longitudinal center axis 20. In various embodiments, the metal beaker 10 may include a container lid or cover 30. The container lid can be any element that allows the metal beaker 10 to be sealed so that the container can contain liquid (i.e., prevent spillage). In various specific embodiments, the lid 30 is a snap-on top member. In other specific embodiments, the lid 30 is formed of cellulose, for example, a cellophane lid. In other specific embodiments, the lid 30 is a foil lid.

[0025] In various specific embodiments, the metal beaker 10 is formed as a single, unitary, complete or one-piece cup. In various embodiments, the metal beaker 10 is formed of aluminum. In this embodiment, the metal beaker 10 is formed of 3104 aluminum alloy.

[0026] In various embodiments, the metal beaker 10 includes a polymer coating on at least a portion of the sidewall 24. In various embodiments, the metal beaker 10 includes a polymer coating on at least one of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 26. Applicants believe that the use of the polymer coating provides protection to the surface of the metal beaker and / or reduces the metallic taste. In a specific embodiment, the polymer coating is a PPE (polyphenylene ether) coating. The polymer coating is not a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) coating, which may oxidize and cause the coating to degrade and / or change the taste of the liquid that interacts with the coating. Applicants believe that the PPE coating provides long-lasting protection due to the reduced possibility of degradation and / or oxidation that may change the taste of the liquid in the metal beaker 10.

[0027] In various embodiments, the polymer coating is on both the inner surface 26 and the outer surface 28 of the metal beaker 10. In this embodiment, the coating on the inner surface 26 has a first color and the coating on the outer surface 28 has a second color. The first color is different from the second color. In various specific embodiments, the first color is white and the second color is green. In other embodiments, the first color is white and the second color is one of various colors (e.g., green, red, yellow, blue, etc.). In other embodiments, the coating is on one of the inner surface 26 and the outer surface 28. In various embodiments, the thickness of the coating is defined between the outside of the coating and the inner surface 26 or the outer surface 28 of the metal beaker 10. The coating thickness is between 35 microns and 15 microns, more specifically between 30 microns and 20 microns, and in this embodiment, the coating is about 25 microns ± 5 microns. In various specific embodiments, the coating thickness is less than 35 microns, specifically less than 30 microns.

[0028] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , shows a side view of a metal beaker 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. As described above, the body 12 and / or the sidewall 24 include more than one tapered section or tapered section. In various embodiments, the sidewall 24 includes a first tapered section 32, a second tapered section 34, and an upper section 36. The first tapered section 32 generally extends upward from a bottom wall 40. The bottom wall 40 includes a bottom wall edge 38 located at the second end 16 of the metal beaker 10 and a groove 42 located at the periphery of the bottom wall 40 (e.g., see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 and Figure 8 ).

[0029] The first tapered section 32 is located between the bottom wall 40 and the second tapered section 34. The second tapered section 34 is located between the first tapered section 32 and the upper section 36. The upper section 36 is located between the second tapered section 34 and the rim 18. The sidewall 24 includes an upper boundary or edge 44 of the first tapered section 32. The upper boundary 44 is located between the first tapered section 32 and the second tapered section 34. The sidewall 24 also includes a lower boundary or edge 46 of the upper section 36. The lower boundary 46 is located between the upper section 36 and the second tapered section 34. In various embodiments, the upper section 36 is a third tapered section. In such embodiments, the metal beaker 10 is fully stackable due to the tapering. In other embodiments, the upper section 36 extends generally vertically (i.e., perpendicular to the bottom wall 40 and / or plus or minus 10 degrees from the rim 18) along the longitudinal axis 20.

[0030] In various embodiments, the lower boundary 46 of the upper section 36, which is the upper boundary of the second tapered section 34, is positioned to indicate a volume of 1 ounce. Generally speaking, the metal beaker 10, and in particular the orifice 22, can hold 1.5 ounces of liquid.

[0031] In various embodiments, the tapered sections 32, 34, 36 of the side wall 24 may have different angles relative to a reference parallel to the longitudinal axis 20. A first angle, shown as A1, is defined as the angle between the wall of the first tapered section 32 and the longitudinal axis 20. In a specific embodiment, A1 is between 1 degree and 10 degrees, more specifically between 1 degree and 5 degrees, and in this embodiment, A1 is approximately 2 degrees (i.e., 2 degrees ± 0.5 degrees).

[0032] In various embodiments, the second tapered section 34 includes a second angle A2, which is defined as the angle between the wall of the second tapered section 34 and the longitudinal axis 20. In various embodiments, A2 is greater than A1. In specific embodiments, A2 is between 30 degrees and 38 degrees, more specifically between 32 degrees and 36 degrees, and in such embodiments, A2 is approximately 34 degrees (i.e., 34 degrees ± 2 degrees). In various embodiments, the upper section 36 includes a third angle A3, which is defined as the angle between the wall of the upper section 36 and the longitudinal axis 20. In various specific embodiments, A3 is less than A1 and A2. In specific embodiments, A3 of the upper section 36 is approximately 0 degrees (i.e., 0 degrees ± 0.5 degrees). In various specific embodiments, A3 is between 0 degrees and 2 degrees, more specifically between 0 degrees and 1 degree, and in such embodiments, A3 is approximately 0 degrees (i.e., 0 degrees ± 1 degree).

[0033] Reference Figure 5A first height, shown as H1, is defined between the rim 18 and the lower boundary 46 of the upper section 36. In a particular embodiment, H1 is between 0.4 inches and 0.5 inches, and in this embodiment, H1 is approximately 0.44 inches ± 0.02 inches.

[0034] Reference Figure 6 to Figure 7 , shows a top view and a bottom view of the metal beaker 10. The difference in diameter of the tapered sections 32, 34 and the upper section 36 and the bottom wall 40 is shown. The groove 42 defines the lowest point of the bottom wall 40. The bottom wall 40 also includes an outer bottom surface 37 connected to the bottom wall edge 38 by the groove 42. Figure 8 As shown, the groove 42 includes a depth shown as B1. In various specific embodiments, B1 is between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches, more specifically between 0.035 inches and 0.045 inches, and in this embodiment B1 is approximately 0.04 inches ± 0.02 inches.

[0035] Reference Figure 8 , shows a cross-sectional view of a metal beaker 10 and a lid 30 according to an exemplary embodiment. An overall height of the metal beaker 10, shown as H2, is defined between the top of the rim 18 and the bottom of the groove 42. In various specific embodiments, the height of the metal beaker 10 is less than 2.5 inches, more specifically less than 2 inches. In specific embodiments, H2 is between 1.5 inches and 2.1 inches, more specifically between 1.6 inches and 2 inches, and in this embodiment H2 is approximately 1.8 inches ± 0.1 inches.

[0036] At the top end 14 of the body 12, a first diameter, shown as D1, is defined between the opposing outer edges of the rim 18. In a specific embodiment, D1 is between 1.5 inches and 2.1 inches, more specifically between 1.6 inches and 2 inches, and in this embodiment D1 is approximately 1.8 inches ± 0.02 inches. The orifice 22 and the inner surface 26 define a second diameter, shown as D2. Specifically, D2 is defined at the top end 14, thereby defining the diameter of the upper section 36. In a specific embodiment, D2 is between 75% and 95% of D1, specifically between 80% and 90% of D2, more specifically between 84% and 87% of D1. In a specific embodiment, D2 is between 1.4 inches and 1.7 inches, and in this embodiment, D2 is approximately 1.56 inches ± 0.02 inches.

[0037] At the bottom end 16 of the body 12, a third diameter, shown as D3, is defined. D3 is defined as the outer diameter between opposing portions of the slot 42. In a specific embodiment, D3 is between 1.2 inches and 1.6 inches, and in this embodiment, D3 is approximately 1.4 inches ± 0.02 inches. In a specific embodiment, D3 is between 65% and 85% of D1, specifically between 70% and 80% of D1, and more specifically between 76% and 79% of D1.

[0038] Edge 18 is tightly curved and includes a thickness shown as T1. In a specific embodiment, T1 is between 0.07 inches and 0.1 inches, more specifically between 0.085 inches and 0.095 inches, and in this embodiment T1 is about 0.09 inches ± 0.01 inches. In various specific embodiments, T1 is less than 0.1 inches. Edge 18 includes an outer curved surface 25. The outer curved surface 25 defines a first radius shown as R1. In various specific embodiments, R1 is less than 0.1 inches, specifically less than 0.075 inches, more specifically less than 0.05 inches. In a specific embodiment, R1 is between 0.03 inches and 0.06 inches, more specifically between 0.04 and 0.05 inches, and in this embodiment R1 is about 0.045 inches ± 0.01 inches. In other words, edge 18 has a small radius and a high curvature.

[0039] A wall thickness of the sidewall 24 shown as T2 is defined between the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 26 at the upper section 36. In various embodiments, T2 is between 0.0062 inches and 0.0078 inches, more specifically between 0.0062 inches and 0.0070 inches, and in this embodiment T2 is approximately 0.0065 inches ± 0.0005 inches. A wall thickness of the sidewall 24 shown as T3 is defined between the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 26 at the first tapered section 32. In various embodiments, T3 is between 0.0062 inches and 0.0078 inches, more specifically between 0.0062 inches and 0.0070 inches, and in this embodiment T3 is approximately 0.0065 ± 0.0005 inches.

[0040] The inner curved surface 35 connects the upper section 36 to the second tapered section 34 along the inner surface 26. The inner curved surface 35 has a radius shown as R2. In a specific embodiment, R2 is between 0.02 inches and 0.06 inches, more specifically between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches, and in this embodiment, R2 is about 0.04 inches ± 0.01 inches.

[0041] Reference Figures 9 to 12, showing a plurality of metal beakers 10 in a stacked arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. The multi-tapered shape of the metal beakers 10 allows for easy stacking (i.e., positioning one metal beaker 10 within the aperture 22 of another metal beaker 10) and packing of multiple cups into a kit (e.g., see Figures 10 to 12 ).like Fig. 9 As shown, a plurality of metal beakers 10 together form a stack 100. In various embodiments, when A3 of the upper section 36 is approximately 0 degrees, when the plurality of metal beakers 10 are in the stack 100, the upper section 36 of the metal beaker 10 will be moved upward from the lower metal beaker 10 (at Fig. 9 In various embodiments, when A3 of the upper segment 36 is greater than zero degrees (i.e., tapered), the upper segment 36 is positioned and / or received within the lower metal beaker 10 in the stack 100 such that the upper segment 36 is positioned within the aperture 22 of an adjacent beaker in the stack 100. In other words, when the upper segment 36 includes a tapered portion, the metal beakers 10 are allowed to be fully stacked.

[0042] Reference Fig.10 , a kit 110 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The kit 110 includes a plurality of metal beakers 10 and a container, which is shown as a generally cylindrical tube 112 configured to store the plurality of metal beakers 10. The kit 110 includes a stack 100 of metal beakers 10 located within an orifice 114 of the generally cylindrical tube 112. In other words, the cylindrical tube 112 generally has the shape of a cylindrical prism. In various embodiments, the stack 100 includes a plurality of metal beakers 10. In various specific embodiments, the stack 100 includes ten metal beakers 10. In other embodiments, the stack 100 includes a different number of metal beakers 10 (i.e., 6, 8, 12, 20, 24, etc.).

[0043] Reference Fig.11 , shows a kit 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The kit 120 includes a stack 100 of metal beakers 10 located within an orifice 112 of a generally triangular tube 122. In other words, the triangular tube 122 generally has the shape of a triangular prism. Fig.12 , shows a kit 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. The kit 130 includes a stack 100 of metal beakers 10 located within an orifice 134 of a generally rectangular tube 132. In other words, the rectangular tube 132 generally has the shape of a rectangular prism, wherein the orifice 134 has a square shape.

[0044] It should be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is used for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0045] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification should be interpreted as illustrative only. The construction and configuration shown in various exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only several embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, many modifications (e.g., the size, size, structure, shape and ratio changes, parameter values, installation configurations, use of materials, colors, changes in direction, etc. of various elements) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of discrete elements can be modified or changed. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm or method steps can be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and configuration of various exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any method described herein should never be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Therefore, in the event that a method claim does not actually recite the order in which its steps should be followed or the claim or specification does not specifically state that the steps should be limited to a specific order, no specific order should be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not intended to be construed as referring to only one.

[0047] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" refers to the engagement of two components directly or indirectly with each other. Such engagement may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such engagement may be achieved by two components and any additional intermediate components that are integrally formed as a single entity with each other or with the two components, or by two components and any additional components attached to each other. Such engagement may be permanent in nature, or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in such a manner that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to forces.

[0048] Although the present application lists specific combinations of features in the appended claims, various embodiments of the present invention relate to any combination of any features described herein, whether or not such combination is currently claimed for protection, and any such combination of features may be claimed for protection in this application or in future applications. Any feature, element or component of any exemplary embodiment described above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element or component of any other embodiment described above.

[0049] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions (including angles, lengths, and radii) shown in the drawings are drawn to scale. Actual measurements of the drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and ratios of the various exemplary embodiments. The various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and ratios that can be determined from the drawings. The various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the drawings. In addition, actual dimensions not explicitly listed in this specification can be determined by using the dimensional ratios measured in the drawings in combination with the explicit dimensions listed in this specification.

Claims

1. A metal cup, comprising: a first end of the cup; a second end of the cup, the second end being opposite to the first end of the cup; a circular rim extending between the outer edge and the inner edge and centered about the longitudinal axis, the circular rim having a radius less than 0.05 inches; a side wall extending between the first end and the second end of the beaker and centered about the longitudinal axis, the side wall comprising: External surface; Internal surface; and a plurality of tapered sections extending between the first end and the second end of the beaker; a base including a circular surface generally parallel to the circular rim and centered about the longitudinal axis, the circular surface connected to a groove at an outer edge of the circular surface; and A polymer coating is provided on at least a portion of the sidewall.

2. The metal cup according to claim 1, wherein: The metal beaker is formed from a single, unitary piece of metal.

3. The metal cup according to claim 2, wherein: The metal beaker is formed of aluminum.

4. The metal cup according to claim 1, wherein: The polymer coating is on the inner surface and the outer surface of the sidewall.

5. The metal cup according to claim 4, wherein: The polymer coating on the inner surface has a first color, and wherein the polymer coating on the outer surface has a second color.

6. The metal cup according to claim 5, wherein: The first color is different from the second color.

7. The metal cup according to claim 4, wherein: The polymer coating is formed from polyphenylene ether.

8. The metal cup according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of tapered sections include: a first tapered section extending generally upward from the base and having a first angle; and a second tapered section having a second angle; Wherein, the first conical section is located between the bottom and the second conical section.

9. The metal beaker of claim 8, further comprising an upper section located between the second tapered section and the rounded rim.

10. The beaker of claim 1, further comprising a lid coupleable to the circular rim, the lid forming a tight seal against contents stored within the beaker.

11. A one-piece metal cup, comprising: An open end of the cup, wherein the open end has an orifice; a closed end of the beaker, the closed end being opposite to the open end of the beaker; a rim extending between the outer edge and the inner edge and centered on the longitudinal central axis; A side wall extending between the open end and the closed end of the beaker and centered on the longitudinal central axis, the side wall comprising: External surface; Inner surface; a first tapered section extending at a first angle relative to the longitudinal center axis; a second tapered section extending at a second angle relative to the longitudinal center axis; upper segment; a base including a circular surface generally parallel to the rim and centered about the longitudinal center axis, the circular surface connected to a groove at an outer edge of the circular surface; wherein the first tapered section is located between the bottom and the second tapered section; and Wherein, the upper section is located between the second conical section and the edge.

12. The one-piece metal beaker of claim 11, further comprising an upper boundary of the second tapered section, the upper boundary of the second tapered section being located between the second tapered section and the upper section, wherein: The upper boundary indicates a volume of 1 ounce.

13. The one-piece metal beaker of claim 11, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

14. The one-piece metal beaker according to claim 11, wherein: The rim has a thickness defined between the outer edge of the rim and the inner edge of the rim, wherein the thickness of the rim is less than 0.1 inches.

15. The one-piece metal beaker of claim 11 further comprising a polyphenylene oxide coating on said inner surface and said outer surface of said sidewall.

16. The one-piece metal beaker of claim 15, wherein: The polyphenylene ether coating on the inner surface has a first color, and wherein the polyphenylene ether coating on the outer surface has a second color.

17. A one-piece metal cup kit, comprising: A plurality of one-piece metal beakers, each of the one-piece metal beakers comprising: An open end of the cup, wherein the open end has a central opening; a closed end of the beaker, the closed end being opposite to the open end of the beaker; a circular rim extending between the outer edge and the inner edge and centered about the longitudinal axis, the circular rim having a radius less than 0.05 inches; a side wall extending between the open end and the closed end of the beaker and centered on the longitudinal axis, the side wall comprising: External surface; Internal surface; and a plurality of tapered sections extending between the open end and the closed end of the beaker, each of the plurality of tapered sections extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis; a base including a circular surface generally parallel to the circular rim and centered about the longitudinal axis, the circular surface connected to a groove at an outer edge of the circular surface; and A container is configured to accommodate the plurality of one-piece metal beakers when the plurality of one-piece metal beakers are stacked.

18. The one-piece metal beaker kit of claim 17, wherein: Each one-piece metal beaker of the plurality of one-piece metal beakers includes a height defined between a top of the circular rim and a lower edge of the trough, and wherein the height is less than 2 inches.

19. The one-piece metal beaker kit of claim 17, wherein the container further comprises a cylindrical tube having an orifice, wherein: The plurality of one-piece metal beakers are stacked within the aperture of the cylindrical tube.

20. The one-piece metal beaker kit of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of covers, each cover being coupleable to the circular rim of the plurality of beakers.

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