Nesting measuring cups

Abstract

A nestable cup set includes two or more cups, each cup including a respective rim having a flange and a respective bowl depending from the rim. Each bowl of each cup is formed by a curved sidewall extending from the cup's respective rim to a closed bottom of the bowl and one or two straight sidewalls. The curved sidewall of each bowl has an upper edge at the cup's rim, the upper edge forming a circle segment subtended by the perimeter of the flange. The circle segments formed by the upper edges of the curved sidewalls of the cups define different included angles, and the bowls of the cups are sized to be nested.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to toys, and in particular to nesting measuring cup toys. [Background technology]

[0002] Children (e.g., infants and toddlers) can benefit from playing with intersensory integrating toys. Such toys can be designed to facilitate children's learning using their senses, which can improve children's concentration and learning outcomes. There is a continuing need for improvements in the design, construction, and safety of such toys and their components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In general, the present disclosure relates to a toy that includes one or more measuring cups configured to be nested within one another.

[0004] In one aspect, the disclosure features a nesting cup set, where each cup includes a respective rim having a flange and a respective bowl depending from the rim, where each bowl of each cup is formed by a curved sidewall and one or two straight sidewalls that extend from the respective rim of the cup to a closed bottom of the bowl, where the curved sidewall of each bowl has an upper edge at the rim of the cup, the upper edge forming a circle segment completed by the perimeter of the flange, where the circle segment formed by the upper edges of the curved sidewalls of the cups define different included angles, where the bowls of the cups are sized to be nested, whereby the nesting cup set is configured to form a single stack of nested cups, where the included angle decreases moving from the bottom to the top of the stack.

[0005] In some embodiments, the set comprises at least three cups.

[0006] In some embodiments, the set includes cups with bowls defining ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, and ½ cup volumes.

[0007] In some embodiments, when the nested cup set forms a single stack of nested cups, the flanges of each cup overlap one another.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bowl of one of the cups is formed by a curved sidewall and only one straight sidewall such that the included angle defined by a circle segment formed by an upper edge of the curved sidewall of one of the cups is 180 degrees.

[0009] In some embodiments, the bowl of another of the cups is formed by a curved sidewall and two straight sidewalls extending at right angles to each other such that the included angle defined by a circle segment formed by an upper edge of the curved sidewall of the other of the cups is 90 degrees.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cup set includes cups where the included angle defined by a circle segment formed by the upper edge of the curved sidewall is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bowl of another one of the cups defines a cavity having a volume of 4 fluid ounces.

[0012] In some embodiments, one of the cups is sized to be nested within the cup having an included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cup having an included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees is sized to be nested within one of the cups having an included angle of 180 degrees.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bowl of another of the cups defines a cavity having a volume that is i) smaller than the volume of the cavity defined by the bowl of a cup having an included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, and ii) smaller than the volume of the cavity defined by the bowl of a cup having an included angle of 180 degrees.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bowl of a cup having an included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees defines a cavity having a volume that is i) smaller than the volume of a cavity defined by the bowl of a cup having an included angle of 180 degrees, and ii) larger than the volume of a cavity defined by the bowl of a cup having an included angle of 90 degrees.

[0016] In some embodiments, the nestable cup set further comprises an auxiliary cup having a circular rim and a circular bowl depending from the circular rim, and sized to fit within the circular bowl of the auxiliary cup when stacked.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flange extends laterally from an upper edge of one or two straight side walls.

[0018] In some embodiments, the flange and rim together form the circumference of each cup of the nested cup set.

[0019] In some embodiments, the upper edge of the curved sidewall defines a constant radius.

[0020] In some embodiments, a flange extends laterally from the rim and is marked to indicate the volume of the cup.

[0021] In some embodiments, the circular bowl of the booster cup defines a cavity having a volume of 8 fluid ounces.

[0022] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a first cup having a first rim defining a first opening to a first cavity defining a first volume, the first cavity being bounded by a bottom surface and a first sidewall having a first curved portion and a straight portion, the first opening being defined by an upper edge of the straight portion and an upper edge of the curved portion, the upper edge of the first curved portion defining a constant radius, the rim also forming a first flange extending laterally from the upper edge of the straight portion, the first flange and the first rim together forming a circumference of the first cup; a second cup having a second rim defining a second opening to a second cavity defining a second volume smaller than the volume of the first cup, the second cavity being bounded by a bottom surface of the second cup and a second sidewall having a second curved portion and two straight portions, the second opening being defined by upper edges of the two straight portions and an upper edge of the second curved portion, the upper edge of the second curved portion defining a constant radius, the rim also defining a second flange extending laterally from the upper edges of the two straight portions, the second flange and the second rim together defining a circumference of the second cup. a second cup having a third rim defining a third opening to a third cavity defining a third volume smaller than the second volume, the third cavity being bounded by a bottom surface of the third cup and a third sidewall having a third curved portion and two straight portions, the third opening being bounded by an upper edge of the two straight portions of the third sidewall and ... rim defining a third opening to a third cavity defining a third volume smaller than the second volume, the third cavity being bounded by a bottom surface of the third cup and a third rim defining a third opening to a third cavity defined by a third curved portion and two straight portions of the third sidewall. and an upper edge of the third curved portion defining a constant radius, the rim also forming a third flange extending laterally from the upper edge of the two straight portions of the third sidewall, the third flange and the third rim together forming a circumference of the third cup, the two straight portions of the third sidewall together defining an included angle less than 180 degrees, the third cup being sized to be nested within the second cup with the third flange overlapping the second flange.

[0023] In some embodiments, the straight portion extends at an angle of less than about 180 degrees relative to a line perpendicular to the rim.

[0024] In some embodiments, the closed bottom of the circular bowl of the auxiliary cup is marked to indicate the volume of the cup. In some embodiments, the inner surface of each bowl comprises a polymer coating. In some embodiments, the markings on the closed bottom of the circular bowl of the auxiliary cup comprise a polymer coating. In some embodiments, the markings on the flange of each cup comprise a polymer coating.

[0025] Embodiments may provide one or more of the following advantages.

[0026] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a nesting cup set, preferably intended for use by children (e.g., toddlers and / or infants under the age of 3). In some embodiments, one of the functions of the nesting cup set is to teach children proportionality. By sizing each cup to be a respective segment with a similar cylindrical volume, and by all cups being of a similar depth, it tactilely and visually indicates to the user how the size of each cup relates to a whole (represented by the bottom cup). Also, by providing each cup with a rim that goes all the way around, the fractional ratio of the cup volume to the whole is indicated, even when the cups are handled apart from the others.

[0027] Intersensory integration is defined as the neurobiological activity in the body where the nervous system processes information from the senses and organizes stimuli. During early childhood, intersensory integration plays an important role in helping children understand their immediate environment. In some embodiments, by providing visual and tactile information about the size of the cups, the nesting cup set can facilitate the understanding of proportional relationships while using intersensory integration.

[0028] In some embodiments, the nesting cup set includes two or more cups with different volumes that can improve children's fine motor skills and size discrimination abilities. In some embodiments, the nesting cup set can further facilitate the development of self-help skills, which may include problem-solving skills and skills that build self-reliance. In some embodiments, the nesting cup set of the present disclosure, when used, can help teach children to do things on their own from an early age, thereby allowing them to use problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills.

[0029] The nesting cup set may include markings on the flange and / or the inner surface of the bowl. These markings may indicate the volume of the cup. For example, in some embodiments, the markings include a numerical representation (e.g., a fraction) or one or more lines indicating the proportional relationship of the volume to a whole. In some embodiments, by providing markings that correspond to the size of the cups, the nesting cup set may facilitate understanding of the mathematical relationship.

[0030] One or more embodiments of the invention are described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the description that follows. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nesting cup set in a stacked or nested configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the nesting cup set of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of one of the nested cups of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cup of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a side view of the cup of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the cup taken along line AA in FIG. 5. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a top view of another cup of the nesting cup set of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the cup of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a side view of the cup of FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the cup taken along line BB in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a top view of another cup of the nesting cup set of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the cup of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a side view of the cup of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the cup taken along line CC in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a top view of another cup of the nesting cup set of FIG. 1. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the cup of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a side view of the cup of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the cup taken along line DD in FIG. 17.

[0032] Like reference numbers in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a nested or stacked configuration of a nested cup set 100 that can be used for children's play and / or educational purposes. The nested cup set 100 includes at least three cups. The nested cup set 100 includes cups having bowls that define a volume of ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, and ½ cup. The nested cup set 100 also includes cups having bowls that define a volume of 1 cup. For example, the nested cup set 100 includes a first cup 102, a second cup 104, a third cup 106, and an auxiliary cup 108. The nested cup set 100 is typically made of one or more rigid materials capable of withstanding foreseeable use and / or damage by children. Examples of materials from which the nested cup set 100 can be made include plastic or wood. If made of plastic, the various individual cups of the nested cup set 100 can be molded separately.

[0034] 2 shows an exploded view of the nestable cup set 100 in a separated configuration (i.e., not nested or stacked). Each cup includes a respective rim and a respective bowl depending from the rim. For example, the first cup 102 includes a first rim 110, the second cup 104 includes a second rim 112, the third cup includes a third rim 114, and the auxiliary cup 108 includes a circular rim 116. The first rim 110, the second rim 112, and the third rim 114 each have a first flange 118, a second flange 120, and a third flange 122. The first flange 118, the second flange 120, and the third flange 122 of each cup overlap one another when the nestable cup set forms a single stack of nested cups, as shown in FIG. 1. The first cup 102 has a first bowl 124 depending from the first rim 110. The second cup 104 has a second bowl 126 depending from the second rim 112. The third cup 106 has a third bowl 128 depending from the third rim 114.

[0035] The first bowl 124, second bowl 126, and third bowl 128 of each cup are formed by curved sidewalls and one or two straight sidewalls that extend from the first rim 110, second rim 112, and third rim 114 of the cup to the closed bottom of the first bowl 124, second bowl 126, and third bowl 128. The curved sidewalls of each bowl have an upper edge at the rim of the cup. The upper edge forms a circle segment established by the perimeters of the first flange 118, second flange 120, and third flange 122. The circle segment formed by the upper edges of the curved sidewalls of the cups defines different included angles that vary depending on the volume of each cup. The first bowl 124, second bowl 126, and third bowl 128 of each cup are sized to be nested within one another such that the nested cup set is configured to form a single stack of nested cups (as shown in FIG. 1 ) with a decreasing included angle moving from the bottom to the top of the stack (e.g., from the first cup 102 to the third cup 106).

[0036] 3, 4, 5, and 6 show different views of the auxiliary cup 108. FIGS. 3 and 4 show top and bottom views of the auxiliary cup 108, respectively. The auxiliary cup 108 has a circular rim 116 and a circular bowl 130 depending from the circular rim 116. The circular bowl 130 has a closed bottom 132. The nested cup set is sized to fit within the circular bowl 130 of the auxiliary cup 108 when stacked. The circular bowl 130 of the auxiliary cup 108 defines a cavity 138 having a volume of approximately 8 fluid ounces. The inner surface of the closed bottom 132 of the circular bowl 130 includes markings 134 indicating the volume of the auxiliary cup 108 (e.g., approximately 1 cup). The inner surface of the circular bowl 130 and the markings 134 include a polymer coating (e.g., a glossy coating) that helps to emphasize the volume of the auxiliary cup 108 to a user. The markings 134 are typically made using one or more manufacturing techniques such as etching, engraving, ink marking, etc. Figures 5 and 6 show a side view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of the auxiliary cup 108. The cross-sectional side view of Figure 6 is taken along line AA of Figure 5. The circular bowl 130 is formed by a circular wall 136.

[0037] 7, 8, 9, and 10, the first rim 110 of the first cup 102 defines a first opening 140 to a first cavity 142 that further defines a first volume. The first volume is approximately 4 fluid ounces or ½ cup. The first cavity 142 is bounded by a bottom surface 144 and a first sidewall 146 having a first curved portion 148 and a first straight portion 150. The first bowl 124 is formed by the first curved portion 148 and the first straight portion 150 that extend from the first rim 110 toward the bottom surface 144 of the first bowl 124. The first bowl 124 is sized to be nested within the circular bowl 130 of the auxiliary cup 108. The first opening 140 is defined by an upper edge 152 of the first straight portion 150 and an upper edge 152 of the first curved portion 148. The upper edge 152 of the first curved portion 148 defines a constant radius r. The first rim 110 also defines a first flange 118 that extends laterally from the upper edge 152 of the first straight portion 150. The first flange 118 and the first rim 110 together form a circumference of the first cup 102. The circumference of the first cup 102 is less than the circumference of the auxiliary cup 108.

[0038] The surface of the first flange 118 includes markings 156 that indicate the volume of the first cup 102 (e.g., approximately 1 / 2 cup). The inner surface of the first bowl 124 and the markings 156 include a polymer coating (e.g., a glossy coating) that helps emphasize the volume of the first cup 102 to a user. The markings 156 are typically marked using one or more manufacturing techniques, such as etching, engraving, ink marking, etc.

[0039] 11, 12, 13, and 14, the second rim 112 of the second cup 104 defines a second opening 158 to a second cavity 160 that further defines a second volume. The second volume of the second cavity 160 is smaller than the first volume of the first cavity 142. For example, the second volume is about 0.33 fluid ounces or about 1 / 3 cup. The second cavity 160 is bounded by a bottom surface 162 and a second sidewall 164 having a second curved portion 166 and two second straight portions 168. Thus, the second bowl 126 is formed by the second curved portion 166 and the two second straight portions 168 that extend from the second rim 112 toward the bottom surface 162 of the second bowl 126. The second bowl 126 is sized to be nested within the first bowl 124 of the first cup 102. The second opening 158 is defined by an upper edge 170 of the two second straight portions 168 and an upper edge 172 of the second curved portion 166. The upper edge 172 of the second curved portion 166 defines a constant radius r'. The second rim 112 also forms a second flange 120 that extends laterally from the upper edges 170 of the two second straight portions 168. The second flange 120 and the second rim 112 together form the circumference of the second cup 104. The two second straight portions 168 together define an included angle alpha (α) that is less than about 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the included angle alpha is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The second straight portion 168 extends at an angle alpha less than about 180 degrees relative to a line z perpendicular to the second rim 112. In FIG. 12, the z-axis (i.e., line z) is an axis pointing out of the plane of the paper, and the x- and y-axes define a horizontal plane along the plane of the paper. The circumference of the second cup 104 is smaller than the circumferences of the auxiliary cup 108 and the first cup 102. The second cup 104 is sized to be nested within the first cup 102 with the second flange 120 overlapping against the first flange 118.

[0040] The surface of the second flange 120 includes markings 174 that indicate the volume of the second cup 104 (e.g., approximately 1 / 3 cup). The inner surface of the second bowl 126 and the markings 174 include a polymer coating (e.g., a glossy coating) that helps emphasize to a user the volume of the second cup 104. The markings 174 are typically marked using one or more manufacturing techniques, such as etching, engraving, ink marking, etc.

[0041] 15, 16, 17, and 18, the circular rim 116 of the third cup 106 defines a third opening 176 to a third cavity 178 that further defines a third volume. The third volume of the third cavity 178 is smaller than the second volume of the second cavity 160. For example, the third volume is about 0.25 fluid ounces or about 1 / 4 cup. The third cavity 178 is bounded by a bottom surface 180 and a third sidewall 182 having a third curved portion 184 and a pair of third straight portions 186. Thus, the third bowl 128 is formed by the third curved portion 184 and the pair of third straight portions 186 that extend from the third rim 114 toward the bottom surface 180 of the third bowl 128. The third bowl 128 is sized to be nested within the second bowl 126 of the second cup 104. The third opening 176 is defined by an upper edge 188 of a pair of third straight portions 186 and an upper edge 190 of the third curved portion 184. The upper edge 190 of the third curved portion 184 defines a constant radius r''. The third rim 114 also defines a third flange 122 that extends laterally from the upper edge 188 of the pair of third straight portions 186. The third flange 122 and the third rim 114 together form the circumference of the third cup 106. The pair of third straight portions 186 together define an included angle beta (β) that is less than about 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the included angle beta is about 90 degrees. The third straight portion 186 extends at an angle beta less than about 180 degrees relative to a line z perpendicular to the second rim 114. The pair of third straight portions 186 extend at right angles to each other such that the included angle beta defined by the circle segment formed by the upper edge 190 of the curved portion 184 of the third cup 106 is about 90 degrees. The third cup 106 is sized to be nested within a cup having an included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In FIG. 16, the z-axis (i.e., line z) is an axis pointing out of the plane of the paper, and the x-axis and y-axis define a horizontal plane along the plane of the paper. The circumference of the third cup 106 is smaller than the circumferences of the auxiliary cup 108, the first cup 102, and the second cup 104. The third cup 106 is sized to be nested within the second cup 104 with the third flange 122 overlapping against the second flange 120 .

[0042] The surface of the second flange 120 includes markings 174 that indicate the volume of the second cup 104 (e.g., approximately 1 / 3 cup). The inner surface of the second bowl 126 and the markings 174 include a polymer coating (e.g., a glossy coating) that helps emphasize to a user the volume of the second cup 104. The markings 174 are typically marked using one or more manufacturing techniques, such as etching, engraving, ink marking, etc.

[0043] Because the top surface of each cup forms a full circle, either as a circular rim in the case of the auxiliary cup 108, or as a flange edge and rim segment in the other cups, a top view of each cup (i.e., Figs. 3, 7, 11, and 15) helps a child visualize the respective proportions of each cup's volume, represented by the included angle of their respective openings. The complementary flanges of the first cup 102, second cup 104, and third cup 106 also aid in grasping by young children whose hand-eye coordination is still developing. These cups can be used more functionally as advanced playthings for child growth and measurement.

[0044] Although the measuring cup set 100 described above has been described and illustrated with respect to particular dimensions, shapes, arrangements, configurations, and material compositions, as well as particular methods, in some embodiments, a measuring cup set that is otherwise substantially similar in structure and function to the measuring cup set described above, or similar to any of the individual measuring cups described above, may include one or more dimensions, shapes, arrangements, configurations, and / or material compositions that differ from those described above, and may be used with respect to methods that are modified as compared to those described above. For example, while the measuring cup set 100 has been described and illustrated as including a first cup 102, a second cup 104, and a third cup 106, in some embodiments, a measuring cup set that is otherwise substantially similar in structure and function to the nested cup set 100 may instead include one or more measuring cups (e.g., three, four, five, six, or more measuring cups). For example, in some embodiments, a measuring cup set that is otherwise substantially similar in structure and function to nested cup set 100 may instead include one or more additional cups each defining a volume of approximately ⅔ cup, ¾ cup, ⅛ cup, ⅜ cup, etc.

[0045] While numerous embodiments have been described for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Other embodiments and variations have been and will continue to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

**Claim 1** Each cup comprises a respective rim having a flange and a respective bowl depending from said rim, each respective bowl of each cup is formed by a curved side wall extending from the respective rim of the cup to the closed bottom of the bowl and one or two straight side walls, the curved side wall of each bowl has an upper edge at the rim of the cup, said upper edge forms a circular segment defined by the outer periphery of the flange, the circular segment formed by the upper edge of the curved side wall of the cup defines different included angles, the bowls of the cups are sized to be nested such that the nested cup set is configured to form a single stack of nested cups with the included angle decreasing from the bottom to the top of the stack, A nested cup set. **Claim 2** The set according to claim 1, comprising at least three cups. **Claim 3** The set according to claim 2, comprising cups with bowls defining volumes of ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup. **Claim 4** The nested cup set according to claim 1, wherein when the nested cup set forms a single stack of nested cups, the flanges of each cup overlap each other. **Claim 5** The nested cup set according to claim 1, wherein the bowl in said one cup of the cups is formed by the curved side wall and only one straight side wall such that the included angle defined by the circular segment formed by the upper edge of the curved side wall in said one cup of the cups is 180 degrees. **Claim 6** The nested cup set according to claim 5, wherein the bowl in said other cup of the cups is formed by the curved side wall and two straight side walls extending perpendicular to each other such that the included angle defined by the circular segment formed by the upper edge of the curved side wall in said other cup of the cups is 90 degrees. **Claim 7** The nested cup set according to claim 6, wherein the cup set includes a cup defined by a circular segment formed by the upper edge of the curved side wall, and the included angle defined by the circular segment is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

8. The nested cup set according to claim 6, wherein the bowl of the other cup of the cups defines a cavity having a volume of 4 fluid ounces.

9. The nested cup set according to claim 6, wherein the other cup of the cups is sized to be nested within the cup having the included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

10. The nested cup set according to claim 7, wherein the cup having the included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees is sized to be nested within one of the cups having an included angle of 180 degrees.

11. The nested cup set according to claim 7, wherein the bowl of the other cup of the cups defines a cavity having a volume that is i) smaller than the volume of the cavity defined by the bowl of the cup having the included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, and ii) smaller than the volume of the cavity defined by the bowl of the cup having an included angle of 180 degrees.

12. The nested cup set according to claim 7, wherein the bowl of the cup having the included angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees defines a cavity having a volume that is i) smaller than the volume of the cavity defined by the bowl of the cup having an included angle of 180 degrees, and ii) larger than the volume of the cavity defined by the bowl of the cup having an included angle of 90 degrees.

13. The nested cup set further comprises an auxiliary cup having a circular rim and a circular bowl hanging down from the circular rim, and is sized to fit within the circular bowl of the auxiliary cup when stacked, as described in claim 1.

14. The nested cup set according to claim 1, wherein the flange extends laterally from the upper edge of the one or two straight side walls.

15. The nested cup set according to claim 1, wherein the flange and the rim together form the circumference of each cup of the nested cup set.

16. The upper edge of the curved side wall defines a constant radius, the nested cup set according to claim 15.

17. The flange extends laterally from the rim and is marked to indicate the volume of the cup, the nested cup set according to claim 1.

18. The circular bowl of the auxiliary cup defines a cavity having a volume of 8 fluid ounces, the nested cup set according to claim 13.

19. A first cup having a first rim defining a first opening to a first cavity defining a first volume, the first cavity being surrounded by a bottom surface and a first side wall having a first curved portion and a straight portion, the first opening being defined by an upper edge of the straight portion and an upper edge of the curved portion, the upper edge of the first curved portion defining a constant radius, the rim also forming a first flange extending laterally from the upper edge of the straight portion, the first flange and the first rim together forming the circumference of the first cup, the first cup; A second cup having a second rim defining a second opening to a second cavity defining a second volume smaller than the first volume, the second cavity being surrounded by a bottom surface of the second cup and a second side wall having a second curved portion and two straight portions, the second opening being defined by upper edges of the two straight portions and an upper edge of the second curved portion, the upper edge of the second curved portion defining a constant radius, the rim also forming a second flange extending laterally from the upper edges of the two straight portions, the second flange and the second rim together forming the circumference of the second cup, the two straight portions together defining an included angle smaller than 180 degrees, the second cup being sized to be nested within the first cup with the second flange overlapping the first flange, the second cup; A third cup having a third rim that defines a third opening to a third cavity that defines a third volume smaller than the second volume, the third cavity being surrounded by a bottom surface of the third cup and a third side wall having a third curved portion and two straight portions, the third opening being defined by upper edges of the two straight portions of the third side wall and an upper edge of the third curved portion, the upper edge of the third curved portion defining a constant radius, the rim also forming a third flange that extends laterally from the upper edges of the two straight portions of the third side wall, the third flange and the third rim together forming a circumference of the third cup, the two straight portions of the third side wall together defining an included angle smaller than 180 degrees, the third cup being sized to be nested within the second cup with the third flange overlapping the second flange, a third cup; The first, second, and third cups are configured to form a single stack of nested cups, the included angle decreasing from the bottom to the top of the stack. Nested measuring cup set.

20. The nested cup set according to claim 19, wherein the straight portion extends at an angle smaller than about 180 degrees with respect to a line perpendicular to the rim.

Images