Metal shot cup
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024111461
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-08
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
Smart Images
Figure 2025026341000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001]
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of metallic containers. The present invention relates specifically to metallic shot cups. Typical shot cups are often made from plastic and are designed to hold liquids. However, plastic shot cups are designed to be disposable. The production of such plastic cups can have a negative impact on the environment, not only because it produces carbon dioxide emissions, but also because a large portion of the plastic cups may end up in landfills, contributing to the pollution of the environment. Furthermore, some plastic cups are produced with chemicals (e.g., BPA) that can have a negative impact on the health of people who drink from the cups. Given the negative environmental and health impacts associated with disposable plastic cups, metal would be a more desirable material for manufacturing reusable shot cups. [Background technology]
[0002]
[0002] Furthermore, it is not just the use of metal that is important, but the selection of the metal and the modification to a particular configuration from a typical plastic container are also important. In particular, the container must be constructed to allow for rapid and economical manufacture, constructed to allow for close packing for shipping, and constructed to contain a similar volume and / or have a volumetric designation related to the typical volume of liquid in a shot cup. In addition to selecting a particular metal and configuration, the selection of the container coating is also important as it affects the manufacturability of the container, the handling of the container, and the effect of the container on the liquid contained therein. Summary of the Invention
[0003] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a metallic shot cup. The shot cup includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the shot cup. The shot cup further includes a circular perimeter extending between an outer edge and an inner edge centered on the longitudinal axis. The circular perimeter has a radius of less than 0.05 inches. The shot cup has a sidewall extending between the first and second ends of the shot cup, the sidewall centered on the longitudinal axis. The sidewall includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of tapered sections. The tapered sections extend between the first and second ends of the shot cup. The shot cup includes a bottom having a circular surface generally parallel to the circular perimeter and centered on the longitudinal axis, the circular surface connecting to the trough at an outer edge of the circular surface. The shot cup further includes a polymer coating on at least a portion of the sidewall.
[0004] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a single piece metallic shot cup. The shot cup includes an open end including a hole and a closed end opposite the open end of the shot cup. The shot cup further includes a perimeter extending between an outer edge and an inner edge centered on a central longitudinal axis. The shot cup has a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end of the shot cup, the sidewall centered on the central longitudinal axis. The sidewall includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a first tapered section, a second tapered section, and a top. The first tapered section extends at a first angle relative to the central longitudinal axis. The second tapered section extends at a second angle relative to the central longitudinal axis. The shot cup further includes a bottom having a circular surface generally parallel to the perimeter and centered on the central longitudinal axis. The circular surface connects to the trough at an outer edge of the circular surface. The first tapered section is located between the bottom and the second tapered section. The upper portion is located between the second tapered portion and the periphery.
[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a single-piece metal shot cup kit. The single-piece metal shot cup kit includes a plurality of single-piece metal shot cups. Each single-piece metal shot cup includes an open end including a central hole and a closed end opposite the open end of the shot cup. The single-piece metal shot cup includes a circular periphery extending between an outer edge and an inner edge centered on a longitudinal axis. The circular periphery has a radius of less than 0.05 inches. Each single-piece metal shot cup 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 single-piece metal shot cup further includes a bottom having a circular surface generally parallel to the circular periphery and centered on the longitudinal axis. The circular surface connects to a trough at an outer edge of the circular surface. The single piece metal shot cup kit further includes a container configured to hold a plurality of the single piece metal shot cups when the plurality of single piece metal shot cups are stacked.
[0006]
[0006] Additional features and advantages are set forth in the following detailed description, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or will be learned by practicing the embodiments described in the written description and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.
[0007]
[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, can explain the principles and operation of the various embodiments. Moreover, alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as generally set forth in the claims.
[0008]
[0008] The present application will become 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: [Brief description of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a metal shot cup according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2]
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of the metal shot cup of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the metal shot cup of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]
[0012] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the metal shot cup of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5]
[0013] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the metal shot cup of FIG. 1. [Figure 6]
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of the metal shot cup of FIG. 1. [Figure 7]
[0015] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the metal shot cup of FIG. 1. [Figure 8]
[0016] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the metal shot cup shown along line 8-8 of FIG. 5. [Figure 9]
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stack of metal shot cups of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10]
[0018] 1 is an illustration of metal shot cup packaging according to an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 11]
[0019] 1 is a metal shot cup packaging according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12]
[0020] 1 is a metal shot cup packaging according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010]
[0021] With reference to the figures in general, various embodiments of metal containers, such as metal shot cups, are shown. As described herein, applicants have developed a single-piece, multi-tapered metal shot cup that provides several improvements over disposable plastic cups. In one embodiment, the metal shot cup includes a relatively small wall thickness, allowing for a small overall weight of the cup, while the metal material creates a robust shot cup suitable for multiple uses. The metal shot cup includes one or more tapered sections, allowing for tight packaging. The metal material, reusable nature of the metal shot cup, and tapered shape contribute to reduced adverse health and environmental impacts compared to traditional plastic shot cups (i.e., less chemical intake by the user, less contamination, tight packing, etc.). Additionally, the multi-tapered shape of the shot cup allows for improved grip for the user.
[0011]
[0022] With reference to FIGURE 1, a metallic container is shown in an exemplary embodiment as a thin-walled metallic shot cup 10. The metallic shot cup 10 includes a body 12 coupled to a rolled top edge, shown as a perimeter 18. The body 12 extends along and is centered on a longitudinal axis, shown as a central axis 20, between a top or first end 14 and a bottom or second end 16. The top or first end 14 is located adjacent the perimeter 18, and the bottom or second end 16 is opposite the top end 14. The top end 14 of the body 12 includes an opening or hole 22 centered on the longitudinal central axis 20.
[0012]
[0023] The body 12 is at least partially defined by a sidewall 24. The body 12 further includes an exterior surface 28 and an interior surface 26. An inner edge 19 of the perimeter 18 at least partially defines an aperture 22. The aperture 22 extends along and is centered on a longitudinal central axis 20 between the top end 14 and the bottom end 16. In various embodiments, the metal shot cup 10 may include a container lid or cover 30. The container cover may be any element to which the metal shot cup 10 may be sealed such that the container can contain the liquid (i.e., prevent spills). In various specific embodiments, the cover 30 is a snap-on top. In other specific embodiments, the cover 30 is formed from cellulose, such as a cellophane cover. In other specific embodiments, the cover 30 is a foil cover.
[0013]
[0024] In various specific embodiments, the metal shot cup 10 is formed as a unitary, unitary, integral, or single piece cup. In various embodiments, the metal shot cup 10 is formed from aluminum. In such embodiments, the metal shot cup 10 is formed from aluminum alloy 3104.
[0014]
[0025] In various specific embodiments, the metal shot cup 10 includes a polymer coating on at least a portion of the sidewall 24. In various specific embodiments, the metal shot cup 10 includes a polymer coating on at least one of the exterior surface 28 and the interior surface 26. Applicant believes that the use of a polymer coating protects the surface of the metal shot cup and / or reduces a metallic taste. In certain embodiments, the polymer coating is a PPE (polyphenylene ether) coating. The polymer coating is not a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) coating, which may oxidize and thus degrade the coating and / or the taste of the liquid that interacts with the coating. Applicant believes that the PPE coating provides durable protection and reduces the likelihood of degradation and / or oxidation that may change the taste of the liquid in the metal shot cup 10.
[0015]
[0026] In various embodiments, the polymer coating is on both the inner surface 26 and the outer surface 28 of the metallic shot cup 10. In such embodiments, 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 a variety of 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 coating has a thickness defined between the exterior of the coating and the inner surface 26 or the outer surface 28 of the metallic shot cup 10. The coating thickness is between 35 and 15 microns, more specifically between 30 and 20 microns, and in such embodiments, 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.
[0016]
[0027] 2-5, side views of a metal shot cup 10 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As discussed above, the body 12 and / or sidewall 24 include a plurality of tapers, or tapered sections. In various embodiments, the sidewall 24 includes a first tapered section 32, a second tapered section 34, and an upper portion 36. The first tapered section 32 extends generally upwardly from a bottom wall 40. The bottom wall 40 includes a bottom wall edge 38 at the second end 16 of the metal shot cup 10 and a trough 42 about the periphery of the bottom wall 40 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 8).
[0017]
[0028] 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 top section 36. The top section 36 is located between the second tapered section 34 and the rim 18. The sidewall 24 includes an upper border or edge 44 of the first tapered section 32. The upper border 44 is located between the first tapered section 32 and the second tapered section 34. The sidewall 24 further includes a lower border or edge 46 of the top section 36. The lower border 46 is located between the top section 36 and the second tapered section 34. In various embodiments, the top section 36 is a third tapered section. In such embodiments, the tapers allow the metal shot cups 10 to be fully stackable. In other embodiments, the top portion 36 is generally vertical (ie, ±10 degrees perpendicular to the bottom wall 40 and / or perimeter 18 ) and extends along the longitudinal axis 20 .
[0018]
[0029] In various specific embodiments, the lower boundary 46 of the upper portion 36, which is the upper boundary of the second tapered section 34, is positioned to indicate a volume of 1 ounce. In general, the metal shot cup 10, and specifically the bore 22, can hold 1.5 ounces of liquid.
[0019]
[0030] In various specific embodiments, the tapered portions 32, 34, 36 of the sidewall 24 may have varying angles relative to a reference parallel to the longitudinal axis 20. A first angle, designated as A1, is defined as the angle between the wall of the first tapered portion 32 and the longitudinal axis 20. In certain embodiments, A1 is between 1 and 10 degrees, more specifically between 1 and 5 degrees, and in such embodiments, A1 is about 2 degrees (i.e., 2 degrees ± 0.5 degrees).
[0020]
[0031] In various embodiments, the second tapered section 34 includes a second angle A2 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 certain embodiments, A2 is between 30 and 38 degrees, more particularly between 32 and 36 degrees, and in such embodiments, A2 is about 34 degrees (i.e., 34 degrees ± 2 degrees). In various embodiments, the upper portion 36 includes a third angle A3 defined as the angle between the wall of the upper portion 36 and the longitudinal axis 20. In various specific embodiments, A3 is less than A1 and A2. In certain embodiments, A3 of the upper portion 36 is about 0 degrees (i.e., 0 degrees ± 0.5 degrees). In various specific embodiments, A3 is between 0 and 2 degrees, more particularly between 0 and 1 degree, and in such embodiments, A3 is about 0 degrees (i.e., 0 degrees ± 1 degree).
[0021]
[0032] 5, a first height, designated as H1, is defined between perimeter 18 of upper portion 36 and lower border 46. In certain embodiments, H1 is between 0.4 inches and 0.5 inches, and in such embodiments, H1 is about 0.44 inches ± 0.02 inches.
[0022]
[0033] 6-7, top and bottom views of the metal shot cup 10 are shown. The difference in diameter between the tapered sections 32, 34, the top 36, and the bottom wall 40 is shown. A trough 42 defines the lowest point of the bottom wall 40. The bottom wall 40 further includes an outer bottom surface 37 connected to the bottom wall edge 38 by the trough 42. As shown in FIG. 8, the trough 42 has a depth designated as B1. In various specific embodiments, B1 is between 0.08 cm (0.03 inches) and 0.13 cm (0.05 inches), more specifically between 0.89 cm (0.035 inches) and 1.14 cm (0.045 inches), and in such embodiments is about 0.10 cm (0.04 inches) ± 0.05 cm (0.02 inches).
[0023]
[0034] 8, a cross-sectional view of the metal shot cup 10 and cover 30 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The overall height of the metal shot cup 10 is shown as H2 and is defined between the top of the rim 18 and the bottom of the trough 42. In various specific embodiments, the height of the metal shot cup 10 is less than 2.5 inches, and more specifically, less than 2 inches. In certain embodiments, H2 is between 1.5 inches and 2.1 inches, and more specifically, between 1.6 inches and 2 inches, and in such embodiments, is about 1.8 inches ± 0.1 inches.
[0024]
[0035] At the top end 14 of the body 12, a first diameter, designated D1, is defined between the outer edges of the opposing sides of the perimeter 18. In certain embodiments, D1 is between 1.5 inches and 2.1 inches, more specifically between 1.6 inches and 2 inches, and in such embodiments is about 1.8 inches ± 0.02 inches. The bore 22 and the interior surface 26 define a second diameter, designated D2. Specifically, D2 is defined at the top end 14 which defines the diameter of the upper portion 36. In certain embodiments, D2 is between 75% and 95% of D1, specifically between 80% and 90% of D2, and more specifically between 84% and 87% of D1. In certain embodiments, D2 is between 1.4 inches and 1.7 inches, and in such embodiments, D2 is about 1.56 inches ± 0.02 inches.
[0025]
[0036] The lower end 16 of the body 12 defines a third diameter, designated as D3. D3 is defined as the outer diameter between the opposing portions of the trough 42. In certain embodiments, D3 is between 1.2 inches and 1.6 inches, and in such embodiments, D3 is about 1.4 inches ± 0.02 inches. In certain embodiments, D3 is between 65% and 85% of D1, specifically between 70% and 80% of D1, and more specifically between 76% and 79% of D1.
[0026]
[0037] The periphery 18 is tightly curved and has a thickness designated as T1. In certain embodiments, T1 is between 0.07 inches and 0.1 inches, more particularly between 0.085 inches and 0.095 inches, and in such embodiments is about 0.09 inches ± 0.01 inches. In various specific embodiments, T1 is less than 0.1 inches. The periphery 18 includes an outer curved surface 25. The outer curved surface 25 defines a first radius designated as R1. In various specific embodiments, R1 is less than 0.1 inches, particularly less than 0.075 inches, and more particularly less than 0.05 inches. In certain embodiments, R1 is between 0.08 cm (0.03 inch) and 0.15 cm (0.06 inch), and more specifically between 0.10 cm (0.04 inch) and 0.13 cm (0.05 inch), and in such embodiments is about 0.114 cm (0.045 inch) ± 0.03 cm (0.01 inch). In other words, periphery 18 has a small radius and a high curvature.
[0027]
[0038] A wall thickness of sidewall 24, designated as T2, is defined between outer surface 28 and inner surface 26 at upper portion 36. In various specific embodiments, T2 is between 0.0062 inches and 0.0078 inches, more specifically between 0.0062 inches and 0.0070 inches, and in such embodiments is about 0.0065 inches ± 0.0005 inches. A wall thickness of sidewall 24, designated as T3, is defined between outer surface 28 and inner surface 26 at first tapered portion 32. In various specific embodiments, T3 is between 0.0062 inches and 0.0078 inches, and more specifically between 0.0062 inches and 0.0070 inches, and in such embodiments, is about 0.0065 inches ± 0.0005 inches.
[0028]
[0039] A curved surface 35 connects the upper portion 36 to the second tapered section 34 along the inner surface 26. The curved surface 35 has a radius designated as R2. In certain embodiments, R2 is between 0.02 inches and 0.06 inches, and more specifically between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches, and in such embodiments, R2 is about 0.04 inches ± 0.01 inches.
[0029]
[0040] 9-12, multiple metal shot cups 10 are shown in a stacked arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. The multi-tapered shape of the metal shot cups 10 allows them to be easily stacked (i.e., one metal shot cup 10 positioned within the bore 22 of another metal shot cup 10) and packaged into a kit (see, e.g., FIGS. 10-12). As shown in FIG. 9, multiple metal shot cups 10 together form a stack 100. In various embodiments, when the A3 of the top 36 is about 0 degrees, the top 36 of the metal shot cup 10 extends upward (the orientation shown in FIG. 9) and outward from the lower metal shot cup 10 when the multiple metal shot cups 10 are in the stack 100. In various embodiments, when A3 of the top portion 36 is greater than zero (i.e., tapered), the top portion 36 is positioned and / or received within a lower metal shot cup 10 in the stack 100 such that the top portion 36 is positioned within the hole 22 of an adjacent shot cup in the stack 100. In other words, when the top portion 36 includes a taper, the metal shot cups 10 allow for perfect stacking.
[0030]
[0041] 10, a kit 110 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The kit 110 includes a plurality of metal shot cups 10 and a container, shown as a generally cylindrical tube 112 configured to receive the plurality of metal shot cups 10. The kit 110 includes a stack 100 of the metal shot cups 10 located within a bore 114 of the generally cylindrical tube 112. In other words, the cylindrical tube 112 has a generally cylindrical column shape. In various embodiments, the stack 100 includes a plurality of metal shot cups 10. In various specific embodiments, the stack 100 includes 10 metal shot cups 10. In other embodiments, the stack 100 includes a different number of metal shot cups 10 (i.e., 6, 8, 12, 20, 24, etc.).
[0031]
[0042] With reference to Fig. 11, a kit 120 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The kit 120 includes a stack 100 of metal shot cups 10 that are positioned within a hole 124 of a generally triangular tube 122. In other words, the triangular tube 122 has a general shape of a triangular prism. With reference to Fig. 12, a kit 130 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The kit 130 includes a stack 100 of metal shot cups 10 that are positioned within a hole 134 of a generally rectangular tube 132. In other words, the rectangular tube 132 has a general shape of a rectangular prism with a hole 134 having a square shape.
[0032]
[0043] It is to be understood that the figures illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodologies set forth in the description or shown in the figures, and it is to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0033]
[0044] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Therefore, this description should be construed as illustrative only. The configurations and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are exemplary only. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (e.g., variations in size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting configurations, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be modified or changed. The order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm, or method steps may be changed or rearranged by alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0034]
[0045] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended that any method described herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, unless a method claim actually recites the order in which its steps should be followed, or unless the claim or specification otherwise expressly states that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, no particular order is intended to be inferred. Additionally, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more components or elements, and is not intended to be construed to mean only one.
[0035]
[0046] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are joined together directly or indirectly. Such a joint may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such a joint may be achieved with two members and any additional members integrally formed as a single unit with each other or with the two members, or with two members and any additional members attached to each other. Such a joint may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being joined such that when a force is applied, the components move together in a fixed positional relationship.
[0036]
[0047] Although the present application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the present invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein, whether or not such combinations are currently claimed, and any such combinations of features may be claimed in this or a future application. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments described above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments described above.
[0037]
[0048] In various exemplary embodiments, relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, are to scale as shown in the figures. Actual measurements in the figures disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and ratios of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments span various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and ratios that may be determined from the figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the figures. Additionally, actual dimensions not explicitly set forth in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the figures in combination with the explicit dimensions set forth in this description. [Explanation of symbols]
[0038] 10 Metal shot cups 12 Main unit 14 Top end, first end 16 Bottom end, second end 18 Periphery 19 Inner margin 20 center axis 22 Openings, holes 24 Side wall 25 External curved surface 26 Inside 28 Exterior 30 Container lids or covers 32 First tapered section 34 Second taper section 35 Internal curved surface 36 Upper, third taper section 37 Outer bottom surface 38 Bottom wall edge 40 Bottom Wall 42 Trough 44 Upper border, margin 46 Lower Border, Edge 100 stack 110, 120, 130 Kit 112, 122, 132 tubes 114, 124, 134 holes A1, A2, A3 angle B1 Depth D1, D2, D3 diameter H1, H2 height R1, R2 radius T1, T2 thickness
Claims
1. A metal shot cup, a first end of the shot cup; a second end of the shot cup opposite the first end; a circular periphery extending between an outer edge and an inner edge about the longitudinal axis, the circular periphery having a radius of less than 0.05 inches; a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end of the shot cup and centered about the longitudinal axis, exterior, The inner surface, and a plurality of tapered portions extending between the first end and the second end of the shot cup; a sidewall including a bottom having a circular surface generally parallel to the circular perimeter and centered about the longitudinal axis, the circular surface connecting to a trough at an outer edge of the circular surface; a polymer coating on at least a portion of said sidewall.
2. 10. The metallic shot cup of claim 1, wherein said metallic shot cup is formed from a single, integral piece of metal.
3. 3. The metallic shot cup of claim 2, wherein said metallic shot cup is formed from aluminum.
4. 2. The metallic shot cup of claim 1, wherein the polymer coating is on the interior and exterior surfaces of the sidewall.
5. 5. The metallic shot cup of claim 4, wherein said polymeric coating on said interior surface has a first color and said polymeric coating on said exterior surface has a second color.
6. 6. The metallic shot cup of claim 5, wherein said first color is different from said second color.
7. 5. The metallic shot cup of claim 4, wherein said polymer coating is formed from polyphenylene ether.
8. The plurality of tapered portions are a first tapered section extending generally upward from the base and having a first angle; a second tapered section having a second angle; 2. The metallic shot cup of claim 1, wherein said first tapered portion is located between said base and said second tapered portion.
9. 9. The metallic shot cup of claim 8, further comprising a top portion, said top portion being located between said second tapered portion and said circular periphery.
10. 10. The metallic shot cup of claim 1 further comprising a cover connectable to said circular periphery, said cover forming a seal to seal contents contained within said metallic shot cup.
11. A single piece metal shot cup comprising: an open end of the shot cup including a hole; a closed end of the shot cup opposite the open end of the shot cup; a periphery extending between an outer edge and an inner edge about a longitudinal central axis; a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end of the shot cup and centered on the longitudinal central axis, exterior, Inside, a first tapered section extending at a first angle relative to the longitudinal central axis; a second tapered section extending at a second angle relative to the longitudinal central axis; and Top a sidewall including a bottom having a circular surface generally parallel to the periphery and centered on the longitudinal central axis, the circular surface connecting to a trough at an outer edge of the circular surface; the first tapered portion is located between the bottom portion and the second tapered portion, a single piece metallic shot cup, said top portion being located between said second tapered portion and said periphery;
12. 12. The single piece metallic shot cup of claim 11, further comprising an upper boundary of the second tapered portion, the upper boundary of the second tapered portion being located between the second tapered portion and the top, the upper boundary defining a volume of one ounce.
13. 12. The single piece metallic shot cup of claim 11, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.
14. 12. The single piece metallic shot cup of claim 11, wherein a thickness of the rim is defined between the outer edge of the rim and the inner edge of the rim, the thickness of the rim being less than 0.1 inches.
15. 12. The single piece metallic shot cup of claim 11 further comprising a polyphenylene ether coating on said interior and exterior surfaces of said sidewall.
16. 16. The single piece metallic shot cup of claim 15, wherein said polyphenylene ether coating on said interior surface has a first color and said polyphenylene ether coating on said exterior surface has a second color.
17. 1. A single piece metal shot cup kit comprising: A plurality of single-piece metal shot cups, each single-piece metal shot cup comprising: an open end of the shot cup including a central bore; a closed end of the shot cup opposite the open end of the shot cup; a circular periphery extending between an outer edge and an inner edge about the longitudinal axis, the circular periphery having a radius of less than 0.05 inches; a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end of the shot cup and centered about the longitudinal axis, exterior, The inner surface, and a plurality of tapered sections extending between the open end and the closed end of the shot cup, each tapered section extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis; a sidewall including a bottom having a circular surface generally parallel to the circular perimeter and centered on the longitudinal axis, the circular surface connecting to a trough at an outer edge of the circular surface; The single piece metal shot cup kit further comprises: a container configured to hold the plurality of single-piece metal shot cups when the plurality of single-piece metal shot cups are stacked.
18. 18. The single piece metal shot cup kit of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of single piece metal shot cups has a height defined between a top of the circular perimeter and a bottom edge of the trough, the height being less than 2 inches.
19. 20. The single piece metal shot cup kit of claim 17, wherein the container further comprises a cylindrical tube including a hole, and the plurality of single piece metal shot cups are stacked within the hole of the cylindrical tube.
20. 20. The single piece metallic shot cup kit of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of covers, each cover being connectable to said circular periphery of said plurality of shot cups.