Abstract:
The present disclosure teaches a collapsible vessel and also a method of reducing waste. The collapsible vessel has a mechanism that maintains its rigidity in its expanded form, yet allows it to be collapsed when desired. The vessel also has a removable lid, and the vessel, lid, or both may carry logos or other images or indicia, particularly those of restaurant or beverage chains.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/158,056 filed on Jun. 10, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/397,536, filed on Jun. 11, 2010 and both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to collapsible cups useful for containing beverages. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The idea of manufacturing cups which collapse and can be re-expanded is attractive because of the reduction in storage and transportation space for the cup. Many attempts have been made in the prior art to perfect such a cup; examples are cited below. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 988,453 teaches a collapsible drinking cup that is disposable, and is designed to be used once and then thrown away. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,010,581 teaches a collapsible drinking cup that has telescoping sections, a folding handle, a base plate, and a box or container for the cup. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,025,380 teaches a collapsible drinking cup made from water proof material such as sheet rubber, and has a support for the cup in its extended position. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,033,744 teaches a collapsible cup with flexible walls so that it can be twisted and folded. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,049,199 teaches a collapsible drinking cup with a handle and a spring mechanism that engages to expand the cup when the handle is released. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,482,425 teaches a collapsible drinking cup composed of telescopic tapering sections which engage each other when turned such that the head on one section engages against the edge of the adjoining section and thereby the sections are locked together. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,285 teaches a collapsible container such as a drinking cup that has a disk-shaped bottom and a disk-shaped cover which fit one within the other and engage by catches. A molded inner cup body has its base connected to the bottom and a mouth surrounded with a ring which seals to the cover and springs up from the bottom to erect the cup when the catches are released. 
         [0011]    US Application 20030160055 teaches a collapsible container such as a drinking cup that has a disk-shaped bottom and a disk-shaped cover which fit one within the other and engage by catches. A molded inner cup body has its base connected to the bottom and a mouth surrounded with a ring which seals to the cover and springs up from the bottom to erect the cup when the catches are released. 
         [0012]    US Application 20070029213 teaches an article dispenser having a detachable base, one or more detachable trays, and a detachable cup. The base, tray, and cup have corresponding cylindrical sidewalls to permit vertical stacking, attachment, and rotation. The tray consists generally of a hollow cavity for storing articles such as pills or vitamins and an outlet appendage through which the articles may be dispensed. Stacking a tray atop the base and then turning the tray with a clockwise, rotating motion guides the tray to a centered position and secures it to the base. The base, one or more trays, and the cup may be stacked in this manner to assemble the device. Rotating a stacked and secured tray further clockwise, beyond its centered position, reveals the tray outlet appendage and enables the user to dispense a loaded item. Conversely, rotating a stacked and secured tray counter-clockwise, beyond its centered position, releases the tray and enables it to be removed from the stack and filled. The cup is configured to contain and dispense liquid for drinking, thus aiding in the act of consumption. 
         [0013]    International Patent WO1998051186 teaches a collapsible drinking cup comprising several telescopically movable concentric engaging ring elements , which cup is provided with a cylindrical cover and a bottom support, where the innermost concentric ring element is fastened to the bottom support. The cover comprises at least a plane part provided with a closing member of the same material, and the bottom support is provided with at least one concentric flange. 
         [0014]    The present invention is an improvement over the prior art in a number of ways. The present invention is not only a collapsible cup, but also is, in one embodiment, a method of reducing waste. The present invention can be substituted for disposable cups made of plastic, paper or cardboard, therefore relieving the burden on landfills. The collapsible cup of the present invention can be made out of durable materials that can be used over and over again, materials that may not have even existed when some of the prior art was published. The cup&#39;s collapsible nature allows it to be conveniently transported in a user&#39;s pocket or purse. The present design of the collapsible cup is unique, because it has a removable lid and an era bottom. These features allow the cup to be placed in a cup holder in a vehicle. 
         [0015]    Several embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The present invention is a vessel. The vessel has a bottom ring having a bottom wall, the bottom wall having upper and lower bottom edges, inside and outside bottom surfaces, upper and lower bottom edge diameters, and a bottom disposed on the bottom wall. The invention also has at least one groove extending from the upper bottom edge to the lower bottom edge, the groove having a pin block, at least one locking dent in proximity to the upper bottom edge. The vessel has a top ring having a top wall, the top wall having upper and lower top edges, inside and outside top surfaces, upper and lower top edge diameters, and at least one groove extending from the upper top edge to the lower top edge. The groove has a pin block, at least one locking dent in proximity to the upper top edge, and at least one pin located on the top inside surface proximate to the top bottom edge. 
         [0017]    Since the cup can be extended and locked into the open position by twisting, it is also foreseeable that advertising pictures or puzzles may be disposed on the inner or outer surfaces of the rings to form a picture when the cop is in a fully open position. The cup may also have markings on the internal surface to indicate the volume of the beverage or other substance placed in the cup. 
         [0018]    The cup is ideally suited to be used as a promotional or advertising tool for large restaurant or coffeehouse chains that wish to promote their concern for the environment, specifically, by reducing waste and the consumption of forest products. 
         [0019]    The design of the present invention can also be expanded to include other types of vessels as well such as bowls or vases, and also could be used for animal dishes, which would be particularly useful when traveling with an animal or taking a dog to a park or other area for exercise. The vessel could also be used to contain or house utensils or other items. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the invention to be reusable. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the invention to aid the environment by reducing waste. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the invention to be easily portable. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the invention to be easily stored. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the invention to be an advertising medium. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the invention to have a volume indication on the outside surface. 
         [0026]    It is an object of the invention to have a volume indication on the inside surface. 
         [0027]    It is an object of the invention to be used by a commercial organization. 
         [0028]    It is an object of the invention to be used by a beverage or restaurant chain. 
         [0029]    It is an object of the invention to be a method of reducing waste by creating an incentive by an organization to use a collapsible cup instead of disposable cups. 
         [0030]    It is an object of the invention for the vessel to be made of materials that aren&#39;t easily breakable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    A variety of the designs suitable for the cup and the present invention are attached as drawings. There are five embodiments illustrated in the drawings. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate the first embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention in an extended configuration. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3A  is top view of the invention showing the interaction between the top ring and middle ring. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the invention showing the interaction between the top ring and the middle ring. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the invention showing the top ring and middle ring. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the invention. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 5-6  illustrate the second embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the invention in an extended configuration. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  illustrates the third embodiment, and is a side view of the invention in an extended configuration. 
           [0043]      FIGS. 8-13  illustrate the fourth embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the invention in an extended configuration. 
           [0045]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a side cut-away view of the invention in an extended configuration. 
           [0047]      FIG. 11  is an inside cut-away view of the invention in an extended configuration. 
           [0048]      FIG. 12  is an inside cut-away view of the invention in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0049]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a component of the invention. 
           [0050]      FIGS. 14-18  illustrate the fifth embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the invention in an extended configuration. 
           [0052]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the invention in an extended configuration. 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration with a lid. 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration with the lid removed. 
           [0055]      FIG. 18  is a front view of the invention in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0056]      FIGS. 19-20  illustrate the sixth embodiment. 
           [0057]      FIG. 19  is a top view of the invention having an elliptical shape and being held by the short axis. 
           [0058]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the invention having an elliptical shape and being held by the long axis. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0059]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in its expanded state.  FIG. 1  shows a vessel  100  with a groove  110 , a pin block  120 , and a locking dent  140 . The locking dent  140  is a separate groove from the groove  110 . These features allow the cup to be collapsed and expanded. 
         [0060]      FIG. 1  also shows a bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom surface  250 , and a bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 . 
         [0061]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a top ring  300 , with a top lip  305 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 , a top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 , and a top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 . The top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360  is larger than the top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 ; this allows the rings to nestle inside each other when the vessel  100  is collapsed. 
         [0062]    There is also a removable lid  380 . The removable lid  380  may be completely removable, or may be tethered to the vessel  100  so that it is partially removable. It may be tethered in any number of ways, including but not limited to, using a hinge, a rivet, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, or any means that allows the removable lid  380  to be tethered to the vessel  100 , either in a permanent way or in a way such that it can be fastened on and later removed if desired. For instance, a hook and loop fastener or snap on the outside of the vessel  100  corresponding to a mate on the removable lid  380  may be employed to keep the removable lid  380  tethered to the vessel  100  when the removable lid  380  is removed from the top of the vessel to allow drinking or eating. A hinge or rivet would keep the removable lid  380  tethered to the vessel  100  in a more permanent manner. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the vessel  100  has a middle ring  400 , with a middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , a middle ring middle wall lower middle edge  430 , and a middle ring middle wall outside middle surface  450 . The figure shows four middle rings, but there can be any number of middle rings, from one to 100. The preferred number of middle rings is [4] 
         [0064]    Although the preferred shape for the vessel  100  is round, it can be any shape, including but not limited to, square, rectangular, star shaped, pyramid shaped, shaped like a figure, such as but not limited to, a tree, a bird, a vehicle, or any figure desired. 
         [0065]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the rings of the vessel are different shades. The rings and removable lid may be any color or colors, may be the same for all rings and the removable lid, different for each ring and the removable lid, or any combination thereof, and may contain indicia, figures, patterns, or images on the inside, outside, or both, and on the entire vessel or removable lid, or any portion thereof. 
         [0066]    The indicia may take a wide variety of forms, including but not limited to, advertisements, names (for instance, a company such as a restaurant chain, or a person&#39;s name), other personalized information, astrological signs, slogans, logos or trademarks, birthdates, or any other desired indicia. 
         [0067]    The figures may include but are not limited to, advertisements, logos, media or other characters, animals, plants, drawings, inanimate objects, or any other desired figure. 
         [0068]    The patterns may include but are not limited to, patterns, designs, color patterns, or any desired pattern. 
         [0069]    The images may include but are not limited to, images of people, plants, animals, places, storefronts, media images, holographic images, digitally created or captured images, or any image desired. In addition, combinations of the media forms above may be employed. For instance, combinations of media include but are not limited to, comic strips, jokes, logos that contain both figures or images with indicia, characters with indicia, or any combinations desired. The indicia, figures, patterns, images or other media may be placed on the vessel such that they are completed and viewable when the vessel is extended, either on the outside or inside of the vessel or on both. 
         [0070]    The vessel may contain a volume indication, either on the outside, inside, or both. The volume indication may include, but is not limited to, a color change or change to translucence caused by liquid inside the vessel, markings on the vessel, a window in the vessel, or the vessel may be entirely transparent so the volume is easily discernable. 
         [0071]    The indicia, figures, patterns, images or other media may be placed on the vessel through any process, including but not limited to, printing, stamping, engraving. In addition, the indicia, figures, patterns, images or other media may be two dimensional or three dimensional on any portion or on all of the vessel or removable lid. 
         [0072]    The vessel and removable lid may be made from or contain any material, and need not be made from the same material. A preferred material is plastic, but other materials that may be used include but are not limited to, rubbers, thermoplastics, elastomers, fabrics, glass products such as but not limited to fiberglass, animal products such as but not limited to leather, plant products such as but not limited to bamboo, foams, metals such as but not limited to aluminum, wood or wood products, paper or paper products, waxes, or any combination of these or other materials. 
         [0073]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration. Shown in  FIG. 2  is a vessel  100  with a groove  110 , a pin block  120 , and a locking dent  140 . These features allow the cup to be collapsed and expanded. 
         [0074]      FIG. 2  also shows a bottom ring  200 , a bottom ring bottom wall inside bottom surface  240 , a bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 , a top ring  300 , with a top lip  305 , a removable lid  380 , and a middle ring  400 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an invention component; there are three views in  FIG. 3 :  FIG. 3   a ,  FIG. 3   b , and  FIG. 3   c . They show a detailed view of the mechanism that allows the vessel  100  to expand and collapse. 
         [0076]      FIG. 3   a  shows a portion of the vessel  100  with a groove  110 , a pin block  120 , and a locking dent  140 . Also shown in  FIG. 3   a  is a top ring  300 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 ; and a middle ring  400 , with a middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , and a middle ring middle wall outside middle surface  450 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 3   b  shows a portion of the vessel  100  with a groove  110 , a pin block  120 , and a locking dent  140 . Also shown in  FIG. 3   b  is a top ring  300 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 ; and a middle ring  400 , with a middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , and a middle ring middle wall outside middle surface  450 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 3   c  shows a portion of the vessel  100 , with groove  110 , pin block  120 , pin  130 , and locking dent  140 .  FIG. 3   c  also shows top ring  300 , with top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall inside top surface  340 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 ; and middle ring  400 , with middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , middle ring middle wall lower middle edge  430 , middle ring middle wall inside middle surface  440 , and middle ring middle wall outside middle surface  450 . 
         [0079]    The pin  130  may be attached to the vessel  100  in any manner and in any place on the vessel, but it is preferred that the pin  130  be welded to the top wall inside surface. 
         [0080]    As can be seen from the three views in  FIG. 3 , the expand/collapse operation of the vessel  100  is enabled by the pin and groove assembly. When the vessel  100  is collapsed, the pin block  120  is not blocking the pin  130 , and the pin block  120  slides through the groove  110  to allow the rings of the vessel to nestle inside each other. When rings of the vessel  100  are pulled upward and twisted to expand the vessel  100 , the pin block  120  blocks the pin  130  and the locking dent  140  to keep the vessel from collapsing.  FIG. 3   a  shows the vessel  100  partially twisted, so that the pin block  120  is not blocking the pin  130  and locking dent  140 .  FIG. 3   b  shows the vessel  100  twisted to its full capacity, so that the pin block  120  is now blocking the pin  130  and the locking dent  140 .  FIG. 3   c  shows the vessel twisted to full capacity, and also shows the pins  130  on the middle ring middle wall inside middle surface  440 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 4  shows the vessel  100  with groove  110 , locking dent  140 , bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter  260 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter  270 , bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 , top ring  300 , top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 , top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 , removable lid  380 , middle ring  400 , middle ring middle wall upper middle diameter  460 , and middle ring middle wall lower middle diameter  470 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 4  illustrates how a vessel  100  with a plurality of rings may be assembled. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , if all of the grooves  110  are lined up such that the locking dents  140  and pins (shown in  FIG. 3 ) are blocked by the pin block (shown in  FIG. 3 ), then the vessel  100  is expanded to its full capacity. This figure also illustrates that vessel  100  may be partially expanded if the user doesn&#39;t wish to use the full capacity of the vessel. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 5-6  show an alternative embodiment of the invention. The major differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are that a handle replaces the pin and groove as a stabilizing feature, and an era bottom is added to this embodiment. 
         [0084]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration.  FIG. 5  shows vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall inside bottom surface  240 , bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 , era bottom  290 , top ring  300 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 , middle ring  400 , middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , handle  500 , and hinge  510 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 6  is side view of the invention in an extended configuration.  FIG. 6  shows the vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom surface  250 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter  260 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter  270 , bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 , and era bottom  290 . 
         [0086]    Also shown in  FIG. 6  is top ring  300 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall inside top surface  340 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 , top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 , and top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 6  also shows middle ring  400 , middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , middle ring middle wall lower middle edge  430 , middle ring middle wall outside middle surface  450 , middle ring middle wall upper middle diameter  460 , and middle ring middle wall lower middle diameter  470 . 
         [0088]    Also illustrated in  FIG. 6  is handle  500 , vessel/handle interface  505 , and hinge  510 . 
         [0089]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show that the vessel  100  may be collapsed due to the increasing diameters of the rings, which allows them to nestle inside each other. In  FIG. 5 , the vessel  100  is collapsed, and the handle  500  rests across the nestled rings. To extend the vessel  100 , the handle  500  is rotated upward using the hinge  510 , and the rings are pulled upward. After the vessel  100  is expanded, the handle  500  is aligned such that it interfaces with the top ring top wall outside top surface  350 , using the vessel/handle interface  505 . The reverse procedure is used to collapse the vessel  100 . 
         [0090]    The handle  500  may be adjustable to any height so that it may be interfaced with any spot or spots on the vessel  100 , and any ring may contain the vessel/handle interface  505 . The vessel/handle interface  505  may be any interface that adds stability to the vessel  100  in the expanded configuration, including but not limited to, an indentation, a slot, a magnetic interface, in which the magnet could be in the handle or the vessel or in both, a pressure interface, or any other interface desired. 
         [0091]    The material components and dimensions are the same for this embodiment as described above for the first embodiment. 
         [0092]      FIG. 7  illustrates a third embodiment of the invention, which is different from the previous embodiments because of the handle  500 .  FIG. 7  is side view of the invention in an extended configuration.  FIG. 7  shows the vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 , top ring  300 , top ring top wall inside top surface  340 , and middle ring  400 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 7  is handle  500 , vessel/handle interface  505 , and hinge  510 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 7  shows a handle  500  that is used to stabilize the vessel  100  in the extended configuration, much as the second embodiment discussed above. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the handle  500  has the hinge  510  at the top instead of at the bottom, and the vessel/handle interface  505  at the bottom of the vessel  100 , although it could be anywhere on the vessel as discussed above. In this embodiment, the handle  500  is curved so that it can wrap around the ring  300  of the vessel  100  in the collapsed configuration. 
         [0094]      FIGS. 8-13  illustrate the fourth embodiment. This embodiment is different from the other embodiments in the manner in which the extended configuration is stabilized and maintained. As in all the other embodiments discussed previously, the diameters of the rings are such that they may nestle inside each other when the vessel is collapsed, with the top ring having the largest diameter, and the upper edge diameter of any specific ring being greater than its lower edge diameter. 
         [0095]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the invention in an extended configuration. Shown is vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom surface  250 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter  260 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter  270 , and bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 . 
         [0096]    Also shown is top ring  300 , with top lip  305 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall inside top surface  340 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 , top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 , and top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 8  also shows middle ring  400 , middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , middle ring middle wall lower middle edge  430 , middle ring middle wall inside middle surface  440 , middle ring middle wall outside middle surface  450 , middle ring middle wall upper middle diameter  460 , and middle ring middle wall lower middle diameter  470 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 8  shows the outside of the vessel only. The stabilizing mechanism is inside the walls of the vessel, and will be discussed when shown in a cut-away view. 
         [0099]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration.  FIG. 9  shows vessel  100 , with bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall inside bottom surface  240 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter  260 , and bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 . Also shown are top ring  300 , top lip  305 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 , middle ring  400 , and middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 10  is a side cut-away view of the invention in an extended configuration. Shown in  FIG. 10  is vessel  100  sliding groove  150 , interlocking pin block  160 , bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall inside bottom surface  240 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter  260 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter  270 , and bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 10  also shows top ring  300 , top lip  305 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall inside top surface  340 , top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 , and top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 . 
         [0102]    Also shown is middle ring  400 , middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , middle ring middle wall lower middle edge  430 , middle ring middle wall inside middle surface  440 , middle ring middle wall upper middle diameter  460 , and middle ring middle wall lower middle diameter  470 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 11  is an inside cut-away view of the invention in an extended configuration.  FIG. 11  shows vessel  100  with sliding groove  150 , interlocking pin block  160 , bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall inside bottom surface  240 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter  260 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter  270 , bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 , 
         [0104]      FIG. 11  also shows top ring  300 , top lip  305 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall inside top surface  340 , top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 , top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 . 
         [0105]    Also shown in  FIG. 11  is middle ring  400 , middle ring middle wall  410 , middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , middle ring middle wall lower middle edge  430 , middle ring middle wall inside middle surface  440 , middle ring middle wall upper middle diameter  460 , middle ring middle wall lower middle diameter  470 . 
         [0106]      FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the stabilizing mechanism of the vessel, which is a sliding groove  150  and interlocking pin block  160 . In order to expand the vessel  100  from the collapsed configuration, the vessel  100  is twisted while pulling up, thus enabling the interlocking pin block  160  to slide in the sliding groove  150  until it reaches pin  130 , which holds the expanded configuration stable. To collapse the vessel, the vessel is twisted in the opposite direction while pushing down. 
         [0107]      FIG. 12  is an inside cut-away view of the invention in a collapsed configuration.  FIG. 12  shows vessel  100  with sliding groove  150 , interlocking pin block  160 , bottom ring  200 , bottom disposed on bottom wall  280 , top ring  300 , top lip  305 , and middle ring  400 . This figure illustrates that the stabilizing mechanism resides in the wall of the vessel  100 , thus reducing possibility of damage to the mechanism. 
         [0108]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the stabilizing component of the invention.  FIG. 13  shows a middle ring  400  with sliding groove  150  and interlocking pin block  160 , and pin  130 . As described above, the interlocking pin block  160  slides along the sliding groove  150  as the vessel  100  is twisted and pulled up, until the interlocking pin block  160  encounters the pin  130 , at which point the vessel  100  is fully expanded and stabilized. 
         [0109]      FIGS. 14-18  illustrate the fifth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the middle ring(s) is the smallest in diameter, the top ring is smaller in diameter than the bottom ring, and the middle and top rings nestle in the bottom ring. This differs from the previous embodiments, in that in the other embodiments all of the rings nestled in the top ring. 
         [0110]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the invention in an extended configuration.  FIG. 14  shows the vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , top ring  300 , middle ring  400 , and removable lid  380 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the invention in an extended configuration.  FIG. 15  shows vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom surface  250 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter  260 , bottom ring and bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter  270 . 
         [0112]    Also shown in  FIG. 15  is top ring  300 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall outside top surface  350 , top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 , top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 , and removable lid  380 . 
         [0113]      FIG. 15  shows middle ring  400 , middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 , middle ring middle wall lower middle edge  430 , middle ring middle wall outside middle surface  450 , middle ring middle wall upper middle diameter  460 , middle ring middle wall lower middle diameter  470 . 
         [0114]    As discussed above, one difference between this embodiment and the other embodiments is the relative ring diameters. Not only are the diameters equal in each of the rings, they are such that bottom ring  200  is the largest. The largest diameter is the bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter  270 , which in this embodiment is equal to the bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter  260 . The next largest diameter is the top ring top wall lower top edge diameter  370 , which is equal to the top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 . The smallest diameter is for the middle ring  400 , in which the middle ring middle wall upper middle diameter  460  and middle ring middle wall lower middle diameter  470  are equal. 
         [0115]      FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration with a lid.  FIG. 16  shows vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper top edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower top edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall outside top surface  250 , and removable lid  380 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration with the lid removed.  FIG. 17  shows vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom surface  250 , and bottom  280 . This figure illustrates that the middle ring  400  and top ring  300  nestle in the bottom ring  200 . 
         [0117]    Also shown in  FIG. 17  is top ring  300 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , top ring top wall lower top edge  330 , top ring top wall inside top surface  340 , and middle ring  400  with middle ring middle wall upper middle edge  420 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of the invention in a collapsed configuration with the lid removed.  FIG. 18  illustrates the relative diameters of the top ring  300  and bottom rings  400 , and shows how the rings nestle.  FIG. 18  shows vessel  100  with bottom ring  200 , bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge  220 , bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge  230 , bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom surface  250 , top ring  300 , top ring top wall upper top edge  320 , and top ring top wall outside top surface  350 . Also shown are the bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter  270 , and the top ring top wall upper top edge diameter  360 . 
         [0119]    This embodiment is extended by pulling straight up on the vessel  100 . The rigidity of the construction materials are such that the vessel stays extended until it is pushed down into the collapsed configuration. 
         [0120]      FIG. 19  is a top view of the invention being held in a collapsible position. The vessel  100  has a series of interlocking concentric ellipses  610 . The ellipses  610  by definition have a short axis (denoted by A-A′) and a long axis (denoted by B-B′) (see  FIG. 20 ). The user  600  consumes fluid or other food items from the vessel  100  as previously described. Additionally, the vessel  100  is readily collapsible without having to dismantle the entire apparatus. The short axis A-A′ is designed to flex in response to an external force. Thus, a user  600  who squeezes the vessel along the short axis A-A′ can collapse the vessel  100  with little effort. This makes the vessel  100  ideal for use amongst individuals of all ages and health. The vessel  100  may simply fold flat in half or may fold further to decrease the size of the vessel  100  for storage or transportation. 
         [0121]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the invention being held in the drinking position. The vessel  100  is being held by the user  600  along the long axis B-B′. There is a spring like quality to the vessel  100  when held in this position. The vessel  100  exerts a force that must be overcome by the user  600  in order to collapse the vessel  100  in this position. Thus, the vessel  100  will remain open under normal circumstances when held in this position and used for consuming fluid or other food items. When the user  600  is done with the vessel  100  and it is emptied, the user  600  simply applies a force to the short axis A-A′ and the vessel  100  collapses for transportation and storage. 
         [0122]    Another embodiment of the invention comprises a cap that seals the cup when collapsed and not in use. Cap may be removed and used as housing of snack type food while user drinks from the cup. 
         [0123]    Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a cup that may be squeezed to collapse. According to this embodiment one axis of the cup resists flexing while the other one is more easily flexed. 
         [0124]    According to still another embodiment the cup can be collapsed in relation to its vertical axis. According to this embodiment one half of the cup is flexible rubber and the other half is rigid piece so as to enable grasping the cup. 
         [0125]    An even further embodiment provides a cup that opens like a Chinese paper lantern. 
         [0126]    According to another embodiment the cup opens to a cone. According to this embodiment the cup may be made of waterproof fabric. 
         [0127]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.