Patent Publication Number: US-11647857-B2

Title: Drink cup

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/593,350, filed Oct. 4, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 10,477,998, filed Feb. 28, 2017, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/301,859, filed Mar. 1, 2016, each of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to containers, and particularly to cups. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to drink cups. 
     SUMMARY 
     A drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure includes a body and a brim. The body is formed to include an interior region providing a fluid-holding reservoir and the brim is coupled to the body to frame an opening into the interior region. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the drink cup includes a body-strengthening system configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of a drink cup while maximizing rigidity of a selected portion of the drink cup so that unintended deformation of the drink cup is minimized. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the body-strengthening system includes a first strengthening unit located between a lower portion of the side wall and a middle portion of the side wall. In illustrative embodiments, the first strengthening unit includes an upper-strengthening segment and a C-shaped lower-strengthening segment. The upper-strengthening segment is located between the C-shaped lower-strengthening segment and the middle portion of the side wall. The C-shaped lower-strengthening segment is located between the upper-strengthening segment and the lower portion of the side wall. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the body-strengthening system further includes a second strengthening unit located between the first strengthening unit and the brim. The second strengthening unit includes a C-shaped annular ring and an annular strip. Illustratively, the C-shaped annular ring is located between the annular strip and the middle portion of the side wall. 
     Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure showing the drink cup includes a body formed to include an interior region, a brim coupled to an upper portion of a side wall included in the body, and a body-strengthening system coupled to the body and including a first strengthening unit and a second strengthening unit; 
         FIG.  2    is an enlarged perspective view taken from  FIG.  1    showing from top-to-bottom a middle portion of the side wall, the first strengthening unit, and a bottom portion of the side wall, the first strengthening unit including an upper-strengthening segment and a C-shaped strengthening segment, the upper-strengthening segment is located between the C-shaped strengthening segment and the middle portion of the side wall and the C-shaped strengthening segment is located between the upper-strengthening segment and the lower portion of the side wall; 
         FIG.  3    is an enlarged perspective view taken from  FIG.  2    showing from top to bottom the brim, a stack shoulder, an upper portion of the side wall, the second strengthening unit, and the middle portion of the side wall, the second strengthening unit including a C-shaped annular ring coupled to the upper portion of the side wall and an annular strip extending between and interconnecting the C-shaped annular ring and the middle portion of the side wall; 
         FIG.  4    is a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  1    showing the drink cup includes from top-to-bottom along the central axis the brim, the stack shoulder, the upper-portion of the side wall, the second strengthening unit, the middle portion of the side wall, the first strengthening unit, the lower portion of the side wall, and the floor; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged dead section of the sectional view of  FIG.  4    showing the first strengthening unit relative to the central axis and extending between and interconnecting the middle portion of the side wall with the lower portion of the side wall, and further showing the first strengthening unit includes the upper-strengthening segment including an annular strip coupled to the middle portion of the side wall and an annular band located a first distance from the central axis and extending between and interconnecting the annular strip and the C-shaped strengthening segment, the C-shaped strengthening segment extending between and interconnecting the annular band and the lower portion of the side wall and including a first annular strip, a second annular strip, and an annular band located between the first annular strip and the second annular strip, the annular band located a second distance from the central axis which is generally greater than the first distance of the annular band of the upper-strengthening segment to the central axis; 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged dead section of the sectional view of  FIG.  4    showing the second strengthening unit relative to the central axis and extending between and interconnecting the middle portion of the side wall and the upper portion of the side wall and further showing the second strengthening unit including from top to bottom a C-shaped annular ring and an annular bottom strip extending between and interconnecting the C-shaped annular ring and the middle portion of the side wall, the C-shaped annular ring including a first annular strip coupled to the upper portion of the side wall, a second annular strip coupled to the bottom strip, and an annular band extending between and interconnecting the first annular strip and the second annular strip and located a third distance from the central axis which is generally less than a fourth distance located between the middle portion of the side wall and a fifth distance located between the central axis and the upper portion of the side wall; 
         FIG.  7    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  15    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  16    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    is a side-elevation view of another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  19    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  20    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  21    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  22    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  23    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  24    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  25    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  26    is a side-elevation view another embodiment of a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  27    is a perspective view of a Rigidity Tester used in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A drink cup  10  includes a body  12 , a brim  14 , and a body-strengthening system  16  as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   . Body  12  includes a floor  18  and a side wall  20  that cooperate to form an interior region  22 . Brim  14  is coupled to body  12  to frame an opening into interior region  22 . Body-strengthening system  16  is coupled to body  12  between floor  18  and brim  14  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  10  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  10  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  10  is minimized. Additional embodiments of drink cups  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1010 ,  1110 ,  1210 ,  1310 ,  1410 ,  1510 ,  1610 ,  1710 ,  1810 ,  1910 , and  2010  are shown in  FIGS.  7 - 26   . A rigidity tester used to measure side wall rigidity is shown in  FIG.  27   . 
     Body  12  includes floor  18 , side wall  20 , and stack shoulder  24 . Floor  18  cooperates with side wall  20  to define interior region  22  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  20  extends away from floor  18  towards brim  14  along a central axis A 1  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  4   . Stack shoulder  24  extends between and interconnects side wall  20  and brim  14 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     Brim  14  is coupled to stack shoulder  24  and is configured to frame an opening into interior region  22 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . Brim  14  is adapted to couple to a lid to establish a package. The package includes drink cup  10  and the lid coupled to the brim  14 . The lid is arranged to block selectively access to interior region  22  of drink cup  10 . Illustratively, brim  14  provides a continuous smooth surface as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . 
     Body-strengthening system  16  includes a first strengthening unit  26  and a second strengthening unit  28 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . First strengthening unit  26  extends between and interconnects a middle portion  20 B of side wall  20  and a lower portion  20 C of side wall  20 , as shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  4 , and  5   . Second strengthening unit  28  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  20 A of side wall  20  and middle portion  20 B as shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  6   . First strengthening unit  26  and second strengthening unit  28  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  20 . 
     First strengthening unit  26  includes an upper-strengthening segment  30  and a C-shaped strengthening segment  32 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . Upper-strengthening segment  30  extends between and interconnects middle portion  20 B of side wall  20  and C-shaped strengthening segment  32 . C-shaped strengthening segment  32  extends between and interconnects upper-strengthening segment  30  and lower portion  20 C of side wall  20 . 
     Upper-strengthening segment  30  includes an annular strip  30 A and an annular band  30 B, as shown in  FIG.  5   . Annular strip  30 A extends between and interconnects middle portion  20 B of side wall  20  and annular band  30 B. Annular band  30 B is located a first distance D 1  from central axis A 1 . Annular band  30 B extends between and interconnects annular strip  30 A with C-shaped strengthening segment  32 . 
     C-shaped strengthening segment  32  includes a first annular strip  32 A, a second annular strip  32 C, and an annular band  32 B, as shown in  FIG.  5   . First annular strip  32 A extends between and interconnects upper-strengthening segment and annular band  32 B. Second annular strip  32 C extends between and interconnects lower portion  20 C of side wall  20  and annular band  32 B. Annular band  32 B is located between first annular strip  32 A and second annular strip  32 C. Annular band  32 B is located a second distance D 2  from central axis A 1 . Second distance D 2  is generally greater than the first distance D 1  from annular band  30 B of upper-strengthening segment  39  to central axis A 1 . 
     Second strengthening unit  28  includes a C-shaped annular ring  34  and an annular bottom strip  36 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . C-shaped annular ring  34  extends between and interconnects annular bottom strip  36  and upper portion  20 A of side wall  20 . Annular bottom strip  36  extends between and interconnects C-shaped annular ring  34  and middle portion  20 B of side wall  20 . 
     C-shaped annular ring  34  includes a first annular strip  34 A, a second annular strip  34 C, and an annular band  34 B, as shown in  FIG.  6   . First annular strip  34 A extends between and interconnects upper portion  20 A of side wall  20  and annular band  34 B. Second annular strip  34 C extends between and interconnects annular bottom strip  36  and annular band  34 B. Annular band  34 B extends between and interconnects first annular strip  34 A and second annular strip  34 C. Annular band  34 B is located a third distance D 3  from central axis A 1 . Third distance D 3  is generally less than a fourth distance D 4  located between middle portion  20 B of side wall  20  and a fifth distance D 5  located between central axis A 1  and upper portion  20 A of side wall  20 . 
     In one example, the side wall of the drink cup has a frustoconical shape. Each of the first and second strengthening units is coupled to the side wall and are arranged to deviate from the frustoconical shape of the side wall. In one example, the first and second strengthening units extend away from the side wall toward, away from, or combinations thereof the central axis. Each of the first and second strengthening units can be seen a deviation or interruption of the frustoconical shape of the side wall. 
     In another embodiment, body-strengthening system  16  is configured to rigidify side wall  20  of drink cup  10 . Body-strengthening system  16  is coupled to body  12  to minimize unintended deformation of side wall  20 . In an example, body-strengthening system  16  in accordance with the present disclosure is configured to rigidify a cup  10 , a container  10 , or any other suitable alternative. 
     In one example, a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure made from a formulation which is blended together and extruded into a sheet. The sheet is then formed into drink cups, for example, by a thermoforming process. In one example, the formulation comprises polypropylene. In another example, the formulation comprises polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, expanded polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, suitable alternatives, and combinations thereof. In another example, the formulation further comprises an additive. Exemplary additives include, clarifiers, process aids, slip agents, mineral fillers, combinations thereof, or any suitable material for improving the drink cup. In some embodiments, the additive is a clarifier. In some embodiments, the additive is a copolymer. In some embodiments, the copolymer is an ethylene-polypropylene copolymer. In some embodiments, non-perforated cover  68  comprises Braskem RP650. 
     In one example, the formulation comprises a first polypropylene resin which is a homopolymer polypropylene resin. In another example, the formulation includes a first polypropylene resin and a second polypropylene resin. The first polypropylene resin may be an impact polypropylene copolymer and the second polypropylene resin may be an impact polypropylene copolymer including a mineral. The first polypropylene resin may be an impact polypropylene copolymer and the second polypropylene resin may be an impact polypropylene copolymer including calcium carbonate. The first polypropylene resin may be a polypropylene homopolymer and the second polypropylene resin may be an impact polypropylene copolymer. 
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  110  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  7   . Drink cup  110  includes a body  112 , a brim  114 , and a body-strengthening system  116 . Body-strengthening system  116  is coupled to body  112  between floor  118  and brim  114  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  110  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  110  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  110  is minimized. 
     Body  112  includes floor  118 , side wall  120 , and stack shoulder  124  as shown in  FIG.  7   . Floor  118  cooperates with side wall  120  to define interior region  122  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  120  extends away from floor  118  towards brim  114  along a central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  7   . Stack shoulder  124  extends between and interconnects side wall  120  and brim  114 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     Body-strengthening system  116  includes a first strengthening unit  126  and a second strengthening unit  128 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . First strengthening unit  126  extends between and interconnects a middle portion  120 B of side wall  120  and a lower portion  120 C of side wall  120 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . Second strengthening unit  126  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  120 A of side wall  120  and middle portion  120 B as shown in  FIG.  7   . First strengthening unit  126  and second strengthening unit  128  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  120 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 110. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 151 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 152 
                 4.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 153 
                 3.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 154 
                 1.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 155 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 156 
                 1.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 157 
                 3.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 158 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 159 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 160 
                 1.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 161 
                 8°   
               
               
                   
                 162 
                 6°   
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  210  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  8   . Drink cup  210  includes a body  212 , a brim  214 , and a body-strengthening system  216 . Body-strengthening system  216  is coupled to body  212  between floor  218  and brim  214  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  210  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  210  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  210  is minimized. 
     Body  212  includes floor  218 , side wall  220 , and stack shoulder  224  as shown in  FIG.  8   . Floor  218  cooperates with side wall  220  to define interior region  222  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  220  extends away from floor  218  towards brim  214  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  8   . Stack shoulder  224  extends between and interconnects side wall  220  and brim  214 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     Body-strengthening system  216  includes a first strengthening unit  226  and a second strengthening unit  228 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . First strengthening unit  226  extends between and interconnects a middle portion  220 B of side wall  220  and a lower portion  220 C of side wall  220 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . Second strengthening unit  228  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  220 A of side wall  220  and middle portion  220 B as shown in  FIG.  8   . First strengthening unit  226  and second strengthening unit  228  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  220 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 210. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 251 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 252 
                 6.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 253 
                 3.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 254 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 255 
                 3.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 256 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 257 
                 2.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 258 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 259 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 260 
                 2.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 261 
                 4.5° 
               
               
                   
                 262 
                 4.5° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  310  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  9   . Drink cup  310  includes a body  312 , a brim  314 , and a body-strengthening system  316 . Body-strengthening system  316  is coupled to body  312  between floor  318  and brim  314  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  310  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  310  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  310  is minimized. 
     Body  312  includes floor  318 , side wall  320 , and stack shoulder  324  as shown in  FIG.  9   . Floor  318  cooperates with side wall  320  to define interior region  322  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  320  extends away from floor  318  towards brim  314  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  9   . Stack shoulder  324  extends between and interconnects side wall  320  and brim  314 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     Body-strengthening system  316  includes a first strengthening unit  326  and a second strengthening unit  328 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . First strengthening unit  326  extends between and interconnects a middle portion  320 B of side wall  320  and a lower portion  320 C of side wall  320 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . Second strengthening unit  328  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  320 A of side wall  320  and middle portion  320 B as shown in  FIG.  9   . First strengthening unit  326  and second strengthening unit  328  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  320 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 310. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 351 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 352 
                 7.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 353 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 354 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 355 
                 3.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 356 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 357 
                 2.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 358 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 359 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 360 
                 2.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 361 
                 4.5° 
               
               
                   
                 362 
                 6.1° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  410  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  10   . Drink cup  410  includes a body  412 , a brim  414 , and a body-strengthening system  416 . Body-strengthening system  416  is coupled to body  412  between floor  418  and brim  414  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  410  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  410  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  410  is minimized. 
     Body  412  includes floor  418 , side wall  420 , and stack shoulder  424  as shown in  FIG.  10   . Floor  418  cooperates with side wall  420  to define interior region  422  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  420  extends away from floor  418  towards brim  414  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  10   . Stack shoulder  424  extends between and interconnects side wall  420  and brim  414 , as shown in  FIG.  10   . 
     Body-strengthening system  416  includes a first strengthening unit  426  and a second strengthening unit  428 , as shown in  FIG.  10   . First strengthening unit  426  extends between and interconnects a middle portion  420 B of side wall  420  and a lower portion  420 C of side wall  420 , as shown in  FIG.  10   . Second strengthening unit  428  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  420 A of side wall  420  and middle portion  420 B as shown in  FIG.  10   . First strengthening unit  426  and second strengthening unit  428  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  420 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 410. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 451 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 452 
                 7.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 453 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 454 
                 4.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 455 
                 3.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 456 
                 2.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 457 
                 3.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 458 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 459 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 460 
                 2.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 461 
                 4.5° 
               
               
                   
                 462 
                 5.7° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  510  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  11   . Drink cup  510  includes a body  512 , a brim  514 , and a body-strengthening system  516 . Body-strengthening system  516  is coupled to body  512  between floor  518  and brim  514  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  510  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  510  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  510  is minimized. 
     Body  512  includes floor  518 , side wall  520 , and stack shoulder  524  as shown in  FIG.  11   . Floor  518  cooperates with side wall  520  to define interior region  522  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  520  extends away from floor  518  towards brim  514  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  11   . Stack shoulder  524  extends between and interconnects side wall  520  and brim  514 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . 
     Body-strengthening system  516  includes a first strengthening unit  526  and a second strengthening unit  528 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . First strengthening unit  526  extends between and interconnects a middle portion  520 B of side wall  520  and a lower portion  520 C of side wall  520 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . Second strengthening unit  528  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  520 A of side wall  520  and middle portion  520 B as shown in  FIG.  11   . First strengthening unit  526  and second strengthening unit  528  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  520 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 510. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 551 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 552 
                 8.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 553 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 554 
                 4.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 555 
                 3.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 556 
                 2.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 557 
                 3.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 558 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 559 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 560 
                 2.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 561 
                 4.5° 
               
               
                   
                 562 
                 5.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  610  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  12   . Drink cup  610  includes a body  612 , a brim  614 , and a body-strengthening system  616 . Body-strengthening system  616  is coupled to body  612  between floor  618  and brim  614  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  610  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  610  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  610  is minimized. 
     Body  612  includes floor  618 , side wall  620 , and stack shoulder  624  as shown in  FIG.  12   . Floor  618  cooperates with side wall  620  to define interior region  622  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  620  extends away from floor  618  towards brim  614  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  12   . Stack shoulder  624  extends between and interconnects side wall  620  and brim  614 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     Body-strengthening system  616  includes a first strengthening unit  626  and a second strengthening unit  628 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . First strengthening unit  626  extends between and interconnects a middle portion  620 B of side wall  620  and a lower portion  620 C of side wall  620 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . Second strengthening unit  628  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  620 A of side wall  620  and middle portion  620 B as shown in  FIG.  12   . First strengthening unit  626  and second strengthening unit  628  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  620 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 610. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 651 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 652 
                 8.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 653 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 654 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 655 
                 3.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 656 
                 2.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 657 
                 3.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 658 
                 2.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 659 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 660 
                 3.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 661 
                 8.0° 
               
               
                   
                 662 
                 2.4° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  710  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  13   . Drink cup  710  includes a body  712 , a brim  714 , and a body-strengthening system  716 . Body-strengthening system  716  is coupled to body  712  between floor  718  and brim  714  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  710  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  710  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  710  is minimized. 
     Body  712  includes floor  718 , side wall  720 , and stack shoulder  724  as shown in  FIG.  13   . Floor  718  cooperates with side wall  720  to define interior region  722  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  720  extends away from floor  718  towards brim  714  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  13   . Stack shoulder  724  extends between and interconnects side wall  720  and brim  714 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . 
     Body-strengthening system  716  includes a first strengthening unit  726  and a second strengthening unit  728 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . First strengthening unit  726  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  720 A of side wall  720  and a lower portion  720 C of side wall  720 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . Second strengthening unit  728  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  720 A of side wall  720  and stack shoulder  724  as shown in  FIG.  13   . First strengthening unit  726  and second strengthening unit  728  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  720 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 710. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 751 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 752 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 753 
                 3.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 754 
                 2.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 755 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 756 
                 1.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 757 
                 3.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 758 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 759 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 760 
                 1.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 761 
                 9.3° 
               
               
                   
                 762 
                 6.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  810  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  14   . Drink cup  810  includes a body  812 , a brim  814 , and a body-strengthening system  816 . Body-strengthening system  816  is coupled to body  812  between floor  818  and brim  814  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  810  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  810  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  810  is minimized. 
     Body  812  includes floor  818 , side wall  820 , and stack shoulder  824  as shown in  FIG.  14   . Floor  818  cooperates with side wall  820  to define interior region  822  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  820  extends away from floor  818  towards brim  814  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  14   . Stack shoulder  824  extends between and interconnects side wall  820  and brim  814 , as shown in  FIG.  14   . 
     Body-strengthening system  816  includes a first strengthening unit  826  and a second strengthening unit  828 , as shown in  FIG.  14   . First strengthening unit  826  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  820 A of side wall  820  and a lower portion  820 C of side wall  820 , as shown in  FIG.  14   . Second strengthening unit  828  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  820 A of side wall  820  and stack shoulder  824  as shown in  FIG.  14   . First strengthening unit  826  and second strengthening unit  828  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  820 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 810. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 851 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 852 
                 6.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 853 
                 3.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 854 
                 3.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 855 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 856 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 857 
                 3.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 858 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 859 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 860 
                 2.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 861 
                 7.4° 
               
               
                   
                 862 
                 4.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  910  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  15   . Drink cup  910  includes a body  912 , a brim  914 , and a body-strengthening system  916 . Body-strengthening system  916  is coupled to body  912  between floor  918  and brim  914  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  910  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  910  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  910  is minimized. 
     Body  912  includes floor  918 , side wall  920 , and stack shoulder  924  as shown in  FIG.  15   . Floor  918  cooperates with side wall  920  to define interior region  922  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  920  extends away from floor  918  towards brim  914  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  15   . Stack shoulder  924  extends between and interconnects side wall  920  and brim  914 , as shown in  FIG.  15   . 
     Body-strengthening system  916  includes a first strengthening unit  926  and a second strengthening unit  928 , as shown in  FIG.  15   . First strengthening unit  926  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  920 A of side wall  920  and a lower portion  920 C of side wall  920 , as shown in  FIG.  15   . Second strengthening unit  928  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  920 A of side wall  920  and stack shoulder  924  as shown in  FIG.  15   . First strengthening unit  926  and second strengthening unit  928  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  920 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 910. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 951 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 952 
                 7.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 953 
                 3.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 954 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 955 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 956 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 957 
                 3.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 958 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 959 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 960 
                 2.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 961 
                 7.0° 
               
               
                   
                 962 
                 3.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1010  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  16   . Drink cup  1010  includes a body  1012 , a brim  1014 , and a body-strengthening system  1016 . Body-strengthening system  1016  is coupled to body  1012  between floor  1018  and brim  1014  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1010  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1010  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1010  is minimized. 
     Body  1012  includes floor  1018 , side wall  1020 , and stack shoulder  1024  as shown in  FIG.  16   . Floor  1018  cooperates with side wall  1020  to define interior region  1022  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1020  extends away from floor  1018  towards brim  1014  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  16   . Stack shoulder  1024  extends between and interconnects side wall  1020  and brim  1014 , as shown in  FIG.  16   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1016  includes a first strengthening unit  1026  and a second strengthening unit  1028 , as shown in  FIG.  16   . First strengthening unit  1026  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  1020 A of side wall  1020  and a lower portion  1020 C of side wall  1020 , as shown in  FIG.  16   . Second strengthening unit  1028  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  1020 A of side wall  1020  and stack shoulder  1024  as shown in  FIG.  16   . First strengthening unit  1026  and second strengthening unit  1028  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1020 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1010. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1051 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1052 
                 7.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1053 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1054 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1055 
                 3.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1056 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 1057 
                 3.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1058 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1059 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1060 
                 2.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1061 
                 8.0° 
               
               
                   
                 1062 
                 5.5° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1110  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  17   . Drink cup  1110  includes a body  1112 , a brim  1114 , and a body-strengthening system  1116 . Body-strengthening system  1116  is coupled to body  1112  between floor  1018  and brim  1114  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1110  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1110  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1110  is minimized. 
     Body  1112  includes floor  1118 , side wall  1120 , and stack shoulder  1124  as shown in  FIG.  17   . Floor  1118  cooperates with side wall  1120  to define interior region  1122  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1120  extends away from floor  11118  towards brim  1114  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  17   . Stack shoulder  1124  extends between and interconnects side wall  1120  and brim  1114 , as shown in  FIG.  17   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1116  includes a first strengthening unit  1126  and a second strengthening unit  1128 , as shown in  FIG.  17   . First strengthening unit  1126  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  1120 A of side wall  1120  and a lower portion  1120 C of side wall  1120 , as shown in  FIG.  17   . Second strengthening unit  1128  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  1120 A of side wall  1120  and stack shoulder  1124  as shown in  FIG.  17   . First strengthening unit  1126  and second strengthening unit  1128  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1120 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1110. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1151 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1152 
                 7.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 1153 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1154 
                 4.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1155 
                 3.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1156 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 1157 
                 3.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1158 
                 3.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1159 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1160 
                 2.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1161 
                 8.8° 
               
               
                   
                 1162 
                 5.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1210  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  18   . Drink cup  1210  includes a body  1212 , a brim  1214 , and a body-strengthening system  1216 . Body-strengthening system  1216  is coupled to body  1212  between floor  1218  and brim  1214  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1210  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1210  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1210  is minimized. 
     Body  1212  includes floor  1218 , side wall  1220 , and stack shoulder  1224  as shown in  FIG.  18   . Floor  1218  cooperates with side wall  1220  to define interior region  1222  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1220  extends away from floor  1218  towards brim  1214  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  18   . Stack shoulder  1224  extends between and interconnects side wall  1220  and brim  1214 , as shown in  FIG.  18   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1216  includes a first strengthening unit  1226  and a second strengthening unit  1228 , as shown in  FIG.  18   . First strengthening unit  1226  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  1220 A of side wall  1220  and a lower portion  1220 C of side wall  1220 , as shown in  FIG.  18   . Second strengthening unit  1228  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  1220 A of side wall  1220  and stack shoulder  1224  as shown in  FIG.  18   . First strengthening unit  1226  and second strengthening unit  1228  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1220 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1210. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1251 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1252 
                 7.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 1253 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1254 
                 4.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 1255 
                 3.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1256 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 1257 
                 3.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1258 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1259 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1260 
                 2.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1261 
                 8.8° 
               
               
                   
                 1262 
                 4.5° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1310  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  19   . Drink cup  1310  includes a body  1312 , a brim  1314 , and a body-strengthening system  1316 . Body-strengthening system  1316  is coupled to body  1312  between floor  1318  and brim  1314  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1310  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1310  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1310  is minimized. 
     Body  1312  includes floor  1318 , side wall  1320 , and stack shoulder  1324  as shown in  FIG.  19   . Floor  1318  cooperates with side wall  1320  to define interior region  1322  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1320  extends away from floor  1318  towards brim  1314  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  19   . Stack shoulder  1324  extends between and interconnects side wall  1320  and brim  1314 , as shown in  FIG.  19   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1316  includes a first strengthening unit  1326  and a second strengthening unit  1328 , as shown in  FIG.  19   . First strengthening unit  1326  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  1320 A of side wall  1320  and a lower portion  1320 C of side wall  1320 , as shown in  FIG.  19   . Second strengthening unit  1328  extends between and interconnects an upper portion  1320 A of side wall  1320  and stack shoulder  1324  as shown in  FIG.  19   . First strengthening unit  1326  and second strengthening unit  1328  cooperate to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1320 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1310. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1351 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1352 
                 8.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1353 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1354 
                 4.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 1355 
                 3.7″ 
               
               
                   
                 1356 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 1357 
                 3.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 1358 
                 3.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1359 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1360 
                 3.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1361 
                 6.0° 
               
               
                   
                 1362 
                 3.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1410  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  20   . Drink cup  1410  includes a body  1412 , a brim  1414 , and a body-strengthening system  1416 . Body-strengthening system  1416  is coupled to body  1412  between floor  1418  and brim  1414  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1410  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1410  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1410  is minimized. 
     Body  1412  includes floor  1418 , side wall  1420 , and stack shoulder  1424  as shown in  FIG.  20   . Floor  1418  cooperates with side wall  1420  to define interior region  1422  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1420  extends away from floor  1418  towards brim  1414  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  20   . Stack shoulder  1424  extends between and interconnects side wall  1420  and brim  1414 , as shown in  FIG.  20   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1416  is located between an upper portion  1420 A of side wall  1420  and a lower portion  1420 C of side wall  1420 , as shown in  FIG.  20   . Body-strengthening system  1416  is configured to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1420 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1410. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1451 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1452 
                 4.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 1453 
                 3.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 1454 
                 2.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1455 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 1456 
                 1.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1457 
                 3.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1458 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1459 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1460 
                 1.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 1461 
                 9.2° 
               
               
                   
                 1462 
                 6.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1510  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  21   . Drink cup  1510  includes a body  1512 , a brim  1514 , and a body-strengthening system  1516 . Body-strengthening system  1516  is coupled to body  1512  between floor  1518  and brim  1514  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1510  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1510  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1510  is minimized. 
     Body  1512  includes floor  1518 , side wall  1520 , and stack shoulder  1524  as shown in  FIG.  21   . Floor  1518  cooperates with side wall  1520  to define interior region  1522  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1520  extends away from floor  1518  towards brim  1514  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  21   . Stack shoulder  1524  extends between and interconnects side wall  1520  and brim  1514 , as shown in  FIG.  21   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1516  is located between an upper portion  1520 A of side wall  1520  and a lower portion  1520 C of side wall  1520 , as shown in  FIG.  21   . Body-strengthening system  1516  is configured to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1520 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 15 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1510. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1551 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1552 
                 6.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1553 
                 3.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 1554 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 1555 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 1556 
                 1.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 1557 
                 3.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1558 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1559 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1560 
                 2.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1561 
                 7.2° 
               
               
                   
                 1562 
                 4.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1610  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  22   . Drink cup  1610  includes a body  1612 , a brim  1614 , and a body-strengthening system  1616 . Body-strengthening system  1616  is coupled to body  1612  between floor  1618  and brim  1614  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1610  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1610  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1610  is minimized. 
     Body  1612  includes floor  1618 , side wall  1620 , and stack shoulder  1624  as shown in  FIG.  22   . Floor  1618  cooperates with side wall  1620  to define interior region  1622  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1620  extends away from floor  1618  towards brim  1614  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  22   . Stack shoulder  1624  extends between and interconnects side wall  1620  and brim  1614 , as shown in  FIG.  22   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1616  is located between an upper portion  1620 A of side wall  1620  and a lower portion  1620 C of side wall  1620 , as shown in  FIG.  22   . Body-strengthening system  1616  is configured to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1620 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 16 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1610. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1651 
                 4.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1652 
                 8.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1653 
                 3.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 1654 
                 4.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 1655 
                 3.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 1656 
                 2.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1657 
                 3.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1658 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1659 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1660 
                 2.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 1661 
                 6.0° 
               
               
                   
                 1662 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1710  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  23   . Drink cup  1710  includes a body  1712 , a brim  1714 , and a body-strengthening system  1716 . Body-strengthening system  1716  is coupled to body  1712  between floor  1718  and brim  1714  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1710  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1710  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1710  is minimized. 
     Body  1712  includes floor  1718 , side wall  1720 , and stack shoulder  1724  as shown in  FIG.  23   . Floor  1718  cooperates with side wall  1720  to define interior region  1722  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1720  extends away from floor  1718  towards brim  1714  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  23   . Stack shoulder  1724  extends between and interconnects side wall  1720  and brim  1714 , as shown in  FIG.  23   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1716  is located between an upper portion  1720 A of side wall  1620  and a lower portion  1720 C of side wall  1720 , as shown in  FIG.  23   . Body-strengthening system  1716  is configured to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1720 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 17 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1710. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 1751 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1752 
                 6.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1753 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1754 
                 3.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1755 
                 3.7″ 
               
               
                   
                 1756 
                 2.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 1757 
                 3.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1758 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1759 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1760 
                 2.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1761 
                 10.0° 
               
               
                   
                 1762 
                 4.8° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1810  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  24   . Drink cup  1810  includes a body  1812 , a brim  1814 , and a body-strengthening system  1816 . Body-strengthening system  1816  is coupled to body  1812  between floor  1818  and brim  1814  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1810  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1810  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1810  is minimized. 
     Body  1812  includes floor  1818 , side wall  1820 , and stack shoulder  1824  as shown in  FIG.  24   . Floor  1818  cooperates with side wall  1820  to define interior region  1822  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1820  extends away from floor  1818  towards brim  1814  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  24   . Stack shoulder  1824  extends between and interconnects side wall  1820  and brim  1814 , as shown in  FIG.  24   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1816  is located between an upper portion  1820 A of side wall  1820  and a lower portion  1820 C of side wall  1820 , as shown in  FIG.  24   . Body-strengthening system  1816  is configured to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1820 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 18 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1810. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1851 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1852 
                 7.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 1853 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1854 
                 3.5″ 
               
               
                   
                 1855 
                 3.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1856 
                 2.3″ 
               
               
                   
                 1857 
                 3.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1858 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1859 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1860 
                 2.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1861 
                 9.4° 
               
               
                   
                 1862 
                 4.8° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  1910  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  25   . Drink cup  1910  includes a body  1912 , a brim  1914 , and a body-strengthening system  1916 . Body-strengthening system  1916  is coupled to body  1912  between floor  1918  and brim  1914  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  1910  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  1910  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  1910  is minimized. 
     Body  1912  includes floor  1918 , side wall  1920 , and stack shoulder  1924  as shown in  FIG.  25   . Floor  1918  cooperates with side wall  1920  to define interior region  1922  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  1920  extends away from floor  1918  towards brim  1914  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  25   . Stack shoulder  1924  extends between and interconnects side wall  1920  and brim  1914 , as shown in  FIG.  25   . 
     Body-strengthening system  1916  is located between an upper portion  1920 A of side wall  1920  and a lower portion  1920 C of side wall  1920 , as shown in  FIG.  25   . Body-strengthening system  1916  is configured to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  1920 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 19 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 1910. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1951 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1952 
                 7.7″ 
               
               
                   
                 1953 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 1954 
                 3.7″ 
               
               
                   
                 1955 
                 3.7″ 
               
               
                   
                 1956 
                 2.7″ 
               
               
                   
                 1957 
                 3.4″ 
               
               
                   
                 1958 
                 2.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 1959 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 1960 
                 2.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 1961 
                 8.8° 
               
               
                   
                 1962 
                 4.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another embodiment of a drink cup  2010  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  26   . Drink cup  2010  includes a body  2012 , a brim  2014 , and a body-strengthening system  2016 . Body-strengthening system  2016  is coupled to body  2012  between floor  2018  and brim  2014  and is configured to provide means for minimizing a weight of drink cup  2010  while maximizing the rigidity of a selected portion of drink cup  2010  so that unintended deformation of drink cup  2010  is minimized. 
     Body  2012  includes floor  2018 , side wall  2020 , and stack shoulder  2024  as shown in  FIG.  26   . Floor  2018  cooperates with side wall  2020  to define interior region  2022  to hold fluid therein. Side wall  2020  extends away from floor  2018  towards brim  2014  along central axis A 1  as shown in  FIG.  26   . Stack shoulder  2024  extends between and interconnects side wall  2020  and brim  2014 , as shown in  FIG.  26   . 
     Body-strengthening system  2016  is located between an upper portion  2020 A of side wall  2020  and a lower portion  2020 C of side wall  2020 , as shown in  FIG.  26   . Body-strengthening system  2016  is configured to increase rigidity for a portion of side wall  2020 . 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 20 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimensions of drink cup 2010. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Measurement 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 2051 
                 4.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 2052 
                 8.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 2053 
                 4.2″ 
               
               
                   
                 2054 
                 4.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 2055 
                 3.8″ 
               
               
                   
                 2056 
                 2.9″ 
               
               
                   
                 2057 
                 3.6″ 
               
               
                   
                 2058 
                 3.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 2059 
                 0.1″ 
               
               
                   
                 2060 
                 3.0″ 
               
               
                   
                 2061 
                 4.5° 
               
               
                   
                 2062 
                 3.0° 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *all dimensions are approximate 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In one example, a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure includes, from top bottom, a brim, a stack shoulder, an upper portion of a side wall, a second strengthening unit, a middle portion of the side wall, a first strengthening unit, a lower portion of the side wall, and a floor. The drink cup may have several different rigidities as measured by Example 2 below. The drink cup may have several different masses. 
     In one example, a drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure may have a mass less than about 17 grams, 16.5 grams, 16.1 grams, and 16 grams. The drink cup may have a stack-shoulder rigidity measured at the stack shoulder of greater than about 700 grams, 750 grams, 800 grams, 850 grams, and 875 grams. In another example, the drink cup may have a middle-portion rigidity measured at the middle portion greater than about 350 grams, greater than 400 grams, 410 grams, 420 grams, 430 grams, 440 grams, and 450 grams. In another example, the drink cup may have a strengthening-unit rigidity measured at the first strengthening unit of greater than about 600 grams, 700 grams, 800 grams, 900 grams, 1,000 grams, 1,025 grams, and 1,050 grams. In another example, the drink cup has a mass of about 16.5 grams, a stack-shoulder rigidity of about 875 grams, a middle-portion rigidity of about 450 grams, and a strengthening-unit rigidity of about 1045 grams. 
     A drink cup in accordance with the present disclosure may have a ratio of mass to stack-shoulder rigidity of less than about 0.019. The drink cup may have a ratio of mass to middle-portion rigidity of less than about 0.368. The drink cup may have a ratio of mass to strengthening-unit rigidity of less than about 0.016. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     Formulations 
     Drink Cup formulation 1 comprises 
     100% INSPIRE 6025N polypropylene resin available from Braskem 
     Drink cup formulation 2 comprises 
     Pro-fax SC204 polypropylene resin available from LyondellBasell 
     HiCal™LC CaCO 3  available from Heritage Plastic 
     Drink Cup formulation 3 comprises 
     20% INSPIRE 6025N available from Braskem 
     80% Pro-fax SC204 available from LyondellBasell 
     Each Drink Cup formulation is combined via blending and formed into a sheet. The formed sheet is then introduced to a thermoforming process to form drink cups  10 . 
     Example 2 
     Rigidity Test 
     General Procedure 
     Rigidity testing determines how resistant drink cups are to deformation. Various drink cups  10  in accordance with the present disclosure were subjected to rigidity testing. Each drink cup was placed in a rigidity tester as shown in  FIG.  27    and tested to determine rigidity as shown below in Tables 21 and 22. Each drink cup was unlidded and unfilled during testing. Testing involved placing a drink cup  10  in a rigidity tester  99  as shown in  FIG.  27   . The rigidity tester  99  included a stationary stop  99   a  on a left side, and a movable anvil  99   b  and a force gauge  99   c  on a right side. The movable anvil was generally T-shaped as shown in  FIG.  27   . Rigidity was measured at locations corresponding to the stack shoulder, the middle portion of the side wall, and the first strengthening unit of drink cup  10 . Reference cups not containing the body-strengthening system were measured in the same locations as drink cup  10 . 
     Example 3 
     Rigidity Results 
     Drink cups and reference cups formed from a thermoforming process using material corresponding to the formulations of Example 1 were analyzed according to Example 2. Approximately 6 cups were sampled from each run. Results from the rigidity testing are shown below in Table 21. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 21 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Rigidity results from drink cups and reference cups formed on tool lines. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Stack Shoulder 
                 Middle 
                 First strengthening 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Rigidity 
                 Rigidity 
                 unit rigidity 
               
               
                 Line 
                 Description 
                 Formulation 
                 Weight (g) 
                 (g) 
                 (g) 
                 (g) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 A 
                 Drink Cup 
                 1 
                 16.1 
                 1862 
                 1093 
                 2029 
               
               
                 B 
                 Drink Cup 
                 2 
                 16.0 
                 1820 
                 1016 
                 1630 
               
               
                 C 
                 Reference  
                 1 
                 16.1 
                 814 
                 883 
                 1569 
               
               
                   
                 Cup 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 D 
                 Reference  
                 2 
                 20.3 
                 417 
                 354 
                 410 
               
               
                   
                 Cup 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 4 
     Rigidity Results from Production Lines 
     Drink cups and reference cups formed from a thermoforming process using material corresponding to the formulations of Example 1 were analyzed according to Example 2. Approximately 6 cups were sampled from each run. Results from the rigidity testing are shown below in Table 22. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 22 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Rigidity results from drink cups and 
               
               
                 reference cups formed on production lines. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Stack 
                   
                 First 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Shoulder 
                 Middle 
                 strengthening 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Weight 
                 Rigidity 
                 Rigidity 
                 unit rigidity 
               
               
                 Line 
                 Description 
                 Formulation 
                 (g) 
                 (g) 
                 (g) 
                 (g) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 P1 
                 Drink Cup 
                 3 
                 16.5 
                 g 
                 876 
                 448 
                 1044 
               
               
                 P1 
                 Reference  
                 3 
                 16.2 
                 g 
                 697 
                 354 
                 561 
               
               
                   
                 Cup 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 P2 
                 Reference  
                 3 plus 
                 20.7 
                 g 
                   
                 395 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cup 
                 regrind 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 P1 
                 Reference  
                 3 
                 18.5 
                 g 
                 722 
                 485 
                 856 
               
               
                   
                 Cup