Reusable Children's Drinking Cup

Abstract

A reusable drinking cup for use by children including either a hammered textured pattern extending around at least a portion of the annular side wall portion of the drinking cup, or a gripping member extending around at least a portion of the annular side wall portion of the cup for enabling children to better grip the cup. The present cup can likewise include at least one viewing window positioned intermediate the top and bottom portions of the cup for ascertaining the fluid level of the liquid contained within the cup. In one embodiment, the at least one viewing window can be an elongated vertically extending window in the form of an elongated slot and, in another embodiment, the at least one viewing window can include a plurality of vertically extending spaced windows or cut-outs which are positioned and arranged intermediate the top and bottom portions of the cup at predetermined locations therebetween. The present cup can likewise include a flared bottom portion which functions as an anti-roll member to help prevent accidental spillage of the contents within the cup.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a reusable drinking cup for children and, more particularly, to a reusable drinking cup with improved gripping means for children, a viewing window or cut-outs associated with the side wall of the cup for ascertaining the fluid level within the cup, and an anti-roll feature to help prevent accidental spillage of the contents within the cup.

[0002] Small children routinely have difficulty in holding drinking cups, particularly in a restaurant environment. Most drinking cups provided in a restaurant environment for children are made of smooth or slick plastic and, depending upon the size of a child's hand, may be difficult to grasp and hold with one or both hands. Besides easily gripping a smooth or slick cup, children also have the tendency to accidentally knock over a particular cup when placed in front of them on a table or in a booster seat or high chair environment. Also, unless the cup is transparent, it is oftentimes difficult for both parents and a child to ascertain the fluid level within the cup as most children's drinking cups are provided with attachable lids to further prevent spillage.

[0003] It is therefore desirable to provide a children's drinking cup which includes improved gripping means for allowing a small child to easily grip and hold the cup, which includes viewing windows for allowing both the child and a parent to easily ascertain the fluid level within the cup without removing the associated lid, and which includes an anti-roll feature at the bottom the cup which helps to prevent rolling off of tabletops and also accidental spillage due to a child inadvertently knocking over the drinking cup when placed within reach.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an improved drinking cup for children which overcomes one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art devices discussed above and teaches the construction and use of several embodiments of a reusable drinking cup for children which includes improved gripping means, viewing windows for ascertaining the fluid level within the cup, and an anti-roll flange located at the bottom of the cup to help to stabilize the cup and prevent accidental knock-over and rolling away of the cup.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the present cup includes a hammered texture associated with at least the gripping portion of the cup to help facilitate gripping of the cup by small children. The hammered texture eliminates the smooth or slick surface typically associated with a drinking up and provides a plurality of indentations or dimples for enabling the fingers of a small child to easily grip the cup with one or both hands. The actual size of fingertip impressions of children ages 1 to 5 was used to form the design of the hammered texture pattern in the preferred embodiment.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hammered textured cup includes an elongated, vertically positioned transparent window for allowing both a child and a parent to easily ascertain the fluid level within the cup without physically removing a lid which is typically associated with a children's cup.

[0008] In another embodiment, the fluid level viewing window associated with the hammered textured cup may take the form of a plurality of vertically spaced windows, or cut-outs, each window or cut-out having a unique shape such as the shape of a diamond, a fish, other animal characters, abstract shapes and the like. In addition, the plurality of vertically spaced windows or cut-outs can be either vertically aligned or staggered around the side wall of the cup.

[0009] Still further, in another embodiment, the present reusable cup may include an optional gripping member extending around at least a portion of the outer surface of the cup for likewise improving the gripping feature of the cup. This gripping member can be attached to or formed over the hammered texture of the side wall to improve the attachability and secureness of the gripping member to the outer surface of the reusable cup.

[0010] In another embodiment, an elongated vertically extending viewing window can also be associated with the gripping member such that both a child or a parent can view the fluid level in the cup through the gripping member and through the side wall of the present cup.

[0011] In still another embodiment, the fluid level viewing window associated with the gripping member can likewise include a plurality of vertically spaced windows or cut-outs, each window or cut-out taking on a particular shape or configuration. The plurality of vertically spaced windows can be positioned in vertical alignment with each other, or they can be staggered around the outer surface of the present cup.

[0012] In still another embodiment, any or all of the various embodiments of the present reusable cup can include an anti-roll feature in the form of a flared bottom or flange associated with the bottom portion of the cup to provide greater stability to the cup in its upright position and to help prevent the present cup from being easily tipped over by a small child. If a cup is actually tipped, this same feature can prevent the cup from rolling off a tabletop and impacting a floor, whereupon the fluid contents within the cup would be more likely to spill due to the impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present reusable cup constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention showing a hammered texture pattern associated with at least a portion of the side wall of the cup.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present reusable cup of FIG. 1 showing an elongated vertical window for viewing the fluid level within the cup.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the viewing window of FIG. 2 wherein the viewing window includes a plurality of vertically spaced windows or cut-outs, each window being configured in the shape of a fish.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the present reusable cup constructed according to the teachings of the present invention wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the cup includes a gripping member.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the reusable cup of FIG. 4 including an elongated vertical window positioned and located on the gripping member for ascertaining the fluid level within the cup.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the viewing window of FIG. 5 wherein the viewing window includes a plurality of vertically spaced windows or cut-outs each in the form of a diamond.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the present reusable cup wherein the hammered textured cup of FIG. 1 includes an anti-roll feature associated with the bottom end portion thereof.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the present reusable cup of FIG. 5 including an anti-roll feature associated with the bottom end portion of the cup.

[0021] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of still another embodiment of the present reusable cup of FIG. 1 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention including an attachable and removable gripping member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers wherein like numerals refer to like parts, number 10 in FIG. 1 identifies one embodiment of a reusable children's cup having an annular side wall portion 12, a bottom wall portion 14 and an upper portion 16, the upper portion 16 including an opening 18 providing access to the cavity of the cup 10 as well as an upper lip or flange portion 20. The upper flange 20 can be shaped and configured so as to be compatible with any one of a plurality of lids which can be attached to the cup 10 to contain the contents received within the cup 10. The lid (not shown) is cooperatively engageable with the upper flange 20 and may include an opening for receiving a straw therethrough, or a spout for providing access to the liquid contained therein for use by a small child.

[0023] The outer surface of the annular side wall portion 12 includes a hammered textured pattern 22 which covers at least a portion of the side wall 12 for improving the gripability of the cup. The hammered textured pattern 22 includes a plurality of indentations, depressions or dimples 24 which form a plurality of ridges 26 surrounding the indentations 24 and the pattern 22 provides a roughened surface as compared to a smooth or slick side wall surface typically associated with a drinking cup. The hammered textured outer wall surface 22 allows the small fingers of a child to more easily grasp the cup and likewise the texture helps to prevent the cup from sliding through the fingers of a child. The hammered texture can include a plurality of uniformly spaced ridges and indentations or it can include a random pattern. The hammered textured pattern 22 can be formed by a mold or other suitable manufacturing process. The hammered textured pattern 22 gives the impression of a dimpled look to the outer wall 12 of the cup. The hammered textured pattern 22 can likewise take the form of crater-like depressions that appear to be made by a hammer and resemble hammer indentations on the surface. Any surface texture in the form of a plurality of small indentations, dimples, or depressions falls within the definition of a hammered texture.

[0024] The annular side wall portion 12 of the cup 10 further includes at least one ridge or ledge portion 27 which serves several functions including separating the hammered textured pattern 22 from the upper smooth portion or untextured portion of the annular side wall 12 as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In one application, the at least one ridge or ledge portion 27 functions to make it easier for a child or other person to hold the cup 10 with a loose or weak grip without the cup sliding through the user's hand. The ridge or ledge portion 27 is also used to separate a smooth, printable upper side wall portion 13 from the hammered textured pattern 22. This allows the cup maker to place printed material on the smooth or untextured upper side wall portion 13 while still having a textured pattern 22 for improving the gripability of the cup. The ridge or ledge portion 27 also functions to receive a slidably attachable and removable gripping member 54 as illustrated in FIG. 9 which will be hereinafter further explained. Although the various embodiments of the present cup illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 7 disclose the use of a single ridge or ledge portion 27, it is recognized and anticipated that any plurality of ridges or ledges 27 can be associated with a particular cup to achieve the goals and objectives described above.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment 28 of the cup 10 wherein an elongated vertically extending window 30 is formed within the side wall portion 12 of the cup 28 for allowing a child, a parent, or other person to view the fluid level of the particular liquid within the cup. The elongated window 30 can take the form of an elongated slot and is positioned intermediate the top and bottom portions of the cup at a predetermined location. The length of the viewing window 30 should be sufficiently long to allow a person to ascertain the fluid level of the liquid within the cup as the fluid level approaches the bottom portion of the cup. The length of the viewing window 30 will be predetermined and will be selected based upon the height of the overall cup 28. It is also recognized and anticipated that the viewing window 30 can likewise extend into the non-hammered textured portion of the cup 28, if necessary. It is also recognized that the hammered textured pattern 22 could likewise extend throughout the entire outer surface of the side wall 12.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment 32 of the present reusable cup 10 and 28 wherein the viewing window for ascertaining the fluid level of the liquid contained within the cup 32 includes a plurality of vertically extending spaced windows or cut-outs 34 which are likewise positioned and arranged intermediate the top and bottom portions of the cup at predetermined locations as illustrated in FIG. 3. Each cut-out 34 extends through the side wall 12 and, in the particular embodiment 32, each cut-out or window 34 is configured in the shape of a fish. It is recognized and anticipated that the windows 34 can take on any particular shape and/or configuration such as a plurality of diamonds, other animal characters and the like. The shape and configuration of each window 34 can be selected based upon the age group of the children for which the present cup 32 is targeted, or the shape can be selected at random. In this particular embodiment, the fluid level of the liquid within the cup will only appear in the spaced windows 34 located below the actual fluid level within the cup. The exact location of the fluid level between spaced adjacent windows 34 will be unknown if the fluid level is actually located between two spaced windows 34. Nonetheless, depending upon the vertical spacing of the plurality of windows 34, ascertaining the fluid level within the cup 32 will be sufficiently definite for its intended purpose and its accuracy will depend upon the actual spacing between the windows 34.

[0027] It is also recognized and anticipated that the vertically extending spaced windows 34 can be in alignment with each other, or the windows 34 can be staggered as shown in FIG. 3. If a staggered arrangement of the plurality of windows 34 is utilized, this staggered arrangement can be localized within a particular quadrant of the cup 32 as illustrated in FIG. 3, or the windows 34 can be spaced so as to extend both vertically and horizontally around any arcuate portion of the side wall 12, or they can extend completely around the circumference of the cup 32. Other arrangements and variations of the vertically spaced windows 34 are likewise recognized and anticipated.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates still another embodiment of the present reusable cup which includes an optional gripping member 38 which extends vertically around at least a portion of the side wall 12 as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Here again, like the hammered textured surface 22 associated with FIGS. 1-3, the gripping member 38 provides additional gripping capability to a small child when grasping the present cup 38. The member 38 can be made of any suitable material such as a rubber or silicone material and it can likewise have a textured surface which can include any plurality of projections, indentations, depressions or other features which will allow a child to more easily grasp and hold the present cup 36. Although silicone grips are known and have been used on drinking cups, forming the present gripping member 38 over a hammered textured outer cup surface such as the hammered textured pattern 22 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 likewise improves the joinder of the gripping member 38 to the side wall portion 12 of the present cup 36 particularly since the cup 36 is primarily made of a plastic material. Applying the gripping member 38 over the hammered textured pattern 22 provides for a better attachment surface and helps to prevent the gripping member 38 from sliding off of the annular side wall 12, which event may occur if the cup side wall 12 is slick or smooth. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the gripping member 38 be formed or otherwise attached to the outer side wall portion 12 of cup 36 over a hammered textured pattern 22 as shown in FIG. 1 such that the upper edge portion 39 of gripping member 38 mates flush with the ridge or ledge portion 27 as best illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0029] FIG. 5 is another embodiment 40 of the present cup 36 wherein an elongated vertically extending window 42, similar to window 30, is formed within the side wall portion 12 and through the gripping member 38 of cup 40 for allowing a child, parent or other person to view the fluid level of the particular liquid within the cup. As with window 30, the elongated window 40 can likewise take the form of an elongated slot and it is positioned intermediate the top and bottom portions of the cup at a predetermined location. The length of the viewing window 30 can likewise be sufficiently long to allow a person to ascertain the fluid level within the cup 40, as the fluid level approaches the bottom portion of the cup. As with viewing window 30, the length of viewing window 42 will be predetermined and will be selected based upon the height of the overall cup. It is also recognized and anticipated that the viewing window 30 can likewise extend into the non-textured portion of the side wall 12 of cup 40, if necessary.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another embodiment 44 of the present reusable cups 36 and 40 wherein the viewing window for ascertaining the fluid level of the liquid contained within the cup 44 includes a plurality of vertically extending spaced windows or cut-outs 46 which are likewise positioned and arranged intermediate the top and bottom portions of the cup at a predetermined location as illustrated in FIG. 6. Each cut-out 46 extends through the annular side wall 12 as well as through the gripping member 38 and, in the particular embodiment 44, each cut-out or window 46 is configured in the shape of a diamond. Like the cut-outs 34 associated with embodiment 32 illustrated in FIG. 3, it is recognized and anticipated that the windows 46 can take on any particular shape and/or configuration based upon the targeted age group of the children or other criteria. It is also recognized and anticipated that the vertically spaced windows 46 can be either in alignment with each other, or such windows can be staggered as shown in FIG. 6. If a staggered arrangement is utilized, this staggered arrangement can be localized within a particular quadrant of the cup 44 as illustrated in FIG. 6, or the windows 46 can be spaced so as to extend both vertically and horizontally around any arcuate portion of the side wall 12 and through the gripping member 38, or the windows 46 can extend completely around the circumference of the cup 44. Other arrangements and variations of the vertically spaced windows 46 are likewise recognized and anticipated.

[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates still another embodiment 48 of the present cup 10 wherein the cup 44 includes an anti-roll feature in the form of a flared bottom or flange 50 which extends beyond the outer perimeter of the bottom end portion 14 of the cup as illustrated in FIG. 7. The flange 50 can take on any shape or configuration and extends a sufficient distance beyond the annular side wall 12 of the cup 48 at its bottom end portion 14. The flared bottom portion 50 provides an increased footprint and surface area for resting the cup 48 on a supporting surface. This results in greater stability when the cup 48 is positioned in its upright position and the extended flange 50 helps to prevent accidental spillage due to a child inadvertently bumping against or knocking over the cup 48 when it is placed within reach of a child. The greater the distance that the flange 50 extends outwardly away from the annular side wall 12 of the cup 48, the more tolerance the cup 48 will have to being inadvertently knocked over due to the moving arms of a small child. The flange 50 also functions to prevent the cup 48 from rolling off a tabletop or other surface and impacting the floor if the cup is, in fact, tipped over.

[0032] It is recognized and anticipated that the flared bottom or flange 50 associated with the present cup 48 can be utilized on any of the above-discussed embodiments of the present invention including the embodiments 28, 32, 36, 40 and 44 illustrated in FIGS. 2-6. In this regard, FIG. 8 illustrates use of the present flared bottom or flange 50 on cup embodiment 40 illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates still another embodiment 52 of the present cup 10 wherein a slide-on gripping member 54 in the form of a sleeve is shaped and dimensioned so as to slide over the hammered textured pattern 22 of cup 10 so as to yield the same look and feel of grip member 38 illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and 8. In this particular embodiment, the gripping member 54 is a slide-on sleeve which can be easily slidably insertable over the hammered textured pattern 22 of cup 10 when additional gripping capability is needed, and the slide-on sleeve 54 can be easily removed from cup 10 and separated therefrom when the cup is ready for washing either by hand or when placed in a conventional dishwasher. In this regard, the sleeve 54 can be separately hand-washed and, depending upon the material used, may likewise be placed in a dishwasher for additional cleaning. The gripping member 54 can include a textured surface as previously explained with respect to gripping member 38 as well as any of the various viewing windows discussed above with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 such as an elongated vertically extending window 42, or a plurality of vertically extending spaced windows or cut-outs 46 which are likewise positioned and arranged intermediate the top and bottom portions of the gripping member sleeve 54 at predetermined locations. As with the windows or cut-outs 46, it is recognized and anticipated that the windows 46 can be utilized in conjunction with gripping member 54 and that such windows 46 can take on any particular shape and/or configuration based upon the target age group of the children or other criteria. Other arrangements and variations of the elongated vertically extending window 42 or the vertically extending spaced and/or staggered windows or cut-outs 46 on the gripping member 54 are likewise recognized and anticipated.

[0034] Importantly, the slide-on gripping sleeve member 54 includes an annular wall thickness compatible with the ridge or ledge portion 27 associated with cup 10 such that when the gripping sleeve member 54 is slidably engaged with the hammered textured pattern 22 of cup 10, the upper edge portion 56 of gripping member 54 will mate with and abut the ridge portion 27 such that the outer surface of the gripping member 54 will lie flush with the outer surface of the smooth upper portion 13 of annular side wall portion 12. The ridge or ledge portion 27 is created to receive the slide-on gripping member 54 when engaged therewith. Once engaged with cup 10, the slide-on gripping member 54 functions in all respects substantially similar to the various gripping members 38 discussed above. As previously explained, inserting the gripping member 54 over the hammered textured pattern 22 provides for a better attachment surface and helps to prevent the gripping member 54 from sliding off of the annular side wall 12. This feature provides additional gripping capability to a small child when grasping the present cup 10 if the hammered textured surface 22 does not provide sufficient gripping capability for that particular child.

[0035] All of the embodiments of the present cup illustrated above are uniquely structured for use in the commercial food service environment such as for use by restaurants for serving young children. The present cups likewise have applicable use in the home environment. Other uses and applications are likewise envisioned and anticipated.

[0036] Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel reusable children's drinking cup which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings. All such drawings, modifications, variations and other uses and application which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are deemed to be covered by the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A drinking cup comprising: an annular side wall portion, a bottom wall portion, and an upper portion, said upper portion including an opening providing access to the cavity of the cup and an upper lip portion; and at least a portion of the outer surface of said annular side wall portion including a hammered textured pattern.

2. The drinking cup defined in claim 1 wherein said upper lip is shaped and configured so as to be compatible with any one of a plurality of lid members which can be attached to the drinking cup to contain the contents received therewithin.

3. The drinking cup defined in claim 1 including at least one window formed within said annular side wall portion for allowing a person to view the fluid level of the particular liquid within the drinking cup.

4. The drinking cup defined in claim 3 wherein said at least one window includes an elongated vertically extending window positioned intermediate the upper and bottom portions of the cup at a predetermined location.

5. The drinking cup defined in claim 4 wherein said elongated vertically extending window is in the form of an elongated slot.

6. The drinking cup defined in claim 3 wherein said at least one window includes a plurality of vertically extending spaced cut-outs positioned and arranged intermediate the upper and bottom portions of the cup at predetermined locations therebetween on said annular side wall portion.

7. The drinking cup defined in claim 6 wherein each cut-out is configured in the shape of a fish.

8. The drinking cup defined in claim 6 wherein each cut-out is configured in the shape of a diamond.

9. The drinking cup defined in claim 6 wherein the plurality of vertically extending spaced cut-outs are staggered vertically on the annular side wall portion.

10. The drinking cup defined in claim 6 wherein the plurality of vertically extending spaced cut-outs are vertically positioned in alignment with each other.

11. The drinking cup defined in claim 1 including a gripping member extending vertically around at least a portion of the annular side wall portion of the cup, said gripping member being positioned over at least a portion of the hammered textured pattern.

12. The drinking cup defined in claim 11 wherein said gripping member includes silicone.

13. The drinking cup defined in claim 11 including at least one viewing window for ascertaining the fluid level of the liquid contained within cup.

14. The drinking cup defined in claim 13 wherein said at least one viewing window includes an elongated vertically extending window.

15. The drinking cup defined in claim 13 wherein said at least one viewing window includes a plurality of vertically extending spaced windows positioned and arranged intermediate the upper and bottom portions of the cup at predetermined locations therebetween.

16. The drinking cup defined in claim 13 wherein said at least one viewing window includes a plurality of vertically extending spaced windows positioned intermediate the upper and bottom portions of the cup at predetermined locations therebetween.

17. The drinking cup defined in claim 1 including a flared bottom portion associated with said bottom wall portion.

18. The drinking cup defined in claim 1 including a ridge portion separating the hammered textured pattern from the untextured portion of the annular side wall portion.

19. The drinking cup defined in claim 1 including a slide-on gripping member extending vertically around at least a portion of the annular side wall portion of the cup and over at least a portion of the hammered textured pattern, said slide-on gripping member being removably engageable with said drinking cup.

20. The drinking cup defined in claim 19 including a ridge portion separating the hammered textured pattern from the untextured portion of the annular side wall portion, one edge portion of said slide-on gripping member abutting said ridge portion.

21. A drinking cup comprising: an annular side wall portion, a bottom wall portion, and an upper portion, said upper portion including an opening providing access to the cavity of the cup; a gripping member extending vertically around at least a portion of said annular side wall portion; and at least one viewing window for ascertaining the fluid level of the liquid contained within the cup, said at least one viewing window being positioned intermediate the upper and bottom portions of the cup at a predetermined location therebetween.

22. The drinking cup defined in claim 21 wherein said at least one viewing window includes an elongated vertically extending window.

23. The drinking cup defined in claim 21 wherein said at least one viewing window includes a plurality of vertically extending spaced cut-outs positioned and arranged intermediate the upper and bottom portions of the cup at predetermined locations therebetween.

24. The drinking cup defined in claim 21 including a flared flange associated with said bottom wall portion, said flared flange extending beyond the outer parameter of the bottom wall portion of the cup.

25. The drinking cup defined in claim 21 wherein said gripping member is removably attachable to at least a portion of said annular side wall portion.

26. A drinking cup for use by children comprising: an annular side wall portion, a bottom wall portion, and an upper portion, said upper portion including an opening providing access to the cavity of the cup and an upper lip portion, said upper lip portion being shaped and configured so as to be compatible with any one of a plurality of lid members which can be attached to the cup to contain the contents received therewithin; at least a portion of the outer surface of said annular side wall portion including a hammered textured pattern; and at least one viewing window extending through said annular side wall portion for ascertaining the fluid level of the liquid contained within the cup, said at least one viewing window being positioned intermediate the upper and bottom portions of the cup at a particular location therebetween.

27. The drinking cup defined in claim 26 wherein said at least one viewing window includes an elongated vertically extending window.

28. The drinking cup defined in claim 26 wherein said at least one viewing window includes a plurality of vertically extending spaced windows positioned intermediate the upper and bottom portions of the cup at predetermined locations therebetween on said annular side wall portion.

29. The drinking cup defined in claim 28 wherein said plurality of vertically extending spaced windows are positioned vertically in alignment with each other.

30. The drinking cup defined in claim 26 wherein said plurality of vertically extending spaced windows are positioned in staggered arrangement relative to each other.

31. The drinking cup defined in claim 26 including a gripping member extending vertically around at least a portion of said annular side wall portion, said at least one viewing window extending through said gripping member.

32. The drinking cup defined in claim 26 including a flared bottom portion.

33. The drinking cup defined in claim 31 wherein said gripping member is removably attachable to at least a portion of said annular side wall portion.

34. The drinking cup defined in claim 33 including a ridge portion separating the hammered textured portion from the remaining portion of the annular aide wall portion, one end portion of said gripping member abutting said ridge portion when said gripping member is removably attached to at least a portion of said annular side wall portion.