FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Various embodiments of the invention relate generally to devices and methods of making beverages and more particularly to devices and methods for making tea.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Tea bags, infusers, mugs, cups, saucers, teapots and teapot lids are well known. Tea bags served in cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and other

hospitality /entertainment locations typically have a suspension handle or“tag” connected to the tea bag by a flexible string, the suspension handle enabling the tea bag to be agitated in the cup to speed up the infusion process and also enabling the hot tea bag to be safely removed from the cup.

[0003] Assemblies are known for making tea and other infusions comprising a mug and mug lid, the latter being capable of inversion to act as a tea bag tidy. PCT/IB2015/055147 discloses a mug and mug lid assembly comprising a drinking vessel and a“tea piece” initially acting as a lid and having a“perimeter recess”, which can accommodate a tagged tea bag string or, for example, the connecting chain between a loose leaf infuser and its handle. When the piece is inverted, the perimeter recess can be located or“docked” against the base of the mug to allow mess-free transfer of a used tea bag or infuser onto the inverted tea piece.

[0004] Assemblies are known comprising a mug and a lid with a narrow recess to trap a tea bag string, for example JP 3038293.

[0005] Assemblies are also known comprising a mug and a notched lid to retain the shaft or handle of a teaspoon, the bowl of the spoon being located in the mug, for example the“Vintage Mug with notched lid for spoon” advertised on etsy.com, apparently manufactured in 1986. [0006] Stacking cups and saucers are known, in which one cup and saucer can be placed on another cup and saucer.

[0007] The prior art tea service comprising a teapot and teapot lid, which provides enclosed infusion conditions to keep the brewing tea hot, typically requires many pieces in the tea service, for example a teapot, teapot lid, cup, saucer, spoon and a jug for milk, or dish for lemon, or jar for honey, optionally a sieve on a dish to be served with loose leaf tea, which all together requires a tray in order to carry the many components to a table or other point of brewing and consumption. The present invention allows a complete tea service to be held and safely carried in one hand.

SUMMARY

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an improvement in the making and serving of tea and other beverages.

[0009] According to one aspect of various embodiments, a beverage-making assembly comprises a first vessel, a tableware piece and a second vessel, wherein said first vessel is capable of supporting the piece acting as a lid to the first vessel, wherein said piece comprises a shaped disc comprising a perimeter and two principal surfaces either side of said perimeter, being a first principal surface and a second principal surface, wherein said first principal surface comprises a top recess, wherein said top recess comprises a top recess perimeter and a recessed area within said recess top perimeter, and wherein the second vessel is capable of being located within the top recess.

[0010] The term“vessel” is intended to include any container.

[0011] The term“first vessel” is intended to include any drinking vessel including cups, mugs, beakers and glasses, with or without a handle forming part of the drinking vessel. Tea cups and mugs are typically annular in cross-section about a first vessel axis and typically range in inside rim diameter from 65 mm to 90 mm and in volumetric capacity from 0.25 litre to 0.5 litre. The first vessel is used to contain a“first liquid”. It is to be understood that the first vessel can be used to contain any hot or cold beverage. The first vessel is typically reusable, washable, of rigid construction, for example of ceramic, glass, stainless steel or plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester or melamine, or bamboo.

[0012] The term“tea” is used to denote any type of tea made from tea leaf (camelia sinensis) and any other infusion product, for example any fruit or herbal infusion, including chamomile, the leaves or fruit or blossoms of other plants, for example raspberry and mint infusions, water, coffee or hot chocolate and beef or other animal extract.

[0013] The term“tea bag” is used to denote a bag containing tea and having sufficient porosity to allow hot water to flow through the bag to contact tea contained therein, to enable the tea to be infused. A tea bag typically comprises perforations or other holes, for example of non- woven micro-perforated paper or abaco or fine weave fabric. The term“tea bag” as used herein also includes the part of a reusable“infuser” that contains tea, for example of metal or silicone, that is perforated, woven or moulded with holes to allow the passage of hot water.

[0014] The term“tagged tea bag” or“tea bag assembly” is used to denote an assembly comprising a tea bag, a suspension handle and a connector which connects the suspension handle to the tea bag.

[0015] The term“untagged tea bag” is used to denote a tea bag without a suspension handle or tag or string or other connector.

[0016] The term "suspension handle" is used to denote the part of a tea bag assembly that is intended to be held when lowering a tea bag into hot water or subsequently retrieving the tea bag. A suspension handle or "tag" optionally comprises a paper or filmic or woven material or plastic material, that is optionally stapled or sewn or adhered to the connector, for example of string, which connects the suspension handle to the tea bag. The term“suspension handle” also applies to a length, loop or knot or other means of adapting a string or other connector so as to be held. The term“suspension handle” is also used to denote the part of an infuser intended to be held in order to manipulate the infuser.

[0017] The term“connector” is intended to denote a flexible or rigid connecting material, for example a string, chain, wire, metal strip or flexible silicone material, connecting the suspension handle to the tea bag.

[0018] The term“infuser” is used to denote a reusable or disposable device intended to contain tea, typically loose leaf tea or any other infusion product. An infuser optionally comprises a closeable container, a suspension handle and connector. An infuser optionally comprises a perforated open bowl, optionally comprising a water-permeable drum and a base, with a suspension handle and a connector hook section which hooks over the rim of the first vessel and optionally comprises a monolithic extension to the connector hook section, the monolithic extension being one of a spine joined to one of the outside and inside of the drum and a top ring joined to one of the outside and inside of the top of the drum. An infuser optionally comprises a perforated open bowl with a“perimeter ledge” which typically sits on the rim of the first vessel. The term“tea bag”, as used in relation to an infuser, is typically a container of metal, plastic or silicone material that is water permeable, optionally comprising a closing or closure component, for example a hinged lid, the lid being optionally water permeable, or a removable component, to enable dry leaf tea to be inserted into the infuser tea bag and the wet leaf tea to be subsequently removed, and to enable cleaning of the infuser for reuse. The infuser tea bag or container optionally comprises perforated metal, for example perforated stainless steel, woven wire or non- woven material to provide the desired water permeability. The connector is optionally of rigid or semi-rigid material, for example sheet metal or metal wire, or a flexible material, for example a metal chain or strip of silicone. Optionally, the infuser tea bag, suspension handle and connector are of integral construction, for example of metal wire, fabricated stainless steel or moulded silicone. Optionally an open infuser comprises a perforated bowl of cylindrical or frusto-conical shape, for example of perforated stainless steel, plastic or ceramic material.

[0019] The“piece” is a combined first vessel lid and receptacle on which to transfer a used tea bag or loose leaf tea infuser. It comprises a“first principal surface” which is also referred to herein as“surface 1” and the“second principal surface” is also referred to herein as“surface 2”, for brevity. "Side 1" is used to denote the side of the piece facing surface 1 and "Side 2" is used to denote the side of the piece facing surface 2. Typically, a piece is reusable, washable, typically of rigid construction, for example of ceramic, glass, stainless steel or plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester or melamine, or bamboo or optionally of flexible material construction, for example silicone. The piece is optionally manufactured from Eastman Tritan copolyester, a product of Eastman Chemical Company, US.

[0020] The term“top recess” is used to denote a recess in the first principal surface of the piece capable of retaining the second vessel. According to one aspect of the various embodiments, the top recess comprises a top recess perimeter and a perimeter restraint. The perimeter restraint optionally comprises a perimeter wall between the top recess perimeter and a lower surface or recessed area of the top recess.

[0021] The term“perimeter recess” is used to denote a recess or indent in the perimeter of the piece. Optionally, a portion of said perimeter recess is shaped in an arc of a circle with its centre located outside the perimeter of the piece. When the piece is acting as the lid to a first vessel, for example a mug or cup, the perimeter recess forms a“ventilation aperture” between the perimeter recess and the inside of the rim of the first vessel. The ventilation aperture allows steam to escape. It also provides a convenient void through which a tea bag connector can pass but typically is small enough to maintain the tea bag suspension handle outside the first vessel and piece. The perimeter recess is optionally of sufficient width within which to easily locate a tea bag connector and is optionally of smooth curvature to enable the connector to be easily manoeuvred so that it is maintained in the ventilation aperture created between the perimeter recess and first vessel rim. The perimeter recess is optionally shaped such that the ventilation aperture can accommodate the shaft of a teaspoon or stirrer. Optionally, the perimeter recess also enables the inverted piece to“dock” close to, and optionally contiguously with, the first vessel on a table or other horizontal surface, to reduce or eliminate the risk of tea dripping onto the horizontal surface when transferring the used tea bag from the first vessel into the well of the inverted piece. Optionally, a“stirrer”, for example a wood or plastic stirrer or teaspoon or espresso spoon, is capable of being located within the opening formed by the piece perimeter recess and a rim-supported infuser bowl, for example an open perforated stainless steel bowl.

[0022] Optionally the piece comprises a handle which extends beyond the first vessel.

[0023] According to one aspect of various embodiments, the piece’s second principal surface comprises a well spaced inside the piece perimeter, said well being impervious to aqueous liquids, wherein the piece is capable of being placed to act as a lid on the first vessel, wherein the piece is capable of inversion and placing on a horizontal surface with the second principal surface uppermost and the first principal surface supporting the piece after said inversion such that the inverted piece is capable of acting as a receptacle for a used tea bag or infuser such that liquid tea which emanates from the used tea bag or infuser is contained on the second principal surface within the well and does not spill onto the horizontal surface. Optionally a well on the second principal surface comprises a continuous downstand or“drip projection” having an additional function of causing condensate to drip into the mug and not migrate to the piece perimeter.

[0024] The term“well” is used to denote the area of surface 2 intended to receive a used tea bag or infuser upon inversion of the piece, which is impervious to aqueous liquids, and optionally enables a used tea bag to be easily located within its plan area and has a cubic capacity or volume suitable for retaining any tea that emanates from a used tea bag. The well optionally comprises a minimum clear internal width of greater than 50mm, and more optionally greater than 65mm. The well optionally comprises a volume or cubic capacity of liquid that it will contain, when the piece is inverted on a horizontal surface, of greater than at least one of 0.5cc and l.Occ and 3.0cc and 5.0cc and 10.0cc and/or 20.0cc.

[0025] The well optionally comprises a continuous“well wall”, for example the inside surface of a continuous drip projection or a fold in the construction. The well wall comprises a continuous surface that is optionally sloping, for example to assist the extraction of a piece from a mould during manufacture. However, if the piece is placed on a horizontal surface with side 2 facing upwards, the surface of a continuous well wall is optionally at an angle of less than 45° to vertical. A continuous well wall has a height greater than at least one of lmm and 2mm and 5mm and/or 8mm.

[0026] The base of the well optionally comprises a raised or convex portion of surface 2 when the piece is inverted, on which a used tea bag is optionally intended to be located, which allows tea from the used tea bag to drain into a lower portion of the well, for example an annular recess. This feature assists re-use of the tea bag with less risk of spillage, and subsequent disposal of the tea bag with less risk of spillage of“free liquid”, typically brewed tea. [0027] According to various embodiments, the well not only accommodates the base of the used tea bag when lowered into it but optionally contains any leaking fluid if the tea bag falls to one side, a common occurrence as some tea bags are typically unstable after the suspension string is released.

[0028] In a number of embodiments the well comprises a downstand, continuous

“drip projection” or“skirt”, typically configured and sized to be locatable inside the rim of a first vessel and is optionally spaced inside a part of or whole of the piece perimeter. The drip projection prevents the piece from sliding sideways off a first vessel when acting as the lid to the vessel. It typically enables condensation that forms on or migrates towards the outside of the piece to drip from its bottom edge into the hot water rather than leaking onto the outside of the first vessel. The“downstand” or continuous“drip projection” which bears against the inside of the first vessel when the piece is pushed sideways optionally has a depth below the rim of the first vessel of at least one of 1 to 2mm and 2 to 4mm and 4 to 6mm and/or greater than 6 mm.

[0029] Optionally, the drip projection is coterminous with a portion of the edge of the perimeter recess.

[0030] Optionally, the drip projection is indented and the indent is coterminous with the perimeter recess.

[0031] A“second vessel” is intended to contain a“tasting product”. The second vessel is optionally an open vessel, for example a jug, a drinking vessel, for example an espresso cup or glass, a sugar bowl, a ramekin, a measuring vessel, for example for spirits, a dish, for example for containing snacks, an open jar, an edible cup, for example as part of a cupcake. The second vessel is optionally a vessel with a lid, for example a honey jar, a milk jug or creamer with a lid, or a capsule with a sealed lid, for example containing milk. The second vessel is optionally a sealed or unsealed flexible wrapping or packaging, for example a milk sachet or a sachet for sugar or sweetener. Optionally the flexible package is folded and located within the top recess in a manner with exerts outward pressure onto the top recess perimeter wall, thus providing a passive lateral restraint. A second vessel comprising a small jug,“pourer”, or“creamer”, typically comprises a spout or“lip” being a projection outside an otherwise circular perimeter of the second vessel rim to assist the drip- free pouring of a“tasting product” liquid. Optionally, the second vessel comprises one of two, three and four spouts within the second vessel rim perimeter. A second vessel is typically of smaller liquid capacity than the first vessel. The second vessel is optionally made of plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester, melamine, polypropylene, or crystal polystyrene, or ceramic, glass, metal, bamboo, paper or other biodegradable or edible material, for example a pastry cup or one made of ice cream wafer biscuit. Optionally, the second vessel is disposable, for example a paper espresso cup, a paper case to a cup cake, or open or closed packaging.

[0032] A“tasting product” is any liquid or solid that is retained within the second vessel that is typically intended to be added to the first liquid in the first vessel to amend its taste, for example milk, cream, lemon juice, honey, any edible or potable essence or“tasting sauce”, such as vanilla essence, any alcoholic liquid, any leaf or powder, lemon, sugar, sweetener, small marshmallows or any other taster, mixer or shot to change the flavour or other property of the resultant beverage. Other tasting products are typically to be consumed in conjunction with the first liquid, for example nuts, cakes, biscuits, or any other savory or sweet snack.

[0033] The second vessel is restrained from sliding or toppling off the piece by being located and retained within the top recess. The second vessel is optionally purpose- designed or selected from a wide range of vessels on the market, for example which are sold as milk jugs or“creamers” for example of ceramic, or small measuring jugs, for example measuring up to 50ml, typically of borosilicate glass or plastic, for example of

polycarbonate, copolyester acrylic, polypropylene or crystal polystyrene.

[0034] Typically, the first vessel, the piece and the second vessel are substantially circular on plan and are typically assembled to be substantially co-axial, the axis typically being substantially vertical when the first vessel is hand-held or is supported on a tray or table other substantially horizontal surface. Typically, the top recess perimeter is also circular and also co-axial. Typically the second vessel comprises an axial length of annular cross-section. Optionally the second vessel comprises a cross-section which transitions from a circular outer surface at the base to a square outer surface at the rim, such a configuration comprising four corner projections or spouts to optionally assist holding the second vessel between finger and thumb under two opposing spouts and pouring a second tasting liquid from the second vessel via another of the four spouts.

[0035] The second vessel is supported on its base, for example a plane base, a perimeter downstand ring,“foot” or annular projection, or a tripod or other stable arrangement of discrete legs. The underside of such example base arrangements are considered to be coincident with a“base plane” to the second vessel. The“width of the second vessel base support” is the distance between the extremities of base support in a given direction.

[0036] The assembly optionally comprises a“third vessel” located on the second vessel, which contains a second tasting product, for example sugar or sweetener, for example a dish typically with a means of restraint in relation to the second vessel. A third vessel is optionally made of plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester, melamine, polypropylene, or crystal polystyrene, or ceramic, glass, metal, bamboo, paper or other biodegradable or edible material, for example a pastry cup. A third vessel is optionally a flexible packaging or sachet, for example containing sugar or sweetener. A third vessel is optionally a shallow dish comprising a clip to retain one or more sachets, for example of sugar or sweetener.

[0037] The piece’s second principal surface typically comprises a downstand which is located within the piece perimeter. When the piece is acting as a lid to the first vessel, the downstand provides a lateral restraint against the inside of the first vessel if the piece is subjected to a lateral force. This downstand and top recess in the tea piece reduce the likelihood of the second vessel sliding or toppling off the piece, for example if a person carrying the assembly is accidentally knocked sideways by another person or inadvertently carries the assembly with its axis sloping at a substantial angle to vertical and/or is unsteady in attempting to hold the axis of the assembly substantially vertical.

[0038] A“ventilation aperture” is formed between a perimeter recess and first vessel rim and optionally enables the free up and down movement or agitation of a tagged tea bag in order to accelerate infusion. The ventilation aperture optionally accommodates a teaspoon or stirrer and/or the connector or connector hook of an infuser. [0039] The term“piece perimeter radius” is intended to mean the radius of the circle forming the perimeter of a piece that is substantially circular apart from the extent of a perimeter recess and/or a piece handle extending outwards beyond the first vessel. If the piece perimeter is not substantially circular, for example if it comprises a multi-sided shape such as an octagon, the piece perimeter radius is that of a circle of the same area as the alternative perimeter geometry.

[0040] The term‘transparent material’ is used to denote a material that, if used to make a piece according to various embodiments of the present invention, allows the strength of the tea infusing in a first vessel to be visibly identifiable through the transparent material. Optionally, the transparent material is clear, for example water clear, or no more tinted than common glass.

[0041] The term“stirrer” or the term“spoon” or“teaspoon” or“espresso spoon” is used to denote any utensil capable of being used to stir or otherwise agitate a liquid in the first vessel, for example a metal teaspoon or a wooden or plastic stirrer. According to the present invention, the use of one of these four terms includes any of the other three terms.

A stirrer or teaspoon is typically used to mix a tasting product from the second vessel and/or third vessel into the first liquid in the first vessel, for example to be dissolved in the first liquid or form a suspension within the first liquid. It is optionally used to extract a tasting product from the second or third vessel to be consumed in conjunction with liquid in the first vessel. A stirrer or spoon is optionally used to transfer a used tea bag, typically an untagged tea bag, from the first vessel to an inverted piece.

[0042] The shape of the top recess in the piece and the shape of the underside or base of the second vessel combine to provide a resistance to lateral and optionally rotational movement of the second vessel relative to the piece. For example, the recess in the piece is optionally part spherical in shape and the piece is optionally manufactured from a plastic material, for example polycarbonate or Eastman Tritan copolyester, a product of Eastman Chemical Company, US. The second vessel is optionally a ceramic jug which, as is typical with ceramic hollowware, comprises an annular projection at its base, the underside of which is unglazed. When the assembly is in use the rough surface of the underside of the jug has, in combination with the plastic spherical surface, a sufficient coefficient of friction to resist lateral movement of the jug relative to the piece. If this frictional resistance to lateral movement is overcome, the resistance to lateral movement is enhanced by the “work” involved in raising the center of gravity of the second vessel and any content of the second vessel up the spherical surface towards the top recess perimeter.

[0043] However, it is preferable to provide a greater resistance against lateral movement, for example comprising a perimeter wall to the top recess. Such a perimeter wall in cross-section optionally comprises a bottom radius and a top radius, the top radius assisting the location of the second vessel within the top recess and bottom radius assisting the washing up or other cleaning of the piece. A perimeter wall typically comprises a slope angle in relation to the plane of the recess perimeter of greater than at least one of 45° and 60° and/or 85°. Optionally the perimeter wall comprises a“transition” curve in cross- section, comprising a gradually increasing radius from the recessed area or recess bottom, which is potentially advantageous in gradually absorbing the energy of relative lateral movement of the second vessel in relation to the piece, reducing the likelihood of any liquid in the second vessel spilling or the second vessel overturning. Optionally, the shape of the perimeter wall and the lower side of the second vessel are designed and constructed to enable the second vessel to be easily located within the recess but bear against the perimeter wall of the recess when located, for example each comprising a perimeter chamfer.

[0044] Optionally the second vessel is located into the recess with a locking mechanical connection that resists rotational movement through the axis of the second vessel relative to the piece. While such mechanical connection could comprise a screw or bayonet or Rotite ^® connector (a product of Rotite Ltd, UK) or other prior art connection, these locking connections typically would comprise undesirable internal angles or other features that would complicate the manufacture and cleaning of the jug and piece. This invention comprises an optional novel mechanical connection of the second vessel to the piece comprising a suitably shaped annular projection forming the base of the second vessel with a related suitably shaped annular recess in the first principal surface of the piece, the respective shapes allowing easy location of the second vessel base into the annular recess and easy removal but providing a limited movement or passive rotational restraint against toppling of the second vessel.

[0045] The assembly is more stable for carrying than a prior art open mug containing hot tea or a prior art teapot service on a tray to the point of consumption, where brewing optionally takes place, monitored by the drinker. The assembly can be assembled with relative ease and speed compared to prior art methods of making and serving tea. Such relative stability and convenience can be considered in relation to the following factors:

[0046] “Lateral restraint” of one component of the assembly in relation to another component of the assembly refers to restraint of movement perpendicular to the axis of the another component. Lateral restraint of the piece in relation to the first vessel refers to restraint of movement perpendicular to the axis of the first vessel. Lateral restraint of the second vessel refers to restraint of movement of the second vessel perpendicular to the axis of the piece.

[0047] “Passive lateral restraint” of one component of the assembly in relation to another means there is no relative movement of the two components.

[0048] “Limited movement lateral restraint” means there is some lateral movement of one component in relation to another before there is interaction restraining further lateral movement. For example, the shape of the top recess in the piece and the shape of the base of the second vessel combine to provide a lateral restraint to movement of the second vessel relative to the piece, optionally following lateral movement of less than at least one of 6mm and 3mm and/or lmm.

[0049] “Rotational restraint” resists rotational movement through the axis of one component of the assembly relative to another.

[0050] “Passive rotational restraint” means there is no relative rotational movement of the two components.

[0051] “Limited movement rotational restraint” means there is some rotational movement of one component in relation to another before there is interaction restraining further movement.

[0052] “Frictional lateral restraint” refers to lateral resistance not dependent upon mechanical engagement, for example the resistance against a second vessel moving laterally in a spherical top recess or moving laterally along the surface of the recessed area in the top recess before engagement with a top recess perimeter wall.

[0053] “360° passive lateral restraint” means that passive resistance is provided against the lateral movement of one component in relation to another component in any radial direction relative to the axis of the another component.

[0054] The terms“axial alignment” and“coaxial” allow for tolerance and thereby out-of axial alignment of small dimension, typically less than at least one of 5mm and 3mm and 2mm and/or lmm relative movement prior to interaction of two components effectively preventing further relative movement, also referred to as“interaction tolerance”.

[0055] It is preferable for the piece to be located on the first vessel and the second vessel located on the piece with freedom of axial movement.

[0056] Optionally, passive lateral restraint or passive rotational restraint should not result from any degree of wedging action comprising physical deformation of one or two wedged components. Optionally, disengagement of components of the assembly should only require the overcoming of gravitational force, not friction or any wedging force.

[0057] According to one aspect of various embodiments, a beverage-making assembly comprises a first vessel, a tableware piece and a second vessel, wherein said first vessel is capable of supporting the piece acting as a lid to the first vessel, wherein said piece comprises a shaped disc comprising a perimeter and two principal surfaces either side of said perimeter, a first principal surface and a second principal surface, wherein the first principal surface comprises a top recess, wherein said second principal surface comprises a well spaced inside the perimeter, said well being impervious to aqueous liquids, wherein the piece is capable of inversion and placing on a horizontal surface with the second principal surface uppermost and the first principal surface supporting the piece after said inversion such that the inverted piece is capable of acting as a receptacle for a used tea bag such that tea which emanates from the used tea bag is contained on the second principal surface within the well and does not spill onto the horizontal surface, wherein the second surface comprises a continuous loop drip projection spaced inside a portion of the piece perimeter, said drip projection forming a perimeter of the well, wherein when the piece is placed to act as a lid on the first vessel containing hot water with the first surface uppermost, said drip projection provides a lateral restraint against the inside of the first vessel if the piece is pushed laterally, and wherein the second vessel sits within the top recess. Optionally the perimeter recess is shaped to“dock” or be located snugly against or be contiguous with the outside of the first vessel after such inversion and placing on a horizontal surface which also supports the first vessel.

[0058] According to one aspect of various embodiments the assembly comprises a stirrer or teaspoon retained within the ventilation aperture created between the rim of the first vessel and a perimeter recess in the piece perimeter. This enables a complete single serving of tea to be supported by a first vessel and be held in one hand. The first vessel typically comprises a mug or cup, which supports a piece acting as a lid, which in turn supports the second vessel, being typically a milk jug. A tea bag or loose leaf tea infuser is typically located within hot water within the first vessel. The tea bag can be either tagged, in which case the tag is located outside the first vessel, the string being optionally retained within the ventilation aperture or being located on another part of the rim where the tea bag string is typically trapped between the rim of the first vessel and a perimeter ledge of the piece. The whole assembly or tea service is capable of being held in one hand, typically by a handle on the first vessel, for example the handle of a mug or cup. This“hold-in-one- hand” tea service feature represents a major improvement over prior art methods of making and serving tea. After the assembly is carried to a table or other surface by a server or a consumer, the second vessel is typically removed from the piece and the brewing and steeping of the tea can be observed through a transparent first vessel and/or a transparent piece and/or by occasionally removing the piece. When the tea has reached the required strength for the individual customer, the piece is removed, inverted and typically“docked” with the perimeter recess fitting snugly against the side of the first vessel. This enables the transfer of a used tea bag onto the inverted piece either by means of the tag or teaspoon or the transfer of a used infuser. Milk is then optionally poured from the second vessel into the brewed tea in the first vessel and stirred with the teaspoon. Milk is optionally substituted by any tasting product, for example cream, lemon, honey, an essence, for example of vanilla or hazelnut, an alcoholic beverage, for example to produce a tea cocktail, sugar, cinnamon or other solid tasting product, optionally stirred with the teaspoon to produce the finished beverage. [0059] According to one aspect of various embodiments, the assembly comprises an infuser, for example a novel stainless steel“bucket” or“bowl” infuser, a“ball and chain” infuser or a disposable abaca or paper envelope infuser. A stainless steel infuser optionally comprises a perforated bowl typically comprising a perforated drum and base, a connector hook which hooks over the rim of the first vessel within or outside the piece perimeter recess, the hook optionally extended to form an infuser handle. The hook optionally is located within the ventilation aperture formed between the first vessel rim and the piece perimeter recess, optionally also retaining a spoon, the bowl of the spoon being located within the first vessel, optionally within or outside the infuser. Optionally, another type of stainless steel infuser comprises a perimeter ledge which can be located intermediate the first vessel rim and the piece. Optionally, a stirrer or spoon is capable of being inserted within the piece perimeter recess, the bowl of the spoon being located within the infuser. Optionally the perimeter ledge of the infuser extends to form a handle projecting beyond the first vessel. Optionally, when the infuser is located on the mug and the piece located on the infuser, at least a part of the perimeter of the piece projects beyond the perimeter of the infuser for ease of lifting the piece relative to the infuser. Depending on the size of the infuser, the spoon is typically either a teaspoon or an espresso spoon.

[0060] There is typically a tolerance between the outside of the tea piece downstand and the inside of the first vessel, which allows for easy placement and removal of the tea piece. In spite of the tea piece not being typically sealed to the first vessel, a significant reduction in spillage of any liquid in the first vessel has been noted in practice, compared to an open mug of the same shape, filled to the same level. The presence of a teaspoon in the ventilation aperture has the effect of pushing the tea piece towards the opposite rim of the first vessel, by virtue of the teaspoon bowl sliding until restrained by the first vessel rim and the edge of the perimeter recess. This has the effect of substantially removing relative movement of the tea piece relative to the first vessel under relatively low lateral force on the tea piece.

[0061] It is preferable for the second vessel to be maintained on the tea piece under a reasonable range of conditions of a person holding the handle of the first vessel, allowing the first vessel to slope or to shake or in resisting sideways impact into furniture or from another person. Optionally the axis of the assembly comprising a second vessel located within the top recess of a piece which is located as a lid to a first vessel, can be rotated to an angle of over at least one of 10° and 20° and 30° and/or 40° from vertical without the second vessel sliding off the tea piece or overturning. The slope at which liquid may spill from the second vessel depends upon the level to which the second vessel is filled by a liquid tasting product. The size of second vessel is typically selected such that the maximum desired amount of tasting liquid can be accommodated within the second vessel’s height with a defined gap to the rim. The second vessel is optionally filled with a typically cold liquid to a level that will spill when the first vessel is rotated before the typically hot first liquid in the first vessel spills, providing a safety warning to avoid scalding.

[0062] The stability of the second vessel and the assembly as a whole is assisted by the second vessel being smaller than the first vessel. Firstly, the smaller the second vessel the less likely it is to be knocked in a commercial hospitality environment. For an identical shape, the smaller the second vessel, the lower its centre of gravity. Optionally, the second vessel has a height above the base plane of the second vessel of less than at least one of 75mm and 60mm and 55mm and 50mm and 45mm and/or 40mm and less than at least one of 80% and 70% and 60% and/or 40% the height of the first vessel. Optionally the liquid capacity of the second vessel is less than the liquid capacity of the first vessel and optionally less than at least one of 80% and 60% and 40% and 30% and/or 20% the liquid capacity of the first vessel.

[0063] The stability of the overall assembly in preparation of an assembly and carrying an assembly on a tray and when placed at the point of consumption, for example a table or desk is optionally assessed by the diameter of the base of the first vessel divided by the overall height of the assembly, optionally greater than at least one of 0.3 and 0.35 and 0.40 and 0.45 and/or 0.50.

[0064] The dynamic performance of the assembly with liquid in both the first vessel and the second vessel is complex, whether in relation to an imposed slope or lateral force, is compounded by the reaction of the person holding the first vessel or a tray on which the assembly is located, making any corrective moves to compensate for any perceived risk of spillage, sliding or overturning. If a sudden force is applied laterally to the mug in one direction the tea piece will typically slide to the other side of the rim of the first vessel, unless already restrained at that point by the tea piece downstand. In either case, a lateral force will be applied to the side of the second vessel at its base in the same direction as the initial force on the first vessel, resulting in a tendency for the second vessel to topple or rotate in the opposite direction. Such tendency is optionally prevented by adequate means of lateral restraint, for example by a top recess perimeter wall in a tea piece. While spillage of hot liquid in the first vessel would be the most serious consequence of such sloping, lateral movement or impact, spillage of liquid in the second vessel would likely occur before spillage of liquid in the first vessel or dislodgement or overturning of the second vessel. Liquid in the second vessel will typically rise up the side of the second vessel facing the direction of lateral impact and then oscillate backwards and forwards in this direction, the timing of such oscillation possibly causing an increase or decrease in the likelihood of lateral sliding or overturning of the second vessel on the tea piece. It has been found in practice that a substantially cylindrical recess, for example as illustrated in Fig. 4C, with a perimeter wall depth optionally greater than at least one of 2mm and 3mm and/or 4mm will substantially avoid such sliding or overturning of the second vessel under typical conditions of a busy and bustling hospitality environment where sideways knocks are not unusual but limited in severity. Such locations often have hard floor surfaces and the second vessel is optionally of a plastic or metal or tempered glass rather than a ceramic material which is more likely to fracture if it falls to the floor. Nevertheless, the likelihood of such occurrence is small and aesthetic considerations or other practical considerations, such as resistant to scratching, may make a ceramic material preferable in certain circumstances.

[0065] The perceived risk of spillage of liquid from the first and/or second vessel, or the toppling of the second vessel from the piece, are problems that the invention is required to overcome. Several methods of assessing such risks and the performance of the present invention in relation to prior art methods of serving tea include the following:

[0066] The“maximum angle of static equilibrium” of the second vessel is optionally assessed by slowly rotating the assembly through the axis of the first vessel until the second vessel topples over, which is typically at an angle of the first vessel axis to vertical of greater than at least one of 30° and/or 40°, angles far greater than liquid in the first vessel or second vessel would typically spill if filled to a typical level of say 5-l0mm from the rim.

[0067] The invention has been reduced to practice and its performance in avoiding spillage of the first liquid compared with a prior art open mug. A first test included using identical mugs of Borosilicate glass being Morning Star from Arc International, France. The mugs being compared were filled with cold water to the same level. This was tested initially using a Liquid Level Indicator product code DK127 supplied by The Royal National Institute for the Blind, UK, to provide the same level of liquid below each mug rim. The assembly of the present invention comprised a first mug, a tea piece similar to that illustrated in Figs. 13A-13J and a second vessel comprising a stainless steel jug similar to that illustrated in Figs. 17U-17Y, which was empty in initial testing. However, it was found in testing that assessing the same level in each mug by eye, supported by weighing each mug, was a more accurate method of filling both mugs to the same level. The assembly comprising the first mug, and the second mug, were both located on a tray which was placed on a table and manually slid laterally, oscillating in a linear direction with gradually increasing amplitude and frequency until the first liquid spilled from one of the mugs and not from the other of the mugs, the amplitude and frequency of oscillation of the tray being slowly further increased until the first liquid also spilled from the other of the mugs. The relative amount of first liquid spilled from each mug was then observed. In every iteration of this test, the water first liquid spilled from the second, open mug before spilling from the first mug of the present invention. This test was varied by manually sliding the tray horizontally in x and y directions, maintaining the orientation of the tray so as to ensure as far as possible that both mugs were being subjected to the same force/displacement regime. This test had the same result, that the second, open mug spilled liquid before the first mug of the present invention.

[0068] However, such tests will always be open to the suggestion that manual operation had affected the results. In a second test, similar to the first test but the assembly with the first mug and the second mug were both placed on a tray of a commercial laboratory horizontal oscillator table from SciQuip Ltd, UK, the SciQuip SP2550-L3 Linear Shaker. Again, the liquid first spilled from the second open mug before the first mug of the assembly as the amplitude and frequency of oscillation were gradually increased until the first liquid spilled from the first mug, the relative amount of spilled liquid being again observed.

[0069] In a third test, the assembly and second mug were placed on a rocker reciprocal machine reference SP2256 Rocker Shaker from SciQuip Ltd, UK. The amplitude and frequency of rocking was increased until liquid spilled from the second mug and further increased until the first liquid spilled from the first mug.

[0070] In all the above experiments it was shown that the invention provided greater security against spilling caused by horizontal or rotational movement than a prior art open mug.

[0071] In various non-limiting embodiments, the piece perimeter recess plays a number of potential roles, including to optionally provide:

(i) sufficient width within which to easily locate a tea bag string connector or infuser connector or connector hook and smoothly manoeuvre it into the ventilation aperture created between the perimeter recess and first vessel rim,

(ii) a ventilation aperture that is sufficiently small to prevent the suspension

handle of a tea bag assembly slipping into the hot water,

(iii) a ventilation aperture that typically enables the free, up and down movement or agitation of the tea bag to accelerate infusion,

(iv) a ventilation aperture that is typically large enough to accommodate a

teaspoon shaft,

(v) a ventilation aperture that is typically large enough to accommodate a drinking straw, and

(vi) the ability to‘dock’ the inverted piece close to and optionally contiguously with the first vessel on a horizontal surface, to reduce or eliminate the risk of tea dripping onto the horizontal surface when transferring the used tea bag from the first vessel into the well of the inverted piece.

[0072] The shortest or straight line dimension between the two extremities of the perimeter recess, for example the chord length between the points at which it deviates from a circular perimeter, is typically greater than at least one of lOmm and 25mm and 30mm and/or 35mm.

[0073] In various of the above embodiments, when the tea is infusing, the string connector or other connector optionally passes through the ventilation aperture and the suspension handle is located outside the space contained by a first vessel and the piece acting as a lid to the first vessel. [0074] Optionally, the perimeter recess is configured and sized to prevent the suspension handle slipping into the hot infusion through the ventilation aperture. The ventilation aperture optionally has a maximum dimension in any direction (e.g., radial direction relative to a center of the piece or a direction tangential to a circumferential direction) of less than at least one of 30 mm and 25 mm and/or 20 mm. Optionally, the ventilation aperture has a plan area of greater than at least one of 20mm ² and 50mm ² and 100mm ² and 150mm ² and/or 200mm ² .

[0075] A transparent piece enables the darkening colour of an infusion to be monitored but if opaque and being used with an opaque first vessel, optionally white or other light colour, the strength of infusion at any point in time can be easily established by raising the tea piece in one hand and optionally accelerating the speed of infusion by manipulating the tea bag by virtue of a supporting tag or a teaspoon. When the desired strength of infusion is achieved, infusion is then terminated by the removal of the used tea bag onto the inverted piece.

[0076] Optionally, the perimeter recess is shaped, for example to an arc of a circle, that enables the perimeter recess edge to be contiguous (fit snugly) with the outside of the vessel after the inversion of the piece, in order to reduce the likelihood of, or to prevent, drips from a wet, used tea bag falling onto a table cloth or table during transfer from the infused tea in the first vessel to the inverted piece acting as a receptacle for the wet, used tea bag.

[0077] Optionally, the top recess facilitates a stable seating of the piece upon inversion, for example on a table cloth, onto which the top recess perimeter bears.

[0078] Upon inversion, the piece is optionally stable on a horizontal surface, to reduce the chances of the piece being rocked to an angle that could allow spilling of tea that has emanated from a used tea bag. Optionally the external points of support of the piece when inverted and placed on a horizontal surface are disposed on the horizontal surface at a distance from the centre of gravity of the piece of not less than at least one of 10mm and 15mm and/or 20mm. [0079] In various non-limiting embodiments, a piece drip projection is firstly intended to prevent water, which has condensed on the second surface during infusion, dripping outside the rim of the cup. It is typically continuous throughout its length to form a closed loop well wall when observed from the second surface side of the piece, to cause tea emanating from the wet tea bag to be contained on the second surface, within the closed loop drip projection.

[0080] In various non-limiting embodiments, the perimeter recess is optionally recessed within an otherwise circular perimeter and is of a width and shape to enable easy positioning of a tea bag connector within the perimeter recess before lowering the tea bag into the hot water. If the piece perimeter is predominantly circular, then the perimeter recess deviates inside that circle by a radial deviation greater than at least one of 3mm and 5mm and lOmm and/or l5mm. Optionally the perimeter recess does not comprise an angle or curvature of radius less than 3mm. The perimeter recess should optionally enable ‘docking’ of the perimeter recess against a first vessel of circular plan, after inversion of the piece, such that the external surface of the first vessel intrudes into a notional continuation of the perimeter circle by a distance of greater than at least one of lmm and 2mm and 3mm and 5mm and 10mm and/or l5mm.

[0081] Optionally, when the inverted piece is pushed against the outside of the first vessel, there is a length between two points on the first vessel perimeter, over the extent of the perimeter recess, in which the gap between the first vessel and piece, when measured radially from the vertical axis of the first vessel, is less than at least one of lmm and 0.5mm and/or 0.2mm. Also, the length between the two points is greater than at least one of lOmm and 20mm and/or 30mm. These‘docking’ features reduce the likelihood of spillage of tea when transferring a used tea bag from a first vessel to an inverted piece compared to prior art mug or cup lids.

[0082] The piece acting as a lid reduces the rate of cooling of the hot water or infusion, which results in a faster rate of infusion and stronger potential infusion than would otherwise be the case. The reduction in rate of cooling is greater if there is a relative flow of air over the cup, for example if a cup of hot water is being carried by a server from a kitchen area to a table within a restaurant or other hospitality location. Optionally, the tea piece is returned to the first vessel to reduce the rate of cooling of a hot liquid in the first vessel, such a provision being shown to be more effective than, for example, an insulated mug or beaker with an open top.

[0083] Optionally the piece is used as a cover to the first vessel, for example after removal of the tea bag and its disposal, to keep the beverage warm before and/or during the duration of drinking the beverage.

[0084] Various non-limiting embodiments provide tea- making functionality similar to a teapot, of a covered infusion environment, to increase the efficiency of infusion compared to an open mug. However, it has the advantage over a conventional teapot service of the desired strength of tea being determined by removal of the used tea bag onto the inverted piece, whereas the strength of tea in a teapot is continually changing, from too weak to too strong.

[0085] Optionally, the piece has enhanced insulating properties, for example comprising an internal partial vacuum, air gaps or bubbles, for example of sealed foam construction, for example to further improve heat retention during the serving of the first vessel containing hot water and/or the infusion, enabling the required strength of tea to be achieved even faster, and/or keeping the tea or other beverage warmer before and during the duration of drinking the tea.

[0086] Optionally, the first vessel has enhanced insulating properties, further improving heat retention, for example by the sides and/or base incorporating an air gap or partial vacuum or comprising an insulating material.

[0087] Optionally, a paper or fabric napkin is located within a handle of the first vessel, still enabling the whole assembly to be carried by the handle in one hand.

[0088] According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making a beverage using an assembly comprising a first vessel, a tableware piece and a second vessel, wherein said first vessel is capable of supporting the piece acting as a lid to the first vessel, wherein said piece comprises a shaped disc comprising a perimeter and two principal surfaces either side of said perimeter, being a first principal surface and a second principal surface, wherein said first principal surface comprises a top recess, wherein said top recess comprises a top recess perimeter and a recessed area within said recess top perimeter, and wherein the second vessel is capable of being located within the top recess, said method comprising the steps of:

(i) inserting a first liquid into the first vessel comprising a rim,

(ii) placing the piece on the rim of the first vessel such that the first principal

surface is uppermost,

(iii) inserting a tasting product in the second vessel,

(iv) locating the second vessel in the top recess in the first principal surface of the piece,

(v) optionally re-locating the assembly of steps (i)-(iv)

(vi) removing the second vessel,

(vii) removing the piece from the first vessel, and

(viii) inserting some of the tasting product into the first vessel.

[0089] According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making of tea including in step (i) said first liquid is hot water, wherein after step (i) locating a tea bag into the hot water. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making of tea wherein said first liquid is hot water and before step (i) locating a tea bag into the first vessel. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making of tea including in step (iii) said tasting product is one of milk and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making of tea, wherein after step (vi) allowing time for the tea to infuse, wherein after step (vii), removing the used tea bag from the hot water, and transferring one of milk and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener from the second vessel into the first vessel. Optionally, the method of making tea also includes the second principal side of the piece comprising a well, and wherein after step (vii), the piece is inverted and the used tea bag is placed onto the inverted piece.

[0090] Optionally, the tea bag is part of an assembly comprising the tea bag, a suspension handle and a connector which connects the tea bag to the suspension handle.

[0091] Optionally, the tea bag is placed into the hot water by means of the suspension handle and connector. [0092] Optionally, the hot water is boiling water.

[0093] Optionally, the piece comprises a perimeter recess and a tagged tea bag connector passes through a ventilation aperture between the perimeter recess and the inside of the first vessel rim, and wherein the suspension handle is located outside the space contained by the first vessel and piece acting as a lid to the first vessel. The ventilation aperture enables ventilation of steam and, optionally before step (vii), agitating the infusing tea, typically by repeatedly lifting the tea bag up and allowing it to drop, by means of the suspension handle and connector. The infusion process is sometimes referred to as steeping or brewing the tea, which is sometimes referred to as tea liquor.

[0094] Optionally, the piece is inverted and optionally is then located on the same horizontal surface as the first vessel and is optionally placed against the first vessel, to enable the tea bag to be transferred onto the piece without dripping onto the horizontal surface, for example of a table or tablecloth or desk or service counter.

[0095] Optionally the piece comprises a perimeter recess and the perimeter recess is designed and configured to fit close to and optionally contiguously with the outside of the first vessel. This“docking” of the piece creates a“transfer width” over which the used tea bag is transferred onto the inverted piece to further reduce the possibility of tea from the used tea bag spilling onto the horizontal surface.

[0096] The tea bag connector is optionally string, optionally thread, twine, fine cable or monofilament, optionally flexible, optionally contained within the tea bag before being pulled out from the tea bag before immersion of the tea bag in the hot water.

[0097] The suspension handle or tag typically comprises paper, card or plastic material or a loop or other termination of the string and enables the tea bag to be suspended from the string by a person holding the suspension handle, typically between thumb and first finger, for the purposes of placing the tea bag into the hot water in the cup and optionally agitating the tea bag to speed up the infusion process. Following the desired degree of infusion or brewing of the tea, the suspension handle and string are typically used to retrieve the tea bag from the hot tea liquid and, following inversion of the piece and locating it onto a table or other horizontal surface, placing the wet tea bag on the second surface of the piece within the well.

[0098] The tea is optionally made from boiling water poured onto the tea bag directly from a kettle or other water boiling device, or the tea bag being placed into a first vessel containing hot water. In either case, according to methods according to various embodiments of the present invention, the method allows the individual drinker to determine their preferred strength of tea in a location remote from a kettle or other means of boiling water, as they are in control of the duration of infusion. It also allows the drinker or other user of the piece to overcome some of the limitations of the prior art. The lid retains heat, reducing the rate of cooling of the hot water or infusion. A ventilation aperture between the piece and the rim of the cup allows the escape of steam, while typically retaining the tea bag connector, enabling the suspension handle to be maintained outside the cup, and the optional agitation of the tea bag by raising and lowering of the tea bag suspension handle. The piece provides a convenient holding receptacle for the wet tea bag after infusion, following its inversion, enabling reuse of the already used tea bag and/or its clean and convenient disposal.

[0099] The method of making a beverage optionally includes the piece comprising a perimeter recess and a teaspoon being inserted into the liquid in the first vessel, the ventilation aperture retaining the shaft of the teaspoon, and wherein after step (viii) the teaspoon is used to stir and amalgamate the tasting product and the liquid in the first vessel. For example, in the method of making tea, the tasting product is optionally milk which is mixed into the brewed tea in the first vessel. The inclusion of a teaspoon in the assembly is especially valuable when making tea with an untagged tea bag, the used untagged tea bag being transferred onto the inverted piece by using the teaspoon. Optionally, a teaspoon is located in an infuser bowl.

[00100] As another example, in the making of Irish coffee, the first vessel is optionally a glass which is optionally pre- warmed and in step (i) hot coffee is the first liquid inserted into the first vessel, followed by inserting and stirring brown sugar with a teaspoon until the brown sure is dissolved, followed by adding Irish whiskey and stirring again with the teaspoon to produce a coffee blend, before holding the teaspoon with the teaspoon bowl over the first vessel with the convex side uppermost and slowly pouring cream from the second vessel into the coffee blend via the concave surface. As another example, a tea or other infusion cocktail is made using an alcoholic spirit as the tasting product inserted into the second vessel.

[00101] Optionally, a part or all of the piece is transparent, maintaining visibility of the tea while it is infusing to the required strength of tea. Various non-limiting

embodiments of the invention enable alternative uses of the piece following tea making, either for wet tea bag disposal or reuse, or as a saucer for the cup of tea, or as a lid to keep the tea hotter than it otherwise would be before and optionally during the duration of drinking the tea. Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention enable a reduced quantity of tea to be incorporated into each tea bag because of the increased efficiency of infusion compared to the method of making tea with a tea bag in an open mug or cup. The invention avoids the spilling of tea from a teapot when serving or pouring, caused by a poorly designed or constructed teapot or the person holding the teapot.

[00102] The piece is optionally used for methods of making tea which do not comprise a tea bag assembly comprising a tea bag, a suspension handle and a string connector. For example, making tea with an untagged tea bag without a suspension handle or string connector still benefits from the heat retention in the first vessel provided by the piece, for example as a mug or cup lid. The untagged tea bag is typically dropped into the hot water placed in the first vessel before the hot water is added and is typically removed from the hot water and placed on the inverted piece by a teaspoon, a fork, a stirrer or other implement, which is optionally also used to agitate the tea bag or press the tea bag against the side or base of the first vessel to accelerate the steeping of the tea or other infusion. A stirrer, typically a slim piece of disposable wood or plastic, is optionally used to agitate the tea bag through the ventilation aperture.

[00103] Optionally the piece is used to make tea with loose leaf tea in conjunction with an infuser. Optionally, the infuser has a flexible connector, for example a chain or made of a flexible material, for example silicone, or is suitably shaped to allow a connector part of the infuser to pass through the ventilation aperture and the suspension handle to be located outside the first vessel and piece and optionally be capable of manipulating the infuser up and down or side to side to accelerate the infusion. Optionally the infuser comprises an open bowl, a suspension handle and a connector hook. Optionally, the infuser comprises a perimeter ledge which is supported on the rim of the first vessel before placing the tea or other infusion within the infuser, adding hot water and placing the piece on the infuser, optionally with a stirrer or teaspoon placed within the perimeter recess with the bottom end of the stirrer or bowl of the teaspoon located within the infuser.

[00104] Optionally, the piece is used in conjunction with a transparent first vessel, for example a glass mug, to further assist identifying when the infused tea is of the desired strength.

[00105] The assembly optionally comprises a first vessel, a tea piece comprising a perimeter recess, a teaspoon retained within the tea piece perimeter recess, optionally an infuser, a second vessel, and optionally a third vessel, all being held in one hand by a handle on the first vessel or gripping around the first vessel. Optionally a napkin is located within a handle on the first vessel.

[00106] Non-limiting aspects of various embodiments eliminate or reduce the requirement to clean away tea which has been spilled from a teapot or emanated from a wet tea bag onto a table cloth or table surface or the clothes of a customer or server, reducing cleaning and laundry bills or increasing the duration of use of disposable table cloths. One or more embodiments also prevent the annoyance of a person having to leave their seat to dispose of a wet tea bag or ask for a suitable disposal receptacle. One or more of these embodiments, through their previously stated non-limiting efficiencies and avoidance of mess, enables a faster turnaround time of tables in a restaurant or other hospitality or catering location.

[00107] It has been found in practice that carrying a mug of hot, infusing tea with a piece acting as a lid, in accordance with PCT/IB 2015/055147, greatly reduces the risk of spilling the hot liquid compared with using a mug without a tea piece of the present invention. The addition of a small second vessel and tasting product, located within the top recess of the tea piece, enhances the safety of carrying such hot, infusing tea, for example by increasing the weight of the assembly. As another example, the design of the second vessel and top recess are such as to ensure that a hot liquid filled to an advised level in the first vessel will not spill, by virtue of the axis of the assembly being held at an angle to vertical or the first vessel being subject to lateral displacement, before the typically cold tasting product filled to an advised level in the second vessel spills, thus acting as a warning to the carrier of the assembly to take corrective action in“righting” the assembly. As yet another example, the displacement of the tasting product and/or displacement of the second vessel, absorbs part of the energy of impact, reducing the likelihood of the hot liquid in the first vessel spilling. As a yet further example, a continuous downstand of a piece acts as a baffle to prevent or ameliorate the spillage of hot liquid from the first vessel.

[00108] While the invention has been described primarily in relation to the making and serving of tea and other infusions, it has wider application in the serving of hot beverages, typically where the advantages of keeping a hot beverage warm and being able to carry safely a mug of hot beverage typically with a spoon and a tasting product, all contained within a small area or“footprint” on a serving tray or table, are of value to the food service operator and/or customer. For example: i) a combination of hot chocolate in a mug and mini marshmallows in the tasting vessel, ii) black (Americano) coffee in a mug or cup and cold milk in the tasting vessel, for example a jug,

iii) black coffee, sugar and whiskey, stirred in a mug with cold cream in a creamer jug, to make Irish coffee by the customer pouring in the cold cream over an upturned spoon bowl to create a cream topping in Irish coffee, and

(iv) a cocktail with any beverage, for example with a measure of alcohol, for example whiskey or rum in a second vessel, which optionally has the measured volume indicated for verification, for example marked on a transparent jug, for example of glass or plastic.

[00109] One or more of these and/or other aspects of various embodiments of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of“a”,“an”, and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00110] All closed-ended (e.g., between A and B) and open-ended (greater than C) ranges of values disclosed herein explicitly include all ranges that fall within or nest within such ranges. For example, a disclosed range of 1 to 10 is understood as also disclosing, among other ranged, 2 to 10, 1 to 9, 3 to 9, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00111] For a better understanding of various embodiments as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[00112] Fig. 1A is a plan of a piece according to various embodiments from the side of surface 2 in which a drip projection is spaced within the outside of the perimeter recess.

[00113] Figs. 1B-1F are diagrammatic cross-sections through different exemplary pieces according to Fig. 1A.

[00114] Figs. 2A and 2B are perspectives of the assembly according to various embodiments before and after removal of the second vessel and piece.

[00115] Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrammatic cross-sections through various embodiments before and after removal of the second vessel and piece.

[00116] Fig. 4A is a plan of a piece comprising a perimeter recess according to various embodiments from the side of surface 2 in which a drip projection is coterminous with the outside of the recess.

[00117] Figs. 4B-4F are diagrammatic cross-sections through different exemplary pieces according to Fig. 4A. [00118] Figs. 5A and 5B are perspectives of the assembly according to various embodiments before and after removal of the second vessel and piece.

[00119] Figs. 6A and 6B are diagrammatic cross-sections through various embodiments before and after removal of the second vessel and piece.

[00120] Figs. 7A-70 are diagrammatic cross-sections through exemplary recess profiles.

[00121] Figs. 8A-8F are diagrammatic cross-sections through exemplary second vessel bases and their interactions with recess walls.

[00122] Figs. 8G and 8H are diagrammatic cross-sections through exemplary second vessels and top recesses.

[00123] Fig. 9A and 9B are a diagrammatic cross-sections through a second vessel base and annular recess in a piece which provides a locking action against rotational displacement of the second vessel relative to the piece.

[00124] Figs. 10A-10I are diagrammatic cross-sections of an assembly illustrating one example method of making tea using the assembly.

[00125] Figs. 11A-11J are diagrammatic cross-sections to illustrate various aspects of stability of various non-limitative embodiments of the invention.

[00126] Fig. 12A is a plan of a glass piece from the side of surface 2.

[00127] Fig. 12B is a plan of the glass piece of Fig. 12A from the side of surface 1.

[00128] Figs. 12C-12E are cross-sections through the piece of Figs. 12A and 12B.

[00129] Figs. 12F-12H are elevations of the piece of Figs. 12A and 12B. [00130] Figs. 121 and 12J are perspectives of the piece of Figs. 12A and 12B.

[00131] Fig. 13 A is a plan of a transparent plastic piece from the side of surface 2.

[00132] Fig. 13B is a plan of the transparent plastic piece of Fig. 13A from the side of surface 1.

[00133] Figs. 13C-13E are cross-sections through the piece of Figs. 13A and 13B.

[00134] Figs. 13F-13H are elevations of the piece of Figs. 13A and 13B.

[00135] Figs. 131 and 13J are perspectives of the piece of Figs. 13A and 13B.

[00136] Fig. 14A is a cross-section through an infuser, mug and piece.

[00137] Fig. 14B is a cross-section through the infuser, mug and piece of Fig. 14A.

[00138] Fig. 14C is a horizontal cross-section through the infuser, mug and piece of Fig. 14A.

[00139] Fig. 14D is an exploded cross-section through an infuser, mug, teaspoon and piece.

[00140] Fig. 14E is a cross-section through an infuser, mug and piece with a jug located on the piece.

[00141] Fig. 14F is a cross-section through the assembly of Fig. 14E.

[00142] Fig. 14G is a horizontal cross-section through the assembly of Fig. 14E.

[00143] Fig. 14H is an exploded cross-section through an infuser, mug, teaspoon and piece. [00144] Fig. 141 is a cross-section through an infuser, mug and piece with a jug located on the piece.

[00145] Fig. 14J is a cross-section through the assembly of Fig. 141.

[00146] Fig. 14K is a horizontal cross-section through the assembly of Fig. 141.

[00147] Fig. 14L is a cross-section through a novel infuser.

[00148] Fig. 14M is a side elevation of the infuser of Fig. 14L.

[00149] Fig. 14N is a front elevation of the infuser of Fig. 14L.

[00150] Fig. 140 is a rear elevation of the infuser of Fig. 14L.

[00151] Fig. 14P is a perspective of the infuser of Fig. 14L.

[00152] Fig. 14Q is a perspective of the infuser of Fig. 14L.

[00153] Fig. 14R is a plan of the infuser of Fig. 14L.

[00154] Fig. 14S is a horizontal cross-section of the infuser of Fig. 14L.

[00155] Fig. 14T is a side elevation of variant of the infuser of Fig. 14L with a different suspension handle.

[00156] Figs. 15A-15E are diagrammatic cross-sections through pieces with side 2 uppermost and‘docked’ against drinking vessels.

[00157] Fig. 15F is a diagrammatic plan from immediately above a piece‘docked’ against a drinking vessel shown in cross-section.

[00158] Fig.16A is a diagrammatic plan of a piece perimeter. [00159] Figs. 16B and 16C are cross-sections through a first vessel 60 immediately below and viewing upwards towards surface 2 of piece 11 located on its rim.

[00160] Fig. 17A is a perspective of a novel second vessel.

[00161] Fig. 17B is a plan of the second vessel of Fig. 17A.

[00162] Fig. 17C is a side elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17A.

[00163] Fig 17D is a front elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17A.

[00164] Fig. 17E is a cross-section x-x of the second vessel of Fig. 17A.

[00165] Fig. 17F is a perspective of a second vessel.

[00166] Fig 17G is a plan of the second vessel of Fig. 17F.

[00167] Fig. 17H is a side elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17F.

[00168] Fig. 171 is a front elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17F.

[00169] Fig. 17J is a cross-section x-x of the second vessel of Fig. 17F.

[00170] Fig. 17K is a perspective of a novel second vessel.

[00171] Fig. 17L is a plan of the second vessel of Fig. 17K.

[00172] Fig. 17M is a side elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17K.

[00173] Fig. 17N is a side elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17K perpendicular to that of Fig. 17M.

[00174] Fig. 170 is a cross-section x-x of the second vessel of Fig. 17K. [00175] Fig. 17P is a perspective of another novel second vessel.

[00176] Fig. 17Q is a plan of the second vessel of Fig. 17P.

[00177] Fig. 17R is a side elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17P.

[00178] Fig. 17S is a side elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17P perpendicular to that of Fig. 17R.

[00179] Fig. 17T is a cross-section x-x of the second vessel of Fig. 17P.

[00180] Fig. 17U is a perspective of a second vessel.

[00181] Fig. 17V is a plan of the second vessel of Fig. 17U.

[00182] Fig. 17W is a side elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17U.

[00183] Fig. 17X is a front elevation of the second vessel of Fig. 17U.

[00184] Fig. 17Y is a cross-section x-x of the second vessel of Fig. 17U.

[00185] Fig. 18A is a cross-section through an assembly comprising a third vessel.

[00186] Fig. 18B is a cross-section through the assembly of Fig. 18A.

[00187] Fig. 18C is a cross-section through an assembly comprising an inverted piece as a third vessel.

[00188] Fig. 18D is a cross-section through an assembly.

[00189] Fig. 18E is a cross-section through an assembly comprising a third vessel.

[00190] Fig. 18F is a perspective of the assembly of Fig. 18D. [00191] Fig. 18G is a perspective of the assembly of Fig. 18E.

[00192] Fig. 19A is a cross-section through an assembly comprising a timer.

[00193] Fig. 19B is a cross-section through an assembly comprising a timer.

[00194] Fig. 20A is a cross-section through a disposable piece.

[00195] Fig. 20B is a plan of the piece of Fig. 20A.

[00196] Fig. 20C is a cross-section through the piece of Fig. 20A inverted.

[00197] Fig. 20D is a plan of the thin plate piece from the side of surface 2.

[00198] Fig. 20E is a plan of the thin plate piece of Fig. 20D from the side of surface

1.

[00199] Figs. 20F-20H are cross-sections through the piece of Fig. 20D.

[00200] Figs. 20I-20K are elevations of the piece of Fig. 20D.

[00201] Figs. 20L and 20M are perspectives of the piece of Fig. 20D.

[00202] Fig. 20N is a plan view from side 1 of a split reusable takeaway piece 52.

[00203] Fig. 200 is a cross-section X-X through the piece of Fig. 20N.

[00204] Fig. 20P is a plan view from side 2 of the piece of Fig. 20N.

[00205] Fig. 20Q is a cross-section X’-X’ of the piece of Fig. 20N following relocation of one side of the split piece 52 onto the other side of the split piece 52. [00206] Fig. 21 is a flow chart showing exemplary methods of making tea with an assembly according to various embodiments.

[00207] Figs. 22A-22J are diagrammatic cross-sections through assemblies of the present invention.

[00208] In the figures, for clarity, only features on the facing surface are shown, features on a remote surface not indicated, even with transparent embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[00209] In Fig. 1A, piece 10 comprises a continuous drip projection 20 spaced inside piece perimeter 30 throughout its length. In the embodiments of cross-sections X- X in Figs. 1B to 1F, the piece perimeter 30 and continuous drip projection or downstand 20 are typically circular. The drip projection 20 is designed to sit within the rim of a first vessel 60 with ledge 13 located on the rim 62 of the first vessel 60, as illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B.

[00210] In the embodiments of Figs. 1B to 1F, well 8 is located within continuous drip projection 20 and well 8 comprises continuous well wall 9.

[00211] In the embodiment Fig. 1B, surface 1 has a top recess 3 in which concave portion 4 in surface 1 is part spherical, to enable the piece to support a second vessel 100 (not shown) with a circular base of smaller diameter than that of the recess perimeter 5 and be stable on inversion.

[00212] The piece of Fig. 1C comprises a recess perimeter 5 surrounding a top recess 3 with a recessed area 6 and top recess perimeter wall 7 to surface 1, which provides lateral restraint to second vessel 100 (not shown). In the piece of Fig. 1C, the top recess perimeter wall 7 is typically of a height between the top recess perimeter 5 and recessed area 6 not less than l-2mm, optionally 2-4mm, more optionally 4-6mm, and optionally above 6mm.

[00213] The piece of Fig. 1D comprises an annular recess 14 in well 8, the annular recess 14 being inside and adjacent to continuous drip projection or downstand 20. Top recess 3 and second vessel 100 (not shown) are designed to resist rotational displacement of second vessel 100 relative to piece 10, as shown in Fig. 11 J. The recess wall 7 is of sufficient depth to provide a reaction point 24 near the base of recess wall 7 to resist attempted rotational displacement 27 about fulcrum point 22 on piece 10, the top recess wall 7 height between recess perimeter 5 and recessed area 6 being typically greater than 4mm, optionally greater than 6mm, and more optionally greater than 8mm.

[00214] The piece of Fig. 1E is similar to that of Fig. 1D except that recess wall 7 is sloping at an angle to facilitate removal from a mould, for example if the piece is injection- moulded plastic, press-moulded glass or moulded clay. A second vessel 100 to be used in conjunction with the piece of Fig. 1E typically has tapered sides to enable the desired interaction to resist rotational displacement or overturning of second vessel 100.

[00215] In Fig. 1F an annular recess 14 to the well 8 reduces the material used to make the piece compared to the piece of Fig. 1C and assists injection moulding by providing a more uniform cross-section for the flow of material in and around the mould.

[00216] The pieces of Figs. 1A-1F are typically intended to sit loosely within a first vessel 60, comprising rim 62, of Figs. 2A and 2B, there being a suitable tolerance between the outside of the continuous drip projection 20 and the inside of the rim 62 of the first vessel onto which it is located, such that the piece 10 can be subsequently removed from first vessel 60 by a force no greater than the weight of the piece 10.

[00217] This tolerance between the outside of drip projection 20 and the inside of the first vessel rim 62 allows for the tolerances of manufacture of the first vessel 60 and piece 10, both of which will have acceptable tolerances and deviations in diameter from that of a true circle. A nominal circumferential gap between the outside of drip projection 20 and the inside of a first vessel rim 62 of 0. lmm to 3mm has been found to be useful according to various embodiments, which relates to a diameter of the outside of drip projection 20 being 0.2 mm to 6 mm less than the inside rim diameter of the first vessel, the difference in diameters more optionally being less than 3 mm.

[00218] Typically, the piece 10 in Figs. 1A-1F is of rigid construction, for example of glass, plastic material for example polycarbonate, copolyester or melamine, stainless steel or ceramic material or bamboo. Optionally, the piece 10 in Figs. 1A-1F is made of a flexible material, for example of silicone, which is optionally designed so that the drip projection 20 fits snuggly inside at least part of the first vessel rim 62 perimeter, for example to avoid the piece falling off the first vessel and optionally to provide a seal over this part of the inside of the first vessel rim 62 perimeter. Optionally, the outside edge of such a flexible piece is designed to wrap around the first vessellO rim, in order to provide a more effective seal.

[00219] Fig. 2A is a perspective of the assembly comprising the piece 10 of Fig. 1C. Second vessel 100 with tasting product 91 sits inside top recess 3 within surface 1 of piece 10, piece 10 being supported on the rim 62 (not visible) of first vessel 60 containing first liquid 90, for example hot water (not visible) and tea bag 80 (not visible) with string connector 82 and suspension handle 84, for example a paper tag, outside first vessel 60.

Fig. 2B shows second vessel 100 removed from piece 10 of Fig. 2A and piece 10 inverted and located adjacent to first vessel 60, well 8 within surface 2 being capable of receiving used tea bag 80 (not shown). Any drops or other leakage of tea from used tea bag 80 are typically contained within well 8, without any tea dripping onto the horizontal surface supporting them.

[00220] Fig. 3A is a cross-section through the assembly of Fig. 2A. The piece 10 acts as a lid to first vessel 60. A string connector 82, connected to suspension handle 84 and tea bag 80, is trapped between piece ledge 13 and the rim 62 of first vessel 60, to ensure the suspension handle 84 does not slip into the hot water 90. Hot water 90 becomes infused with the tea in tea bag 80. Second vessel 100 is located within top recess perimeter 5 in top recess 3 on surface 1 of piece 10 and contains tasting product 91, for example of milk. In Fig. 3B, piece 10 is shown inverted, enabling the transfer of tea bag 80 onto inverted piece 10 by means of suspension handle or tag 84, typically when the brewed tea 90 is of the drinker’s preferred strength.

[00221] Fig. 4A is similar to Fig. 1 A except for piece 11 varying from piece 10 by virtue of perimeter recess 40. Perimeter recess 40 is optionally in the arc of a circle for at least part of its length and optionally drip projection 20 is coterminous with perimeter recess 40. Optionally perimeter recess 40 fits closely and optionally contiguously with the outside of first vessel 60 (not shown) after inversion of the piece 10, as illustrated in Fig. 5B. [00222] Figs. 4B to 4F are similar to Figs. 1B to 1F except for each piece 11 comprising perimeter recess 40.

[00223] Fig. 5A is a perspective of the assembly comprising the piece 11 of Fig. 4C. Second vessel 100 with tasting product 91 sits inside top recess 3 within surface 1 of piece 11 and optional teaspoon 95 is located within ventilation aperture 70, piece 11 being supported on the rim 62 (not visible) of first vessel 60 containing hot water 90 (not visible) and tea bag 80 (not visible) with string connector 82 within ventilation aperture 70 and suspension handle 84 outside first vessel 60. Fig. 5B shows second vessel 100 removed from piece 11 and piece 11 inverted and located contiguously with first vessel 60, well 8 within surface 2 being capable of receiving used tea bag 80 (not shown). This configuration of the assembly typically enables any drops or other leakage of tea from tea bag 80 to be contained within well 8, without any tea dripping onto the horizontal surface supporting them.

[00224] Fig. 6A is a cross-section through the assembly of Fig. 5A. The piece 11 acts as a lid to first vessel 60. Ventilation aperture 70 is located between the rim 62 of first vessel 60 and the perimeter recess 40 of piece 11, enabling the escape of steam and optionally the retention of a string connector 82, connected to suspension handle 84 and tea bag 80, the ventilation aperture 70 optionally being of smaller maximum dimension than the smallest dimension of suspension handle 84, to ensure the suspension handle 84 does not slip into the hot water 90. Hot water 90 becomes infused with tea in tea bag 80. Second vessel 100 is located in top recess 3 on surface 1 of piece 11 and contains tasting product 91, for example of milk. Optional teaspoon 95 is located in ventilation aperture 70. It should be noted that the bowl 97 of teaspoon 95, subject to gravity, tends to slide along the inside base of first vessel 60 until it reaches an equilibrium point when the continuous downstand or drip projection 20 bears on the opposite side of rim 62 of first vessel 60, which in turn provides greater stability to the assembly, particularly in the support of second vessel 100 on piece 11. In Fig. 6B, piece 11 is shown inverted with perimeter recess 40 fitting snugly or contiguously against first vessel 60, enabling drip-free transfer of tea bag 80 onto inverted piece 11 by means of suspension handle 84, without any tea dripping onto the horizontal surface supporting them. [00225] The piece 10 of Figs. 1A to 3B and piece 11 of Figs. 4A to 6B is optionally transparent to allow the first liquid 90 to be visible, for example piece 10 or 11 being of glass, polycarbonate or Eastman Tritan copolyester. Optionally, first vessel 60 is transparent, for example of glass, polycarbonate or Eastman Tritan copolyester. Optionally, second vessel 100 is also transparent, to facilitate visibility and measurement of tasting product 91, second vessel 100 optionally having volumetric markings, for example to measure alcohol to be mixed into first liquid 90, for example tea, to make a tea cocktail. Optionally the ledge 13 of pieces 10 and 11 is notched to accommodate the connecter handle 83 of an infuser, for example of Fig. 14L, to allow ledge 13 to sit flush on the rim 62 of a first vessel 60.

[00226] In the above embodiments of Figs. 4A to 6B, a perimeter recess 40 optionally includes an outer edge comprising smoothly transitioned curves to assist manipulation of a string connector 82 within the ventilation aperture 70, with a minimum internal radius of curvature of 3mm, optionally 5, 10 or l5mm. The perimeter recess is typically open such that if a circular arc of radius r is struck concentric with the piece perimeter 30 that intersects the perimeter recess 40 at two points, the tangents of the perimeter recess 40 at the two points intersect within the radius of the arc, at a subtended angle T greater than 0° and optionally greater than at least one of 45° and 60° and/or 90°. Ventilation aperture 70 formed by perimeter recess 40 and rim 62 allows steam to escape and provides a means of retaining a string connector 82 while enabling tea in first vessel 60 to be infused faster by raising and lowering tea bag 80 (not shown) in hot water 90 by means of suspension handle 84. Optionally the ventilation aperture 70 between the perimeter recess and rim 62 retains the shaft of the teaspoon.

[00227] Fig. 7A-70 are diagrammatic cross-sections through example top recesses 3.

[00228] Fig. 7A illustrates a part spherical top recess surface 4 inside top recess perimeter 5.

[00229] Figs. 7B and 7C illustrate top recess wall 7 between top recess perimeter 5 and recessed area 6 comprising top radius 17 and bottom radius 18. Top radius 17 in the piece top recess assists in the location of the second vessel 100 within the top recess 3. [00230] Figs. 7D and 7E illustrate top recess wall 7 between top recess perimeter 5 and recessed area 6 comprising top radius 17 and bottom radius 18 connected by straight 19.

[00231] Figs. 7F and 7G illustrate top recess wall 7 between top recess perimeter 5 and recessed area 6 comprising top radius 17 and transition curve 12 tangential to top radius 17 and plane recessed area 6.

[00232] Figs. 7H and 7I illustrate stepped top recess wall 7 between top recess perimeter 5 and recessed area 6. The base of second vessel 100 (not shown) would be correspondingly stepped in this embodiment.

[00233] Figs. 7J and 7K illustrate top recess wall 7 being part of annular recess 15, for example being of substantially semi-circular cross-section.

[00234] Figs. 7L and 7M illustrate recess wall 7 being part of locking annular recess 16 which is one part of a novel locking mechanism against which locking annular projection 109 at the base of second vessel 100 (not shown) reacts to resist attempted rotational displacement 27 or toppling of the second vessel 100 relative to piece 10 or 11, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B.

[00235] Figs. 7N and 70 illustrate the recess profiles of Figs. 4D and 4E, comprising top recess walls 7 sufficiently deep to provide a resistance to rotational displacement 27 of second vessel 100 by virtue of fulcrum 22 and reaction point 24. A tight wedge fit is not desirable being a potential risk on removal of the second vessel. Second vessel 100 can optionally be removed from the piece 10 or 11 by a force no greater than the weight of the second vessel and any tasting product 91 in the second vessel.

[00236] Figs. 8A-8F are diagrammatic cross-sections through example second vessel bases and their interactions with top recess perimeter walls. Fig. 8A illustrates a non- limitative embodiment in which the base radius 107 interacts with top recess top radius 17 when subject to a lateral force F. Depending on the radii 107 and 17 and the coefficient of friction between piece 11 and second vessel 100 at the point of interaction 110 between the top radius 17 and the base radius 107 and between the annular projection 108 and recessed area 6, the second vessel 100 will have a possible tendency to ride up and over top radius 17, more so in the embodiment of Fig. 8B. If vessel 100 is ceramic, there is typically a base annular projection 108 which is typically unglazed where it sits on recessed area 6 with a greater coefficient of friction between the second vessel 100 and piece 11 than at a typical point of interaction 110 between second vessel 100 and piece 11, for example between base radius 107 and top radius 17. This greater coefficient of friction at the underside of the base of the second vessel 100 is caused by the unglazed or partially unglazed lower surface of second vessel 100 of typical ceramic hollowware. This relative rough surface potentially causes scratching of a plastic piece 11 in the recessed area 6, which would be unsightly. Measures can be taken to ameliorate such visual scratching, for example“sparking” the surface of the mould of such a plastic piece 11 to produce a mottled surface effect, to disguise the scratching. Measures to reduce the roughness of the underside surface of ceramic holloware include sandpapering the underside of the annular projection or“foot ring” 108 to the base of the second vessel 100. Fig. 8B illustrates a non-limitative embodiment in which the base radius 107 interacts with transition curve 12 following limited lateral movement of second vessel 100 relative to piece 11, for example when subjected to force F. Base radius 107 will ride up transition curve 12 which will gradually reduce the speed of relative movement. Fig. 8C illustrates a non-limitative embodiment in which the top of base radius 107 interacts with straight section 19 of top recess perimeter wall 7 after lateral movement at interaction point 110, as shown to larger scale in Fig. 8F. This provides a positive but sudden resistance to lateral movement, in which the tendency of second vessel 100 to rotate or topple is typically increased compared to the embodiments of Figs. 8A and 8B. Fig. 8D illustrates a non-limitative embodiment in which top recess wall 7 is undercut and the side of the second vessel 100 above base radius 107 interacts with piece top radius 17, providing another type of positive lateral restraint. Figs. 8A and 8D illustrate examples of passive restraint and Figs. 8B and 8C limited movement restraint. Fig. 8E is of a non-limiting embodiment with a chamfered straight 19 to top recess perimeter wall 7 with a chamfer of the same angle as that of straight 19 surrounding the base 102 to the second vessel, providing a 360° passive lateral restraint to lateral force F in any direction. A chamfer, for example at an angle of 45° to the axis, surrounds the base of the second vessel and a top recess perimeter wall comprises a slope of substantially the same angle to the axis, such that the second vessel can be located axially into the top recess, providing a passive lateral restraint, the second vessel and the top recess being optionally dimensioned so that after such location there is a gap between the base of the second vessel and the surface of the recessed area of the top recess 7. Optionally top recess perimeter walls 7 comprise a slope angle to the axis of the piece of less than at least one of 45° and 30° and 15° and/or 5°.

[00237] Fig. 8F illustrates interaction point 110 where base radius 107 is in contact with a straight 19 to top recess perimeter wall 7, straight 19 extending between a perimeter wall top radius 17 and a perimeter wall bottom radius 18. If a lateral force F is applied at interaction point 110 at height hF above recessed area 6, it can be considered to be resolved into force Fp perpendicular to straight 19 being also the tangent of base radius 107 at the point of interaction 110, and tangential force Ft along straight 19. This force Ft, reduced by Fp multiplied by the coefficient of friction between piece 11 and second vessel 100, can in turn be resolved parallel to the axis of second vessel 100, being the force Fa acting against the gravitational weight W of second vessel 100 and any contents of second vessel 100 at their combined centre of gravity 105, to potentially cause upward axial movement of second vessel 100. Optionally the angle to the axis of a piece 10 or 11 of a perimeter wall straight 19 or tangent to a point of interaction 110 is such as to avoid axial displacement of second vessel 100 by a laterally applied force F of not greater than at least one of 3W and 5W and 10W. The angle to the axis of a piece 10 or 11 of a perimeter wall straight 19 or tangent to a point of interaction 110 between top recess perimeter wall 7 and second vessel 100 is less than at least one of 45° and 30° and 20° and 10° and/or 5°.

[00238] Figs. 8G and 8H illustrate certain non-limitative aspects of the stability of a second vessel 100 located within a top recess 3 of a piece 10 or 11. Impact on the arm of a carrier of an assembly of the present invention will typically be transferred to the second vessel 100 via the first vessel 60 and piece 10 or 11 resulting in a force exerted at interaction point 110 resisted by the mass of the second vessel 100 acting at the centre of gravity of the second vessel 104, shown in Fig. 8G, or the combined mass of the second vessel and any tasting product 91 acting at their combined centre of gravity 105, shown in Fig. 8H. Fig. 8G illustrates an assembly in which the height of second vessel 100 centre of gravity 104 above base plane 103 is He and the width of the second vessel base support is w, which are both relevant to the stability of the second vessel within the piece top recess 3. Optionally the height He of the second vessel 100 centre of gravity 104 above the base plane 103 of the second vessel is less than at least one of 25mm and 20mm and/or l5mm. Optionally the height He of the second vessel 100 centre of gravity 104 above the base plane 103 divided by the width w of the second vessel base support is less than at least one of 0.5 and 0.4 and/or 0.3. The height he of the second vessel 100 centre of gravity 104 above the point of interaction 110 between the second vessel 100 and the top recess perimeter wall 7 is also relevant to stability, optionally less than at least one of 20mm and 15mm and/or 10mm.

[00239] Fig. 8H illustrates an assembly with first liquid 90 in the first vessel and tasting product 91 in the second vessel. The second vessel 100 and its tasting product 91 have a combined centre of gravity 105 at a height Hcc above base plane 103, Hcc being optionally less than at least one of 25mm and 20mm and/or l5mm. The height hcc of the second vessel 100 combined centre of gravity 104 above the point of interaction 110 between the second vessel 100 and the top recess perimeter wall 7 is optionally less than at least one of 20mm and l5mm and/or lOmm.

[00240] Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate a novel interaction between a locking base annular projection 109 and a locking annular recess 16 to piece 11, which resists rotational displacement of second vessel 100 in relation to piece 11. Rotational displacement about fulcrum 22 is resisted at reaction point 24 shown in Fig. 9B.

[00241] Figs. 10A-10I are diagrammatic cross-sections through first vessel 60 in one method of tea-making using piece 11.

[00242] An empty first vessel 60 is shown in Fig. 10A and the same first vessel 60 filled with hot water 90 to a suitable level below its rim 62 in Fig. 10B. In Fig. 10C, piece 11 is located to act as a lid on the rim of first vessel 60, the continuous drip projection 20 preventing piece 11 sliding off first vessel 60. This arrangement maintains hot water 90 to a higher temperature than if first vessel 60 remained uncovered as in Fig. 10B. Ventilation aperture 70 allows steam evaporating from the hot water 90 to be released into the atmosphere. The piece 11 is optionally placed onto the first vessel 60 immediately after inserting hot water 90 into first vessel 60 and the first vessel is carried to the tea drinker with the piece 11 acting as a lid on first vessel 60, optionally with a selected type of tea bag 80 located in recess 3. Alternatively, a tea bag 80 is selected by the tea drinker at a serving table from a selection of types of tea being offered. In Fig. 10D, piece 11 is temporarily removed to allow the placing of tea bag 80, by means of string connector 82 and suspension handle 84, into hot water 90, following which piece 11 is relocated on the rim 62 of first vessel 60, perimeter recess 40 enabling the guiding and retaining the string 82 between the perimeter recess 40 and first vessel rim 62 in ventilation aperture 70, as shown in Figs. 10E. The ventilation aperture 70 is optionally small enough to ensure suspension handle 84 is maintained outside first vessel 60 and piece 11. Ventilation aperture 70 optionally has a maximum dimension less than the minimum dimension of suspension handle 84, and optionally has a maximum dimension of less than 30mm, 25mm, 20mm and/or 10 mm. Optionally a teaspoon 95 is placed in first vessel 60, its handle or shaft retained inside ventilation aperture 70. Optionally, second vessel 100 with tasting product 91 is inserted in top recess 3 of piece 11 of the assembly of Fig. 10E, as shown in Fig. 10F, before being carried to a point of consumption, a complete tea service optionally being held in one hand.

[00243] Optionally, as shown in Fig. 10G, second vessel 100 is removed and tea bag 80 is agitated by raising and lowering it in the hot water 90 by means of string connector 82 and suspension handle 84, in order to accelerate the infusion process of the tea in tea bag 80 in hot water 90, until the required strength of tea is obtained. The drip projection 20 causes any drops of condensed water on surface 2 to drip back into the hot water 90 in first vessel 60. The drip projection 20 with coterminous perimeter recess 40 also provides a smooth side restraint to any raising and lowering of the string to agitate tea bag 80. The underside of the drip projection, forming part of the edge of the ventilation aperture 70, also acts as a “stop” to the shoulder of a tea bag being raised while piece 11 is acting as a lid to first vessel 60. Optionally the piece comprises a transparent material such that the colour of the infusing tea is visible through the piece 11.

[00244] In Fig. 10H, piece 11 has been removed from first vessel 60, inverted and placed snugly against the outside of first vessel 60, to eliminate or reduce tea spillage on transfer of the wet, used tea bag 80 into the well 8 of inverted piece 11, as shown in Fig.

101, following which piece 11 is typically moved relative to first vessel 60. The used tea bag 80 is located in the well 8 within drip projection 20, typically ensuring no tea leaks from the piece, an arrangement which also allows the optional reuse of tea bag 80. In some embodiments, the piece 11 and first vessel 60 are made as part of a set or are otherwise selected such that the radius of the scalloped perimeter recess at the edge of the continuous drip projection 20 is the same as or similar to the radius of the first vessel 60 where they touch when the piece 11 is inverted and“docked” against first vessel 60. This height is the height between the horizontal surface, for example a table (which is also the lowest point of surface 1 after inversion) and the top edge of the continuous drip projection after inversion. Optionally, the piece 11 and first vessel 60 are positioned to be touching and optionally contiguous at that height, to minimise the risk of any spillage of tea onto a table or other horizontal surface.

[00245] Figs. 11A-11J are diagrammatic cross-sections to illustrate various aspects of stability of various non-limitative embodiments of the invention. Fig. 11 A illustrates a first vessel 60 with first liquid 90 on tray 115. In Fig. 11B, the tray has been slowly rotated until the frictional restraint between first vessel 60 and the tray 115 has been overcome and the first vessel 60 begins to slide when the tray 115 is at an angle 111. The frictional resistance to lateral movement is the product of weight and the coefficient of friction between the two interacting surfaces. In Fig. 11C, piece 11 and teaspoon 95 have been added to first vessel 60 and liquid 90, the increased weight further increasing the angle at which slipping occurs to angle 112, as shown in Fig. 11D. In Fig. 11E, second vessel 100 with tasting product 91 has been added to the assembly of Fig. 11C, the increased weight further increasing the angle at which slipping occurs to angle 113, as shown in Fig. 11F. Figs. 11G-11I illustrate second vessel 100 located in top recess 3 of piece 11 on first vessel 60 (not shown) being slowly rotated until the piece 11 is at angle 114 when the combined centre of gravity 106 passes over a fulcrum point 22 on top radius 17 (the point of interaction between the piece and the external surface of second vessel 100), causing second vessel 100 to topple over typically at an angle 114 greater than 30°, optionally 40° and more optionally 45°.

However, this angle 114 is unlikely to be realised in normal use of the assembly, as first liquid 90 will have spilled from first vessel 60 beforehand. Further security in the retention of second vessel 100 can be achieved by a sufficiently deep top recess perimeter wall 7 and suitably dimensioned second vessel 100 and piece top recess 3, to create a positive resistance to attempted relative rotational movement 27 by the base of second vessel 100 contacting reaction point 24 about fulcrum 22, as shown in Fig. 11 J.

[00246] Figs. 12A - 12J are drawings of an embodiment of the invention designed to suit the method of moulding glass known as“pressed glass” or“press moulding” in which one side of the piece, for example surface 1, has a suitable first mould into which a lump of molten glass is located and a second mould or“plunger” is pressed down onto the molten glass to form the desired shape of piece 11, after which the two moulds are separated. Fig. 12A is a plan viewed from side 2 of piece 11 comprising perimeter 30, perimeter recess 40, continuous drip projection 20, well 8 and optional logo 15 impressed so as to be right- reading through the transparent glass piece after its inversion.

[00247] Fig. 12B is a plan viewed from side 1 (not showing the logo or other features of side 2). Recess 3 provides a stable base upon inversion and accommodates second vessel 100 or, optionally, accommodates a tea bag or other item, for example a lemon wedge (not shown), when serving with the piece 11 on a drinking first vessel 60 (not shown). Figs.

12C, 12D and 12E show well 8, well wall 9, top recess 3 and recess wall 7. Perimeter recess 40 comprises two slopes, as shown in Figs. 12D and 12E, for example to enable easy mould separation in manufacture and accommodate a flared rim of a drinking vessel. Figs. 12F, 12G and 12H are elevations of piece 11 showing continuous drip projection 20 and Fig. 121 is a diagrammatic perspective from side 2 showing well 8 within continuous drip projection 20 comprising well wall 9. Fig. 12J is a diagrammatic perspective from side 1 showing top recess 3. A similar design would also suit a ceramic piece 11.

[00248] Figs. 13A to 131 illustrate a similar embodiment of the invention to Figs. 12A-12I to suit the method of injection moulding of plastic materials, for example of polycarbonate or a co-polyester, for example Eastman Tritan®, a trademark of Eastman Chemical Company, US. This method of injection moulding would typically also comprise moulding in two parts, to form each side of piece 11. Optionally a third, centre section to form a logo impression 15 is interchangeable so that different logos or other designs can be impressed into surface 1“right-reading”, or into surface 2“reverse-reading”, so as to be visible right-reading from side 1 through transparent piece 11. Figs. 13 A - 13 J show similar features to Figs. 12A - 12J except that logo 15 is impressed into surface 1, as illustrated in Fig. 13B.

[00249] Novel loose leaf tea Infuser 87 in Figs. 14A and 14B comprises a perforated bowl 85, which is open at the top, comprising infuser drum 73 and infuser base 88. Infuser suspension handle 86, infuser connector hook 83 and infuser spine 89 are one continuous, monolithic member, the spine 89 being connected to infuser drum 73. The infuser bowl 85 is optionally made of perforated metal, typically perforated stainless steel typically reinforced inside its rim by reinforcing ring 74. Infuser Connector hook 83 is optionally intended to pass through the ventilation aperture 70 provided by a piece 11 according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention with infuser suspension handle 86 located outside first vessel 60 and piece 11. Optionally, infuser connector hook 83 extends to form a reinforcing ring 74 to drum 73 instead of or in conjunction with spine 89. Infuser bowl 85 is intended to contain loose tea or other infusion. The infuser connector hook 83 together with infuser suspension handle 86, as shown in cross-section in Fig. 14A, enables the infuser bowl 85 to be conveniently agitated by rocking suspension handle 86 from side to side while the infuser connector hook 83 is within ventilation aperture 70. The infuser 87 is novel, comprising the connector hook 83 configured to hook over and below the rim 62 and continue as suspension handle 86. Fig. 14C is horizontal cross-section Z-Z, showing perforated bowl 85 with a base 88 which is optionally also perforated, within liquid 90, within first vessel 60, typically a mug. Spine 89 is connected to drum 83, typically by spot welding.

[00250] Fig. 14D is an exploded cross-section Y-Y through the assembly of Fig. 14E and 14F. Rim-supported infuser 92 comprises a continuous infuser ledge 81 which sits on the rim 62 of first vessel 60, typically a mug. Loose leaf tea or other infusion product 96 is placed in the perforated infuser bowl 85, for example by the use of teaspoon 95, which is optionally placed in perforated infuser bowl 85 before or after adding hot water 90. In this embodiment, perforated infuser bowl 85 is substantially cylindrical and a stepped transition section 93 connects the infuser ledge 81 to the perforated infuser bowl 85. Piece 11 is located on rim-supported infuser 92 with piece ledge 13 resting on infuser ledge 81.

Teaspoon 95 optionally is located within the ventilation aperture 70 and perforated infuser bowl 85, optionally with a clearance gap to the continuous drip projection 20. Second vessel 100 containing tasting product 91, for example a milk jug containing milk, is placed within top recess 3, enabling the whole assembly to be held by and carried in one hand, for example by a server taking the assembly to a customer seated at a restaurant table or the infusion drinker carrying the assembly to their point of consumption, for example a table in a restaurant or an office desk. The horizontal cross-section Z-Z in Fig. 14G illustrates the typically annular cross-sections of mug 60 and perforated infuser bowl 85, the base 88 of which is optionally perforated. When the assembly is used to make tea or other infusion, the second vessel 100 is typically first removed. Optionally, the piece 11 and/or first vessel 60 is transparent to allow the changing strength of the infusion to be visible. When the desired strength is perceived to be reached, the piece 11 is lifted, typically releasing aroma from essential aromatic oils trapped within well 8. Piece 11 is then inverted and typically placed on a surface, typically that supporting first vessel 60, enabling the transfer of infuser 92 into well 8 of the inverted piece 11. Typically, part of tasting product 91 is then transferred from second vessel 100, for example milk poured from a milk jug and mixed into the infused water 90, optionally with teaspoon 95, which optionally is a stirrer or other implement. Figs. 14H to 14K represent a similar assembly to that in Figs. 14D to 14G except that rim-supported infuser 92 comprises a frusto-conical or truncated cone perforated infuser bowl 85. There are many other types of infuser that are optionally used in conjunction with the present invention, for example, porous paper envelopes or“ball and chain” infusers, typically comprising a porous container for loose tea and a chain connector to a suspension handle. Figs. 14L-14S are more detailed example drawings of novel infuser 87. Connector hook 83 is designed and configured to be curved around both sides of rim 62 (not shown). Novel infuser 87 is not limited in use to the present invention, being applicable to any mug, cup or other drinking or infusing vessel without a piece or second vessel of the present invention. It should be noted that the connector hook 83 is optionally configured to also form suspension handle 86, for example as illustrated in Fig. 14T.

Optionally, the monolithic extension to connector hook 83 is a spine 89 located inside infuser drum 85 and/or is a reinforcing ring 74 located inside or outside the infuser drum 73.

[00251] Figs. 15A-15F are cross-sections illustrating the juxtaposition of inverted example pieces 11 and example first vessels 60. First vessels 60 are typically drinking mugs which are annular in cross-section, but vary significantly in their shape and

proportions. A high percentage have cylindrical external geometry, the radius of the outside of the rim, Rrim, the radius at the base, Rbase, and the radius at the height of contact‘C’ between the piece 11 and the first vessel 60, when the piece 11 is located snugly or “docked” against mug 60, Rc, are substantially the same, as shown in Fig. 15A. Figs. 15B to 15E illustrate prior art first vessels 60 that are tapered or narrow towards their base, the first tapered first vessel of Fig. 15B being a truncated cone, that of Fig. 15C tapering progressively with an increasing angle to the vertical from rim to base, and that of Fig. 15D sometimes being referred to as“tulip- shaped” with a flared rim. Fig. 15E illustrates a stacking first vessel 60 with a recessed base. The radius of a tapered drinking vessel, at an inverted piece 11 contact point, Rc, typically varies from 0.65 of the outside rim radius (0.65 Rrim), to the outside rim radius (Rrim). The piece perimeter recess 40 is optionally matched to be contiguous with first vessel 60 after“docking” the inverted piece 11 against the first vessel 60, having a mutually similar contact radius Rc, as shown in Fig. 15F. A tapered drinking vessel provides further security against spillage of tea when transferring the tea bag, as the inverted piece 11 receives shelter from the overhang of the vessel rim, creating a tea bag transfer width Tw, greater than a transfer width of tw that applies to a cylindrical first vessel 60 according to Fig. 15A.

[00252] The perimeter recess 40 should optionally enable‘docking’ of the perimeter recess against a first vessel 60 of circular plan, after inversion of the piece, such that the external surface of the cup intrudes into a notional continuation of the circle of radius Rper by a distance greater than at least one of lmm and 2mm and 3mm and 5mm and lOmm and/or l5mm.

[00253] Fig. 16A illustrates the perimeter 30 of piece 11 including perimeter recess 40 inset from circle 31 by maximum inset dimension“d”.

[00254] Fig. 16B illustrates piece 11 from the underside of surface 2 showing perimeter 30, continuous drip projection 20, perimeter recess 40, first vessel 60 in cross- section immediately below the piece 11. Piece 11 is pushed against the inside of vessel 60 at perimeter recess 40. Ventilation aperture 70 is the smallest possible with this

combination of piece 11 and vessel 60 and optionally has a minimum dimension of greater than at least one of lmm, and 2mm, and 3mm, and 5mmn, and lOmm and/or l5mm and an area greater than at least one of 20mm ² , and 50mm ² , and lOOmm ² , and l50mm ² and/or 200mm ² .

[00255] Fig. 16C illustrates a similar view to Fig. 16B but piece 11 is pushed against the inside of first vessel 60 diametrically opposite to the perimeter recess 40, at perimeter contact point 26, which provides the largest ventilation aperture 70 with this combination of piece 11 and first vessel 60, optionally an area of less than 300mm ² , 250mm ² and/or 200mm ² , with a maximum dimension of less than 30mm, 25mm, 20mm.

[00256] Figs. 17A-17E illustrate a novel second vessel 100 with spout 101 and base 102 designed and configured to be especially suited to the present invention, being relatively short in height compared with its base diameter, thus producing a relatively low centre of gravity, of second vessel 100 itself and of contained tasting product 91, in order to enhance its stability when carried after being located in top recess 3 of a piece 10 or 11. It is designed to be capable of injection moulding, for example of polycarbonate or copolyester, with a material thickness typically in the range of 1.5-2.5mm or slip casting in ceramic with a material thickness typically in the range of 2.5-3.5mm, or made of stainless steel with a material thickness typically of 0.5-1.0mm.

[00257] Figs. 17F-17J illustrate a second vessel 100, typically ceramic, with shape a that slopes inwards from second vessel base 102 to second vessel rim 106, which provides a low centre of gravity 104 compared to its base 102 diameter. The inward sloping shape makes it preferable to incorporate concave dimples 116 to assist first finger and thumb lifting of the second vessel 100 without slipping. The second vessels described above are jugs comprising a single spout 101 to assist pouring a liquid tasting product, for example milk.

[00258] Figs. 17K-170 illustrate a novel second vessel with an outer surface that transitions from a circle at its base 102 to a square at its rim 106. This design comprises four spouts or lips 101 which are multi-functional, for example opposite spouts providing supporting projections to assist first finger and thumb lifting while one of the other spouts is used to assist drip-free pouring of a liquid tasting product.

[00259] Figs. 17P-17T illustrate a variant on the second vessel of Figs. 17K-170, also novel, with a lower centre of gravity and drooping spouts 101 which, for example, enable longitudinal sachets of sugar or sweeter to span between two opposing spouts 101 as illustrated in Figs. 221 and 22J.

[00260] Figs. 17U-17Y illustrate a metal second vessel, typically of stainless steel, with an inward sloping rim 106 except for slightly drooping spout 101. This type of jug is economic and extremely durable.

[00261] Figs. 18A and 18B illustrate an assembly comprising third vessel 120, in the form of a shallow dish, retained on second vessel 100. Third vessel 120 is optionally used to contain a second tasting product, for example sugar or sweetener.

[00262] Fig. 18C shows a piece 11 inverted and placed over second vessel 100, to act as a third vessel 120, for example, containing sugar 121. [00263] Figs. 18D-18G show two different assemblies, in cross-section and perspective, utilising novel, stackable, tableware to form assemblies of the present invention. The basic assembly of Fig. 18D comprises a mug 60, circular piece 10 and second vessel 100 with a very secure retention in a deep top recess 3 and a low centre of gravity, providing exceptional overall stability. Fig. 18E shows the assembly of Fig. 18D with third vessel 120 added, which is also extremely secure. These embodiments are shown in perspective in Figs. 18F and 18G, with the addition of spoon 95 resting on piece 10. All the components 60, 10, 100 and 120 are interchangeable and stackable, for example one assembly being stacked on another assembly of the present invention, for example for efficiency in storage.

[00264] Figs. 19A and 19B show assemblies with timers 130 placed on second vessels 100, to enable consumers to time the brewing of the tea 90 or other infusion, typically recommended to be 3-5 minutes. Fig. 19A shows diagrammatically a clockwork timer 130 and Figs. 19B and 19C an“hourglass” timer 130, the latter typically encased in clear acrylic and available in durations of 3, 4 and 5 minutes.

[00265] Figs. 20A-20C illustrate a disposable piece typically intended to grip onto a disposable cup (not shown). Fig. 20A is a cross-section through the disposable piece 50, shown on plan in Fig. 20B. Top recess 3 comprises recessed area 6 and top recess perimeter wall 7 is capable of retaining second vessel 100 (not shown), for example a milk sachet or capsule. Top recess perimeter 5 is of uniform height above recessed area 6 and top recess perimeter wall 7 extends upwards to drinking lip 55, which simulates a normal mug or cup rim. Gripping profile 54 grips onto the rim of a first vessel 60 disposable cup (not shown). Liquid tasting product 91 can be poured into the disposable cup first vessel 60 through filter 53 when the tea has been brewed for the desired time, whereas a solid tasting product 91, for example sugar, would require the piece 50 to be removed for the solid tasting product 91 to be added to the first liquid 90. When drinking from lip 55, filter 53 allows first liquid 90 (not shown) to pass towards drinking lip 55 through filter 53, preventing a tea bag or loose leaf tea entering top recess 3. Fig. 20C shows piece 50 inverted, enabling the optional disposal of a used tea bag in well 8.

[00266] Figs. 20D-20M illustrate thin plate piece 51, for example formed from bamboo or plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester or melamine, either deformed from a thin plate or cast. The piece 51 has all the essential features of pieces 11 already considered, including a rim restraint 56 which also acts as a condensation drip, a top recess 3, a perimeter recess 40 and well 8 comprising annular recess 14.

[00267] Figs. 20N-20Q illustrate a piece 52 that is capable of being sealed to the first vessel 60 by means of gripper profile 54, for example the assembly comprising a reusable take-away piece 52 to be used with a reusable first vessel 60, for example a mug. The piece optionally is split into two portions, optionally hinged and foldable. One portion comprises a top recess 3, for example to receive a milk capsule second vessel 60 (not shown). A projection on the other portion comprises a corresponding wedge 57, which wedges into the top recess 3 on the one portion, as shown in Fig. 20Q. The line of the split 58 between the two portions is optionally stiffened by a downstand 59 on each portion, providing a reasonably effective seal between the two portions.

[00268] Pieces according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention optionally have many other designs than those illustrated. The invention enables any commonly required tea service constituents to be held in one hand by holding the first vessel and carried securely to a point of brewing and consumption of the tea. Following preparation, being carried in one hand or on a tray and being laid down at a point of consumption, the assembly typically has the“footprint” or plan area substantially the same as the plan area of the first vessel.

[00269] The piece is typically designed to suit the rim of a particular cup design, or range of cup sizes, or to suit cup rims of non-circular geometry, for example the rim and therefore piece perimeter being substantially square or hexagonal.

[00270] The piece optionally comprises graphics, for example a corporate trademark or logo or instructional information, for example on tea making. If the piece is transparent, then indicia applied or moulded to one surface are seen as a reverse image from the other surface. For example indicia applied "right-reading" to the first surface will typically be seen as a reverse or mirror image when the piece is inverted. This problem can be overcome by the logo being printed in reverse followed by an opaque background followed by the logo printed right-reading, so that the logo is seen right-reading in both the lid and tea bag receptacle modes. However, it is typically desirable for the piece to have overall transparency in order for the tea maker to be able to observe and gauge the strength of the brewing tea, in which case any graphics, whether indicia or pictorial, are optionally produced as see-through graphics according to US RE37,l86. This enables, the desired image to be made visible right-reading from both sides while overall transparency is maintained.

[00271] Optionally, the piece incorporates a printed grayscale of a hue of tea printed or otherwise adhered onto the piece with optional advice on what graytone approximates to weak, medium or strong tea.

[00272] Optionally surface 2 of the piece is printed with thermochromic ink

(temperature sensitive ink) that indicates the temperature of the air space between the hot water or tea and the piece, which is an indication of the temperature of the hot water or tea.

[00273] Pieces according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention can be made by many processes, depending on their material, including injection moulding, press moulding, and additive manufacture, for example 3D printing.

[00274] Essential features of moulding, so-called witness marks, are optionally located to coincide with other features, for example the recess perimeter 5 of top recess 3.

[00275] Mould ejection pins are optionally not used, for example being replaced by an annular ejection“pin” located inside the perimeter 30.

[00276] Flow charts of example methods of using an assembly to make tea or another infusion are included in Fig. 21.

[00277] Figs. 22A-22J illustrate example assemblies for methods of making different beverages. Figs. 22A and 22B show tea being brewed into first liquid 90 with infuser 87 and second vessel 100 being a jug containing liquid tasting product 91, for example milk or alcohol, to be mixed with first liquid 90. [00278] Fig. 22C and 22D illustrate a similar assembly to Figs. 22A and 22B but with a solid tasting product in second vessel 100, for example a lemon wedge 118.

[00279] Figs. 22E and 22F illustrate a similar assembly to Figs 22A and 22B but with a tasting product, for example honey 119, contained in second vessel 100 with a lid 115, for example a screw top lid to a jar of honey.

[00280] Figs. 22G and 22H illustrate an assembly with a pre-made beverage first liquid 90, for example hot chocolate, with second vessel 100 containing a solid tasting product 91, for example small marshmallows to be mixed with hot chocolate 90.

[00281] Figs. 221 and 22J illustrate a pre-made first liquid 90, for example black coffee, with a second vessel 100 of the type illustrated in Figs. 17P to 17T with four drooping spouts 101, which accommodate flexible packaging tasting product 91 in sachet 177, for example containing sugar, spanning between opposing spouts 101. Optionally, second vessel 100 contains another tasting product 91, for example milk or cream, sachet 117 comprising a third vessel 120.

[00282] The piece is optionally used to make tea or other infusion by many different methods and is optionally used for other purposes. For example, the piece can be placed on a glass or other drinking first vessel and the ventilation aperture is used to contain a straw in order to drink a warm or cold beverage, for example iced tea, thus protecting the beverage from flies or air borne dirt, pollen, etc. As another example, the first vessel is optionally served with a saucer and the inverted piece placed under the edge of the saucer to prevent drips onto the table upon transfer of the wet tea bag to the inverted piece.

[00283] There are many other benefits in the various non-limiting embodiments of the invention than those already given. For example, trapping the tea bag suspension handle outside the ventilation aperture saves the time spent in prior art methods of serving, in winding the string connector of a tea bag around a drinking vessel or teapot handle, the prior art means of preventing the suspension handle slipping into the hot water.

[00284] Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention have many secondary benefits. For example if a hospitality company converts from a teapot service to an assembly of the present invention, the cost of the teapots, teapot lids, saucers, their storage space and washing up are eliminated. The assembly of the invention has a much smaller area or“footprint” on a tray, table, counter or other horizontal service compared to teapot service.

[00285] The prior art tea service comprising a teapot and teapot lid, which provides enclosed infusion conditions to keep the brewing tea hot, and typically a tasting product to be mixed with the infusion, required many pieces in the tea service, for example a teapot, teapot lid, cup, saucer, spoon and a jug for milk, or dish for lemon, or jar for honey, optionally a sieve on a dish to be served with loose leaf tea, which all together required a tray in order to carry the many components to a table or other point of brewing and consumption. The present invention allows a complete tea service to be held and safely carried in one hand.

[00286] The foregoing illustrated embodiments are provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of various embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the principles of the present invention are intended to encompass any and all changes, alterations and/or substitutions thereof (e.g. an alteration within the spirit and scope of the following claims).