FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a container comprising a container bottle storms powden or l _iq u _i d contents and a measuring cup which can measure the contents taken out from the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A container comprising a measuring cup is known as a container for storing a powderv substance such as a powder detergent, a powder bleaching agent or powder food or a liquid subs _t ance such as a l _i quid detergent ^, a liquid softening agent or liquid food. In such a container with a measuring cup. the contents are temporarily taken into the measuring cup from the container, so that a prescribed amount of the contents are measured with the measuring cup.

The conventional container with a measuring cup is adapted to measure the contents with a standard of a cupful of contents or about half the measuring cup. or the measuring cup is provided with a measuring line on its side wall for measuring a prescribed amount of the contents through _t he measuring line.

In a method of measuring the contents by filling up the measuring cup. however, the contents may overflow the measuring cup if the former are poured into the latter in an excess amount. In case of measuring the contents with the standard of about half the measuring cup, on the other hand, the contents cannot be correctly measured.

In recent years, the powdery detergent or bleaching agent is compactified and the amount of sinele use, i.e.. the amount to be measured is reduced. Thus, it is necessary to measure the contents through a measuring line which is provided on the cup. However, the amount to be measured is small as compared with the capacity of the overall cup. and hence it is necessary to provide the measuring ime on a portion of the side wall which is close to the bottom of the cup for measuring the contents. Thus, the measuring level which is indicated by the measuring line is lowered as compared with the sectional area of the cup. and a large error is caused in measurement by slight deviation from the measuring line. In other words _, the contents cannot be correctly measured in a small amount of use. lπ addition, the measuring line is hidden by the contents if the contents are poured in an amount beyond the measuring line which is formed on the side wall of the measuring cup when the contents are formed by a powdery substance or an opaque liquid, for example. This problem becomes more important when the measuring cup is made of an opaque material, in particular. Further, the measuring line is generally provided by forming an irregular line inside the side wall of the measuring cup, while such a measuring line is hard to tell apart and recognize.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the first aspect of the present invention, a container comprises a container bottle for storing contents and a measuring cup which is rendered mountable on the container bottle. The measuπn°

cup is provided with a recess portion for receiving the contents for measurement. The measuring cup includes a side wall which is formed in the recess poπion. a peripheral wall which is formed around the recess portion, and a bent portion which is defined by contact between the side wall and the peripheral wall, and the capacity of the recess portion is so decided as to measure a prescribed amount of the contents by employing the bent portion as an indication and introducing the contents into the recess portion.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a container comprises a container bottle for storing contents and a measuring cup which is rendered mountable on the container bottle, and the measuring cup includes a bottom surface portion and a projection which is formed on the bonom surface portion and extends in a direction toward an opening of the measuring cup, so that the container can measure a prescribed amount of the contents by introducing the contents into the measuring cup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a side elevation view showing a container of an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the measuring cup shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the measuring cup shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a partially fragmented sectional view showing the measuring cup shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a partially fragmented sectional view showing a measuring cup of another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a partially fragmented sectional view showing a measuring cup of still another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a partially fragmented sectional view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a partially fragmented sectional view showing the measuring cup of the further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation view showing a container on which the measuring cup of the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is mounted.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view showing the measuring cup of the embodiment shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the measuring cup of the embodiment shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the present invention.

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Fig 17 is a perspective view showing the measuring cup of the embodiment shown in Fi _g 16 Fig 18 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the presen _t invention

Fig 1 is a plan view showing the measuring cup of the embodiment shown in Fig 18

Fig 20 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the present invention

Fig 21 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup of a further embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the first aspect of the present invention, a container compπses a container boπle for storing contents and a measurin ^g cup which is rendered mountable on the container bottle The measur _i n _g cup is provided with a recess portion for receiving the contents for measurement The measuring cup includes a side wall which is formed in the recess portion, a peripheral wall which is formed around _t he recess portion ^, and a bent portion which is defined by contact between the side wall and the peripheral wall and the capacity of the recess portion is so decided as to measure a prescribed amount of the contents by employing the bent portion as an indication and introducing the contents into the recess portion

Since the recess portion is formed on the measuring cup so that the contents can be measured _i n a small amount of use by introducing the contents into this recess portion, a prescribed amount of the contents can be correctly and simply measured by employing the bent portion in the opening of the recess portion as an indication

In a preferred embodiment, an additional recess portion may further be formed in the recess portion of the measuring cup The contents can be measured in a plurality of different amounts by forτmn° the recess portion in the recess portion For example, the contents can be measured in a firs _t prescr _i bed amount by employing a bent portion of the recess portion which is formed in the recess portion as an indication and filling up this recess portion with the contents Further, the contents can be measured _i n a second prescribed amount by further adding the contents, employmg the bent poπion of the larger recess portion as an indication and filling up the same with the contents. Thus, the contents can be measured _i n a plurality of different prescribed amounts by successively formmg additional recess portions in the recess portion by stages

In another preferred embodiment, , a plurality of recess portions may be formed in the measur _i n _g cup In this case, the capacities of the plurality of recess portions be substantially identical to or different from each other

When the plurality of recess portions have substantially identical capacities, the amounts to be measured can be varied in integral times depending on whether only one recess portion is charged w _i th the contents or at least two or three recess portions are charged with the contents

When the plurality of recess portions have different capacities, on the other hand the recess portιon(s) to be charged with the contents can be selected in response to the amount(s) to be measured for changing the amount(s) to be measured, for example

The recess portion may be formed inside or outside the measuring cup The recess portion which is formed outside the measuring cup is preferable in order to prevent the contents overflowing the recess portion from overflowing the cup

While the shape of the measuring cup in the present invention is not particularly restricted a cup- shaped one having a bottom surface portion with a side wall portion continuously and substantially perpendicularly extending from a peripheral portion of the bonom surface portion can be listed as the shape of a general measuring cup In such a measuring cup, the recess portion is preferably formed on the bonom surface portion in general

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a container comprises a container boπle for storing contents and a measuring cup which is rendered mountable on the container bottle _, and the measuring cup includes a bottom surface portion and a projection which is formed on the bottom surface portion and extends in a direction toward an opening of the measuring cup, so that the container can measure a prescribed amount of the contents by introducing the contents into the measuring cup

Since the projection is formed in the cup, the volume of the cup is reduced, and the contents can be correctly and simply measured in a small amount of use

Preferably, the size of the projection can be so decided that a prescribed amount of the contents can be measured by employing an end of the projection as an indication and introducing the contents into the measuring cup Thus, the forward end of the projection may be employed as an indication for measuring the prescribed amount of the contents

In a preferred embodiment, the measuring cup may further comprise a side wall continuously extending from a peπpheral portion of the bottom surface poπion, so mat a measuring line for measuring the prescribed amount of the contents is formed on the side wall portion. The prescribed amount of the contents may be measured through such a measuring line

In a preferred embodiment of die first and second aspects of the present invention, the prescribed amount of the contents can be measured by introducing the contents into the recess poπion and employing the bent poπion as an indication, or introducing the contents into the measuring cup and employing the forward end of the projection or the measuring line of the side wall poπion as an indication, while a measuπng line for measuring the contents in an amount which is different from the aforementioned prescribed amount of the contents may be formed on the side wall poπion of the measuring cup or the like independently of such measuring means It is possible to make the container change the amount to be measured at need b\ forming such a measuring line

In another prefened embodiment, the measuπng cup may be provided with a rib for reinforcement on the bottom surface poπion or the side wall portion Alternatively, ribs for formmg the aforementioned recess poπion and the proiection may be formed as ribs for reinforcement

In prefened embodiments the measuring cup is provided to be mountable on the container While a method of mounting such a measuring cup is not particularlv restricted a groove for mounting the measuring cup mav be formed on the container bottle and an engage portion which is engaged in the groove of the container bottle mav be formed on the measuring cup for rendering the measuring cup mountable on the container bottle by engaging the engage portion of the measuring cup in the groove of the container bottle

Referring to Fig 1, a container bottle 1 is a container for storing a powdery or liquid product, and a lid 2 for taking out the contents is provided on an upper portion of the container bottle 1 A measuring cup 10 preferably consisting of a transparent or translucent body is mounted on the lid 2 A groove 3 is formed under the lid 2 of the container bottle 1, so that the measuring cup 10 is mounted on the container bottle 1 by engaging engage portions 13 which are formed inside a lower poπion of the measuring cup 10 in this groove 3

The engage poπions 13 are formed as convex poπions projecting toward the central axis of the cup inside the measuring cup 10 It is possible to readily release these engage poπions 13 from the engagement with the groove 3 by raising the measuring cup 10 while inclining the same thereby detaching the measuring cup 10 from the container bottle 1

After use. the measuring cup 10 is returned onto the container bottle 1 as shown in Fig 1 , and slightly downwardly pressed so that the engage poπions 13 of the measuring cup 10 are engaged in the groove 3 again for mounting the measuring cup 10 on the bottle 1 While illustration of the engage portions 13 is omitted in the following figures (excluding Fig 9), such engage portions are formed in measuring cups according to all embodiments of the present invention

Throughout the specification, "outside" the measuring cup indicates a side which can be observed by the user when the measuring cup 10 is mounted on the container 1. as shown in Fig 1 On the other hand, "inside" the measuring cup means a side which cannot be directly observed by the user (i e , covered with the measuπng cup) when the measuring cup is mounted on the container bottle 1

Figs 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the measuπng cup 10 shown in Fig 1 Fig 2 is a perspective view as viewed from outside the measuring cup 10, Fig 3 is a perspective view showing the portion inside the measuπng cup 10, and Fig 4 is a partially fragmented sectional view The measuring cup 10 has a bottom surface portion 10a and a side wall portion 10b which continuously extends from a peripheral portion of the bottom surface portion 10a in a substantially perpendicular direction A recess portion 1 1 is formed on the bottom surface portion 10a, from inside toward outside the measuring cup 10 The recess portion 1 1 has a cylindrical shape A bent portion (or a fold) 1 la is formed in an opening of the recess portion 1 1 due to contact between a side wall portion 1 lb in the recess portion 1 1 and the bottom surface portion 10a around the recess portion 1 1, l e . a peripheral wall A measuring line 12 is formed on the side wall portion 10b of the measuring cup 10 The measuring line 12 may be formed by printing the same on the side wall poπion 10b. or bv forming an irregular line on the inner wall (or the outer wall) of the side wall poπion 10b

The capacity of the recess portion 1 1 is decided as to attain a prescribed amount when contents are charged in this recess poπion 1 1 and the upper surface thereof of reaches the bent poπion I l a For

example the recess poπion 1 1 is formed in such a size that the contents reach an amount of 15 ml when the upper surface thereof reaches the bent poπion 1 la On the other hand, the measuring line 12 _i s formed on a position indicating that the contents which are fuπher introduced into the measuring cup 10 reaches a next prescribed amount For example, the measuring line 12 is formed on a position which is flush w _i th the upper surface of the contents reaching 30 mi in total in case of using the measuring cup 10, the inner side of the measuπng cup 10 shown _i n F _i g 3 _i s upwardly directed The contents are introduced into the recess poπion 1 1 of the measuring cup 10 to be charged until the upper surface thereof reaches the bent poπion I la Thus, the contents can be char _g ed _i n the recess poπion 1 1 in a prescribed amount of 15 ml. for example Fuπher. it is possible to measure the contents in an amount of 30 ml in total through the measuring line 12 at need

In the measuπng cup 10 of this embodiment, as herein above described, the indication for measuring the prescribed amount of the contents, which is the bent poπion I la defined by the bottom surface poπion 10a and the side wall poπion l i b of the recess portion 1 1, is extremely easy to tell apaπ and recognize Therefore, the prescribed amount of the contents can be coσectly and simply measured in paπicuiar. the contents can be correctly and readily measured in a small prescribed amount

Referring to Fig 5, a side wall poπion 14b substantially perpendicularly extends from a peripheral poπion of a bottom surface poπion 14a A recess poπion 15 is formed on the bottom surface poπion 14a of a measuring cup 14 from inside toward outside the measuring cup 14 A bent poπion (or a fold) 15a _i s formed on a poπion where a side wall poπion 15b of the recess portion 15 is in contact with the bottom surface poπion 14a The recess poπion 15 is formed in such a capacity that the upper surface of contents reaches the bent poπion 15a when the contents are charged in the recess poπion 15 inside the measuπng cup 14 and reach a prescribed amount of 30 ml. for example

On the other hand, a measuring line 16 is formed on the side wall portion 15b of the recess portion 15 This measuring line 16 is formed on a position where the upper surface of the contents is located when the contents are charged in the recess portion 15 and reach a prescribed amount of 15 ml, for example

According to this embodiment, the contents can be measured in two prescribed amounts throu _g h the measuring line 16 and the bent portion 15a serving as indications of measurement The read _i ly recognizable bent portion 15a can be employed as the indication of measurement also in this embodiment, whereby the contents can be correctly and readily measured

Referring to Fig 6, the measuring cup 17 is provided with no bottom surface portion in this embodiment A side wall portion 17a is a peπpheral wall which is positioned around a recess portion 18 The recess portion 18 is in the form of a truncated cone, and a side wall portion 18b of the recess portion 18 is inclined toward the central axis of the measuring cup 17 as the same approaches a bottom surface portion 18c of the recess portion 18 Namely, the side wall portion 18b is tapered

A bent portion 18a is formed on a portion where the side wall portion 18b of the recess portion 18 is in contact with the side wall portion (i e . the peripheral wall) 17a of the measuπng cup 17 The capac _i t _y of the recess portion 18 is so decided that the upper surface of contents is positioned on the bent portion 18a when the contents are charged in the recess portion 18 of the measuring cup 17 and reach a prescribed

amount of 30 ml. for example Further a measuπng line 19 is formed on the side wall portion 18b of the recess portion 18 The measuπng line 19 is formed on a position where the upper surface of the contents _i s located when the contents are charged in the recess poπion 18 and reach a prescribed amount of 15 ml for example

The readily recognizable bent poπion 18a can be employed as an indication of measurement also in this embodiment, whereby contents can be correctly and readily measured in a small amount

Figs 7 and 8 illustrate a fϋπher embodiment of the present invention Fig 7 is a perspective v _i ew showing a measuring cup 20 from outside, and Fig 8 is a paπially fragmented sectional view Referr _i n _g to Figs 7 and 8, the measuring cup 20 is provided with a recess poπion 21 which is tapered from a side wall poπion 20a toward the central axis of the measuring cup 20. According to this embodiment _, the side wall poπion 20a of the measuπng cup 20 is a peripheral wall which is positioned around the recess poπion 21 A bent poπion 21 a is formed on a poπion where an inclined side wall poπion 21b is in contact with the side wall poπion (I e . the peripheral wall) 20a of the measuring cup 20

According to this embodiment a recess poπion 22 is fuπher formed in addition to the recess portion 21 The recess portion 22 is formed from the inclined side wall portion 21 b of the recess portion ~> I further toward the bottom surface of the cup 20, and has a cylindrical shape as a whole Namely a s _i de wall poπion 22b of the recess poπion 22 is formed to substantially perpendicularly extend The an _g les of inclination of the side wall portion 22b of the recess portion 22 and the side wall portion ( ₁ e . a peripheral wall) 2 l b of the recess portion 21 are different from each other, whereby a bent portion 22a is formed on a portion where the side wail portions 21 b and 22b are in contact with each other

The size of the recess portion 22 is decided in such a capacity that the upper surface of contents _i s positioned on the bent portion 22a when the contents are charged in the recess portion 22 and reach a prescribed amount of 15 ml. for example On the other hand, the capacity of the recess portion 21 _i s so decided that the upper surface of the contents is positioned on the bent portion 21 a when the contents are charged in the recess portion 22, further charged in the recess portion 21 and the total contents reach a prescribed amount of 30 ml, for example

According to this embodiment, it is possible to selectively measure the contents in two prescribed amounts by employing the bent portions 22a and 21a as indications of measurement and charging the recess portions 22 and 21 with the contents. According to this embodiment, the bent portions 22a and 21 a are employed as the indications of measurement, whereby the contents can be correctly and read _i lv measured even in a small amount of use

Fig 9 is a side elevationai view showing such a state that the measuπng cup 20 according to the embodiment shown in Figs 7 and 8 is mounted on a container Referring to Fig 9. a container bottle 1 _i s a container which is similar to that of the embodiment shown in Fig 1, and a lid 2 for taking out contents _i s provided on its upper portion A groove 3 is formed under the lid 2 Engage poπions 23 (not shown _i n Figs 7 and 8) which are provided on a lower poπion of the measuring cup 20 are engaged in this groove 3 for mounting the measuring cup 20 on the container bottle 1

In case of use. the measuring cup 20 is so inclined and raised that the engage poπions 23 of the measuring cup 20 are disengaged from the groove 3 of the container bottle 1 and the measuring cup 20 can be detached The measuring cup 20, which is provided with the recess poπions 21 and 22. has a ceπam degree of height as a whole Thus, the measuring cup 20 is easy to hold when the same is detached from the container bottle 1, while the same can be readily inclined to be detached

After use. the measuring cup 20 is placed on the container bottle 1 as shown m Fig 9 and li _g htly downwardly pressed so that the engage poπions 23 of the measuring cup 20 are engaged in the groove 3 of the container bottle 1 for mounting the measuring cup 20 on the upper poπion of the container bottle 1 Also in case of such mounting of the measuπng cup 20. this operation is simplified since the measuπng cup 20 according to this embodiment has the recess poπions 21 and 22 and can be readily held in hand

Figs 10 and 1 1 are perspective views showing a measuring cup 30 according to a fuπher aspect of the present invention These figures illustrate the poπions outside and inside the measuring cup 30 respectively Referring to Figs 10 and 1 1 , the measuring cup 30 according to this embodiment has a bottom surface poπion 30a and a side wall poπion 30b. and a recess poπion 31 which dents toward the exterior of the cup 30 is formed on an end of the bottom surface poπion 30a This embodiment is different from the aforementioned respective embodiments in a point that the recess poπion 31 is formed not on the central portion but on the end portion of the measuπng cup 30 A bent portion 31a is formed on a portion where the side wall portion 31b of the recess portion 31 is m contact with the bottom surface portion (i.e a peripheral wall formed around the recess poπion 31) 30a of the measuring cup 30 The capacity of the recess poπion 31 is so decided that the upper surface of contents is positioned on the bent poπion 31 a when the contents are charged in the recess portion 31 and reach a prescribed amount of 15 ml. for example

In order to measure the contents with the measuring cup 30 according to this embodiment _, the contents are charged in the recess portion 31 in the state shown in Fig 1 1, until the upper surface thereof reaches the position of the bent poπion 31 a Thus, a prescribed amount of the contents can be measured A measuring line may be formed on the side wall poπion 30b of the measuring cup 30 at need, so that the contents are further charged to be measured in a second prescribed amount through this measuring line

According to this embodiment, it is possible to correctly and simply measure the contents even in a small amount of use, by charging the contents in the recess poπion 31 while employing the bent poπion 3 la as an mdication of measurement

Referring to Fig 12, the measuring cup 33 has a bottom surface portion 33a and a side wall portion 33b, and a first recess portion 34 is formed adjacently to the bottom surface portion 33a A first bent portion 34a is formed on a portion where a side wall portion 34b of the first recess portion 34 is in contact with the bottom surface portion 33a of the measuring cup 33 According to this embodiment a second recess portion 35 is further formed adjacently to the first recess portion 34 A second bent poπion 35a is formed on a portion where a side wall portion 35b of the second recess portion 35 is in contact with a bottom surface poπion 34c of the first recess portion 34

The second recess portion 35 has such a capacity that the upper surface of contents is positioned on the second bent portion 35a when the contents are charged in the second recess portion 35 and reach a

prescribed amount of 15 ml, for example On the other hand, the first recess portion 34 is formed _i n such a size that the upper surface of the contents is positioned on the first bent portion 34a when the contents are further charged after the same are charged in the second recess portion 35 so that the first and second recess portions 34 and 35 are charged with a prescribed amount, e g , 30 ml. of the contents

The measuring cup 33 according to this embodiment can selectively measure the conten _t s wh _i le employing the first and second bent portions 34a and 35a as indications of measurement Thus _i t _i s possible to correctly and simply measure the contents even in a small amount of use

Referring to Fig 13. the measuring cup 36 of this embodiment has a bottom surface portion 36a and a side wall portion 36b, and first and second recess poπions 37 and 38 are formed on both ends of the bottom surface poπion 36a A first bent poπion 37a is formed on a poπion where a side wall poπ _i on 37b of the first recess poπion 37 is in contact with the bottom surface poπion 36a of the measuπng cup 36 Similarly, a bent poπion 38a is formed on a poπion where a side wall poπion 38b of the second recess poπion 38 is in contact with the bottom surface poπion 36a of the measuring cup 36

The first recess poπion 37 is decided in such a capacity that the upper surface of contents _i s positioned on the first bent portion 37a when the contents are charged in the first recess portion 37 and reach a prescribed amount of 15 ml, for example The capacity of the second recess portion 38 _i s so decided that the upper end of the contents is positioned on the bent portion 38a when the contents are charged in the second recess portion 38 and reach a prescribed amount of 30 ml, for example

This embodiment is provided with the first and second recess portions 37 and 38 havmg different capacities, whereby it is possible to select whether the first recess portion 36 or the second recess port _i on 37 is charged with the contents in response to the prescribed amount of the contents to be measured It _i s also possible to charge both of the first and second recess portions 37 and 38 with the contents, in order to measure the contents in total of the capacities of the first and second recess portions 37 and 38

In addition ^, it is also possible to form a measuring line on the side wall portion 36b, for charg _i ng the contents further on the bottom surface portion 36a and measuπng a prescribed amount of the contents through the measunng line

This embodiment is provided with a plurality of recess portions having different capacities whereby the contents can be correctly and simply measured in a plurality of different prescribed amounts

Figs 14 and 15 are perspective views showing a measuring cup 40 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention These figures are perspective views showing portions outs _i de and inside the measuπng cup 40 respectively Referring to Figs 14 and 15. the measuring cup 40 includes a bottom surface portion 40a and a side wall portion 40b substantially perpendicularly extending from a peripheral portion of the bottom surface portion 40a The bottom surface portion 40a is provided w _i th a projection 41 extending toward an opening of the measuring cup 40 The projection 4 ] is the form of a hemisphere Alternatively, the projection 41 may be m the form of a cylinder, a cone or a truncated cone The size of the projection 41 is so decided that the upper surface of contents reaches an end 41 a of the projection 41 when the contents are charged inside the measuring cup 40 and reach a prescribed amount of 30 ml. for example

According to this embodiment, therefore, supply of the contents is stopped at a point of time when the forward end 41 a of the projection 41 is covered with the contents due to the charging thereof. Thus _, it is possible to correctly and simply measure the contents even in a small amount of use by employing the forward end 41 a of the projection 41 as an indication of measurement.

Further, a measuring line 42 for measuring the contents in another prescribed amount is formed on the side wall portion 40b of the measuring cup 40. The level for forming the measuring line 42 is decided on a position (or height) between the forward end 41a of the projection 41 and the bottom surface portion 40a. For example, the measuring line 42 is formed on a position where the upper end of the contents is located when the contents are charged in the measuring cup 40 and reach a prescribed amount of 15 ml. for example. According to this embodiment, therefore, measurement through the measuring line 42 and that employing the forward end 41a of the projection 41 as an indication of measurement can be carried out respectively.

Figs. 16 and 17 are perspective views showing a measuring cup 45 according to another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. These figures show portions outside and inside the measuring cup 45 respectively. Referring to Figs. 16 and 17. the measuring cup 45 is further provided with a dent portion (a rib as viewed from inside) 48 connecting a side wall portion 45b of the measuring cup 45 with a projection 46, as compared with the measuring cup 40 shown in Figs. 14 and 15. This rib 48 is formed as a reinforcing rib for improving the mechanical strength of the overall measuring cup 45.

Figs. 18 and 19 illustrate a measuring cup 50 according to a fuπher embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. These figures are a perspective view and a plan view showing the poπion inside the measuring cup 50. Referring to Figs. 18 and 19, three recess poπions 51, 52 and 53 are formed respectively by dividing a bottom surface into three pans. These recess ponions 51 , 52 and 53 are formed to dent from a bottom surface poπion 50a of the measuring cup 50 toward the exterior. The bottom surface poπion 50a is present on a central poπion, and ribs 55, 56 and 57 are formed to connect this bottom surface portion 50a with a side wall portion 50b respectively.

Bent portions 51a, 52a and 53a are formed on upper ends of the recess portions 51. 52 and 53 respectively. The bent portion 53a is formed on a position where a side wall portion 53b of the recess portion 53 is in contact with the bottom surface portion 50a. The bent portions 51a and 52a are also formed in a similar manner.

According to this embodiment, the recess portions 51 , 52 and 53 are formed to have the same capacities. In other words, the recess portions 51 , 52 and 53 have such capacities that the upper end of contents is positioned on the bent portions 51a, 52a and 53a when the contents are charged and reach a prescribed amount of 10 ml, for example. The contents can be measured in a plurality of prescribed amounts by changing the number of the recess portions which are charged with the contents for measurement at need. Since the bent portions are employed as indications of measurement, it is possible to coπectly and simply measure the contents even in a small amount of use.

While the embodiment shown in Figs. 18 and 19 has been described as that according to the first aspect of the present invention, this embodiment can also be considered as that according to the second

aspect of the present invention by regarding the cylindrical poπion having the bottom surface poπion 50a which is positioned at the center and the respective ribs 55, 56 and 57 as the projection in the second aspect of the present invention. Namely, it comes to that the bottom poπion 50a corresponds to the forward end of the projection, and can be employed as an indication of measurement by charging contents in the recess poπions 51 , 52 and 53 and stopping the measurement when the upper end of the contents reaches the position of the bottom surface poπion 50a which is the forward end of the projection.

Referring to Fig. 20. the measuring cup 60 of this embodiment has a bottom surface poπion 60a and a side wall poπion 60b. According to this embodiment, a first recess poπion 61 is formed to dent from a central portion of the bonom surface poπion 60a toward the measuring cup 60. According to the first aspect of the present invention, therefore, contents are charged in the first recess portion 61 which is formed inside the measuring cup 60 to be measured. A bent portion 61a is formed on a position where a side wall portion 61b of the first recess portion 61 is in contact with the bottom surface poπion 60a of the measuring cup 60. Fuπher. the first recess portion 61 is provided on its end portion with a second recess portion 62. This second recess portion 62 is also formed to further dent toward the measuring cup 60. A second bent poπion 62a is formed on a position where a side wall poπion 62b of the second recess poπion 62 is in contact with a bottom surface poπion 61c of the first recess poπion 61.

The capacity of the second recess portion 62 is so decided that the upper end of contents is positioned on the bent portion 62a when the contents are charged in the second recess portion 62 and reach a prescribed amount of 15 ml. for example. On the other hand, the capacity of the first recess poπion 61 is so decided that the upper end of the contents is positioned on the bent poπion 61 a when the contents are fuπher charged also in the first recess poπion 61 and reach a prescribed amount of 30 ml. for example

According to this embodiment, it is possible to correctly and simply measure the contents even in a small amount of use by employing the first and second recess poπions 61a and 62a as indications of measurement.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a measuring cup 65 according to a fuπher embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 21, the measuring cup 65 according to this embodiment has a bottom surface poπion 65a and a side wall portion 65b. According to this embodiment a first recess portion 66 is formed to dent from the bottom surface portion 65a in the measuring cup 65 The first recess portion 66 is formed on a central portion of the bottom surface portion 65a. A bent portion 66a is formed on a position where a side wall portion 66b of the first recess portion 66 is in contact with the bottom surface portion 65a of the measuring cup 65.

The first recess portion 66 is further provided on its central portion with a second recess portion 67. The second recess portion 67 is formed to further dent in the measuring cup 65. A bent poπion 67a is formed on a position where a side wall portion 67b of the second recess portion 67 is in contact with a bottom surface portion 66c of the first recess portion 66.

The capacity of the second recess portion 67 is so decided that the upper end of contents is positioned on the bent portion 67a when the contents are charged in the second recess poπion 67 and reach a prescribed amount of 15 ml. tor example. On the other hand, the capacity of the first recess portion 66 is

so decided that the upper end of the contents is positioned on the bent poπion 66a when the contents are further charged also in the first recess portion 66 and reach a prescribed amount of 30 ml. for example.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to correctly and simply measure the contents even in a small amount of use by selectively charging the contents in the second and first recess portions 67 and 66 and employing the second and first bent portions 67a and 66a as indications of measurement.

While the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 and 15 has been explained as that according to the second aspect of the present invention in the above description, this embodiment can be employed as a measuring cup according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, similarly to the embodiments shown in Figs. 20 and 21. Referring to Fig. 14. the projection 41 which is formed on the central portion of the bottom surface portion 40a can be employed as a recess portion according to the first aspect of the present invention, for charging the contents in the projection 41 from outside the measuring cup 40 and measuring the same while employing a bent portion on a position where a side wall poπion of the projection 41 is in contact with the bottom surface poπion 40a as an indication of measurement.

On the other hand, the respective embodiments shown in Figs. 20 and 2 1. which have been explained as those according to the first aspect of the present invention in the above description, can alternatively be employed as measuring cups according to embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention.

Namely, the contents are charged inside the measuring cup 60 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 20. In this case, the first and second recess poπions 61 and 62 serve as projections according to the second aspect of the present invention. Namely, a first projection 61 is formed, and a poπion 61c is formed as the forward end of this first projection 61. Fuπher, a second projection 62 is fuπher formed on the first projection 61. and an end of the second projection 61 is formed. The contents can be charged in the measuring cup 60, to be measured while employing the forward end 61 c of the first projection 61 and that of the second projection 62 as indications of measurement respectively.

Also in the embodiment shown in Fig. 21, the contents can be charged inside the measuring cup 65. The first and second recess poπions 66 and 67 are employed as first and second projections 66 and 67 in the second aspect of the present invention respectively. The contents can be charged in the measuring cup 65 to be measured by employing an end portion 66c of the first projection 66 and that of the second projection 67 as indications of measurement respectively.

While the material for the measuring cup accordi the present invention is not paπicularly restricted, the same is preferably prepared from a compact cot ig of plastic, and the employed material is preferably a transparent or translucent body, in order to fun amplify the measurement. The position of the upper surface of the measured substance can be observed also from outside the measuring cup when the contents are introduced into the measuring cup by employing a transparent or translucent body as the material for the measuring cup, whereby the contents can be further readily measured.