Like sophisticated Transformers, these products fold to save space and to reveal a new function. The Flatterware cup body is molded out of a single piece of flexible plastic, with a helical structure allowing it to spring open and close with ease.
Just give it a simple twist, the bright plastic disc turns into an eco-friendly mini-tumbler. The bottom of the cup sits in the hard lower part and sort of grows out of the base, creating an easy-to-grip glass with a hard rim (great for spillers). It definitely has a rubber-plastic whiff to it initially, but that should be no problem since this 12-ounce travel companion is dishwasher-safe—you also have to wash it in hot water before use to “activate the cup’s spring memory” and help dissipate the smell.
The rim of the cup is very rigid, keeping any spills from happening. The helix design gives two benefits, one being it twists back down into the base with a smooth feel and clicks shut easily, the other being it stabilizes the cup so you do not have to grip it gently to avoid spills. At 12 ounces it is a large travel cup! Flatterware collapsible cup, $5 USD.
