Patent Application
20230025561
The present invention relates generally to the field of dining accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a generally circular beverage mat designed to accommodate beer/beverage buckets, similar to those served in restaurants and bars. The beverage mat is comprised of a continuous raised sidewall and top surface that is comprised of a plurality of rubber nubs that aid in retaining a beverage bucket or beverages within and on the top surface of the device. The beverage mat collects condensation, moisture, and spillage from a beverage bucket or a plurality of beverages via the top surface of the device and within an internal reservoir within the device body, via a plurality of continuous drainage holes positioned along the top surface and/or sidewall surface on the device. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
Restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, etc. commonly serve buckets filled with ice and beer bottles/cans or other beverages to patrons. These ice-filled buckets are typically brought to a bar or a table and are left on the table or bar top surface for the duration of the patron’s tenure at the establishment. Because the buckets are filled with ice, condensation oftentimes forms on the outer surface of the buckets, which may then saturate and damage the surface upon which the bucket is placed. Further, spillage from the beer bottles/cans, other beverages, and/or the beer bucket itself may also, over time, cause damage to the tables, bar tops or other surfaces upon which the buckets are placed, and may also cause mold, mildew, bacteria growth, and wear on the finish (e.g. protective clear coat/finish) of the surface.
Typically, restaurant and bar staff, such as waiters, bartenders, busboys and the like, will clean a table/bar surface if spillage or condensation occurs via a beer bucket or other cold liquid holding vessel that may be placed on the surface. However, this requires frequent cleaning and oftentimes forces restaurant staff to deviate from their actual or prioritized work. Further, frequent manual cleaning of tables/bar surfaces after or during each customer’s dining is tiresome, frustrating, inefficient, and may be bothersome to the customer or patron.
In an effort to combat this problem and prevent damage to the bar/table tops, bar accessories, such as napkins, coasters and other similar devices, may be placed under a patron's beverage or under a bucket of beverages. Such accessories are meant to serve as a barrier between the beverage container and the table/bar surface, and prevent the same from becoming damaged by constant contact with the beverage container (e.g., chipping, splintering and the like) and/or condensation or spillage from the container.
However, over time, such napkins and coasters oftentimes become too saturated for reuse and the same still do not prevent the table top from becoming wet. Further, some coasters become so saturated from condensation and/or spillage that they can only be used once. As such, a large number of coaters must be purchased and stocked at bars and restaurant, which in turn increases the expense of operating the restaurant and/or bar. Further, coasters are generally comprised of a single standard size to accommodate a singular glass, can, or bottle. As such, multiple coasters may need to be placed beneath a beer/beverage bucket or other large drink container to adequately cover the bottom surface area of the bucket/vessel. As a result, a plurality of coasters may be required for one bucket/vessel, which further increases the rate and cost as which restaurants require coasters. Finally, even this is not an adequate solution, as the use of multiple coaters will either result in gaps being created between the various coaters through which water may seep to contact the table top and/or the coasters will need to be overlaid on top of one another thereby creating an uneven surface that could result in the bucket or container tipping over and spilling its contents.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a device which protects patrons at restaurants, bars, hotels or other similar establishments against moisture, condensation, and spillage from bottles, cans, buckets and other large drink vessels or devices for holding the same at their table of spot at the bar. There is also a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat which easily accommodates beer/beverage buckets and beverages of different sizes, wherein the device may be placed under the bucket/beverage while serving the bucket to patrons. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a reusable beverage mat that allows for the convenient collection and disposal of condensation, moisture runoff, and spillage from a beer/beverage bucket or a plurality of beverages, thereby protecting the surface of restaurant furniture and patrons alike against any damage that may be caused by the presence of unwanted liquids on the table top. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat that is capable of heating and/or cooling the beverages or beverage containers placed thereon. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved beverage mat. The improved beverage mat is comprised of a generally circular body or base having a non-slip bottom surface and a top surface that is surrounded by a continuous sidewall, wherein a beer/beverage bucket or a plurality of beverages may be placed on the top surface and retained thereon via the sidewalls. The top surface is further comprised of a plurality of spaced apart rubber nubs that extend upwardly (i.e., in the direction of the bucket supported thereby) from the base. In addition, the top surface and sidewalls may be comprised of a plurality of logos of a specific brand, restaurant, sports team, etc., wherein the logos may be two-dimensional, three-dimensional, fixedly attached, removably attached, embedded, or raised within the device body. The top surface and/or embedded logo may further be comprised of a plurality of continuous drain openings that allow condensation, moisture runoff, and spillage to collect within a reservoir positioned in an interior of the base, wherein the reservoir may be emptied/drained by opening a drain plug that may be positioned along the sidewall, bottom surface, or top surface of the device once the patron has finished using the same so as not to otherwise disturb the patron during their dining and/or drinking experience.
In this manner, the improved beverage mat of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a reusable, convenient, and cost-effective solution to accommodate beer/beverage buckets of different sizes. Further, the improved beverage mat prevents condensation, moisture runoff, and spillage from a beer/beverage bucket or a plurality of beverages to saturate/pond on the surface of a table or bar top. The beverage mat is also user friendly, inasmuch as it does not require a user (e.g. waiter) to exert a great amount of effort or labor in gathering or removing condensation, moisture runoff, or spillage caused by a beer/beverage bucket or a plurality of beverages, other than emptying/draining the device.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved beverage mat that can support a plurality of beers/beverages or beverage buckets/pitchers of the type commonly served in restaurants, bars and the like. The improved beverage mat is comprised of a generally circular, rubber or silicone body or base having a continuous, raised sidewall along its perimeter. The base is further comprised of a top surface, a bottom surface and an interior reservoir that is in fluid communication with one or more openings in the top surface. The bottom surface of the base is comprised of non-slip materials that will grip the table or bar surface upon which it is placed to reduce the likelihood of the mat being inadvertently knocked off of the table with the beverages stored thereon.
A plurality of spaced-apart rubber nubs extend upwardly from the top surface of the base, and are useful in supporting a beverage bucket, bottles, cans or glasses placed thereon in an elevated condition relative to the top surface of the base. In this manner, condensation or spillage from the bucket or other beverage containers resting on the plurality of nubs will drain away from the bottom of such containers, as opposed to the container resting in a pool of fluids that may then be transferred to the patron’s clothes or other belongings when the patron lifts his or her glass to consume a beverage. More specifically, the condensation, moisture and/or spillage will collect on the top surface of the base and then drain through the openings located therein and into the interior reservoir where the same are stored until drained at the conclusion of the patron’s outing.
In a further embodiment of the device, the top surface or exterior/interior sidewall surfaces may be comprised of one or a plurality of two-dimensional or three-dimensional advertisements/logos. Additionally, said logos may also be comprised of a plurality of continuous drainage openings that allow moisture, condensation, and/or spillage that collects on the top surface of the device to drain into the internal reservoir. The internal reservoir may be drained via removing a drain plug that may be positioned along the sidewall, bottom surface, or top surface of the beverage mat.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the beverage mat may further comprise a heating and/or cooling element positioned along the top surface of the base for coming into contact with a beverage container, such as a bottle, glass or can. More specifically, the heating and/or cooling element is useful for keeping beverages, appetizers or the like in a heated or cooled condition while positioned on the beverage mat. The heating and/or cooling element may comprise a cord that can be plugged into a nearby electrical outlet to power the same. However, to increase portability of the beverage mat, reduce tripping hazards and/or the possibility of electrical shock, the heating and/or cooling element is preferably battery powered and the batteries may also be positioned within the interior of the base with an access door to enable a user to easily access the same for charging or replacing the batteries.
In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the beverage mat may further comprise one or more LED lights positioned along the top surface of the body portion and/or the sidewalls for providing ambiance lighting to the patrons as they consume their beverages. Said LED lights could be powered by the same power supply used to power the heating/cooling element as described above, namely an electrical cord plugged into a traditional wall outlet, or battery pack of disposable or rechargeable batteries.
The improved beverage mat of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it is large enough to fit any standard sized beer/beverage bucket or pitcher base and/or multiple individual bottles, cans or glasses, thereby eliminating the need to purchase, store and dispose of multiple coasters that increase the waste stream. Further, in most embodiments, the improved beverage mat is reusable and dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing/cleaning. The beverage mat also protects the table top or bar surface from coming into repeated contact with other wet and hard surfaces, such as glasses, metal buckets and the like, that may cause damage thereto, thereby preserving their finish and overall useful life. Finally, in certain embodiments, the beverage mat may serve the additional purposes of keeping the beverages stored thereon heated or cooled, and/or may also provide ambiance lighting for the patrons.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat that protects a table top, bar top and/or patrons at restaurants, bars, hotels, and other establishments against moisture, condensation, and spillage from bottles, cans, buckets, and other drink containers which may otherwise damage the surface of the table/bar or the patron’s clothes. There is also a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat which easily accommodates beverage buckets and containers of various sizes, that is also capable of heating and/or cooling the beverages or beverage containers placed thereon, and that is capable of providing both ambiance lighting and advertisements for others. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a beverage mat that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a generally circular beverage mat that can accommodate a plurality of beverages and/or beverage containers in an elevated position above the base portion of the mat. The beverage mat is preferably comprised of a rubber or silicone material that allows the mat to be easily cleaned and/or washed in a dishwasher, and may be further comprised of a non-slip bottom surface. The top surface of the base portion further comprises a plurality of spaced apart nubs and a drainage means for collecting and storing the moisture, condensation and spillage from beverage containers stored thereon until the same can be properly disposed of.
In one embodiment of the beverage mat, the top surface may be comprised of a plurality of continuous drainage holes as well as an internal drainage collection reservoir that allows the device to collect moisture/condensation/spillage. Further, the device is comprised of a continuous circumferential side wall, wherein the side wall, bottom surface, or top surface may be comprised of a drain plug that can be removed to allow the any liquid collected by the device to be drained/poured out. In addition, the circumferential side wall of the device and the top surface of the device may be comprised of a plurality logos or advertisements that be two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and fixedly or removably attached to the device body.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The continuous raised sidewall 112 is integrally formed with, or attached to, the base portion 110 and extends outwardly from the top surface 114 along a perimeter of the base 110. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the sidewall 112 be comprised of the same material as the base portion 110, although in differing embodiments of the beverage mat 100 the sidewall 112 may be comprised of a different material, or may be removably attached to the base 110.
Similarly, each of the plurality of nubs 1140 is integrally formed with, or attached to, the base portion 110 and extends outwardly from the top surface 114 in spaced apart fashion. It is contemplated that the nubs 1140 be comprised of the same material as the base portion 110, although in differing embodiments of the beverage mat 100 the nubs 1140 may be comprised of a different material, or may be removably attached to the base 110.
The bottom surface 116 of the body portion is preferably comprised of a non-slip surface, such as rubber or the like, to ensure that the beverage mat 100 does not slip or slide across the surface upon which it is placed, such as a table top or a bar. In other embodiments, the non-slip surface may be comprised of, but is not limited to, a removable adhesive surface that is protected by a peelable or release liner, a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of grooved raised or sunken channels, a plurality of integrated magnets or other magnetized material.
The interior 117 of the base portion 110 may be comprised of an internal hollow reservoir 118 that collects moisture/condensation/liquid spillage (e.g. beer, soda, water, juice, etc.) 16 via a plurality of continuous drainage openings 1144 in fluid communication with the hollow reservoir 118. More specifically, the plurality of continuous drainage openings 1144 may be positioned along the top surface 114, and the top surface 114 may be sloped in the direction of said continuous drainage openings 1144 to facilitate (via gravity) the moisture/condensation/spillage that emanates from the beverage containers and drops onto the top surface 114 to be directed towards the openings 1144.
Further, in the preferred embodiment of the beverage mat 100, the sidewall 112 is at least 1”-2” in height to provide adequate support for a bucket 10 placed on the nubs 1140, and the thickness of the sidewall 114 is preferably at least 0.25” to 0.5” in order to yield sufficient strength thereto. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that the sidewall 112 may be of such a height that it completely encloses a beverage bucket 10 or beverage 14, wherein an interior surface 1123 of the sidewall 112 may be further comprised of an insulated material that stabilizes and maintains the temperature of the bucket 10 or beverage 14, and slows the melting process of the ice 12 within the bucket 10.
As best shown in
The top surface 114 preferably acts to capture any liquids, such as water, beer, soda, juice, condensation, moisture, etc., that may spill over or be formed upon the surface of a beverage 14 or beverage bucket 10. In one embodiment of the mat 100, the capturing means may comprise a plurality of continuous drainage openings 1144 referenced above that may be positioned along the top surface 114 or the logo 1142. The drain openings 1144 in the top surface 114 and/or logo 1142 may be in fluid communication with the drainage reservoir 118 positioned in the interior portion 117 of the base 110, as best seen in
As noted above, and best shown in
The battery 140 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, and may be easily replaced or removed if necessary. Suitable batteries 140 include alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, etc. Throughout this specification the terms “battery”, “battery pack”, and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing batteries may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used.
As noted above, and best shown in
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the improved beverage mat 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the beverage mat 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the beverage mat 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the beverage mat 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the beverage mat 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user’s needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/224,574, which was filed on Jul. 22nd, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63224574 | Jul 2021 | US |
