FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates, in one embodiment, to a coaster for stemmed glassware, including wine glasses, champagne flutes and the like.
BACKGROUND
Coasters are used to permit the user to place glassware on a surface and avoid wetting and potentially damaging the surface. Conventionally, coasters are placed near the surface to be protected for use by the drinker. However, in social settings where a person moves about, a coaster may not always be available.
Additionally, at these social settings, it may be desirable for a coaster to have a pleasing appearance. Prior art coasters have been developed that have the appearance of novelty items (e.g. shoes and the like). Unfortunately, these coasters have a tendency to slip from the base of the glass. Additionally, these prior art coasters typically have only one method for attachment to the glass and the user is accordingly limited.
There is therefore a need for an improved coaster for stemmed glassware.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a coaster for stemmed glasses that has a circular bottom section and two top sections. The top sections have curved inner and outer edges that meet at respective points. Three of the points are attached to the edge of the bottom section. The fourth point is disposed under the top section and is unsecured thereby functioning as a flap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a depiction of three sections used to make a coaster of the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates the relative sizes of the three sections and their approximate positioning;
FIG. 3 schematically depicts the assembled coaster;
FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrates of the raised pocket of the assembled coaster;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are top and bottom views, respectively, of the assembled coaster;
FIG. 6A depicts the configuration of the inner curved edge of the first top section;
FIG. 6B depicts the configuration of the inner curved edge of the second top section;
FIG. 6C illustrates various geometric angles associated with the illustrated coaster;
FIG. 6D shows a top view of the pocket width;
FIGS. 7A-7D show one method for using the coaster;
FIGS. 8A-8D show another method for using the coaster; and
FIGS. 9A and 9B show yet another method for using the coaster.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set out herein illustrate several embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, coaster 100 is shown in a disassembled state. The coaster is formed from three separate sections including circular bottom section 102, first top section 104 and second top section 106. Bottom section 102 has a circular edge 108 centered about center point 110. First and second top sections 104, 106 have first and second curved outer edges 112, 114 and first and second curved inner edges 116, 118. Each inner edge meets the corresponding outer edge at two points. For example, the inner and outer edges 112, 116 of first top section 104 meet at point first 120 and second point 122. Likewise, the inner and outer edges 114, 118 of second top section 106 meet at third point 124 and fourth point 126. The first top section is crescent-shaped and consists of two edges, 112 and 116, each of which has its own curvature which is uniform over the entire edge. The second top section is pseudo-crescent-shaped and consists of inner edge 118 and outer edge 114. Inner edge 118 consists of a single portion which has a uniform curvature over its entire edge. Outer edge 114 consists of two portions: a first portion 128 with a first curvature and a second portion 130 with a second, different curvature. The curvature of the first and second portions changed at fifth point 132.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the coaster 100 is shown in a partially assembled state. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the bottom section and the first and second top sections have not been jointed. FIG. 2 depicts the relative size of bottom section 102 and first and second top sections 104, 106. First and second top sections are oversized, relative to bottom section 102, such that the diameter 200 established by the two top sections is larger than the diameter 202 of the bottom section. When top section 104 is disposed above bottom section 102, the first outer edge 112 covers a section of the circular edge 108 of the bottom section. Likewise, when top section 106 is disposed above bottom section 102, the second outer edge 114 covers a section the circular edge 108 of the bottom section. As shown in FIG. 3, when the top sections are joined to the bottom section, the oversized nature of the top section will produce a pocket in the fully assembled coaster.
FIG. 3 depicts coaster 100 in an assembled state. During assembly second top section 106 is disposed atop bottom section 102 such that their outer edges (108, 114, see FIG. 2) are in contact. Seam 300 is sewn, preferably in the direction of arrow 302. Thereafter, first top section 104 is disposed atop bottom section 102 such that their outer edges (108, 112, see FIG. 2) are in contact. Seam 304 is sewn, preferably in the direction of arrow 306. First, second, third and fifth points 120, 122, 124 and 132 are on, and secured to, the circular edge 108 of bottom section 102. Fourth point 126 is unsecured from both the bottom section 102 and first top section 104 and is free to function as a flap.
As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, and with reference to FIG. 1, when the oversized top sections are secured to the bottom section such that the outer edges 112 and portion 128 of edge 114 contact the edge 108 of the circular bottom section, this forces the two top sections to raise upwards in the direction of arrows 400 and form pocket 402. The inner edges 116 and 118 of the coaster gradually curve upwards and away from the bottom section 102 as one moves toward center point 110. This bunched pocket provides an area for receiving the base of a stemmed glass. See FIG. 4B.
FIG. 5A depicts a top view of the assembled coaster 100. FIG. 5B depicts of bottom view of the same coaster. Note that, in the embodiment of FIG. 5B, stitching 500 circumscribes the entire circumference of bottom section 102. Stitching 500 includes stitching 300 and 304 of FIG. 3. In other embodiments, not shown, that portion of the edge 108 of the bottom section that is not in contact with the outer edges of either top section is not stitched.
FIG. 6A is a depiction of various mechanical and geometric features of illustrated coaster. First point 120 and second point 122 are separated by imaginary line 600. Imaginary line 600 is bisected by imaginary line 604 which passes through both the midpoint 602 of the first curved inner edge 116 and center point 110. The midpoint 602 is offset from the center point 110 by distance 606.
FIG. 6B depicts third point 124 and fourth point 126 which are separated by imaginary line 608. Imaginary line 608 is bisected by imaginary line 610 which passes through midpoint 612 of inner edge 118 but does not pass through center point 110. Line 610 does not pass through center point 110 because fourth point 126 is separated from the circular edge 108 by distance 614. The midpoint 612 is offset from the center point 110 by distance 610′.
FIG. 6C illustrates various geometric angles of the depicted coaster. The first curved outer edge (112, see FIG. 1) of the first top section 104 contacts the edge 108 of the bottom section over an angle 618. In one embodiment, this angle is at least two hundred degrees. In another embodiment angle 618 is about two hundred forty degrees. In one embodiment, angle 618 is less than about two hundred seventy degrees. The first and second curved outer edges (112 and 114, see FIG. 1) of first and second top sections 104 and 106 collectively contact the edge 108 of the bottom section over an angle 620. In one embodiment, angle 620 is at least three hundred degrees. In another embodiment, angle 620 is about three hundred fifteen degrees. In one embodiment, angle 620 is less than about three hundred twenty five degrees. The bottom section 102 has an exposed front 622 which does not contact either the first or second top sections 104 and 106. The width of front 622 is determined by angle 616. In one embodiment, angle 616 is at least thirty five degrees. In another embodiment, angle 616 is about forty five degrees. In one embodiment, angle 616 is less than ninety degrees.
FIG. 6D depicts pocket 402 from the top of coaster 100. The coaster includes front 622 and back 624 which is opposite front 622. The curved inner edges of the two top sections intersect at point 626. The pocket, when viewed from above, is narrower near the back 624 and front 622 than in the middle of the pocket. For example, the distance 628 at the back and the distance 632 at the front are less than the distance 630 which is between the back and the front.
FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D illustrate one method for using the coaster 100. In the depicted embodiment, the base of the glass is disposed above the bottom section, but beneath both the first and second top sections. As shown in FIG. 7B, the coaster remains securely fastened to the glass, even when the glass is tipped.
FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D illustrate another method for using the coaster 100. In the depicted embodiment, the base of the glass is disposed above the bottom section and the second top section, but beneath the first top section. As shown in FIG. 8B, the coaster remains securely fastened to the glass, even when the glass is tipped.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another method for using the coaster 100. In the depicted embodiment, the base of the glass is disposed above the bottom section as well as the first and second top sections.
The bottom sections and two top sections may be formed of any suitable material. Examples of such materials include leather, synthetic leather, fabrics, disposable textile materials and disposable paper materials. Decorative patterns may also be applied to the coaster (e.g. floral patterns, holiday images, stripes, names, words or phrases, logos, or other geometrical or festive displays).
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20110284712
