DISPOSABLE SHOT GLASS WITH PEEL-OFF LID

Abstract

System and process for creation of a single-serve shot-glass with a flared shaft, curved brim and peel-off lid. A lip attachment can be applied to the sealed shot-glass to define the flare shaft. The shot glass has a flat top edge to facilitate sealing of the lid. Embodiments can use a vibration plate, gears and/or conveyer belts to create the sealed shot-glasses with flared shafts. The lip or ring can create the flared shaft when integrated with the glass.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a disposable shot-glass.

INTRODUCTION

Single-serve cups may contain food and beverages. Existing single-serve cups may not be ideal vessels from which to drink due to an abrasive brim. Single-serve cups may not be optimized to contain alcoholic beverages for long periods of time and may be subject to deterioration over time. Single-serve cups may not be optimized to contain alcoholic beverages since the method of adhesion used in affixing a lid to the cup may be subject to erosion from the alcohol. Single-serve cups may not be optimized to contain alcoholic beverages in a form-factor as small as a shot-glass since the level of adhesion between a lid and the cup may result in spillage from the cup during removal of the lid. Some lids may drastically raise the price of the single-serve, shot-glass, making it commercially inefficient to produce.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a single-serve, shot-glass system made up of a shot-glass for containing alcoholic beverage, the shot-glass having a curved brim to enhance users' drinking experience and prevent spilling of the alcoholic beverage. The shot-glass may also have a flared shaft to enhance users' drinking experience, and a peel-off lid to seal the system and preserve the alcohol.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a shot-glass with a curved brim as part of the single-serve shot-glass system, the brim comprising a curvature optimized to allow ease of drinking and spill prevention, and to allow secure adhesion of a peel-off lid in a manner that still allows the peel-off lid to be removed with ease. The curved brim may integrate with a flared shaft to enhance users' drinking experience.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a process for manufacturing the single-serve shot-glass system comprising: forming molds for the lid material, shot-glasses including the lip, creating shot-glasses from the molds, and slicing lids from the lid materials, dispensing alcohol into the shot-glasses, sealing the shot-glasses with a peel-off lid and a sealant, and adding the lip mold to the shot glass.

Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Many further features and combinations thereof concerning embodiments described herein will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding.

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein in the figures:

FIG. 1 is a view of an example single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 2A is a cross-section of an example curved brim for a single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 2B is a view of an example shot-glass and curved brim;

FIG. 2C is a view of an example shot-glass with flared shaft resting upon a user's lip;

FIG. 2D is a cross-section of an example curved brim and flared shaft for a single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 2E is a view of an example single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 3 is a view of an example peel-off lid;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the container;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the container with the lid;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the container;

FIG. 7 shows a top down view of the inside of the container;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom up view of the outside of the container;

FIG. 9 shows a bottom cross-cut of the container of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 12 shows a view of a solid plastic from for producing peel-off lids for a single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 13 depicts an example machine layout according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 14 shows an example illustration of a cup with the ring or sleeve having an example anti-slip mechanism;

FIG. 15 is an example illustration of a sealed cup and sleeve;

FIG. 16 is an example illustration of a sealed cup with the attached sleeve;

FIG. 17 is an example illustration of a sealed cup and sleeve resting on the base of the cup but not yet attached;

FIG. 18 is an example illustration of a sealed cup with the attached sleeve;

FIG. 19 is an example illustration of a ring press. A conveyor belt brings cups with loose sleeves on them to the ring press. The ring press pushes rings onto cups with downward force;

FIG. 20 is an example illustration of gears. There can be a ring gear slightly above cup gear system so that rings are gravity fed onto cups;

FIG. 21 is an example illustration of a vibration plate. Air and vibrations ensure rings are sitting upwards when fed into conveyor belt; and

FIG. 22 is an example illustration of a ring conveyor belt. The ring conveyor belt brings rings from vibration plate to ring gear to be dropped onto cups.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus are described through reference to the drawings.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

Embodiments described herein relate to a disposable shot-glass having a peel-off lid wherein the shot glass has a flared shaft and curved brim for facilitating drinking and preventing spilling from the shot-glass. A single-serve, shot-glass of alcohol with a flared shaft, curved brim and peel-off lid may provide consumers with simplicity, sanitation, insurance of being tamper-proof, and ease-of-use. Embodiments described herein may help give consumers of alcohol an opportunity to purchase smaller quantities of alcohol that are offered in a useful, sanitary and enjoyable-to-drink container. Embodiments described herein may help to serve alcohol beverages to consumers efficiently without requiring mixing of the beverage, cleaning of individual shot glasses and pouring the mixed beverage into individual shot glasses in response individual order requests from the consumers. The shot-glass containing alcohol may be easy and enjoyable to drink and cost-effective to produce.

Embodiments described herein relate to a disposable shot-glass having a peel-off lid wherein the shot glass has a lip attached with a flared shaft and curved brim for facilitating drinking and preventing spilling from the shot-glass. A single-serve, shot-glass of alcohol having a lip attached with a flared shaft, curved brim and peel-off lid may provide consumers with simplicity, sanitation, insurance of being tamper-proof, and ease-of-use. Embodiments described herein may help give consumers of alcohol an opportunity to purchase smaller quantities of alcohol that are offered in a useful, sanitary and enjoyable-to-drink container. Embodiments described herein may help to serve alcohol beverages to consumers efficiently without requiring mixing of the beverage, cleaning of individual shot glasses and pouring the mixed beverage into individual shot glasses in response individual order requests from the consumers. The shot-glass containing alcohol may be easy and enjoyable to drink and cost-effective to produce.

FIG. 1 illustrates a single-serve shot-glass system 90 of a shot-glass 100 containing a specified volume of alcoholic beverage 200, sealed by a peel-off lid 120 with a tab 122 according to some embodiments. The shot-glass 100 may be shaped with a flared shaft 150 that curves outward from bottom to top such that the opening at the brim 140 may have a greater circumference than the circumference of the base 160 of the shot-glass 100. The flared shaft 150 may be shaped to receive a user's 300 lip therein. The curvature may be smooth to provide comfort to the user 300. In some embodiments, the shot-glass 100 has a lip attached with a flared shaft 150 that curves outward from bottom to top such that the opening at the brim 140.

According to some embodiments, the shot-glass 100 may contain approximately 100 mL and in other examples the shot-glass 100 may contain approximately 60 mL as a typical 1.5 ounce shot (approximately 45 mL). In addition to the curved brim 140, there may be a sufficient amount of empty space between the liquid alcohol 200 and the brim 140 to help prevent spilling when the shot-glass 100 is opened. The shot-glass 100 may be formed from HDPE (high density polyethylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic in some example embodiments in order to ensure that the alcohol 200 is preserved and does not break down the material of the shot-glass 100. The material may also enable the printing of colors and advertisements on the shot-glass 100.

In some embodiments a coating (e.g. epoxy) may be applied to the inside of the shot-glass 100 in order to strengthen the shot-glass 100 and extend the life of the alcohol 200. Such a coating may also improve the temperature range of the shot-glass 100 by allowing it to remain sturdy and intact at temperatures warmer than −50 degrees Celsius.

FIGS. 2A and 2D are cross-sections of the brim 140 of the shot-glass 100 according to some embodiments. The curved brim 140 may help to prevent alcoholic beverages 200 from spilling from the shot-glass when the lid 120 has been removed. The curved brim 140 may have or integrate with a flared shaft 150 as shown. FIG. 2B demonstrates the manner in which the brim 140 may prevent the spilling of alcohol 200 when the shot-glass 100 is tilted up to a specified angle.

In some embodiments, the brim 140 may feature a flat top edge of between 1-8 mm, which may be desirable in order to provide a platform upon which an adhesive may seal the lid 120 to the shot-glass brim 140. In some embodiments the size of the brim 140 may be adjusted according to the percentage of alcohol 200 in the single-serve shot-glass system 90. The flat edge may extend away from the outer edge of the curved brim 140 so that a rounded outer edge provides comfort to the user 300.

The curved brim 140 also may provide users 300 with an ideal drinking experience as the brim 140 may not create discomfort when users 300 consume alcoholic beverages 200 from the shot-glass 100.

FIGS. 2C and 2E illustrate a flared shaft 150 of the shot-glass 100 according to some embodiments. The flared shaft 150 may provide a place for users' 300 lips to rest while drinking from the shot-glass 100. The flared shaft 150 may enhance users' 300 drinking experience by allowing the alcoholic beverage 200 to flow smoothly as users 300 drink. The flared shaft 150 may also enhance users' 300 drinking experience by helping the shot-glass 100 to rest at an optimal location on users' 300 lips (without sliding up or down) such that the alcoholic beverage 200 may flow optimally into users' 300 mouths. In some embodiments the flared shaft 150 may flare outward at an approximately 180-250 degree angle from the bottom shaft 151 of the shot-glass 100. In another aspect, the flared shaft 150 may progressively flare out from the bottom shaft at an increasing angle until arriving at the curved brim 140.

FIG. 3 illustrates a peel-off lid 120 for use with a single-serve shot glass 100 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments the peel-off lid 120 may be made of metal foil or plastic. In some embodiments, the tab 122 of the lid 120 may have surface area sufficient to enable a user 300 to grasp the tab with thumb and index finger.

In some embodiments, the peel-off lid 120 may be comprised of HDPE plastic, PET plastic, metallic foil or other materials that preserve the contents of the shot-glass 100 and/or allow for printing colors and advertisements on the lid 120.

In some embodiments the peel-off lid 120 may be affixed to the shot-glass 100 with a sealant 130 that is both resistant to alcohol and yet not so strong that removing the lid 120 would likely cause the shot-glass 100 to spill. According to some embodiments, the lid 120 may have sufficient structural integrity such that a user 300 may peel of the lid 120 in its entirety without tearing the lid 120 itself in order to avoid an incomplete removal.

FIG. 10 describes an exemplary process for assembling the shot-glass system 90 according to some embodiments. At step 401, a mold is created for molding the shot-glass 100. This mold may be made from aluminum or other solid material according to specified requirements. For example, the mold may have a rounded lip for smooth drinking and the company logo and a recyclable symbol may be engraved in the container. The mold may have a flared shaft to provide comfort for users that drink from the shot-glasses 100 made from the mold.

At step 402, shot-glasses 100 are formed using vacuum-forming or other similar techniques by which a mold is used to form materials. The shot-glasses 100 may be formed with a curved brim 140 and flared shaft 150.

At step 403, an epoxy resin is added to the shot-glass 100.

At step 404, a mold is created for a semi-cylindrical, solid tube of plastic or foil. A solid piece of plastic is molded into the shape of a cylinder with a smaller curved protrusion running along its length (as in FIG. 12). The curved protrusion will later form the tab of the lid.

For example, an aluminum mold specific to the requirements may be used.

A mold for the lid is created so the plastic cutter will be symmetrical and uniform.

Once the mold is complete for the containers, the containers are created using vacuum forming. Large numbers can be handled quickly and efficiently. Many printing and advertising techniques are available to get the desired look and colour and this is all handled by the packager. HDPE and PET offer the packager the ability to add a wide array of colours and designs. At this time, an epoxy resin would be added.

At step 405, a cutting apparatus is used to slice thin layers (lids 120) from the semi-cylindrical, solid tube of plastic. The plastic cutter is used to slice the required amount of lids from a thin slice of plastic. The lids are also subject to colour and advertising. The lids and containers are sent to a factory that meets Food and Drug Administration standards (safety, protocol, sanitation) for the packaging of alcohol.

At step 406, advertising and/or coloration is applied to the lids.

At step 407, the shot-glasses 100 are filled with a specified amount of alcohol 200 using a machine programmed with fill parameters for controlling the specified amount. In some embodiments, a fill and seal machine may measure and dispense the alcohol 200 into the shot-glasses 100 according to the specified amount. The specified amount may leave space from the top of the brim 140. In other embodiments, the shot-glasses 100 may be filled manually via a syringe.

At step 408, adhesive is applied to the shot-glass brim.

At step 409, the lid 120 is placed on the brim 140 and held securely until the lid 120 has bonded to the shot-glass 100, forming the single-serve shot-glass system 90. In some embodiments, a fill and seal machine may apply heat or pressure to bond the lid 120 to the shot glass.

Once at the factory, the containers may be filled with exactly one ounce of the alcohol ordered, typically by a fill and seal machine that automatically measures the precise amount of alcohol. This can also be done manually using syringes that are calibrated to exactly one ounce but the process is time consuming. In some embodiments, a sealant/adhesive is placed on the lid 120 as well as on wide top of the container by a machine or carefully brushed on in a uniform fashion manually. While the sealant is still wet, the plastic lid is placed on top of the container. A strong force holds and pushes the lid together until the sealant has dried. In other embodiments, a fill and seal machine places the lid 120 that has been previously sprayed with a sealant 130 on the shot glass 100. It uses heat to activate the sealant and seal the lid 120 to the shot glass 100.

FIG. 11 describes another exemplary process for assembling the shot-glass system 90 according to some embodiments. At step 1102, a mold is created for molding the shot-glass 100. This mold may be made from aluminum or other solid material according to specified requirements. For example, the mold may have a rounded lip for smooth drinking and the company logo and a recyclable symbol may be engraved in the container. The mold may have a flared shaft to provide comfort for users that drink from the shot-glasses 100 made from the mold.

At step 1104, shot-glasses 100 are formed using vacuum-forming or other similar techniques by which a mold is used to form materials. The shot-glasses 100 may be formed with a curved brim 140 and flared shaft 150.

At step 1106, an epoxy resin is added to the shot-glass 100.

At step 1108, a mold is created for a semi-cylindrical, solid tube of plastic or foil. A solid piece of plastic is molded into the shape of a cylinder with a smaller curved protrusion running along its length (as in FIG. 12). The curved protrusion will later form the tab of the lid.

For example, an aluminum mold specific to the requirements may be used. A mold for the lid is created so the plastic cutter will be symmetrical and uniform. Once the mold is complete for the containers, the containers are created using vacuum forming. Large numbers can be handled quickly and efficiently. Many printing and advertising techniques are available to get the desired look and colour and this is all handled by the packager. HDPE and PET offer the packager the ability to add a wide array of colours and designs. At this time, an epoxy resin would be added.

At step 1110, a cutting apparatus is used to slice thin layers (lids 120) from the semi-cylindrical, solid tube of plastic. The plastic cutter is used to slice the required amount of lids from a thin slice of plastic. The lids are also subject to colour and advertising. The lids and containers are sent to a factory that meets Food and Drug Administration standards (safety, protocol, sanitation) for the packaging of alcohol.

At step 1112, a sealant or adhesive is applied to the lid 120. A sealant or adhesive 130 can be placed on the lid 120 and/or the curved brim 140 of the shot-glass 100, for example. In some embodiments, a machine may apply the adhesive 130. In other embodiments, the adhesive may be applied manually.

At step 1114, advertising and/or coloration is applied to the lids.

At step 1116, the shot-glasses 100 are filled with a specified amount of alcohol 200. In some embodiments, a fill and seal machine may measure and dispense the alcohol 200 into the shot-glasses 100 according to the specified amount. The specified amount may leave space from the top of the brim 140. In other embodiments, the shot-glasses 100 may be filled manually via a syringe.

At step 1118, the lid 120 is placed on the brim 140 and held securely until the lid 120 has bonded to the shot-glass 100, forming the single-serve shot-glass system 90. In some embodiments, a fill and seal machine may apply heat or pressure to bond the lid 120 to the shot glass.

Once at the factory, the containers may be filled with exactly one ounce of the alcohol ordered, typically by a fill and seal machine that automatically measures the precise amount of alcohol. This can also be done manually using syringes that are calibrated to exactly one ounce but the process is time consuming. A sealant/adhesive is placed on the lid 120 as well as on wide top of the container by a machine or carefully brushed on in a uniform fashion manually. While the sealant is still wet, the plastic lid is placed on top of the container. A strong force holds and pushes the lid together until the sealant has dried. In other embodiments, a fill and seal machine places the lid 120 that has been previously sprayed with a sealant 130 on the shot glass 100. It uses heat to activate the sealant and seal the lid 120 to the shot glass 100.

At step 1102, a mold is created for molding the shot-glass 100 this may also involve a mold to be created for the lip attachment. A fill and sealing machine may not be able to be used if the lip is already included in the mold for the shot glass 100, for example. Using a shot glass 100 with a lip in a fill and seal machine can cause the plastic shot glass 100 to be destroyed by the improper balance of force in the machine. The lip attachment is formed. The lip attachment is added to the already filled and sealed shot glass with a peelable lid. This can be done manually or by a fill and seal machine. The filled and sealed shot glasses with peelable lids can be tested to ensure there are no leakages. Any air bubbles in the seal 130 between the lid 120 and the shot glass 100 would cause a leak. Moreover, if the lid 120 has a small hole in it, this will cause leaks as well.

At step 1120, the shot glasses with peelable lids are packaged in units (ex: 8, 16, 40) and are then ready to be shipped by an alcohol distributor to a licensed seller.

FIG. 12 illustrates the solid plastic shape from which lids 120 for the single-serve shot-glass system 90 are cut according to some embodiments.

Embodiments described herein facilitate individual-serving alcohol consumption. In the example embodiment, by simply pulling the lid's tab 122, the adhesive/sealant 130 releases and the lid 120 can easily be ripped off of the shot-glass 100. Once the lid is removed, the alcohol 200 can be consumed. If drinking with a group of people, each person can bring the shot-glass system 90 together to “cheers” each other, rip off the lids 120 from the shot-glasses 100 and then consume the alcohol shot 200. Furthermore, the present embodiment can speed up the serving of spirits at bars and restaurants because no mixing and pouring would be required. Embodiments may also improve the safety and quality of drinking spirits as consumers can be more confident that they are consuming exactly, for example, 1.5 ounces of alcohol 200 or as marked on the shot-glass 100.

With respect to storage and transportation, given the smaller packaging and self-contained nature of each shot-glass 100, if an accident were to occur in transit and a container were to break, only the affected shot-glasses 100 may be lost rather than the entire shipment. Compared with shipping glass containers, shipments of plastic shot-glass systems 90 may be less likely to shatter in transit. Additionally, shipping costs may be lower than the cost of shipping glass bottles of alcohol due to the lower weight associated with plastic shot-glasses systems 90. Storage costs may also be lower due to the uniform size of the shot-glasses systems 90.

With respect to tamper-resistance, given that the shot-glass system 90 is opened immediately prior to consumption there may be reduced opportunity for tampering and/or the addition of unwanted substances than in the case of shot-glasses without removable lids. The consumer will easily be able to see if their drink has been tampered with because the shot-glass system does not have any holes. If there are any air holes where the liquid could get out, the drink has been tampered with. Given the predetermined volume in each shot-glass system 90, bartenders and consumers may know the precise alcohol quantities and volumes served per shot-glass system 90. This may provide improved safety as all parties are provided the information they need to drink responsibly.

Embodiments may provide commercial efficiency, as the shot-glass system 90, reduces the time it takes to serve individual patrons of bars. This is due to the fact that the alcohol 200 has already been mixed and poured into the shot-glass 100. With respect to user satisfaction, the curved brim 140 provides a smooth drinking experience that is comparable to non-disposable cups. With respect to spill-prevention, the curved brim 140 enables the shot-glass 100 to be tilted and consumed in a manner that contains the alcohol 200 in the shot-glass 100.

Accordingly, embodiments described herein comprise a single-serve, shot-glass system with three components that all help to create a lightweight, attractive, and smooth plastic shot glass. The materials create an enhanced drinking experience through the use of a flared shaft and rounded brim at the top of the glass where the lip can be positioned when taking the shot. The materials include a container, removable or peel-able lid and adhesive.

The container holds the alcohol in an upright position. HDPE (High-density polyethylene) plastic may be used because its chemical composition is resistant to alcohol, allowing the container to remain sturdy and not wilt or weaken, even while subjected to extremely high or low temperatures. The container may provide strength during shipping and may be stackable so it takes up less space than other shot glasses. The container structure may be designed so it can be dropped into other glasses without breaking or breaking the glass into which it is dropped (e.g. jagerbombs, saki bombs). The container may be non-toxic and may not leach or change the flavour of alcohol.

For added strength, an epoxy coating may be added inside the container as extra support and may increase the longevity of the product. This epoxy system also improves the temperature range of the product by allowing it to remain sturdy and intact at temperatures warmer than −50 degrees Celsius. The coating may be non-toxic and may not leach or change the flavour of alcohol.

The container has a flared shaft and curved brim to enhance the drinking experience. The flared shaft and curved brim improve the design of conventional cups with peel-off lids (fruit cups, k-cups) by replacing the square, rigid design with a gradual, rounded edge. This helps reduce spillage when drinking and provides a more comfortable and effortless drinking experience. The container is built specifically for the purpose of drinking alcohol. The flared shaft may integrate smoothly with the curved brim for user comfort when drinking.

If the liquid were to be poured into the shot-glass (think of a server mixing drinks and pouring this into a rum and coke) then the rounded curve may drip less and pour out better, decreasing waste of liquid.

The peel-able lid ensures that the alcohol does not spill while also providing a tab that allows the drinker easily to peel it off the container. It may be created using a thin strip of HDPE as well or a similar plastic such as PET that allows for more creativity for printing colours and advertising. The plastic lid provides better resistance to poking and sharp objects than a foil top, for example. It too can be coated to increase the longevity of the product. The lid is non-toxic and may not leach or change the flavour of alcohol.

The adhesive, or sealant, holds the alcohol inside the container by sealing the lid to the container. The adhesive ensures the longevity of the product while also not being too strong to prevent the lid from being able to be peeled off the container. An epoxy system may do this by offering a stable adhesive and ripping off when opposing force is applied (e.g. 12 pounds).

Embodiments described herein provide a smooth drinking experience attributed to the flared shaft and curved brim, which reduces spillage and makes ordering a shot or making a drink much faster and precise. Embodiments described herein may reduce or eliminate issues of sanitation, contamination, and inaccurate shot volumes (such as under or over-pouring).

The shipping may be cheaper because the weight is less per ounce than a glass bottle and storage may be cheaper because they are a more uniform size. The alcohol is unexposed until the point of consumption (if taken as a shot directly) and the provision of beverages may be more economical because they can be poured and served faster.

The following provides an example specification for the single-serve, shot-glass system 90. This example specification is for illustrative purposes and not limiting.

Shot-Glass

Approximate height: 64 mm

Approximate diameter at top (furthest width): 64 mm

Approximate diameter inside top lip: 50 mm

Approximate width of top lip: 1-8 mm (as required for the adhesive to be able to seal the lid on)

Top lip is rounded for easy drinking (see FIG. 4)

Width of material for container: 1-5 mm

Approximate diameter at bottom: 32 mm

Clear matte finish of container—translucent

Recyclable (with please recycle sign at bottom)

Approximate VOLUME of 60 mL

Meets Food and Beverage standards to hold alcohol

Good strength and resilience (HDPE preferred)

Adhesive

Meets food and beverage standards

Can seal alcoholic materials and be opened with ease

As transparent as possible

VOC free

Lid

Comes in a wide variety of colours

Large tab for easy opening

Can seal alcohol (HDPE preferred)

Transparent and translucent options

logo

Embodiments described herein relate to a process for manufacturing single-serve shot-glass system.

The process for manufacturing the single-serve shot-glass system can involve forming molds for the lid material and shot-glasses, and creating shot-glasses from the molds and slicing lids from the lid materials. Alcohol can be dispensed into the shot-glasses and the shot-glasses can be sealed with a peel-off lid and an adhesive. The process can involve forming a mold for the lip attachment and creating the lip attachment. The process can involve applying the lip attachment to the shot glass. The lip attachment is added to the already filled and sealed shot glass with a peel-off lid.

The lip attachment can be in the shape of a ring that can slide onto the shot-glass to create the lip. Embodiments described herein relate to a process that involves adding the ring after the filling and sealing of the shot-glasses has been completed. A rounded lip attachment might not be added in the filling and sealing section because the force needed to seal the cup might cause the curved edge to wither or break. The flat lip of the cup ensures that the force transfers evenly across the surface and creates a strong seal. The process involves creating we use two pieces or components (shot-glass and lip attachment) to make a rounded lip while also attaining a hermetic seal.

The lip-attachment can attach or apply to the cup to create the flared shaft 150. As shown in FIG. 1, the flared shaft curves outward from bottom to top such that the opening at the brim 140 may have a greater circumference than the circumference of the base 160 of the shot-glass 100. The lip attachment can integrate with the cup to provide a smooth curvature of the flared shaft. That is, the lip attachment can define a smooth curvature or have an edge with a smooth curvature. The lip attachment can be in the shape of a ring proportional to the circumference of the cup to slide on and clink or attach in place. The lip attachment can have an anti-slip mechanism or device to hold the ring in place on the cup.

FIG. 13 depicts an example machine layout according to embodiments described herein. The machine can have a main power source to supply, e.g., 220V, 3 phase, 60 Hz, 5 kw.

The machine layout includes a filing and sealing machine (1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, 1310) that can have three phases. The machine layout includes an auto-sleeving machine that can have 3 phases. The machine layout includes printer phase. The machine can use standard 220V, 20A (or 30A) twist lock plugs, for example. The machine can use compressed air (0.6 Mpa-Mpa, 85-115 psi) or standard compressed air pressure, such as 100-110 psi. The flow rate can be at least 5 L/min for stable operating conditions. The rotation may be set to run forward as going backwards can cause damage to mold frame, for example.

For operation, at 1302, the shot-glass cups or containers are dropped into holes on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt brings the shot-glass cups or containers to the first station, the filling station at 1304. The shot-glass cups or containers can be filled (e.g. 1 oz or 1.5 oz) by using an advanced volumetric scale and compressed air to fill the cups.

The conveyor belt brings the filled cups to the lidding station at 1306 where compressed air mechanics place the lid over the cup. The conveyor belt brings the filled cups with lid to the first sealing station at 1308 where the aluminum lids are sealed at temperatures over 200 degrees Celsius. The conveyor belt brings the now sealed cup to the second sealing station at 1310 for added security. This second sealing helps ensure that the shot containers are hermetically sealed

The conveyor belt brings the double sealed cups to a second conveyor belt where they are dropped upside down and transported to the printing station 1314. The date is laser printed on the bottom for inventory and accountability purposes.

The upside down cups are filtered into a rotating device at 1316 that places rings over each of them. There can be a vibration plate at 1312 to arrange the rings. That is, the cups are brought by the conveyor belt to a gear system at 1316 that rotates them one at a time. A conveyor belt brings the rings from a vibration plate 1312 one by one. The vibration plate 1312 organizes the sleeves and ensures they are facing right side up. The conveyor belt for the rings loads then into a second gear system that is raised slightly above the system turning the cups. When the gears meet, a ring/sleeve is gravity dropped onto the sealed cup. The gears are designed exactly to the shapes of the rings and cups respectively to ensure a smooth transition. The cups with the loose rings are sent through a compressed air system along a conveyor belt that pushes the rings to a presser (what we call a ring press) and ensures the rings stay on the cup. The ring press pushes onto the rings with approximately from 80-120 kg of downward force (see picture) so that they are pushed all the way down to the lip of the cup. This creates a nice rounded lip that before was impossible to achieve.

The rounded lip is not added in the filling and sealing section because the force needed to seal the cup can cause the curved edge to wither or break. The flat lip of the cup ensures that the force transfers evenly across the surface and creates a strong seal.

Embodiments described herein provide a custom mould that creates cups that have a flat, thick ledge for optimum sealing. Embodiments described herein use a sealant mixture that is laminated to our aluminum foil lids. The lids can be die-cut exactly to the shape of the cups.

Embodiments described herein provide a custom mould for a ring (that can be referred to as a sleeve) that when pushed with 80-120 kg (as an example) of downward force, they click or attach onto the cup. The cup has a flat lip for sealing. This ring/sleeve clicks onto the cup and fills in the flat lip area. This ring/sleeve creates a rounded lip that facilitates pouring and drinking as well as improves the aesthetic of the cup.

As an example operation of the machine layout in FIG. 13, the cups can be automatically dropped into the machine four at a time. In some embodiments, the machine has 80 rows of four that are moved along the surface of the machine by a chain motor.

The cups are brought along the machine until they reach the filling section at 1304. They are filled with alcohol (e.g. 1.5 oz or one drink). Once the cups are filled, they are brought by the motor to the lidding station at 1306 where an air vacuum lever pulls one lid and places it on the filled cup.

The motor brings the cups to the first sealing station at 1308. Because the lip of the cup is flat, a heat sealer is able to press down forcefully on it (e.g. at about 200 degrees Celsius) to seal the lid to the cup. If the rounded lip was used at this point, it would not have a flat surface and there would not be enough perpendicular force to seal the lid to the cup. This is why the sleeve/ring is added after sealing. The motor brings the cups to the second sealing station at 1310 where it presses down forcefully to ensure no leaks or air bubbles.

The motor drops the cups onto a conveyor belt upside down so that a printer at 1314 can laser print the lot number and expiration date on the bottom of the cups.

As noted, the cups are brought by the conveyor belt to a gear system at 1316 that rotates them one at a time. An opposing gear system, that is raised slightly above the other brings the rings/sleeves from a vibration plate 1312 that organizes the sleeves and ensures they are facing right side up. When the gears meet, a ring/sleeve is gravity dropped onto the sealed cup.

The sealed cup with loose sleeve is released from the gear system and onto the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt brings the sleeve and sealed cup to what we call the ring press. The ring press is a powerful machine that pushes down on the sleeve/ring with 80-120 kg of downward force, for example. This pushes the sleeve onto the cup and it clicks into place.

The sleeve is designed with an anti-slip mechanism that prevents it from falling off the cup. It is an extra layer of plastic that pushes into the cup and holds it in place. The cup is taken from the ring press by the conveyor belt to a packaging station.

Embodiments described herein use a custom cup and ring/sleeve. The ring/sleeve is added after the sealing process. This creates a beautiful plastic shot glass with a rounded lip without compromising the quality of the seal.

Embodiments described herein provide a cup with a ring or sleeve having an anti-slip mechanism that holds the ring or sleeve in place for the cup.

FIG. 14 shows an example illustration of a cup with the ring or sleeve having an example anti-slip mechanism. The illustration compares the cup with a ring or sleeve having the anti-slip mechanism to a cup with a ring or sleeve without the anti-slip mechanism. The anti-slip mechanism is a device that pushes into the cup and holds the sleeve or ring in place. The anti-slip mechanism can be a part of the sleeve by using a special mold to achieve this feature. When the sleeve is pushed onto the cup the anti-slip mechanism pushes into the cup to keep the sleeve in place. This prevents any downward motions or jostling from dislodging the sleeve, as was seen when the ring did not have an anti-slip mechanism.

The invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. The scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures.

FIG. 15 is an example illustration of a sealed cup and sleeve.

FIG. 16 is an example illustration of a sealed cup with the attached sleeve.

FIG. 17 is an example illustration of a sealed cup and sleeve resting on the base of the cup but not yet attached.

FIG. 18 is an example illustration of a sealed cup with the attached sleeve.

As noted, in some embodiments a vibration plate at 1312 can arrange the rings. The vibration plate 1312 organizes the sleeves and ensures they are facing right side up.

FIG. 21 is an example illustration of a vibration plate. The vibration place can use compressed air and vibrations to ensure rings are sitting upwards when fed into conveyor belt. A conveyor belt brings the rings from a vibration plate 1312 one by one.

FIG. 22 is an example illustration of a ring conveyor belt. The ring conveyor belt that brings rings from vibration plate to ring gear to be dropped onto cups. The cups are brought by the conveyor belt to a gear system at 1316 that rotates them one at a time.

The conveyor belt for the rings loads then into a second gear system that is raised slightly above the system turning the cups. When the gears meet, a ring/sleeve is gravity dropped onto the sealed cup. The gears are designed exactly to the shapes of the rings and cups respectively to ensure a smooth transition. FIG. 20 is an example illustration of gears. This shows ring gear slightly above cup gear system so that rings are gravity fed onto cups

As noted, upside down cups are filtered into a rotating device at 1316 that places rings over each of them. FIG. 19 is an example illustration of a ring press. A conveyor belt brings cups with loose sleeves on them to the ring press. Ring press pushes rings onto cups with 80-120 kg of downward force. That is, the cups with the loose rings are sent through a compressed air system along a conveyor belt that pushes the rings to a presser (a ring press) and ensures the rings stay on the cup. The ring press pushes onto the rings with approximately from 80-120 kg of downward force so that they are pushed all the way down to the lip of the cup. This creates a nice rounded lip that before was impossible to achieve.

Other Applications

The following section describes potential applications that may be practiced in regards to some embodiments. There may be other, different, modifications, etc. of the below potential applications, and it should be understood that the description is provided as non-limiting, illustrative examples only. For example, there may be additions, omissions, modifications, and other applications may be considered.

The single-serve shot-glass system 90 may find useful applications in large event venues (e.g. sporting arenas, concerts, rallies, etc.). The peel-off lid 120 and/or the shot-glass 100 may serve as advertising platforms upon which companies may place advertisements.

The single-serve shot-glass system 90 may have applications in the field of medicine or hygiene. For example, the single-serve shot-glass system may be used to dispense fluoride rinses in a manner that is easy to consume for users by reason of the curved brim 140 and the peel-off lid 120 that prevent spilling. As another example, doses of medication either in liquid or pill form may be stored in the single-serve shot-glass system 90 in order to preserve the medication, protecting it from outside air and preventing accidental spilling. As another example, the single-serve shot-glass system 90 may contain other liquids such as mouth-wash or contact-lens solution (e.g. for traveling users).

In other embodiments, the shot-glass 100 may be made of a flexible plastic that enables “squeezing” out a more viscous substance from the shot glass 100.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein.

Embodiments relate to a system and process for creation of a single-serve shot-glass with a flared shaft, curved brim and peel-off lid. A lip attachment can be applied to the sealed shot-glass to define the flare shaft. The shot glass has a flat top edge to facilitate sealing of the lid. Embodiments can use a vibration plate, gears and/or conveyer belts to create the sealed shot-glasses with flared shafts. The lip or ring can create the flared shaft when integrated with the glass.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.

Claims

1. Any and all features of novelty described, suggested, referred to, exemplified, or shown herein, including but not limited to processes, systems, and devices.

1. A process for manufacturing the single-serve shot-glass system comprising: creating shot-glasses from molds;slicing lids from the lid materials;dispensing alcohol into the shot-glasses;sealing the shot-glasses with a peel-off lid and an adhesive;creating a ring-shaped lip attachment; andapplying the lip attachment to the sealed shot glass.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the lip attachment creates a flared shaft that curves outward from bottom to top such that the opening at a brim of the shot glass may have a greater circumference than the circumference of a base of the lip attachment, the brim having a flat top edge to facilitate adhesion of the peel-off lid.

3. The process of claim 1 wherein the lip attachment has a smooth curvature that curves outward from bottom to top to facilitate drinking.

4. The process of claim 1 wherein the lip attachment has a smooth curvature that integrates with the brim to generate a rounded brim, the rounded brim having a flat top portion.

5. The process of claim 1 wherein the alcohol is dispensed to a fill line in the glass, the fill line being below the applied lip attachment.

6. The process of claim 1 wherein lip attachment has a flared shaft, wherein the flat top edge extends away from an outer edge of the flared shaft.

7. A single-serve, shot-glass system comprising: a shot-glass containing alcoholic beverage, the shot-glass having a peel-off lid to seal the shot-glass and preserve the alcoholic beverage;an alcoholic beverage; anda ring-shaped lip attachment for attachment to the already filled and sealed shot glass with a peel-off lid having a flared shaft integrated with a curved brim, the brim having a flat top edge to facilitate adhesion of the peel-off lid, the lip attachment having a smooth curvature to facilitate drinking.

8. The shot-glass system of claim 7, wherein the flared shaft curves outward from bottom to top such that the opening at the brim may have a greater circumference than the circumference of the base of the lip attachment.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the lip attachment has a smooth curvature that integrates with the curved brim.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the alcohol is contained to a fill line in the glass, the fill line being below the lip attachment.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the flat top edge extends away from an outer edge of the flared shaft.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the flat top edge facilitates adhesion of a peel-off lid for the container.

13. A shot-glass system comprising a container with a ring-shaped lip attachment having a flared shaft and peel-able lid, the flared shaft having a curvature to facilitate drinking, wherein the flared shaft curves outward from bottom to top such that the opening at the brim may have a greater circumference than the circumference of the base of the lip attachment, the brim having a flat top edge.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the lip attachment has a smooth curvature that integrates with the brim to define a curved brim.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein alcohol is contained to a fill line in the glass, the fill line being below the lip attachment.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein the flat top edge extends away from an outer edge of the flared shaft.

17. The system of claim 13 wherein the lip attachment defines a curved brim that integrates with the brim, the curved brim having a height greater than the brim.

18. The system of claim 13 wherein the lip attachment defines a curved brim between the flared shaft and the brim, the curved brim having a smooth curvature.

19. The system of claim 13 wherein the lip attachment defines a curved brim between the flared shaft and the brim, the curved brim and the flared shaft defining an s shaped smooth curvature.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein the flat top edge facilitates adhesion of a peel-off lid for the container.