DRINKING VESSELS

Abstract

An example of a drinking vessel is provided. The drinking vessel include a base for resting on a surface. In addition, the drinking vessel includes a stability enhancer disposed within the base to increase stability of the base on the surface. Furthermore, the drinking vessel includes a stem extending from the base. The drinking vessel also includes a bowl resting on the stem. The bowl is to receive a liquid for consumption. Additionally, the drinking vessel includes a connector disposed between the bowl to the stem, wherein the connector is to releasably connect the bowl to the stem.

Description

BACKGROUND

Beverages are commonly served at a wide variety of events or gatherings. To serve beverages, liquid is generally poured into a container such as a cup or glass. There are many different forms of drinking vessels. For example, the drinking vessel may be in the form of stemware, such as a wine glass. Although the shape of stemware may provide functionality in bringing out the aroma of wines or for providing a place to hold the drinking vessel, stemware may also be used for serving a large variety of beverages as a personal choice or preference by a user. The structure of stemware generally includes a bowl, a narrow stem and a circular lower base.

Stemware is generally made from a single material formed into a desired shape. For example, some stemware such as traditional wine glasses are made from glass. The glass may be blown to form a wine glass in a unitary body that includes the base, stem and bowl.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a representation of an example of a drinking vessel in a connected state;

FIG. 2 is a representation of the drinking vessel of FIG. 1 in a separated state;

FIG. 3A is a representation of an example of a bowl of the drinking vessel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is cross section view of the bowl from the example shown in FIG. 3A along the line B-B;

FIG. 4 is a representation of an example of multiple bowls stack upon each other;

FIG. 5 is a representation of another example of a drinking vessel in a separated state;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the drinking vessel of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the drinking vessel of FIG. 5 with the stability enhancer removed;

FIG. 7B is cross section view of a bottom portion of the drinking vessel of FIG. 5 (shown upside down from FIG. 5) along the line B-B;

FIG. 8 is a representation of another example of a drinking vessel in a separated state;

FIG. 9A is a bottom view of the bowl of the drinking vessel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9B is cross section view of the bowl from the example shown in FIG. 9A along the line B-B; and

FIG. 10 is a representation of another example of a drinking vessel in a separated state;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “low”, “high”, “front”, “back”, etc.) may be for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown.

Drinking vessels may be made in various shapes and sizes. Some drinking vessels include stems and/or handles in addition to the bowl portion to store a beverage. These additional features of the drinking vessel may have a functional purpose, such as a stem to be used as a handle or place to lift the bowl without touching the bowl holding the beverage. In addition, some drinking vessels, such as a stemware, may be shaped to bring out the aroma of wines. The design of drinking vessels may also serve and aesthetic purpose. Continuing with the same example, a drinking vessel in the shape of stemware may be used to store beverages that are not wines for serving which may not have the same aromas that need to be brought out by a shape of the bowl.

It is to be appreciated that some stemware, such as wine glasses, are often made from a single material, such as glass or plastic formed into a desired shape. In addition, the structure of stemware generally includes a bowl, a narrow stem and a circular lower base. The unitary body construction provides increased rigidity and strength to support the weight of the bowl and the contents in the bowl. However, the shape of some drinking vessels, such as stemware is not convenient for storage or packing since they cannot be stacked.

A drinking vessel is provided that can be separated into parts that are designed for storage and packing in a small space. In particular, the drinking vessel includes two parts which may be disconnected into separate shapes which are each stackable and/or packable within a smaller volume than the same number of drinking vessels formed from a unitary body which is not detachable. When assembled, the stemware is proportioned to be stable from small external forces such as wind to avoid tipping and spilling the contents of the drinking vessel 50 and potentially damaging the drinking vessel 50 as it falls to the surface 100.

Referring to FIG. 1, a drinking vessel 50 is generally shown. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the drinking vessel 50 may include additional components, such as various addition attachment mechanisms or structural features for storing or enhancing the beverage. In addition, the drinking vessel 50 may be manufactured in various sizes. In the present example, the drinking vessel 50 includes a base 55, a stability enhancer 60, a stem 65, a bowl 70, and a connector 80.

The base 55 is support the drinking vessel 50 on a surface 100 such as a table. Accordingly, the base 55 has a bottom that is to conform to the surface 100. In general, since the surface 100 is flat, the bottom of the base 55 may be substantially flat or otherwise configured to rest on the surface 100 in a stable position. The size of the base 55 is not particularly limited and may be designed accordingly to fit a specific application. For example, the base 55 is may have a circular shape and be designed with a diameter that is sufficiently large to balance the drinking vessel 50 with it is empty as well as when the bowl 70 is substantially full of liquid. In other examples, the shape of the base 55 may be varied into other shapes, such as a polygon or other decorative shape. The top surface of the base 55 is also not particularly limited. For example, the top surface may have a slope from the outer edge to the stem 65. In some examples, the slope may be about 10 degrees above the surface 100. In other examples, the slope may be more or less. In further examples, the slope may vary as a function of distance from the edge of the base 55.

The stability enhancer 60 is a feature used to increase the stability of the base 55 on the surface 100. In the present example, the stability enhancer 60 is to be disposed within the base 55. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that the stability enhancer 60 is not particularly limited and may be simple weight added to the base 55. The shape of the weight is not particularly limited and may be a circular disc or another shape for aesthetic purposes. The stability enhancer 60 may be made a different denser material than the material from which the base 55 is made, such as a metal, stone, granite, sand, or another high density material, disposed within the base 55. In other examples, the stability enhancer 60 may also include additional material from which the base 55 is made, or a heavy fill. For example, the stability enhancer 60 may be a fill of plastic or other materials, such as sand, in an otherwise hollow base 55.

In the present example, the drinking vessel 50 may be substantially made from a lightweight plastic and be susceptible to various forces or vibrations. For example, when used outdoors, the drinking vessel 50 may be blown away by a gentle gust of wind. Accordingly, adding a stability enhancer 60, such as a weight, disposed in the base 55 may provide additional mass to reduce the likelihood that the drinking vessel 50 can be tipped over by increasing the minimum amount of force that can move or tip the drinking vessel 50.

In other examples, the stability enhancer 60 may interact with the surface 100 to increase the minimum amount of force that can move or tip the drinking vessel 50. For example, the stability enhancer 60 may be a magnet to engage with the surface 100 if the surface 100 includes a ferromagnetic material. In other examples, the stability enhancer 60 may include a suction cup to stick to the surface 100 where the surface 100 is sufficiently smooth to hold a suction. In another example, the stability enhancer 60 may also be an adhesive pad that can increase the adhesion to the surface 100. The manner by which this example adheres to the surface 100 may be via an electroadhesion process.

In further examples, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that stability enhancer 60 may not be disposed within base 55 and instead be dispose on the base 55. For example, the base 55 may have an attachment mechanism such as a clip to hold a weight on the top surface of the base 55. Alternatively, a weight may be secured around the stem 65 such that it rests on the base 55.

The stem 65 is connected to the base 55 and extends in an upward direction away from the surface 100 on which the base 55 rests. The stem 65 is to support the weight of the bowl 70 and its contents when filled. Accordingly, the stem 65 includes a connector mechanism 78 disposed on the upper end to engage with a corresponding connector mechanism 79 disposed on the bowl 70. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the stem 65 is not particularly limited to any material and that several different types of materials are contemplated. For example, the stem 65 may be made from the same material as the base 55. The material from which the stem 65 and the base 55 are made is a material that has sufficient rigidity and physical properties to support the bowl 70 and its contents. An example of a material may be a plastic, such as copolyester, polycarbonate or polystyrene. In this example, the stem 65 may form a unitary body with the base 55. In other examples, the stem 65 may be made separated and connected to the base 55. It is also to be understood that the length of the stem 65 is not particularly limited. For example, the stem 65 may be longer or shorter than shown in the present example. In particular, the stem 65 may be very short or omitted in other examples.

The bowl 70 is to receive a liquid, such as a beverage, for consumption. In the present example, the bowl 70 is to connect to the stem 65 and rest thereupon. In the present example, the bowl 70 is not particularly limited and generally includes a wall or plurality of walls and an open top portion. Accordingly, a liquid, such as a beverage may be added into the bowl 70 from the top and a user may drink from the open top.

The connector 80 is disposed between the stem 65 and the bowl 70. In the present example, the connector 80 includes the connector mechanism 78 disposed on the upper end of the stem 65 and the connector mechanism 79 disposed on the bottom of the bowl 70. In other examples, the connector 80 may be a separate component to connect the stem 65 to the bowl 70. The manner by which the connector 80 connects the stem 65 to the bowl 70 is not particularly limited and may involve any mechanism that provides a releasable connection such that the stem 65 may be detached from the bowl 70. When the stem 65 is connected to the bowl 70, the connector 80 is to provide a connection that is rigid enough to support the weight and torque about the connector 80 as when the bowl is substantially full of fluid. For example, the connector 80 is to provide sufficient strength and rigidity to hold the stem 65 and the bowl 70 together as the drinking vessel 50 is tilted, such as when a user takes a drink from the bowl 70. In addition, the connector 80 must also be rigid enough to withstand typical forces and torques when in use. As an example, the connector 80 is to support the weight of the stem 65 and base 55 as well as the weight of the bowl 70 when only one component is lifted. Furthermore, the connector 80 is to remain engaged when incidental contact is made, such as when a user makes a toast or if the base 55 is accidentally tapped against another object.

In the present example, the connector 80 comprises a friction fit mechanism. In particular, the connector mechanism 78 may be a protrusion and the connector mechanism 79 may be a recess to complimentarily receive the connector mechanism 78. The protrusion is designed to be substantially the same size as the recess or to be slightly larger such that the recess and the protrusion may deform slightly to provide a friction it. In the present example, the connector mechanism 78 and the connector mechanism 79 are circular. However, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the connector mechanism 78 and the connector mechanism 79 may be any shape that is complimentary to the other.

The mechanism by which the connector 80 operates is not particularly limited. In the present example, it is to be understood that the connector 80 may be a universal type connector configured to connect a wide variety of stems 65 and bowls 70. Furthermore, in some examples, replacement bowls 70 may be substituted to change the appearance of the drinking vessel 50 or to replace a bowl 70 if it were to break or show signs of wear at a greater rate that the stem 65.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, details of the bowl 70 are shown in greater detail. It is to be appreciated that the bowl 70 is not limited and may be varied. For example, the design and specific shape of bowl 70 may be varied to accommodate different liquids or to bring out different aromas. In the present example, the bowl 70 includes a bottom 72, a wall 74, a rim 76, and the connector mechanism 79. The wall 74 is to hold a liquid, such as a beverage for consumption and the rim 76 defines an opening at the top of the wall 74 through which liquid may be added to fill the bowl 70 or removed from the bowl 70, such as during consumption by a user. To increase the stability of the bowl, the wall 74 may have a varying density or thickness profile such that the bottom portion of the wall 74 is heavier that the portion near the rim to provide additional stability to the bowl 70 when resting directly on the surface 100. The material from which the wall 74 is made is not particularly limiter and may include a material that has sufficient rigidity and physical properties to hold a liquid within the wall 74. An example of a material may be a plastic, such as copolyester, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. Furthermore, it is to be appreciate by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the bowl 70 may be formed from a unitary body of plastic or other suitable material.

In the present example, the bowl 70 is designed to be stackable with other bowls 70-1, 70-2, 70-3, 70-4 having the same design as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the rim 76 may have a larger diameter than the wall 74 such that the diameter of the bowl 70 formed by the wall 74 increases as the wall 74 extends from the bottom 72 to the rim 76. In examples where the bowl 70 is not circular, the dimensions of the bowl 70 formed by the wall 74 may be varied similarly to allow for another similar bowl to be stacked thereupon. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the by allowing for the stacking of multiple bowls 70, multiple drinking vessels may be conveniently stored and/or transported.

In addition, the bottom 72 may be designed to rest on a surface without connecting to the stem 65 and the base 55. Accordingly, the bowl 70 may therefore be used as a standalone apparatus without the base 55 and the stem 65. In this example, the bottom 72 may have a flat contact and the connector mechanism 79 may also be flat or recessed into the bottom 72 such that the bowl 70 may rest on a flat surface without tipping.

Referring to FIG. 5, another example of a drinking vessel 50a is generally shown. Like components of the drinking vessel 50a bear like reference to their counterparts in the drinking vessel 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. In the present example, the drinking vessel 50a includes a base 55a, a stability enhancer 60a, a stem 65a, a bowl 70a, and a connector 80a.

In the present example, the stability enhancer 60a is a weight to be secured to the base 55a. The manner by which the stability enhancer 60a is secured to the base 55a is not particularly limited. In the present example, the stability enhancer 60a is shaped as a disc to be secured to a recess in the bottom of the base 55a as shown in FIG. 6. The stability enhancer 60a may be secured to the base 55a with clips 205a-1, 205a-2, 205a-3 (generically, these clips are referred to herein as “clip 205a” and collectively they are referred to as “clips 205a”). Although the present example illustrates that the clips 205a secure the stability enhancer 60a at the inner edge of the disc, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the clips 205a may secure the outside edge of the disc. In further examples, the clips 205a may be disposed to secure both the inner and the outer edge of the disc or another portion of the disc, such as a specialized docking location (not shown).

In another example, the bowl 70a may be used as a standalone apparatus without the base 55a and the stem 65a. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the bowl 70a may include clips configured to secure the stability enhancer 60a. Accordingly, when using the bowl 70a without the base 55a and the stem 65a, the stability enhancer 60a may be installed at the bottom of the bowl 70a to increase stability. Furthermore, the clips configured to hold the stability enhancer 60a may have a dual function to be also used as part of the connector 80a when the stability enhancer 60a is not installed.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the bottom of the base 55a is shown without the stability enhancer 60a. The clips 205a may include a taper to allow the stability enhancer 60a to be installed by urging the clip 205a as it moves along the taper until the stability enhancer 60a snaps in. In the present example, the clip 205a may be designed to permanently attach the stability enhancer 60a during the assembly phase of drinking vessel 50a such that the stability enhancer 60a cannot be removed without breaking the clips 205a. In other examples, the clips 205a may be designed to allow for the stability enhancer 60a to be removable from the base 55a, such as during a cleaning of the drinking vessel 50a.

In the present example, the base further includes drainage channels 210a-1, 210a-2, and 210a-3 (generically, these drainage channels are referred to herein as “drainage channel 210a” and collectively they are referred to as “drainage channels 210a”). The drainage channels 210a are to allow water collected in the space between the base 55a and the stability enhancer 60a to drain through the center hole 215a which extends through the stem 65a. This may prevent pooling in the recess of the base 55a to receive the stability enhancer 60a such that water does not pool when the base 55a is inverted, such as during washing. It is to be appreciated that the drainage channels 210a may be omitted in other examples where the stability enhancer 60a may be removed to allow water to escape, or in examples where the stability enhancer 60a forms a watertight seal to keep water out from the backside of the stability enhancer.

Referring to FIG. 8, another example of a drinking vessel 50b is generally shown. Like components of the drinking vessel 50b bear like reference to their counterparts in the drinking vessel 50, except followed by the suffix “b”. In the present example, the drinking vessel 50b includes a base 55b, a stability enhancer 60b, a stem 65b, a bowl 70b, and a connector 80b.

In the present example, the connector 80b includes a connector mechanism 78b with a channel 305b and a connector mechanism 79b with a protrusion 310b. The channel 305b is configured to receive the protrusion 310b to secure the connector mechanism 78b to the connector mechanism 79b. It is to be appreciated that the channel 305b and the protrusion 310b cooperate for form a “turn and lock” fitting to secure the stem 65b to the bowl 70b.

The connector mechanism 78b may further include a locking mechanism 315b disposed in or around the channel 305b to secure the relative position of the protrusion 310b within the channel 305b. In the present example, the locking mechanism 315b is a recess in the channel 305b to receive and lock the protrusion 310b. The recess decreases the likelihood that the protrusion 310b will move back along the channel 305b to disengage the connector mechanism 78b from the connector mechanism 79b. The protrusion 310b may be unlock by applying a downward force on the bowl 70b to free the protrusion 310b from the locking mechanism 315b. In other examples, the protrusions 310b may frictionally engaged with the channel 305b.

It is to be understood that variations are contemplated. For example, the locking mechanism 315b may be a restriction in the width of the channel such that a protrusion 310b may be forced through the restriction by deforming the channel 305b or the protrusion 310b. In other examples, the locking mechanism 315b may use a magnetic means to secure the protrusion 310b in the channel 305b.

Furthermore, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the location of the channel 305b and the protrusion 310b may be exchanged such that the channel 305b is disposed on the connector mechanism 79b and the protrusion 310b is disposed on the connector mechanism 78b. Accordingly, in this example, the channel 305b may be formed in the bottom portion of the bowl 70a and the stem 65a may include protrusions 310b that interact with the channel 305b disposed in the bowl 70a.

Referring to FIG. 10, another example of a drinking vessel 50c is generally shown. Like components of the drinking vessel 50c bear like reference to their counterparts in the drinking vessel 50, except followed by the suffix “c”. In the present example, the drinking vessel 50c includes a base 55c, a stability enhancer 60c, a stem 65c, a bowl 70c, and a connector 80c.

In the present example, the connector 80c includes a connector mechanism 78c with thread 405c and a connector mechanism 79c with a complimentary thread 410c. Accordingly, the connector mechanism 78c may be screwed in to the connector mechanism 79c.

Various advantages will now become apparent to a person of skill in the art. For example, the drinking vessel provides a conventional stemware drinking vessel, such as a wine glass for containing a drinking liquids which can be reduced to a compact form for storage. The drinking vessel also contains a stability enhancer to allow for outdoor use in on a windy day by reducing the risk of the drinking vessel tipping.

It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A drinking vessel comprising: a base for resting on a surface;a stability enhancer disposed within the base to increase stability of the base on the surface;a stem extending from the base;a bowl resting on the stem, wherein the bowl is to receive a liquid for consumption; anda connector disposed between the bowl to the stem, wherein the connector is to releasably connect the bowl to the stem.

2. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the stability enhancer is a weight.

3. The drinking vessel of claim 2, wherein the weight is removably secured with a clip.

4. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the stability enhancer is a magnet to engage the surface.

5. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a channel to receive a protrusion.

6. The drinking vessel of claim 5, wherein the channel comprises a locking mechanism disposed within the channel to secure the protrusion at a position relative to the channel.

7. The drinking vessel of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism is a recess in the channel to receive the protrusion.

8. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the base and the bowl are plastic.

9. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the bowl is stackable with a second bowl, wherein the second bowl is substantially similar to the bowl.

10. An apparatus comprising: a bottom;a wall extending upward from the bottom, the wall to hold a liquid;a rim to define an opening at a top of the wall; anda connector mechanism disposed at the bottom, wherein the connector mechanism is to releasably connect to a base to rest on a surface, and wherein the base includes a stability enhancer to increase stability.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the connector mechanism comprises a channel to receive a protrusion.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the channel comprises a locking mechanism disposed within the channel to secure the protrusion at a position relative to the channel.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism is a recess in the channel to receive the protrusion.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the connector mechanism comprises a protrusion to be received in a channel.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the protrusion is to engage a locking mechanism in the channel to secure the connector mechanism to the base.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is formed from a unitary body of plastic.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is stackable with a second apparatus, wherein the second apparatus is substantially similar to the apparatus.

18. An apparatus comprising: a base for resting on a surface;a stability enhancer disposed within the base to increase stability of the base on the surface;a stem extending from the base; anda connector mechanism disposed between on the stem at an end opposite to the base, wherein the connector mechanism is to releasably connect a bowl to the stem, wherein the bowl is to receive a liquid for consumption.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the connector mechanism comprises a channel to receive a protrusion.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the connector mechanism comprises a protrusion to be received in a channel.