CA1249232A - Drinking vessels - Google Patents
Drinking vesselsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1249232A CA1249232A CA000562149A CA562149A CA1249232A CA 1249232 A CA1249232 A CA 1249232A CA 000562149 A CA000562149 A CA 000562149A CA 562149 A CA562149 A CA 562149A CA 1249232 A CA1249232 A CA 1249232A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vessel
- stem
- condensation
- insert
- stem member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE
A drinking vessel comprises a first vessel member adapted to hold a liquid and a second vessel member associated with, but separated from, the first vessel member to form a barrier against the formation of condensation on the exterior surface of the second vessel member when a cold liquid is contained in the first vessel member. In one embodiment, the first vessel member comprises a removable insert which conforms generally to the configuration of the second vessel member to form a double-walled drinking vessel. Advantageously, a sanitary lip extends downwardly from the top edge of the insert and is proportioned and oriented to prevent a person's lip from contacting the second vessel member when the person takes a drink. Also advantageously, the drinking vessel includes ribs or serrations, or, preferably, a plurality of protuberances and engagement ridges, ridge segments or recesses associated between the insert and the second vessel member to provide a secure friction fit therebetween yet permit removal of the insert for disposal and subsequent replacement. In another embodiment, the first vessel member comprises a bowl member for holding a liquid and the second vessel member is a hollow stem member supporting the bowl from its base. A collar-like ridge is formed generally at the junction of the stem for collecting any condensation and directing it into the stem. The structure may be formed in two-piece structure or an essentially unitary structure. The structure may, however, include a detachable stem base portion or a stopper-plugged hole in the stem base to facilitate removal of the accumulated moisture.
A drinking vessel comprises a first vessel member adapted to hold a liquid and a second vessel member associated with, but separated from, the first vessel member to form a barrier against the formation of condensation on the exterior surface of the second vessel member when a cold liquid is contained in the first vessel member. In one embodiment, the first vessel member comprises a removable insert which conforms generally to the configuration of the second vessel member to form a double-walled drinking vessel. Advantageously, a sanitary lip extends downwardly from the top edge of the insert and is proportioned and oriented to prevent a person's lip from contacting the second vessel member when the person takes a drink. Also advantageously, the drinking vessel includes ribs or serrations, or, preferably, a plurality of protuberances and engagement ridges, ridge segments or recesses associated between the insert and the second vessel member to provide a secure friction fit therebetween yet permit removal of the insert for disposal and subsequent replacement. In another embodiment, the first vessel member comprises a bowl member for holding a liquid and the second vessel member is a hollow stem member supporting the bowl from its base. A collar-like ridge is formed generally at the junction of the stem for collecting any condensation and directing it into the stem. The structure may be formed in two-piece structure or an essentially unitary structure. The structure may, however, include a detachable stem base portion or a stopper-plugged hole in the stem base to facilitate removal of the accumulated moisture.
Description
2 ~ 3~
5'~ .
BACKGROUND !:)F THE INVENTION
, 8The present invention relates generally to drinking 9 vessels, and, more particularly, to drinking vessels which provide an exterior surface portion that is virtually free of ~1 condensation and to reusable/dispos~ble drinking vessels which 12 provide a sanitary surface for drinking.
This applica-tion is a division of Canadian Patent Applica-tion Serial No. 448,357, filed February 27, 1984.
13 ¦ There have been many proposals for making various 14 1 types of drinking containers or vessels~ each adapted to ~5 satisfy a particular need. For example, there are containers 16 which incorporate disposable liners, such as disclose~ in ~.S.
17 Patent NoO 3,352,4~9, to permit re-use of a permanent 18 container. In other devices, such as disclosed in U.S Patent lg No. 973,0~5, or 3,633,~63, or 4r040r535~ a c~aster or holder arrangement i5 provided for snugly holding a tumbler and 21 collecting, within the coaster, condensation forming on the 22 tumbler~
23 Although such structures may prove satisfactory for 24 their particular intended purposet they fail to provide a drinking vessel with a sanitary disposable insert which ~onforms 26 to the configuration of a permanent vessel member and provides ~7 a thermally insulative barrier as well as a condensation 28 barrier, all in a simple-to~fabricate stru~ture. Furth~rmore, 29 there is no teaching of a condensation-free stemware piece~
It would appear desirable, therefore, to provide a .
~' .
..` ! : ,,, ~ 3~
1 drinking vessel with dis~os2ble inserts ~hich provides a 2 thermally insulative barrier to help maintain the temperatu~e ~ of substances cont~ined therein, to prolons the life of ice 4 cubes when contained therein and, further, to shield the user from any dripDing due to condensation forming o~ the vessel.
6 More importantly, 2S there is current~ gr~at concern 7 ~or the transmissi4n of various bacteria and i~ecti~us viruses ~ anQ serms (particularly herpes simplex which can ~e readily 9 transmitted through improperly sterilized drinking containers lC at res~aurants, bars anà other publically accessible 11 establishments), there is a gro~ing need for an atkractive ~ drinking vessel which can be ~sed repeate~ly yet assure 13 germ-~ree drinking surfaces. Th~rough sterilization requires 1~ expensive and well maintaine~ machinery, as well as the time an~ effort of empl~yees in collecting used ~lasses, stacking 16 them f~r sterilization, ~perating the machinery and remoYing 17 them 2~ter sterilization. It is, therefore, desirable to provide not only a condensation-free disposable drinking vessel 19 but also one which provides protection against the t~ansmission 23 of in~ectious germs, viruses, bacteria and the like, all in an 21 attractive and easy to make structure.
22 Accordingly, it is an object of the preserlt invention ~3 to provide a new and impr~ved drinking vessel having exterior 2~ surface portions essentially ~ree of condensation.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new 26 and improved drinking vessel having condensation-free exterior 27 sur~ace portions and a thermally insulative ~arrier for helping diminish heat loss or gain in any substance contained by the 29 vessel. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a re-usable drinking vessel of the foregoing type that ~ 32 1 permits re~use of a perr,anent drinkins vessel member without 2 requixing ster.liza~ion of ths ~ermanent member I is a further object of ,he invention to provide a drinking vessel of the ~oregoing t~pe w~ich is easy to fabricate and yet forms an attractive dxinking container.
6 It is also an object of the invention to provide a new ~ and improved stemware structure which proviQes an essentially 8 condensation-~ree exte-ior surface for handling, yet permits an Q elegant design to be incorporated in the stemware. It is 1n another Dbject ~f the .in~ention to pro~i~e, in whole or in 11 partr a disp~sable stemware structure which has an escentially 1~ condensatiDn-free sur~ace.
13 The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the 14 invention 2re illustrative ol those which can be achie~ed b~
the present invention an~ are not intended ~ exhaust t~e 16 possible aavantages which can be attained Thus, these and 17 other objects and advantages of the invention can be learned by 1~ pra~tice s~ith ~he in~enti~n as emb~died herein or as modified 19 in view o~ variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, the 21 presant invention resi~es in the n~vel parts, constructions, 22 arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and 23 described.
SUM~hRY O~ THE_IN~ENIION
26 Briefly described, the drinking vessel according to 27 the present inventioI~ comprises a first vessel member adapted 28 to hold 2 liquid or other ~esired substance and a second vessel 29 member associated with, but separated ~rom, the ~irst vessel
5'~ .
BACKGROUND !:)F THE INVENTION
, 8The present invention relates generally to drinking 9 vessels, and, more particularly, to drinking vessels which provide an exterior surface portion that is virtually free of ~1 condensation and to reusable/dispos~ble drinking vessels which 12 provide a sanitary surface for drinking.
This applica-tion is a division of Canadian Patent Applica-tion Serial No. 448,357, filed February 27, 1984.
13 ¦ There have been many proposals for making various 14 1 types of drinking containers or vessels~ each adapted to ~5 satisfy a particular need. For example, there are containers 16 which incorporate disposable liners, such as disclose~ in ~.S.
17 Patent NoO 3,352,4~9, to permit re-use of a permanent 18 container. In other devices, such as disclosed in U.S Patent lg No. 973,0~5, or 3,633,~63, or 4r040r535~ a c~aster or holder arrangement i5 provided for snugly holding a tumbler and 21 collecting, within the coaster, condensation forming on the 22 tumbler~
23 Although such structures may prove satisfactory for 24 their particular intended purposet they fail to provide a drinking vessel with a sanitary disposable insert which ~onforms 26 to the configuration of a permanent vessel member and provides ~7 a thermally insulative barrier as well as a condensation 28 barrier, all in a simple-to~fabricate stru~ture. Furth~rmore, 29 there is no teaching of a condensation-free stemware piece~
It would appear desirable, therefore, to provide a .
~' .
..` ! : ,,, ~ 3~
1 drinking vessel with dis~os2ble inserts ~hich provides a 2 thermally insulative barrier to help maintain the temperatu~e ~ of substances cont~ined therein, to prolons the life of ice 4 cubes when contained therein and, further, to shield the user from any dripDing due to condensation forming o~ the vessel.
6 More importantly, 2S there is current~ gr~at concern 7 ~or the transmissi4n of various bacteria and i~ecti~us viruses ~ anQ serms (particularly herpes simplex which can ~e readily 9 transmitted through improperly sterilized drinking containers lC at res~aurants, bars anà other publically accessible 11 establishments), there is a gro~ing need for an atkractive ~ drinking vessel which can be ~sed repeate~ly yet assure 13 germ-~ree drinking surfaces. Th~rough sterilization requires 1~ expensive and well maintaine~ machinery, as well as the time an~ effort of empl~yees in collecting used ~lasses, stacking 16 them f~r sterilization, ~perating the machinery and remoYing 17 them 2~ter sterilization. It is, therefore, desirable to provide not only a condensation-free disposable drinking vessel 19 but also one which provides protection against the t~ansmission 23 of in~ectious germs, viruses, bacteria and the like, all in an 21 attractive and easy to make structure.
22 Accordingly, it is an object of the preserlt invention ~3 to provide a new and impr~ved drinking vessel having exterior 2~ surface portions essentially ~ree of condensation.
It is another object of the invention to provide a new 26 and improved drinking vessel having condensation-free exterior 27 sur~ace portions and a thermally insulative ~arrier for helping diminish heat loss or gain in any substance contained by the 29 vessel. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a re-usable drinking vessel of the foregoing type that ~ 32 1 permits re~use of a perr,anent drinkins vessel member without 2 requixing ster.liza~ion of ths ~ermanent member I is a further object of ,he invention to provide a drinking vessel of the ~oregoing t~pe w~ich is easy to fabricate and yet forms an attractive dxinking container.
6 It is also an object of the invention to provide a new ~ and improved stemware structure which proviQes an essentially 8 condensation-~ree exte-ior surface for handling, yet permits an Q elegant design to be incorporated in the stemware. It is 1n another Dbject ~f the .in~ention to pro~i~e, in whole or in 11 partr a disp~sable stemware structure which has an escentially 1~ condensatiDn-free sur~ace.
13 The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the 14 invention 2re illustrative ol those which can be achie~ed b~
the present invention an~ are not intended ~ exhaust t~e 16 possible aavantages which can be attained Thus, these and 17 other objects and advantages of the invention can be learned by 1~ pra~tice s~ith ~he in~enti~n as emb~died herein or as modified 19 in view o~ variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, the 21 presant invention resi~es in the n~vel parts, constructions, 22 arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and 23 described.
SUM~hRY O~ THE_IN~ENIION
26 Briefly described, the drinking vessel according to 27 the present inventioI~ comprises a first vessel member adapted 28 to hold 2 liquid or other ~esired substance and a second vessel 29 member associated with, but separated ~rom, the ~irst vessel
3~ member to fQrm a barrier against the ~ormation of condensation . ~ 3~
L on an exterior surface of the second vessel member when a cold liquid or substance is contained in the first vessel member.
3 In one embodiment, the first vessel member comprises a
L on an exterior surface of the second vessel member when a cold liquid or substance is contained in the first vessel member.
3 In one embodiment, the first vessel member comprises a
4 removable insert which conforms generally to the configuration o~ the second vessel member to form a double-walled drinking 6 vessel with a space between the insert and the second vessel 7 member. Advantageously, a san.itary lip extends downwardly from ~ the top edge o~ the insert and is proportioned and oriented to 9 prevent a person's lip from contacting the second vessel member when the person takes a drink. Also advantageously, the 11 drinking vessel includes grasping means ~in the form of a 12 plurality o~ rib-~ike members or a band of serrations, or, as 13 preferably embodied, a plurality of protuberances and 14 cooperating engagement means) associated between the vessel and the second insert member to provide a secure pressure/~riction 16 ~it therebetween yet permit removal of the insert for disposal 17 and subsequent replacement by thrus~ing the second vessel 18 member, open side down, onto a stack o inverted inserts.
19 As perferably embodied, the grasping means include a plurality of protuberances formed on one of the vessel members, 21 and engagement means ~ormed on the other vessel member for 22 cooperating with the protuberances to enable releasable locking 23 enga~ement between the two vessel members~ The engagement 24 means may cornprise a ring like raised rib or ridge against which the protuberances can abut to resist separation of khe 26 two members or a ring-like recess adapted to r~gister with and 27 receive the protuberances. Alternatively, the engagement means 28 may comprise a series of screw thread seyments (in the ~orm of 29 either raised ridge segments or recess segments) adapted to permit threaded engagement by the protuberances when one vessel ~ 2~2 1 member is turned or screwed down relative to the other. In any 2 of the foregoing embodiments of grasping means, the 3 protuberances are preferably formed on the replaceable insert 4 member (preferably on the interior surface of the lip~ for ease of mass fabrication and the engagement means are formed on the 6 permanent ~essel member ~preferably on its exterior surface)~
7 In another embodiment, the invention may be adapted to 8 provide a condensation-free stemware structure. The stemware 9 structure comprises a bowl member for holding a liquid and a hollow steln member supporting the bowl from its base. A
11 collar-like ridge is formed generally at or near the junction 12 of the stem and bowl members and is in communication with the 13 hollow skem for collectin~ any condensation traveling 14 downwardly from the bowl member and directing it into the stem. ~he stemware structure may be ~ormed in a two piece 16 structure wherein the bowl member includes a stem por~on 17 aZapted to fit into an opening at the top of the stem member 18 which thereby forms the collar-like ridge. Alternatively, the 19 stemware structure may be an essentially unitary structure with I
. ~ t~
! openings in the ~all of the hollow stem adjacent the 2 collar-like ridge which provides a ring-like tro~gh tha~ ac~s ~ li~e 2 catch basin to collect condensation flowing do~n the 4 bowl member and permit it to ~low from the collar trough into the interior of the stem member. The unitzry stemware may 6 inc~ude a detachable stem base portion or a stopper-plugged 7 hole i~ the stem base to facilitate removal of accumulated 8 moisture.
~ It will be apparent from the foregoing general description, as well as the ~ollowing detailed ~escription, ll that the objects and advanta~es specifically enumerated herein l~ are achieved b~- the present invention. P~r example, by 13 ptoviding an insert conforming to ~he con~iguration of a 14 permanent vessel member, an interior space is provide~ which acts both as a thermal insulating barrier to liguid contained 16 in the insert and as a shield against the formation of 17 condensation on the exterior surface of the permanent vessel lB memberO In addition, by providing the lip on such inserts, l9 shield is automatically formed to prevent the transmission of germs, bacteria, etc. from one user to the next when the insert 21 i5 replace~, yet permit re-use of the permanent vessel member 22 in a perfectly sanitary condition without re~uiring 23 sterilization or washing.
2L By fabricating the insert so as to be disposable, the permanent vessel member can be re-used repeatedly ~ithout 26 requiring any sterilizationr yet the combination provides a 27 sterile drin~king vessel for different users of the permanent 28 vessel. In ~ddition, the grasping means associated between the 2~ insert and permanent vessel facilitates convenient storage of a 3~ staclc of inserts while permitting the permanent member t~ be 3;~
l 1~ qlickly and easily combined with a fresh insert. Moreover, the 2 insert can be adapted to conform to the shape of virtually any 3 drinking vessel, e.g., a tumbler, a stemware piece~ etc.
4 It will also be understood that by forming a series S of protuberances on one vessel member and engagement means in the form oE either a raised ridge structure or a recess or 7 indentation arrangement (whether in continuous ring-like 8 fashion or as a series of segments adapted to threadably engage 9 the protuberances), a secure locking engagement will be achieved between the two vessel members while release of the ll members can be eEfected with relative ease. In addition, 12 ¦ forming the protuberances on the disposable insert member, 13 preferably on the interior surface of the lip formed 14 will facilitate mass production by conventional two~part molding techniques and permit the inserts to be conveniently 16 stacked on top of each other, yet will space the stacked 17 inserts from each other to keep adjacent ones from sti~king 18 together when one is removed from the stack.
l9 By providing a stemware structure with a hollow stem and a collar-like ridge in communication with the hollow stem, 21 any condensation forming on the exterior of the bowl will Elow 22 into the hollow stem to provide a dry surface on the exterior 23 of the stem for holding the stemware. In addition, the 24 stemware structure according to the invention can be Eormed as 25l a totally permanent, a partially disposable or a totally 26 disposable drinking vessel.
27 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art 28 that the foregoing general description and the following 29 detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention but are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
1 Thus, the accompaying drawings, referred to herein and 2 constituting a part hereof, illustrate preferred embodiments of 3 the invention, and, together with the detailed description, 4 serve to explain the principles of the invention.
.~ ... ..
7 FIGURF 1 is a front isometric view o one embodiment 8 of a drinking vessel according to the present invention.
9 FIGURE 2 is a front isometric view of the outer, or permanetlt, vessel member ~E the embodiment of Figure 1.
11 FIGURE 3 is a front isometric view of the inner 12 vessel member, or insert, oE the embodiment of Figure 1.
13 FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of 14 Flgure 3.
L5 FIGURE 5 is a sectional view, similar to Figure 4, of 16 only the outer vessel member, showing a sli~htly modified 17 embodiment.
18 FIGURE 6 is a frc)nt elevation view of the outer 19 vessel member in the embodiment of Figure 1 showing still another modi~ied embodiment.
21 FIGURE 7 is a sectional view, taken generally through 22 the middle, of an insert member according to another preferred 23 embodiment of the invention.
~4 FIGU~E 7A is a sectional view taken along lines 7A-7A
of Figure 7.
26 FIGURE 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7 of a 27 preferred embodiment of a permanent vessel, or holder, for the 28 insert member shown in Figure 7.
29 FIGURE 9 is also a view similar to that of Figure 7 o a modified version of the structure shown 1n Figure 8.
lZ4~Z3Z
1 FIGURE lO is a front isometric view of an embodiment 2 of a stemware structure according to the present inventionO
3 FIGURE lOa is a partial front isometric view with 4 partial cut-away section, of a modified version of the S embodiment of Figure lO.
6 FIGURE ll is a front isometric view of a modified 7 embodiment of stemware according to the present invention.
8 FIGUR~ lla is a partial fron~ isometric view of a 9 modified version of the embodiment illustrated in Figure ll.
~I~URE llb is a partial front isometric view of 11 ano her modified version of the embodiment of Figure ll.
13 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODI~ENTS
14 Tur~in~ now to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, there is shown in 16 Figures l-9 various features according to one basic embodiment 17 of the present invention.
18 Referring more particularly to Figures l, 3 and 4, l9 there is shown an embodiment of a drinking vessel according to the present invention which comprises an outer, or permanent, 21 vessel member lO which can be a tumbler-like vessel made o a 2~ permanent material such as, e.g., glassO Insert member 12 is 23 proportioned to be received within outer vessel member lO for 24 receiving and containing any desired li~uid or other substance.
As preferably embodied, insert 12 is proportioned to conform 26 ~enerally to the conEiguration of the oute. vessel, yet provide 27 a spacing (indicated generally at ll) between the adjacent 28 sidewalls and bottom walls of the outer vessel and the insertO
29 The spacing ll serves as a thermally insulative buffer to help reduce the thermal effect of the ambient atmosphere on the 1 contents of insert 12. Advantageously, then, insert member 12 2 is proportioned to taper slightly in a direction frorn its top 3 to its bottom relative to the sidewalls of permanent vessel 10 4 so as to make essentially only line contact with vessel 10 at its top opening.
6 Also advanta~eously, insert 12 includes an exterior 7 lip 12a depending from the entire top open edge, or upper rim, 8 of the insert and extending downwardly towards the bottom of 9 the insert. ~s preferably embodied, lip 12a is proportioned and angled relative to the exterior sidewall of permanent 11 vessel 10 so as to substantially prevent a person's lip from 12 contacting any exterior surface of vessel 10 when the person 13 drinks from the insert. To this end, the width of lip 12a 14 (i.e., the distance between the upper rim of ~the insert and the lS distal ~ree end edge of the lip) may be from about 3/8" to 16 about 1/2" (or even up to about 3/4") and may ~orm an angle of 17 up to about 35 with respect to the sidewalls of insert 12 to 18 form an angle of up to about 30~ with respect to the sidewall of vessel portion 10~ In a particularly useful embodiment, insert lip 12a can be about 1/2" wide and extend at an angle o 21 from about 3.5 to abo~t 5 relative to the exterior wall of 22 the second vessel member.
23 It will thus be understood by those skilled in the art 24 that the width of lip 12a and ~he angle it forms with respect to the sidewall of vessel 10 cooperate to keep a person's lip 26 spaced from the vessel sidewalls so as to prevent physical 27 contact therewith. As a result, by adapting insert 12 so as to 2a be disposable, the combination of insert 12 with permanent 29 vessel 10 permits repeated re-use of the permanent vessel 10 without req-liring sterilization, simply by replacing the used .:`.. ;... I .,. I' 1 insert ~ith a resh one. Since the user~s lips do not touch 2 vessel 10, the passage of orally ~ransmissive germs, bacteria n~ virus (e.g., herDes simplex) is eEfectively prevented, and the ~ime, effort and cost of washing vessel 10 a ter every use
19 As perferably embodied, the grasping means include a plurality of protuberances formed on one of the vessel members, 21 and engagement means ~ormed on the other vessel member for 22 cooperating with the protuberances to enable releasable locking 23 enga~ement between the two vessel members~ The engagement 24 means may cornprise a ring like raised rib or ridge against which the protuberances can abut to resist separation of khe 26 two members or a ring-like recess adapted to r~gister with and 27 receive the protuberances. Alternatively, the engagement means 28 may comprise a series of screw thread seyments (in the ~orm of 29 either raised ridge segments or recess segments) adapted to permit threaded engagement by the protuberances when one vessel ~ 2~2 1 member is turned or screwed down relative to the other. In any 2 of the foregoing embodiments of grasping means, the 3 protuberances are preferably formed on the replaceable insert 4 member (preferably on the interior surface of the lip~ for ease of mass fabrication and the engagement means are formed on the 6 permanent ~essel member ~preferably on its exterior surface)~
7 In another embodiment, the invention may be adapted to 8 provide a condensation-free stemware structure. The stemware 9 structure comprises a bowl member for holding a liquid and a hollow steln member supporting the bowl from its base. A
11 collar-like ridge is formed generally at or near the junction 12 of the stem and bowl members and is in communication with the 13 hollow skem for collectin~ any condensation traveling 14 downwardly from the bowl member and directing it into the stem. ~he stemware structure may be ~ormed in a two piece 16 structure wherein the bowl member includes a stem por~on 17 aZapted to fit into an opening at the top of the stem member 18 which thereby forms the collar-like ridge. Alternatively, the 19 stemware structure may be an essentially unitary structure with I
. ~ t~
! openings in the ~all of the hollow stem adjacent the 2 collar-like ridge which provides a ring-like tro~gh tha~ ac~s ~ li~e 2 catch basin to collect condensation flowing do~n the 4 bowl member and permit it to ~low from the collar trough into the interior of the stem member. The unitzry stemware may 6 inc~ude a detachable stem base portion or a stopper-plugged 7 hole i~ the stem base to facilitate removal of accumulated 8 moisture.
~ It will be apparent from the foregoing general description, as well as the ~ollowing detailed ~escription, ll that the objects and advanta~es specifically enumerated herein l~ are achieved b~- the present invention. P~r example, by 13 ptoviding an insert conforming to ~he con~iguration of a 14 permanent vessel member, an interior space is provide~ which acts both as a thermal insulating barrier to liguid contained 16 in the insert and as a shield against the formation of 17 condensation on the exterior surface of the permanent vessel lB memberO In addition, by providing the lip on such inserts, l9 shield is automatically formed to prevent the transmission of germs, bacteria, etc. from one user to the next when the insert 21 i5 replace~, yet permit re-use of the permanent vessel member 22 in a perfectly sanitary condition without re~uiring 23 sterilization or washing.
2L By fabricating the insert so as to be disposable, the permanent vessel member can be re-used repeatedly ~ithout 26 requiring any sterilizationr yet the combination provides a 27 sterile drin~king vessel for different users of the permanent 28 vessel. In ~ddition, the grasping means associated between the 2~ insert and permanent vessel facilitates convenient storage of a 3~ staclc of inserts while permitting the permanent member t~ be 3;~
l 1~ qlickly and easily combined with a fresh insert. Moreover, the 2 insert can be adapted to conform to the shape of virtually any 3 drinking vessel, e.g., a tumbler, a stemware piece~ etc.
4 It will also be understood that by forming a series S of protuberances on one vessel member and engagement means in the form oE either a raised ridge structure or a recess or 7 indentation arrangement (whether in continuous ring-like 8 fashion or as a series of segments adapted to threadably engage 9 the protuberances), a secure locking engagement will be achieved between the two vessel members while release of the ll members can be eEfected with relative ease. In addition, 12 ¦ forming the protuberances on the disposable insert member, 13 preferably on the interior surface of the lip formed 14 will facilitate mass production by conventional two~part molding techniques and permit the inserts to be conveniently 16 stacked on top of each other, yet will space the stacked 17 inserts from each other to keep adjacent ones from sti~king 18 together when one is removed from the stack.
l9 By providing a stemware structure with a hollow stem and a collar-like ridge in communication with the hollow stem, 21 any condensation forming on the exterior of the bowl will Elow 22 into the hollow stem to provide a dry surface on the exterior 23 of the stem for holding the stemware. In addition, the 24 stemware structure according to the invention can be Eormed as 25l a totally permanent, a partially disposable or a totally 26 disposable drinking vessel.
27 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art 28 that the foregoing general description and the following 29 detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention but are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
1 Thus, the accompaying drawings, referred to herein and 2 constituting a part hereof, illustrate preferred embodiments of 3 the invention, and, together with the detailed description, 4 serve to explain the principles of the invention.
.~ ... ..
7 FIGURF 1 is a front isometric view o one embodiment 8 of a drinking vessel according to the present invention.
9 FIGURE 2 is a front isometric view of the outer, or permanetlt, vessel member ~E the embodiment of Figure 1.
11 FIGURE 3 is a front isometric view of the inner 12 vessel member, or insert, oE the embodiment of Figure 1.
13 FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of 14 Flgure 3.
L5 FIGURE 5 is a sectional view, similar to Figure 4, of 16 only the outer vessel member, showing a sli~htly modified 17 embodiment.
18 FIGURE 6 is a frc)nt elevation view of the outer 19 vessel member in the embodiment of Figure 1 showing still another modi~ied embodiment.
21 FIGURE 7 is a sectional view, taken generally through 22 the middle, of an insert member according to another preferred 23 embodiment of the invention.
~4 FIGU~E 7A is a sectional view taken along lines 7A-7A
of Figure 7.
26 FIGURE 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7 of a 27 preferred embodiment of a permanent vessel, or holder, for the 28 insert member shown in Figure 7.
29 FIGURE 9 is also a view similar to that of Figure 7 o a modified version of the structure shown 1n Figure 8.
lZ4~Z3Z
1 FIGURE lO is a front isometric view of an embodiment 2 of a stemware structure according to the present inventionO
3 FIGURE lOa is a partial front isometric view with 4 partial cut-away section, of a modified version of the S embodiment of Figure lO.
6 FIGURE ll is a front isometric view of a modified 7 embodiment of stemware according to the present invention.
8 FIGUR~ lla is a partial fron~ isometric view of a 9 modified version of the embodiment illustrated in Figure ll.
~I~URE llb is a partial front isometric view of 11 ano her modified version of the embodiment of Figure ll.
13 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODI~ENTS
14 Tur~in~ now to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, there is shown in 16 Figures l-9 various features according to one basic embodiment 17 of the present invention.
18 Referring more particularly to Figures l, 3 and 4, l9 there is shown an embodiment of a drinking vessel according to the present invention which comprises an outer, or permanent, 21 vessel member lO which can be a tumbler-like vessel made o a 2~ permanent material such as, e.g., glassO Insert member 12 is 23 proportioned to be received within outer vessel member lO for 24 receiving and containing any desired li~uid or other substance.
As preferably embodied, insert 12 is proportioned to conform 26 ~enerally to the conEiguration of the oute. vessel, yet provide 27 a spacing (indicated generally at ll) between the adjacent 28 sidewalls and bottom walls of the outer vessel and the insertO
29 The spacing ll serves as a thermally insulative buffer to help reduce the thermal effect of the ambient atmosphere on the 1 contents of insert 12. Advantageously, then, insert member 12 2 is proportioned to taper slightly in a direction frorn its top 3 to its bottom relative to the sidewalls of permanent vessel 10 4 so as to make essentially only line contact with vessel 10 at its top opening.
6 Also advanta~eously, insert 12 includes an exterior 7 lip 12a depending from the entire top open edge, or upper rim, 8 of the insert and extending downwardly towards the bottom of 9 the insert. ~s preferably embodied, lip 12a is proportioned and angled relative to the exterior sidewall of permanent 11 vessel 10 so as to substantially prevent a person's lip from 12 contacting any exterior surface of vessel 10 when the person 13 drinks from the insert. To this end, the width of lip 12a 14 (i.e., the distance between the upper rim of ~the insert and the lS distal ~ree end edge of the lip) may be from about 3/8" to 16 about 1/2" (or even up to about 3/4") and may ~orm an angle of 17 up to about 35 with respect to the sidewalls of insert 12 to 18 form an angle of up to about 30~ with respect to the sidewall of vessel portion 10~ In a particularly useful embodiment, insert lip 12a can be about 1/2" wide and extend at an angle o 21 from about 3.5 to abo~t 5 relative to the exterior wall of 22 the second vessel member.
23 It will thus be understood by those skilled in the art 24 that the width of lip 12a and ~he angle it forms with respect to the sidewall of vessel 10 cooperate to keep a person's lip 26 spaced from the vessel sidewalls so as to prevent physical 27 contact therewith. As a result, by adapting insert 12 so as to 2a be disposable, the combination of insert 12 with permanent 29 vessel 10 permits repeated re-use of the permanent vessel 10 without req-liring sterilization, simply by replacing the used .:`.. ;... I .,. I' 1 insert ~ith a resh one. Since the user~s lips do not touch 2 vessel 10, the passage of orally ~ransmissive germs, bacteria n~ virus (e.g., herDes simplex) is eEfectively prevented, and the ~ime, effort and cost of washing vessel 10 a ter every use
5 is avo id ed .
6 In order t~ hold insert 12 sufficiently securely to
7 vessel 10 while retaining a li~uid therein, means ~re provided
8 ~or forming a pressure-fit, or friction-fit, between inser~ 12 ~ and vessel 10. ~s sht7wn in Pigures 3 and 4, the pressure-fit means comprise raised r bs 12b formed on the exterior surface 11 of insert 12, for providins a pressure/friction fit with the 1~ corresponding interior surface portions of vessel 10~
13 Advantageously, ribs 12b are located subs~antially at or near 1~ the top of in~ert 12 (i.e., at about the wiàest part o~ the 1~ insert) for maximizing the pressure~fit generated between the 16 insert and vessel 10. Also, by locating the ribs 12b adjacent 17 the top edge of insert 12, a plurality of such inserts can be 1~ conveniently s~acked one-on-another for minimizing the space 19 they occupy while ensuring that adiacent inserts in the stack will not tend to stick together when the top insert is being 21 remove~.
22 Alternatively (or concurrently), raised ribs (show at 23 lDb in Figures 2 and 5) could be formed on the interior surface 24 of vessel 10, substantially near or at its top edge so a~ to 2~ ft?rm a pressure/friction fit between the ribs lOb and a 26 cDrresp~r,~ing exterior surface of insert 12 (either against a 27 smooth surface or in cooperation with ribs 12b). In still a 28 further mo~ification, ribs (not shown) could be formed o~ the 29 interior-facing surface of lip 12a (alone or in combination ~0 with ri b~ lZb and/or lOb described above~, substanti ally at the ~L2~3;~
1 top e~ge of the insert, so 25 to form a pressure/~rictio~ ~it 2 ~ith the corresponding exterior surface of vessel 10 at its top 3 eage. It will be a~preciated that by forming pressure/friction .~ fit ribs as disclosed herein, ~ vessel 10 can be thrust, open S top facing do~Jnwardly, onto a stack of inverted inserts and 6 thence raised, taking only one fresh insert from the stack to 7 hold any desired liquias or other substance ~nd then be removed 8 for dispos~l after use.
n In still a ~urther modi.ied embodiment o~ the ln invention, pressure/friction fit ribs, or radially inwardly il extending fins (indicated at lOa in Pigure 6) can be ~ormed on 1~ the interior surface OL vessel 10, near its bottom, t~ c~ntact ~3 the corresponding exterior surface at the b~ttom of insert 12.
i~ Since insert 12 is preferably more tapered than vessPl 10, ribs lOa should project su~ficiently far into the interior of vessel 16 10 to grasp the insert. Rlternatively, alth~ugh not shGwn, 17 pressure/friction fit fins could be formed ~n, and project 1~ radially outwardly from, the exterior sur~ace of insert 12 near 19 its bottom. Thus, as the insert is lowered lnto the permanent vessel 10 (preferably being tapered), the ~ins will engage the 21 interior wall surface of vessel 10 ~ntil a secure pressure fit 22 is formed.
23 It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the 2~ art that the double walled drinking vessel according to the present invention, as disclosed by the foregoing description 26 with re~erence to ~igures 1-6, proviaes a therm211~ insulated 27 container wherein, e.g., a c~ld liquid or li~uid-and-ice 28 combination contained within insert 12 ~ill experience 29 prolonged temperature maintenance (for increased ice cube life) due to the thermal air barrier between insert 12 and permane~t 1 vessel 10. In addi~ion, because the exterior surface of vessel 2 10 is physic211y separated and insulated from liquid containing insert 12, any condensation resulting from a cold liquid in insert 12 will form on the exterior sùrface of the insert, not vessel 10, for ultimate collecti~n ~ithin the interior of 6 vessel 10, thereby eliminating the spotting and annoyance due 7 to moi~ture dripping from the drinking vesselO
~ It will further be appreciated that the orientation g and confi~uration of the insert lip permits re-use of a permanent drinkin~ vessel without requiring sterilization.
11 Ater use, the disposable insert is simply r~moved and thrown ~ out. The permanent vessel can merely be wiped dry and thDn 13 thrust down onto a stac~ of replacement inserts, whereup~n, as ~ indica~ed above, only one insert is grasped by the permanent lS vessel to instantly provide a clean and sanitary drinki~g 16 ~essel~
17 It will be understood that since insert 12 is 1~ preferably adapted to be disposable, it can be made of any 19 known inexpensive plastic, such as, e.g., a material sold by E.I. duPont under the trademark desiqnation "L~CI~E~ or similar 21 material. The insert is preferably made of a transparent 22 matexial to help create the impression that the insert/vessel 23 combination is a traditional all-glass structure. In addition, 2~ raised ribs lOb or 12b could take the form of a band relatively small serrations on insert 12 and/or permanent member 10. It 26 may, however, be preferable to form such serrated band on the 27 ir,terior surface of vessel 10 for grasping a smooth sur~ace on 2~ the inserts for greater ease in fabricating inserts in large 29 quantities and further ensuring that only one insert is removed 3D from a stack at A time.
. ~ 13 -1 Turning now to Figures 7 9, there are shown various 2 embodiments of the insert and vessel combination incorporating 3 preferred grasping means according to the invention for 4 releasably locking insert 12 to vessel member 10. As here preferably embodied, the grasping means comprise a series of 6 protuberances (each designated 13) formed on the inwardly 7 facing surface of lip 12a, with engagement means (described 8 hereinafter) formed on the second vessel member for permitting
13 Advantageously, ribs 12b are located subs~antially at or near 1~ the top of in~ert 12 (i.e., at about the wiàest part o~ the 1~ insert) for maximizing the pressure~fit generated between the 16 insert and vessel 10. Also, by locating the ribs 12b adjacent 17 the top edge of insert 12, a plurality of such inserts can be 1~ conveniently s~acked one-on-another for minimizing the space 19 they occupy while ensuring that adiacent inserts in the stack will not tend to stick together when the top insert is being 21 remove~.
22 Alternatively (or concurrently), raised ribs (show at 23 lDb in Figures 2 and 5) could be formed on the interior surface 24 of vessel 10, substantially near or at its top edge so a~ to 2~ ft?rm a pressure/friction fit between the ribs lOb and a 26 cDrresp~r,~ing exterior surface of insert 12 (either against a 27 smooth surface or in cooperation with ribs 12b). In still a 28 further mo~ification, ribs (not shown) could be formed o~ the 29 interior-facing surface of lip 12a (alone or in combination ~0 with ri b~ lZb and/or lOb described above~, substanti ally at the ~L2~3;~
1 top e~ge of the insert, so 25 to form a pressure/~rictio~ ~it 2 ~ith the corresponding exterior surface of vessel 10 at its top 3 eage. It will be a~preciated that by forming pressure/friction .~ fit ribs as disclosed herein, ~ vessel 10 can be thrust, open S top facing do~Jnwardly, onto a stack of inverted inserts and 6 thence raised, taking only one fresh insert from the stack to 7 hold any desired liquias or other substance ~nd then be removed 8 for dispos~l after use.
n In still a ~urther modi.ied embodiment o~ the ln invention, pressure/friction fit ribs, or radially inwardly il extending fins (indicated at lOa in Pigure 6) can be ~ormed on 1~ the interior surface OL vessel 10, near its bottom, t~ c~ntact ~3 the corresponding exterior surface at the b~ttom of insert 12.
i~ Since insert 12 is preferably more tapered than vessPl 10, ribs lOa should project su~ficiently far into the interior of vessel 16 10 to grasp the insert. Rlternatively, alth~ugh not shGwn, 17 pressure/friction fit fins could be formed ~n, and project 1~ radially outwardly from, the exterior sur~ace of insert 12 near 19 its bottom. Thus, as the insert is lowered lnto the permanent vessel 10 (preferably being tapered), the ~ins will engage the 21 interior wall surface of vessel 10 ~ntil a secure pressure fit 22 is formed.
23 It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the 2~ art that the double walled drinking vessel according to the present invention, as disclosed by the foregoing description 26 with re~erence to ~igures 1-6, proviaes a therm211~ insulated 27 container wherein, e.g., a c~ld liquid or li~uid-and-ice 28 combination contained within insert 12 ~ill experience 29 prolonged temperature maintenance (for increased ice cube life) due to the thermal air barrier between insert 12 and permane~t 1 vessel 10. In addi~ion, because the exterior surface of vessel 2 10 is physic211y separated and insulated from liquid containing insert 12, any condensation resulting from a cold liquid in insert 12 will form on the exterior sùrface of the insert, not vessel 10, for ultimate collecti~n ~ithin the interior of 6 vessel 10, thereby eliminating the spotting and annoyance due 7 to moi~ture dripping from the drinking vesselO
~ It will further be appreciated that the orientation g and confi~uration of the insert lip permits re-use of a permanent drinkin~ vessel without requiring sterilization.
11 Ater use, the disposable insert is simply r~moved and thrown ~ out. The permanent vessel can merely be wiped dry and thDn 13 thrust down onto a stac~ of replacement inserts, whereup~n, as ~ indica~ed above, only one insert is grasped by the permanent lS vessel to instantly provide a clean and sanitary drinki~g 16 ~essel~
17 It will be understood that since insert 12 is 1~ preferably adapted to be disposable, it can be made of any 19 known inexpensive plastic, such as, e.g., a material sold by E.I. duPont under the trademark desiqnation "L~CI~E~ or similar 21 material. The insert is preferably made of a transparent 22 matexial to help create the impression that the insert/vessel 23 combination is a traditional all-glass structure. In addition, 2~ raised ribs lOb or 12b could take the form of a band relatively small serrations on insert 12 and/or permanent member 10. It 26 may, however, be preferable to form such serrated band on the 27 ir,terior surface of vessel 10 for grasping a smooth sur~ace on 2~ the inserts for greater ease in fabricating inserts in large 29 quantities and further ensuring that only one insert is removed 3D from a stack at A time.
. ~ 13 -1 Turning now to Figures 7 9, there are shown various 2 embodiments of the insert and vessel combination incorporating 3 preferred grasping means according to the invention for 4 releasably locking insert 12 to vessel member 10. As here preferably embodied, the grasping means comprise a series of 6 protuberances (each designated 13) formed on the inwardly 7 facing surface of lip 12a, with engagement means (described 8 hereinafter) formed on the second vessel member for permitting
9 releasable locking engagement therebetween for retaining the insert member within the permanent vessel member.
11 Advantageously, protuberances 13 are generally hemispherical 12 and substantially solid or otherwise ~ormed 50 that the 13 opposite exterior surface of lip 12a is essentially smooth. In 14 this way, not only will the insert lip have an attracti~e lS exterior appearance, but also the protuberances will serve tD
16 space the adjacent inserts slightly from each other when 17 stacked on top of each other for ensuring that the top-most 18 insert will not stick to the next one when the permanent ~essel 19 member is thrust downwardly onto an inverted stack of inserts.
According to one preferred embodiment, the engagement 21 means on vessel member 10 comprises a ring-like ribr or ridge, 22 (indicated at lS in Figure 8) projecting outwardly rom, and 23 extending completely around, the exterior surface of vessel 24 10. Ridge 15 is proportioned and located so as to allow the protuberances 13 to ride over its crest (or apex) to bear 26 ¦ against the lower sur~ace portior of the ridge and thereby 27 releasably lock the insert within the permanent vessel~
28 ~owever, because of the resilience of the lip, the insert can 29 be disengaged from the vessel simply by exerting a sufficient pulling f4rce to cause the protuberances to ride back over the ~ .
1 crest of ridge 15.
2 A particularly useful embodiment of the vessel/insert 3 combination utilizes the preferred grasping means of the 4 invention with a tumbler-type drinking receptacle. In this embodiment, permanent vessel 10 may be about 3 1/2" tall and 6 about 3 1/4" in circumference, and the insert is proportioned 7 to fit within the permanent vessel, allowing a space (11) of 8 from about 1/8" to about 1/4" between the two vessel members.
9 Ring-like ridge 15 is ~ormed on the exterior surface of vessel
11 Advantageously, protuberances 13 are generally hemispherical 12 and substantially solid or otherwise ~ormed 50 that the 13 opposite exterior surface of lip 12a is essentially smooth. In 14 this way, not only will the insert lip have an attracti~e lS exterior appearance, but also the protuberances will serve tD
16 space the adjacent inserts slightly from each other when 17 stacked on top of each other for ensuring that the top-most 18 insert will not stick to the next one when the permanent ~essel 19 member is thrust downwardly onto an inverted stack of inserts.
According to one preferred embodiment, the engagement 21 means on vessel member 10 comprises a ring-like ribr or ridge, 22 (indicated at lS in Figure 8) projecting outwardly rom, and 23 extending completely around, the exterior surface of vessel 24 10. Ridge 15 is proportioned and located so as to allow the protuberances 13 to ride over its crest (or apex) to bear 26 ¦ against the lower sur~ace portior of the ridge and thereby 27 releasably lock the insert within the permanent vessel~
28 ~owever, because of the resilience of the lip, the insert can 29 be disengaged from the vessel simply by exerting a sufficient pulling f4rce to cause the protuberances to ride back over the ~ .
1 crest of ridge 15.
2 A particularly useful embodiment of the vessel/insert 3 combination utilizes the preferred grasping means of the 4 invention with a tumbler-type drinking receptacle. In this embodiment, permanent vessel 10 may be about 3 1/2" tall and 6 about 3 1/4" in circumference, and the insert is proportioned 7 to fit within the permanent vessel, allowing a space (11) of 8 from about 1/8" to about 1/4" between the two vessel members.
9 Ring-like ridge 15 is ~ormed on the exterior surface of vessel
10, at a point approximately 0.3" from the upper rim oE vessel
11 10. The cross sectional configuration of ridge 15 is generally
12 bead~like, or semi-circular, having a radius o~ about 0.03~".
13 (The hemispherical protuberances 13 similarly have a radiu~ of
14 about 0.032~.) Advantageously, the upper portion (indicated at lOa) of vessel 10 has a slight outward flare be~ween its upper 16 lip and the ridge L5 in oxder to accomodate the flare of insert 17 lip 12a. It will be understood that the provision of such lB fLare on vessel 10 will also provide a so-called "negative 19 draft" to facilitate formation of ridge 15 on vessel 10 by conventional two-part molAing techniques.
~1 The side wall of insert 12 may be at angle of about 22 3.5 to about 4 (preferably about 3.7) relative to the 23 vertical, and lip 12a flares outwardly at an angle of a~out 24 4~5 to about 5 (preferably about 4.7) relative to the vertical. The lip is about 1/2" wide and the distal free end 26 edge of the lip 12a is preferably rounded to prevent any 27 possibility of cutting a user. The distance between 28 protuberances 13 and the interior surface of the arched segment 29 (designated 12d) which jvins lip 12a to the insert sidewalls, and thus forms the upper rim of insert 12~ is also 1 approximately 0.3" but preferably slightly larger than the 2 correspotlding dimension on vessel 10 to ensure that, once the 3 insert is fully seated in the vessel, the protuberances will 4 abut the underside of ridge 15 to k,eep the insert captive in S the vessel. Advantageously, the lip and protuberances may be 6 proportioned so that the protuherances will bear against the 7 lower sur~ace portion of ridge 15, just below the apex, to urge 8 lip 12a slightly outwardly and thereby generate a sllghtly 9 greater flare for spac.ing a user's lip farther from the exterior surface of vessel 10.
11 Referring no~ to Fi~ure 9, there is shown an 12 alternate embodiment of engagement means on vessel 10 for 13 cooperatin~ with protuberances 13 formed on insert 12. Instead 14 of a co;ntinuous ring-like ridge 15 around vessel 10, a series of ridge seglnents (each designated 17) can be formed at 16 generally the same upper exterior surface portion of vessel 17 10. It will be understood that there should be the same number 18 of ridge segments as there are protuberances on insert 1~.
1~ Advantagously, each ridge segment is at a slight angle relative to the upper rim oE vessel 10 ~or permittlng 21 thraadable engagement with the protuberances. To facilitate 22 proper threaded engac~ement, the uppermost end of each ridge 23 segment should be closer to the upper rim o~ vessel 10 than the 24 corresponding distance between the protuberances and the arched portion 12d of the insert, while the lowermost end of each 26 ridge segment is spaced a slightly greater distance from the 27 ¦ upper rim of vessel 10 than such corresponding distance. As.a ~8 result, threadable engagement bet~een the protuberances and the 29 Lidge segment:s is ensured, and there need not be any overlap ~along the vertical direction) between any portions o~ adjacent 1;2 ~923~
1 ridge segments, thereby permitting fabrication of vessel 10 by 2 conventional two-part molding techniques.
3 In operation of the lakter embodiment of engagement 4 means, the insert i5 placed within vessel 10 and turned unkil S each protuberance abuts the underside of a ridge segment. The 6 insert will thus be locked in place within the permanent 7 vessel, ready for use. By tightening the insert slightly, the 8 protuberances will ride up along the underside of the ridge 9 segments thereby increasing the flare of insert lip 12a sligh~ly, in ~ssentially the same way as explained above.
11 After use, the insert is unthreaded by turning it in the 12 opposite direction and simply lifted out of the vessel after 13 the protuberances are clear of the ridge segments.
14 It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, instead of the ring-like ridge or ridge segments 16 desclibed above, the engagement means formed on vessel 10 f~r 17 lockably engaging the protuberances could be in the forrn of 18 indentatiorls, or recesses, positioned and proportioned to register with and receive the protuberances. In add~tion, the protuberances could be formed on other portions of the insert, 21 with the engagement means formed on a corresponding portion of 22 the permanent vessel. If desired and mass fabrication 23 techniques warrant, the protuberances could be formed on 24 permanent vessel 10 and the engagement means formed on the inserts. However, for economy and ease of fabrication and for 26 the advantages set forth above, it is preferred that the 27 protuberances be ~ormed on the inserts.
~ 32 1 Turning n~w ~o Figure 10 there is shown a ~wo~piece 2 embodiment o a stemw-2re structure adap~ed to provide a condensation-free e~terior surface in accordance wi~h the present invention. h.s here embodied, the stemware structure comprises bow' member 20 which may be in any desired 6 confiauration just like traditional gl~ss stemware (elg., as a 7 champagne-~tyle glass, a wine~style glass, continental-style glass, etc.) and a stem member 24 ada~ted to support the bowl ~ member. ~avantageously r stem 24 is generally hollow and is ada~tea to be attached to bowl 20 b~ rele2sably engaging bowl 11 stem portion 22 (formed on the bottom of 20) when inserte~ into 1~ ~he open top of the stem. hdvantageously, a gap is formed 13 between stem 24 and stem portion 22 when coupled together to 1~ all3w any condensation forming on the bowl to drop into the hollow stem. To this end, the interior sur~ace of stem 24 nPar 16 its open upper end is provided with rib members 26 ~much like 17 the ribs aescribed above with reEerence to Figures 1~) which 18 are proportioned to form a pressure/~riction fit with stem po~tion 22 of bowl 2D, yet leave gaps between the upper ~0 interior wall of stem 24 and the exterior o~ stem portion ~2.
~1 In use, bowl member 20 is attached to stem 24 by 22 inserting bowl stem portion 22 into the opening of hollow stem 23 2~ until a sn~g pressure fit is formed between stem portion 22 24 alld ribs 26. ~To this end, stem portion 22 may taper slightly ~rom its juncture with bowl 20 to its bottom and the radially 26 interior surfaces of ribs 2~ may be either substantially 27 vertical or inclined so that the rib bottoms project inwardly a 2~ little more than the rib tops to ensure a snug fit at some 29 point durin~ insertion.) When a cold liquid or other substance is placed in bowl 2D, any condensation forming on the bowl 1 will roll down its sides and onto stem porti~n 22 from which it 2 drips harml~ssly into the hollo~ chamber within stem 2~
3 ~dvantageously, and as preferably embodied, the walls of stem 24 diverge from each other (from top-to-bottom) so tha~ .
S as a perSQn tips the stemware ~o drink from bowl 20, 6 ccndensation collected ~ithin stem 24 will not spill cut. As 7 illustrated in Figure 7a, stem 24 could also include an ... interior c~lindric21 lip 27 depending from the open top of stem q 24 to help ~urther prevent the chance o~ moisture spilling out 1n while the stemware is tipped. Ribs 26 could, therefore, be 11 formed on the interior of cylindric~l lip 27 or ~n stem portion 1~ 22. In either event, the top edges of ribs 26 are prefer~bl~
13 located bel~w the t~p edge of stem 24 tD ensure that d~wnwardly 1~ flowing moisture cannot flow over the edge and ont~ the exteri~r surface of stem 24.
16 Af ter one or more fillings, bowl 20 can be detached 1/ ~rom stem 24 and the condensation therein spilled out. It ~ill 18 be understoDd, then, that stem 24 can be made of ~lass or 19 otherwise adapted to be permanent (like vessel 10 described above), while bowl 20 can either be disposable or permanent.
21 (A disposable bowl 20 will obviate the need for sterilization, 22 etc., like insert 12.) It will further be understood that 23 because stem 24 is separated from bowl 20, the exterior surface 2~ of stem 24 will be virtually free of condensation to provide a ~ry surface pDrtion for holding the stemware.
26 Turning then to Figure 11, there is show~ a modi~ied 27 embodiment of stemware according to the present invention. The 2B stemware structure of Figure 11 is adapted to be made of glass 29 or o~herw.ise adapted to be permanent in its entirety. As here 3D embodi.ed, this stemware structure includes bowl 30 (which may -19'-~ ~ 3~
1 be in any desire~ configuration) mounted to stem 32 which has a 2 ho 1 lo~ interior portion (indicated at 34). A plurality of 3 holes 36 are ~ormed in stem 32 ne~r its junction with bswl 30 4 to prDvide flDw communication betwee~ the exterior surface o~
stem 32 and hollow stem chamber 34.
6 A ring-like collar 38 i5 formea on stem ~2 7 substan.ially adjacent holes 36. ~dvantageously, collar 38 8 generally encases holes 36 and forms 2 hollow ring-like trough q (indicated at 38a) around the portion of the ste~ wherein holes 36 are formed for collecting any condensation which drips do~n 11 frGm bowl 30, as will be e~plained in greater detail 1~ hereinafter. ~s preferably embodied, collar 38 terminates in 13 an edge spaced only very slightly from the exterior surface of 1~ stem 32, leaving only a ~arro~ gap 38b therebetween suf~iciently wide to permit dripping condensation to p2~S
16 through the gap and into trough 3RaO
17 In use, cold li~uid or other substance is placed in 18 bowl 30, 2s described above. Condensation forming on the 19 exterior sur~ace of bowl 30 will travel down that surface unàer the influence of gravity and onto the upper portion of stem 320 21 The travelling condensation then passes through gap 38b for 22 collection within ring-like trough 38a. The moisture ~3 collecting in trough 38a then tends to drip harmlessly into 26 hollow stem chamber 34~ A~vantageously, holes 36 are located at the bottom of the trough to ensure that virtually all the 26 condensation collecteo therein falls into stem chamber 3~.
27 It will be understood that by terminatin~ the upper 2~ edge of collar 3B near the exterior surface of stem 32/
29 moisture in trough 38a cannot flow out when a person tips the 30 stemware to drink liquid in bowl 30. SimiIarly~ the portion of - 21~ ~
1¦ s.em 32 below collar 38 _an be somewhat ~ivergent (like stem 24 21 oescribed above) to ensure that an~ moisture in stem chamber 34 3 ~ill not spill out of holes 36 when the stemware is tipped for drinking~ In addition, collar 38 can be ~ormed witb a decorative exterior pattern to camoflauge its functional 6 advantages, and, since g2p 38b is relatively narro~, it will be 7 somewhat difficult to determine th~t ~here ~re ~unction21 ~ ~eatures incorpor2t~à into the stemware. Thus, the g condensation-free stemwzre of the invention can be incorp~rated n in a structure which is 2S attractive and elegant as most 11 conventional stemware pieces.
~ Aftex several uses, ~he accumulated c~ndensation in 13 chamber 34 can be removed simply by holding the stemware i4 upside-down to permit draining, or by holding it by the stem lS base and sw.inging it away ~rom onesel~O Alkernatively, as 16 illustrated in Figure lla, the bottom o~ stem 32 at the base oF
17 ,he stemware may be re~lovably attachable to the remainder ~f 18 tbe piece, as by threaded interconnection~ Thus, the l~wer 19 portion may simply be removed t~ permit ~uick and simple o~E the accumulated moisture.
21 As illustrated in Figure llb, the bottom of the stem 22 base may, instead, have a sm211 hole 40 with a removable ~3 stopper member 42 to permit drainage of chamber 340 The b~ttom 24 surface (43) of the stem base ~,ay preLerably be raised sli~htly so that skopper 42 d~es not inter~ere with the normal standing 26 of the stemware piece.
27 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art 2~ that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the 29 particular ernbodiments herein shown and described and that variatlons may be made which are within the scope of the . ~ . ; ` ! ~
l accompanying claims, wi.hou. departing from the principles of 2 tr,e invention and without sacri~icing its chief advantages9 3 For example~ ribs, or radially inwar~ly projecting fins, may 4 additionally be formed at the bo~,om interior of vessel lO
S disclosed in Figures l-S in combination with ribs 12b or lOb to 6 enh2nce the grasping of insert l~. Similarly, the upper end o.
7 stem 24 (Figure 10) may be formed with 2 collar similar to ~ collar 3B (~igure ll),and, openings c~uld also be ~ormed i~ the q adjacent wall of stem 24 (instead of ribs 2h and the resultant gaps) to provide flow communication into the interior o~ stem ll 2~.
It will further be appreciated by those s~illed in the 13 art in view of the foregoing description that the lipped ins~rt l~ according to the present invention can be made to ~onform to the shape of the bowl of a stemware piece so that the stem of 16 the stemware piece need not be hollow as described with 17 reference to ~igures lO-11.
~7 2~
29 .
_ 22 _
~1 The side wall of insert 12 may be at angle of about 22 3.5 to about 4 (preferably about 3.7) relative to the 23 vertical, and lip 12a flares outwardly at an angle of a~out 24 4~5 to about 5 (preferably about 4.7) relative to the vertical. The lip is about 1/2" wide and the distal free end 26 edge of the lip 12a is preferably rounded to prevent any 27 possibility of cutting a user. The distance between 28 protuberances 13 and the interior surface of the arched segment 29 (designated 12d) which jvins lip 12a to the insert sidewalls, and thus forms the upper rim of insert 12~ is also 1 approximately 0.3" but preferably slightly larger than the 2 correspotlding dimension on vessel 10 to ensure that, once the 3 insert is fully seated in the vessel, the protuberances will 4 abut the underside of ridge 15 to k,eep the insert captive in S the vessel. Advantageously, the lip and protuberances may be 6 proportioned so that the protuherances will bear against the 7 lower sur~ace portion of ridge 15, just below the apex, to urge 8 lip 12a slightly outwardly and thereby generate a sllghtly 9 greater flare for spac.ing a user's lip farther from the exterior surface of vessel 10.
11 Referring no~ to Fi~ure 9, there is shown an 12 alternate embodiment of engagement means on vessel 10 for 13 cooperatin~ with protuberances 13 formed on insert 12. Instead 14 of a co;ntinuous ring-like ridge 15 around vessel 10, a series of ridge seglnents (each designated 17) can be formed at 16 generally the same upper exterior surface portion of vessel 17 10. It will be understood that there should be the same number 18 of ridge segments as there are protuberances on insert 1~.
1~ Advantagously, each ridge segment is at a slight angle relative to the upper rim oE vessel 10 ~or permittlng 21 thraadable engagement with the protuberances. To facilitate 22 proper threaded engac~ement, the uppermost end of each ridge 23 segment should be closer to the upper rim o~ vessel 10 than the 24 corresponding distance between the protuberances and the arched portion 12d of the insert, while the lowermost end of each 26 ridge segment is spaced a slightly greater distance from the 27 ¦ upper rim of vessel 10 than such corresponding distance. As.a ~8 result, threadable engagement bet~een the protuberances and the 29 Lidge segment:s is ensured, and there need not be any overlap ~along the vertical direction) between any portions o~ adjacent 1;2 ~923~
1 ridge segments, thereby permitting fabrication of vessel 10 by 2 conventional two-part molding techniques.
3 In operation of the lakter embodiment of engagement 4 means, the insert i5 placed within vessel 10 and turned unkil S each protuberance abuts the underside of a ridge segment. The 6 insert will thus be locked in place within the permanent 7 vessel, ready for use. By tightening the insert slightly, the 8 protuberances will ride up along the underside of the ridge 9 segments thereby increasing the flare of insert lip 12a sligh~ly, in ~ssentially the same way as explained above.
11 After use, the insert is unthreaded by turning it in the 12 opposite direction and simply lifted out of the vessel after 13 the protuberances are clear of the ridge segments.
14 It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, instead of the ring-like ridge or ridge segments 16 desclibed above, the engagement means formed on vessel 10 f~r 17 lockably engaging the protuberances could be in the forrn of 18 indentatiorls, or recesses, positioned and proportioned to register with and receive the protuberances. In add~tion, the protuberances could be formed on other portions of the insert, 21 with the engagement means formed on a corresponding portion of 22 the permanent vessel. If desired and mass fabrication 23 techniques warrant, the protuberances could be formed on 24 permanent vessel 10 and the engagement means formed on the inserts. However, for economy and ease of fabrication and for 26 the advantages set forth above, it is preferred that the 27 protuberances be ~ormed on the inserts.
~ 32 1 Turning n~w ~o Figure 10 there is shown a ~wo~piece 2 embodiment o a stemw-2re structure adap~ed to provide a condensation-free e~terior surface in accordance wi~h the present invention. h.s here embodied, the stemware structure comprises bow' member 20 which may be in any desired 6 confiauration just like traditional gl~ss stemware (elg., as a 7 champagne-~tyle glass, a wine~style glass, continental-style glass, etc.) and a stem member 24 ada~ted to support the bowl ~ member. ~avantageously r stem 24 is generally hollow and is ada~tea to be attached to bowl 20 b~ rele2sably engaging bowl 11 stem portion 22 (formed on the bottom of 20) when inserte~ into 1~ ~he open top of the stem. hdvantageously, a gap is formed 13 between stem 24 and stem portion 22 when coupled together to 1~ all3w any condensation forming on the bowl to drop into the hollow stem. To this end, the interior sur~ace of stem 24 nPar 16 its open upper end is provided with rib members 26 ~much like 17 the ribs aescribed above with reEerence to Figures 1~) which 18 are proportioned to form a pressure/~riction fit with stem po~tion 22 of bowl 2D, yet leave gaps between the upper ~0 interior wall of stem 24 and the exterior o~ stem portion ~2.
~1 In use, bowl member 20 is attached to stem 24 by 22 inserting bowl stem portion 22 into the opening of hollow stem 23 2~ until a sn~g pressure fit is formed between stem portion 22 24 alld ribs 26. ~To this end, stem portion 22 may taper slightly ~rom its juncture with bowl 20 to its bottom and the radially 26 interior surfaces of ribs 2~ may be either substantially 27 vertical or inclined so that the rib bottoms project inwardly a 2~ little more than the rib tops to ensure a snug fit at some 29 point durin~ insertion.) When a cold liquid or other substance is placed in bowl 2D, any condensation forming on the bowl 1 will roll down its sides and onto stem porti~n 22 from which it 2 drips harml~ssly into the hollo~ chamber within stem 2~
3 ~dvantageously, and as preferably embodied, the walls of stem 24 diverge from each other (from top-to-bottom) so tha~ .
S as a perSQn tips the stemware ~o drink from bowl 20, 6 ccndensation collected ~ithin stem 24 will not spill cut. As 7 illustrated in Figure 7a, stem 24 could also include an ... interior c~lindric21 lip 27 depending from the open top of stem q 24 to help ~urther prevent the chance o~ moisture spilling out 1n while the stemware is tipped. Ribs 26 could, therefore, be 11 formed on the interior of cylindric~l lip 27 or ~n stem portion 1~ 22. In either event, the top edges of ribs 26 are prefer~bl~
13 located bel~w the t~p edge of stem 24 tD ensure that d~wnwardly 1~ flowing moisture cannot flow over the edge and ont~ the exteri~r surface of stem 24.
16 Af ter one or more fillings, bowl 20 can be detached 1/ ~rom stem 24 and the condensation therein spilled out. It ~ill 18 be understoDd, then, that stem 24 can be made of ~lass or 19 otherwise adapted to be permanent (like vessel 10 described above), while bowl 20 can either be disposable or permanent.
21 (A disposable bowl 20 will obviate the need for sterilization, 22 etc., like insert 12.) It will further be understood that 23 because stem 24 is separated from bowl 20, the exterior surface 2~ of stem 24 will be virtually free of condensation to provide a ~ry surface pDrtion for holding the stemware.
26 Turning then to Figure 11, there is show~ a modi~ied 27 embodiment of stemware according to the present invention. The 2B stemware structure of Figure 11 is adapted to be made of glass 29 or o~herw.ise adapted to be permanent in its entirety. As here 3D embodi.ed, this stemware structure includes bowl 30 (which may -19'-~ ~ 3~
1 be in any desire~ configuration) mounted to stem 32 which has a 2 ho 1 lo~ interior portion (indicated at 34). A plurality of 3 holes 36 are ~ormed in stem 32 ne~r its junction with bswl 30 4 to prDvide flDw communication betwee~ the exterior surface o~
stem 32 and hollow stem chamber 34.
6 A ring-like collar 38 i5 formea on stem ~2 7 substan.ially adjacent holes 36. ~dvantageously, collar 38 8 generally encases holes 36 and forms 2 hollow ring-like trough q (indicated at 38a) around the portion of the ste~ wherein holes 36 are formed for collecting any condensation which drips do~n 11 frGm bowl 30, as will be e~plained in greater detail 1~ hereinafter. ~s preferably embodied, collar 38 terminates in 13 an edge spaced only very slightly from the exterior surface of 1~ stem 32, leaving only a ~arro~ gap 38b therebetween suf~iciently wide to permit dripping condensation to p2~S
16 through the gap and into trough 3RaO
17 In use, cold li~uid or other substance is placed in 18 bowl 30, 2s described above. Condensation forming on the 19 exterior sur~ace of bowl 30 will travel down that surface unàer the influence of gravity and onto the upper portion of stem 320 21 The travelling condensation then passes through gap 38b for 22 collection within ring-like trough 38a. The moisture ~3 collecting in trough 38a then tends to drip harmlessly into 26 hollow stem chamber 34~ A~vantageously, holes 36 are located at the bottom of the trough to ensure that virtually all the 26 condensation collecteo therein falls into stem chamber 3~.
27 It will be understood that by terminatin~ the upper 2~ edge of collar 3B near the exterior surface of stem 32/
29 moisture in trough 38a cannot flow out when a person tips the 30 stemware to drink liquid in bowl 30. SimiIarly~ the portion of - 21~ ~
1¦ s.em 32 below collar 38 _an be somewhat ~ivergent (like stem 24 21 oescribed above) to ensure that an~ moisture in stem chamber 34 3 ~ill not spill out of holes 36 when the stemware is tipped for drinking~ In addition, collar 38 can be ~ormed witb a decorative exterior pattern to camoflauge its functional 6 advantages, and, since g2p 38b is relatively narro~, it will be 7 somewhat difficult to determine th~t ~here ~re ~unction21 ~ ~eatures incorpor2t~à into the stemware. Thus, the g condensation-free stemwzre of the invention can be incorp~rated n in a structure which is 2S attractive and elegant as most 11 conventional stemware pieces.
~ Aftex several uses, ~he accumulated c~ndensation in 13 chamber 34 can be removed simply by holding the stemware i4 upside-down to permit draining, or by holding it by the stem lS base and sw.inging it away ~rom onesel~O Alkernatively, as 16 illustrated in Figure lla, the bottom o~ stem 32 at the base oF
17 ,he stemware may be re~lovably attachable to the remainder ~f 18 tbe piece, as by threaded interconnection~ Thus, the l~wer 19 portion may simply be removed t~ permit ~uick and simple o~E the accumulated moisture.
21 As illustrated in Figure llb, the bottom of the stem 22 base may, instead, have a sm211 hole 40 with a removable ~3 stopper member 42 to permit drainage of chamber 340 The b~ttom 24 surface (43) of the stem base ~,ay preLerably be raised sli~htly so that skopper 42 d~es not inter~ere with the normal standing 26 of the stemware piece.
27 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art 2~ that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the 29 particular ernbodiments herein shown and described and that variatlons may be made which are within the scope of the . ~ . ; ` ! ~
l accompanying claims, wi.hou. departing from the principles of 2 tr,e invention and without sacri~icing its chief advantages9 3 For example~ ribs, or radially inwar~ly projecting fins, may 4 additionally be formed at the bo~,om interior of vessel lO
S disclosed in Figures l-S in combination with ribs 12b or lOb to 6 enh2nce the grasping of insert l~. Similarly, the upper end o.
7 stem 24 (Figure 10) may be formed with 2 collar similar to ~ collar 3B (~igure ll),and, openings c~uld also be ~ormed i~ the q adjacent wall of stem 24 (instead of ribs 2h and the resultant gaps) to provide flow communication into the interior o~ stem ll 2~.
It will further be appreciated by those s~illed in the 13 art in view of the foregoing description that the lipped ins~rt l~ according to the present invention can be made to ~onform to the shape of the bowl of a stemware piece so that the stem of 16 the stemware piece need not be hollow as described with 17 reference to ~igures lO-11.
~7 2~
29 .
_ 22 _
Claims (15)
1. A drinking vessel adapted to provide an exterior surface portion substantially free of condensation in the form of a stemware structure, comprising:
a first vessel member having an open top and being adapted to receive and contain any desired substance such as a liquid to be consumed;
a second vessel member associated with but generally separated from said first vessel member, said second vessel member being adapted to provide a barrier against formation of condensation on an exterior holding surface of said second vessel member, such that a person can hold said drinking vessel along the exterior holding surface of said second vessel member substantially without contacting any condensation and without any condensation dripping off said drinking vessel, wherein said first vessel member comprises a bowl member with a stem portion extending downwardly there-from, and wherein said second vessel member comprises a stem member having a generally hollow upstanding member which is open at its top and a base portion at its bottom, said stem portion of said bowl member being receivable within said stem member for connection therewith and pro-viding access to the hollow interior of said stem member such that any condensation forming on any exterior surface of said bowl member tends to drip down along the exterior of said bowl member, onto said stem member and into the hollow interior of said stem member.
a first vessel member having an open top and being adapted to receive and contain any desired substance such as a liquid to be consumed;
a second vessel member associated with but generally separated from said first vessel member, said second vessel member being adapted to provide a barrier against formation of condensation on an exterior holding surface of said second vessel member, such that a person can hold said drinking vessel along the exterior holding surface of said second vessel member substantially without contacting any condensation and without any condensation dripping off said drinking vessel, wherein said first vessel member comprises a bowl member with a stem portion extending downwardly there-from, and wherein said second vessel member comprises a stem member having a generally hollow upstanding member which is open at its top and a base portion at its bottom, said stem portion of said bowl member being receivable within said stem member for connection therewith and pro-viding access to the hollow interior of said stem member such that any condensation forming on any exterior surface of said bowl member tends to drip down along the exterior of said bowl member, onto said stem member and into the hollow interior of said stem member.
2. A drinking vessel according to claim 1, which further includes grasping/spacer means associated between said bowl stem portion and said stem member, said grasping/-spacer means being adapted to provide a releasable friction-type engagement between said bowl stem portion and said stem member yet provide access to the interior of said hollow stem base.
3. A drinking vessel according to claim 2, wherein said grasping/spacer means comprise a plurality of rib-like projection.
4. A drinking vessel according to Claim 3, wherein said rib-like projections are spaced along an interior surface of said stem member and are proportioned to grasp the bowl stem portion along radially inward edge portions of said rib-like projections, the spacings between the rib-like projections providing slot-like openings to permit the entry of condensation into the hollow interior of said stem member.
5. A drinking vessel according to Claim 4, which further includes an interior cylindrical lip extending downwardly from the open top of said stem member, said rib-like projections being formed on interior surface portions of said cylindrical lip.
6. A drinking vessel, according to Claim 4, wherein the uppermost portions of said rib-like projections are below the top edge of said stem member.
7. A drinking vessel according to Claim 1, which further includes a ring-like collar at the top of said stem member, said ring-like collar providing a trough-like recess for collecting condensation travelling down along said bowl member, and still further includes means providing flow communication between said trough-like recess and the hollow interior of said stem member for permitting moisture in said trough-like recess to flow into said hollow stem member.
8. A drinking vessel according to Claim 6, which further includes a ring-like collar at the top of said stem member, said ring-like collar providing a decorative ring around said stem member to help conceal internal structures helping keep said stem member condensation free.
9. A drinking vessel according to claim 4, wherein said stem member is divergent in configuration from its top to its bottom to help prevent moisture in said hollow stem member from spilling out when said drinking vessel is tipped.
10. A drinking vessel adapted to provide an exterior surface portion substantially free of condensation, comprising:
a first vessel member having an open top and being adapted to receive and contain any desired substance such as a liquid to be consumed;
a second vessel member associated with but generally separated from said first vessel member, said second vessel member being adapted to provide a barrier against formation of condensation on an exterior holding surface of said second vessel member, such that a person can hold said drinking vessel along tile exterior holding surface os aid second vessel member substantially without contacting any condensation and without any condensation dripping off said drinking vessel, said first and second vessel members being joined together in an essentially integral structure and wherein said second vessel member comprises:
a stem member which is hollow, at least in part, and which is coupled at its top to said first vessel member generally at its bottom, at least one opening formed in said stem member to permit fluid flow into said hollow stem member, and deflecting means extending around said stem member and located generally adjacent each said opening to direct fluid into each said opening, such that condensation forming on any exterior surface of said first vessel member can flow down along said first vessel member to said deflecting means for flow into said hollow stem member through each said opening.
a first vessel member having an open top and being adapted to receive and contain any desired substance such as a liquid to be consumed;
a second vessel member associated with but generally separated from said first vessel member, said second vessel member being adapted to provide a barrier against formation of condensation on an exterior holding surface of said second vessel member, such that a person can hold said drinking vessel along tile exterior holding surface os aid second vessel member substantially without contacting any condensation and without any condensation dripping off said drinking vessel, said first and second vessel members being joined together in an essentially integral structure and wherein said second vessel member comprises:
a stem member which is hollow, at least in part, and which is coupled at its top to said first vessel member generally at its bottom, at least one opening formed in said stem member to permit fluid flow into said hollow stem member, and deflecting means extending around said stem member and located generally adjacent each said opening to direct fluid into each said opening, such that condensation forming on any exterior surface of said first vessel member can flow down along said first vessel member to said deflecting means for flow into said hollow stem member through each said opening.
11. A drinking vessel according to claim 10, wherein said deflecting means comprises a ring-like collar formed integrally with and around the stem member, said collar providing a ring-like trough for collecting condensation and wherein each said opening is located generally at the bottom of said trough.
12. A drinking vessel according to Claim 11, which includes a plurality of said openings and wherein said collar and said openings are in close proximity to said first vessel member.
13. A drinking vessel according to Claim 10, which further includes a release means associated with said stem member for releasing accumulated moisture in said stem member.
14. A drinking vessel according to Claim 13, wherein said release means includes a portion of said stem being removable to permit fluid therein to be released.
15. A drinking vessel according to Claim 13, wherein said release means includes a hole in said stem member, generally at its bottom, to release moisture therein when desired, and removable stopper means for plugging said hole to allow moisture to collect in said stem member yet permit release of moisture when removed.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000562149A CA1249232A (en) | 1983-02-28 | 1988-03-22 | Drinking vessels |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US47084483A | 1983-02-28 | 1983-02-28 | |
| US470,844 | 1983-02-28 | ||
| US57554684A | 1984-01-31 | 1984-01-31 | |
| CA000448357A CA1239885A (en) | 1983-02-28 | 1984-02-27 | Drinking vessels |
| CA000562149A CA1249232A (en) | 1983-02-28 | 1988-03-22 | Drinking vessels |
| US575,546 | 1990-08-27 |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000448357A Division CA1239885A (en) | 1983-02-28 | 1984-02-27 | Drinking vessels |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1249232A true CA1249232A (en) | 1989-01-24 |
Family
ID=27167419
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000562149A Expired CA1249232A (en) | 1983-02-28 | 1988-03-22 | Drinking vessels |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1249232A (en) |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8146796B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2012-04-03 | Seda S.P.A. | Cardboard container for drinks and process therefor |
| US8146797B2 (en) | 2005-11-11 | 2012-04-03 | Seda S.P.A. | Insulated cup |
| US8360263B2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2013-01-29 | Seda S.P.A. | Insulated container, method of fabricating same and apparatus for fabricating |
| US8393886B2 (en) | 2005-11-14 | 2013-03-12 | Seda S.P.A. | Device for producing a stacking projection and container with same |
| US8459531B2 (en) | 2005-09-19 | 2013-06-11 | Seda S.P.A. | Container and blank for the production thereof |
| US8490792B2 (en) | 2006-12-05 | 2013-07-23 | Seda S.P.A. | Package |
| US9783359B2 (en) | 2005-09-08 | 2017-10-10 | Seda S.P.A. | Double-walled cup |
| USD873613S1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2020-01-28 | Clarity, Inc. | Cup with a lid |
| USD885838S1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2020-06-02 | Clarity, Inc. | Cup with a living hinge and an attached lid having an outer lip and an inner dual seal |
| US10947018B2 (en) | 2018-06-06 | 2021-03-16 | Clarity, Inc. | Cups and containers with a living hinge and sleeves |
| US11254473B2 (en) | 2018-06-06 | 2022-02-22 | Clarity, Inc. | Cups and containers with a living hinge and sleeves |
-
1988
- 1988-03-22 CA CA000562149A patent/CA1249232A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8146796B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2012-04-03 | Seda S.P.A. | Cardboard container for drinks and process therefor |
| US8360263B2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2013-01-29 | Seda S.P.A. | Insulated container, method of fabricating same and apparatus for fabricating |
| US8932428B2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2015-01-13 | Seda S.P.A. | Insulated container, method of fabricating same and apparatus for fabricating |
| US9783359B2 (en) | 2005-09-08 | 2017-10-10 | Seda S.P.A. | Double-walled cup |
| US8459531B2 (en) | 2005-09-19 | 2013-06-11 | Seda S.P.A. | Container and blank for the production thereof |
| US8146797B2 (en) | 2005-11-11 | 2012-04-03 | Seda S.P.A. | Insulated cup |
| US8393886B2 (en) | 2005-11-14 | 2013-03-12 | Seda S.P.A. | Device for producing a stacking projection and container with same |
| US8490792B2 (en) | 2006-12-05 | 2013-07-23 | Seda S.P.A. | Package |
| US8807339B2 (en) | 2006-12-05 | 2014-08-19 | Seda Spa | Package |
| US10947018B2 (en) | 2018-06-06 | 2021-03-16 | Clarity, Inc. | Cups and containers with a living hinge and sleeves |
| US11254473B2 (en) | 2018-06-06 | 2022-02-22 | Clarity, Inc. | Cups and containers with a living hinge and sleeves |
| USD873613S1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2020-01-28 | Clarity, Inc. | Cup with a lid |
| USD885838S1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2020-06-02 | Clarity, Inc. | Cup with a living hinge and an attached lid having an outer lip and an inner dual seal |
| USD893953S1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2020-08-25 | Clarity, Inc. | Cup with a lid |
| USD970964S1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2022-11-29 | Clarity, Inc. | Cup with exterior thermal ribbing |
| USD992354S1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2023-07-18 | Clarity, Inc. | Cup with lid |
| USD996902S1 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2023-08-29 | Clarity, Inc. | Container with a lid |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |