CA1239885A - Drinking vessels - Google Patents
Drinking vesselsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1239885A CA1239885A CA000448357A CA448357A CA1239885A CA 1239885 A CA1239885 A CA 1239885A CA 000448357 A CA000448357 A CA 000448357A CA 448357 A CA448357 A CA 448357A CA 1239885 A CA1239885 A CA 1239885A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vessel
- insert
- insert member
- lip
- protuberances
- 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.)
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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
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
8 The 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 11 condensation and to reusable/disposable drinking vessels which 12 provide a sanitary surface for drinking.
13 There have been many proposals for making various 14 types of drinking containers or vessels~ each ~dapted to satisfy a particular need. For example, there are containers 16 which incorporate disposable liners, such as disclosed in U.S.
17 Patent No. 3,352,449, to permit re-use of a permanent 1~ container. In other devices, such as disclosed in ~.S; Patent No. 973,085, or 3,633,863, or 4,040~535, a coaster or holder arrangement is provided ~or snugly holding a tumbler and 21 collecting, within the coaster, condensation ~orming or. the 22 tumbler.
23 Although such structures may prove satisfactory ~or 24 their particular intended purpose, they fail to provide a drinking vessel with a sanitary disposable insert which conforms 26 to the configuration of a permanent vessel member and provides 27 a thermally insulative barrier as well as a condensation 28 barrier, all in a simple-to-fabricate structure~ Furthermore, .
29 there is no teaching of a condensation-free stemware piece.
It would appear desirable, thereore, to provide a i ;~
i `~
j ~L23~?8~5 l l~i drinkins vessel with dis?~sa~le inser~s which p~ides s
8 The 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 11 condensation and to reusable/disposable drinking vessels which 12 provide a sanitary surface for drinking.
13 There have been many proposals for making various 14 types of drinking containers or vessels~ each ~dapted to satisfy a particular need. For example, there are containers 16 which incorporate disposable liners, such as disclosed in U.S.
17 Patent No. 3,352,449, to permit re-use of a permanent 1~ container. In other devices, such as disclosed in ~.S; Patent No. 973,085, or 3,633,863, or 4,040~535, a coaster or holder arrangement is provided ~or snugly holding a tumbler and 21 collecting, within the coaster, condensation ~orming or. the 22 tumbler.
23 Although such structures may prove satisfactory ~or 24 their particular intended purpose, they fail to provide a drinking vessel with a sanitary disposable insert which conforms 26 to the configuration of a permanent vessel member and provides 27 a thermally insulative barrier as well as a condensation 28 barrier, all in a simple-to-fabricate structure~ Furthermore, .
29 there is no teaching of a condensation-free stemware piece.
It would appear desirable, thereore, to provide a i ;~
i `~
j ~L23~?8~5 l l~i drinkins vessel with dis?~sa~le inser~s which p~ides s
2 thermally insulstive barrier to help main'ain the temperatu~e of substances con.ained therein, to prolong the life of ice cubes when containe~ therein and, furtherl to shield ~he user , from any drip?ing due to condensation forming on the vessel.
6 ~ore importantly, as there is currently gr~at concern 7 for the transmission of various bacteria and infectious viruses 8 and germs ~particularly herpes simplex which can be readi}y 9 transmitted thro~gh improperly sterilized drinking containers at restaurants, bars and other publically accessible 11 establishments), there is a growing need for an attractive 12 drinking vessel which can be use~ repeatedly yet assure 13 germ-free drinking surfaces. Thorough sterilization re~uires 1~ expensive and well maintained machinery, as well as the time and effort o~ employees in collec~ing used glasses, stacking 16 them for sterilizatlon, operating the machinery and removing ~7 them after sterilization. It is, therefore, desirable to 18 provide not only a condensa~ion-free disposable drinkiDg vessel 19 but also one ~hich provides protection against the transmission 20 of infectious germs, viruses, bacteria and the like, all in an 21 attractive and easy to ~,ake structure.
22 Accordingly, i~ is an object o~ the present invention 23 to provide a new and imp~oved drinking vessel having exterior 2 surface portions essentially free of condensation.
It is another object of the invention ~o provi~e a new 26 and improved drinking vessel having condensation-free exterior 27 surf~ce portions and a thermally insulative barrier for helping 26 diminish heat loss or gain in any substance contained by the 2~ vessel. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a re-usable drinking vessel of the foregoing type that ~: ~ ^ : _ I
~Z3~
1 ~ermits re-use or a pe.r,anent drink~ns vessel member without 2 reguiring steril~zation o- the permanent member. It is a
6 ~ore importantly, as there is currently gr~at concern 7 for the transmission of various bacteria and infectious viruses 8 and germs ~particularly herpes simplex which can be readi}y 9 transmitted thro~gh improperly sterilized drinking containers at restaurants, bars and other publically accessible 11 establishments), there is a growing need for an attractive 12 drinking vessel which can be use~ repeatedly yet assure 13 germ-free drinking surfaces. Thorough sterilization re~uires 1~ expensive and well maintained machinery, as well as the time and effort o~ employees in collec~ing used glasses, stacking 16 them for sterilizatlon, operating the machinery and removing ~7 them after sterilization. It is, therefore, desirable to 18 provide not only a condensa~ion-free disposable drinkiDg vessel 19 but also one ~hich provides protection against the transmission 20 of infectious germs, viruses, bacteria and the like, all in an 21 attractive and easy to ~,ake structure.
22 Accordingly, i~ is an object o~ the present invention 23 to provide a new and imp~oved drinking vessel having exterior 2 surface portions essentially free of condensation.
It is another object of the invention ~o provi~e a new 26 and improved drinking vessel having condensation-free exterior 27 surf~ce portions and a thermally insulative barrier for helping 26 diminish heat loss or gain in any substance contained by the 2~ vessel. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a re-usable drinking vessel of the foregoing type that ~: ~ ^ : _ I
~Z3~
1 ~ermits re-use or a pe.r,anent drink~ns vessel member without 2 reguiring steril~zation o- the permanent member. It is a
3 further object of 'he invention to provide a drinking vessel of the foregoing ty~e which is easy to fabrica,e and yet forms an 2ttractive drinking container.
6 It is also an object of the invention to provide a new 7 and improved stemware structure which provioes ~n essentially 8 condensation-free exterior surface for ha~dling, yet permits ~n q elegant design to be incorporated in the stemware. It is 1~ another object of the invention to provide, in whole or in 11 part, a disposable stemware structure which has an essentially 1 condensation-free surface.
13 The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the 1~ invention are illustrative of those which can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to exhaust the 16 possible advantagPs which can be attained. Thusl these and 17 other objects and ad~antages of the invention can be learne~ by 18 practice with the invention as embodied herein or as modified 19 ~ n view of variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, the 21 present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions, 22 arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and 23 described.
2~
SUM~ARY OF TH _I~ENIION
?6 Briefly described, the drinking vessel according to 27 the present invention comprises a first vessel n~ember adapted 2~ to hold a liquid or other desire~ substance and a second vessel 29 member associated with, but separated from, the first vessel member to form a barrier against the formation of condensation ~23~ I
1 on an exterior surface of the second vessel member when a cold 2 liquid or substance is contained in the first vessel member.
3 In one embodiment, the first vessel member comprises a
6 It is also an object of the invention to provide a new 7 and improved stemware structure which provioes ~n essentially 8 condensation-free exterior surface for ha~dling, yet permits ~n q elegant design to be incorporated in the stemware. It is 1~ another object of the invention to provide, in whole or in 11 part, a disposable stemware structure which has an essentially 1 condensation-free surface.
13 The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the 1~ invention are illustrative of those which can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to exhaust the 16 possible advantagPs which can be attained. Thusl these and 17 other objects and ad~antages of the invention can be learne~ by 18 practice with the invention as embodied herein or as modified 19 ~ n view of variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, the 21 present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions, 22 arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and 23 described.
2~
SUM~ARY OF TH _I~ENIION
?6 Briefly described, the drinking vessel according to 27 the present invention comprises a first vessel n~ember adapted 2~ to hold a liquid or other desire~ substance and a second vessel 29 member associated with, but separated from, the first vessel member to form a barrier against the formation of condensation ~23~ I
1 on an exterior surface of the second vessel member when a cold 2 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 of 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 sanitary lip extends downwardly from 8 the top edge of 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 of rib-like 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 fit therebetween yet permit removal of the insert ~or disposal 17 and subsequent replacement by thrusting the second vessel 18 member, open-side down, ontc a stack of inverted inserts.
19 ~s perferably embodied, the grasping means include a plurality of protuberances formed on one of the vessel members, 21 and engagement means formed on the other vessel member for 22 cooperating with the protuberances to enable releasable locking 23 engagement between the two vessel members. The engagement 24 means may comprise a ring-like raised rib or ridge against which the protuberances can abut to resist separation of the 26 two members or a ring-like recess adapted to register with and 27 receive the protuberances. Alternatively, the engagement means 28 may comprise a series of screw thread segments (in the form of 29 either raised ridge se~ments or recess segments) adapted to permit threaded engagement by the protuberances when one vessel 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 vessel 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 stem 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 stem for collecting any condensation kraveling 14 downwardly rom the bowl member and directing it into the stem. The stemware structure may be formed in a tw~ piece 16 structure wherein the bowl member includes a stem portion 17 a~apted to fit into an opening at the top of the stem,membex 18 which thereby forms the collar-like ridge. Alternatively, the 19 ~ stemware str ture may be an essentially unitary structure with _ 5 _ ~i :IZ39~
! openings in the w-211 of the hollow stem adjacent the 2 collar-like ridge which provides a ring-like trough tha~ acts .3 like a catch bzsin to collect condensation ~lowing down the bowl member and permit it to flow from the collar trough into S the interior of the stem member. The unitary stemwere may 6 include a detachable stem base portion or a stopper-plugged 7 hole in the stem bese to facili.ate removal of ac~umula'ed ~ moisture.
q It will ~e apparent from, the foregoing general 10 descriptio~, as well as the following detailed descrip~ion, .
11 that the objects and ad~antages specifically eraumerated herein 1~ are a~hieved b~- the present invention. For example, by 13 providing an insert con~orming to the configuration of a 14 permanent vessel member, an interior space is provided which acts b~th as a thermal insulating barrier ts li~uid contalned 16 in the insert and as a shield ~gainst the formation of 17 condensation on the exterior suxface of the permanent vessel 18 member. In addition, by providing the lip on such inserts, c 19 shield is automatically f~rmed to prevent the transmission o~
germs, bacteria, etc. from one user to the next when the insert ~1 is replaced, yet permit re-use of the.permanent vessel member 22 in a perfectly sanitary condition without requiring 23 sterili~ation or washing.
24 By fabricating the insert so as to be disposable, the permanent vessel member can be re-used repeatedly without 2~ requiring any sterilization, yet the combination provides a 27 sterile drinking vessel for different users of the permanent 2B vessel. In ad~itiDn, the gresping me~ns z.ssociated between the 29 insert and permanent vessel facilitates convenient storage of a stack of inserts while permitting the permanent member to be ~-3g~
l I quickly and easily combined with a fresh insertO Moreover, the 2 ll insert can be adapted to conform to the shape of virtually any I drinking vessel, e.g., a tumbler, a stemware piece, etc.
4 I It will also be understood that by forming a series
19 ~s perferably embodied, the grasping means include a plurality of protuberances formed on one of the vessel members, 21 and engagement means formed on the other vessel member for 22 cooperating with the protuberances to enable releasable locking 23 engagement between the two vessel members. The engagement 24 means may comprise a ring-like raised rib or ridge against which the protuberances can abut to resist separation of the 26 two members or a ring-like recess adapted to register with and 27 receive the protuberances. Alternatively, the engagement means 28 may comprise a series of screw thread segments (in the form of 29 either raised ridge se~ments or recess segments) adapted to permit threaded engagement by the protuberances when one vessel 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 vessel 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 stem 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 stem for collecting any condensation kraveling 14 downwardly rom the bowl member and directing it into the stem. The stemware structure may be formed in a tw~ piece 16 structure wherein the bowl member includes a stem portion 17 a~apted to fit into an opening at the top of the stem,membex 18 which thereby forms the collar-like ridge. Alternatively, the 19 ~ stemware str ture may be an essentially unitary structure with _ 5 _ ~i :IZ39~
! openings in the w-211 of the hollow stem adjacent the 2 collar-like ridge which provides a ring-like trough tha~ acts .3 like a catch bzsin to collect condensation ~lowing down the bowl member and permit it to flow from the collar trough into S the interior of the stem member. The unitary stemwere may 6 include a detachable stem base portion or a stopper-plugged 7 hole in the stem bese to facili.ate removal of ac~umula'ed ~ moisture.
q It will ~e apparent from, the foregoing general 10 descriptio~, as well as the following detailed descrip~ion, .
11 that the objects and ad~antages specifically eraumerated herein 1~ are a~hieved b~- the present invention. For example, by 13 providing an insert con~orming to the configuration of a 14 permanent vessel member, an interior space is provided which acts b~th as a thermal insulating barrier ts li~uid contalned 16 in the insert and as a shield ~gainst the formation of 17 condensation on the exterior suxface of the permanent vessel 18 member. In addition, by providing the lip on such inserts, c 19 shield is automatically f~rmed to prevent the transmission o~
germs, bacteria, etc. from one user to the next when the insert ~1 is replaced, yet permit re-use of the.permanent vessel member 22 in a perfectly sanitary condition without requiring 23 sterili~ation or washing.
24 By fabricating the insert so as to be disposable, the permanent vessel member can be re-used repeatedly without 2~ requiring any sterilization, yet the combination provides a 27 sterile drinking vessel for different users of the permanent 2B vessel. In ad~itiDn, the gresping me~ns z.ssociated between the 29 insert and permanent vessel facilitates convenient storage of a stack of inserts while permitting the permanent member to be ~-3g~
l I quickly and easily combined with a fresh insertO Moreover, the 2 ll insert can be adapted to conform to the shape of virtually any I drinking vessel, e.g., a tumbler, a stemware piece, etc.
4 I It will also be understood that by forming a series
5 ¦ of protuberances on one vessel member and engagement means in
6 the form of either a raised ridge structure or a recess or
7 ~ indentation arrangement (whether in continuous ring-like
8 1 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 11 members can be effected 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 sticking 18 ¦ together when one is removed ~rom the stack.
19 ¦ 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 flow 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 formed as a totally permanent, a partially disposable or a totally 26l disposable drlnking vessel.
271 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.
ll - 7 -lZ3g~8~
1 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 inventi~n.
6 BRIEF D~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
7 FIGURE 1 is a front isometric view of one embodiment 8 of a drinking vessel according to tne present invention.
9 FIGURE 2 is a front isometric view of the outer, or permanent, vessel member of the embodiment of Figure 1.
11 FIGURE 3 is a front isometric view of the inner 12 vessel member, or insert, of the embodiment of Figure 1.
13 FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of 14 Figure 3.
FIGURE 5 is a sectional view, similar to Figure 4, of 16 only the outer vessel member, showing a slightly modified 17 embodiment.
18 FIGURE 6 is a front elevation view of the outer 19 vessel member in the embodiment of Figur2 1 showing still another modified 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.
24 FIGURE 7A is a sectional view taken along lines 7A-7A
of Figure 7.
2~ FIGU~E 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 of a modified version of the structure shown in Figure 8.
lZ3~85 1 FIGURE 10 is a front isometric view OL an embodiment 2 of a stemware structure according to the present invention.
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 10.
6 FIGURE 11 is a front isometric view of a modified 7 embodiment of stemware according to the present invention.
8 FIGURE lla is a partial front isometric view of a 9 modified version of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11.
FIGURE llb is a partial front isometric view o~
11 another modified version of the embodiment of Figure 11.
13 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EM_ODIMENTS
14 Turning now to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, there is shown in 16 Figures 1-9 various features according to one basic embodiment 17 of the present invention 18 Referring more particularly to Figures 1, 3 and 4, 19 there is shown an embodiment of a drinking vessel according to the present invention which comprises an outer, or permane~t, 21 vessel member 10 which can be a tumbler-like vessel made of a 22 permanent material such as, e.g., glass. Insert member 12 is 23 proportioned to be received within outer vessel member 10 Eor 24 receiving and containing any desired liquid or other substance.
As preferably embodied, insert 12 is proportioned to conform 26 generally to the configuration of the oute~ vessel, yet provide 27 a spacing (indicated generally at 11) between the adjacent 28 sidewalls and bottom walls of the outer vessel and the insert.
29 The spacing 11 serves as a thermally insulative buffer to help reduce the thermal effect o the ambient atmosphere on the _ g _ ~ 83~
1 contents o~ inser~ 12. Advantageously, then, insert mem~er 12 2 is proporticned to taper slightly in a direction from 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 advantageously, 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. As 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 con~acting 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 ~he insert and the distal free 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 form 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 r~spect to the sidewall 19 of vessel portion lOo In a particularly useful embodiment, insert lip 12a can be about 1/2" wide and extend at an angle of 21 from about 3.5 to about 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 the 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 28 be disposable7 the combination of insert 12 with permanent 29 vessel 10 permits repeated re-use o~ the permanent vessel 10 without requiring sterilization, simply by replacing the used :~L%3~ i 1 ¦ insert ~ith a fresh one. Since the user's lips do not touch 2 ~ vessel 10, the passage ~ orally transmissive germs, bacteria 3 ¦ and virus (e.g., herpes simple~) is ef~ectively prevented, and 4 the time, effort an~ cost of wzshing vessel 10 after every use is avoided.
6 In order to hold insert 12 su~ficiently securely to 7 vessel 10 while retaining a li~uid therein, means are pr~vided 8 for forming a pressure-fit, or friction-fit, between inser' 12 Q and vessel 10 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pressure-fit
19 ¦ 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 flow 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 formed as a totally permanent, a partially disposable or a totally 26l disposable drlnking vessel.
271 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.
ll - 7 -lZ3g~8~
1 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 inventi~n.
6 BRIEF D~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
7 FIGURE 1 is a front isometric view of one embodiment 8 of a drinking vessel according to tne present invention.
9 FIGURE 2 is a front isometric view of the outer, or permanent, vessel member of the embodiment of Figure 1.
11 FIGURE 3 is a front isometric view of the inner 12 vessel member, or insert, of the embodiment of Figure 1.
13 FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of 14 Figure 3.
FIGURE 5 is a sectional view, similar to Figure 4, of 16 only the outer vessel member, showing a slightly modified 17 embodiment.
18 FIGURE 6 is a front elevation view of the outer 19 vessel member in the embodiment of Figur2 1 showing still another modified 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.
24 FIGURE 7A is a sectional view taken along lines 7A-7A
of Figure 7.
2~ FIGU~E 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 of a modified version of the structure shown in Figure 8.
lZ3~85 1 FIGURE 10 is a front isometric view OL an embodiment 2 of a stemware structure according to the present invention.
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 10.
6 FIGURE 11 is a front isometric view of a modified 7 embodiment of stemware according to the present invention.
8 FIGURE lla is a partial front isometric view of a 9 modified version of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11.
FIGURE llb is a partial front isometric view o~
11 another modified version of the embodiment of Figure 11.
13 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EM_ODIMENTS
14 Turning now to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, there is shown in 16 Figures 1-9 various features according to one basic embodiment 17 of the present invention 18 Referring more particularly to Figures 1, 3 and 4, 19 there is shown an embodiment of a drinking vessel according to the present invention which comprises an outer, or permane~t, 21 vessel member 10 which can be a tumbler-like vessel made of a 22 permanent material such as, e.g., glass. Insert member 12 is 23 proportioned to be received within outer vessel member 10 Eor 24 receiving and containing any desired liquid or other substance.
As preferably embodied, insert 12 is proportioned to conform 26 generally to the configuration of the oute~ vessel, yet provide 27 a spacing (indicated generally at 11) between the adjacent 28 sidewalls and bottom walls of the outer vessel and the insert.
29 The spacing 11 serves as a thermally insulative buffer to help reduce the thermal effect o the ambient atmosphere on the _ g _ ~ 83~
1 contents o~ inser~ 12. Advantageously, then, insert mem~er 12 2 is proporticned to taper slightly in a direction from 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 advantageously, 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. As 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 con~acting 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 ~he insert and the distal free 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 form 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 r~spect to the sidewall 19 of vessel portion lOo In a particularly useful embodiment, insert lip 12a can be about 1/2" wide and extend at an angle of 21 from about 3.5 to about 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 the 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 28 be disposable7 the combination of insert 12 with permanent 29 vessel 10 permits repeated re-use o~ the permanent vessel 10 without requiring sterilization, simply by replacing the used :~L%3~ i 1 ¦ insert ~ith a fresh one. Since the user's lips do not touch 2 ~ vessel 10, the passage ~ orally transmissive germs, bacteria 3 ¦ and virus (e.g., herpes simple~) is ef~ectively prevented, and 4 the time, effort an~ cost of wzshing vessel 10 after every use is avoided.
6 In order to hold insert 12 su~ficiently securely to 7 vessel 10 while retaining a li~uid therein, means are pr~vided 8 for forming a pressure-fit, or friction-fit, between inser' 12 Q and vessel 10 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pressure-fit
10 I means comprise raised ribs 12b formed on the exterior surface
11 ¦ of insert 12l for providing a pressure/friction fit with the 1~ corresponding interior surface portions of vessel 10.
13 Advantageously, ribs 12b are located substantially at vr near 14 the top of insert 12 (i.e. 7 at about the widest part of the insert) for maximizing the pressure-fit generated between the 16 insert and vessel 10. Also, by l~catin~ the ribs l~b aajacent 17 the top edge of insert 12, a plura'ity of such inser s can be 18 conveniently stacked one-or.-ano'her for minimizing the space 19 they oc_upy while ensuring that adjacent inserts in the stack 2D will not tend to stick together when the top insert is being 21 removed.
~2 Alternatively (or concurrently), raised ribs (show at 23 lOb in Figures 2 and 5) could be formed on the interior sur~ace 26 of vessel 10, substan'ially near or at its top edge so 2S to 25 ~ form a pressure/friction fit between the ribs lOb and a 26 ! correspor.diny exterior sur~ace of insert 12 (either agains~ a 27 I smooth surface or in cooperation with ribs 12b). In still a 28 further mo~ific2tion? ribs (not shown) could be formed on the 29 interior-facing surface of lip 12a (alone or in combination 3D with ribs 12b an~,/or lDb described above~, substantial~y at the ~ lZ.98~5 1 top edge or ~he insert, so as ~o f3rm a pressure/fric.ion cit 2 ~ith the c~rrespon~in~ exterior surface of ~essel 1~ at its top 3 edge. It will be appreciated that by forming pressure/~riction fit ribs 2S disclosed herein, ~ vessel 10 can be thrust7 oper.
top facing do~nwardly, onto a stack of inverted inserts and 6 thence raised, taking only one fresh insert from the stack to ;' hold any oesired liquids or other substance ~nd then be removed 8 for disposal a~-er use.
~ In still a further mo~iCied embodiment of the ln invention, pressure/friction fit ribs, or radially inwardly 11 extending ~ins (i~dicated at lCa in Figure 6) can be formed on 1~ the interior surface o vessel lD, near its bottom, to contact 13 the corresponding exterior surface at the bottom of insert 12.
1~ Since insert 12 is preferably more t~pered than vessel 10, ri~s lS lOa should project sufficiently far into the interior of vessel 16 10 to grasp the insert. Alternatively, although not shown, 17 pressure/frictio~ fit ! ins could be formed on, and project 18 radially outwardly from, the exterior surface of insert 12 near 19 its bottom~ Thus, as the insert is lowered into the permanent vessel 10 (preferably being taperea), the fins will engage the 21 interior wall surface of vessel 10 until a secure pressure fit 22 is formed.
23 It wiil be readily appreciated by those skilled in the 24 art that the double-walled dr,nking vessel according to the 2S present invention, as disclosed by the fore~oing description 26 ~ith re~erence to Figures 1-6, provides a thermal~ insulated 27 container wherein, e.g., a cold liquid or liquio-and-ice 2B combination contained within insert 12 ~ill experience 29 prol~n~ed temperature maintenance (for increased ice cube life)-due to the thermal air barrier between insert 12 and permanent
13 Advantageously, ribs 12b are located substantially at vr near 14 the top of insert 12 (i.e. 7 at about the widest part of the insert) for maximizing the pressure-fit generated between the 16 insert and vessel 10. Also, by l~catin~ the ribs l~b aajacent 17 the top edge of insert 12, a plura'ity of such inser s can be 18 conveniently stacked one-or.-ano'her for minimizing the space 19 they oc_upy while ensuring that adjacent inserts in the stack 2D will not tend to stick together when the top insert is being 21 removed.
~2 Alternatively (or concurrently), raised ribs (show at 23 lOb in Figures 2 and 5) could be formed on the interior sur~ace 26 of vessel 10, substan'ially near or at its top edge so 2S to 25 ~ form a pressure/friction fit between the ribs lOb and a 26 ! correspor.diny exterior sur~ace of insert 12 (either agains~ a 27 I smooth surface or in cooperation with ribs 12b). In still a 28 further mo~ific2tion? ribs (not shown) could be formed on the 29 interior-facing surface of lip 12a (alone or in combination 3D with ribs 12b an~,/or lDb described above~, substantial~y at the ~ lZ.98~5 1 top edge or ~he insert, so as ~o f3rm a pressure/fric.ion cit 2 ~ith the c~rrespon~in~ exterior surface of ~essel 1~ at its top 3 edge. It will be appreciated that by forming pressure/~riction fit ribs 2S disclosed herein, ~ vessel 10 can be thrust7 oper.
top facing do~nwardly, onto a stack of inverted inserts and 6 thence raised, taking only one fresh insert from the stack to ;' hold any oesired liquids or other substance ~nd then be removed 8 for disposal a~-er use.
~ In still a further mo~iCied embodiment of the ln invention, pressure/friction fit ribs, or radially inwardly 11 extending ~ins (i~dicated at lCa in Figure 6) can be formed on 1~ the interior surface o vessel lD, near its bottom, to contact 13 the corresponding exterior surface at the bottom of insert 12.
1~ Since insert 12 is preferably more t~pered than vessel 10, ri~s lS lOa should project sufficiently far into the interior of vessel 16 10 to grasp the insert. Alternatively, although not shown, 17 pressure/frictio~ fit ! ins could be formed on, and project 18 radially outwardly from, the exterior surface of insert 12 near 19 its bottom~ Thus, as the insert is lowered into the permanent vessel 10 (preferably being taperea), the fins will engage the 21 interior wall surface of vessel 10 until a secure pressure fit 22 is formed.
23 It wiil be readily appreciated by those skilled in the 24 art that the double-walled dr,nking vessel according to the 2S present invention, as disclosed by the fore~oing description 26 ~ith re~erence to Figures 1-6, provides a thermal~ insulated 27 container wherein, e.g., a cold liquid or liquio-and-ice 2B combination contained within insert 12 ~ill experience 29 prol~n~ed temperature maintenance (for increased ice cube life)-due to the thermal air barrier between insert 12 and permanent
-12 -. . I
~ iZ3~8E~
1 vessel 10. In addi,ion, because the exterior sur~ce Oc vessel 2 10 is pnysically separated and insulated from li~uid-containing 3 insert 12, any condensation resulting from a cold liquid in L insert 12 will form on the exterior surface of the insert, not vessel 10, for ultimate collection ~ithin the interior of 6 vessel 10, thereby eliminating the spotting and annoyance due 7 to moisture dripping from the drinking vessel.
~ It will further be appreciated that the orientati~n 9 and configuration of the insert lip permits re-use of a permanent àrinking ~lessel without re~uiring sterilization.
11 After use, the disposable insert is simply removed and thrown 1~ out. The permanent vessel can merely be wiped dry and then
~ iZ3~8E~
1 vessel 10. In addi,ion, because the exterior sur~ce Oc vessel 2 10 is pnysically separated and insulated from li~uid-containing 3 insert 12, any condensation resulting from a cold liquid in L insert 12 will form on the exterior surface of the insert, not vessel 10, for ultimate collection ~ithin the interior of 6 vessel 10, thereby eliminating the spotting and annoyance due 7 to moisture dripping from the drinking vessel.
~ It will further be appreciated that the orientati~n 9 and configuration of the insert lip permits re-use of a permanent àrinking ~lessel without re~uiring sterilization.
11 After use, the disposable insert is simply removed and thrown 1~ out. The permanent vessel can merely be wiped dry and then
13 ,hrust d~wn onto a stack of replacement inserts, whereupon, as i~ ~ndicated a~ove, only one insert is grasped by the permanent vessel to instantly provide a clean and sanitary drinking 16 vessel.
17 It will be understood that since insert 12 i5 18 preferably adapted to be disposable, it can be made of any known inexpensive plastic, such as, e.g., a material s~ld by E.I. duPont under the trademark designation "LUCITE" or similar 21 material. The insert is preferably made of a transparent 22 material to he~p create the impression that the insert/vessel 23 combination i5 a traditional all-glass structure. In addition, 24 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 b~nd on the 27 interior surface o~ vessel 10 for grasping a smooth surface on 28 the inserts for greater ease in .abricating inserts in large 29 quantities and further ensuring that only one insert is removed from a stack at a time.
~ ` ~Z3~ ; .
1 ¦ Turning now to Figures 7-9, ~here are shown various 2 embodiments o' 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 o 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 memberO
11 Advantageously, protuberances 13 are generally hemispherical 12 and substantially solid or otherwise formed so that the 13 opposite exterior surface o~ lip 12a is essentiallY smooth. In
17 It will be understood that since insert 12 i5 18 preferably adapted to be disposable, it can be made of any known inexpensive plastic, such as, e.g., a material s~ld by E.I. duPont under the trademark designation "LUCITE" or similar 21 material. The insert is preferably made of a transparent 22 material to he~p create the impression that the insert/vessel 23 combination i5 a traditional all-glass structure. In addition, 24 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 b~nd on the 27 interior surface o~ vessel 10 for grasping a smooth surface on 28 the inserts for greater ease in .abricating inserts in large 29 quantities and further ensuring that only one insert is removed from a stack at a time.
~ ` ~Z3~ ; .
1 ¦ Turning now to Figures 7-9, ~here are shown various 2 embodiments o' 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 o 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 memberO
11 Advantageously, protuberances 13 are generally hemispherical 12 and substantially solid or otherwise formed so that the 13 opposite exterior surface o~ lip 12a is essentiallY smooth. In
14 this way, not only will the insert lip have an attractive exterior appearance, but also the protuberances will serve to 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.
20 ~ According to one preferred embodiment, the engagement 21 means on vessel member 10 comprises a ring-like rib, or ridge, 22 (indicated at 15 in Figure 8) projecting outwardly from, and 23 extending completely around, the exterior surface of vessel 24 10. Ridge 15 is proportioned and located so as to all~w the protuberances 13 to ride over its crest (or apex) to bear 26 ¦ against the lower surface portior. of the ridge and thereby 27 releasably lock the insert within the permanent vessel.
28 However, because of the resilience of the lip, the insert can 29 be disengaged from the vessel simply by exerting a sufficient pulling force to cause the protuberances to ride back o~er the 12398~35 1 crest of ridge 15.
2 A particularly useful embodiment of the vessel/insert 3 combination utilizes the preferred grasping means of the f~ 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 formed on the exterior surface of vessel 10, at a point approximately 0.3" from the upper rim of vessel 11 10. The cross-sectional configuration of ridge 15 is generally 12 bead-like, or semi-circular, having a radius of about 0.032n.
13 (The hemispherical protuberances 13 similarly have a radius of 14 about 0.032n.) Advantageously, the upper portion (indicated at lOa) of vessel 10 has a slight outward flare between its upper 16 lip and the ridge 15 in order to accomodate the flare of inser~
17 lip 12a~ It will be understood that the provision of such 18 flare on vessel 10 will also provide a so-called "negative 19 draft" to acilitate formation of ridge 15 on vessel 10 by conventional two-part molding techniques.
21 The side wall of insert 12 may be at angle of about 2~ 3.5 to about 4 (preferably about 3.7~) relative to the 23 vertical, and lip 12a flares outwardly at an angle of about 24 405 to about 5 (preferably about 4.7) relative to the vertical. The lip is about 1/2" wide and the distal ~ree 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 joins lip 12a to the insert sidewalls, and thus forms the upper rim of insert 12, is also ~Z;~98f35 1 approximately 0.3" but preferably slightly larger than the 2 corresponding 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 keep the insert captive in the vessel. Advantageously, the lip and protuberances may be 6 proportioned so that the protuberances will bear against the 7 lower surface portion of ridge 15, just below the apex, to urge 8 lip 12a slightly outwardly and thereby generate a slightly 9 greater flare for spacing a user's lip farther from the exterior surface of ve~sel 10.
11 Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown ~n 12 alternate embodiment of engagement means on vessel 10 for 13 cooperating with protuberances 13 formed on insert 12v Instead 14 of a continuous ring-like ridge 15 around vessel 10, a series of ridge segments (each designated 17) can be formed at 16 generally the same upper exterior sur~ace 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 12.
19 ~dvantagously, each ridge segment is at a slight angle relative to the upper rim of vessel 10 for permitting 21 threadable engagement with the protuberances. To facilitate 22 proper threaded engagement, the uppermost end of each ridge 23 segment should be closer to the upper rim of 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 271¦ upper rim of vessel 10 than such corresponding distance. As a 2~1 result, threadable engagement between the protuberances and the 29¦ ridge segments is ensured, and there need n~t be any overlap 3a (along the vertical direction) between any portions of adjacent ``"` \`~` l ~ l ~239~385 1 ridge segments, thereby permitting fabrication of vessel 10 by 2 conventional two-part molding techniques.
3 In operation of the~ latter embodiment of engagement 4 means, the insert is placed within vessel 10 and turned until 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 slightly, in essentially 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 rin~-like ridge or ridge segments 16 described above, the engagement means formed on vessel 10 for 17 lockably engaging the protuberances could be in the form of 18 indentations, or recesses, positioned and proportioned to 19 register with and receive the protuberances. In addition, 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 28 protuberances be formed on the inserts.
1 ~3~
1 Turning now t~ Figure 10 there is shown 2 two-piece 2 embodiment o a stemw2re structure adap'ed to provide a 3 condensation-free exterior surface in accordance ~i~h the 4 present invention. hs here embodied, the stemware structure comprises bowl member 20 which may be in any desired 6 configuration just like traditional gl2ss ste~w~re (e.g., ~s a 7 cbampagne-style glass, a wine-style glass, continental-style ~ glass, etc.) and a stem member 24 ada~ted to support the bowl 9 member. Advantaaeously, stem 24 is generally hollow and is 13 adapted to be attached to bowl 20 b~ releasably engaging bowl 11 stem portion 22 (formed on the bottom of 20) when inserted into 1 the open ~op of the s~em. Advantageously, a gap is formed 13 between stem 24 and stem por~ion 22 when coupled together to 1~ allow any condensation forming ~n the bowl to drop into the hollow stem. To this end, the interior surface of stem 24 near 16 its open upper end i5 provided with rib members 26 ~much like 17 the ribs described above wi~h reference to Figures 1-6) ~hich 18 are propoxtioned to form a pressure/friction fit with stem 19 po.tion 22 of bowl 20, yet leave g2ps between the upper interior wall of stem 24 and the ex'erior of stem portion 22.
21 In use, bowl member 20 is attacheo to stem 24 by 22 inserting bowl stem portion 22 into the opening of hollow stem 23 24 until a snug pressure fit is formed between stem portion 22 ~4 and ribs 26. (To this end, stem portion 22 may taper slightly from its juncture with bowl 20 to its bottom an~ the radially 26 interior surfaces of ribs 26 may be either substantially 27 vertical or inclined so that the rib bottoms project inwardly a 2~ little morP than the rib-tops to ensure a snug fit at some 29 point during insertion.) When a cold liquid or other substance is placed in bowl 20, any condensation for~ing on the bowl ~ lZ398~
1 will roll d~wn its sides and onto stem portion 22 from which it drips harmlessly into the hollow chamber within stem 24.
3 ~dvan~ageou~ly, and as preferably embsdied, the walls o stem 24 di~erge from each other (from tDp-.o-b~ttom~ so tha, as a person tips the stemware to drink fr~m bowl 20, 6 condensation collected ~ithin stem 24 will not spill out. Rs 7 illustrated i~ Figure 7a, stem 24 could als~ include an 8 interior cylindrical lip 27 depen~ing from the open top of s~em q 24 ~o help further prevent the charlce of moisture spilling out ln while the ste~ware is tipped~ Xibs 26 could, therefore, be 11 formed on the in'erior OI cylindrical lip 27 or on stem portion 1~ 220 In either eventJ the top edges of ribs 26 are prefer2bly 13 located below the tvp edge ~f stem 24 to ensure tha ~ownwardly 14 flowing moisture c~nnot fl~w over the edge and ont~ the exterior surface of stem 24, 16 After one or more filli~gs, h~wl 20 can be detache~
17 from stem 24 and the condensation therein spilled out. It will 18 be understo~d, then, that stem 24 can be made of glass or 1~ o~herwise adapted to be permanent (like vessel 10 described above), while bowl 20 can either be disposable or permanent.
2~ (A disposable bo~1 20 will obviate the need for sterili~ation, 22 etc., like insert 12.~ It will further be under~tood ~hat 23 because stem 24 is separate~ from bowl 20, the exterior surface 2~ of stem 24 will be ~irtually free of condensation to provide a dry surface portion for holding the stemware.
26 Turning then to Figure 11, there is shown a modified 27 embodiment of stemware acc~rding to the present invention. The 2~ stemware structure of Figurel~ is adapted to be made of glass 2~ or otherwise adapted to be permanent in its entirety. As here embodied, this stemware structure includes bowl 30 (which may ~-.j I
1 be in any desired c~nfiguration) mounted ~o stem 32 whirh has a 2 hollow interior portion (indicated at 34). A plurality OL
3 h~les 36 ~re formed in ~tem 32 near its ju~ction with bo~l 30 to provide flow communication between the exterior surface of stem 3? and hollow stem chamber 34.
6 A ring-like collar 38 is formed on stem 32 7 substan'ially adjacent holes 36. hdvantageously, collzr 38 ~ ~enerally enc2ses holes 36 and ~orms ~ hollow ring-like trough q (indicated at 3~a) around the portion o~ the stem wherein holes 36 are forme~ ror collecting any condensation which drips down 11 from b~wl 30, as will be e~plaine~ in greater detail 1~ hereinarter. As preferably embodied/ collar 38 termin~tes in 13 an edge spaced only very slightly from the exterior surface of 1~ stem 32, leaving only a narrow gap 38b therebetween su~iiciently wide to permit dripping condensation to pass 16 through ~he gap and into trough 3~a.
17 In use, cold liquid or other substance is placed in 1~ bowl 30, 2S described above. Condensation forming on the 19 exterior surface of bowl 30 will travel down that sur~ace under the influence of ~ravity an~ onto the upper portion of stem 32.
21 The travelling condensation then passes through gap 3Bb for 22 collection within ring-like trough 3~a. The moisture 23 collectin~ in trough 38a then tends to drip harmlessly into 2L hollow stem chamber 34. A~vantageously, holes 36 are located at the bottom of the trough to ensure that virtually 211 the 26 con~ensation collected therein falls into stem chamber 3~ j 27 It will be understood that by terminating the upper 28 e~ge o~ collar 38 near the exterior surface of stem 32, 29 moisture in trough 3Ra cannot flow out when a person tips the stemware to drink liquid in bowl 30O SimiIarly, the portion of .. ,. I .,. : .-. - i "~
~2 1 I s~em 32 below coll2r 3~ c~n be somewhat divergent (like stem 24 2 described above) to ensu.e tnat any moisture in s.em chamber 34 3 will not spill ou~ o holes 36 when the stemware is ti~ped r~r drinking. In addition, collar 38 can be formed with a S decorative exterior pzt~ern to camoflauge its functional 6 advantages, and, since gap 3~b is relatively narro~, it will be 7 somewhat difficult to determine that there ~se functional ~ features incorporat~d into the stemware. Thus, the 9 condensztion-~ree stemware of the invention can be incorporated in a structure which is 2S attrac~ive and elegant as most 11 conventional stemware pieces.
12 A~ter several uses, the accumulated condensation in 13 chamber 34 can be removed simply by holding the stemware i4 upside-down t~ permit draining, or by holding it by the stem base and s~insing it away ~rom one~el~. Alternatively, as 16 illustrated in Figure lla, the bottom of stem 3~ at the base of 17 ,he stemware may be removably attachable to the remainder of 18 the piece, as by threaded interconnection. Thus, the lower 19 portion may simply be removed to permit ~uick and simple of the accumulated moisture.
21 As illustrated in Figure llb, the bottom of the stem 22 base may, instead, have a small hole 40 with a remDvable 23 st~pper member ~2 to permit drainage of chamber 34. The bottom 24 surface (43) of the stem b2se ~,ay preIerably be raised slishtly 25 I so that stopper 42 does not interfere with the normal standing 26 of the stemware piece.
27 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art 28 that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited ~o ~he 2~ particular embodiments herein shown and described and that variations may be made which are within the scope of the ~3~ i 1 accompanying clai~.s, withou, dep2rting Irom the principles of 2 ~ the inventicn and without sacri,~icing its chief adv~nta~es.
3 I For example, ribs, or radially inwardly projecting fins, may additionally be formed at the botto~ interior o~ vessel 10 5 disclosed in Figures 1-5 i~ combination with ribs 12b or lOb to 6 enhznce the grasping of insert 12. Similarly, the upper end o.
7 stem 24 (Figure 10) may be formed with 2 collar similar to 8 collar 38 (Figure l1),and, openings could also be ~orme~ in the q adjacent wall of stem 24 (instead OI ribs 26 and ~he resultznt 1~ ga~s) to provide flow communication into the interior of stem 11 24.
1~ It ~-ill further be appreciated by those s'~illed in the li art in view of the ~oregoing description that the lipped insert 1~ according to the present invention can be made to conform to the shape of the bo~l o~ a stemware piece so that the stem of 16 the stemware piece need not be hollow as described with 20 ~ reference t Figures lo-ll.
3~
_ 22 -
20 ~ According to one preferred embodiment, the engagement 21 means on vessel member 10 comprises a ring-like rib, or ridge, 22 (indicated at 15 in Figure 8) projecting outwardly from, and 23 extending completely around, the exterior surface of vessel 24 10. Ridge 15 is proportioned and located so as to all~w the protuberances 13 to ride over its crest (or apex) to bear 26 ¦ against the lower surface portior. of the ridge and thereby 27 releasably lock the insert within the permanent vessel.
28 However, because of the resilience of the lip, the insert can 29 be disengaged from the vessel simply by exerting a sufficient pulling force to cause the protuberances to ride back o~er the 12398~35 1 crest of ridge 15.
2 A particularly useful embodiment of the vessel/insert 3 combination utilizes the preferred grasping means of the f~ 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 formed on the exterior surface of vessel 10, at a point approximately 0.3" from the upper rim of vessel 11 10. The cross-sectional configuration of ridge 15 is generally 12 bead-like, or semi-circular, having a radius of about 0.032n.
13 (The hemispherical protuberances 13 similarly have a radius of 14 about 0.032n.) Advantageously, the upper portion (indicated at lOa) of vessel 10 has a slight outward flare between its upper 16 lip and the ridge 15 in order to accomodate the flare of inser~
17 lip 12a~ It will be understood that the provision of such 18 flare on vessel 10 will also provide a so-called "negative 19 draft" to acilitate formation of ridge 15 on vessel 10 by conventional two-part molding techniques.
21 The side wall of insert 12 may be at angle of about 2~ 3.5 to about 4 (preferably about 3.7~) relative to the 23 vertical, and lip 12a flares outwardly at an angle of about 24 405 to about 5 (preferably about 4.7) relative to the vertical. The lip is about 1/2" wide and the distal ~ree 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 joins lip 12a to the insert sidewalls, and thus forms the upper rim of insert 12, is also ~Z;~98f35 1 approximately 0.3" but preferably slightly larger than the 2 corresponding 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 keep the insert captive in the vessel. Advantageously, the lip and protuberances may be 6 proportioned so that the protuberances will bear against the 7 lower surface portion of ridge 15, just below the apex, to urge 8 lip 12a slightly outwardly and thereby generate a slightly 9 greater flare for spacing a user's lip farther from the exterior surface of ve~sel 10.
11 Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown ~n 12 alternate embodiment of engagement means on vessel 10 for 13 cooperating with protuberances 13 formed on insert 12v Instead 14 of a continuous ring-like ridge 15 around vessel 10, a series of ridge segments (each designated 17) can be formed at 16 generally the same upper exterior sur~ace 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 12.
19 ~dvantagously, each ridge segment is at a slight angle relative to the upper rim of vessel 10 for permitting 21 threadable engagement with the protuberances. To facilitate 22 proper threaded engagement, the uppermost end of each ridge 23 segment should be closer to the upper rim of 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 271¦ upper rim of vessel 10 than such corresponding distance. As a 2~1 result, threadable engagement between the protuberances and the 29¦ ridge segments is ensured, and there need n~t be any overlap 3a (along the vertical direction) between any portions of adjacent ``"` \`~` l ~ l ~239~385 1 ridge segments, thereby permitting fabrication of vessel 10 by 2 conventional two-part molding techniques.
3 In operation of the~ latter embodiment of engagement 4 means, the insert is placed within vessel 10 and turned until 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 slightly, in essentially 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 rin~-like ridge or ridge segments 16 described above, the engagement means formed on vessel 10 for 17 lockably engaging the protuberances could be in the form of 18 indentations, or recesses, positioned and proportioned to 19 register with and receive the protuberances. In addition, 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 28 protuberances be formed on the inserts.
1 ~3~
1 Turning now t~ Figure 10 there is shown 2 two-piece 2 embodiment o a stemw2re structure adap'ed to provide a 3 condensation-free exterior surface in accordance ~i~h the 4 present invention. hs here embodied, the stemware structure comprises bowl member 20 which may be in any desired 6 configuration just like traditional gl2ss ste~w~re (e.g., ~s a 7 cbampagne-style glass, a wine-style glass, continental-style ~ glass, etc.) and a stem member 24 ada~ted to support the bowl 9 member. Advantaaeously, stem 24 is generally hollow and is 13 adapted to be attached to bowl 20 b~ releasably engaging bowl 11 stem portion 22 (formed on the bottom of 20) when inserted into 1 the open ~op of the s~em. Advantageously, a gap is formed 13 between stem 24 and stem por~ion 22 when coupled together to 1~ allow any condensation forming ~n the bowl to drop into the hollow stem. To this end, the interior surface of stem 24 near 16 its open upper end i5 provided with rib members 26 ~much like 17 the ribs described above wi~h reference to Figures 1-6) ~hich 18 are propoxtioned to form a pressure/friction fit with stem 19 po.tion 22 of bowl 20, yet leave g2ps between the upper interior wall of stem 24 and the ex'erior of stem portion 22.
21 In use, bowl member 20 is attacheo to stem 24 by 22 inserting bowl stem portion 22 into the opening of hollow stem 23 24 until a snug pressure fit is formed between stem portion 22 ~4 and ribs 26. (To this end, stem portion 22 may taper slightly from its juncture with bowl 20 to its bottom an~ the radially 26 interior surfaces of ribs 26 may be either substantially 27 vertical or inclined so that the rib bottoms project inwardly a 2~ little morP than the rib-tops to ensure a snug fit at some 29 point during insertion.) When a cold liquid or other substance is placed in bowl 20, any condensation for~ing on the bowl ~ lZ398~
1 will roll d~wn its sides and onto stem portion 22 from which it drips harmlessly into the hollow chamber within stem 24.
3 ~dvan~ageou~ly, and as preferably embsdied, the walls o stem 24 di~erge from each other (from tDp-.o-b~ttom~ so tha, as a person tips the stemware to drink fr~m bowl 20, 6 condensation collected ~ithin stem 24 will not spill out. Rs 7 illustrated i~ Figure 7a, stem 24 could als~ include an 8 interior cylindrical lip 27 depen~ing from the open top of s~em q 24 ~o help further prevent the charlce of moisture spilling out ln while the ste~ware is tipped~ Xibs 26 could, therefore, be 11 formed on the in'erior OI cylindrical lip 27 or on stem portion 1~ 220 In either eventJ the top edges of ribs 26 are prefer2bly 13 located below the tvp edge ~f stem 24 to ensure tha ~ownwardly 14 flowing moisture c~nnot fl~w over the edge and ont~ the exterior surface of stem 24, 16 After one or more filli~gs, h~wl 20 can be detache~
17 from stem 24 and the condensation therein spilled out. It will 18 be understo~d, then, that stem 24 can be made of glass or 1~ o~herwise adapted to be permanent (like vessel 10 described above), while bowl 20 can either be disposable or permanent.
2~ (A disposable bo~1 20 will obviate the need for sterili~ation, 22 etc., like insert 12.~ It will further be under~tood ~hat 23 because stem 24 is separate~ from bowl 20, the exterior surface 2~ of stem 24 will be ~irtually free of condensation to provide a dry surface portion for holding the stemware.
26 Turning then to Figure 11, there is shown a modified 27 embodiment of stemware acc~rding to the present invention. The 2~ stemware structure of Figurel~ is adapted to be made of glass 2~ or otherwise adapted to be permanent in its entirety. As here embodied, this stemware structure includes bowl 30 (which may ~-.j I
1 be in any desired c~nfiguration) mounted ~o stem 32 whirh has a 2 hollow interior portion (indicated at 34). A plurality OL
3 h~les 36 ~re formed in ~tem 32 near its ju~ction with bo~l 30 to provide flow communication between the exterior surface of stem 3? and hollow stem chamber 34.
6 A ring-like collar 38 is formed on stem 32 7 substan'ially adjacent holes 36. hdvantageously, collzr 38 ~ ~enerally enc2ses holes 36 and ~orms ~ hollow ring-like trough q (indicated at 3~a) around the portion o~ the stem wherein holes 36 are forme~ ror collecting any condensation which drips down 11 from b~wl 30, as will be e~plaine~ in greater detail 1~ hereinarter. As preferably embodied/ collar 38 termin~tes in 13 an edge spaced only very slightly from the exterior surface of 1~ stem 32, leaving only a narrow gap 38b therebetween su~iiciently wide to permit dripping condensation to pass 16 through ~he gap and into trough 3~a.
17 In use, cold liquid or other substance is placed in 1~ bowl 30, 2S described above. Condensation forming on the 19 exterior surface of bowl 30 will travel down that sur~ace under the influence of ~ravity an~ onto the upper portion of stem 32.
21 The travelling condensation then passes through gap 3Bb for 22 collection within ring-like trough 3~a. The moisture 23 collectin~ in trough 38a then tends to drip harmlessly into 2L hollow stem chamber 34. A~vantageously, holes 36 are located at the bottom of the trough to ensure that virtually 211 the 26 con~ensation collected therein falls into stem chamber 3~ j 27 It will be understood that by terminating the upper 28 e~ge o~ collar 38 near the exterior surface of stem 32, 29 moisture in trough 3Ra cannot flow out when a person tips the stemware to drink liquid in bowl 30O SimiIarly, the portion of .. ,. I .,. : .-. - i "~
~2 1 I s~em 32 below coll2r 3~ c~n be somewhat divergent (like stem 24 2 described above) to ensu.e tnat any moisture in s.em chamber 34 3 will not spill ou~ o holes 36 when the stemware is ti~ped r~r drinking. In addition, collar 38 can be formed with a S decorative exterior pzt~ern to camoflauge its functional 6 advantages, and, since gap 3~b is relatively narro~, it will be 7 somewhat difficult to determine that there ~se functional ~ features incorporat~d into the stemware. Thus, the 9 condensztion-~ree stemware of the invention can be incorporated in a structure which is 2S attrac~ive and elegant as most 11 conventional stemware pieces.
12 A~ter several uses, the accumulated condensation in 13 chamber 34 can be removed simply by holding the stemware i4 upside-down t~ permit draining, or by holding it by the stem base and s~insing it away ~rom one~el~. Alternatively, as 16 illustrated in Figure lla, the bottom of stem 3~ at the base of 17 ,he stemware may be removably attachable to the remainder of 18 the piece, as by threaded interconnection. Thus, the lower 19 portion may simply be removed to permit ~uick and simple of the accumulated moisture.
21 As illustrated in Figure llb, the bottom of the stem 22 base may, instead, have a small hole 40 with a remDvable 23 st~pper member ~2 to permit drainage of chamber 34. The bottom 24 surface (43) of the stem b2se ~,ay preIerably be raised slishtly 25 I so that stopper 42 does not interfere with the normal standing 26 of the stemware piece.
27 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art 28 that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited ~o ~he 2~ particular embodiments herein shown and described and that variations may be made which are within the scope of the ~3~ i 1 accompanying clai~.s, withou, dep2rting Irom the principles of 2 ~ the inventicn and without sacri,~icing its chief adv~nta~es.
3 I For example, ribs, or radially inwardly projecting fins, may additionally be formed at the botto~ interior o~ vessel 10 5 disclosed in Figures 1-5 i~ combination with ribs 12b or lOb to 6 enhznce the grasping of insert 12. Similarly, the upper end o.
7 stem 24 (Figure 10) may be formed with 2 collar similar to 8 collar 38 (Figure l1),and, openings could also be ~orme~ in the q adjacent wall of stem 24 (instead OI ribs 26 and ~he resultznt 1~ ga~s) to provide flow communication into the interior of stem 11 24.
1~ It ~-ill further be appreciated by those s'~illed in the li art in view of the ~oregoing description that the lipped insert 1~ according to the present invention can be made to conform to the shape of the bo~l o~ a stemware piece so that the stem of 16 the stemware piece need not be hollow as described with 20 ~ reference t Figures lo-ll.
3~
_ 22 -
Claims (30)
1. A drinking vessel adapted to provide an exterior surface portion substantially free of condensation, com-prising:
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 contact-ing any condensation and without any condensation dripping off said drinking vessel, said first vessel member comprising a removable insert member proportioned to conform generally to the con-figuration of said second vessel member, said insert member being receivable within said second vessel member to form a generally double-walled drinking vessel having a spacing between said insert member and said second vessel member, such that any condensation forming on said insert member tends to collect within said spacing while the exterior surface of said second vessel member remains substantially free of condensation, and, further, that said spacing tends to provide a thermally insulative gap to help maintain the temperature of any substance contained within said insert member, said insert member including a lip along its open top, said lip extending towards the bottom of said insert member and being proportioned to substantially prevent a person's lip from contacting said second vessel member during use, such that, after use, said insert member can be removed from said second vessel member and replaced by another said insert member to enable re-use of said second vessel member without requiring sterilization of said second vessel member yet provide a clean and sanitary drinking vessel, said lip having a length and being at an angle relative to said second vessel member, along its exterior surface, which cooperate to prevent contact of a person's lip with the exterior surface of said second vessel 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 contact-ing any condensation and without any condensation dripping off said drinking vessel, said first vessel member comprising a removable insert member proportioned to conform generally to the con-figuration of said second vessel member, said insert member being receivable within said second vessel member to form a generally double-walled drinking vessel having a spacing between said insert member and said second vessel member, such that any condensation forming on said insert member tends to collect within said spacing while the exterior surface of said second vessel member remains substantially free of condensation, and, further, that said spacing tends to provide a thermally insulative gap to help maintain the temperature of any substance contained within said insert member, said insert member including a lip along its open top, said lip extending towards the bottom of said insert member and being proportioned to substantially prevent a person's lip from contacting said second vessel member during use, such that, after use, said insert member can be removed from said second vessel member and replaced by another said insert member to enable re-use of said second vessel member without requiring sterilization of said second vessel member yet provide a clean and sanitary drinking vessel, said lip having a length and being at an angle relative to said second vessel member, along its exterior surface, which cooperate to prevent contact of a person's lip with the exterior surface of said second vessel member.
2 A drinking vessel according to claim 1, wherein said insert member is tapered to a greater degree from its open top to its bottom than said second vessel member, and which further includes grasping means associated between said insert member and said second vessel member for per-mitting releasable engagement between said insert member and said second vessel member, such that when said second vessel member is thrust down onto a stack of said insert members and thereafter lifted, one said insert member is grasped by said second vessel member yet can be removed therefrom when desired with relative ease for replacement by another said insert member.
3. A drinking vessel according to Claim 2, wherein said grasping means is adapted to provide a releasable friction engagement between said insert member and said second vessel member.
4. A drinking vessel according to Claim 3, wherein said grasping means is located generally near the top opening of said insert member.
5. A drinking vessel according to Claim 3, wherein said grasping means comprises a plurality of relatively small raised rib-like member.
6. A drinking vessel according to Claim 3, wherein said grasping means comprises a band of serrations.
7. A drinking vessel according to Claim 3, wherein said rib-like members are formed on and project outwardly from an exterior surface of said insert member.
8. A drinking vessel according to Claim 6, wherein said band of serrations is formed on an interior surface portion of said second vessel member generally near its open top.
9. A drinking vessel according to Claim 2, wherein said grasping means comprises a plurality of fin-like members formed on said second vessel member generally at the bottom thereof and projecting radially inwardly, said fin-like members being proportioned to releasably grasp said insert member by their radially interior edges.
10. A drinking vessel according to claim 2, wherein said grasping means comprises a plurality of fin-like members formed on said insert member and projecting radially outwardly therefrom, said fin-like members being proportioned to releasably grasp interior surface portions of said second vessel member by their radially outward edges.
11. A drinking vessel according to claim 2, wherein said grasping means comprises a plurality of protuberances formed on one of said members and engagement means formed on the other of said members, said engagement means being proportioned and positioned to cooperate with said pro-tuberances for releasably locking said members together when said insert member is fully seated within said second vessel member.
12. A drinking vessel according to claim 11, wherein said protuberances are formed on said insert member and said engagement means are formed on said second vessel member.
13. A drinking vessel according to claim 12, wherein said engagement means comprises a ring-like ridge formed on said second vessel member.
14. A drinking vessel according to claim 13, wherein said protuberances are formed on said lip along its interior surface, and wherein said ring-like ridge is formed on said second vessel member on its exterior surface generally near its upper rim edge.
15. A drinking vessel according to claim 14, wherein said protuberances are positioned on said lip so as to bear against said ring-like ridge, generally along its bottom surface portions, for retaining said insert member within said second vessel member when fully seated therein.
16. A drinking vessel according to claim 15, wherein said protuberances and ridge are positioned such that, when said protuberances and ridge are lockably engaged, said protuberances abut said ridge to cause said insert lip to flare outwardly slightly more than when no lockably engaged.
17. A drinking vessel according to claim 12, wherein said engagement means comprises a series of ridge segments formed on said second vessel member, each said ridge segment extending at a relatively small angle relative to the upper rim edge of said second vessel to permit threadable engage-ment between said members.
18. A drinking vessel according to claim 15, wherein said protuberances are formed on said lip along its interior surface, and wherein said ridge segments are formed on said second vessel member on its exterior surface generally near its upper rim edge.
19. A drinking vessel according to claim 18, wherein the number of said protuberances is equal to the number of said ridge segments.
20. A drinking vessel according to claim 12, wherein said engagement means comprises a ring-like recess formed on said second vessel member, said recess being adopted to receive said protuberances releasably lockably retaining said insert member within said second vessel member when fully seated therein.
21. A drinking vessel according to claim 12, wherein said engagement means comprises a series of recess segments formed in said second vessel member, each said recess seg-ment extending at a relatively small angle relative to the upper rim edge of said second vessel member for receiving said protuberances to permit threadable engagement between said members.
22. A disposable insert for use with a drinking vessel, comprising:
an insert member having an open top to receive liquid or other substances and being proportioned to con-form generally to the configuration of a permanent container so as to be receivable within the permanent container and form between said insert member and the permanent container for the collection of condensation forming on said insert member to provide an exterior surface of the permanent container substantially free of condensation, said insert member including a lip at its top edge extending towards its bottom, said lip being pro-portioned to substantially prevent a person's lip from contacting the permanent container yet permit a plurality of said insert members to be stacked on top of each other, the width of said lip and its angle relative to the exterior surface of said permanent container cooperating to prevent contact of a person's lip with the exterior sur-face of said permanent container.
an insert member having an open top to receive liquid or other substances and being proportioned to con-form generally to the configuration of a permanent container so as to be receivable within the permanent container and form between said insert member and the permanent container for the collection of condensation forming on said insert member to provide an exterior surface of the permanent container substantially free of condensation, said insert member including a lip at its top edge extending towards its bottom, said lip being pro-portioned to substantially prevent a person's lip from contacting the permanent container yet permit a plurality of said insert members to be stacked on top of each other, the width of said lip and its angle relative to the exterior surface of said permanent container cooperating to prevent contact of a person's lip with the exterior sur-face of said permanent container.
23. An insert member according to claim 22, wherein said insert member is tapered to a greater degree from its open top to its bottom than said permanent container and which further includes grasping means for permitting releasable engagement between said insert member and said permanent container, such that when said permanent con-tainer is thrust down onto a stack of inverted insert members and thereafter lifted, one said insert member is grasped by said permanent container yet can be removed from said permanent container when desired.
24. An insert member according to claim 23, wherein said grasping means is located generally near the top opening of said insert member.
25. An insert member according to claim 24, wherein said grasping means comprises a plurality of relatively small raised rib-like members.
26. An insert member according to claim 25, wherein said rib-like members are formed and project outwardly from exterior surface of said insert member.
27. An insert member according to claim 22, wherein said insert member includes a plurality of protuberances formed thereon, said prouberances being adapted to cooperate with engagement means formed on the permanent container for releasably locking said insert to the permanent container and for permitting a plurality of said inserts to be stacked on top of each other while enabling only one said insert to be removed when the permanent container is thrust down onto a stack of inverted insert members.
28. An insert member according to claim 26, wherein said protuberances are formed on said lip, generally along its interior-facing surface.
29. An insert member according to claim 27, wherein said protuberances are proportioned to engage said engage-ment means such that said lip is caused to flare slightly more when said insert is fully seated in the permanent con-tainer than when not seated therein.
30. An insert member according to claim 27, wherein said lip extends at an angle of between about 4.5° and about 5° relative to the vertical when said insert is standing on a horizontal surface.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000562149A CA1249232A (en) | 1983-02-28 | 1988-03-22 | Drinking vessels |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| 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 | |
| US575,546 | 1990-08-27 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000562149A Division CA1249232A (en) | 1983-02-28 | 1988-03-22 | Drinking vessels |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1239885A true CA1239885A (en) | 1988-08-02 |
Family
ID=27043242
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000448357A Expired CA1239885A (en) | 1983-02-28 | 1984-02-27 | Drinking vessels |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1239885A (en) |
Cited By (7)
| 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 |
-
1984
- 1984-02-27 CA CA000448357A patent/CA1239885A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (8)
| 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 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |