FR3094881A1 - LOCKING PART FOR LOCKING ICE IN A GLASS AND GLASS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A PART - Google Patents

Abstract

LOCKING PIECE FOR BLOCKING ICE CUBES IN A GLASS AND GLASS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A PIECE Blocking piece (5) for ice cubes in a glass, of the type comprising a central body (6) in plastic material bearing at least two clamping tabs ( 7) for clamping by fixing the part (5) to the edge of the glass, in which the clamping tabs (7) project outwardly relative to the body (6) by being arranged on either side of the body ( 6) and each connected to it by an anchoring part, in which the body (6) is provided with passage means for the passage of the drink liquid contained in the glass and in which the body (6) is delimited by an outer edge in the shape of an arc of a circle extended circumferentially at each of its ends to belong to the part for anchoring the legs to the body (6) of oblong shape. Fig. 2

Description

LOCKING PIECE FOR LOCKING ICE CUBES IN A GLASS AND GLASS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A PIECE

The present invention relates to a blocking piece for blocking ice cubes in a glass. The invention also relates to a lens equipped with such a part.

As is known, the field of reusable drinking glasses usually includes glass containers and also containers made of suitable plastic material, for example polypropylene cups.

There are large-volume glasses to hold alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails, fruit juices or cola drinks, which are slowly absorbed. These drinks should be cooled with ice cubes. Without these ice cubes, for example, a mojito would not be a mojito. This drink absorption is often carried out using disposable plastic straws to avoid unpleasant contact of the ice cubes with the teeth or the mucous membranes of the mouth. These straws are polluting and do not always allow you to quench your thirst.

To avoid these problems, document FR789109A has proposed a solution using a blocking piece configured to hold the ice cubes at the bottom of the glass. As visible in Fig.1, which is a perspective view identical to Fig.2 of document FR789109A, this part comprises a long strip 1 ribbed and curved at its upper part 3 to cling to the edge of the glass. At its lower part 4, this rod 1 is provided with branches 4 to retain the ice cubes at the bottom of the glass and allow the passage of the drinking liquid. The size of this rod depends on the height and the diameter of the bottom of the glass. A single model per glass is therefore to be expected. In addition, the cooling of the drink is not as effective as desired, in particular because the ice cubes are confined in a lower part of the glass and do not float therein.

The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks in a simple and economical manner.

According to the invention, the blocking piece for blocking the ice cubes in a glass is of the type comprising a central body of plastic material carrying at least two curved clamping lugs with a generally U-shaped section for clamping with fixing of the piece on the edge of the glass, in which the clamping lugs project externally with respect to the body while being arranged on either side of the body and each connected to the latter by an anchoring part, in which the body is provided with passage means for the passage of the drinking liquid contained in the glass and in which the body is delimited by an outer edge in the form of an arc of a circle extended circumferentially at each of its ends to belong to the part for anchoring the legs to the body central oblong.

According to the invention, the glass comprises such a piece for blocking the ice cubes.

Thanks to the invention, the ice cubes are not confined to the bottom of the glass and the contact of the ice cubes with the mouth and the teeth of the consumer is eliminated in a simple and economical way because the part is made of plastic material. This part also blocks, thanks to its means of passage, the other ingredients of the solid type contained in certain drinks. This plastic part is also a poor thermal conductor, which is favorable for contact with the consumer's lips.

In addition, the fixing of the part on the glass is rapid by snapping from top to bottom, retractable, robust and reliable due to the presence of at least two circumferentially curved tabs with a generally U-shaped section for tightening on the edge of the glass. The arcuate shape of the outer edge of the part allows at least partial contact with the edge of the glass which is favorable for the stability of the part in combination with the curved clamping lugs, which are fixing lugs on the edge of the glass of lower height than that of the rod of Fig.1.

Material consumption is reduced and this in combination with the oblong shape of the body, which allows the implantation of passages for the drinking liquid.

These fixing lugs are also spreadable and therefore allow fixing on glasses of different thicknesses. They also make it possible to catch up with the manufacturing tolerances of the edge of the lenses.

In addition, the plastic part may have different colors and/or have inscriptions or distinctive signs to personalize the glass, particularly in terms of the content of its drink or the user's first name, or to announce events. The piece can thus be an advertising piece, or even a collector's item.

This part can be obtained economically by molding and this in a single piece.

Depending on other characteristics taken individually or in combination:

The part is made of flexible plastic material.

The part is made of food-grade plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or low-density polyethylene (PELD).

The part is made of recyclable plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The body is of reduced thickness at the level of the legs and the anchoring parts.

The outer edge of the central body is delimited by an outer rim perpendicular to the central body and directed outwards.

The outer rim is configured to at least partially contact the edge of the lens.

The leg anchor portion has a circumferential extension of the outer rim.

The width of the oblong-shaped central body is less than its circumferential length.

The central body is of reduced width at the level of the anchoring part of each leg.

The circumferential distance between the two clamping tabs is less than 180 degrees.

The central body has an internal edge connected to the anchoring part of each of the clamping lugs by means of a flexibility notch.

The inner edge has a generally straight central portion and two inclined end portions each connected to the anchoring part of the clamping lug concerned.

The inclined portions are each connected to the anchoring part concerned by means of a flexibility notch.

The flexibility notch is delimited by the inclined part of the internal edge and starts from the edge of the reduced width part of the body.

The reduced width edge of the body is in the shape of an eyelash.

The internal edge is delimited by an internal stiffening rim perpendicular to the central body.

The inner rim is directed in the opposite direction to the outer rim, being higher than the outer rim to better immobilize the ice cubes.

The slope between the inner rim and the outer rim at the reduced width of the body is between 2.5 degrees and 11 degrees.

The body comprises, on the one hand, a first zone provided with a grid provided with passage openings adjacent to its external edge for the passage of the drinking liquid and, on the other hand, a second, more extensive customizable zone adjacent to its inner edge.

The second customizable zone of the body has second passages for the passage of the drinking liquid.

The passage openings of the grid of the first zone are oblong in shape, being directed towards the internal edge.

The first zone comprises oblong-shaped flexibility openings shorter than those of the passage openings of the grid and arranged on either side of these passage openings.

The maximum width of the body of the part is less than or equal to the radius of the edge of the glass.

Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description below of several particular embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig.1 is a perspective view according to the prior art of a glass equipped with a part for blocking the ice cubes in the glass.

Fig.2 is a perspective view of a glass equipped according to the invention with a plastic part for blocking the ice cubes in the glass.

Fig.3 is a top view of the glass of Fig.2.

Fig.4 is a perspective view of the blocking part of Figs.2 and 3.

Fig.5 is a top view of the blocking part of Figs.2 to 4.

Fig.6 is a front view of the blocking part of Figs.2 to 5.

Fig.7 is a sectional view along line AA of Fig.5.

Fig.8 is a side view of the tab of the left end of the part of Fig.5.

In the figures, identical or similar elements will be assigned the same reference signs.

In Figs.2 and 3, there is shown a reusable glass V equipped with a plastic blocking part 5 to block the ice cubes associated, as in Fig.1, with the alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink contained in the glass. . The drink could be, for example, based on cola, syrup or fruit juice. This drink may also contain other solid ingredients, for example mint leaves, fruit, etc. For more precision, refer to the recipes for mojito, sangria or other cocktails.

According to one characteristic, the part 5 for blocking the ice cubes also constitutes a blocking part for these other solid ingredients.

The reusable V-glass may be transparent or tinted. The material of this glass may be glass or, in the aforementioned manner, plastic material such as polypropylene. This glass V may contain a large volume by being of height greater than the diameter of its edge, as in Figs.2 and 3. It may be of cylindrical shape, as in Figs.2 and 3, or alternatively of frustoconical shape with a bottom size smaller than its edge. In other embodiments, the side wall of the glass may have a curved shape. The glass may be a stemmed glass of low height, or be of flared shape.

For more details, reference will be made to commercial glasses knowing that, as described below, the edge of the glass V is generally cylindrical in shape and that the blocking part 5 is provided with clamping lugs 7 for its retractable fixing on the edge of the glass. These lugs 7 are curved fixing lugs with a generally U-shaped section for clamping on the edge of the glass. They are by their shape spreadable to tighten on the edge of the reusable glass. This edge may therefore have different thicknesses. These tabs allow quick assembly by snapping onto the edge of the glass.

According to one feature, the width L (Fig.3) of part 5 may be equal to or less, as shown in Fig.3, to the radius R of the edge of the glass. This width L corresponds to the maximum width of the central body 6, which the part 5 has. solid ingredients of the drink when the glass is tilted, as shown in Fig.2, during a tasting of the drink. This limitation of the quantity of material contributes to a reduction in the cost of part 5.

As visible in Fig.3, the circumferential distance, that is to say the angle, between the two legs 7 may be less than 180 degrees. It is the same for the circumferential length of the blocking piece 5, which may be less than 180 degrees.

The plastic part 5 is in one piece and can be produced economically in one piece by molding. It may be made of food-grade plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or low-density polyethylene (PELD). Advantageously, this part is made of plastic material of the food-grade and recyclable type, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The plastic material of this part 5 may be flexible.

This part 5 may have different colors for identifying the glasses and/or the drink in the glass. It is decorative and customizable for glasses. Color differentiation will also help identify alcoholic beverages from non-alcoholic beverages.

The body 6 may include customizable areas, as visible in these Figs.2 and 3. Thus, the body 6 may in particular present the names of beverage brands, first names, logos, references to sporting or cultural events to constitute a collectible etc. Likewise, the tabs 7 may have customizable areas, in particular logos.

Thus, according to the invention, this part 5 for blocking the ice cubes in a glass comprises (Figs.2 to 8) a central body 6 of plastic material carrying at least two curved clamping lugs 7 with a generally U-shaped section for clamping with fixing of part 5 on the edge of the glass.

The clamping lugs 7 of this part 5 project outwardly with respect to the central body 6, being arranged on either side of the body 6 and each connected to the latter by an anchoring part 70.

The body 6 of this piece 5 is provided with passage means 62 for the passage of the beverage liquid contained in the glass. The body 6 of this part 5 is delimited by an outer edge 8 in the form of an arc of a circle extended circumferentially at each of its ends to belong to the part 70 for anchoring the legs to the central body of oblong shape.

It follows from these characteristics that the fixing of the part 5 on the glass V is fast by snapping from top to bottom, robust, reliable, stable and retractable thanks in particular to the tabs 7 and to the outer edge 8 adapted to come into internal contact at least partially with the edge of the glass. These tabs catch up with manufacturing tolerances, particularly with regard to the thickness of the edges of the lenses. The amount of material used and the size of the part are reduced.

As visible in Figs.2 to 5, the body 6 is of reduced thickness at the level of the legs 7 and the anchoring parts 70. This makes it possible to locally improve the flexibility, the flexibility of the part 5 and to locally reduce its bulk.

To improve the stability of the binding and reduce the thickness of the body 6, as best seen in Figs.4, 6 and 8, the outer edge 8 of the body 6 is delimited by an outer rim 81 perpendicular to the body 6 and directed towards the outside. This rim 81 may be configured to come into contact at least partially with the edge of the glass. The anchoring part 70 of the legs 7 includes a circumferential extension of the outer edge 81, which stiffens the body 6 and therefore the part 5.

As best seen in Figs.2 to 6 and 7, the curved clamping and fixing lugs 7, with a generally U-shaped section, each have, on the one hand, a first branch located on a first circumference of corresponding radius to that of rim 81 to come into contact at least partially with the inner edge of the lens and, on the other hand, a second branch to come into contact at least partially with the outer edge of the lens. The second branches are located on a circumference of diameter D1 (corresponding to the radius R of Fig.3) greater than that of the rim 81 and externally connected to their first branch concerned by a curved rounded zone of radius r (Fig.7) constituting the bottom of the U.

Thus, thanks to the U-shaped section of the legs, the legs of the legs can move away from each other more or less depending on the thickness of the edge of the glass. They can sink into the edge of the glass more or less. The same mounting part can therefore be fitted to glasses of different thicknesses. The rim 81 also allows quick assembly by snap-fitting from top to bottom of the part 5 in glasses of different external diameters corresponding to those of their edge. As a result, the same part can be fitted to several types of lenses.

The width of the body (Figs.2 to 4) of oblong shape is less than its circumferential length and the angle between the two clamping lugs 7 is less than 180 degrees. The central body 6 (Figs.2 to 5) has an internal edge 9 with a generally straight central portion and two inclined end portions arranged on either side of the central portion and each connected to the anchoring part 70 of the clamping lug 7 concerned. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the size of the part 5 at the level of its legs 7 and the anchoring parts 70. The inclined portions are each connected to the anchoring part 70 concerned by means of a flexibility notch 92 , whose bottom is close to the legs 7 (Figs.2 to 5). This arrangement makes it possible to obtain flexibility of the tabs 7 for their mounting on the glass, the body 6 is of reduced width at each of these ends at the level of the tabs 7 and the anchoring parts 70. The maximum width L of the body 6 and part 5 is located at the level of the central portion of the body 6. The bottom of the notch 92 of flexibility is delimited by the inclined part of the internal edge and starts from the internal edge of the part of reduced width of the body.

The inner edge 9 is delimited by an inner stiffening rim 91 perpendicular to the central body, and the inner rim is directed in the opposite direction to the outer rim, being higher than the outer rim to better immobilize the ice cubes. The thickness of the body 6 may be small given the stiffening edges 81, 91.

With reference to Fig.8, we see that there is a slope d between the end of the rim 91 of the inclined zone connecting with a tab 7 of width L1 and the end of the associated stiffening rim 81. The height E2 of the rim 91 is greater than the height E1 of the rim 81. Here the height H1 of the tabs is greater than the sum of the heights E1 and E2 as shown in Fig.6. Of course, it depends on the applications.

Thanks in particular to the notches 92, the legs 7 inclined, as shown in Fig.6, can straighten when they are mounted on the edge of the glass. The internal rim 81 also makes it possible to properly immobilize the ice cubes. Thanks to the notches 92, the body 6 has a reduced width at the level of the legs 7 and the anchoring parts 70. It is generally in the shape of an eyelash at these levels.

By way of non-limiting example, the height H1 (Fig.6) of a tab 7 may be between 19 and 27 mm. The width L1 (Fig.8) of a tab may be between 9 and 21 mm. The radius r of the top rounded zone of a tab 7 (Fig.7) may be between 3 and 8 mm. The diameter D1 (Fig.5) for implantation of the second branch of a leg 7 may be between 69 and 83 mm. The height E1 (Fig.8) of the rim 81 may be between 2 and 6 mm, while the height E2 of the rim 91 may be between 4 mm and 16 mm. The slope d of Fig.8 may be between 2.5 degrees and 11 degrees. The thickness of the body 6 may be between 0.7 mm and 2.5 mm. Finally, the width L of the product may be between 24 mm and 41 mm.

Thus, glasses with a capacity of 340 ml for a height of 9.2 cm and an external rim diameter of 83 mm could be fitted with a 5 piece. The same applies to glasses with a height of 14 to 15 cm with a capacity of at least 330 ml.

In a first embodiment, the one-piece and retractable part 5 comprises the elements described above. It has specific characteristics with regard to the openings 62 for the passage of the beverage liquid. More precisely, as better visible in Figs.2 to 6, the body 6 comprises, on the one hand, a first zone provided with a grid provided with passage openings 62 adjacent to its outer edge 8 for the passage of the liquid beverage and, on the other hand, a second larger customizable area adjacent to its inner edge 9. This second area here includes a logo. Alternatively, as mentioned above, it may include, for example, names of brands, drinks, first names, references to sporting or cultural events.

The passage openings 62 of the grid are oblong in shape, being directed towards the internal edge, more precisely towards the central portion of the internal rim 9. They are radially longer than they are wide. This first zone also comprises flexibility openings 63 of oblong shape that are shorter than those of the first grid and arranged on either side of the openings 62 of the first grid. The width of the openings 63 is in this embodiment equal to that of the openings 62. The length of these openings 63 is on the other hand less than that of the openings 62.

In this embodiment, there are provided, without limitation, five openings 62 and six openings 63, namely two series of three openings. It all depends on the applications, the number of openings 62, 63 may vary from one application to another.

In this embodiment, the openings may be located between 0.4 mm and 1.6 mm from the rim 81. The flexibility openings 63 favor, in combination with the notches 92, the mounting of the part 5 on the glass.

According to another characteristic, the second customizable zone is configured for the passage of the beverage liquid. In this example, the letters of the "ICE PAD" logo are perforated for the passage of liquid. It is the same as a variant when the second zone comprises first names, brands of drinks or other.

In a second embodiment, the second personalization zone is full. Thus, the letters of "ICE PAD" are full. This is favorable, for example, when personalization is done in connection with cultural or sporting events, and more space is required.

In another application, the second branch of a tab 7 may be provided with a closed oblong opening to soften the tab, as shown in dotted lines for one of the tabs 7 in Fig.6.

The body 6 can also be extended circumferentially so that it can carry additional legs, for example four legs 7 in total. Thus, the more numerous tabs 7 may have a width less than the width L1 of the tabs in FIG. 8. The passage openings may have another shape and encroach on the second zone then of reduced surface.

The choice of food-grade plastic material depends on the applications, knowing that there is a European Union regulation listing the plastic materials to be used (EU regulation 10/2011 of January 14, 2011).

As a variant, part 5 may be specific for a given lens, in particular for better contact of rim 81 with the edge of the lens.

It follows from the above that the reusable piece 5 eliminates the contact of the ice cubes with the consumer's mouth, while being a decorative piece for glasses, a collector's item, a piece for promoting events and other uses. We can keep these pieces from one event to another.

This plastic part 5 is a poor thermal conductor so that it thermally insulates the ice cubes from the mouth. In addition, it blocks the solid ingredients of certain drinks. It can equip glasses with edges of different thicknesses and different diameters. It is mounted on all kinds of glasses, in particular glasses of cylindrical, frustoconical, curved or flared shape in the aforementioned manner. The glasses may have a height greater than the diameter of their edge, as in Fig.2, for a large capacity compatible with the presence of part 5.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments which have been described here by way of example. The person skilled in the art, depending on the applications of the invention, may make various modifications and variants falling within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (10)

Blocking piece (5) for blocking ice cubes in a glass, of the type comprising a central body (6) of plastic material carrying at least two curved clamping lugs (7) with an overall U-shaped section for clamping of the piece (5) on the edge of the glass, in which the clamping lugs (7) project outwardly with respect to the body (6) being arranged on either side of the body (6) and each connected to that -ci by an anchoring part (70), in which the body (6) is provided with passage means (62) for the passage of the drinking liquid contained in the glass and in which the body (6) is delimited by an outer edge (8) in the form of an arc of a circle extended circumferentially at each of its ends to belong to the part (70) for anchoring the legs to the central body (6) of oblong shape. Blocking piece (5) according to claim 1, in which the external edge (8) of the central body (6) is delimited by an external rim (81) perpendicular to the body (6) and directed towards the outside, being configured to come into contact at least partially with the edge of the glass and in which the anchoring part of the tabs (70) comprises a circumferential extension of the outer rim (81). Blocking piece (5) according to Claims 1 or 2, in which the width of the central body (6) of oblong shape is less than its circumferential length, in which the body (6) is of reduced width at the level of the legs (7 ) and anchoring parts (70) and in which the circumferential distance between the two clamping tabs (7) is less than 180 degrees. Locking piece (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the body (6) has an internal edge (9) with a generally straight central portion and two inclined end portions arranged on either side other of the central portion and each connected to the anchoring part (70) of the clamping lug concerned and in which the inclined portions are each connected to the anchoring part (70) concerned by means of a notch of flexibility (92). Blocking piece (5) according to Claims 4 and 2, in which the internal edge (9) is delimited by an internal stiffening flange (91) perpendicular to the central body (6) and in which the internal flange (91) is directed in the opposite direction to the outer rim (81) being higher than the outer rim (81). Blocking piece according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the body (6) comprises, on the one hand, a first zone provided with a grid provided with passage openings (62) adjacent to its external edge (8) for the passage of the beverage liquid and, on the other hand, a second larger customizable zone adjacent to its internal edge (9). Blocking part (5) according to claim 6, in which the passage openings (62) of the grid of the first zone are of oblong shape being directed towards the internal edge and in which the first zone comprises openings of flexibility ( 63) of oblong shape shorter than those of the passage openings (62) of the grid and arranged on either side of these passage openings (62). Blocking part (5) according to Claim 6 or 7, in which the second customizable zone of the body (6) comprises second passages for the passage of the beverage liquid. Blocking part (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plastic material of the blocking part is of the food-grade and recyclable type, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET. Glass equipped with a blocking piece according to any one of the preceding claims.