GB2529735A

GB2529735A - Drinks receptacle

Info

Publication number: GB2529735A
Application number: GB1500286.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Omar Zanatta; Joanne Richardson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-27
Filing date: 2015-01-08
Publication date: 2016-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-08
Also published as: GB201415164D0; GB2529735B; US20170251849A1; EP3185728A1; GB201500286D0; WO2016030653A1

Abstract

A wine glass 30 has a bowl connected to a stem, which is connected to a base. The stem moves relative to the base allowing it to be raised or lowered for more convenient stacking. A lid may fit the top of the glass and have a grip to aid the user screw it in position. A hollow sleeve 39 may be formed in the bowls lower surface with an internal channel 40 into which the stem or neck of the glass fits to adopt the chosen configuration. Locking portions 41,43 may be present in the sleeve and engage with respective locking members on the stem or stalk to maintain the raised or lowered position of the glass. A groove or flange may guide the locking member of the stem to the locking portion. The locking portions may be an L-shape or bayonet-type engagement and may allow the stem to be selectively locked in a raised or lowered position.

Description

Drinks Receptacle

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a drinks receptacle.

Background of the Invention

Drinks recepttcles come in many different shapes, sizes and styles.

In terms of drinking wine, cocktails or champagne, the receptacle comprises a howl standing on a stem above a base. The general term sternware' is sometimes used. This allows the beverage tc he held without being warmed by the drinker's hands.

11w receptacle can he of any shape, although the term howl' is used throughout and is intended to cover goblet, cocktail and flute shapes also The recephcle can he of any material, but is iypically glass, crystal glass or plastics material.

Tn certain situations, for example on aircraft or trains, the motion of travel can cause the beverage to he knocked-over or spilled. In aircraft, in particular, turbulence is a cotnmon cause of drinks being spilled over passeigers. St()rage of stem\vare in bulk, e.g. in an aircraft for passenger use, is also inconvenient hecause of the shape which does not lend itself to particularly efficient use of space.

It is possible to buy a drink recepcle, typically in the form of a plastic wine glass, which has wine already in the howl and sealed within the howl hy a foil wrap extending over the top of the the howl. The receptacle is purchased after which the foil lid is peeled off to access the wine.

The recepticle is usually thrown away after use. \X'hilst such receptacles re suitaltie for non gaseous liquids, such as wine and \vater, they are not suitahle for carrying gaseous drinks such as sparkling wine or ProseccoTM.

Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides liquid receptacle comprising a howl connected to a stem which is connected to a base, wherein the stem is arranged to he movable relative to the bowl between first and second configurations.

In one embodiment, the stem is arranged to be collapsible., for example in a telescopic manner.

In another embodiment, the stem is hingedly connected to the howl, so that in use the stem and base can rotate relative to the howl. The arrangement of the stem and base may he such that it is movable between a first position in which the base and stem are beneath the howl, and a second, stowed position in which the base overlies the opening of the bowl to provide a cover. In the second position, the stern can be hdd in position within a recess formed in the outer surface of the ho\vl, e.g. using a friction fit.

In another embodiment, the bowl comprises a sleeve extending inwardly from the howl's lower external surface within which the stem is connected and rnovabe sdective]y between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration.

In the collapsed configuration, the majority of the stem's length may he \vlthin the sleeve.

The interior surface of the sleeve may comprise upper and loxver spaced-apart locking portions and the outer surface of the stern comprises a locking member which, in use, engages with one or other of the sleeve locking portions in the extended and collapsed configurations.

An elongate guide groove or Range may extend between the upper and lower locking portions on the interior surface of the sleeve to guide the stem locking member between said locking porous.

The outer surface of the stern may comprise upper and lower locking members, spaced apart by substantially the same distance as the sleeve upper 2u1d lo\ver locking portions, such that, when in the extended configuration. the upper locking member is engaged with the lower locking portion, and in the collapsed configuration, the upper and lower locking members are engaged with the upper and lower locking portions respectively.

A pair of upper and a pair of lower sleeve locking portions may he provided and the stem comprises a pair of upper locking members arranged to engage, in the extended configuration, with the pair of lower locking portions and, in the collapsed configuration, with the pair of upper locking portions.

the stern may further comprise a pair of lower locking members arranged to engage the pair of lower sleeve, locking portions in the collapsed configuration.

The tipper and lower locking portions may comprise an L-shape or bayonet -type engagement for the stem locking member(s).

The or each stem locking member may comprise a pair of prusiots on opposite sides of the stem.

A farther aspect of the invention may comprise a drinks receptacle comprising a howl with an interior sleeve extending from the lower surtace of the bow] base, and a stem shaped so as to be at least partially locatable within the sleeve, wherein one or more L or bayonet -type locking portions are provided so that the. stern in use can he selectively locked. e.g. using a iwisting motion, in an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration.

The sleeve may he arranged in both configurations to provide a liquid-retaining space, e.g. for holding frozen liquid. The sleeve may he arranged such that the liquid-retaining space is adjacent the vall of the sleeve, and extends around the majority of said wall.

The rim of the howl may comprise a lid engagement portion. e.g. a scre\v thread, on the interior surface.

The receptacle may further comprise a removable lid for sealing the bowl by means of a cooperating engagenaent portion on its exterior surtace.

The removable lid may comprise a recessed upper surface with a gripping member extended up\vardly from the recessed upper surface.

A further aspect of the invention provides a drinks receptacle comprising a howl \vith an tipper rina, and a removable lid for sealing the ho\vl, \vherein the lid is arranged to connect to the howl by means of co-operating engagement portions located on an external surface of the lid and an internal surface of the ho\vl, adjacent the upper rim.

the co-operating engagement portions may comprise screw-thread portions.

lie removable lid may comprise a recessed upper surface with a gripping nmmber on the recessed surface.

The height of said gripping member may he such that it does not extend beyond the rim of the howl when connected thereto.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now he described, by way of non-limiting example, to accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1(a) and 1*) are perspective views of a first embodiment drinking receptacle in the form of a wine glass; Figure 2 is a partial side view of the first embodiment \vne glass; Figure 3(a) and 3(h) are side views of a second embodiment drinking receptacle in the form of a wine glass; Figures 4(a) and 4(h) are perspective views of the second embodiment wine glass; Figures 5(a) to (c) are perspective, side and cross-sectional views of a third embodiment wine glass in an extended configuration; Figures 6(a) to (c) are perspective, side and cross-sectional views of the Figure 3 wine glass in a collapsed configuration; Figures 7(i) and (h) are perspective and cross-sectional views of the stem and base portion of the Figure 5 wine glass; Figures 8(a) and (h) are perspective and cross-sectional views of the howl portion of the Figure 3 wine glass; Figures 9(a) to (c) are cross-sectional, side and perspective views of a lid part for connection to the Figure 5 wine glass; and Figures 10(a) and (h) are perspective views of a tumbler without and \vith alid part connected.

Details Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1(a), an item of stemware according to a first embodiment is provided in the form of a \vine or champagne glass 1, although it can take any form and can be made of any

S

material or combination thereof. For ease of explanation, the term wine glass' will be. used throughout.

The wine glass 1 comprises a ho\vl 3 having an opening 4 at the top into which liquid can he poured and drunk from. From a distal end of the howl 3 extends an elongate stem 5 which can he of any cross-sectional shape. At the distal end of the stem S is a base 7 which is horizontal relative to the stem and is used to support the vine glass 1 on a Hat surface.

The stem and howl may he formed from the same material or may he different materials. For example the howl may he made from plastic and the stem from aluminium.

tim wine glass I shown in Figure 1(a) is configured to be collapsible from the shown configuration into the contiguration shown in ligure 1(b). this is by means of the stem S being telescopic, i.e. with at least one portion of the stern being tubular and arranged to receive. within its interior, part of another stern portion.As shown in Figure 1(h), this telescopic stem S arrangement allows the howl 3 to he movable downwards towards the base 7 which lowers the centre of gravity and makes spillage, e.g. due to aircraft, train or car motion, less likely. It also permits easy storage. For the avoidance of doubt, note that the shape or capacity or integrily of the ho\vl 3 does not change.

Referring to Figure 2, it will he seen that the stein S in this case comprises first, second and third stem portions 11, 13, 15. the first portion 11 is telescopically located within a bottom opening of the second portion 13, which is tubular. the second portion 13 is telescopically located within a bottom opening of the third stem portion IS. which is'ls() tubular. In this case, the third stem portion 15 may also telescopically locate within a hollow base section 17 which extends from the lower outer surface of the bowl 3.

Any number of telescopic sections may be provided.

Referring now to Figure 3, a second embodiment will he described.

Figures 3(a) and 3(h) show a wine glass 20 in First ruse) and second (stowed) configurations. tn Figure. 3(a), the wine glass 20 comprises a howl 21 with upper opening 22.An elongate stem 23 extends from the bottom of the bowl 21 to a base 25, in an eccentric manner with the stein being off-centre with a general C-shape. the connection between the stern 23 and the base 25 is by a hinge or pivotible connection, which enables the stern and base to rotate relative to the howl 21 into the configuration shown in Figure 3(h). The connection between the stem 23 and base 23 is reinforced by a fillet 28.

The outer surface of the howl 21 has an elongate slot-like recess 26 formed therein, shaped and dimensioned so that the stem 23, when fully rotated to the Figure 3(b) position, will locate neatly within the recess as shown, and the base 23 will locate over the opening 22 to provide a cover.

The stem 23 and recess 23 may together he dimensioned so that there is a friction fit between the two, which holds the wine glass 20 in the Figure 3(h) position, without gravity causing the reverse motion. Rather, user force is required tire-assume the Figure 3(a) position.

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show perspective views corresponding to tigures 3(a) and 3(b).

Thus, it will he appreciated that, in the presence of aircraft, train or car motion, spillage can he avoided or minimised by rotating the stem 23 and base 25 to the stowed configuration, in which case the base covers the opening 22, and the wine glass 20 can he hand-held until the motion, e.g. turbulence, subsides, at which point the initial configuration can he returned-to for standing the glass on a tray.

Third and fourth embodiments will now be described.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a third embodiment wine glass 30 is shown in respective extended and collapsed configurations.

Figures 5(a-(c) show different views of the glass 30 in the extended form, comprising a howl 31, stem 33 and base 33. The stem 33 and base 35 are integrally formed hut can he formed separately and connected together. An optional lid 37 is also provided which has a lower projecting collar with a thread on it outer surface for engaging the inner circumferential surface of the howl 31 having a corresponding thread.

As shown particularly in Figure 5(c), the howl 31 has an integrally formed hollow sleeve 39 projecting inwardly and upwards from the howl's base, into the interior space of the bowl. The sleeve 39 has an internal channel 40 which is sealed from the bowl's interior so that no liquid can pass from the bowl to the channel.

The stern 33 and channel 40 are dimensioned such that the stem 33 can move up and down in the manner of a piston-and-cylinder, thereby providing the extended and collapsed configurations (see also Figure 6(c)). The cross-sectional shape of the channel 40 and stem 33 are the same or similar to ensure a reasonably tight fit, and in this case are circular but can be of any shape. As Figure 6(c) shows, the length of the stern 33 and channel 40 are dimensioned so that the stem is almost entirely within the sleeve when collapsed.

A locking system is arranged for selectively and temporarily locking the relative position of the stem 33 within the channel 40 in the extended and collapsed configurations. Ibis system will he described, although it will he appreciated that alternatives are possible. In overview, the outer surface of the stem 33 comprises upper and lower protrusions, longitudinally spaced apart.

which enguge with indentations within the channel 40 to secure the stem in place in each position.

First, as shown clearly in Figures 5(c) and 6(c), there are Iwo sets of indentations formed in the inner surface of the channel 40; a lower locking portion 41 comprises two pairs of indentations or shallow recesses Formed near the base of the sleeve 3c, and an upper locking portion 43 comprises two pairs of indentations formed near the top of the sleeve. Each pair of indentations so referred to, are diamethcally-opposed either side of the channel 40. The use of two such pairs provides stubility but in theory single pairs can be enployed.

Referring now to Figure 7. a close-up of the stem 33 is shown. A lower locking member 51 comprises a single pair of dianietrically opposed protnisions or studs fornied on the outer surface of the stem 33.An upper locking member 52 comprises two pairs of diametrically opposed protrusions or studs likewise formed on the outer surface, in the corresponding plane to the lower member 51.

Tt will therefore he apparent that, in the extended position shown in Figure 5(c), the two pairs fonning the upper locking member 52 locate within the correspondingly-positioned recesses of the lower locking portion 41. Tn the collapsed configuration shown in Figure 6(c), said pairs of the upper locking member 52 locate within the recesses of the upper locking portion 43; at the same time, the pair of studs forming of the lower locking member 51 locate within the lower-two recess of the lower locking portion 41, providing an overall secure fit.

Travel between the two positions is by means of sliding travel along an internal longitudinal groove, and locating the locking parts together is by means of a twist, or bayonet-type engagement. Referring to Figures 8(a) and 8(h). the stem 33 is first fed into the channel 40 by means of sliding the upper locking studs 53 within a pair of insertion grooves 54 on opposed parts of the inner snrface of the channel 40. The stem 33 is then rotated counter-clockwise (as indicated by the arrows) and the studs 33 locate into recesses of the lower locking portion 41 ready for use in the extended configuration. A further set of longitudinal grooves 55, opposed on the inner surface of the channel 40, extend between the lower and upper portions 41, 43.

the grooves 55 are entered by means of rotating the stem 33, again counter-clock\vise. causing the studs 53 to pass through corresponding circumferential or helical channels, at \vhich point they can then slide up\vardly through grooves 55 towards the upper portion 43. In this position, locking is achieved by rotating the stem 33 clockwise, thereby causing the studs 51, 53 to rotate back through a further set of circumferential/helical channels, away from the grooves 53, and into the locked position sho\vn in Figure 6(c. *The relative twist motions are indicated by I, TI and III in Figure Sb.

It will therefore he appreciated that selective movement between the extended and collapsed configurations can he achieved simply by user twist action. In either configuration, the engagement between the stem 33 and bowl 31 is stthle.

A further feature of the third em[)odiment glass 30 is that the inner space \vithin the stem 33, \vhich his hollow, can accept and store a quantity of fluid such as xvater. This perniits water to he frozen within the channel 40 for chilling drink, e.g. wine or champagne, in the collapsed con figuration without diluting it.

Referring to Figures 9(a-(c) the cap 37 is sho\vn in more detail. The cap 37 comprises a rim 61 joined to a base 62 via a frusto-conical surface 63. A collar-like bezel 64 projects downwards from the rim 61 and carries a screw-thread 65 for removably engaging with a like-formed thread 67 disposed on the inner upper rim of the howl 31 (see Figure 8). Tn this way, the drinking surface on the outer of the bowl's rim is not affected.A handle 66 projects upwardly from the centre of the lid's base 62 to enable convenient and selective screwing and unscrewing.

the cap 37 therefore permits selective sealing and unsealing of the glass 30, which is useful if used on a flight, in a car or on a train journey where spillage may occur. This in addition to the collapsible state of the glass (which lowers its centre of gravity) prevents or reduces the chances of spillage.

Figures 10(a) and) shows the cal) 37 used on an alternative form of glass 70, which is non-stem\vare, hut rather a tumbler.

As mentioned, the receptacles of the embodiments can he employed with different sized and shaped bowls, and formed of any material, whether plasncs material, glass or crystal glass, for example. the material can be of any colour and not necessarily transparent.

As noted, the bowl of all enthodiments can he provided with a separate lid, for example a screw top lid, which connects to or over the rim of the howl by means of co-operating spiral threads provided on the rim.

A crown cap can he used.

Tn addition, or alternatively, the howl can he provided with a removable seal which is initially adhered to the rim. A pull-tab cab he provided to facilitate the user removing the seal to facilitate opening. the product can be provided with both the separate lid and the seal underneath, with the seal being disposable, and the hd reusable. the seal can be formed of aluminium fbil, or similar material.

The howl can have a lip on the rim.

Tt will he appreciated that the above described embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will he apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present application.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should he understood to include any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A liquid receptacle comprising a bowl connected to a stern which is connected to a base, wherein the stern is arranged to he rnovahle relative to the howl between first and second configurations.
2. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the howl comprises a sleeve extending inwardly from the howl's lo\ver external surface within which the stem is connected and rnovahle selectively between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration.
3. A receptacle according to claim 2, arranged such that, in the collapsed configuration, the majority of the. stem's length is within the sleeve.
4. A receptacle according to clairn 2 or claim 3, wherein the interior sur&ce of the sleeve comprises upper and lower spaced-apart locking portions and the outer surface of the stern comprises a locking member which, in use, engages with the respective sleeve locking portions iii the extended and collapsed configurations.
5. A receptacle according to claim 4, wherein an elongate guide groove or flange extends between the upper and lower locking portions on the interior surface of the sleeve to guide the stem locking member between said locking portions.
6. A receptacle according to claim 4 or clairn 5, wherein the outer surface of the stem comprises upper and lower locking naenahers. spaced apart by substantially the same distance as the sleeve upper and lower Jncking portions, such that. \vhen in the extended configuration, the upper locking naemher is engaged \vith the lower locking portion. and in the collapsed configuration, the upper and lower locking memhers are engaged with the upper and lower locking portions respectively.
7. A receptacle according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein a pair of upper and a pair of lower sleeve locking portions are provided and the stem comprises a pair of upper locking memhers arranged to engage, in the extended configuration, with the pair of lower locking portions and, in the collapsed configuration, with the pair of upper locking portions.
8. A receptacle according to claim 7, wherein the stern furthe.r comprises a pair of lower locking members arranged to engage the pair of lo\ver sleeve locking portions in the collapsed c on figu ra ii on.
9. A receptacle according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the upper and lower locking portions comprise an L-shape or bayonet -type engagement for the stem locking member(s).
10. A receptacle according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the or each stem locking member comprises a pair of protrusions on opposite sides of the stem.
11. A drinks receptacle comprising a bow] with an interior sleeve extending from the]over surface of the bowl base, and a stem shaped so as to be at least partially locatable and movable within the sleeve be.tveen extended and collapsed contigurations. wherein one or more L or bayonet -type locking portions are provided so that the stem in use. can he selectively locked in each of the extended and collapsed conFigurations.
12. A receptacle according to any of claims 2 to II, wherein the sleeve is arranged in both contigurations to provide a liquid-retaining space, e.g. for holding frozen liquid.
13. A receptacle according to claim 12, wherein the sleeve is arranged such that the liquid-retaining space is substantially adjacent the wall of the sleeve, and extends around the majority of said wall.
14. A receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the rim of the Howl comprises a lid engagement portion, e.g. a screw thread, on the interior sur&ce.
15. A receptacle according to claim 14, furuher comprising a removable lid for sealing the bowl by means of a cooperating engagement portion on its exterior surface.
16. A receptacle according to claim 13. wherein the renu)val)le lid comprises a recessed upper surface with a gripping member extended upwardly from the recessed upper surface.
17. A drinks receptacle comprising a bowl with an upper rim, and a removable lid for sealing the bowl, wherein the lid is arranged to connect to the bowl by means of co-operating engagement portions located on an external surface of the. lid and an internal surface of the bowl, adjacent the upper rim.
18. A drinks receptacle according to claim 17, wherein the co-operating engagement portions comprise screw-thread portions.
19. A drinks receptacle according te claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the removable lid comprises a recessed upper surface with a gripping member on the recessed surface.
20. A drinks receptacle according to claim 19, wherein the height of said gripping member is such that it does not extend beyond the rini of the bowl when connected thereto.
21. A drinks receptacle according to any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising a stem connected to the lower surface of the howl. which stem is movable relative, to the howl betveen extended and collapsed configurations.