GB2539025A

GB2539025A - Drink receptacle

Info

Publication number: GB2539025A
Application number: GB1509694.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fallon Timothy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-04
Filing date: 2015-06-04
Publication date: 2016-12-07
Also published as: GB201509694D0

Abstract

A drink receptacle comprises a base 1, one or more inner cup 14 and an outer cup 12. The outer cup and each inner cup have at least one wall 5, 3 extending upwards from the base. The product can be made from glass or a plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The walls of the inner and outer cups may define a profile having a shape such as a circle. These walls may be tapered outwards and the base may comprise a recess (not shown). The product may also have a sealing lid 16 formed from a plastic or aluminium film that may include one or more tab 18 to facilitate the removal of the sealing lid. In use the two or more distinct cups accommodate two or more volumes of liquid in an unmixed state such that the drinks receptacle is especially suited for assisting in the preparation of bomb cocktails.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1509694.4 RTM Date:13 November 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Jagenneister (page 1) Red Bull (page 1) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo Drink Receptacle

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a drink receptacle product, especially suited for assisting in preparation of bomb cocktails. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel drink receptacle having two or more distinct cups, to accommodate two or more volumes of liquid in an unmixed state.

Background of the Invention

Cocktails have proven to be popular drinks for consumers throughout Europe and America over the last two hundred years, and continue to be so.

In recent years there has been a surge in the popularity of cocktails known as "bombs". A bomb cocktail usually consists of two distinct drinks, served in combination in two separate glasses. Two well known examples of bomb cocktails are; the "Jager Bomb" which is formed by preparing a relatively large, wide drinking glass (typically a beer mug, or pint glass) of Red Bull ®, into which subsequently a relatively small glass (shot glass or pousse café glass) of Jagermeister 0 is dropped prior to the bomb cocktailing being presented to the end consumer to ingest; and the "Boilermaker Bomb", which is formed by preparing a relatively large, wide drinking glass (typically a beer mug, or pint glass) of beer/ale, into which subsequently a relatively small glass (shot glass or pousse café glass) of whiskey is dropped, prior to the bomb cocktail being presented to the end consumer to ingest. Many other bomb cocktails are known and served to consumers in bars and the list of possibilities is too numerous to list here. However, it is common for bomb cocktails to provide a mixer in a larger drinks glass, and an alcoholic shot in a smaller drinks glass, the latter being submerged in the former prior to drinking by the end consumer.

Currently, bars and pubs wanting to serve such drinks to their customers have to prepare each bomb cocktail on demand. As the preparation of such a bomb cocktail requires the preparation of one glass of liquid, followed by the preparation of a second glass of liquid, and then the introduction of one of said glasses to the other, the preparation of each cocktail bomb is relatively time consuming. This is a problem for very busy bars and clubs where speed of turn over in preparation of each drink ordered is a limiting factor on the amount of return the bar can provide.

Summary of the Invention

Although there is a considerable consumer desire for such cocktail bomb drinks in the UK (and else where) at present, there is no glassware or other drinks receptacle product which enables such drinks to be pre-packaged and distributed for ingestion by consumers at a later time, or date. Similarly, although drinks receptacles are known to assist in a bar tender more easily preparing a pousse café, where one (or more) liquid drink is "floated" on top of one ore more other liquid drink, there is no known drink receptacle product which will assist in speeding up the preparation of a bomb cocktail.

In addition, hitherto no drink receptacle product has been provided which would also allow supermarkets and off licences, or the like, to sell bomb cocktails in a pre-prepared form for home consumption by a consumer.

Furthermore, it is common for consumers drinking cocktail bombs to drink the finally prepared drink immediately after its preparation, in a very short time frame. Then the glass in which the drink has been prepared is often discarded immediately. This often results in a significant time delay between a group of drinkers requiring further drinks, and the used glassware having been cleaned to meet the consumers need. Alternatively, it is common that discarded glassware is often broken. The result of this is broken glass, often underfoot, which obviously posses a risk of injury to consumers and those responsible for cleaning up said discarded glasses. As such, in some embodiments, the present invention looks to replace the use of glassware, with the use of a drink receptacle product formed from a suitable plastic, which ensures the abovementioned problems of serving glassware to customers is negated.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drink receptacle product comprising a base, and one or more inner cup, each inner cup having at least one wall extending upwards from said base, and an outer cup, having at least one wall extending upwards from said base.

The base of the drinks receptacle should be understood to be that part of the receptacle which serves to close or seal the combination of the one or more cup walls and the base, to form at least two container or cup areas for the holding of a liquid; this base is opposed to the open upper end of the drink receptacle product which allows a liquid to be introduced into the said cups, and for the contained liquids to be ingested by the consumer, when in use. Furthermore it should be understood that each cup area formed is adapted such that it is suitable to hold a liquid. Said cup area may be referred to as a "cup" or "cups" within the present disclosure.

Each liquid is contained within its intended cup and as such two or more liquids are prevented from mixing with one another (one liquid in each of the provided two or more cups), until an intended time, for example when they are intended to be ingested by a consumer.

Preferably the one or more inner cup is formed to provide a total internal volume capacity of between 25 to 50 millilitres. The one or more inner cups are intended to hold one or two shots of alcohol as is commonly utilised in cocktail bomb recipes. However, the total volume provided by the one or more inner cup could be more or less depending on the actual cocktail bomb to be prepared in the drink receptacle product.

Preferably the outer cup is formed to provide an internal volume capacity of between 120 to 250 millilitres. Again, the outer cup is intended to hold the larger portion of the bomb cocktail recipe; this will typically be a non-alcoholic mixer, or a low alcohol component. However, the total volume of the outer cup could be more or less than the range stated here, depending on the actual bomb cocktail to be prepared in the drink receptacle.

In one embodiment, preferable the drink receptacle product is formed substantially from glass. Such a material will provide a robust product, which will withstand repeated use and washing well for the bar or club market.

In an alternative embodiment, preferably the drink receptacle is formed substantially from a plastic material. The use of suitable plastic materials can also provide products which will withstand washing and re-use in a bar or club setting. However, the use of plastic materials are particularly preferred to form a drink receptacle product which is intended from the outset to be used only once, and then discarded or recycled. Most preferably the drink receptacle product is formed from a polyethylene plastic, even more preferably it is prepared from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is also envisaged that the drink receptacle product could also be substantially formed from other suitable materials for containing liquids, such as a plastic coated paper carton.

When the drink receptacle product is substantially formed from a plastic material, it is preferable that drink receptacle product is formed by the attachment of each of the one or more inner cup one or more walls, and the attachment of the outer cup one or more walls, to the base, in turn. This may suitable be achieved by the known temperature moulding techniques to provide two or more cups able to hold a volume of liquid. Alternatively, the drink receptacle product may be produced in a single plastic moulding method.

Preferably the one or more inner cup consists of one cup; that is there is only one inner cup, placed within the confines of the at least one wall of the outer cup.

However, it is envisaged that two or more inner cups could be present to provide more complex cocktail bombs for consumers, if desirable.

Preferable the one inner cup is located approximately centrally within the at least one wall of the outer cup.

Preferably all of the inner and outer cup walls present are of substantially the same height, i.e. they extend upwards from the base of the drink receptacle to the same extent. The cup walls being of the same height will facilitate the adhesion of a seal member over the top of the cups to prevent the mixing of the two or more liquids contained therein during transportation, for example from a production facilitate to a distributor, or from a supermarket to the home of a consumer. This aspect of the present invention will be discussed further, below.

The at least one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup may provide a profile of one shape. The at least one wall extending from the base of the one or more inner cups may provide a profile of one shape. The shapes provided by the walls of the inner and outer cups may be the same or different. For example, the at least one wall extending upwards from said base cup of the inner and/or outer cup may provide a profile of one shape, which may be circular (comprising one wall), square (comprising four walls), hexagonal (comprising six walls), octagonal (comprising eight walls), or provide any other suitable shape as limited by the manufacturing processes and/or cost of manufacture employed. Alternatively, the at least one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup and the at least one wall extending upwards from said base of the one or more inner cups may be of a similar profile to provide the same shape. Most preferably the at least one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup, and the at least one wall extending upwards from said base of the one or more inner cups, is circular in shape.

Additionally, or alternatively, there is provided a drink receptacle product comprising a base, and one inner cup, the inner cup having one wall extending upwards from said base, and an outer cup, having one wall extending upwards from said base, wherein the one inner cup is located approximately centrally within the one wall of the outer cup, wherein the one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup, and one wall extending upwards from said base of the one inner cup, are circular in shape. Such an arrangement of circular inner and outer cups can facilitate the stacking of two or more used drinks receptacles prior to cleaning, recycling or disposal (as appropriate).

In addition, preferably the one wall extending upwards from said base of the inner cup, and the one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup, both taper outwards as the walls extend from the base. That is, the cups become wider as they walls extend from the base. Such a tapered wall arrangement will further enhance the ability to stack two or more drink receptacle products according to the present invention, as the cups, will more easily slid into one another. This will allow for space saving upon storage of the drink receptacle product prior to introduction of the liquids to be consumed, or prior to used drinks receptacle products being disposed of, or recycled or re-used.

In addition to any of the embodiments described above, the base of the drink receptacle product may comprise a recess. Said recess may be shaped and positioned to accommodate the upper portion of a corresponding cup wall on a second similarly designed drink receptacle product. Again such an arrangement would facilitate the stacking of two or more like designed drink receptacle products, for storage.

Additionally, or alternatively, the drink receptacle product, as descried in any embodiment above, may also comprise a sealing member. Said sealing member effectively seals any liquid introduced in to the one or more inner cup, and outer cup of the drink receptacle product to facilitate transport of the drink receptacle whilst holding one or more liquid for later consumption by an end user. It should be understood that the sealing of the one or more inner cup and the outer cup renders the liquid contained in each cup unable to mix with the liquid in the other said cup.

That is, the liquid introduced into each individual cup is sealed therein, until removal of the sealing member shortly prior to ingestion of the bomb cocktail contained in the drink receptacle product. Preventing the liquids from mixing until removal of the sealing member allows a prepared bomb cocktail to be transported, whilst still maintaining the integrity of the prepared bomb cocktail contained in the drink receptacle product. If the liquids making up a desired bomb cocktail were mixed together during transportation, this would destroy the end users enjoyment of the cocktail, as the flavours of the two or more liquids would be entirely mixed together; when ingesting a bomb cocktail the end user will perceive the taste of each component of the bomb cocktail separately to a certain extent.

Preferably said sealing member is formed from a plastic or metal film. Most preferably the sealing member is formed from a metal film. Preferably the metal film is formed from the material commonly known as tin foil, which is generally understood to be a thin aluminium based foil. In embodiments were the sealing member is formed from a plastic film, preferably the plastic film comprises polyvinyl chloride or low density polyethylene. Generally speaking the sealing member may be understood to be a film, or lid, for the product cup (i.e. it seals the "open" end, distal to the base), which is to be removed prior to consumption of a bomb cocktail prepared inside the product cups. It has been noted that consumers generally find the removal of a tin foil lid to be easier, without the aid of any secondary device, as compared to the removal of plastic lids, which often require cutting with scissors or the like.

Additionally, preferably said sealing member is affixed to both the one or more inner cups, and the outer cup, by way of heat sealing, induction sealing, or pressure sealing. They method of sealing employed may depend upon the material of the sealing member, and other external considerations, such as the limitations and or suitability of production line facilities. As explained above the sealing member seals the cups so that the liquid contained in each cup is prevented from mixing with the liquid contained in any other cup, until removal of the sealing member.

Most preferably the sealing member comprises one or more tab. The one or more tab provides an area of sealing member which over hangs the outer cup wall. The one or more tab allows a user an area of sealing member which he/she may grip and manipulate with hand force to elicit the remove of said sealing member. The removal of said sealing member will render any liquid previously placed inside the cups of the drink receptacle product in an "open" state, so that they may be ingested by the end user. Such a sealed product allows for ease of storage and use of a bomb cocktail drink within a bar or home setting. A prepared cocktail bomb may be provided in the drink receptacle product provided by the present invention embodiment, and the prepared cocktail bomb then packaged and shipped to where it is needed, i.e. a supermarket, bar or distribution warehouse for further transportation.

Additionally, where this provided one or more inner cup, each inner cup having at least one wall extending upwards from said base, and the outer cup, having at least one wall extending upwards from said base, preferably all said walls comprise a top portion, which is distal to the base.

Preferably said top portion is substantially flat. More preferably said top portion provides a thickness. Even more preferably said top portion is substantially flat and provides a thickness. Said thickness should be sufficient to provide an area to allow a sealing member to be affixed (or adhered) over the one or more inner cup and outer cup, such that a liquid can be retained in the cups. The top portion may be provided by a lip present at the distal end of the said one or more walls forming the cups or it may be the result of the thickness of said walls its self. Both alternatives have advantages; an overall thickness of wall will give the product strength and robustness, particularly suited to where the product is to be cleaned and reused, the provision of a lip on a otherwise thinner wall with allow the overall weight of the product, and associated cost of manufacturing, to be lower. This latter design may be advantageous for products which are intended to be used only once, and may be especially preferred where the product will be discarded or recycled.

Additionally, or alternatively, preferable the drink receptacle product comprises a sealing member affixed (or adhered) to the said top portions of said walls.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of Example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which; Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention prior to

introduction of a liquid.

Figure 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising a sealing member, and containing a bomb cocktail for consumption.

The drink receptacle product 10 comprises a base 1, and one or more inner cup 14, each inner cup having at least one wall 3 extending upwards from said base 1, and an outer cup 12, having at least one wall 5 extending upwards from said base 1.

For the purpose of illustration and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in Figures 1 and 2 a drink receptacle product 10 is shown. The drink receptacle products 10 are formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and are intended to be for a single use by a consumer. Subsequent to use they may be discarded as general waste, or recycled were facilitates are available.

In Figures 1 and 2 one inner cup 14 is provided with one wall 3 extending from the base 1. The outer cup 12 is also provided with one wall 5 extending from the base 1. As such, both the inner and outer cups 14, 12, are generally circular in shape. It should be understood that the overall shape of the base is not important to the present invention; it is sufficient merely that it be of a suitable size and shape to effectively seal the inner and outer cups 14, 12 so that they are able to contain a liquid. However, in Figures 1 and 2 the base 1 is shown to be circular in shape, corresponding with the shape defined by the outer wall 5, of the outer cup 12. Hence, two distinct cups for accommodating liquids are provided in the embodiments shown.

In both of Figures 1 and 2, the centre of the inner cup 14, is provided in a position generally central to the outer cup 12 wall 5. Both the inner and outer cups 14, 15 are affixed to the base 1 by way of plastic moulding of the inner cup 14 wall 3 (pre shaped) to the base 1, followed by the outer cup 12 wall 5 (pre shaped).

In both of Figure 1 and 2 the height of the inner and outer cup walls 3, 5 are of substantially the same height.

In Figure 1, there the top portion of the walls 5, 7 of both the inner and outer cups 14, 12, are provided with a thickness 7. This thickness is sufficient to allow the drinks receptacle product 10 to have enough strength and rigidity for its intended purpose.

Additionally, the drinks receptacle product 10 shown in Figure 1 may be suitable for utilisation by bar staff in a busy bar environment to facilitate the advance preparation of a bomb cocktail i.e. prior to a bar establishment opening for a busy evening trading period. In this situation, it is envisage that the bar tender would introduce a first liquid to the central inner cup 14, this most likely being an alcoholic shot (typically a volume of liquid of between 25 and 50 millilitres will be required), and subsequently introduce a second liquid to the outer cup 12, this most likely being a mixer for the bomb cocktail being prepared. Due to the fact that the two liquids present in the drink receptacle product 10, are maintained in a state where they are not in contact with one another the two liquids are prevented from mixing which may detract from the consumers' enjoyment of the cocktail bomb at point of consumption. For example, if two liquids were stored in a state where they were in contact with each other for a significant length of time prior to consumption it is highly likely that a certain amount of mixing of the two liquids would occur. The bar tender may then store the prepared bomb cocktail in an unsealed state, in a refrigerator if deemed desirable, until later presentation upon demand to an end consumer. As such, the provision of a drink receptacle product 10 in accordance with the present invention can save time for a bar tender at peak trading times, whilst still maintaining the consumers' expectation that the liquids to be consumed are not merely in a mixed state.

In addition, it is envisages that the drink receptacle product of Figure 1, when used by a bar tender may be sealed by a sealing member (not shown) if deemed necessary. It is envisage, that when the drink receptacle product 10, is being sealed by a bar tender for consumption in a relatively short time, and with out transportation over any great distance being required, that the sealing agent be a plastic wrap comprising polyvinyl chloride or low density polyethylene, as per the commonly available products know as cling film or food wrap.

For situations where the liquids utilised to prepare a bomb cocktail are intended to be stored for longer durations of time, or are intended to be transported over relatively long distances (for example from a production facility to a distribution warehouse, supermarket or home of an end consumer), than a slightly more complex product is required than that described above in relation to Figure 1. A suitable drink receptacle product 10 for longer storage and/or transportation is shown in Figure 2.

In Figure 2, those feature in common with Figure 1, have been assigned reference numerals to accord with similar features as shown in Figure 1; such similar features have been described above. The additional features of Figure 2 will now be described in detail.

In the situation where longer term storage, or transportation of a bomb cocktail within the drink receptacle product of the present invention is envisaged then it will be important that a more resilient sealing member 16 be provided to seal the contents of the bomb cocktail securely within the drink receptacle product 10.

It is envisaged that preparation of cocktail bombs on a larger scale, at a semi/automated production facility may be desirable, as opposed to bar tender preparation of the cocktail for on site of consumption. Such pre-prepared bomb cocktail products may be packaged in multiple or single drink receptacle product 10 units, for wholesale to bar or club establishments, supermarkets, off licences and the like, prior to subsequent sale to consumers for home, or on site of sale, consumption as appropriate.

Figure 2 shows a more complex drink receptacle product 10, which incorporates a more secure or resilient sealing member 16. The product 10 is shown as containing a first liquid 21 in the inner cup 14, the first liquid 21 being a shot of alcohol and present at a volume of 25 millilitres, the over all capacity of the inner cup 14 is approximately 35 millilitres. In addition, the outer cup 12 contains a second liquid 23, in this case the second liquid 23 is a soft drink mixer and is present at a volume of 120 millilitres, and the overall capacity of the outer cup 12 is 145 millilitres. The deliberate oversizing of the cups 12, 14 allows for less accuracy to be employed in an automated filing system.

The height of the inner and outer cup walls 3, 5 are of substantially the same height.

In Figure 2, the top portion of the walls 5, 7 of both the inner and outer cups 14, 12, are provided with a thickness 7, in the form of a lip 9 which extend radially from the walls 5, 7 towards the internal area of the drink receptacle cups. The lip 9 is an optional feature, and may be present on the inner cup, but omitted from the outer cup, as the presence of an outer cup lip may be uncomfortable for a consumer in use. The lip 9 is useful in situations where there is required to be a larger surface area for the adhesion, or affixing, of the sealing member 16. In the present illustrative embodiment the sealing member 16 is in the form of a metal foil, and is provided with a tab 18. Where the prepared bomb cocktail is intended for sale to bar establishments and the like it may be preferred that more than one tab 16 be provided, as this will save time on the part of the bar tender when locating the tab 16 to facilitate removal of the sealing member 16 prior to presentation of the prepared, and ready for consumption bomb cocktail to the end consumer.

In this example the metal foil sealing member 16 has been affixed to the lip 9 of the drinks receptacle product 10 by way of application of heat. Other methods of fixation will be known to the skilled person, such as induction sealing, or pressure sealing, and the method employed will depend upon the material used for the sealing member 16, and the preference of the producer where more than one method of affixing the sealing member 16 is available.

It is also envisaged that the drink receptacle product 10 can be adorned with manufactures, alcohol/drinks brand, or point of sale establishment logos, etc. to make the drink receptacle product more appealing to an end user at point of sale. Such adorned products 10 may have particular utility in drink promotion activities.

Claims

Claims 1. A drink receptacle product comprising, a base, and one or more inner cup, each inner cup having at least one wall extending upwards from said base, and an outer cup, having at least one wall extending upwards from said base.
2. A product according to claim 1, wherein the one or more inner cup is formed to provide a total internal volume capacity of between 25 to 50 millilitres.
3. A product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer cup is formed to provide an internal volume capacity of between 120 to 250 millilitres.
4. A product according to any preceding claim formed substantially from glass.
5. A product according to any one of claims 1 to 3 formed substantially from a plastic material.
6. A product according to claim 5, wherein said plastic material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
7. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more inner cup consists of one cup.
8. A product according to claim 7, wherein the one inner cup is located approximately centrally within the at least one wall of the outer cup.
9. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein all of the inner and outer cup walls present are of substantially the same height.
10. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup may provide a profile of one shape, and the at least one wall extending from the base of the one or more inner cups may provide a profile of one shape, such that the shapes provided by the walls of the inner and outer cups may be the same or different.
11. A product according to claim 10, wherein the at least one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup, and the at least one wall extending upwards from said base of the one or more inner cups, is circular in shape. 5
12. A product according to claim 1, 8 and 11 comprising a base, and one inner cup, the inner cup having one wall extending upwards from said base, and an outer cup, having one wall extending upwards from said base, wherein the one inner cup is located approximately centrally within the one wall of the outer cup, wherein the one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup, and one wall extending upwards from said base of the one inner cup, are circular in shape.
13. A product according to claim 12, wherein the one wall extending upwards from said base of the inner cup, and the one wall extending upwards from said base of the outer cup, both taper outwards as the walls extend from the base.
14. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein said base comprises a recess.
15. A product according to any preceding claim, comprising said one or more inner cup, each inner cup having at least one wall extending upwards from said base, and said outer cup, having at least one wall extending upwards from said base, wherein all said walls comprise a top portion, which is distal to the base.
16. A product according to claim 15, wherein said top portion is substantially flat.
17. A product according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said top portion provides a thickness.
18. A product according to any preceding claim, comprising a sealing member.
19. A product according to claim 18, wherein said sealing member is formed from a plastic or metal film.
20. A product according to claim 19, wherein the sealing member is formed from a metal film and the metal film is formed from a thin aluminium based foil.
21. A product according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein said sealing member is affixed to both the one or more inner cups, and the outer cup, by way of heat sealing, induction sealing, or pressure sealing.
22. A product according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the sealing member comprises one or more tab.
23. A product according to any one of claims 18 to 22 in combination with any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said sealing member is affixed to said top portion of said walls.