WO2005021389A2

WO2005021389A2 - Drinking vessel stabilization system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2005021389A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/028190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey Covey
Original assignee: Jeffrey Covey
Priority date: 2003-08-29
Filing date: 2004-08-30
Publication date: 2005-03-10
Also published as: WO2005021389A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for stabilization and/or storage of drinking vessels. The vessel is provided with a stabilizer coupled to a base of the vessel. A stabilization plate which is attracted to the stabilizer is coupled to an object, such as a wall. The stabilizer has a strong enough attraction with the stabilization plate to maintain the drinking vessel in a relative stationary position.

Description

DRINKING VESSEL STABILIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

By: Jeff Covey

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/499,033, filed August 29, 2003 and entitled "Drinking Glass Stabilization," which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to drinking vessels, and more particularly to drinking vessel stabilization and storage.

Description of Related Art [0003 ] Conventionally, it is desirable to keep kitchenware such as drinking vessels in a convenient location, but one that is not "in the way" or likely to cause the kitchenware to be knocked over (e.g., in a middle of a kitchen countertop). Typically, kitchenware are stored in cabinets or arranged in such a manner as to keep a countertop as clear as possible. Thus, for example, glasses (i.e., drinking vessels) may be stacked in a corner section on the countertop. However, in smaller kitchens, such as those found in studios, aircrafts, boats, and recreational vehicles, space is extremely limited both on countertops and in cabinets. In these situations, a user is limited to the number of glasses they may have. While this may not be a problem for everyday use, it does become an issue should guests require the use of additional glasses. [0004] A further disadvantage of conventional systems for kitchenware storage is that glassware, especially when stacked, is typically unstable. If the storage area experiences vibrations such as from an earthquake or movement of the vehicle, the glassware may move and/ or fall from their storage location. [0005] Along similar lines, glasses used on moving vehicles such as airplanes and trains are subject to constant vibration and/ or turbulence. If the glasses are in use (e.g., filled with a liquid), there is a possibility that the contents of the glasses may spill or the glass, itself, may fall from its current location. [0006] Therefore, there is a need for a drinking vessel stabilization system and method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a system and method for stabilization of drinking vessels. The stabilization further provides for unique storage capabilities. [0008] In exemplary embodiments, a vessel is provided with a stabilizer coupled to a base of the vessel. The stabilizer may be a magnet. The stabilizer may be coupled to the vessel via a socket formed in the base of the vessel. Both the stabilizer and the socket may be formed in any shape or size needed. Further, the vessel may be provide with a notch for increase gripping stability. [0009] A stabilization plate which is attracted to the stabilizer is coupled to an object, such as a wall, ceiling, or countertop. In embodiments where the stabilizer is a magnet, the stabilization plate is comprised of a magnetically-attractive material. The stabilizer has a strong enough attraction with the stabilization plate to maintain the drinking vessel in a relative stationary position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGs. la-lb are exemplary embodiments of drinking vessels having a stabilizer, according to the present invention; [0011] FIG. lc are alternative drinking vessels; [0012] FIG. Id are the alternative glassware of FIG. lc having the stabilizer of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2a shows one embodiment of a stabilization system in use within an environment; [0014] FIG. 2b is an alternative embodiment of a stabilization system in use within an environment; [0015] FIG. 3 shows the present invention utilized in a vertical position; [0016] FIG. 4 shows the present invention utilized in an inverted position; and [0017] FIG. 5 is an alternative environment in which the present invention may be practiced.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The present invention provides a system and method for stabilizing drinking vessels. The present invention further provides an innovative storage system for the stabilized drinking vessels. While the invention will be discussed with regards to drinking vessels, it should be noted that the basic ideas of the present invention may be practiced with other vessels, kitchenware, or items. [0019] FIG. la shows one embodiment of a drinking vessel 100 having a stabilizer 102. A socket 104 is formed generally centered on an underside 108 of a base 106 of the drinking vessel 100 for receiving the stabilizer 102. In the present embodiment, the socket 104 is generally circular and extends into an interior of the drinking vessel 100. However, the socket 104 may be formed in any shape or size to fit the stabilizer 102 or vice-versa. Further, the base 106 may be constructed in such a manner that the socket 104 will not extend into the interior of the glass. For example, the base 106 may comprise a thickness that is the same or slightly thicker than the stabilizer 102; thus allowing for the socket 104 to be completely encompassed within a planar base 106. [0020] The stabilizer 102 is, in exemplary embodiments, firmly anchored in the socket 104 in a suitable manner. For example, the stabilizer 102 may be glued or bonded in the socket 104. Ideally, the stabilizer 102 will not protrude from the socket 104, but will either be flushed with the underside 108 of the base 106 or located slightly indented within in the socket 104. Furthermore, the stabilize 102 may be made of a material that is denser than a material of the drinking vessel 100, thus augmenting stability produced by gravity when the drinking vessel 100 is in an upright position. In alternative embodiments, the stabilizer 102 is not directly affixed to the drinking vessel 100, but coupled via other means. [0021] In exemplary embodiments, the stabilizer 102 is a magnet. The magnet may be of various strengths. As previously discussed, the magnet may also be of any shape and/ or size to be accommodated within the socket 104. In further embodiments, the stabilizer 102, such as the magnet, may be extremely thin. In these embodiments, the socket 104 may not be necessary, and the stabilizer may be directly applied to the underside 108 of the base 106. [0022] Referring now to FIG. lb, an alternative drinking vessel 110 having a stabilizer 112 is shown. The alternative drinking vessel 110 is of a different shape than that of FIG. la, but the stabilizer 112 is similar to that used in FIG. la. In this embodiment, the drinking vessel 110 is a wineglass, and a socket 114 is integrated with a stem 116 of the drinking vessel 110. The socket 114 may be small than, larger than, or of similar size with the stem 116. Furthermore, if the stem 116 is hollow, the socket may be a lower portion of the stem 116. As previously discussed, the socket 114 may not be necessary if the stabilizer 112 is thinly formed. Thus, the principles of the present invention may be practiced on any size and shape drinking vessel or similar products. For example, the present invention may apply to bowls, vases, or any other product that may require stability. [0023] FIG. lc shows alternative embodiments of drinking vessel 120 that may be used in accordance with the present invention. The drinking vessels 120 have a notch 122 formed into a side of the drinking vessel 120. The notch 122 is sized and shaped to accommodate a finger of a user, and thus provides a better grip to the user. For example, holding the drinking vessel 120 in a user's hand, a thumb or index finger will fit along the notch 122. Although the notch 122a is shown formed near a base 124a of the drinking vessel 120a, alternative embodiments may locate the notch anywhere on the side of the drinking vessel 120 (e.g., near a middle section of the drinking vessel 120, up a quarter of a length of the side of the drinking vessel 120, etc.) In the drinking vessel 120b, the notch 122b is located adjacent a bottom of a fluid compartment 125. Furthermore, more than one notch 122 may be applied to the side of the drinking vessel 120. [0024] Referring now to FIG. Id, the drinking vessels 120 of FIG. lc are provided with a stabilizer 126 within a socket 128. The manufacture, function, and usage of the drinking vessels 120 having the stabilizer 126 are the same as that discussed with respect to FIGs. la and lb. [0025] It should be noted that the drinking vessels 100, 110, and 120 of FIGs. la- Id may be made of virtually any material. For example, the exemplary drinking vessels 100, 110, and 120 may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, glass, ceramics, plastic, or resins. While the drinking vessels 100, 110, and 120 are illustrated as being composed of a clear material, alternatively, the drinking vessels may be opaque. In these embodiments, the stabilizer 102, 112, and 126 may not be visible through the base 106, 124 of the drinking vessels 100, 110, and 120 as viewed from above, or from a side of, the drinking vessels 100, 110, and 120. [0026] In further embodiment, a thin layer of material seals the stabilizer 102, 112, and 126 within the socket 104, 114, and 128. The material may be of the same material as the rest of the drinking vessel 100, 110, and 120. Thus, this embodiment provides a hidden stabilizer 102, 112, and 126 which preserves the aesthetic appearance of the drinking vessel 100, 110, and 120 while still providing stabilization. [0027] A stabilization system comprising the stabilized drinking vessels of FIGs. la, lb, and Id. will now be discussed in detail. While the stabilization system will describe a magnetic stabilizer in use with magnetic-attractive structures, these are merely exemplary embodiments, and the present invention should not be limited thereto. [0028] Referring now to FIG. 2a, an exemplary stabilization system 200 is shown. The stabilization system 200 comprises a stabilized drinking vessel 202, similar to that of FIG. la, and a stabilization plate 204. The stabilization plate 204 is coupled to a surface of an object 206, such as a countertop or table. In exemplary embodiments, the stabilization plate 204 is directly mounted or affixed to the object 206. It should be noted that the stabilization plate 204 may be of any size, shape, or thickness. Furthermore, a plurality of stabilization plates 204 may be provided on one object 206. [0029] According to exemplary embodiments, the stabilization plate 204 is comprised of a magnetic- attractive material (e.g., metallic) which attracts a magnetic stabilizer 208 coupled to the drinking vessel 202. The attraction between the magnetic stabilizer 208 and the stabilization plate 204 is strong enough to maintain the drinking vessel 202 and prevent the drinking vessel 202 from tipping over or falling off the object 206 if a sight force is applied to the drinking vessel 202. [0030] In exemplary embodiments, the stabilization plate 204 further comprises a plurality of indentations 210, each of which accommodates a base 212 of the drinking vessel 202. The indentations 210 provide guidance as to where to position the drinking vessel 202. In exemplary embodiments, the indentations 210 are circular. However, alternative embodiments may form the indentations 210 in other shapes, or the stabilization plate 204 may comprise a plurality of indentations 210 of various shapes and sizes. In a further embodiment, the stabilization plate 204 may only comprise a magnetic- attractive material in the indentation 210 area. It should be noted that the present embodiment may be practiced without any indentations 210. [0031] Referring now to FIG. 2b, an alternative embodiment of a stabilization system 220 is provided. In this embodiment, a stabilization plate 222 comprising magnetic-attractive material is built into an object 224, wherein only a portion of the object 224 is shown. For example, a steel plate (i.e., the stabilization plate 222) may be formed into a countertop or table (i.e., the object 224) by providing a thin layer of laminate 226 over the steel plate. The laminate 226 provides an attractive appearance to the countertop without affecting magnetic, properties. While the stabilization system 220 is shown having a smooth surface, alternative embodiments may comprise indentations. [0032] FIG. 3 shows an alternative environment where the present invention may be practiced. A stabilization system 300 is now provided on a vertical surface 302, wherein only a portion of the vertical surface 302 is shown. Thus, a stabilization plate 304 is affixed or coupled to the vertical surface 302 (e.g., a wall). As can be seen in this example, indentations 306 in the stabilization plate 304 provide extra support to the stabilization system 300. Although magnetic attraction between a magnetic stabilizer 308 in a drinking vessel 310 and the stabilization plate 304 is strong enough to maintain the drinking vessel 310 in a vertical position, indentations 312 in the stabilization plate 304 may be provided to give further support. These indentations 312 will prevent the drinking vessel 310 from sliding vertically downward because a base of the drinking vessel 310 will be held within the indentation 312. This is important if the stabilization plate 304 has a smooth surface. [0033] Taking the embodiment of FIG. 3 further, a plurality of stabilization plates 304 or one very large stabilization plate 304 may be positioned on a wall, for example, of a bar or restaurant. Drinking vessels are then stored along the stabilization plate(s) 304. The drinking vessels 310 may be of varying colors, shapes, and sizes. By positioning these drinking vessels 310 in certain locations and/or removing them for use, artistic designs may be generated by the drinking vessels 310 and/ or the stabilization plate(s) 304. For example, the stabilization plate(s) 304 may comprise various designs or colors, which placement of drinking vessels 310 over may cover. As drinking vessel 310 are removed, the designs or colors will show through. [0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, another alternative environment where the present invention may be practiced is shown. Here, the stabilization system 400 is inverted. Thus, a stabilization plate 402 is affixed or otherwise coupled to a ceiling or bottom of an object 404 (e.g., a cabinet), wherein only a portion of the object 404 is shown. In the present example, the stabilization plate 402 is shown as not having indentations for placement of a base of the drinking vessel. However, alternative embodiments may provide a plurality of indentations such as those shown in FIG 3. [0035] Although FIGs. 2-4 show various stabilization systems oriented in horizontal and vertical positions, the present invention may be practiced in any orientation. Thus, if an object has a slope, for example, of 45 degrees, the stabilization system may be oriented at the same slope. [0036] FIG. 5 shows an alternative environment in which the present invention may be practiced. In this embodiment, a stabilization plate 502 is a mobile metallic tray. Alternatively, the stabilization plate 502 is coupled to or embedded (similarly to that of FIG. 2b) within a tray. Thus, a user may carry a plurality of filled drinking vessels or other types of vessels and not have to worry about any of the vessels tipping over or falling off the tray. This stabilization system is ideal for use on, for example, an airplane, train, ship, or any other vehicle. Similarly, tabletops, seatback trays, and counters on these vehicles may be provided with the stabilization plate 502. [0037] The present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made and other embodiments can be used without departing from the broader scope of the present invention. As previously suggested, the present invention may be utilized with other vessels such as bowls, vases, plates, and so forth. Therefore, these and other variations upon the specific embodiments are intended to be covered by the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A vessel stabilization system comprising: a vessel having a stabilizer coupled to a base of the vessel; and a stabilization plate configured to attract the stabilizer and maintain the vessel in a stationary position.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the stabilizer comprises a magnet and the stabilization plate is composed of a magnetically- attractive material.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the vessel comprises a socket for receiving the stabilizer.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the vessel comprises a drinking vessel.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the stabilization plate comprises at least one indentation for positioning the vessel.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the at least one indentation is composed of a magnetically-attractive material.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the stabilization plate is formed within an object.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the vessel comprises a notch.

9. A stabilized vessel system comprising: a vessel have a base; and a stabilizer coupled to the base and configured to maintain the vessel in a stationary position.

10. The system of claim 9 further comprising a socket formed within the base and configured to receive the stabilizer.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein the stabilizer comprises a magnet.

12. The system of claim 9 wherein the vessel comprises a drinking vessel.

13. The system of claim 9 wherein the vessel is made of glass.

14. The system of claim 9 wherein the vessel is made of plastic.

15. The system of claim 9 wherein the vessel comprises a notch.

16. A drinking vessel grip system comprising: a drinking vessel; and a notch located along a side of the drinking vessel.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the notch is located adjacent a base of the drinking vessel.

18. The system of claim 16 wherein the notch is located at a bottom of a fluid compartment.

19. The system of claim 16 further comprising a stabilizer coupled to the drinking vessel.

20. The system of claim 16 wherein the vessel is made of glass.

21. The system of claim 16 wherein the vessel is made of plastic.