Multi-piece vessel

Abstract

A multi-piece vessel includes a receptacle and a base. The securing of the receptacle to the base can be facilitated by one or more steps engaging the receiving portion such that the receptacle and the base, once secured to each other, tend not to become inadvertently separated. The vessel may include a base having a receiving portion defining a receiving aperture. The vessel may also include a receptacle having an upper portion and an insertion portion, the insertion portion including one or more steps. The steps are adapted to secure the insertion portion to the base when the insertion portion is inserted into the base.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/340,470, filed on Jan. 10, 2003, now pending, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to tableware and, more particularly, to vessels.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Increasingly, the use of disposable tableware has become a popular alternative to standard tableware. For example, the use of disposable vessels, such as, for example, disposable wine glasses and champagne flutes, has become prevalent, especially for entertaining large groups of people. These disposable vessels are typically formed of a plastic having suitable properties of rigidity, lightness of weight and relatively low cost of manufacturing.

[0006] A benefit of presently available disposable tableware is that, after use, there is no need for washing and storing of the tableware, as is typically needed with standard tableware. Another benefit is that, because of the relatively lower cost of the disposable tableware, the user need not be concerned with possible damage or breakage as is the case with standard tableware, which is typically relatively fragile. Another benefit of presently available disposable tableware is that, because it is generally relatively inexpensive, it facilitates hosting of large parties at relatively low costs. The presently available disposable tableware, however, also has certain deficiencies.

[0007] One style of disposable tableware is a drinking container, or glass, formed as a single integral piece in the shape of a champagne or wine glass. Typically, this style of disposable glass includes a cup portion, a stem and a base. This style of glass provides the benefits of low cost and elimination of the need for washing the glasses after use. A deficiency, however, of this style of disposable glass is that its shape typically does not facilitate stacking during storage and/or shipping. In addition, also due in part to its shape, there is a relatively large risk of the stem breaking during storing and shipping.

[0008] Another related style of disposable glass is formed as two components which are friction fit together to form a complete glass. The cup is attached to the stem, which fits into the base, and these components are held together by a friction fit. Because this type of disposable glass may be stored and/or shipped as two separate components, stacking, storing and shipping of the disposable glasses is consequently made relatively easier. A deficiency with this type of glass, however, is that the friction fit between components tends to be easily releasable and, at the slightest tug, the base and the cup with stem may be inadvertently detached. A user therefore must make an effort to keep the individual components from separating. If the base detaches, the drinker must reassemble the cup and base before being able to put the drink down, since the cup portion cannot stand independently. As such, a need exists for an improved disposable glass.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention satisfies this need. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for a multi-piece vessel. In an embodiment of the invention, a multi-piece vessel includes a receptacle and a base. The securing of the receptacle to the base can be facilitated by one or more steps engaging one or more retension walls such that the receptacle and the base, once secured to each other, tend not to become inadvertently separated.

[0010] Generally, in an embodiment of the invention, the vessel may include a base having a receiving portion having one or more retension walls. The vessel may also include a receptacle having an upper portion and an insertion portion, the insertion portion including one or more steps. The steps and retension walls are adapted to secure the insertion portion to the base when the insertion portion is inserted into the receiving portion of the base.

[0011] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. It is understood, however, that the drawings are provided solely for the purpose of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0012] In the drawing figures, which are merely illustrative, and wherein like reference numerals depict like elements throughout the several views:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-piece vessel formed in accordance with the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-piece vessel formed in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the insertion portion of FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the receiving portion of FIG. 4;

[0019] FIGS. 7 and 8 are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the base of FIG. 2; and

[0020] FIGS. 9 and 10 are top and bottom views, respectively, of the base of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a front view of another embodiment of a multi-piece vessel formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 11.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a top view of the receptacle of FIG. 11.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a front view of the base of FIG. 11.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a top view of the base of FIG. 11.

[0026] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the insertion portion of FIG. 12.

[0027] FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving portion of FIG. 14.

[0028] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the insertion portion and receving portion of the assembled multi-piece vessel of FIG. 11.

[0029] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a step of the receptacle of FIG. 11.

[0030] FIGS. 20 and 21 are alternate embodiments of the receptacle of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0031] There will now be shown and described in connection with the attached drawing figures several exemplary embodiments of a multi-piece vessel.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a multi-piece vessel 10 in its assembled form. The vessel 10 includes a receptacle 20 that is generally cylindrical, and a base 50. Receptacle 20 may have a generally parabolic shape with a wide top that becomes narrow toward the bottom, in the general style commonly referred to as a champagne flute. In alternative embodiments, receptacle 20 may be formed in other shapes, such as that of a wine glass, or any other suitable shape as a matter of application specific design choice, as determined by one skilled in the art.

[0033] Base 50 and receptacle 20 may be formed of plastic suitable for use as a vessel. Preferably, base 50 and receptacle 20 may be formed of a light weight, relatively low cost plastic or other material having a suitable combination of rigidity and flexibility for the purposes described herein, as is known to those skilled in the art. An embodiment of the invention may be formed of polystyrene. Base 50 and receptacle 20 may be formed of transparent plastic, a clear or tinted translucent plastic, or an opaque plastic, as determined as a matter of design choice. Also, base 50 and receptacle 20 need not be formed of the same material. In addition, while embodiments of the present invention may be formed of plastic, other materials may be used in accordance with the present invention as would be known to one skilled in the art as instructed by the present disclosure.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, receptacle 20 includes an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24. Upper portion 22 includes an outer surface 28 and an inner surface 27 and defines aperture 26, into which a liquid may be poured. Lower portion 24 of receptacle 20 includes an insertion portion 30, which is designed and dimensioned such that it is adapted to be inserted into a receiving portion 60 of base 50, as is discussed in further detail below.

[0035] Base 50 includes a body 52 having an upper surface 54 and a lower surface 56. Base 50 may be formed in a generally circular shape as viewed from the top (see FIGS. 7-10), or may be formed in other shapes as a matter of application specific design choice, so long as base 50 is suitably dimensioned to provide support for vessel 10 when placed on a table top or other supporting surface. A peripheral contact surface 58 is designed and dimensioned such that base 50 and receptacle 20 may be sufficiently supported in a stable manner on a surface such as a table top when liquid is contained within aperture 26. Base 50 may be formed such that lower surface 56 is spaced apart from, and does not contact the table top or other surface as may be contacted by the peripheral contact surface 58. By way of non-limiting example, base 50 may be formed in a substantially dome-shaped form. Base 50 also can include shoulder stop 68, which may facilitate the securing of receptacle 20 to base 50, as is described in further detail below.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 5, insertion portion 30 of receptacle 20 may have an insertion wall 33 having a peripheral rib 31 positioned at the bottom thereof, proximate a bottom wall 34. Bottom wall 34 may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to insertion wall 33. Insertion portion 30 may also have shoulder wall 32 extending outwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from insertion wall 33.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 6, receiving portion 60 of base 50 may define a receiving aperture 65 therein. Displaceable fingers 61 may have an outer wall 62 and an inner wall 63, further defining, in part, receiving aperture 65. Receiving portion 60 may have one or more fingers 61 as a matter of application specific design choice as determined by one skilled in the art, as instructed by the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, receiving portion 60 may have four fingers 61. A retention wall 64 is located at the bottom portion of each of fingers 61. Displaceable fingers 61 are designed and dimensioned such that they may be pivoted or flexed outwardly in direction A about connection portion 66 of the fingers 61. Fingers 61 are formed such that they tend to retain their original position, springingly flexing inwardly in direction B about connection portion 66. Gaps 67 may be defined between fingers 61, to facilitate independent flexing movement of the individual fingers 61 with respect to each other.

[0038] In use, with further reference to FIGS. 2-6, vessel 10 may be stored and/or shipped as separate components receptacle 20 and base 50. In embodiments of the invention, the receptacles 20 and bases 50 of multiple vessels 10 may be nested and/or stacked to facilitate efficient use of space and/or to facilitate shipping and storage of the components with a minimum of damage.

[0039] In use, with continued reference to FIGS. 2-6, receptacle 20 may subsequently be connected to base 50 by way of positioning insertion portion 30 downward in direction C (see FIG. 5) such that insertion portion 30 is positioned at least partially within receiving aperture 65 of receiving portion 60. As insertion portion 30 is moved further downward in direction C, insertion wall 33 and rib 31 of insertion portion 30 come in contact with inner walls 63 of fingers 61 of receiving portion 60, causing fingers 61 to be displaced outwardly in direction A (see FIG. 6). As the ribs 31 clear the retention wall 64 of fingers 61, fingers 61 flex inwardly in direction B such that ribs 31 abut retention wall 64 of fingers 61 (see FIG. 2). With fingers 61 positioned as such, the ribs 31 engage retention wall 64 such that the receptacle 20 will be secured to base 50, and will tend not to separate if receptacle 20 is moved upward in direction D (see FIG. 5).

[0040] In addition, shoulder wall 32 of receiving portion 60 may abut shoulder stop 68 of receiving portion 60 to facilitate a stable positioning of receptacle 20 within base 50 such that vessel 10 may contain a liquid and be placed on a surface such as a table top.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 11, there is shown an alternate embodiment of a multi-piece vessel 110 in its assembled form. The vessel 110 includes a receptacle 120 that is generally cylindrical, and a base 150. Referring to FIG. 12, receptacle 120 may have a wide top that becomes narrow toward the bottom with the top diameter 141 of the receptacle 120 being significantly greater than the midway diameter 142 of the receptacle 120, in the general style commonly referred to as a margarita glass. In alternative embodiments, receptacle 120 may be formed in other shapes, such as that of a martini glass 181 or wine glass 182 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, or any other suitable shape as a matter of application specific design choice, as determined by one skilled in the art as instructed by the present disclosure.

[0042] With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, receptacle 120 includes an upper portion 122 and a lower portion 124. Upper portion 122 includes an outer surface 128 and an inner surface 127 and defines aperture 126, into which a liquid may be poured. Lower portion 124 of receptacle 120 includes an insertion portion 130, which is designed and dimensioned such that it is adapted to be inserted into a receiving portion 160 of base 150, discussed in further detail below.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 11, 14 and 15, base 150 includes a body 152 having an upper surface 154 and a lower surface 156. Base 150 may be formed in a generally circular shape as viewed from the top (see FIG. 15), or may be formed in other shapes as a matter of application specific design choice, so long as base 150 is suitably dimensioned to provide support for vessel 110 when placed on a table top or other supporting surface. A peripheral contact surface 158 is designed and dimensioned such that base 150 and receptacle 120 may be sufficiently supported in a stable manner on a surface such as a table top when liquid is contained within aperture 126. Base 150 can include shoulder stop 168, which may facilitate the securing of receptacle 120 to base 150, as is described in further detail below.

[0044] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 16, in the present embodiment, insertion portion 130 of receptacle 120 has an insertion wall 133 having one or more peripheral steps 131 positioned at the bottom thereof, proximate a bottom wall 134. Bottom wall 134 may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to insertion wall 133. FIG. 19 shows a step in greater detail. Step(s) 131 may be have a curved or rounded shape. In other embodiments, step(s) 131 may have other shapes such as, by way of non-limiting example, a wedge shape. In certain embodiments, step(s) 131 may form a complete annular portion of receptacle 120. Alternatively, in other embodiments, step(s) 131 may be formed as one or more discontinuous sections. Insertion portion 130 may also have shoulder wall 132 extending outwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from insertion wall 133.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 17, receiving portion 160 of base 150 may define a receiving aperture 165 therein, further defined by an inner wall 163. A first aperture portion 161 of receiving aperture 165 may have a first inner diameter 171 and a second aperture portion 162 of receiving aperture 165 having a second inner diameter 172 further defining, in part, receiving aperture 165. A retention wall 164 can be located substantially perpendicular to the inner wall 163. The receiving portion 160 is formed such that the inner wall 163 is elastically deformable, being capable of retaining its original position. The inner wall 163 may expand slightly outward to allow the insertion portion 130 having steps 131 to pass through the first aperture portion 161 of receiving aperture 165 having inner diameter 171, then returning to its original position after step(s) 131 are positioned within second aperture portion 162 of receiving aperture 165 having second inner diameter 172.

[0046] In use, with continued reference to FIGS. 11-19, receptacle 120 may subsequently be connected to base 150 by way of positioning insertion portion 130 in direction G (see FIG. 11) such that insertion portion 130 may be positioned at least partially within receiving aperture 165 of receiving portion 160. As insertion portion 130 is moved further in direction G, step(s) 131 of insertion portion 130 may come in contact with inner wall 163 of receiving portion 160, causing the inner wall 163 to be displaced outwardly in direction E (see FIG. 17). As the steps 131 clear first aperture portion 161 and inner wall 163, passing to second aperture portion 162 with second inner diameter 172, the inner wall 163 may flex inwardly in direction F such that steps 131 may abut retention wall 164 (see FIG. 18). The steps 131 may engage retention wall 164 such that the receptacle 120 may be secured to base 150, and will tend not to separate if receptacle 120 is moved upward in direction F (see FIG. 11). In certain embodiments, step(s) 131 and retention wall 164 may be designed and dimensioned such that receptacle 120 may be selectively removed from and re-inserted into base 150 without substantial damage to the base 150 or receptacle 120.

[0047] In addition, shoulder wall 132 of receiving portion 160 may abut shoulder stop 168 of receiving portion 160 to facilitate a stable positioning of receptacle 120 within base 150 such that vessel 110 may contain a liquid and be placed on a surface such as a table top.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the preferred length of D1 is between 0.300 inches and 0.400 inches, preferably 0.363 inches. The preferred length of D2 is between 0.020 inches and 0.040 inches, preferably 0.030 inches. The preferred length of D3 is between 0.035 inches and 0.055 inches, preferably 0.045. The preferred length of D4 is between 0.075 inches and 0.095 inches, preferably 0.084 inches. The preferred length of D5 is between 0.001 inches and 0.003 inches, preferably 0.002 inches. The preferred radius R of FIG. 19 is between 0.050 inches and 0.070 inches, preferably 0.057 inches. In addition, the preferred angle &sgr; (see FIG. 17) is between 87 and 89.8 degrees, preferably 89 degrees.

[0049] A benefit of a vessel made in accordance with the present invention is that once the receptacle is secured to the base, the base will tend not to inadvertently fall from the receptacle as the vessel is picked up and used. In addition, a vessel made in accordance with the present invention may be stored and/or shipped as separate base 50, 150 and receptacle 20, 120 components, thus facilitating safe storage and ease of shipping. Furthermore, assembly of the vessel is relatively easy as a simple downward insertion motion is all that need be performed.

[0050] In embodiments of the present invention, receptacle 20, 120 may be formed in a variety of shapes, and having a variety of different textures. By way of non-limiting example, it can have a hexagonal, square or oval aperture, have or not have a stem, and/or have a lower portion that is wider than the upper portion. Similarly, base 50, 150 may be formed in a variety of different shapes, and have different textures as described above.

[0051] Furthermore, while embodiments of the present invention have been described in which receiving portion 60, 160 is part of base 50, 150 and insertion portion 30, 130 is part of receptacle 20, 120, embodiments of the invention may also be formed in which receiving portion 60, 160 is part of receptacle 20, 120 and insertion portion 30, 130 is part of base 50, 150.

[0052] Still further, while embodiments of the invention of been described with reference to disposable tableware, embodiments of the invention may also be made in which the vessel is not disposable. Indeed, as discussed above, while exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described as being formed of plastic, embodiments of the present invention may be formed of other materials, such as glass, metal, or other materials. In addition, while embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to drinking glasses and champagne flutes, the invention may also be formed as other types of tableware such as, by way of non-limiting example, bowls, goblets, glasses, serving trays, and the like.

[0053] While the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that modifications thereof within the principles outlined above will be evident to those skilled in the art and thus, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments but is intended to encompass such modifications.

Claims

1. A multi-piece vessel comprising:

a base having a receiving portion including an aperture having a first aperture portion having a first inner diameter;

a receptacle having an upper portion and an insertion portion;

said insertion portion including at least one step;

said step being adapted to pass through said first aperture portion and engage said receiving portion to secure said insertion portion in said base when said insertion portion is inserted into said base.

2. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, said receiving portion of said base further including a retention wall, wherein said retention wall abuts said step of said receptacle when said insertion portion is inserted into said base.

3. The multi-piece vessel of claim 2, wherein said step is formed as an integral part of the receptacle.

4. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, said receiving portion further having a shoulder stop, said insertion portion further having a shoulder wall, wherein said shoulder stop abuts said shoulder wall when said insertion portion is inserted into said base.

5. The multi-piece vessel of claim 3, wherein said base is substantially planar.

6. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said at least one step comprises multiple discontinuous sections.

7. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said at least one step is a continuous band encircling said insertion portion.

8. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said step is rounded.

9. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said step is elongated.

10. The multi-piece vessel of claim 8, wherein one or more edges of said step is rounded.

11. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is inserted into said base at an insertion direction;

said step having an edge upstream of the insertion direction, wherein said edge is rounded.

12. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said step is located at the tip of the insertion portion.

13. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said insertion portion is tapered.

14. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said base and said receptacle are formed of plastic.

15. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said multi-piece vessel is formed in the shape of a martini glass.

16. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said multi-piece vessel is formed in the shape of a margarita glass.

17. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said multi-piece vessel is formed in the shape of a wine glass.

18. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is adapted to be stacked with other receptacles.

19. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said at least one step consists of two steps.

20. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said at least one step consists of one step.

21. The multi-piece vessel of claim 1, wherein said aperture of said base includes a second aperture portion having a second inner diameter smaller than said first inner diameter of said first aperture portion.

22. A base for use with a receptacle having an upper portion and an insertion portion, said insertion portion having a first outer diameter and including one or more steps, said base comprising:

a receiving portion having a first aperture portions having a first inner diameter smaller than said first outer diameter;

said first inner diameter being adapted to have a portion of said receiving portion pass therethrough;

said receiving portion being adapted to engage said one or more steps of the receptable to secure the insertion portion in said base when the insertion portion is inserted into said base, and forming a multi-piece vessel.

23. A receptacle for use with a base having a receiving portion having a first inner diameter, said receptacle comprising:

an upper portion and an insertion portion;

said insertion portion having a first outer diameter including one or more steps;

wherein said first outer diameter is larger than said first inner diameter;

said one or more steps being adapted to engage the receiving portion of the base to secure said insertion portion in the base when said insertion portion is inserted into the base, and forming a multi-piece vessel.

24. A method of making a multi-piece vessel for holding a liquid, said method comprising:

providing a base having a receiving portion having a pirst aperture portion having a first inner diameter;

providing a receptacle having an upper portion and an insertion portion;

said insertion portion including at least one step;

said step being adapted to engage said insertion portion to secure said insertion portion in said base when said insertion portion is inserted into said base.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said receiving portion further has a shoulder stop, said insertion portion further having a shoulder wall, wherein said shoulder stop abuts said shoulder wall when said insertion portion is inserted into said base.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein said receiving portion of said base further including a retention wall, wherein said retention wall abuts said step of said receptacle when said insertion portion is inserted into said base.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said step is formed as an integral part of the receptacle.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein said base is substantially planar.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein said one or more steps are peripheral steps.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein said base and said receptacle are formed of plastic.