Drinking vessel designed to incorporate an alcoholic beverage container

Abstract

A vessel with a bottom adapted to fit snugly over the cap of a capped miniature (50 ml) bottle is provided. The vessel possesses the traditional martini flare, transforming a mini-bottle into a sophisticated martini glass upon assembly. The mini-bottle serves as the assembled martini glass's stem and may do so as either an empty bottle or a filled reserve. A second, open bottomed version of the present invention is also provided for permitting the contents of the bottle to enter the vessel and be consumed by the user. The funnel like vessel attaches to the top of an uncapped bottle to form an integrated drinking cup.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Non-Provisional Application that claims the benefit of an earlier filed Provisional Application titled “Drinking Vessel Designed to Incorporate an Alcoholic Beverage Container”, application. Ser. No.: 60/533,278 filed Dec. 30, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to beverage containers, and more specifically, to drinking attachment for alcoholic bottles or the like.

2. Background

It has become common practice for liquor companies to package alcohol such as vodka or gin in miniature bottles designed to hold 50 ml of liquid. A miniature bottle of alcohol is difficult to drink from as the opening through which the liquid is dispensed is small and narrowed. A further need exists for a socially acceptable alternative to drinking directly from a mini-bottle when mobile. Airlines, hotels, bars and liquor companies are continually looking for incentive and promotional opportunities designed to strengthen corporate and brand identities. The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a drinking attachment for miniature (50 ml) alcoholic bottles and the like. The attachment comprises a vessel having a bottom adapted to fit snugly over a capped bottle, thereby transforming the bottle into a sophisticated drinking cup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, functions and advantages characterizing the invention will be better understood by reference to the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the “Martini Top” attached to the 50 ml BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Bottle to create a complete martini glass with a traditional martini style vessel.

FIG. 1B is an aerial view of the “Martini Top” attached to the 50 ml BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Bottle.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the two pieces as separate components. The arrow is representative of the action one must take to form a martini glass by combining the “Martini Top” with the 50 ml bottle.

FIG. 3 is a photo of a prototype illustrative of the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an integrated drinking cup constructed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the assembled martini glass consisting of a 50 ml bottle and the “Martini Top” design. The “Martini Top” was pressed over the 50 ml bottle to form the assembled martini glass shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is an aerial view of the “Martini Top” attached to the 50 ml BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Bottle. The BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Logo as printed on the cap of the bottle appears in the top view of the assembled martini glass. This is due to the transparency of the material used to form the “Martini Top”. FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the two separate components as they would be pressed together. The “Martini Top” drinking vessel is designed to fit over the capped 50 ml bottle to form the assembled martini glass shown in FIG. 1A. The blue rubber fitting is attached to the “Martini Top”. The purpose of the blue rubber grommet is to secure the connection between the 50 ml bottle and the “Martini Top”. The blue rubber grommet is shaped similar to a donut, in that it contains a hole in its center. The cap of the 50 ml bottle is pressed into this hole upon assembly of the martini glass. The “Martini Top” design makes use of the traditional martini bowl to create a martini glass incorporating a 50 ml bottle of dry gin.

While this invention has been illustrated and described in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is recognized that variations and changes may be made therein. Thus, for example, while the illustrative embodiments shown and described herein have employed a vessel adapted to fit atop a capped alcoholic bottle, an open bottomed vessel could also be made to fit an open uncapped bottle. As such, it suffices to say that the scope of the invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the specific embodiments illustrated, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A drinking attachment for a capped bottle, comprising:

a vessel;

a bottom portion having a recess for receiving the cap and neck of a capped bottle; and

a fitting made of rubber or the like for securing the cap of a capped bottle.

2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said vessel has sidewalls constructed with the traditional martini flare.

3. The invention according to claim 2 constructed to fit a miniature 50 ml bottle.

4. The invention according to claim 1 constructed without said fitting.

5. The invention according to claim 2 constructed without said fitting.

6. The invention described within claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as used as a Point of Purchase (POP) item.

7. A drinking attachment for an uncapped bottle, comprising:

a vessel having an open bottom for permitting the contents of the bottle to enter the vessel and be consumed by the user; and

a bottom portion constructed as a threaded female for receiving the screw-top of an open uncapped bottle.

8. The invention according to claim 7, wherein said bottom portion is unthreaded.

9. The invention according to claim 8, wherein said bottom portion employs a fitting made of rubber or the like permanently wedged or attached to the inner walls of the hole.

10. The invention according to claim 9, wherein said fitting is constructed as a threaded female for receiving the screw-top of an open uncapped bottle.

11. The invention according to claim 1, wherein said vessel is made of acrylic or the like.

12. A drinking attachment designed to convert a miniature (50 ml) bottle of alcohol into a martini glass, incorporating the bottle as the assembled martini glass's stem.