Protective Glassware Covering

Abstract

A selectively usable and removable covering for an open-topped beverage container obstructs the ingress of one or more undesired foreign objects into the container and protects the beverage. Kits may include one or more beverage containers and weighted coverings. The coverings or the weights may be decorated and may serve as drink identifiers.

Description

TECHNICAL FILED

This disclosure relates generally to glassware, stemware or other beverage accessories and more particularly to a selectively removable protective covering that prevents insects, leaves, plant litter or other undesired foreign objects from dropping into a beverage contained in a wine glass, beer mug, coffee cup or other open-topped container.

BACKGROUND

One of the most pleasant ways to enjoy a glass of wine or frosty mug of beer is outdoors at poolside or around the backyard barbeque. Unfortunately, insects such as wasps, bees, ants, flies and so forth may also find our refreshment appealing and may crawl or fall into our glass, spoiling the beverage. Or it may happen that leaves or tree litter may fall in. So, enjoyable as it is, one problem with having a beverage outdoors is keeping unwanted foreign objects such as insects and debris from getting into the beverage.

It would be desirable, therefore, to have a convenient, easy to use covering that could selectively cover a wine glass or other item of stemware or other open-topped beverage container such as a mug of beer or cup of soda and which could be easily removed for drinking from the container and then quickly replaced again over the top opening. It would further be desirable for the covering to be weighted so that it would not slip or blow off of the container very easily. Such a covering may also serve as a decorative yet useful table setting accessory.

The present disclosure describes a selectively usable and removable covering for an open-topped beverage container to obstruct the ingress of one or more undesired foreign objects into the container.

SUMMARY

A selectively or optionally usable and removable covering for an open-topped beverage container obstructs the ingress of undesired foreign objects into the container and protects the beverage with a drape-able material to drape over the opening of the container and at least one weight on the perimeter of the material. Preferably the material is a gas-permeable fabric to allow the beverage to breathe while covered. Kits may include one or more beverage containers and weighted coverings. The coverings or the weights may be decorated and may serve as drink identifiers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is top view illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a covering of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a top view illustration of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a covering of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a top view illustration of another alternative exemplary embodiment of a covering of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top view cut away illustration of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a covering of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a side view cut away illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a top view illustration of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a covering of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of some exemplary components of a covering kit of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a covering of the present disclosure on a wine glass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C of the drawings, FIG. 1A is top view illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a covering of the present disclosure. Reference numeral 100 generally designates a covering embodying features of the present disclosure. The covering 100 includes a body 110 which may be fabricated from a drape-able material such as fabric, leather, synthetic, rubber, plastic, paper, and so on. For use with wine and other beverages that benefit from at least some exposure to the air after they have been decanted into drinking container such as glassware, it is preferable that the material is gas-permeable or “breathes”, as illustrated in FIG. 1A by vapor lines 140, so that the covering does not adversely affect the flavor of the beverage by sealing the beverage off from contact with the air. Indeed, the present inventors tested a variety of materials by trial and error before realizing that breathe-able materials are preferred for certain types of beverages such as wines and brandies. Suitable materials or fabrics may include but not be limited to polyester or nylon organza. In addition to “breathing,” preferred fabrics for a covering of the present disclosure are stain resistant and machine or otherwise washable.

Perimeter 120 describes a circumference or edge that may or may not have corners. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, covering 100 has three corners to make triangle when viewed flat from the top. Weights 130 are attached to each corner. The weights 130 enhance the draping of the covering over the top of the drinking container and also keep the covering from sliding, slipping or being blown off of the drinking container. Weights 130 may be one or more beads, for example, strung in row and which dangle decoratively from each corner of covering 100. In will be appreciated, however, that beads and the like are only mere examples of weights 130 and that the present disclosure contemplates the use of any suitable object or material which accomplishes the weighting functions described herein.

FIG. 1B is a top view illustration of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a covering of FIG. 1A. Reference numeral 105 generally designates a covering embodying features of the alternative embodiment. Perimeter 115 is formed by hem 125 substantially around perimeter 115 of covering 105.

FIG. 1C is a top view illustration of another alternative exemplary embodiment of a covering of FIG. 1A. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C provides surged edge 127 around perimeter 115 of covering 107. An at least partially surged edge 127 may be advantageous for embodiments where fabric 110 would otherwise have a ragged edge or loose strings when cut to the desired shape for covering 107. A surged edge may also be advantageous for embodiments that have a contoured perimeter that may difficult to hem such as for example, a scalloped edge. It will be understood that perimeter 120, 115 of a covering 100, 105, 107 and so forth of the present disclosure may have a decorative contour such as scalloping, triangles, irregular and so on.

FIG. 2A is a top view illustration of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a covering of the present disclosure. Reference numeral 200 generally designates a covering embodying features of the alternative embodiment. Material 210 is shaped into a circle when viewed flat from the top, so perimeter 215 has curves. Perimeter is hemmed 220. Weights 230 are sewn into hem 220 as shown by the cut-away. Weights 230 may be disposed substantially continuously around perimeter 215, such as with a rolled or drawn length of metal wire, for example, or may be placed intermittently around perimeter 215 depending on the design choice and aesthetic tastes of the user.

FIG. 2B is a side view cut away illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 2A. At least one weight 215 is contained within hem 220.

FIG. 2C is a top view illustration of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a covering of the present disclosure. Reference numeral 205 generally designates a covering embodying features of the alternative embodiment. Covering 205 has four corners to form a square or rectangle edged by with hem 225. Weights 235, 245, 255, 265 on each corner enhance the draping of covering 205 over the rim of a beverage container and may also serve as unique drink identifiers to that a user does not confuse his glass or beverage with that of another person. For example, weight 235 may be in the shape of a prism, weight 245 in the shape of a pyramid, weight 255 in the shape of a cube and weight 265 in the shape of a sphere.

In additional to shapes, unique identification of a covering of the present disclosure may also be accomplished for the weights with the use of colors or patterns and the like as well as with the use of various materials such as metals, glass, stones or gems, synthetics, plastics, resins and so forth. Identification may also be achieved with the covering material itself with the use colors, patterns and textures. Still other identifying means may include appliqué or low-heat adhesive application to the fabric of an identifier such as a logo or monogram, embossing or imprinting the fabric and the so forth.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of some exemplary components of a covering kit of the present disclosure. Reference numeral 300 generally designates components of a kit of the present disclosure. Components 300 may include but not be limited to one or more open-topped beverage containers 310, 320; one or more coverings 330, 340, and printed instructions 350.

Containers 310, 320 may be stemware as shown in FIG. 3 for illustration purposes, but may also be cups, beer glasses or mugs, or plastic picnic cups for use at parks, public pools, boats or other places where glass containers may be prohibited. Covering 330 is illustrated having spherical weights 335 while covering 340 is illustrated having cube-shaped weights 345 so that covering 330 and 340 may be distinguished from each other. Alternative embodiments provide weights 335, 345, loose in the kit with corresponding hooks 355 or other suitable connectors so that the user may selectively attach the weights to the coverings in a mixed and matched arrangement of the user's own choosing.

Additionally or alternatively, coverings 330, 340 may be fabricated from materials having different colors, patterns, fabrics, textures and so forth so that coverings 330, 340 are distinguishable from each other. Of course, embodiments are contemplated where the components are substantially identical to create a substantially uniform appearance if such is the desired aesthetic.

Instructions 350 may be printed on paper or other suitable material for inclusion in the packaging (not shown) of the kit. Additionally or alternatively instructions may be available on a website, in which case instructions 350 may include a website address. Instructions 350 may include, for example, either or both text and pictures or illustrations that depict how to use the coverings on a drink container and how to attach one or more weights for those embodiments in which one or more weights are provided loose in the kit for attachment to the covering by the user.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a covering of the present disclosure on a wine glass. Reference numeral 400 generally designates a covering/container combination of the present disclosure. Open-topped beverage container 410 is depicted covered by covering 100 from FIG. 1A. Weights 130 on covering 100 enhance the draping of covering 100 over rim 420 of container 410. Enhanced draping is preferred so that the open top of container 410, as defined by rim 420, is well covered. The term “enhanced” draping simply refers to the improved contact between covering 100 and rim 420 provided by weights 130 in comparison to the contact that would exist in the absence of weights 130 and also to the fact that the weights have the effect of causing the corners of covering 100 to fall relatively close to the body of container 410 in an aesthetically appealing form rather than jutting out jarringly or otherwise failing to drape in a pleasing manner.

Certain materials for covering 100 may drape more pleasingly than other materials and so it may be a matter of design choice and aesthetic taste to select a suitable material for covering 100. Silk, rayon and other silk-like synthetics, linen and so forth are fabrics well known for their pleasing draping characteristics, for example.

Covering 100 is easily removed by hand when one wishes to drink the beverage in container 410 and then is also easily placed back on top of container 410 between drinks. When used outdoors, weights 130 help keep covering 100 from inadvertently slipping off of rim 420 or from blowing off rim 420 should a gust of wind blow.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the covering described herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A selectively usable and removable covering for an open-topped beverage container to obstruct the ingress of one or more undesired foreign objects into the container, the covering comprising:

a drape-able material to selectively drape over the opening of the container and having a perimeter; and

at least one weight on the perimeter.

2. The covering a claim 1, wherein the material comprises fabric.

3. The covering of claim 2, wherein the fabric is gas-permeable to allow a beverage in the container to breathe.

4. The covering of claim 1, wherein the material is gas-permeable to allow a beverage in the container to breathe.

5. The covering of claim 1, wherein the covering comprises a decorative design.

6. The covering of claim 1, wherein the weight comprises a decoration.

7. The covering of claim 1, wherein the weight comprises a container identifier when covering a container.

8. The covering of claim 1, wherein the perimeter comprises a curved shape.

9. The covering of claim 1, wherein one or more weight is disposed substantially continuously along the perimeter.

10. The covering of claim 1, wherein the perimeter comprises at least one corner.

11. The covering of claim 10, wherein at least one weight is disposed on at least one corner.

12. The covering of claim 1, wherein the perimeter comprises a hem.

13. The covering of claim 1 wherein the perimeter is at least partially surged.

14. A kit for open-topped beverage containers, the kit comprising:

one or more open-topped containers, and

one or more selectively usable and removable coverings for an open-topped beverage container to obstruct the ingress of one or more undesired foreign objects into the container, the covering further comprising: a drape-able material to selectively drape over the opening of the container and having a perimeter; and one or more weights on the perimeter.

15. The kit of claim 14, wherein one or more of the open-topped containers comprise stemware.

16. The kit of claim 14, wherein at least one of the weights comprise a container identifier.

17. The kit of claim 14, wherein at least one of the coverings comprises more than one weight on the perimeter and wherein at least one of the weights serves as a container identifier.

18. The kit of claim 14, comprising a plurality of loose weights selectively attachable to the perimeter of a plurality of coverings so that the weights and the coverings may be mixed and matched.

19. A selectively usable and removable covering for an item of stemware to obstruct the ingress of one or more undesired foreign objects into the stemware, the covering comprising:

a drape-able and gas-permeable surged fabric to selectively drape over the opening of the container and having a tri-cornered perimeter; and

a decorative stemware-identifier weight on each corner of the perimeter.