DRINKING VESSEL WITH RECEPTACLE FOR DRIPPINGS

The present invention relates to a drinking vessel having a top end, a bottom end, a drinking compartment and a base integrally connected to the drinking compartment. The base has an exterior surface facing outwards from the vessel that is imperforate to inhibit drippings from entering within the base. A receptacle is integral with and sealably connected to the base of the vessel to inhibit drippings from entering within the base under the drinking compartment. The receptacle extends radially outwardly from the base, around the base and at least partially towards the top end. It has an opening facing the top end of the vessel, whereby the receptacle is capable of receiving drippings from the top end of the vessel when the vessel is upright, inhibiting the drippings from escaping therefrom when drinking out of the vessel, and allowing drippings to freely exit therefrom when the vessel is upside down.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a drinking vessel. More particularly, it relates to a drinking vessel having a receptacle for receiving and trapping drippings.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is known to use a container for drippings or condensation with a drinking vessel therewithin. This is illustrated for example in the assemblies shown in U.S. Pat. No. 973,085 to Strause and U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,535 to Shephard. However such devices are in two separate parts. This may lead to an increase in the amount of cleaning time required as both the container and drinking vessel need to be cleaned after use. For example, this may lead to a dishwasher that becomes full faster than usual. This problem may become particularly acute in an environment where many drinks are served such as a bar or a restaurant.

It is also known to employ a drinking vessel having an annular channel and a storage chamber in communication with the channel as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,330 to Canosa. Drippings fall down the side of the vessel, into the annular channel, and then into a storage chamber underneath the vessel for trapping the drippings therewithin. However, while the storage chamber of Canosa may be effective in trapping drippings, it suffers the disadvantage of being very difficult to access for cleaning purposes. Also, the annular channel in Canosa has a horizontal lip at its top that further inhibits complete draining when the vessel is inverted. As a result, food or liquid such as beer may remain within the storage chamber. This may lead to odour issues and hygienic concerns.

The device of Canosa further requires many parts and chambers. This may lead to increased manufacturing time and costs.

Accordingly there is a need for an improved drinking vessel that overcomes the above disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved drinking vessel.

More particularly, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a drinking vessel having a top end and a bottom end. A drinking compartment extends from the top end of the vessel and towards the bottom end of the vessel for containing a drink. A base is integrally connected to the drinking compartment for stabilizing the vessel. The base extends to the bottom end of the vessel. The base has an exterior surface facing outwards from the vessel. The exterior surface is imperforate to inhibit drippings from entering within the base. The vessel includes a receptacle integral with and sealably connected to the base of the vessel to inhibit drippings from entering within the base under the drinking compartment. The receptacle extends radially outwardly from the base of the vessel, around the base of the vessel and at least partially towards the top end of the vessel. The receptacle has an opening facing the top end of the vessel, whereby the receptacle is capable of receiving drippings from the top end of the vessel when the vessel is upright, inhibiting the drippings from escaping therefrom when drinking out of the vessel, and allowing drippings to freely exit therefrom when the vessel is upside down.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a drinking vessel having a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end. The vessel includes a drinking compartment extending from the top end and towards the bottom end of the vessel for containing a drink. The vessel includes a base integrally connected to the drinking compartment for stabilizing the vessel. The base extends to the bottom end of the vessel. The base has an exterior surface facing outwards from the vessel. The exterior surface is imperforate to inhibit drippings from entering within the base. The vessel includes a receptacle integral with and sealably connected to the base of the vessel to inhibit drippings from entering within the base under the drinking compartment. The receptacle is made of a thin, rigid material. The receptacle extends radially outwardly from the base of the vessel, around the base of the vessel and at least partially towards the top end of the vessel. It has an opening facing the top end of the vessel. The receptacle includes a bottom extending radially outwards from the base of the vessel and a wall connected to and extending from the bottom. The wall extends radially inwards towards the drinking compartment and towards the top end of the vessel at a set angle with respect to the bottom. Advertising indicia is disposed on the wall. The receptacle is capable of receiving drippings from the top end of the vessel when the vessel is upright, inhibiting the drippings from escaping therefrom when drinking out of the vessel, and allowing drippings to freely exit therefrom when the vessel is upside down.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel having a base with a receptacle extending at least partially therearound according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevation view of the receptacle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional, elevation view of the drinking vessel of FIG. 1 in a slightly tipped position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional, elevation view of the drinking vessel of FIG. 1 in a fully tipped position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional, elevation view of the drinking vessel of FIG. 1 in an upside down position;

FIG. 6 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, there is provided a drinking vessel 10. The drinking vessel 10 in this example has a circular profile when viewed from above, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. FIG. 1 shows a vertical section of the vessel 10.

The vessel is made of a single material in this example glass, though other materials of course may be used.

The drinking vessel 10 has a top end 12 and a bottom end 13 opposite the top end 12. The vessel 10 includes a drinking compartment 18 having an opening 14 at the top end 12 of the vessel 10. The drinking compartment 18 has an exterior surface 19 that extends from the opening 14 and towards the bottom end 13 of the vessel 10. The exterior surface 19 is imperforate. The drinking compartment 18 has an interior surface 15 which includes a bottom wall 20. The bottom wall 20 is opposite the opening 14. The drinking compartment 18 has an interior 16 which extends from the opening 14 to the bottom wall 20 and which is surrounded by the interior surface 15. A drink in this example beer 17 may be contained within the interior 16 of the drinking compartment 18.

The drinking vessel 10 has a base 22 wholly integral with the drinking compartment 18. The base 22 extends from the bottom end 13 of the drinking vessel 10 towards the top end 12 of the drinking vessel 10. In this example the base 22 ends at the bottom wall 20 of the drinking compartment 18. The base 22 in this embodiment has a frustoconical shape that is wider at the bottom end 13 of the vessel 10 and narrower towards the bottom wall 20. In this example the base 22 is solid.

The base 22 has an exterior surface 23 between the bottom end 13 of the vessel 10 and in this example the bottom wall 20 of the drinking compartment 18. The exterior surface 23 of the base 22 is imperforate and faces away from the vessel 10. The exterior surface 19 of the drinking compartment 18 may be said to include the exterior surface 23 of the base 22.

The vessel 10 includes a receptacle 24 wholly integral with the base 22. The receptacle 24 in this embodiment is made of a thin, rigid material and in this example is made of glass, as it is integral with the rest of the vessel 10.

The receptacle 24 has a bottom 26 which extends radially outwards from the base 22. In this example the bottom 26 of the receptacle 24 extends outwards from the bottom end 13 of the vessel 10. The bottom 26 therefore forms part of the bottom end 13 of the vessel 10. Both the base 22, via the bottom end 13 of the drinking vessel 10, and the bottom 26 of the receptacle 24 are resting upon a support surface 11. The receptacle 24 seals to and around the base 22.

The receptacle 24 includes a wall 28 connected to the bottom 26. The wall 28 in this example is annular. An annular edge 27 in this example is formed where the bottom 26 and wall 28 meet. The wall 28 extends from the bottom 26 to at least partially towards the interior 16 of the drinking compartment 18 and to at least partially towards the top end 12 of the vessel 10 at a set angle α relative to the bottom 26. The set angle α may be between 1 degree and 89 degrees. The receptacle 24 therefore extends both radially outwardly from and at least partially around the base 22 of the vessel 10. In a preferred range, the set angle α is between 20 degrees and 70 degrees. In one preferred embodiment the set angle is 35 degrees.

The receptacle 24 includes an exterior surface 21 which is part of the wall 28 and which in this example is annular and inclined. The exterior surface 21 may include indicia in this example advertising indicia 29, as shown best shown in FIG. 2 by way of example with the indicia “BEER LOGO”.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the wall 28 extends from the bottom 26 to a lip 30 in this example an annular lip. The receptacle 24 has an opening, in this example an annular opening 25. The annular opening 25 is between the lip 30 of the wall 28 of the receptacle 24 and the exterior surface 19 of the drinking compartment 18, more specifically in this embodiment the exterior surface 23 of the base 22. The annular opening 25 faces towards the top end 12 of the vessel 10.

The receptacle 24 has an interior surface 37. The interior surface 37 of the receptacle 24 is partially opposite the exterior surface 21 of the receptacle 24 and also faces the bottom end 13 of the vessel 10. The receptacle 24 forms a reservoir in this example an annular reservoir 39. The reservoir 39 is fully formed by the bottom 26 of the receptacle 24, the wall 28 of the receptacle 24, and the exterior surface 23 of the base 22.

In use, when the vessel 10 is at least partially filled with liquid as shown for example by the drink 17, drippings 31 may form. The drippings 31 may form for example from when someone pours a drink, such as pop or beer, which fizzes or foams over out of the opening 14 and spills downwards along the exterior surface 19 of the drinking compartment 18. These drippings 31 may also arise from condensation developing on the exterior surface 19 of the drinking compartment 18. Alternatively, the drippings 31 may arise when someone knocks or inadvertently tips the vessel 10, resulting in spillage.

The drippings 31 will, through gravity, descend downwards, from the perspective of FIG. 1, along the exterior surface 19 of the drinking compartment 18 when the drinking vessel is upright as illustrated in FIG. 1. The exterior surface 23 of the base 22 then directs the drippings 31 to enter into the reservoir 39 through the opening 25 of the receptacle 24. The drippings 31 may accumulate to form a pool of drippings 33 captured within the reservoir 39 of the receptacle 24.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the vessel 10 is illustrated in a slightly tipped position, at an angle θ1 relative to a horizontal line of reference 41, from the perspective of the figure. In this mode someone may drink out of the vessel 10. The pool of drippings 33 accumulates at one end 47 of the receptacle 24. However, the bottom 26 of the receptacle 24, the wall 28 of the receptacle 24, and the set angle α between the wall 28 of the receptacle 24 and the bottom 26 of the receptacle 24 ensure that the pool of drippings 33 continues to be trapped within the receptacle 24. The drippings are thereby inhibited from spilling out of the receptacle 24.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the vessel 10 is illustrated in a fully tipped over position, at an angle θ2 in this example of 90 degrees, relative to the horizontal line of reference 41. In this position someone may be in the process of the emptying the vessel 10. Here too the wall 28, the set angle α of separation between the wall 28 and the bottom 26, and the extension of the bottom 26 in combination act to ensure that the pool of drippings 33 continues to be trapped within the receptacle 24.

After someone has finished drinking and the drinking vessel 10 needs to be cleaned, the drinking vessel 10 is typically turned upside down as illustrated in FIG. 5. Because the receptacle has the annular opening 25 facing the top end 12, the pool of drippings 33 is able, through gravity, to readily, freely and completely exit the receptacle 24 downwards, from the perspective of the figure, as shown by drippings 39. In this way, advantageously, the receptacle 24 may be fully emptied and removed of beer. Also, the opening 25, with the wall 28 being spaced-apart from the base 22, allows for clear access to the reservoir 39, the interior surface 37 of the receptacle 24 and the exterior wall 23 of the base 22. This better access to the receptacle 24 means, advantageously, that a dishwasher may more thoroughly clean the receptacle 24 compared to the prior art.

The receptacle 24 of vessel 10 provides advantageous synergy by 1) being able to capture and retain the pool of drippings 33 in the course of drinking, while also 2) allowing both the pool of drippings 33 to be readily removed by turning the vessel 10 upside down and allowing the receptacle 24 to be fully accessible when the vessel 10 needs to be cleaned.

The receptacle 24 removes the need for a coaster and thereby renders coasters obsolete. This is particular advantage to restaurants and bars which as a result of the present invention no longer need to go through the considerable expense of buying and replacing hundreds of coasters. Also, coasters at bars and restaurants are often times used multiple times before being replaced and this causes hygienic concerns. By removing the need for a coaster, the present invention provides a more hygienic solution for capturing drippings because drinking vessels are typically only used once before being washed.

Referring back to FIG. 1, because the exterior surface 19 of the drinking compartment 18 is imperforate, this advantageously acts to inhibit drippings 31 from entering within the base 22 and potentially remains therein. Because the receptacle 24 is integral with and sealably connected to the base 22 of the vessel 10 and seals around the base 22, this advantageously acts to inhibit drippings 31 from entering within the base 22 under the drinking compartment 18.

Because the receptacle 24 is made of a thin, rigid material, this provides the further advantage of providing a vessel that is lighter, less bulky, and therefore more user-friendly.

Because the base 22 is integrally connected to the drinking compartment 18, this provides the advantage of better stabilizing the vessel 10. Because the bottom 26 of the receptacle 24 extends radially outwards from the bottom end 13 of the vessel 10, this provides the further advantage of further stabilizing the vessel 10 since the bottom is wider than the bottom of a convention tapered glass. This may be particularly useful for people such as small children, people who lack manual dexterity, and for people who are inebriated and who may be otherwise more prone to spilling the drinking vessel 10. The present invention therefore provides the synergy through its receptacle 24 of both inhibiting someone from spilling, and better minimizing and accounting for drippings that result if spilling nonetheless occurs.

FIG. 6 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. Like parts have like numbers with the additional designation “.1”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 will be discussed in detail.

The interior surface 37.1 has a concavely curved, first portion 34 between the bottom 26.1 of the receptacle 24.1 and the wall 28.1 of the receptacle 24.1. The first portion 34 has an arcuate shape. This shape helps in further promoting the removal of the pool of drippings 33.1 when the vessel 10.1 is turned upside down for cleaning purposes. This is because the present embodiment removes any corners from the interior surface 37.1 where drippings may otherwise be retained and therefore potentially difficult to remove.

The wall 28.1 of the drinking vessel 10.1 is longer than that of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, extending past the base 22.1 and past the bottom wall 20.1 of the drinking compartment 18.1. In this manner the receptacle 24.1 fully encloses the base 22.1, apart from the annular opening 25.1. This may help in further retaining the pool of drippings 33.1 while also still allowing the pool of drippings 33.1 to freely exit the vessel 10.1 when the vessel 10.1 is turned upside down and still allowing the reservoir 39.1 to be freely accessible for cleaning purposes.

The bottom 26.1 of the receptacle 24.1 extends outwardly past the exterior surface 19.1 of the drinking compartment 18.1. This advantageously acts to even further stabilize the vessel 10.1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.2 according to a third embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6. Like parts have like numbers as in the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the designation “.2” instead of “.1”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIG. 6 will be discussed in detail.

In this embodiment the first portion 34.2 of the interior surface 37.2 has a partially circular cross-sectional profile. This thereby creates a reservoir 39.2 with a relatively larger volume for receiving drippings compared to, for example, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. Advantageously the vessel 10.2 therefore has the capacity to retain a larger pool of drippings 33.2 if so required, compared to, for example, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.

The interior surface 37.2 includes a second portion 36 adjacent to the first portion 34.2. The second portion 36 is spaced-apart from the exterior wall 19.2 of the drinking compartment 18.2. The second portion 36 at least in part extends vertically, from the perspective of the figure, towards the top end 12.2 of the vessel 10.2. In this example the second portion 36 has a convex shape. The exterior surface 21.2 of the receptacle 24.2 has a concave section 35 opposite and coaxial with the second portion 36 of the interior surface 37.2. The wall 28.2 therefore has a flared portion 38 which extends away from the vessel 10.2 and ends at the lip 30.2. As a result the lip 30.2 extends radially outwards from the vessel 10.2. The shape of the second portion 36 may act to further inhibit the pool of drippings 33 from exiting the receptacle 24.2 when the vessel 10.2 is in for example a fully tipped over mode. Also the concave section 35 of the receptacle 24.2 may make the vessel 10.2 more aesthetically pleasing.

FIG. 8 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.3 according to a fourth embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. Like parts have like numbers as in the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the designation “.3” instead of “.2”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 will be discussed in detail. In this embodiment the wall 28.3 ends when it is extended vertically, from the perspective of the figure, at the lip 30.3. This embodiment therefore does not have a receptacle with a flared portion near its lip.

FIG. 9 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.4 according to a fifth embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. Like parts have like numbers as in the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the designation “.4” instead of “.2”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 will be discussed in detail.

In this embodiment the bottom 26.4 of the receptacle 24.4 extends outwardly well past the exterior surface 19.4 of the drinking compartment 18.1, compared to the previous embodiments. The set angle α.4 is more acute than the previous embodiments and in this example is 39 degrees. This advantageously acts to even further stabilize the vessel 10.4. It also allows for the wall 28.4 to have a larger surface area. This allows for greater advertising options for the advertising indicia 29.4.

FIG. 10 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.5 according to a sixth embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. Like parts have like numbers as in the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the designation “.5” instead of “.2”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 will be discussed in detail.

In this embodiment the bottom 26.5 extends to and merges with the wall 28.5. The wall 28.5 has a partially circular profile section 40 opposite and coaxial with the circular first portion 34.5 of the interior surface 37.5 of the receptacle 24.5. The receptacle 24.5 therefore is made purely of a thin, rigid material. This advantageously results in a lighter and less bulky vessel 10.5. The vessel 10.5 may also be more aesthetically attractive.

FIG. 11 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.6 according to a seventh embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10. Like parts have like numbers as in the embodiment of FIG. 10 with the designation “.6” instead of “.5”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIG. 10 will be discussed in detail. In this embodiment the wall 28.6 ends without a flare portion. This embodiment therefore does not have a receptacle with a flared portion near its lip.

FIG. 12 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.7 according to an eighth embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10. Like parts have like numbers as in the embodiment of FIG. 10 with the designation “.7” instead of “.5”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIG. 10 will be discussed in detail. In this embodiment the drinking vessel 10.7 is a wine glass having a stem 44. The receptacle 24.7 extends around and part way up the stem 44.

FIG. 13 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.8 according to a ninth embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. Like parts have like numbers as in the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the designation “.8” instead of “.2”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 will be discussed in detail.

In this embodiment the set angle α.8 between the bottom 26.8 of the receptacle 24.8 and the wall 28.8 of the receptacle 24.8 is 90 degrees. The wall 28.8 extends vertically, from the perspective of the figure, towards the top end 12.8 of the vessel 10.8. In this example the wall 28.8 is flush with the exterior surface 19.8 of the drinking compartment 18.8. The vessel 10.8 has a receptacle therefore that is advantageously more compact. This may be particularly useful for example where there is limited room on the table or where there is limited room in a dishwashing machine.

Also, because of the set angle of 90 degrees, the wall 28.8 is thicker in this embodiment and therefore more bottom-heavy. Advantageously this causes the drinking vessel 10.8 to be more stable, acting to inhibit the vessel 10.8 from tipping over and therefore acting to inhibit the drink 16.8 from spilling out of the vessel 10.8.

FIG. 14 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.9 according to a tenth embodiment. The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with substantially similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13. Like parts have like numbers as in the embodiment of FIG. 13 with the designation “.9” instead of “.8”. Only differences compared to the embodiment of FIG. 13 will be discussed in detail.

In this embodiment the second portion 36.9 of the interior surface 37.9 of the receptacle 24.9 has a lower face 48. The lower face 48 connects to the first portion 34.9 and faces the first portion 34.9. The second portion 36.9 also has an upper face 50 that connects to the lower face 48 which it meets at a generally right angle bend. The upper face 50 faces and is substantially parallel with the exterior surface 23.9 of the base 22.9.

The lower face 48 acts to further inhibit the pool of drippings 33.9 from exiting out of the receptacle 24.9 when the vessel 10.9 is for example in a fully tipped over mode. The upper face 50 provides a smooth channel for directing drippings 31.9 to freely enter within the receptacle 24.9 when the vessel 10.9 is upright and freely exit the receptacle 24.9 when the vessel 10.0 is upside down.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that though the above illustrated vessels are described as having a circular, cylindrical shape, the vessels could equally have other shapes, such as a square shape. This is particularly true for example for the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, where the receptacles may for example also be square.

It will further be understood by a person skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and can be varied or deleted without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.

Claims

1. A drinking vessel having a top end and a bottom end, and comprising:

a drinking compartment extending from the top end and towards the bottom end of the vessel for containing a drink;
a base integrally connected to the drinking compartment for stabilizing the vessel, the base extending towards the bottom end of the vessel, the base having an imperforate exterior to inhibit drippings from entering within the base;
a receptacle integral with and sealably connected to the base of the vessel to inhibit drippings from entering under the drinking compartment, the receptacle extending radially outwardly from the base of the vessel, around the base of the vessel, and at least partially towards the top end of the vessel, and having an opening facing the top end of the vessel,
whereby the receptacle is capable of receiving drippings from the top end of the vessel when the vessel is upright, inhibiting said drippings from escaping therefrom when drinking out of the vessel, and allowing drippings to freely exit therefrom when the vessel is upside down.

2. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a bottom extending radially outwards from the base of the vessel and a wall connected to and extending from the bottom, the wall extending inwards towards the drinking compartment and towards the top end of the vessel at a set angle with respect to the bottom.

3. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the set angle is between 1 degree and 89 degrees.

4. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the set angle is between 20 degrees and 70 degrees.

5. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the set angle is 35 degrees.

6. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the base is solid.

7. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2, the wall of the receptacle providing an inclined surface, and the vessel further including advertising indicia disposed on said inclined surface.

8. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vessel is made of a single piece of material.

9. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the bottom of the receptacle extends outwards from the bottom end of the vessel and forms part of the bottom end of the vessel for further stabilizing the vessel.

10. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bottom of the receptacle, the wall of the receptacle and the exterior surface of the base together form a reservoir for receiving the drippings, the receptacle having an interior surface, the interior surface having a first portion between the bottom of the receptacle and the wall of the receptacle, the first portion of the interior surface having an arcuate shape.

11. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first portion of the interior surface of the reservoir has a circular profile.

12. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 11, wherein the interior surface of the receptacle has a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the second portion at least in part extending vertically towards the top end of the vessel.

13. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 12 wherein the wall of the receptacle has a lip, the second portion of the interior surface of the receptacle terminating at the lip, the lip extending outwards from the vessel.

14. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first portion of the interior surface of the receptacle bulges outwards from the vessel.

15. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the receptacle is made of a thin, rigid material.

16. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 10 wherein the drinking compartment has an opening at the top end of the vessel within which the drink may be poured and the drinking compartment has an exterior surface extending from the opening of the drinking compartment towards the bottom end of the vessel, the exterior surface of the drinking compartment facing outwards from the vessel and being imperforate, and the bottom of the receptacle extending both from the bottom end of the vessel and outwardly past the exterior surface of the drinking compartment for further stabilizing the vessel.

17. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 10, wherein the drinking compartment has an opening at the top end of the vessel within which the drink may be poured and the drinking compartment has an exterior surface extending from the opening of the drinking compartment towards the bottom end of the vessel, the exterior surface of the drinking compartment facing outwards from the vessel and being imperforate, and the interior surface of the receptacle having a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the second portion being spaced-apart from the exterior wall of the drinking compartment.

18. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the wall of the receptacle extends towards the top end of the vessel and past the base of the vessel.

19. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the receptacle is annular, the opening of the receptacle is annular, and the receptacle forms an annular reservoir sealed apart from the opening of the receptacle for trapping drippings between the exterior surface of the base and the receptacle.

20. A drinking vessel having a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end and comprising:

a drinking compartment extending from the top end and towards the bottom end of the vessel for containing a drink;
a base integrally connected to the drinking compartment for stabilizing the vessel, the base extending to the bottom end of the vessel, the base having an exterior surface facing outwards from the vessel, the exterior surface being imperforate to inhibit drippings from entering within the base;
a receptacle integral with and sealably connected to the base of the vessel to inhibit drippings from entering within the base under the drinking compartment, the receptacle being made of a thin, rigid material, the receptacle extending radially outwardly from the base of the vessel, around the base of the vessel, and at least partially towards the top end of the vessel and having an opening facing the top end of the vessel, the receptacle including a bottom extending radially outwards from the base of the vessel and a wall connected to and extending from the bottom, the wall extending radially inwards towards the drinking compartment and towards the top end of the vessel at a set angle with respect to the bottom, advertising indicia being disposed on the wall,
whereby the receptacle is capable of receiving drippings from the top end of the vessel when the vessel is upright, inhibiting said drippings from escaping therefrom when drinking out of the vessel, and allowing drippings to freely exit therefrom when the vessel is upside down.
Patent History
Publication number: 20100213203
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 23, 2009
Publication Date: Aug 26, 2010
Inventors: Jaegar Sarauer (Abbotsford), Dan Sarauer (Abbotsford)
Application Number: 12/391,071
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Internal Anti-splash Or Anti-spill Device (220/719)
International Classification: A47G 19/22 (20060101);