Beverage Aeration and Debris Covering

Abstract

Disclosed is a beverage covering screen that facilitates aeration of a beverage within a container while shielding the beverage from contaminants such as airborne insects and falling debris. The covering comprises a shoulder portion that is adapted to rest against the rim of a glass or similar container, a lower skirt portion that extends below the shoulder portion, and a central screen portion that covers the open area of the glass inside of the glass rim. The assembly rests on an open glass rim or is secured to a specifically designed glass container having complimentary threads for removable securement thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, a section of the screen includes a removable or flip-top lid for access to the glass contents without removing the screen from the rim of the beverage glass.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a beverage covering. More particularly, the present pertains to a removable screen that is suited for attachment to a wine glass or wine bottle for preventing insects and debris from entering and contaminating the beverages therein.

Wine is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. It is often fermented and sold to consumers in a wine bottle, wherein the wine bottle is a type of bottle used specifically for holding wine while allowing it to slowly age via a breathable cork closure. Wine that has been stored in a bottle for many years is often opened and allowed to “breathe” before consumption, allowing for aeration of the contents and thus bringing out the flavors in the wine. When a bottle of wine is opened, however, the sugar contained therein tends to attract fruit flies and other insects, which can make their way into the bottle and contaminate the wine contents. This is particularly true if the wine is being consumed outdoors, wherein airborne insects and other falling debris may readily enter the otherwise open wine bottle after being opened. When this occurs, a user may no longer wish to consume the wine contents and may discard the remaining amount of wine.

In addition to fruit flies and other insects entering into the bottle, insects can additionally fly into an open glass after a beverage such as wine has been poured thereinto. This generally occurs when a user leaves his or her glass on the table in between sips or if the wine is being consumed outdoors, which allows flying insects such as fruit flies to enter the glass and contaminate the wine. Once the debris or insects having entered the wine, they are difficult to remove, and the user may further not wish to continue consuming the wine in favor of a replacement glass and quantity of wine.

A wine bottle and glass covering is therefore desired that allows the contents of the container to breathe and oxygenate, while also shrouding the container contents from contaminates that would otherwise ruin the wine or the user's appetite. The present invention provides such a device, wherein an affixable screen covering is provided that allows beverage aeration while preventing fruit flies and other insects from entering the otherwise open top glass or container. Several embodiments are contemplated, including those that rest on the rim of a wine glass or bottle, as well as a covering that removably fastens thereto via complimentary threading. Finally, a screen covering having a removable lid for consumption and access if further disclosed.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Several devices have been disclosed in the prior art that attempt to keep insects and debris from entering open containers. Many of the devices that are currently available or disclosed in the prior art, however, utilize a bottle stopper that is designed to be installed into the opening of the bottle and include a screen for preventing insects from entering therein. These devices, however, require the user to install the bottle stopper inside the opening of the bottle. The present invention enables a user to quickly remove the covering for access of the container contents, rest the covering over an open container for temporary coverage or secure the covering to a container having acceptable and complimentary threading for more firm securement. In addition, the present invention permits a user to utilize a conventional cork or pressurized device in conjunction with the covering, wherein the covering does not interfere with the placement of the original cork.

Other disclosed devices are designed for attachment to the top of a conventional soda can. These devices attach in a variety of ways, and most commonly using a snap-on. The user can then consume the beverage directly through the cover while the cover engages the soda can. When the beverage can is empty, the user must unsnap the covering and wash the device before reuse. These soda covering devices are adapted only for use with a conventional soda can, and cannot be used along the opening of a wine bottle or wine glass. While their structure relates to a screen covering, their intended use, structure and spirit diverge from the present invention, which is more closely related to an aerating debris shield particularly suited for wine and champagne glasses or containers.

Several devices have been disclosed in the art that function as a bottle topper. U.S. Pat. No. 8,123,086 to Haley discloses a bottle stopper having a cylindrical body formed of a resilient, flexible, elastic material that includes a first cylindrical section adapted to be inserted into an opening of a bottle, and a second cylindrical section for extending above the opening of the bottle when the first cylindrical section is inserted in sealing engagement with the bottle. A spout is disposed on an outer surface for identifying the relative location of an air passageway, and for pouring a fluid therefrom. The structure of this device, however, is considerably different from that of the present invention. The Haley device includes a two piece bottle stopper with a screened portion residing in the first cylindrical section. The present invention, however, does not extend into the bottle as a stopper, but instead rests on top of the bottle or glass in order to prevent insects and debris from entering therein. The present invention engages the outer rim of the container rather than the interior portion, allowing the use of a cork or similar interior bottle stopper in conjunction with the present covering if so desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,644 to Brown discloses a wine and cork separating device for use with a wine bottle. The device includes an upper pouring spout and a hollow tubular member extending downwardly therefrom. The pouring spout includes a cork and wine sediment filtering screen extending across the interior thereof. This device includes a cork for sealing the bottle when not in use, whereas the present invention is designed to rest on top of a wine bottle or glass when in use. This enables aeration of the wine, and further allows the user to seal the bottle with a conventional cork or bottle topper when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,860 to Kay discloses a liquid filter device for use with bottles holding wine or other liquids, comprising a tubular body which may be inserted into the neck of a bottle, a bottom portion sealed from the internal volume, openings formed in the body, and a filter located on the inside of the body. This device extends into the opening of the bottle, and is designed for the liquid inside the bottle to be poured therethrough. The present invention, however, is not designed to be used for pouring, but instead covers the bottle to prevent objects and insects from entering therein. When a user wishes to pour a liquid from the bottle, the present invention is removed and replaced when pouring is complete. An embodiment of the present invention provides a removable section of the screen for access to the glass or container contents, however the most basic form of the present invention is one that includes a continuous screen covering connecting to a shoulder and skirt portion that rest against and around the rim of the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,746 to Eckstrum discloses a device having a strainer screen to provide internal protection for beverage cans. The safety screen is located inside the can and attaches to the underside of a beverage can opening about its periphery. This device is meant to protect the entry of foreign objects, such as bees or insects, and is further designed to fit within the opening of a conventional soda can. The present invention is designed to fit over the rim of a conventional wine bottle or wine glass, resting thereagainst or securing thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,389 to Cerrone, Jr. discloses a plastic snap fit cover for a carbonated beverage can that includes an aperture through the cover aligned with the snap tab opening in the top of the can with a molded screen to prevent the intrusion of insects into the can. This device attaches to the top of a conventional soda can, and includes a means for consuming the beverage while the device is installed thereon. The present invention is not designed to be installed over a beverage can for use while dispensing the can contents, and instead is adapted to rest against the rim of a glass or bottle and be removed therefrom prior to consumption or dispensation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,326 to Morehead discloses a protector for an opening in a liquid container to prevent entry into the container by dangerous insects, while allowing the user to drink from the container through the protector. The protector includes a flat cover having a number of small apertures therein, as well as a mechanism for mounting the cover to the container over the drink opening. This device covers over the opening in a conventional soda can to prevent insects from entering therein, and includes apertures for the liquid to flow therethrough. This device, however, is not adapted for attachment to a conventional wine bottle or glass, but instead attaches to the opening on a soda can.

The devices disclosed in the prior art describe coverings for a variety of beverage containers, including wine bottles and soda cans, as well as those devices that require a pressure fit within the interior opening of the container. This arrangement makes such devices difficult to remove when the bottle or can is empty, and prevents a user from installing a conventional cork or to use a pressurized system for storage of the bottle. The present invention provides a user with a device that can be easily installed along the rim of a wine bottle or glass in order to prevent insects and other objects from entering into the container. In its basic form, the device requires no attachment means to the container, thereby enabling a user to quickly remove the cover for consumption of the contents of the glass, or to replace a cork or pressurized system for preservation of the wine.

In light of the aforementioned prior art and the present disclosure, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art. Consequently it is clear that the present invention is not described by the prior art and that a need exists for an improved wine bottle and glass bottle covering. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of beverage coverings now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new covering and beverage aeration device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when allowing beverage to breathe while covering the opening of the beverage container or glass to prevent debris from entering therein.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved beverage covering device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beverage covering that allows the beverage contents to access the open air for aeration thereof while preventing discrete debris sources from entering the interior of the beverage container and contaminating the beverage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage covering that includes a structure that is adapted to rest against the open top or rim of a beverage container or glass without further securement.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage covering that includes a structure that is includes a threaded coupling means for removably securing to the top of a beverage container having complimentary threading.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage covering that comprises a screen upper portion, a shoulder portion connecting to a lower skirt region, wherein the assembly is adapted to conform to a number of different bottle or glass rim sizes and shapes.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a beverage covering that further comprises an opening along its upper screen portion, wherein the opening includes a removable cover for access to the container or glass contents without removing the covering device.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an overhead perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an underside perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an underside perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a working state, positioned along the rim of a wine glass and providing an opening for access to the glass contents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the beverage covering. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for shrouding a beverage container or glass while providing a means of aeration thereof. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an overhead perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a beverage covering is provided. The beverage covering comprises a screen 13 attached to a rounded frame having a shoulder portion 12 connecting to a lower skirt portion 11. The screen 13 is positioned within the interior of the frame, wherein the shoulder portion 12 terminates and forms an aperture spanned by the screen. The screen 13 and shoulder portion 12 are adapted to loosely rest against the upper rim of a glass or beverage container, while the skirt portion 11 extends downward from the rim. The screen 13 covers the open portion of a glass or container, preventing discrete debris sources such as falling debris and airborne insects from passing therethrough. The skirt portion 11 extends below the rim while the shoulder rests thereagainst, preventing flies and other insects from bypassing the screen and crawling into the container from beneath the screen.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an underside view of the beverage covering of the present invention, wherein the interior portion of the covering frame is visualized. The interior portion is open to allow the rim of a glass or container to enter therein, wherein the shoulder 12 and screen 13 rest against the container opening to prevent debris from entering thereinto. The screen 13 is also adapted to readily allow air to flow through its structure, which provides a covering that blocks debris sources but allows air to infiltrate the glass or container for aeration purposes. This feature is particularly useful for wine containers and glasses, wherein significantly aged wine is allowed to “breathe” prior to being consumed. The aeration of the wine allows the flavor and character of the wine to be palpable when consumed, increasing enjoyment and further allowing for proper consumption of aged wine.

It is submitted that the fruit and sugar inherent in wines and certain beverages readily attracts insects, and particularly when the beverage is being consumed outdoors or is being aerated for periods of time. If a wine bottle or glass is left unaccompanied between sips or left open in between periods of dispensing the beverage, fruit flies or similar insects may enter the container, contaminating its contents and causing frustration due to the loss for the user. The present invention provides a covering device that allows ready aeration for a beverage, and in particular wine beverage containers and glasses, while also preventing contamination due to airborne debris. The device is adapted to readily connect to a number of different bottle or glass sizes and styles, and provides a readily deployable structure for outdoor or indoor use.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an underside perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein a covering of similar structure is provided having a screen 12, shoulder 12 and skirt 11 that define the frame of the covering, while the interior of the frame includes a screw thread pitch 14 for removable securement to a container having complimentary threading. In this embodiment, the interior surface of the skirt 11 is adapted to secure to the upper portion of a container via the threading 14, as opposed to the preferred embodiment that simply rests against the container rim. This embodiment is specifically designed for a container having threading, and provides a more secure fitment of the covering thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an overhead perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same style covering frame is provided, wherein a shoulder and skirt portion form an open section adapted to accept the upper rim of a glass 17. However, this embodiment contemplates an open portion of the upper screen 13 that allows direct access to the glass contents 16 while the covering is applied to the glass rim. In this embodiment, the open portion of the screen 13 is removably covered by a lid 15, which is either hinges from the screen, is slideable therealong or is completely removable therefrom. This embodiment provides a user with a means to stir, sip or pour the glass contents 16 while the covering is applied to the glass rim.

It is submitted that the present invention provides an aerating and debris shielding beverage cover that is adapted to form over the rim of an open container or glass. It is not desired to limit the present invention to a particular size, style or shape that would limit its applicability with respect to the intended glass, container or style of rim thereof in which the covering will be utilized in conjunction with. It is contemplated that the present covering may be simply placed over open wine glasses, open wine bottles, threadably secured to wine bottles or containers, or further provided in such a fashion that allows ready access to the beverage while the covering is attached to the container. The frame may be adorned or styled in an ornamental fashion or specific design, while the materials utilized may include plastics, fine metals or any suitable alternative that one skilled in the art of bottle coverings and fine stemware may contemplate.

In light of the present disclosure, it is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A beverage aeration and debris covering, comprising:

a frame having an upper shoulder portion having an open interior aperture, said upper shoulder portion connecting to a lower skirt portion, wherein said lower skirt portion has a diameter greater than that of said upper shoulder portion and the exterior perimeter of said lower skirt portion protrudes outward past the exterior perimeter of said upper should portion;

a planar mesh screen bounded by said upper shoulder portion, wherein said mesh screen lies over an entire open area of a glass or container and keeps debris from passing through said open area when in use;

said mesh screen and said shoulder portion adapted to rest against a glass or container rim, allowing air to pass therethrough while blocking discrete debris, and wherein said skirt is adapted to rest against or near the exterior perimeter of a glass or container when in use;

said skirt portion extending substantially downward from said glass or container rim.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein said skirt portion further comprises an interior surface having a screw thread pitch for removable securement to a rim having a complimentary thread pitch.

3) (canceled)

4) (canceled)

5) (canceled)

6) A beverage aeration and debris covering, comprising:

a frame having an upper shoulder portion having an open interior aperture, said shoulder portion connecting to a lower skirt portion, wherein said lower skirt portion has a diameter greater than that of said upper shoulder portion and the exterior perimeter of said lower skirt portion protrudes outward past the exterior perimeter of said upper should portion;

a planar mesh screen spanning said upper shoulder portion, wherein said mesh screen keeps debris from passing through said open area when in use;

said mesh screen and said shoulder portion adapted to rest against a glass or container rim, allowing air to pass therethrough while blocking discrete debris, and wherein said skirt is adapted to rest against or near the exterior perimeter of a glass or container when in use;

said skirt portion extending substantially downward from said glass or container rim;

said mesh screen having a cut out portion for allowing access therethrough to said glass or container contents, said cut out portion having a removable lid covering thereover.

7) The device of claim 6, wherein said removable lid covering further comprises a hingeably attached lid.

8) The device of claim 6, wherein said removable lid covering further comprises a slideably attached lid.