DRINKING VESSEL WITH OBJECT HOLDERS

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments provide a drinking vessel that is suitable for cocktails. The drinking vessel comprises a base, a stem, and a basin. The basin is the portion of the drinking vessel that holds the liquid contents of the cocktail. Multiple object holders are affixed to the interior of the basin. The object holders are configured to hold objects. In particular, the object holders are configured to hold objects often provided with a cocktail, such as olives, onions, grapes, and/or other fruit and/or vegetable slices. The object holders can hold these objects near or above the liquid surface. In this way, a presentation style for cocktails is provided that heretofore has not been possible.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to drinking vessels, and more particularly to drinking vessels with object holders.

BACKGROUND

The history of alcohol dates back more than 3,000 years, when the Egyptians first fermented beer. Nowadays, alcohol is consumed in a variety of different forms, such as beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. Over time, cocktails have become an integral part of modern societies and lifestyles.

Cocktails can include a wide variety of ingredients, some of which are very special, and some of which are just ordinary liquids such as water. Each ingredient may contribute its own flavor, and combining the ingredients to get a satisfying taste is not easily accomplished. The art of “mixology” requires a knowledge of the ingredients and flavors they produce. Thus, creating a satisfying cocktail goes far beyond just pouring together various liquids or ingredients. Additionally, as is the case with food, the presentation of a cocktail can add to its enjoyment.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, there is provided a beverage vessel comprising: a base; a stem having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the base; a basin connected to the second end of the stem; and a plurality of object holders disposed within, and connected to, the basin.

In another embodiment, there is provided a beverage vessel comprising: a base; a stem having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the base; a basin connected to the second end of the stem; and a plurality of substantially cylindrical object holders disposed within, and affixed to, the basin, wherein each substantially cylindrical object holder of the plurality of object holders has a diameter ranging from 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

In yet another embodiment, there is provided a beverage vessel comprising: a base; a side portion, wherein the side portion is connected to the base as to form a basin; a plurality of object holders disposed within, and affixed to, the basin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows details of a holder in accordance with embodiments of a present invention.

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

FIG. 2C is a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows details of a holder in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D shows the embodiment of FIG. 4A with objects placed in the object holders.

FIG. 5A shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows the embodiment of FIG. 5A with objects placed in the object holders.

FIG. 6 shows details of a holder in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B shows a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention with a reduced liquid level as compared with the view shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention with a reduced liquid level as compared with the view shown in FIG. 7C.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not necessarily intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only example embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering may represent like elements. Furthermore, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments provide an improved drinking vessel that is well-suited for cocktails. The drinking vessel comprises a base, a stem, and a basin. The basin is the portion of the drinking vessel that holds the liquid contents of the cocktail. Multiple object holders are connected to the interior of the basin. The object holders are configured to hold objects, for example, food objects often provided with a cocktail, such as olives, onions, grapes, and/or other fruit and/or vegetable slices. The object holders can hold these objects near or above the liquid surface. In this way, a presentation style for cocktails is provided that heretofore has not been possible. No additional equipment such as toothpicks are required since the object holders are integrated into the drinking vessel of disclosed embodiments. In some use cases, non-food objects, such as a parasol are held by the object holders and/or for non-alcoholic beverages.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in some embodiments”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Moreover, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined (“mixed and matched”) in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope and purpose of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, etc., do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term “set” is intended to mean a quantity of at least one. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including”, or “has” and/or “having”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, and/or elements. For the purposes of disclosure, the word, “substantially” is defined as “for the most part”. It means “to a great extent,” but having some room for some minor variation.

FIG. 1A shows a side view of a beverage vessel 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention holding objects. FIG. 1B shows a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A (without objects). Beverage vessel 100 includes a base 102. A stem 104 has a first end 171 that is connected to the base 102, and a second end 173 that is connected to a basin 106. The basin includes a top rim 108. The base is of a diameter and/or perimeter larger than the stem, so that the beverage vessel may stand upright on a surface with the base at its bottom. In some embodiments, the basin, stem, and/or base are integrally formed via a molding process (e.g., injection molding), 3D printing, or other suitable method (rather than attached after fabrication or manufacture). In some embodiments, the beverage vessel is a martini glass, a wine glass, a drinking cup, or other suitable beverage vessel. In use, the basin 106 may hold the liquid of a beverage.

Within the interior of the basin 106, multiple object holders are connected. In some embodiments, at least one object holder is connected therein. In some embodiments, the object holders are affixed therein, or integrally formed in the basin via a molding process (e.g., injection molding), 3D printing, or other suitable method. In other embodiments, the object holders may be mechanically attached to the basin via welds, adhesives, twist connections, or other suitable mechanisms.

In FIG. 1A, there is a first object holder 122, a second object holder 124, and a third object holder 126. In some embodiments, the object holders (122, 124, and 126) are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical with an elongate side between two round, or substantially round ends. In some embodiments, other shapes are possible. Each object holder has a longitudinal axis, indicated generally as C. The stem has a longitudinal axis, indicated generally as B.

In embodiments, one or more of the object holders includes a protrusion, shown generally in FIG. 1A as 135, and also shown in FIG. 1B at 135, 137, and 139. The protrusions can be used to pierce an object such as a grape, olive, pearl onion, or the like, to stabilize it on the object holder.

In embodiments, each object holder is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stem. Some embodiments may include three cylindrical object holders. Other embodiments may have more or fewer object holders. As shown in FIG. 1A, object holder 122 is holding object 142, object holder 126 is holding object 146, and object 124 is holding object 144. In embodiments, objects 142, 144, and 146 can be olives, grapes, pearl onions, or other suitable object for serving in a cocktail or other beverage. The objects shown here are for purposes of disclosure of use cases, and in general, do not form a part of the invention. However, in some embodiments, the beverage vessel and the objects may form a “set,” so in some cases, the objects may be a part of the invention with the beverage vessel.

In some embodiments, each object holder of the plurality of object holders are in physical contact with another object holder of the plurality of object holders. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, in embodiments, the object holders are disposed in or around the center of the basin, and in some embodiments, the holders are tightly packed, such that the cylindrical object holders are in physical contact with each other.

In embodiments, at least one object holder among the object holders comprises a protrusion formed in an interior region of the object holder. In embodiments, the stem, base, and basin are comprised of plastic, glass, ceramic, or other suitable material.

FIG. 2A shows details of an object holder 122 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A. Each object holder has a height, indicated generally as H. In embodiments, the height H can range from 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters. In some embodiments, the height H of each object holder of a beverage vessel can be different from the others. In some embodiments, the height H of each object holder can be identical.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2B, a spar 154 is disposed within the interior 157 of the cylinder 152. A protrusion 135 is connected to the spar and oriented such that the protrusion tip points towards a top lip 156 of the holder 122, and when installed in a basin (e.g., 106), points towards the top rim (e.g., 108) of the beverage vessel.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2C, it can be seen that the spar 154 is disposed within an interior diameter of the cylindrical object holder 122. In the embodiment, the interior of the cylindrical object holder is substantially hollow other than the spar and protrusion. The cylindrical object holder 122 has a diameter indicated as T. In some embodiments, the diameter T has a value ranging from 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters, suitable for holding objects such as olives, grapes, small onions, and the like.

In embodiments, the protrusion is connected to a spar, wherein the spar is disposed within the cylindrical object holder. In embodiments, the protrusion is conical, and oriented upwards, such that the point of the conical protrusion is pointing towards the top rim of the basin. In some embodiments, the point is sharp or substantially sharp such that an object can be affixed.

FIG. 3 shows details of an object holder 322 in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Object holder 322 has cylinder 352, which has a height indicated as H. Object holder 322 may be used instead of, or in addition to, object holder 122 shown in FIG. 2A. Object holder 322 does not have a protrusion. In some embodiments, the interior of object holder 322 is hollow or substantially hollow, such that liquid can enter, and be held within, the object holder. This may be suitable for holding certain objects such as a celery stalk, parasol umbrella, or other elongate object. Some beverage vessels may have a combination of object holders with protrusions (e.g., 122 of FIG. 2A), and object holders without protrusions (e.g., 322 of FIG. 3).

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a beverage vessel 400 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C shows a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A. Beverage vessel 400 includes three object holders such as object holder 322 of FIG. 3, indicated as 422, 424, and 426.

Beverage vessel 400 includes a base 402. A stem 404 has a first end that is connected to the base 402, and a second end that is connected to a basin 406. In some embodiments, the stem, base, and/or basin are affixed to one another, and in some embodiments, instead, these are integrally formed during fabrication or manufacture. The basin includes a top rim 408. The basin 406 holds the liquid of a beverage. Within the interior of the basin 406, the multiple object holders, indicated as 422, 424, and 426, are disposed. In this embodiment, the object holders 422, 424, and 426 are not in physical contact with each other, and are disposed in a manner such that they are spaced apart from, and thus, isolated from each other.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4B, object holder 422 is positioned at a distance L3 below top rim 408. In embodiments, the height of top rim 408 above the bottom-most portion 409 of basin is substantially the same around the diameter (or perimeter where the rim isn't round). Object holder 424 is positioned at a distance L2 below top rim 408. Object holder 426 is positioned at a distance L1 below top rim 408. In some embodiments, L1, L2, and L3 may be equal. In some embodiments, L1, L2, and L3 may each be different values. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 may be equal to each other, with L3 having a different value. Other combinations of equal and unequal distances are possible with embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the value of L1, L2 and L3 ranges from 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters. In some embodiments, the basin 409 has a height H value ranging from 55 millimeters to 65 millimeters. In some embodiments, L2 has a value ranging from 18 millimeters to 22 millimeters, L3 has a value ranging from 28 millimeters to 32 millimeters, and L1 has a value ranging from 38 millimeters to 42 millimeters. In some embodiments, L3 has a value that is a percentage of the value of L1, and L2 has a value that is a percentage of the value of L3. In some particular embodiments, L3 has a value that is 65 percent of the value of L1, and L2 has a value that is 65 percent of the value of L3. Other percentage values are possible in disclosed embodiments.

In embodiments, the basin comprises a top lip, and each cylindrical object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge (461, 462, and 463) of each cylindrical object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed below the top lip, when oriented as shown in FIG. 4B, which is an orientation for holding a beverage.

FIG. 4D shows the embodiment of FIG. 4A with objects, indicated as 442, 444, and 446, placed in the object holders. In embodiments, the objects can be olives, pearl onions, grapes, fruit slices, vegetable pieces, or other suitable object used in a cocktail for flavoring and/or presentation purposes.

FIG. 5A shows a side view of a beverage vessel 500 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. Beverage vessel 500 includes a base 502. A stem 504 has a first end that is connected to the base 502, and a second end that is connected to a basin 506. The basin includes a top rim 508. The basin 106 holds the liquid of a beverage. Within the interior of the basin 506, multiple object holders, 522, 524, and 526, are connected.

Object holder 522 is positioned at a distance L3 below top rim 508. Object holder 526 is positioned at a distance L1 below top rim 508. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 may be equal. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 may be different values. Object holder 524 is positioned at a distance L4 above the top rim 408 to prominently display an object during use. In some embodiments, the value of L1, L2 and L4 ranges from 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

Thus, in embodiments, the basin comprises a top lip, wherein a first subset of cylindrical object holders of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge of each cylindrical object holder of the first subset of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed below the top lip, and wherein a second subset of cylindrical object holders of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge of each cylindrical object holder of the second subset of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed above the top lip.

FIG. 5B shows the embodiment of FIG. 5A with objects placed in the object holders. Object holder 524 is holding object 549, which can be a parasol. Object holder 522 is holding object 542, which can be an olive, grape, pearl onion, or other suitable object. Object holder 526 is holding object 544, which can be an olive, grape, pearl onion, or other suitable object. With embodiments of the present invention, objects 542 and 544 are positioned at or near the liquid surface 581, enabling an interesting and compelling presentation for a cocktail.

FIG. 6 shows details of an object holder 622 in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to object holder 122 shown in FIG. 2A, with a key difference being the use of a barbed protrusion as shown at 635. The barbed protrusion serves to inhibit removal of an object. This can be useful in outdoor settings, if there is a breeze, for example. In that case, the barbed protrusion 635 can provide additional stability for objects such as olives, grapes, pearl onions, and the like.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of a beverage vessel 700 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. Beverage vessel 700 is a stemless beverage vessel, comprising a base 702 and side portion 706, that together form a basin. The basin is configured to hold a liquid such as a beverage. A plurality of object holders, indicated as 722, 724, and 726 are connected to the base 702 and within the interior of the beverage vessel 700. As shown in FIG. 7A, each object holder is holding an object. Object holder 722 is holding object 742. Object holder 724 is holding object 744. Object holder 726 is holding object 746. Objects 742, 744, and 746, may be olives, pearl onions, grapes, or other suitable object. FIG. 7B shows a top-down view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A without the objects on the object holders 722, 724, and 726. Stemless embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can use any combination of object holders with protrusions (such as shown in FIG. 2A), barbs (such as shown in FIG. 6), and/or without protrusions (such as shown in FIG. 3). As can be seen in FIG. 7A, the beverage level 747 is such that object 744 is partially submerged, while objects 742 and 746 are completely submerged. Referring now to FIG. 7C, the beverage level 747 is lowered (i.e., after some of the beverage is consumed), such that object 742 is partially submerged, and object 746 is completely submerged, and object 744 is completely exposed. Referring now to FIG. 7D, the beverage level 747 is lowered such that object 742, 744, and 746 are completely exposed.

Thus, in embodiments, each pedestal is evenly spaced and designed to “reveal” an object, such as an olive, as the user drinks and the liquid moves below the level of the olive. The object holders 722, 724, and 726 are configured to position the objects above the base 702 so if the object, such as an olive, is not eaten when revealed, the flavor of the olive does not overwhelm the final tastes of the beverage.

As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments provide an improved drinking vessel, for example, for cocktails. Cocktails such as martinis are often served with olives, or pearl onions. Disclosed embodiments allow for a prominent display of these food objects to provide an interesting cocktail presentation. Disclosed embodiments can be used with martinis, daiquiris, margaritas, mojitos, piña coladas, and/or other cocktail types. Disclosed embodiments can also be used with non-alcoholic beverages. In some embodiments, food objects such as marshmallows, pieces of chocolate, jellybeans, or other sweet food objects can be disposed on the object holders. In some embodiments, food objects such as lemon or lime wedges may be disposed on the object holders. Additionally, in some embodiments, a non-food object such as a decorative parasol, flag, or other object may be held by object holders of disclosed embodiments. Thus, disclosed embodiments enable a wide variety of creative presentations for beverages.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, although the illustrative embodiments are described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of such acts or events unless specifically stated. Some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein, in accordance with the invention. In addition, not all illustrated steps may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, the methods according to the present invention may be implemented in association with the formation and/or processing of structures illustrated and described herein as well as in association with other structures not illustrated. Moreover, in particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A beverage vessel comprising:

a base;

a stem having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the base;

a basin connected to the second end of the stem; and

a plurality of object holders disposed within, and connected to, the basin.

2. The beverage vessel of claim 1, wherein each object holder of the plurality of object holders is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stem.

3. The beverage vessel of claim 2, wherein each object holder of the plurality of object holders is cylindrical.

4. The beverage vessel of claim 3, wherein the plurality of object holders comprises three cylindrical object holders.

5. The beverage vessel of claim 4 wherein each cylindrical object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders are in physical contact with another cylindrical object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders.

6. The beverage vessel of claim 3, wherein at least one cylindrical object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders comprises a protrusion formed in an interior region of the at least one cylindrical object holder.

7. The beverage vessel of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is affixed to a spar, wherein the spar is disposed within the at least one cylindrical object holder.

8. The beverage vessel of claim 7, wherein the spar is disposed along a diameter of the at least one cylindrical object holder.

9. The beverage vessel of claim 2, wherein the basin comprises a top rim, and wherein each cylindrical object holder of the plurality of object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge of each object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed below the top rim.

10. The beverage vessel of claim 2, wherein the basin comprises a top rim, and wherein a first subset of cylindrical object holders of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge of each cylindrical object holder of the first subset of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed below the top rim, and wherein a second subset of cylindrical object holders of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge of each cylindrical object holder of the second subset of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed above the top rim.

11. The beverage vessel of claim 2 wherein each cylindrical object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is isolated from other cylindrical object holders of the plurality of cylindrical object holders.

12. The beverage vessel of claim 1, wherein the stem, base, and basin are comprised of plastic.

13. The beverage vessel of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is conical.

14. The beverage vessel of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is barbed.

15. A beverage vessel comprising:

a base;

a stem having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the base;

a basin connected to the second end of the stem; and

a plurality of substantially cylindrical object holders disposed within, and affixed to, the basin, wherein each substantially cylindrical object holder of the plurality of object holders has a diameter ranging from 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

16. The beverage vessel of claim 15, wherein each substantially cylindrical object holder of the plurality of substantially cylindrical object holders is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stem.

17. The beverage vessel of claim 16 wherein each substantially cylindrical object holder of the plurality of substantially cylindrical object holders are in physical contact with another substantially cylindrical object holder of the plurality of substantially cylindrical object holders.

18. A beverage vessel comprising:

a base;

a side portion, wherein the side portion is connected to the base as to form a basin; a plurality of object holders disposed within, and affixed to, the basin.

19. The beverage vessel of claim 18, wherein the plurality of object holders comprises three cylindrical object holders or three substantially cylindrical object holders.

20. The beverage vessel of claim 18, wherein at least one object holder of the plurality of object holders comprises a protrusion formed in an interior region of the at least one object holder.