Wine Glass Stabilizing Device

Abstract

A wine glass stabilizing device is provided. The device is comprised of a receiving area, a receiving member, and a base, each preferably made from a plastic or rubber material. The device utilizes a counterweight to offset the weight from the liquid in the wine glass to prevent the wine glass from tipping over and spilling. The device may also be applied universally to all stemmed wine glasses on any surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/489,587, which was filed on Mar. 10, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of wine glass holders. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wine glass stabilizing device that uses a counterweight to offset the weight from the liquid in the wine glass and prevents the wine glass from tipping over and spilling. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Most wine glasses have a long stem that connects the base of the glass to the body of the glass. However, the difference in weight between the base and the body may cause the wine glass to become unstable and topple over, potentially breaking and shattering into many shards of glass. Further, the wine in the glass may stain objects and the mess left after a glass full of wine shatters can be difficult and time-consuming to clean.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that eliminates the instability of wine glasses. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a wine glass stabilizing device that can be applied to a wine glass and that acts as a counterweight to balance the top-heavy glass when filled with wine or any other liquid. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a wine glass stabilizing device that can be applied universally to any wine glass such that the wine glass may remain stable on any desired surface or material.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a wine glass stabilizing device. The device is comprised of a receiving area, a receiving member, and a base, each preferably made from a plastic or rubber material. The receiving area may accept a wine glass and the receiving member may secure the wine glass to the receiving area of the device. Further, the base provides weight and additional grip to the surface that the device is placed on that prevents the wine glass from tipping over and spilling.

In this manner, the wine glass stabilizing device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device that eliminates the instability of wine glasses. More specifically, the wine glass stabilizing device can be applied universally to any wine glass on any surface. Furthermore, the wine glass stabilizing device can provide additional weight to the base of a wine glass to counterbalance the weight of the liquid in the upper portion of the wine glass, stabilizing the wine glass.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a wine glass stabilizing device. The device is primarily comprised of a receiving area, a receiving member, and a base. The device is designed to attach to a base of a wine glass to provide additional weight and support for the wine glass to further stabilize and balance the wine glass when the glass is filled with a liquid.

The device is comprised of a receiving area preferably made from a plastic or rubber material. The receiving area is comprised of a top surface in which a wine glass may be placed onto, and a bottom surface that connects the receiving area to the base of the device. The base of the device is preferably weighted to balance the distribution of weight of the wine glass and prevent tipping of the glass. Further, the bottom surface of the base may be flat and comprised of a non-skid surface, allowing the device to be used on any desired surface while keeping the wine glass in an upright position without movement.

The device is also comprised of a generally dome-shaped receiving member. The receiving member extends from the receiving area and is comprised of a front slot that allows the base and stem of a wine glass to slide into the receiving member and a top opening from which the stem of the wine glass may exit the device. The receiving member holds the wine glass in place once the wine glass has been placed onto the receiving area.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a receiving area, a receiving member, and a base. Then, a wine glass is placed into the receiving area and the receiving member holds the wine glass in place. Then, the wine glass may be filled with any amount of liquid that fits in the glass without worrying about the glass tipping over.

Accordingly, the wine glass stabilizing device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that eliminates the instability of wine glasses. More specifically, the wine glass stabilizing device can provide additional weight to the base of a wine glass, counterbalancing and stabilizing the wine glass when filled with a liquid. Furthermore, the wine glass stabilizing device can be applied universally to any wine glass on any flat surface and keep the wine glass upright. In this manner, the wine glass stabilizing device provides a solution to prevent wine glasses from spilling.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a wine glass stabilizing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a wine glass stabilizing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a wine glass stabilizing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that eliminates the instability of wine glasses. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a wine glass stabilizing device that can be applied to a wine glass to act as a counterweight to balance the glass when filled with wine or any other liquid. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a wine glass stabilizing device that can be applied universally to any wine glass, such that the wine glass may remain stable on any desired surface or material.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a wine glass stabilizing device. The device is primarily comprised of a receiving area, a receiving member, and a base. The device is designed to be secured to a base of a wine glass to provide additional weight and support for the wine glass to further stabilize and balance the wine glass when filled with a liquid.

More specifically, the device is comprised of a receiving area, which is preferably made from a plastic or rubber material, preventing the wine glass from easily slipping off the receiving area. The receiving area is further comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface. The base of a wine glass may be placed on the top surface of the receiving area. The top surface of the receiving area may be comprised of any form of indicia that can provide additional grip for the wine glass. The bottom surface of the receiving area attaches to a top surface of the base of the device. The bottom surface of the receiving area and the top surface of the base of the device may each be comprised of a fastener that allow the receiving area and the base of the device to be attached. The base is preferably weighted to decrease the likelihood of the wine glass tipping over. Further, the base is comprised of a bottom surface that decreases the likelihood of the wine glass tipping over. The bottom surface of the base, in one potential embodiment, may be comprised of a non-skid surface, such as a textured rubber, that is either recessed into or protrudes from the bottom surface of the base.

The device is also comprised of a receiving member which is further comprised of a top opening and a front slot. The receiving member is designed to keep the wine glass from moving once placed into the receiving area of the device. The top opening of the receiving member allows the stem of the wine glass to exit upward from the receiving member, whereas the front slot allows the stem of the wine glass to be placed into the receiving member. The arms of the receiving member hold the wine glass to the device to prevent the wine glass from tipping.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a receiving area, a receiving member, and a base. Then, a wine glass is placed into the receiving area and the receiving member holds the wine glass in place. Then, the wine glass may be filled with any amount of liquid that fits in the glass without worrying about the glass tipping over.

Accordingly, the wine glass stabilizing device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that eliminates the instability of wine glasses. More specifically, the wine glass stabilizing device can be used on any surface and applied to any wine glass such that it keeps the wine glass upright and prevents it from spilling. Furthermore, the wine glass stabilizing device provides additional weight to the bottom of the wine glass to counterbalance the weight from the liquid inside the wine glass. In this manner, the wine glass stabilizing device provides a solution to prevent wine glasses from spilling.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a wine glass stabilizing device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of at least one receiving area 110, at least one receiving member 120, and a base 130. The device 100 is designed to be attached to a base 20 of a wine glass 10 to provide additional support that stabilizes the wine glass 10 when filled with a liquid and prevent spilling of the glass.

The device 100 is comprised of a receiving area 110 that is preferably made from a rubber or plastic material, such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc. The receiving area 110 is comprised of a top surface 112 and a bottom surface 116. During use, the top surface 112 of the receiving area 110 may receive a base 20 of a wine glass 10. The top surface 112, in one potential embodiment, may be textured with recessed areas or protrusions for additional grip for the base 20 of the wine glass 10. The top surface 112 may also be comprised of any number of indicia 114 in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be wine related.

The bottom surface 116 of the receiving area 110 attaches to a top surface 132 of the base 130 of the device 100. The base 130 of the device 100 is preferably weighted to act as a counterweight to the weight of the liquid in the wine glass 10. Further, the base 130 is comprised of a bottom surface 134. The bottom surface 134 of the base 130 may be made of a material that promotes grip, such as rubber or silicone. Additionally, the bottom surface 134 of the base 130 may be textured with a plurality of protrusions or recessed areas that increase friction and prevent slipping and movement of the base 130 when placed on a surface to eliminate spills.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a wine glass stabilizing device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is also comprised of a receiving member 120 that extends from the receiving area 110 and further secures the wine glass 10 to the device 100. The receiving member 120 of the device 100 is generally dome-shaped with a top opening 122 and a front slot 124. The top opening 122 of the receiving member 120 allows the stem 30 of the wine glass 10 to exit the receiving member 120, further allowing a user to grip the wine glass 10 by the stem 30, if preferred. The front slot 124 of the receiving member 120 allows a wine glass 10 to be placed into the receiving area 110 of the device 100. The front slot 124 is preferably wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, delineating to insert the base 20 and stem 30 of the wine glass 10. Once the wine glass 10 is properly placed into the receiving member 120, the receiving member 120 secures the wine glass 10 to the device 100 to decrease the likelihood of the wine glass 10 tipping over. It should be appreciated that the member 120 may be any shape or configuration that secures the base 20 of the glass 10 to the base 130 of the device 100. This includes the use of any fasteners such as, but not limited to, hook and loop straps, snap button straps, etc.

The present invention is also comprised of a method 200 of using the device 100, as seen in FIG. 3. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a receiving area 110, a receiving member 120, and a base 130 [Step 202]. Then, a base 20 and a stem 30 of a wine glass 10 is placed into the receiving area 110, such that the receiving member 120 holds the wine glass 10 in place on the device 100 [Step 204]. Then, the wine glass 10 may be filled with any amount of liquid and drank from without worrying about the wine glass 10 tipping over or spill [Step 206].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “wine glass stabilizing device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the wine glass stabilizing device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the wine glass stabilizing device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the wine glass stabilizing device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the wine glass stabilizing device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the wine glass stabilizing device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the wine glass stabilizing device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A wine glass stabilizing device comprising:

a base;

a receiving area attached to the base; and

a receiving member positioned on a top surface of the receiving area.

2. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the base is comprised of a rubber material.

3. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the receiving area is comprised of a top opening.

4. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the receiving area is comprised of a slot.

5. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the receiving area is comprised of an indicia.

6. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 5, wherein the top surface is comprised of a texture.

7. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 6, wherein the texture is comprised of a raised texture or a recessed texture.

8. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the base is comprised of a weighted base.

9. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the receiving member is comprised of a dome-like shape.

10. A wine glass stabilizing device comprising:

a weighted base comprised of a textured bottom surface;

a receiving area attached to the base; and

a receiving member positioned on a top surface of the receiving area.

11. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 10, wherein the textured bottom surface is comprised of a rubber material.

12. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 10, wherein the textured bottom surface is comprised of a raised texture or a recessed texture.

13. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 10, wherein the receiving area is comprised of a top opening.

14. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 10, wherein the receiving area is comprised of a slot.

15. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 10, wherein the top surface of the receiving area is comprised of an indicia.

16. The wine glass stabilizing device of claim 10, wherein the receiving member is comprised of a dome-like shape.

17. A method of using a wine glass stabilizing device, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a wine glass stabilizing device comprised of a receiving area, a receiving member, and a base;

placing a base and a stem of a wine glass into the receiving member such that the receiving member holds the wine glass in place; and

filling and drinking from the wine glass.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the receiving member is comprised of a top opening.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the receiving member is comprised of a slot.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the base is comprised of a weighted base.