Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02658209 2009-03-12
DRINKING VESSEL WITH RECEPTACLE FOR DRIPPINGS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[00011 The present invention relates to a drinking vessel. More particularly,
it relates
to a drinking vessel having a receptacle for receiving and trapping drippings.
Description of the Related Art
[00021 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
United
States Patent No. 973,085 to Strause and United States Patent 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.
[00031 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 United
States Patent
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.
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[0004] The device of Canosa further requires many parts and chambers. This may
lead to increased manufacturing time and costs.
[0005] Accordingly there is a need for an improved drinking vessel that
overcomes
the above disadvantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved drinking
vessel.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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
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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
[0009] 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:
Figure 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;
Figure 2 is a fragmentary elevation view of the receptacle according to the
embodiment
of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a sectional, elevation view of the drinking vessel of Figure 1 in
a slightly
tipped position;
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Figure 4 is a sectional, elevation view of the drinking vessel of Figure 1 in
a fully tipped
position;
Figure 5 is a sectional, elevation view of the drinking vessel of Figure 1 in
an upside
down position;
Figure 6 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a
second
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a
third
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a
fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a
fifth
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a
sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a
seventh
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to an
eighth
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a
ninth
embodiment of the present invention; and
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Figure 14 is a sectional, elevation view of a drinking vessel according to a
tenth
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Referring to the drawings and first to Figure 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. Figure 1 shows a
vertical section
of the vessel 10.
[0011] The vessel is made of a single material in this example glass, though
other
materials of course may be used.
[0012] 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
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.
20 [0013] 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.
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[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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 a relative to the bottom 26.
The set angle a
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 a is between 20 degrees and 70 degrees. In one
preferred
embodiment the set angle is 35 degrees.
[0018] 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 Figure
2 by way of
example with the indicia "BEER LOGO".
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[00191 Referring back to Figure 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.
[00201 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.
[0021] 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.
[00221 The drippings 31 will, through gravity, descend downwards, from the
perspective of Figure 1, along the exterior surface 19 of the drinking
compartment 18
when the drinking vessel is upright as illustrated in Figure 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.
100231 Referring now to Figure 3, the vessel 10 is illustrated in a slightly
tipped
position, at an angle 01 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
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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 a 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.
[0024] Referring now to Figure 4, the vessel 10 is illustrated in a fully
tipped over
position, at an angle 02 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 a 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.
[0025] 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 Figure 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.
[0026] 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.
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[0027] 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.
[0028] Referring back to Figure 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
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[0031] Figure 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 Figures 1 to
5. Like parts
have like numbers with the additional designation "A". Only differences
compared to the
embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 will be discussed in detail.
[0032] 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.
[0033] The wall 28.1 of the drinking vessel 10.1 is longer than that of the
embodiment illustrated in Figures 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] Figure 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 Figure 6. Like parts have
like numbers
as in the embodiment of Figure 6 with the designation ".2" instead of "A".
Only
differences compared to the embodiment of Figure 6 will be discussed in
detail.
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[0036] 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 Figures 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 Figures 1 to 5.
[0037] 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.
[0038] Figure 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 Figure 7. Like parts have
like numbers
as in the embodiment of Figure 7 with the designation ".3" instead of ".2".
Only
differences compared to the embodiment of Figure 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.
[0039] Figure 9 illustrates a drinking vessel 10.4 according to a fifth
embodiment.
The various labelled parts perform in a substantially similar manner with
substantially
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similar functions as the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7. Like parts have
like numbers
as in the embodiment of Figure 7 with the designation ".4" instead of ".2".
Only
differences compared to the embodiment of Figure 7 will be discussed in
detail.
[0040] 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 a.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.
[0041] Figure 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 Figure 7. Like parts have
like numbers
as in the embodiment of Figure 7 with the designation ".5" instead of ".2".
Only
differences compared to the embodiment of Figure 7 will be discussed in
detail.
[0042] 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.
[0043] Figure 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 Figure 10.
Like parts have
like numbers as in the embodiment of Figure 10 with the designation ".6"
instead of ".5".
Only differences compared to the embodiment of Figure 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.
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[0044] Figure 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 Figure 10.
Like parts have
like numbers as in the embodiment of Figure 10 with the designation ".7"
instead of ".5".
Only differences compared to the embodiment of Figure 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.
[0045] Figure 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 Figure 7. Like parts have
like numbers
as in the embodiment of Figure 7 with the designation ".8" instead of ".2".
Only
differences compared to the embodiment of Figure 7 will be discussed in
detail.
[0046] In this embodiment the set angle a.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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] Figure 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 Figure 13. Like parts have
like
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numbers as in the embodiment of Figure 13 with the designation ".9" instead of
".8".
Only differences compared to the embodiment of Figure 13 will be discussed in
detail.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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 Figures 13 and 14, where the receptacles may for example also
be square.
[0052] 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.
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