Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02902111 2015-08-28
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NESTING AND RECONFIGURABLE WINE GLASS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to
United States
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/829,362, entitled NESTING AND
RECONFIGURABLE
WINE GLASS, filed May 31, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein
by its entirety.
FIELD OF INTEREST
[0002] The present inventive concepts relate to the field of beverage
containers, and
more particularly to the field of wine glasses.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Different types of disposable drinking cups exist, such as paper,
plastic, and
Styrofoam coffee cups or all purpose drinking cups. These types of drinking
cups tend to be
sold in relatively large quantities to a consumer or business that sells
beverages in such types of
cups. As examples, such drinking cups can be sold 50 (or more) cups per pack
or 300 cups (or
more) per case, or in other large quantities.
[0004] A major consideration in the sale of such quantities of cups is
the cost to ship ¨
because that affects the cost to sell such goods. The goal is to be as compact
and efficient as
possible in packaging large numbers of these drinking cups. This has been done
by making the
cups so that one cup fits inside another in a stack. Using this approach, such
quantities can be
shipped and stored in a reasonable volume to make it economical. This has been
relatively easy
with the truncated-cone shape widely used for such drinking cups, which
naturally fit one inside
the other.
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CA 02902111 2015-08-28
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts, provided is
a drinking cup,
comprising a top portion having an open top and an open bottom, the open
bottom defined by a
bottom rim, and a bottom portion having an open top and a closed bottom, the
open top defined
by a top rim. The bottom rim and the top rim mate to form the drinking cup
having a leak-proof
closure.
[0006] In various embodiments, the closure can be a snap-type closure.
[0007] In various embodiments, the bottom rim of the top portion can
include a laterally
extending foot and the top rim of the bottom portion can include a well having
a J-hook shaped
curled edge configured to receive and retain the laterally extending foot to
form the leak-proof
seal.
[0008] In various embodiments, the closure can be a tongue and groove
closure.
[0009] In various embodiments, the closure can be a threaded screw-type
closure.
[0010] In various embodiments, the closure can be a press-fit closure.
[0011] In various embodiments, a top rim of the top portion ca have a
smaller
circumference then the bottom rim of the top portion.
[0012] In various embodiments, the drinking cup can have a wine glass
shape when
mated.
[0013] In various embodiments, the wine glass can be stem-less.
[0014] In various embodiments, a circumference of the drinking cup can be
greatest
between the open top of the top portion and the closed bottom of the bottom
portion.
[0015] In various embodiments, the drinking cup can be disposable.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concept,
provided is a wine
cup having a two-piece bowl, comprising a top bowl portion having an open top
and an open
bottom, the open bottom defined by a bottom rim and a bottom bowl portion
having an open top
and a closed bottom, the open top defined by a top rim. A circumference of the
bowl is greatest
between the open top of the top portion and the closed bottom of the bottom
portion and the
bottom rim and the top rim mate to form a leak-proof closure at an
intermediate location of the
bowl.
[0017] In various embodiments, the closure can be a snap-type closure.
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CA 02902111 2015-08-28
,
,
[0018] In various embodiments, the bottom rim of the top portion can
include a laterally
extending foot and the top rim of the bottom portion can include a well having
a J-hook shaped
curled edge configured to receive and retain the laterally extending foot to
form the leak-proof
seal.
[0019] In various embodiments, the closure can be a tongue and groove
closure.
[0020] In various embodiments, the closure can be a threaded screw-type
closure.
[0021] In various embodiments, the closure can be a press-fit closure.
[0022] In various embodiments, a top rim of the top portion can have a
smaller
circumference then the bottom rim of the top portion.
[0023] In various embodiments, the wine glass can be stem-less.
[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concept,
provided is a plurality
of stackable two-piece wine cups, comprising a plurality of nestable top bowl
portions and a
plurality of nestable bottom bowl portions. Each top bowl portion has an open
top and an open
bottom, the open bottom defined by a bottom rim. Each bottom bowl portion has
an open top
and a closed bottom, the open top defined by a top rim. A circumference of the
bowl is greatest
between the open top of the top portion and the closed bottom of the bottom
portion and the
bottom rim and the top rim mate to form a leak-proof closure at an
intermediate location of the
bowl.
[0025] In various embodiments, the closure can have a snap-type closure.
[0026] In various embodiments, the bottom rim of the top portion can
include a laterally
extending foot and the top rim of the bottom portion can include a well having
a J-hook shaped
curled edge configured to receive and retain the laterally extending foot to
form the leak-proof
seal.
[0027] In various embodiments, the closure can have a tongue and groove
closure, a
threaded screw-type closure, or a press-fit closure.
[0028] In various embodiments, the wine glass can be stem-less.
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, .
. ,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present invention will become more apparent in view of
the attached
drawings and accompanying detailed description. The embodiments depicted
therein are
provided by way of example, not by way of limitation, wherein like reference
numerals refer to
the same or similar elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating aspects of the invention. In the drawings:
[0030] FIG. IA is a side view of a first embodiment of a multi-part,
nestable drinking
cup, in accordance with aspects of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-part, nestable
drinking cup of FIG.
1A;
[0032] FIG. 1C is a top view of the multi-part, nestable drinking
cup of FIG. IA;
[0033] FIG. 1D is a side view of a top portion of the multi-part,
nestable drinking cup of
FIG. 1A;
[0034] FIG. 1E is another side view of a first embodiment of a multi-
part, nestable
drinking cup of FIG. 1A;
[0035] FIG. 1F is another cross-sectional view of the multi-part,
nestable drinking cup of
FIG. 1A;
[0036] FIG. 1G is a bottom view of the multi-part, nestable drinking
cup of FIG. 1A;
[0037] FIG. 1H is a side view of a bottom portion of the multi-part,
nestable drinking cup
of FIG. 1A;
[0038] FIH. 11 is a partial scaled-up, cross-sectional view of a
seam between the top and
bottom portions of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 1A;
[0039] FIG. 2A is a side view of a second embodiment of a multi-
part, nestable drinking
cup, in accordance with aspects of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-part, nestable
drinking cup of FIG.
2A;
[0041] FIG. 2C is a top view of the multi-part, nestable drinking
cup of FIG. 2A;
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,
,
[0042] FIG. 2D is a side view of a top portion of the multi-part,
nestable drinking cup of
FIG. 2A;
[0043] FIG. 2E is another side view of a first embodiment of a multi-
part, nestable
drinking cup of FIG. 2A;
[0044] FIG. 2F is another cross-sectional view of the multi-part,
nestable drinking cup of
FIG. 2A;
[0045] FIG. 2G is a bottom view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup
of FIG. 2A;
[0046] FIG. 211 is a side view of a bottom portion of the multi-part,
nestable drinking cup
of FIG. 2A;
[0047] FIG. 21 is a partial scaled-up, cross-sectional view of a seam
between the top and
bottom portions of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 2A;
[0048] FIGS. 3A is a side view of a third embodiment of a multi-part,
nestable drinking
cup, in accordance with aspects of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 3B is a top view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of
FIG. 3A;
[0050] FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup
of FIG. 3A;
[0051] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the multi-part, nestable drinking
cup of FIG. 3A;
[0052] FIG. 3E is another side of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup
of FIG. 3A with a
scaled-up callout of a seam between the top and bottom portions;
[0053] FIG. 3F is a side view of a top portion of the multi-part,
nestable drinking cup of
FIG. 3A;
[0054] FIG. 30 is a side view of a bottom portion of the multi-part,
nestable drinking cup
of FIG. 3A;
[0055] FIG. 3H is an unassembled perspective view of the multi-part,
nestable drinking
cup of FIG. 3A;
[0056] FIG. 4A is an assembled side view of a fourth embodiment of a
multi-part,
nestable drinking cup, in accordance with aspects of the invention; and
[0057] FIG. 4B is an unassembled perspective view of the multi-part,
nestable drinking
cup of FIG. 4A.
CA 02902111 2015-08-28
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] Various exemplary embodiments will be described more fully
hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exemplary embodiments
are shown.
The present inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different
forms and should
not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.
[0059] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.
may be used
herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by
these terms. These
terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a
required sequence of
elements. For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and,
similarly, a second
element can be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or
more of the
associated listed items.
[0060] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being
"on" or
"connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly on or
connected or coupled to the
other element or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to
as being "directly on" or "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to
another element, there are
no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship
between elements
should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly
between," "adjacent"
versus "directly adjacent," etc.).
[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. 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. It will be further understood that the
terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the
presence of stated
features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or
addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups
thereof
[0062] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower,"
"above," "upper"
and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship
to another
element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that
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CA 02902111 2015-08-28
the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations
of the device in use
and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For
example, if the device
in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" and/or "beneath"
other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. The
device may be
otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative
descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0063] With respect to various drawings, dimensions may be shown,
described, or
implied, but only as examples. The present inventive concepts are not limited
to such
dimensions or ratios of dimensions, unless otherwise indicated.
[0064] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, provided
is a nestable and
reconfigurable drinking cup having at least two portions that can be put into
a nested
arrangement when not in use and then combined to form a drinking cup for use.
[0065] In various embodiments, the drinking cup preferably takes the form
of a wine cup
(or "glass"), i.e., a drinking vessel made for drinking a beverage such as
wine (e.g., red or white),
port, sherry, brandy, or the like ¨ and does not have the truncated-cone shape
of typical
disposable paper, plastic, or Styrofoam all-purpose or coffee cups. For
example, the multiple
parts can form the bowl of a wine cup, which has an intermediate diameter
greater than top and
bottom diameters of the bowl. As used herein, the word "glass" in the term
"wine glass" does
not necessitate that a drinking cup is made from a glass material. Rather, the
term "wine glass"
indicates the type of drinking cup, i.e., having the shape of a traditional
wine glass, regardless of
whether the drinking cup is made of paper, plastic, glass, metal, or some
other material or
materials.
[0066] Different wine glasses have different shapes, which are designed
for specific
types of wine (or similar beverages) and can enhance the experience of
drinking the intended
wine. Therefore, as a wine glass or cup, the drinking cup can take a specific
wine glass shape,
e.g., for red wine, white wine, flute, etc. Unlike truncated-cone cups, a
width or diameter of a
wine glass can be smaller at a drinking rim than it is at an intermediate
portion. Therefore, a
width of the wine glass at the drinking rim can be smaller than a width of the
wine glass at an
intermediate location, i.e., between the drinking rim and a bottom of the wine
glass.
Collectively, such a drinking cup can be referred to as a "wine glass" or
"wine cup."
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CA 02902111 2015-08-28
[0067] In various embodiments, the wine cup can have a bowl that is made
of at least two
portions, which can be referred to as a top portion and a bottom portion. The
wine cup can be
configured such that, in assembled form, the top and bottom portions mate
together to form a
wine cup bowl having a leak-proof seal and closure. When separated or
unassembled, the top
portion can be configured to nest inside the bottom portion, or vice versa,
e.g., for economical
storage, packaging, and shipping. Additionally, or alternative, a plurality of
the tops can be
made to nest together and a plurality of the bottoms can be made to nest
together.
[0068] In various embodiments, the wine glass can be disposable,
biodegradable,
degradable, and/or compostable, or the like. And, in various embodiments, the
wine glass can be
reusable.
[0069] In various embodiments, the top portion can define an open
drinking rim and the
bottom portion can define a closed wine glass bottom. That is, the bottom
portion can have a
closed bottom end and a top rim opposite the closed bottom. Also, the top
portion can include a
bottom rim opposite the drinking rim of the top portion. The top rim of the
bottom portion is
configured to mate with the bottom rim of the top portion to form a closure.
The closure is
preferably a leak-proof closure that prevents liquid inside of the wine cup
from leaking or
seeping out of the closure. In various embodiments, the closure can be a
tongue and groove
closure, a threaded screw-type closure, a snap type closure, or press-fit
closure.
[0070] In various embodiments, the wine glass may further include a stem.
The stem
may be a separate piece configured to mate with the wine glass bottom. In
various embodiments,
the present invention may be directed to a wine glass kit, comprising the top
and bottom portions
described herein and, optionally, the stem.
[0071] In various embodiments, the present invention may be directed to a
method of
making a nesting reconfigurable wine glass, including forming the top and
bottom portions as
described herein and, optionally, a stem.
[0072] FIGS. 1A-1I provide various views of a first embodiment of a multi-
part, nestable
drinking cup 100, in accordance with aspects of the first invention.
[0073] Drinking cup 100 includes a top portion 120 and a bottom portion
130. In cases
where the drinking cup 100 is a wine cup or glass, as shown, the top and
bottom portions mate to
form a bowl portion of the wine cup.
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[0074] The top portion 120 has an open top and an open bottom. The open
top defines a
drinking rim 122 and the bottom defines a bottom rim 124. The bottom portion
130 includes a
closed bottom 134 and has an open top defined by a top rim 132. The bottom rim
124 of the top
portion 120 and the top rim 132 of the bottom portion 130 mate to form the
drinking cup 100
having a leak-proof closure 140.
[0075] In this embodiment, closure 140 is formed by a snap-fit between
bottom rim 124
of top portion 120 and top rim 132 of bottom portion 130. Referring to FIG. 1I
in particular, the
bottom rim 124 of the top portion 120 includes a laterally projecting foot 146
extending from a
leg 148 of top portion 120. And the top rim 132 of the bottom portion 130
defines a well 142
having a J-hook shape that is configured to receive the foot 146 of the top
portion 120. The J-
hook shape of the well 142 defines a curled edge 144 that curls over a top of
foot 146 when
mated together to form closure 140. The curled edge 144 retains foot 146
within well 142 to
secure the top portion 120 to the bottom portion 130.
[0076] Foot 146 defines an engagement portion of bottom rim 124 of top
portion 120 and
has a slightly larger diameter than the curled edge 144, in this embodiment.
Foot 146, curled
edge 144, or both can be compressible so that the closure 140 is a snap-fit
closure that is
sufficiently tight to be leak-proof. That is, bottom rim 124 having foot 146
can be aligned with
and pressed against top rim 132 having well 142 and curled edge 144 so that
foot 146 is snapped
passed curled edge 144 to be securely maintained within well 142.
[0077] In this embodiment, the closed bottom 134 of bottom portion 130
has a flat
circular middle section and sides that slant upward and away from a central
axis y, see, e.g., FIG.
1A. The wine cup is generally circular from closed bottom 134 to drinking rim
122, in this
embodiment.
[0078] An intermediate diameter d (or width) of the drinking cup 100 is
greater than a
diameter (or width) at the top, drinking rim 122. In this embodiment, as shown
in FIGS. 1A, 1B
1E, and 1F, as examples, the intermediate diameter d (and width) of drinking
cup 100 is also
greater than the diameter (or width) of the closed bottom 134.
[0079] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1F, the drinking rim 122 can have a
curled edge, i.e.,
that curls inward toward the internal volume of the drinking cup, or central y
axis. The bottom
portion can have a height hl and the top portion can have a height h2, where
h1+h2zh, the height
of the bowl of the drinking cup 100.
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[0080] FIG. 1C shows a top view, looking through the drinking rim 122
into the volume
of the drinking cup 100, where the closed bottom 134 is visible. FIG. 1D shows
a side view of
only the top portion 120. FIG. 1G shows a bottom view of drinking cup 100,
with the closed
bottom 134 and the top rim 132 of the bottom portion 130 visible. FIG. 1H
shows a side view of
only the bottom portion 130.
[0081] FIGS. 2A-1I provide various views of a second embodiment of a
multi-part,
nestable drinking cup 200, in accordance with aspects of the first invention.
[0082] This embodiment is substantially the same as drinking cup 100 for
FIGS. 1A-1I,
except for differences in the bottom portion 230 as compared to bottom portion
130. In fact, top
portion 220 of drinking cup 200 is substantially the same as top portion 120
of drinking cup 100.
That is, top portion 220 has an open top defining a drinking rim 222 and an
open bottom defining
a bottom rim 224, which is configured to mate with a top rim 232 of the bottom
portion 230,
thereby forming leak-proof closure 240.
[0083] Therefore, as with drinking cup 100, drinking cup 200 includes the
top portion
220 and the bottom portion 230. In cases where the drinking cup 200 is a wine
cup or glass, as
in this embodiment, the top and bottom portions 220, 230 mate to form a bowl
portion of the
wine cup.
[0084] An intermediate diameter d (or width) of the drinking cup 200 is
greater than a
diameter (or width) at the drinking rim 222. In this embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 2A, 2B 2E,
and 2F, as examples, the intermediate diameter d (and width) of the drinking
cup 200 is also
greater than the diameter (or width) of the closed bottom 234.
[0085] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2F, the drinking rim 222 can have a
curled edge, i.e.,
that curls inward toward the internal volume of the drinking cup, or central y
axis. The bottom
portion can have a height hl and the top portion can have a height h2, where
h1+h2zh, the height
of the bowl of the drinking cup 200.
[0086] FIG. 2C shows a top view, looking through the drinking rim 222
into the volume
of the drinking cup 200, where closed bottom 234 is visible. FIG. 2D shows a
side view of only
the top portion 230. FIG. 2G shows a bottom view of drinking cup 200, with the
closed bottom
234 and top rim 232 of the bottom portion 230 visible. FIG. 2H shows a side
view of only the
bottom portion 230.
CA 02902111 2015-08-28
[0087] In this embodiment, unlike the bottom portion 130 of drinking cup
100 in FIGS.
1A-1I, the bottom portion 230 includes the closed bottom 234 having a flat
circular middle
section and curved sides that bow upward and away from a central axis y, see,
e.g., FIG. 2A.
The wine cup 200 is generally circular from closed bottom 234 to drinking rim
222, in this
embodiment.
[0088] A leak proof closure 240 is formed when bottom rim 224 of the top
portion 220 is
mated with top rim 232 of the bottom portion 230. As shown in FIG. 21, the
closure 240 is
substantially the same as closure 140 of FIG. 11. For instance, closure 240 is
formed by a snap-
fit between bottom rim 224 of top portion 220 and top rim 232 of bottom
portion 230. Referring
to FIG. 21 in particular, the bottom rim 224 of the top portion 220 includes a
laterally projecting
foot 246 extending from a leg 248 of top portion 220. And the top rim 232 of
the bottom portion
230 defines a well 242 having a J-hook shape that is configured to receive the
foot 246 of the top
portion 220. The J-hook shape of the well 242 defines a curled edge 244 that
curls over a top of
foot 246 when mated together to form closure 240. The curled edge 244 retains
foot 246 within
well 242 to secure the top portion 220 to the bottom portion 230.
[0089] Foot 246 defines an engagement portion of bottom rim 224 of top
portion 220 and
has a slightly larger diameter than the curled edge 244, in this embodiment.
Foot 246, curled
edge 244, or both can be compressible so that the closure 240 is a snap-fit
closure that is
sufficiently tight to be leak-proof That is, bottom rim 224 having foot 246
can be aligned with
and pressed against top rim 232 having well 242 and curled edge 244 so that
foot 246 is snapped
passed curled edge 244 to be securely maintained within well 242.
[0090] FIGS. 3A-3H provide various views of a third embodiment of a multi-
part,
nestable drinking cup 300, in accordance with aspects of the first invention.
[0091] Drinking cup 300 includes a top portion 320 and a bottom portion
330. In cases
where the drinking cup 300 is a wine cup or glass, as in this embodiment, the
top and bottom
portions 320, 330 mate to form a bowl portion of the wine cup. The top portion
320 has an open
top and an open bottom. The open top defines a drinking rim 322 and the bottom
defines a
bottom rim 324. The bottom portion 330 includes a closed bottom 334 and has an
open top
defined by a top rim 332. The bottom rim 324 of the top portion 320 and the
top rim 332 of the
bottom portion 330 mate to form the drinking cup having a leak-proof closure
340.
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[0092] In this embodiment, an intermediate diameter d (or width) of the
drinking cup 300
is greater than a diameter (or width) at a drinking rim 322.
[0093] In this embodiment, the closure 340 is formed by a tongue-and-
groove snap-fit
between bottom rim 324 of top portion 320 and top rim 332 of bottom portion
330. Referring to
FIGS. 3E-3G in particular, the top rim 332 of the bottom portion 330 defines a
laterally
projecting tongue 342 the bottom rim 324. And the top portion 320 includes a
laterally recessed
groove 346 formed at an inner surface of the bottom rim 324, and configured to
receive the
tongue 342 of the bottom portion 330. The shape of the groove 346 retains the
tongue 342 when
mated together to form closure 340.
[0094] Bottom rim 324 having tongue 346 can be aligned with and pressed
against top
rim 332 having tongue 342 so that tongue 342 is snapped into groove 346 to
form the leak-proof
tongue-and-groove closure 340. Bottom rim 324, top rim 332, or both can be
somewhat
compressible to facilitate the fit to form closure 340.
[0095] FIG. 3B shows a top view, looking through the drinking rim 322
into the volume
of the drinking cup 300, where closed bottom 334 is visible. FIG. 3C shows a
bottom view of
drinking cup 300, with the closed bottom 334 and top rim 332 of the bottom
portion 330 visible.
FIG. 3D shows a perspective view of the drinking cup 300. FIG. 3H shows a
perspective, side
view of the drinking cup 300 in unassembled form, with the top portion 320 and
the bottom
portion 230 separated. FIGS. 3E-3G show callouts of the closure 340.
[0096] FIG. 4A-4B provide various side views of a fourth embodiment of a
multi-part,
nestable drinking cup 400, in accordance with aspects of the first invention.
FIG. 4A is an
assembled view and FIG. 4B is an unassembled view of drinking cup 400.
[0097] Drinking cup 400 includes a top portion 420 and the bottom portion
430. In cases
where the drinking cup 400 is a wine cup or glass, as in this embodiment, the
top and bottom
portions 420, 430 mate to form a bowl portion of the wine cup. An intermediate
diameter d (or
width) of the drinking cup 400 is greater than a diameter (or width) at the
drinking rim 422, in
this embodiment.
[0098] The top portion 420 has an open top and an open bottom. The open
top defines a
drinking rim 422 and the open bottom defines a bottom rim 424. The bottom
portion 430
includes a closed bottom 434 and has an open top defined by a top rim 432. The
bottom rim 424
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CA 02902111 2015-08-28
of the top portion 420 and the top rim 432 of the bottom portion 430 mate to
form the drinking
cup having a leak-proof closure 440.
[0099] In this embodiment, closure 440 is formed by a press fit between
the bottom rim
424 of the top portion 420 and the top rim 432 of the bottom portion 430. In
particular, the top
rim 432 of the bottom portion 430 defines a wedge-shaped projection 442. And
the top portion
420 includes a corresponding inner wall 446 formed at an inner surface of the
bottom rim 424,
and configured to receive the wedge-shaped projection 442 of the bottom
portion 430.
[00100] An outer diameter dl of bottom rim 424 comprising inner wall 446
is larger than
an outer diameter d2 of the wedge-shaped projection 442 of the bottom portion
430. And an
inner diameter d3 of the inner wall 446 starts at about equal to d2 to receive
the wedge-shaped
projection 442, but then tapers to become slightly smaller than d2 to retain
the wedge-shaped
projection 442 of the top rim 432 of the bottom portion 430 when mated
together to form closure
440.
[00101] Bottom rim 424 can be aligned with and pressed against top rim 432
to form the
leak-proof press fit closure 440. Bottom rim 424, top rim 432, or both can be
somewhat
compressible to facilitate the fit to form closure 440.
[00102] Optionally, as shown, the drinking rim 422 can have a curled edge,
i.e., that curls
inward toward the internal volume of the drinking cup, as could be true with
other embodiments.
[00103] While the present invention has been describe in the context of a
wine glass, it is
conceivable that the present invention could be applied to other drinking cups
that do not have
the truncated-cone shape, where an intermediate diameter is greater than the
drinking rim.
[00104] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the
best mode and/or
other preferred embodiments, it is understood that various modifications can
be made therein and
that the invention or inventions may be implemented in various forms and
embodiments, and that
they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been
described herein.
It is intended by the following claims to claim that which is literally
described and all equivalents
thereto, including all modifications and variations that fall within the scope
of each claim.
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