Decorative object in the form of a drinking vessel

Abstract

Decorative object (1) in the form of a drinking vessel, with -a stand (4), -a chalice (2), -a stem (3) connecting the base (4) to the chalice (2), and -an integrated lighting device (9) characterized in that -a rechargeable and / or replaceable energy storage device (5) is provided in the base (4), and -the stem (3) and the calyx (2) have at least a partial cavity (7,8), and -the lighting device (9) is formed by a chain of lights electrically connected to the energy storage device (5) with a plurality of individual light sources (10), which extends from the energy storage device (5) through the cavity (7) of the stem (3) into the cavity (8) of the chalice (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative object in the form of a drinking vessel with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Drinking vessels with integrated lighting are generally known. For example, German patent DE 200 03 533 U1 discloses a drinking vessel with integrated lighting in which a light and / or flashing device, preferably in the form of a colored LED, is provided in the base of the drinking vessel.

[0003] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of providing a decorative object in the form of a drinking vessel with a higher decorative value.

[0004] To solve the problem, a decorative object with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Further preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the figures, and the accompanying description.

[0005] According to the basic idea of ​​the invention, it is proposed that a rechargeable and / or replaceable energy storage device is provided in the base, and that the stem and the cup have a cavity at least partially, and that the lighting device is formed by a chain of lights electrically connected to the energy storage device with a plurality of individual light sources, which extends from the energy storage device through the cavity of the stem into the cavity of the cup.

[0006] The proposed solution creates a high-quality decorative object in the form of a drinking vessel, where both the stem and the bowl are illuminated by the lighting system. The design of the lighting system as a string of lights with numerous individual light sources allows for more even illumination of the object, both across the stem and the bowl. This multitude of light sources creates a sparkling or glittering effect. The individual light sources in the string can also be activated to flash, further drawing the viewer's attention with their blinking light emission. In the case of a double-walled bowl, the hollow space between the walls can be formed by the light source.Alternatively or additionally, the cavity can also be formed by the vessel cavity of the chalice, which is open towards the top and which the observer perceives in the original of the replicated drinking vessel as being for receiving the beverage.

[0007] It is further proposed that the hollows of the stem and calyx be filled with a transparent or translucent material. Such a material could be, for example, a synthetic resin, silicone, or similar substance, with which the cavities are filled after the string of lights has been inserted. The transparent or translucent material gives the viewer the optical impression that the cavities are filled with a transparent or translucent, and therefore very cold, liquid.

[0008] The transparent or translucent material can preferably be colored, so that colored drinks such as beer, red wine, rosé wine, cocktails, whiskey, colored liqueurs or the like can be visually replicated.

[0009] It is further proposed that the individual light sources of the string of lights be fixed to each other in a spaced-apart arrangement by means of the transparent or translucent material. This spaced-apart fixing of the individual light sources further improves the illumination of the cavities and ensures more even lighting. Since the material is transparent or translucent, the viewer does not perceive the fixing of the individual light sources as such, and the effect is effectively that the individual light sources appear to be floating.

[0010] It is further proposed that the cavity be fitted with additional beverage-specific decorative items. Such items could include, for example, natural or artificial leaves or fruits such as mint stems or leaves, lemon slices, orange slices, cherries, coffee beans, imitations of ice cubes, or similar items, which would further enhance the visual appeal of the decorative object. In particular, this would make the appearance of the decorative object more closely resemble the actual appearance of a real beverage of the same type, thus reinforcing the illusion for the viewer.

[0011] It is further proposed that the base incorporate a drive unit electrically connected to the energy storage device, which, upon activation, drives the chalice and / or the stem and / or the lighting unit into a relative movement, particularly a rotational movement, with respect to the base. This proposed enhancement adds a dynamic aspect to the decorative object's appearance, enabling, for example, stirring, shaking, swiveling, or purely rotating movements of the chalice alone, the chalice with the stem, or the lighting unit relative to the base. Depending on whether the entire chalice, the stem with the chalice, or only the lighting unit is driven, different dynamic effects can be generated.

[0012] A particularly preferred embodiment of the decorative object is characterized in that the chalice, stem, and base are connected to form a single assembly, and the drive mechanism imparts a rotary motion to this assembly. In the proposed embodiment, the entire decorative object—that is, the base, stem, and chalice—appears to be rotating. This impression is further enhanced because the technology—the energy storage device and the drive mechanism, i.e., the parts of the decorative object not subject to the rotary motion—are concealed within the base and therefore not visible.

[0013] It is further proposed that the energy storage device comprise at least 50% of the decorative object's mass. Due to the proposed mass of the energy storage device, the decorative object's center of gravity lies in the base or in an area just above the base in the lower half of the decorative object relative to its height, thus increasing the decorative object's stability.

[0014] It is further proposed that the energy storage device be rechargeable and have an externally accessible charging port. Such a charging port could, for example, be a USB-C port. This would allow the energy storage device to be recharged without having to remove it from the decorative object and then reinsert it.

[0015] It is further proposed that the energy storage device be covered on the underside of the base by a cover plate, which forms the base of the stand. The cover plate creates a level surface. Furthermore, the cover plate serves to protect the energy storage device from external mechanical impacts. If the cover plate is removable, the energy storage device can be exposed by removing the cover plate and then taken out for replacement or recharging.

[0016] It is further proposed that the stem and / or calyx be made of a transparent or translucent material. With this proposed solution, the overall color impression is determined by the color of the material in the cavity of the calyx and / or in the cavity of the stem, while the calyx and stem themselves are color-neutral.

[0017] It is further proposed that the transparent or translucent material of the stem and / or calyx be colored. If the material in the cavity of the calyx and / or stem is not colored, the overall color impression of the decorative object will be determined by the coloring of the calyx and / or stem. If the material in the cavity is colored and the calyx and / or stem are colored with an identical shade, the overall color impression of the decorative object can be further enhanced.

[0018] It is further proposed that the base be made of a non-transparent and non-translucent material, so that the technology arranged in the cavity of the base, i.e. the energy storage, the lighting device and, if applicable, the drive device, is not visible to the viewer.

[0019] The invention is explained below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. Fig. 1A to 1E: various decorative objects in the form of drinking vessels of different shapes according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2A to 2C: various decorative objects in the form of drinking vessels of different shapes according to a second and a third embodiment.

[0020] In the Fig. Figures 1A to 1E show various decorative objects 1 according to the invention in the form of drinking vessels with a chalice 2, a base 4, and a stem 3 connecting the chalice 2 to the base 4. The type of drinking vessel represented by the decorative object 1 is essentially determined by the shape of the chalice 2 and the shape and length of the stem 3.

[0021] In the Fig. Figure 1A shows a first decorative object 1 in the form of a beer glass or a glass for fruit cocktails, in which the bowl 2 has a tulip shape. The base 4 has a cavity 14 in which a replaceable and / or rechargeable energy storage device 5 is arranged. Furthermore, a cover plate 6 is provided, which covers the energy storage device 5 from below, closes the cavity 14 in the base 4 and forms a standing surface for the decorative object 1.

[0022] If the energy storage device 5 is replaceable, the cover plate 6 is preferably removable, so that the energy storage device 5 can be removed from the cavity 14 after the cover plate 6 has been removed, and the cavity 14 can be closed again by replacing the cover plate 6 after the energy storage device 5 has been reinserted. In this case, the energy storage device 5 can consist of one or more standardized AAA or AA batteries, which can also be rechargeable. Alternatively, the energy storage device 5 can also be non-replaceable and rechargeable, in which case the energy storage device 5 preferably has an externally accessible charging port, e.g., of type USB-C.

[0023] The energy storage device 5 has a mass that corresponds to at least 50% of the total mass of the decorative object 1. Therefore, the center of gravity of the decorative object 1 lies in the base 4 or halfway below the center of the decorative object 1 relative to its height, so that the decorative object 1 has a high degree of stability.

[0024] The stem 3 also has a cavity 7, which is connected by a first lower opening to the cavity 14 of the base 4 and by a second upper opening to a cavity 8 of the chalice 2. The cavity 8 of the chalice 2 is the cavity that, in the original of the replicated drinking vessel, serves to hold the beverage.

[0025] Furthermore, a lighting device 9 in the form of a string of lights with a plurality of approximately 15 to 20 individual light sources 10 is provided, which are arranged in the string of lights at intervals of 3 to 5 cm. The string of lights is electrically connected to the energy storage device 5 and extends from the energy storage device 5 through the cavity 14 of the base 4, through the lower opening into the cavity 7 of the stem 3, and further through the upper opening into the cavity 8 of the cup 2. Depending on the length of the stem 1 to 3, individual light sources 10 are arranged in the cavity 7 of the stem 3, while the remaining individual light sources 10, i.e., approximately 12 to 19 individual light sources 10, are arranged in the cavity 8 of the cup 2.

[0026] The cavity 8 of the chalice 2 and the cavity 7 of the stem 3 are filled with a transparent or translucent material 11, such as an epoxy resin (BPA and VOC-free), silicone, or gel wax, which is sufficiently rigid to hold the individual light sources 10 of the string of lights in a spaced arrangement. This gives the string of lights a decorative, high-quality, floating appearance within the cavity 8 of the chalice 2. If the material 11 is a gel wax, the decorative object 1 can also be fitted with a wick and used as a candle. Depending on the design of the chalice 2 and the stem 3, it is also possible to fill only the cavity 8 of the chalice 2 or only the cavity 7 of the stem 3 with the transparent or translucent material 11.

[0027] Material 11 is preferably colored transparently, for example, by being amber, red-transparent, green-transparent, orange-transparent, or the like. This allows a beverage, such as beer, a colored liqueur, vermouth, whiskey, or the like, to be replicated in the replicated original drinking vessel. It is also conceivable to form material 11 in multiple layers with different colors, so that, for example, a beer with a foamy head or a cocktail such as a "Sundowner" with different colors can be replicated across the height of the cavity 8.

[0028] The lighting device 9 can be activated, for example, by operating a touch-sensitive switch, a toggle or slide switch on the base 4, or by operating a remote control. In a first embodiment, the lighting device 9 can be activated to emit a constant light at a constant intensity, while in a second embodiment, it can be activated to emit light at varying intensities, similar to a dimmer. Furthermore, in a third embodiment, the lighting device 9 can be activated to emit a flashing light. It is also conceivable that the lighting device 9 could operate in different modes, for example, a constant light in one mode and a flashing light in a second mode.

[0029] Overall, the decorative object 1 according to the invention can create the illusion of a beverage, with the color of the material 11 being of crucial importance for the type of beverage. Furthermore, the illusion of the original drinking vessel being represented is additionally determined by the shape of the bowl 2 and the stem 3. Fig. 1B to 1E show various other decorative items 1 with different chalices 2.

[0030] In the Fig. In 1B, the decorative item 1 features a goblet 2 in the form of a classic bulbous red wine glass, while the decorative item 1 of the Fig. 1C features a chalice 2 in the form of a classic white wine glass or aperitif glass for a drink such as a "Hugo". In the Fig. Figure 1D shows a decorative object 1 with a bowl 2 having an elongated and tall cavity 8. The decorative object 1 thus corresponds to a replica of a drinking vessel in the form of a long drink glass, an alternative beer glass, or even a glass for juices or soft drinks, in which the stem 3 and the bowl 2 are formed in one piece. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1E is the chalice 2 with a cavity 8 that widens continuously towards the top in a conical shape. Such a drinking vessel is also called a cocktail glass.

[0031] In the material 11 in the cavity 8 of the cocktail bowl of the Fig. 1E includes further beverage-specific decorative items, such as a replica of an ice cube 12 and a lemon slice 13, which further enhance the illusion of a real beverage or cocktail. Additionally, drinking straws can be provided as decorative items in the cavity 8 of the goblet 2. When using synthetic resin or wax for the material 11 in the cavity 8, these straws can be made of, for example, plastic, glass, metal, or even paper. The drinking straws can be deliberately color-contrasted with the material 11 in the cavity 8 or with the material of the goblet 2 itself. Furthermore, the drinking straws can also lend the decorative item 1 a high-quality, exclusive appearance through the choice of a metallic, glossy, or matte material, or a transparent material such as glass.

[0032] Furthermore, a drive unit (not shown) can be provided in the base 4, by which the chalice 2 and / or the stem 3 and / or the lighting device 9 are driven into a relative movement with respect to the base 4, in particular a rotary movement, when activated. However, a preferred solution is one in which the base 4, the stem 3, and the chalice 2 are connected to form an assembly and are driven into the rotary movement by the drive unit as an assembly. The drive unit can be supported directly on the energy storage device 5 or on the cover plate 6 of the decorative object 1 and drive the assembly via the base 4. A gearbox can be provided to transmit the rotary movement, reducing the drive rotation of a drive shaft of the drive unit to a lower speed of the base 4 and, subsequently, of the assembly.This means that when the drive mechanism is activated, the entire decorative object 1 is set in motion, while the technology provided in the base 4, including the energy storage device 5, the drive mechanism, and any gearbox, remains hidden. This further enhances the decorative value of the decorative object 1.

[0033] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows a second embodiment of a decorative object 1 according to the invention, in which the cavity 8 of the chalice 2 is only partially filled with the string of lights and the material 11, so that part of the cavity 8 can still be used to hold a beverage. If the beverage and the material 11 have the same color, the material 11 and the beverage blend seamlessly into one another, giving the viewer the impression of a drinking vessel filled to the bottom of the cavity 8, i.e., up to the stem 3. With the proposed solution, the beverage is illuminated from below when the lighting device 9 is activated, which further enhances the visual appeal of the drinking vessel. The decorative object 1 is therefore not merely a replica of a drinking vessel; it is itself a drinking vessel with additional decorative properties.

[0034] In the Fig.Figure 2C shows a third embodiment of a decorative object 1 according to the invention, in which the cavity 8 of the chalice 2, in which the string of lights is arranged, is formed by a cavity 8 between two walls of a double-walled chalice 2. With the proposed solution, the chalice 2 itself is illuminated when the lighting device 9 is activated, while the cavity 8 in the chalice 2, which is intended to hold the beverage, remains intact and is only slightly reduced in size by the double-walled design of the chalice 2 compared to a conventional single-walled design.

[0035] The decorative object 1 can preferably be transparent and colored in the area of ​​the chalice 2 and / or the stem 3, wherein the material 11 in the cavity 7 of the stem 3 and in the cavity 8 of the chalice 2 is not colored in this case. The color impression of the decorative object 1 is then created by the coloring of the chalice 2 and / or the stem 3 itself. Alternatively, the chalice 2 and / or the stem 3 can also have a coloring corresponding to the coloring of the material 11, so that the overall color impression of the decorative object 1 is further enhanced.

[0036] The base 4 is preferably opaque and non-translucent, thus preventing the viewer from seeing inside it. The technology within the base 4—namely the energy storage unit 5, the lighting device 9, and, if applicable, the drive unit—is therefore practically concealed within the base 4. A visually appealing appearance can be achieved by additionally coating the base 4 in a frosted white and opaque color.

[0037] Glass or plastic is a suitable material for the decorative object 1 in the area of ​​the chalice 2, the stem 3 and the base 4.

[0038] Furthermore, the technology in the base 4, i.e., the energy storage device 5, the associated storage compartment, and the lighting device 9, is preferably designed to meet the requirements of the IP 64 standard. This allows the cavity 8 of the chalice 2 in the decorative object 1 to be at least partially filled with a beverage without leakage and the ingress of the beverage into the cavity 14 of the base 4 leading to a failure of the technology and, in particular, the lighting device 9.

[0039] Overall, the proposed decorative object 1 can be made to closely resemble the original drinking vessel through the coloring of the material 11, the shape of the bowl 2 and stem 3, and the addition of further beverage-specific decorative elements, so that the viewer of the decorative object 1 is given the impression of a high-quality beverage combined with a pleasant atmosphere. The central function is the lighting device 9, which deliberately illuminates the appearance of the decorative object 1, thereby further attracting the viewer's attention.

[0040] Furthermore, the viewer's attention can be additionally drawn to the decorative object 1 by the relative movement of the chalice 2 and / or the stem 3.

[0041] This allows the interior or exterior spaces of restaurants, cafes, or bars to be furnished with an attractive and pleasant atmosphere using decorative items 1. It would also be conceivable to use decorative items 1 for advertising purposes and to brand them with the relevant brand names or logos. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 200 03 533 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Decorative object (1) in the form of a drinking vessel, with -a stand (4), -a chalice (2), -a stem (3) connecting the base (4) to the chalice (2), and -an integrated lighting device (9) characterized by , that -a rechargeable and / or replaceable energy storage device (5) is provided in the base (4), and -the stem (3) and the calyx (2) have at least a partial cavity (7,8), and -the lighting device (9) is formed by a chain of lights electrically connected to the energy storage device (5) with a plurality of individual light sources (10), which extends from the energy storage device (5) through the cavity (7) of the stem (3) into the cavity (8) of the chalice (2). [2] Decorative item (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that -the cavity (7,8) of the stem (3) and / or calyx (2) is filled by a transparent or translucent material (11). [3] Decorative item (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that -the transparent or translucent material (11) is colored. [4] Decorative item (1) according to one of claims 3 or 3, characterized by , that -the individual light sources (10) of the string of lights are fixed in a spaced arrangement relative to each other by the transparent or translucent material (11). [5] Decorative item (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that -additional beverage-specific decorative items are provided in the cavity (7,8). [6] Decorative item (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that -in the base (4) a drive unit is provided which is electrically connected to the energy storage device (5) and which drives the chalice (2) and / or the stem (3) and / or the lighting device (9) to a relative movement, in particular a rotational movement, with respect to the base (4) when activated. [7] Decorative item (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that -the chalice (2), the stem (3) and the base (4) are connected to form an assembly and the drive mechanism drives the assembly to a rotary movement. [8] Decorative item (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that -the energy storage (5) constitutes at least 50% of the mass of the decorative object (1). [9] Decorative item (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that -the energy storage device (5) is a rechargeable energy storage device (5) and has an externally accessible charging port. [10] Decorative item (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that -the energy storage device (5) on the underside of the base (4) is covered by a cover plate (6), which forms the base of the base (4). [11] Decorative item (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that -the stem (3) and / or the calyx (2) are made of a transparent or translucent material. [12] Decorative item (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that -the transparent or translucent material of the stem (3) and / or calyx (2) is colored. [13] Decorative item (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that -the base (4) is made of a non-transparent and non-translucent material.

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