Beverage container

Abstract

A beverage container, such as a wine glass, is provided, that may utilize lightweight and impact resistant materials, such as plastics (polymeric materials), while providing the handfeel of a traditional container (e.g. a crystal wine glass). The beverage container comprises a base including one or more weights; and a reservoir, coupled to the base and for receiving a beverage.

Description

BEVERAGE CONTAINERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to beverage containers, and in particular, although not exclusively, to drinking glasses, such as wine glasses.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A traditional wine glass is made of glass or crystal, and comprises a base, a stem extending upwardly from the base, and a reservoir (bowl) mounted on the stem for receiving wine. The stem is elongated and shields the wine in the reservoir from warmth of hands holding the glass. Furthermore, the reservoir is generally egg-shaped, which encourages aeration, gently mellowing the wine's flavour.

[0003] A problem with traditional wine glasses is that they are generally quite delicate, and as such are not suitable for use in outdoor excursions, picnics or wine tasting events. As a result, plastic wine glasses are often used for such purpose.

[0004] A problem with plastic wine glasses, however, is that they are generally low quality. It has long been established that the quality of a wine glass is an important factor when tasting wine, as the glass that the wine is served in functions as an interface between the taster and the wine. As a result, drinking fine wine from plastic wine glasses generally negatively impacts the experience of the wine.

[0005] A further problem with plastic wine glasses is that they are lightweight, and as a result, may easily be knocked or be blown over, particularly in outdoor environments and when used on uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the lack of weight from the plastic glass itself causes the centre of gravity to become high when filled with wine, which further increases the risk of falling over.

[0006] Yet further again, the feel of a lightweight wine glass in the hand is often associated with poor quality, and as such, influences the experience with the wine beyond merely taste. In short, a premium wine may be subconsciously associated with poor quality due to the lack of weight in the wine glass.

[0007] Several attempts have been made to address one or more of the problems associated with plastic wine glasses outlined above, including by providing stainless steel wine glasses. One problem, however, with such stainless-steel wine glasses is that they transfer heat much more than traditional wine glasses, and thus may feel cold on the lips and change thetemperature of the wine more quickly.

[0008] Furthermore, stainless steel wine glasses do not allow the colour of the wine to be easily observed, and may change the taste of wine.

[0009] Similar problems exist with glasses for other beverages, including cocktail glasses (particularly martini glasses), whiskey glasses, and glasses for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

[0010] As such, there is clearly a need for improved glasses and beverage containers more generally.

[0011] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY

[0012] The present disclosure relates to beverage containers, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0013] With the foregoing in view, the present disclosure in one form, resides broadly in a beverage container comprising: a base including one or more weights; and a reservoir, coupled to the base and for receiving a beverage.

[0014] Advantageously, the configuration allows lightweight and impact resistant material, such as plastics, to be used to make the container (e.g. a wine glass), while having the handfeel of a heavier traditional container (e.g. a crystal wine glass). Furthermore, the use of weights may lower the centre of gravity of the beverage container, reducing the likelihood of the beverage container being knocked or blown over.

[0015] Preferably, the beverage container comprises a drinking glass or cup. More preferably, the beverage container comprises a wine glass, a cocktail glass, a beer mug, or a tumbler. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any suitable container may be used.

[0016] Preferably, the base and reservoir are unitarily formed. The base and reservoir may be formed of a single material, such as plastic (or polymeric material).

[0017] The base and reservoir may be coupled by a stem. The base, reservoir and stemmay be unitarily formed.

[0018] The stem may be elongated. The reservoir may extend from an upper end of the stem. The reservoir may be coupled to the stem at a lower end, and open at an upper end. The opening may be defined in a plane.

[0019] The reservoir may be substantially egg-shaped (ovoidal in shape). The reservoir may be defined by thin walls. The walls may be less than about 2mm thick.

[0020] The reservoir may be transparent or translucent. Such configuration enables a colour of the beverage in the reservoir to be easily observed.

[0021] The beverage container may transition from a transparent or translucent reservoir to an opaque base. The base may include a coating (e.g. colour) or surface treatment (e.g. bead blasting).

[0022] The base and reservoir may be formed of polymeric material or plastic. The polymeric material or plastic may be impact resistant. The polymeric material or plastic may comprise thermoplastic.

[0023] The polymeric material or plastic may comprise polyethersulfone (PES or PESU).

[0024] The polymeric material or plastic may comprise polyphenylsulfone (PPSF or PPSU).

[0025] In some embodiments, the polymetric material or plastic comprises “Tritan” plastic of Eastman Chemical Company of Kingsport, Tennessee, United States.

[0026] The one or more weights may be metallic. The one or more weights may be formed of steel, stainless steel, or any suitable metal. The weights may be polished.

[0027] The base and weights may be formed of different materials (e.g. plastic and metal).

[0028] The one or more weights may be attached to a base portion to form the base. The one or more weights may comprise a single weight attached to the base portion.

[0029] The one or more weights may be removably attached to the base portion. The one or more weights may be fastened to the base portion using a fastener, such as a screw.

[0030] The one or more weights may be permanently attached to the base portion. The one or more weights may be attached by ultrasonic welding. The one or more weights may be at least partially overmoulded by the base portion.

[0031] A base plate may be used to at least partially retain the weight to the base portion. The base plate may be substantially planar.

[0032] The one or more weights may form at least part of an underside of the base.

[0033] The one or more weights may comprise a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

[0034] The one or more weights may be configured to magnetically couple to a support or surface on which the container is placed.

[0035] The base may include a circular cross-section. The base may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0036] The weights may be substantially disc-shaped.

[0037] The base and reservoir may be injection moulded. The reservoir may be blow moulded.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the disclosure resides broadly in a wine glass comprising: a plastic base including one or more metallic weights; and a plastic reservoir, coupled to the plastic base and for receiving a beverage.

[0039] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0040] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 a illustrates a side view of a beverage container in the form of a wine glass, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 1 b illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the beverage container of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the beverage container of Figure 1 , accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a lower portion of a glass, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a lower portion of a glass, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates a drinking glass, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Exemplary features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Embodiments of beverage containers are described below that utilise lightweight and impact resistant material, such as plastics, while having the hand feel of a heavier traditional container. The use of weights may lower the centre of gravity of the beverage container, reducing the likelihood of the beverage container being knocked or blown over, particularly on uneven environments.

[0050] Figure 1 a illustrates a side view of a beverage container in the form of a wine glass 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 b illustrates a side cross- sectional view of the wine glass 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The wine glass 100 includes a base 105, from which a stem 110 upwardly extends. A reservoir 1 15 is coupled to an upper end of the stem 1 10, and is for receiving a beverage, such as wine. The reservoir is egg-shaped (ovoidal in shape) and is defined by thin walls (<2mm thick).

[0052] The base 105 includes a lower support surface, and comprises a base portion 120 and a metal weight 125. The base 105 thus functions to support the wine glass 100 on a surface, such as a table or the ground.

[0053] The base portion 120, the stem 110 and the reservoir 1 15 are integrally formed of impact resistant plastic. The metal weight 125 provides weight and stability to the wine glass 100, and thus may assist in preventing the wine glass from being knocked or blown over,particularly in outdoor environments.

[0054] The reservoir 1 15 is transparent, which enables the user of the wine glass to observe a colour of the wine.

[0055] The base portion 120, the stem 110 and the reservoir 115 may be all transparent. In other embodiments, however, the base portion 120 may be opaque (or partially opaque). In such case, the wine glass 100 may transition from transparent at the reservoir 1 15 to opaque (or partially opaque) at the base portion 120. Such configuration enables the user to observe the colour of the wine in the reservoir 115 which concealing the weight 125.

[0056] The weight 125 may be formed of any suitable material, but in one embodiment comprises a stainless-steel weight. The weight 125 may be permanently attached to the base portion 120, or be removably attached to the base portion (e.g. using a thread or similar means).

[0057] While a single weight is illustrated, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any suitable number of weights may be used. As an illustrative example, a plurality of weights may be embedded in the base 105 in any suitable manner, including around a periphery of the base.

[0058] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the wine glass 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] As best illustrated in Figures 1 b and 2, the base 105 comprises a base portion 120, the weight 125, and a base plate 130.

[0060] The base plate 130 functions to retain the weight 125 to the glass 100. The base plate 130 may be adhered or otherwise attached to a bottom of the glass 100 to prevent the weight 125 from falling from the glass 100.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the base plate 130 is attached to the base portion 120 using ultrasonic welding, thereby enclosing the weight in the base 105. In other embodiments, however, the weights may be attached to the glass in other means, including as outlined below.

[0062] The base portion 120 may define a cavity for receiving the weight 125, and a recess for receiving the base plate 130. Such configuration may enable the base plate 130 to sit flush with the underside of the base portion 120, to thereby define a flat support surface for the wine glass 100.

[0063] The base portion 120 may define a post 120a, and the weight may define an aperture125a, wherein the post 120a is received in the aperture 125a.

[0064] Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a lower portion of a glass 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The glass may be similar to the glass 100, but includes a screw 305 for enabling a weight 325 to be removed from the glass.

[0065] In particular, the weight 325 includes an aperture, through which the screw 305 extends, and engages with a corresponding thread of a base portion 320 of the glass 300.

[0066] The weight 325 may therefore be removed, e.g. when cleaning the glass 300, and reinstalled as needed. Such configuration also provides a convenient way of adding weights to glasses when desired, without requiring the weight to be added to the glass 300 during manufacture.

[0067] Furthermore, weights with different characteristics may be added to the glass based upon preference. As an illustrative example, weights with different masses may be interchanged, thereby changing the total weight of the wine glass. Similarly, magnetic weights or weights having other characteristics may be interchanged.

[0068] In other embodiments, however, the weight(s) are permanently attached to the glass, e.g. at the time of manufacture.

[0069] Figure 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a lower portion of a glass 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The glass may be similar to the glass 100 or glass 300, but including a weight 425 that is overmoulded by a base portion 420.

[0070] In particular, the base portion 420 extends over and around a periphery of the weight 425, such that the weight is retained within the base portion 420 by the base portion itself. Such configuration is particularly suited to injection moulding, where the base portion 420 is moulded around the weight during manufacture.

[0071] The examples above describe wine glasses. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that other embodiments may relate to other types of beverage containers, such as drinking glasses or cups, cocktail glasses, beer mugs, or tumblers.

[0072] Figure 5 illustrates a drinking glass 500, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drinking glass is similar to the glasses 100, 300, 400 described above, but in the form of a short tumbler (e.g. a whiskey glass).

[0073] The glass 500 does not include a stem, but instead a reservoir 515 extends directlyupwardly from a base 505.

[0074] The base 505 is cylindrical in shape, and includes a weight 525 in a lower portion thereof. The weight 525 forms an underside of the base 505 and is exposed on an underside of the glass.

[0075] The glass 500 may be moulded with an opening for receiving the weight 525. The weight 525 may then be set inside the opening using adhesive, fastener(s), or a press-fit arrangement, for example.

[0076] The weight 525 comprises a magnet which forms an underside of the base 505. The magnet thus functions both as a weight (i.e. increasing the mass of the glass 500), but also causes the glass 500 to attach to ferromagnetic surfaces or items, such as steel surfaces 550.

[0077] Such configuration is particularly useful in boating and camping environments, where surfaces (e.g. tables) may move, otherwise knocking glasses over. In such case, the magnet 525 may retain the glass to a table including a steel surface 550, for example, even if the surface 550 is bumped or moves.

[0078] Any of the weights described in the glasses 100, 300, 400 may comprise magnets, enabling the other glasses described herein to include such functionality.

[0079] In other embodiments, a support or surface may include one or more magnets embedded therein. In such case, the glass 500 need not include a magnet, but can instead simply use a ferromagnetic metal weight, such as a steel weight. In other words, the magnet and ferromagnetic material are reversed.

[0080] Such configuration enables positions to be predefined on a surface for receiving a glass, and prevents the glass from inadvertently attaching to steel (or other ferromagnetic) items, such as barware.

[0081] The weights described above may be made of any suitable material, but are preferably formed of metal. When the weight forms an underside of the base, this also provides a strong and resilient surface on which branding or messaging may be provided. As an illustrative example, text, patterns, logos or the like may be engraved or etched on the weight to be visible as the glass is turned upside down. Such arrangement may be more easily read and more resilient than being formed in plastic (for example) of the glass.

[0082] The weights may be formed of steel, stainless steel (e.g. 304 stainless steel) or any other suitable metal or material.

[0083] As outlined above, the base, stem (if present) and reservoir may be formed of plastic. The plastic may be transparent or translucent, at least in the reservoir portion, and may be tinted.

[0084] The glasses may include a gradient from transparent (or translucent) at the reservoir, to opaque (or partially opaque) at the base. The gradient may be provided by a surface coating (e.g. colour) that gets darker towards the base to hide the weight. Alternatively, the gradient may be provided by a surface treatment (e.g. bead blasting), such that the grater opacity is provided towards the base to hide the weight.

[0085] The plastic may comprise thermoplastic that has a high scratch resistance and rigidity. As an illustrative example, the plastic may comprise polyethersulfone (PES or PESU) or polyphenylsulfone (PPSF or PPSU).

[0086] In some embodiments, the plastic comprises Tritan plastic of Eastman Chemical Company of Kingsport, Tennessee, United States.

[0087] The glasses described above may be manufactured using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the glasses are formed of injection moulding.

[0088] In some embodiments, particularly relating to wine glasses, the glass may be subsequently heated and blow moulded to create an egg-shaped reservoir. In particular, the reservoir may be injection moulded without curvature, upon which the curvature is subsequently added using heating and blow moulding.

[0089] The weight(s) may be formed into the glass as it is injection moulded. Alternatively, the weight(s) may be attached to the glass using adhesives, fasteners or ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, the weights may be held in place using a base plate that is attached to the glass.

[0090] Advantageously, the beverage containers described above enable glasses and other beverage containers to be provided of durable plastic (or similar materials), that have the hand feel of a quality crystal glass.

[0091] Additionally, the added weight significantly enhances stability both when held in the hand, and when sitting on uneven surfaces or being bumped, as it significantly reduces the centre of gravity of the glass.

[0092] As the glass (or similar container) is made from durable plastic, it makes the glass suitable for use in environments when glasses are dropped, without the risk of shattering or otherwise creating dangerous shards of glass. This is particularly beneficial in pool areas, where shattered glass can be difficult to clean from a pool.

[0093] In short, the embodiments described above enable quality wine and beverages to be enjoyed in environments where crystal glasses are not practical.

[0094] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0095] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0096] In compliance with the statute, the disclosure has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the disclosure into effect. The disclosure is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A beverage container comprising : a base including one or more weights; and a reservoir, coupled to the base and for receiving a beverage.

2. The beverage container of claim 1 , comprising a drinking glass or cup.

3. The beverage container of claim 2, comprising a wine glass, a cocktail glass, a beer mug, or a tumbler.

4. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the base and reservoir are unitarily formed.

5. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is coupled to the base by a stem.

6. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the base, reservoir and stem are unitarily formed.

7. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the stem is elongated, and wherein the reservoir extends from an upper end of the stem.

8. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is substantially ovoidal in shape.

9. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is defined by walls less than 2mm thick.

10. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is transparent or translucent.11 . The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a coating or surface treatment.

12. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the base and reservoir are formed of polymeric material.

13. The beverage container of claim 12, wherein the polymeric material is impact resistant.

14. The beverage container of claim 12, wherein the polymeric material comprises thermoplastic.

15. The beverage container of claim 12, wherein the polymeric material comprisespolyethersulfone (PES or PESU).

16. The beverage container of claim 12, wherein the polymeric material comprises polyphenylsulfone (PPSF or PPSU).

17. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the base and weights are formed of different materials.

18. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the base is formed of polymeric material, and the one or more weights comprise metallic weights.

19. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the one or more weights are attached to a base portion to form the base.

20. The beverage container of claim 19, wherein the one or more weights are removably attached to the base portion.21 . The beverage container of claim 20, wherein the one or more weights are fastened to the base portion using a fastener.

22. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the one or more weights are permanently attached to the base portion.

23. The beverage container of claim 1 , further including a base plate configured to at least partially retain the one or more weights to the base portion.

24. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the one or more weights form at least part of an underside of the base.

25. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the one or more weights comprise a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

26. The beverage container of claim 25, wherein the one or more weights are configured to magnetically couple to a support or surface on which the container is placed.

27. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the one or more weights are substantially disc-shaped.

28. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the base and reservoir are injection or blow moulded.

29. A wine glass comprising: a polymeric base including one or more metallic weights; and a polymeric reservoir, coupled to the plastic base and for receiving wine.

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