Wearable ring with replaceable stamp for ice cubes

A wearable flexible ring configured to hold an interchangeable stamp for ice cubes of different shapes for drinks. The ring allows users to stamp various patterns or designs on ice cubes, enhancing the aesthetics of beverages and creating an enjoyable experience for consumers. The flexible ring is comfortable to wear and includes a receptacle for securing a stamp that can be readily interchanged with a stamp having a different design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to handheld stamps, and more particularly, stamps for ice, including clear ice to be used in drinks.

Description of Related Art

Bar and other drinking establishments are always looking for ways to improve the atmosphere and unique experience of their patrons. One such technique is to use completely clear or transparent ice cubes in their drinks. Another technique is to actually stamp the ice cubes in their drinks with difference logos, symbols, or wording. The concept of enhancing the aesthetics of beverages through visually appealing ice cubes has become increasingly popular in the hospitality industry and among beverage enthusiasts.

Traditional ice cubes often lack visual appeal, which may lead to a mundane drinking experience. Various attempts have been made in the past to address the issue of visually unappealing ice cubes. Some solutions include specialized ice cube trays with unique shapes or patterns. However, these trays often require time-consuming freezing processes and may not offer sufficient design options for customization. Additionally, using intricate molds can be challenging, as the design might not come out clearly or might be difficult to handle without breaking the ice. The existing solutions also lack the flexibility and ease of use required to meet consumers' demands for customization and personalization of their beverages.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved ice cube stamp that offers variable designs, is convenient to use, easily assessible, and provides clear impressions.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a stamp for ice that is more convenient to use.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an ice cube stamp that is readily available and comfortable to use.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide an ice stamp having an easily changeable stamp for the convenience of the user.

An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide an economical ice stamp, which also is kept clean as a user washes their hands.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an ice stamp for drinks that is comfortable and convenient to use by bartenders, as it is to be located on the hand.

In order to provide these aspects and others, the present invention provides a wearable flexible ring configured to hold an interchangeable stamp for ice cubes for drinks. The ring allows users to stamp various patterns or designs on ice cubes, enhancing the aesthetics of beverages and creating an enjoyable experience for consumers. The flexible ring is comfortable to wear and includes a receptacle for securing a stamp within the receptacle that can be readily interchanged with other stamps having different designs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings,FIG.1is a perspective view of a wearable stamp ring with a replaceable stamp for ice cubes10configured in accordance with the present invention. The ring10includes a body12having a shank14and a shoulder16. The shank14has a bottom15and an inner surface17and an outer surface19. In some embodiments the outer surface19of the shank14can include text or other images27. The shoulder16includes an outer perimeter surface or side surface11and a top surface13.

In accordance with the present invention, a stamp20is located within a receptacle30located in the top13of the shoulder16, as shown inFIGS.1and2. A top surface23of the stamp20includes an image22that may include a picture, logo, text, or any type of visual and palpable image22. The image22can be engraved within the top surface23, as shown inFIG.1, or raised above the top surface23of the stamp20, as shown inFIG.2a. A side surface or perimeter surface24of the stamp20preferably includes a groove or slot26that receives an outer rim or ridge25on the inner perimeter surface28of the receptacle30.

In other embodiments, such as ring40shown inFIG.2a, the receptacle30can include a groove42on the inner perimeter surface28, and the stamp20can include a rim or ridge44on the outer perimeter24, wherein the ridge44of the stamp20fits into the groove or slot42in the receptacle30of the ring40to secure the stamp20within the ring40. Additionally, as shown inFIG.2a, the visual and/or palatable image47on the top surface23of the stamp20can be raised instead of engraved.FIG.2aalso shows the finger hole21of the ring40.

The body12preferably is constructed of a flexible material, such as rubber. The shank14and the shoulder16also preferably are constructed as a unitary member. The stamp20preferably is constructed of a rigid material, such as metal. The flexible body12provides a user with added comfort while wearing the stamp ring10. The flexible body12and the replaceable stamp20enable a user to quickly and easily remove a stamp20from the receptacle30and replace the prior stamp20with another stamp20having a different image22. The flexible construction of the shoulder16and receptacle30contained therein is flexible, so the receptable30is expanded to remove and replace a stamp20, while contracting to secure a new stamp20within the receptacle30. Additionally, the wearable stamp ring10is very convenient for a user, such as a bar tender, as the ring10is readily available on his or her hand to make an impression on an ice cube for a drink or for some other purpose.

The cross-sectional view provided inFIG.2illustrates additional details of the stamp20in the receptacle30, which is located in the shoulder16. The bottom34of the stamp20rests on the bottom surface33of the receptacle30. The bottom32of the shoulder16also is shown along with the tapered or slanted transition31from the bottom32of the shoulder16to the side11of the shoulder16. The top23and peripheral surface or side24of the stamp20are shown. The groove26in the side or periphery24of the stamp20that receives the ridge or rim25on the inner side surface28of the receptacle30is shown.

In the preferred embodiment, the flexible shoulder16containing the receptacle30is stretched away from the side24of the stamp20to release the stamp20from the receptacle30, and a new stamp20can then be inserted into the receptacle30. The rim25of the receptacle30is inserted into the groove26of the stamp20in order to secure the stamp20within the receptacle30of the shoulder16.

FIG.3illustrates a cut-away view of the ring10to provide another view of the elements of the ring10. Illustrated are the shank14and shoulder16of the body12. The inner surface17and outer surface19of the shank14are illustrated. The top23, side24, and engraved image22of the stamp20are shown, as well as the outer peripheral surface or side11and the top13of the shoulder16. The clear illustration of the rim or ridge25of the receptacle30is shown located within the groove26of the stamp20. The side wall24and bottom34of the stamp20are shown, as well as the transition angled side31from the side11of the shoulder16to the bottom32of the shoulder16.

FIG.4illustrates another cut-away illustration of the ring10. Illustrated are the shank14and shoulder16of the body12. The bottom15, inner17and outer19surfaces of the shank14are shown. Also shown is the finger hole21of the shank14. The side wall11, transition angled side31, and bottom32of the shoulder16are illustrated. The bottom surface33, inner surface or sidewall28, and rim25of the receptacle30are further illustrated. The stamp20is shown within the receptacle30, wherein the rim25of the receptacle30can be seen within the groove26of the stamp20. The bottom34and the sidewall24of the stamp20are clearly shown too.

FIG.5illustrates a sideview of a ring35configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention showing the body12including the shank14and the shoulder16. The finger hole21, outer surface19, bottom15, and inner surface17of the shank12are clearly shown. The side11, top13, and bottom32of the shoulder16are shown. Further illustrated is the sidewall24of the stamp20.

FIG.6illustrates a wearable stamp ring50configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The ring50includes a body12having a shank14and a shoulder16. Illustrated are the finger hole21, the inner surface17, the outer surface19, and the bottom15. The sidewall11and top13of the shoulder16are shown, as well as the top23, image22, and sidewall24of the stamp20. Ring50is similar to ring10shown inFIG.1, except the sidewall11and top13of the shoulder16have a different configuration.

FIG.7illustrates a wearable stamp ring60configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The ring60includes a body12having a shank14and a shoulder16. Illustrated are the finger hole21, the inner surface17, the outer surface19, and the bottom15. The sidewall11and top13of the shoulder16are shown, as well as the top23, image22, and sidewall24of the stamp20. Ring60is similar to ring10shown inFIG.1, except the sidewall11and top13of the shoulder16have a different configuration. Additionally, the shank14of ring60has a different configuration than the shank14of the ring10.

While specific embodiments have been shown and described to point out fundamental and novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and details of the invention illustrated and in the operation may be done by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.