# Patent

## Title
Commemorative hollow-stem vesselware

## Abstract

Product is a commemorative and/or functional drinking vessel of any size that contains thematic emblems, imagery, graphics, and labels displayed on the cup, with associated thematic objects contained within a hollow stem of any diameter or length. Hollow-stem vesselware is defined as any vessel that is supported by a hollow stem with thematic object and foot. This iconic work is a memorable souvenir, award, or gift for people of all walks of life, and can be custom-designed to meet any customer need. The hollow stem containing thematic objects is not found within any other market with such style and poise. This item lends instant class and character to any event or memorabilia collection.

## Background
This application claims benefit to provisional application No. 61/765,763, filed Feb. 17, 2013.


STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
Thomas Stempel formulated the idea for Commemorative Hollow-Stem Vesselware after serving in Iraq. Upon return from deployment in 2011, Mr. Stempel—who owns his own glass-blowing studio—formed the prototype with a 7.62 mm ball round. The round was too heavy for the glass, and the second iteration was made of a plastic replica that was electro-plated to look like the genuine article. Subsequent productions featured additional thematic items and logos that appeal to a wide variety of customers.



DESCRIPTION OF VESSEL AS LABELED IN MECHANICAL DRAWINGS (DIMENSIONS WILL VARY BASED ON CUSTOMER REQUEST AND PRODUCT VARIATION)
FIG. 1—Standard shot glass

    
    
        1A—Cup (1.75 ounce reservoir)
        1B—Hollow stem
        1C—Foot
        
            * 1A, 1B, & 1C together comprise the side view of the completed product
        
        
        1D—Top view—Hollow stem
        1E—Side view—Hollow stem and foot
        1F—Top view—Hollow stem and foot
        
            ** Dimensions will vary based on customer request and product variation
        
        
    
    


FIG. 2—Standard wine glass

    
    
        2A—Cup
        2B—Hollow stem
        2C—Foot
        
            * 2A, 2B, & 2C together comprise the side view of the completed product
            ** Dimensions will vary based on customer request and product variation
        
        
    
    


FIG. 3—Hurricane glass

    
    
        3A—Cup
        3B—Hollow Stem
        3C—Foot
        
            * 3A, 3B, & 3C together comprise the side view of the completed product
            ** Dimensions will vary based on customer request and product variation
        
        
    
    


FIG. 4—Champagne flute

    
    
        4A—Cup
        4B—Hollow Stem
        4C—Foot
        
            * 4A, 4B, & 4C together comprise the side view of the completed product
        
        
        4D—Top view—Hollow stem and foot
        4E—Side view—Hollow stem and foot
        4F—Top view—Hollow stem
        
            ** Dimensions will vary based on customer request and product variation
        
        
    
    


FIG. 5—Martini glass

    
    
        5A—Cup
        5B—Hollow Stem
        5C—Foot
        
            * 5A, 5B, & 5C together comprise the side view of the completed product
            ** Dimensions will vary based on customer request and product variation
        
        
    
    


FIG. 6—Rounded cocktail glass

    
    
        6A—Cup
        6B—Hollow Stem
        6C—Foot
        
            * 6A, 6B, & 6C together comprise the side view of the completed product
            ** Dimensions will vary based on customer request and product variation
        
        
    
    


FIG. 7—Margarita glass

    
    
        7A—Cup
        7B—Hollow Stem
        7C—Foot
        
            * 7A, 7B, & 7C together comprise the side view of the completed product
            ** Dimensions will vary based on customer request and product variation
        
        
    
    


FIG. 8—Perspective view of completed stem, foot, and related parts

    
    
        8A—Perspective view of completed foot and stem
        8B—Hollow stem
        8C—Foot
        
            ** Dimensions will vary based on customer request and product variation
        
        
    
    





DETAILED DESCRIPTION
01. Product is a commemorative and/or functional drinking vessel of any size that contains thematic emblems, imagery, graphics, and labels displayed on the cup, with associated thematic objects contained within a hollow stem of any diameter or length. Hollow-stem vesselware is defined as a vessel of any material that is supported by a hollow stem and foot with thematic object.
02. Product is made of molded pieces that are chemically bonded together with industrial adhesive. Thematic objects in the stem are placed within the stem prior to the cup being attached to the foot and stem. Logos and emblems are enamel-painted or etched to withstand washing in dishwashers or hot liquid without loss of color or definition. Thematic objects within the hollow stem may be made of plastic or metal, and complement the theme of the design motif for aesthetic effect.
03. Product is safe to be used for consumption of liquids. Product contains no lead or other harmful materials, and is FDA approved for drinking.

## Claims

1. A commemorative hollow-stem vesselware is defined as a drinking vessel, said vessel is comprised of molded glass or other moldable material including a cup, a hollow stem and a foot, said cup having a beverage retaining cavity, said cup is chemically bonded together with industrial adhesive to said hollow stem and said foot, said hollow stem including an interior chamber, wherein thematic imagery is displayed on said cup and at least one corresponding thematic object of proportionate size to the interior chamber of said hollow stem is sealed by said cup and said foot within said hollow stem, the beverage retaining cavity is separated from the interior chamber such that beverage doesn't enter the interior chamber.

2. The vesselware of claim 1, wherein the thematic imagery is a logo or emblem applied as a label or enamel-painted or etched to said cup.

3. The vesselware of claim 1, wherein the at least one corresponding thematic object is made of plastic, metal or combinations of plastic and metal.