Abstract:
The present invention is drawn to a drinking glass that has two separate self-contained basins. The invention includes a drinking vessel having a smaller basin contained within a larger basin and is unique in both its design and functionality.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present non-provisional Application claims the benefit of commonly owned provisional Application having Ser. No. 60/599,113, filed on Aug. 5, 2004, and entitled DUAL BASIN VESSEL, which Application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
         [0002]     The present invention is drawn to a drinking glass that has two separate self-contained basins. The invention includes a drinking vessel having a smaller basin contained within a larger basin and is unique in both its design and functionality. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention was designed in part to provide a unique and more desirable means for an individual to consume a beverage containing more than one liquid, yet the liquids are not mixed until consumption. Such a beverage is referred to herein as a “Combination Drink” or “Specialty Shot.” As used herein the term “Combination Drink” or “Specialty Shot” refer to drinks such as a “Root Beer Barrel,” a “Boiler Maker,” a “Tijuana Car Bomb,” “Liquid Viagra,” or an “Atomic Bomb” to name a few. Combination Drinks or Specialty Shots include at least two distinct liquids that are placed in separate vessels and are not mixed or combined until the moment of consumption. The consumer, upon tilting the glass or glasses to consume the beverage causes the liquids to combine. While examples of alcoholic drinks are given herein, the terms Specialty Shot or Combination Drink are not limited to alcoholic beverages but may also include nonalcoholic beverages.  
         [0004]     As stated earlier, an example of a Specialty Shot is the Root Beer Barrel, which is made when root beer schnapps is poured into a smaller drinking vessel. To date, the smaller vessel used was usually a “shot glass.” The shot glass was then placed in the center of a larger drinking vessel also known as a “low ball” or “old fashioned” glass. The low ball was then filled with beer. The two liquids, root beer schnapps and beer are then consumed as one beverage when the root beer schnapps flows out of the shot glass into the low ball to combine with the beer and then into the mouth of the imbiber. Depending upon the height of the shot glass, the mixing of the two liquids may also occur in the mouth.  
         [0005]     As one can imagine, the flaws in the described procedure are numerous. First, it is difficult to prepare such a drink in that the shot glass may shift while filling either the shot glass or the low ball glass. Second, once the drink is prepared it is difficult to transport because the shot glass may shift. Such shifting may cause either liquid to spill out of its respective container. If the low-ball glass spills, the liquid pours out onto the surface on which it is supported or into the shot glass. If the shot glass spills, the liquid spills into the liquid contained in the low-ball glass thus nullifying the reason for using two containers. Third, a risk of over filling either one of the two basins exists thus causing cross contamination of the liquids before consumption. Fourth, and possibly most importantly, a safety issue exists when using two stand alone glasses. This safety issue exists for the individual consuming the beverage. When the beverage is ready for consumption and the individual tilts the glass back so as to drink the liquid there exists a risk of the shot glass sliding down the side of the low-ball glass and into the consumer&#39;s face. Such a mishap could cause injury at the worst or unfortunate spilling at the least. If alcoholic beverages are consumed, the safety concerns are exacerbated by the intoxication of the patron or consumer.  
         [0006]     The drinking vessel of the present invention eliminates complications caused by moving parts. The vessel of the present invention eliminates the need for two separate drinking vessels that are normally required for such a “specialty shot.” This vessel also allows the preparer much easier access to both basins with respect to pouring the desired liquids into their respective basins and helps to eliminate the unwanted cross mixing of the two liquids until the consumer is ready to drink the beverage. In the food and beverage industry this vessel will greatly decrease the time and resources necessary to provide such a beverage to their patrons.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The drinking vessel of the invention comprises a smaller basin within a large basin. The two basins are either conjoined or continuous at a portion of the sidewall of the larger basin. The bases may be at least continuous or conjoined for a portion of the larger basin base. The smaller basin is formed on the sidewall of the larger basin. The rim of the smaller basin preferably is lower in height than the rim of the larger basin. The sidewall of the smaller basin is preferably angled in such a manner that when the larger basin is tipped for consumption of the liquid, liquid will readily flow from the smaller basin into the larger basin. This flow of liquid from the smaller basin preferably occurs at a rate equal to the flow of the liquid that is flowing out of the larger basin thereby combining the two liquids for simultaneous consumption.  
     
    
       [0008]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and descriptions.  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0011]      FIG. 3   a  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3   b  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3   c  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  shows a side elevation of a drinking vessel of the present invention. The drinking vessel  10  comprises a larger basin  12  with a smaller basin  14  contained therein. The larger basin  12  has a base  30  with sidewall  16  extending upwardly there from. Sidewall  16  may extend upwardly at right angles from base  30  or may create angles  32  of greater than 90 degrees causing the sidewalls  16  to flare outwardly. Alternatively, but less desirably, the angles  32  may be less than 90 degrees. One skilled in the art will recognize that in the case of a glass the sidewall is continuous. While two sidewalls are shown in  FIG. 4 , which is a side elevation, it is in fact the same continuous sidewall. The larger basin may be but is not required to be symmetrical. Therefore, the angle  32  at any point may change. Most desirably, however, the larger basin is not only symmetrical but also consistent in its design. This meaning that the height of the sidewall remains constant, the angle  32  remains constant, and so on. The sidewall  16  ends at a point spaced apart from the base  30  thus creating a rim or lip  22  on the larger basin. The rim  22  may be rounded or may taper to create a comfortable edge from which to drink.  
         [0019]     The base  30  of the larger basin  12  is preferably flat from the underside or exterior of the drinking vessel  10 . The substantially flat base  30  allows the drinking vessel to be set upon a surface without tipping. If the exterior of base  30  is not flat, feet or other means may be placed on the exterior of the glass to allow the glass to be placed upon a surface without tipping. Alternatively, if the exterior of base  30  is not flat, the glass may be placed in a support or frame to maintain the glass in an upright or non-tipping position. The interior of the base  30  of the larger basin may be any shape that is suitable for a drinking vessel or glass. Thus, the portions of the base  30  closest to the sidewall  16  may curve upward so as to make it difficult to delineate when the base  30  ends and the sidewall  16  begins. Any shape of the interior base  30  of the larger basin  12  that is suitable for a drinking glass is suitable for the present invention.  
         [0020]     Small basin  14  is located within larger basin  12 . Sidewall  20  extends from the larger basin sidewall  16  to create the wall of the smaller basin  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , sidewall  20  may contact sidewall  16  at a single point  36  or may be continuous with sidewall  16  for an extended portion  34 . Smaller basin  14  is completed with sidewall  20  contacting or creating a base that is spaced apart from the rim  24  of the smaller basin  14 . A feature of the present invention is that the rim  24  of the smaller basin  14  is below the rim  22  of the larger basin  12 . This is desirable to allow the liquid contained in the smaller vessel  14  to pour into and mix with the liquid contained in the larger vessel  12  at the time of consumption. The rim  24  of the smaller basin is not intended for contacting the lips or mouth of the imbiber, therefore, it is less important that the rim  24  of the smaller basin is comfortable from which to drink as compared to the rim  22  of the larger basin. However, it is likely important that the smaller basin rim  24  be smooth and not sharp so as to prevent injury while cleaning the drinking vessel  10 . The rims of the larger basin  22  and the smaller basin  24  may or may not be parallel.  FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of the present invention where the rims  22  and  24  of the basins are not parallel.  
         [0021]     The smaller basin base may be suspended, may either contact or may be continuous with the larger basin base  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the bases either contact or are continuous with each other. Such a configuration is shown in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4  and  5 . This is desirable for sanitary purposes. The drinking vessel preferably does not contain a ledge under which it is difficult to clean is more desirable. If basin  20  is suspended from sidewall  16  such that the bases do not contact each other as shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , sediment may build up under the base of the smaller basin and on top of the base of the larger basin. Bacteria could then colonize and grow on such sedimentation. If it did not pose a health risk, it would at least cause an unappetizing appearance in the drinking vessel. Whether the bases are continuous or contact each other is primarily dependent upon how the drinking vessel of the invention is manufactured. This will be described in more detail later. For the purposes of this invention, the terms “continuous” and “contact” are synonymous. One skilled in the art will recognize that whether the bases are formed from the same piece of material, or are two separate pieces that are fused together is immaterial. The performance of the drinking vessel will be equivalent no matter if the two basins are two separate pieces fused together or are formed together so as to have continuous sidewalls and/or bases.  
         [0022]     The angle  38  at which sidewall  20  contacts base  30  may be a right angle, greater or less than 90 degrees. Angle  38  is not required to remain constant and may or may not be equal to angle  32 . However, one skilled in the art will recognize that if the sidewalls  16  and  20  are continuous and the smaller basin base and the larger basin base are continuous, then the angle  32  becomes the angle between smaller basin sidewall  20  and base  30 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . Larger basin  12  and smaller basin  14  are shown substantially circular in  FIGS. 2 and 3   a . While this is a preferable embodiment, the present invention may include non-circular shaped basins including but not limited to ellipses as shown in the smaller basin of  FIG. 3   b , or irregular shaped, or as shown in  FIG. 3   c . Again, basins  12  and  14  may or may not be symmetrical from either a top or side elevation. Moreover, the basin shapes do not need to be and likely will not be identical in shape.  
         [0024]     The basins  12  and  14  are generally different volumetric sizes. If the smaller basin were removed from the larger basin, the volume of the larger basin would be between about 5and 8 ounces, more preferably between about 5 and 7 ounces, and most preferably between about 5 and 6 ounces. As a skilled worker will recognize, the smaller basin occupies volume within the larger basin. Further, in order for the liquids contained in the basins to remain separate, it is best that the larger basin not be filled above the top of the smaller basin. Therefore, when in use, the actual volume that the larger basin  12  will contain while still maintaining distinct liquids in the larger and smaller basins is between about 2 and 5 ounces, more preferably between about 2 and 4 ounces, and most preferably between about 2 and 3 ounces. Such volume of the larger basin is hereinafter referred to as the “useful volume.” That is, the useful volume of the larger basin  12  is that volume within the larger basin and not occupied by the smaller basin and further below the rim of the smaller basin  14 . If the smaller basin were not contained within the larger basin, the larger basin could hold up to about 9 ounces.  
         [0025]     The volume of the smaller basin  14  is between about 1 and 3 ounces, more preferably between about 1 and 2 ounces, and most preferably between about 1 and 1.5 ounces. The relative sizes of the basins are in part dependent upon the mixed drink that is intended for consumption. For example, if the desired ratio of liquids is 1 to 4, the volume of the smaller basin would desirably be less than if the desired ratio of liquids is 1 to 3. Alternatively, the bartender or other person preparing the drink could adjust the amounts of the liquids accordingly no matter the relative volumes of the basins. Preferably the ratio of the volume of the smaller basin to the ratio of the useful volume of the larger basin is about 1:3, more preferably 1:2.5, and most preferably 1:2.  
         [0026]     For purposes of example only the larger basin may be roughly the size of a low ball glass and the smaller basin the size of a shot glass. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the drinking vessel of the invention may substantially vary in size with the ratio of the smaller basin to larger basin varying without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the invention. Smaller basin  14  is in part substantially conical shaped. That is, sidewall  20  slopes downward from the rim toward sidewall  16 . It is believed that this is desirable to encourage the flow of liquid out of smaller basin  14  into larger basin  12  during consumption. One skilled in the art will recognize that a perfect conical shape is not necessary. Rather, a desirable feature is the angle of sidewall  20  with respect to sidewall  16 . Sidewall  20  may contact either base  30  or sidewall  16 . If sidewall  20  contacts sidewall  16 , smaller basin  14  would have a substantially pointed base. This may not be preferable from a sanitary or cleaning standpoint because the substantially pointed design may be difficult to wash. However, it may be desirable from a mixing standpoint because the substantially pointed base might best urge the liquid out of smaller basin  14  into larger basin  12 . One skilled in the art will further recognize that no matter the shape of smaller basin  14 , gravity will work to empty smaller basin  14  and larger basin  12  when the drinking vessel  10  is inverted.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. The drinking vessel  10  may include a stem  40 . The base of the drinking vessel  10  may otherwise vary in ornamentation and design without varying from the scope of the invention. Likewise, the sidewalls  16  and  20  and base  30  of the drinking vessel  10  may include decals, photographs, etching, or other means of ornamentation including but not limited to fluting.  
         [0029]     As stated earlier, whether or not sidewalls  20  and  16  are continuous over an extended portion or contact each other at just one point may in part be dependent upon how the drinking vessel is manufactured. If two separate vessels are manufactured independently and then fused together, it is likely that the sidewalls  16  and  20  will meet at only a single point as shown as point  36  in  FIG. 3   a . This may not always be the case since separate vessels may foreseeably be manufactured that will cause the sidewalls  16  and  20  to contact across an extended portion  34  as shown in  FIG. 3   b . The drinking vessel of the present invention may be caste, blown, thrown, poured, forged, or made by any other economical or not economical means depending upon the material used.  
         [0030]     The present invention has been described herein with reference to certain embodiments. There are certainly countless variations and designs and sizes that may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is with the claims appended hereto along with the reasonable equivalence thereof, rather than the exact and specific depicted exemplifications and embodiments, which define the scope of the present invention.