Abstract:
A method of wrapping a drinking glass having a rim and the wrapped glass so produced. The method of wrapping a drinking glass is performed by providing a segment of flexible material for use in wrapping the glass; encircling the flexible material at least partially around a lower portion of the glass, drawing the flexible material taut upwardly, across and around the glass and securing the flexible material adjacent to the rim of the glass.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to identifying and individually decorating items which may be otherwise indistinguishable, and more particularly to identifying and decorating a stemmed or other drinking glass with a flexible material, such as a ribbon. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Many stemmed drinking glasses are formed in a pleasing functional shape, but are otherwise non-descript and indistinguishable from other glasses of the same design. Common examples of stemmed drinking glasses include: wine glasses, sherry glasses, champagne coupes, champagne flutes, cocktail glasses, martini glasses, and brandy snifters. This lack of uniqueness among glasses of the same design can present a number of limitations. One common problem occurs when, during the course of a gathering where stemmed glassware is used, several of the attendees set their used glasses down in the same general location. When an attendee returns to retrieve his or her glass it can be difficult to determine to whom each glass belongs. 
         [0003]    The wrap may also be used in conjunction with extra-large display wine, champagne, martini glasses, etc. These larger glasses may be used, for example as trade show display models, larger as larger decorative displays for use in conjunction with themed events. 
         [0004]    To alleviate this problem a number of apparatuses have been designed to assist in identifying individual stemmed glasses. A number of these ideas have been patented. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,034, issued Sep. 25, 2001 to Skapyek, entitled “Stemware Identification Bracelets and Method of Use,” which discloses a stemmed glass charm constructed of a ring of spring steel that has opposing and abutting ends which may be momentarily separated in order to place the ring around the stem of a wine glass. Another example includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,150, issued May 25, 2004 to Holmes, entitled “Wine Glass Charm.” Holmes describes an identifying charm in which a magnetic coupling is used to connect two portions of a flexible coupling around the stem of a wine glass. 
         [0005]    Other designs include U.S. published patent application 20095/0145014, published Jun. 11, 2009 entitled “Re-Usable Identification Device.” This application discloses a charm which 5 adheres to the bowl of a stemmed glass via a two magnets, one on each side of the glass. 
         [0006]    Still other designs focus more on the decorative aspect. One such design disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,608, issued Mar. 27, 2001 to Hunter, entitled “Decorative Assembly,” depicts an assembly which hangs from the rim of a stemmed glass and contains a candle and dangling jewel. Alternative approaches to distinguishing and decorating stemmed glasses which also emphasize a decorative aspect include creating a set of glasses where each glass is of a different shape, or where each glass is hand painted with a different color or thematic scheme. Although these designs can be very unique, they can also be costly and some can suffer from problems related to damage in shipment and handling. Moreover, these decorative aspects are permanent in nature. In spite of the various existing options for identifying and decorating stemmed drinking glasses and other vessels, there is still room for significant improvement in this area. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention includes using a compact stemmed glass wrap of inexpensive design to decorate and customize stemmed and other drinking glasses or cups. Wraps for stemmed glasses extend from stem to rim. Wraps for glasses or cups having handles extend from below their handles to above their handles. The invention also includes a glass wrap and an item of stemware, a cup or glass including such a glass wrap. 
         [0008]    While described and depicted herein in relation to an item of stemware such as a stemmed drinking glass it is to be understood that the invention is applicable to other vessels and containers that have a narrower supporting member adjacent a bowl that is larger in diameter than the narrower supporting member. This includes but is not limited to punch bowls, urns and decorative plant and flower pots. 
         [0009]    A wrap according to a first embodiment of the invention is typically comprised of a length of flexible material, such as a ribbon, for use in wrapping a stemmed drinking glass. The glass is wrapped by first positioning the length of flexible material such that it is approximately longitudinally centered on the stem of a drinking glass. The flexible material is then wrapped around the stem of the glass such that it encircles the stem of the glass at least once. The two ends of the flexible material are pulled taut across and upwardly on the bowl of the glass and secured by a knot or other similar structure near the rim of the drinking glass. 
         [0010]    A wrap according to a second embodiment of the invention is typically comprised of a loop of flexible, preferably elastic material such as material, such as a ribbon, for use in wrapping a stemmed drinking glass. 
         [0011]    The glass is wrapped by first looping the around the stem of a drinking glass. The flexible material is then wrapped around the stem of the glass such that it encircles the stem of the glass at least once. The loop is then pulled taut across and upwardly on the bowl of the glass and secured by a knot or other similar structure near the rim of the drinking glass. 
         [0012]    According to either of the above embodiments, a retaining clip, hook or loop may be secured to the rim of the stemware glass to secure the flexible material in place near the rim of the glass. Additionally, decorative items, such as a silk flower or other decorative piece may be optionally attached to the flexible material generally near the rim of the glass. 
         [0013]    The stemware wrap decorates a stemmed drinking glass from stem to rim. The wrap does not interfere with the function of the glass or consumption of a beverage contained in the glass. It can be removed for washing, maintenance, storage, and reuse. The wrap is compact, lightweight, and durable for ease of shipping. It is cost effective to manufacture, and can be produced to fit stemmed glassware of a variety of different shapes and sizes. 
         [0014]    A wrap according to a third embodiment of the invention is typically comprised of a loop of flexible, preferably elastic material such as material, such as a ribbon, for use in wrapping a drinking glass cup or mug having a handle. Examples of cups or glasses suitable for use in this embodiment of the invention include footed pilsner glasses and some children&#39;s drinking cups. The glass or cup is wrapped by first looping the around the base of the glass, below the handle. The flexible material is preferably wrapped around the glass at least once. The free end of the loop is then pulled taut across and upwardly around the bowl of the glass and secured by stretching it over the top of the handle. A retaining ring, clip or hook is not needed in such applications of the invention. 
         [0015]    Once a glass is or cup is wrapped with the flexible material it makes a statement about the event or the user of the glass. The wrap can add color, style, and customization to any table setting or event. Examples include: using gold wraps with miniature Oscars attached for the Academy Awards, using a pink ribbon for Susan G. Komen For the Cure dinners, or using black and white colored ribbons with lace and a miniature bowtie to match a bride and groom at a wedding reception. The wrap is highly visible in photographs, television, video, as well as live events, and can be used for promotional purposes. A wrap according to the invention can be customized to any event or individual. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a stemmed glass with a stemware wrap in accordance with a first example of the first embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a stemmed glass with a stemware wrap in accordance with a second example of the first embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of a wrap according to the second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  depicts a front, perspective view of a stemmed glass with a stemware wrap in accordance with an example of the second embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  depicts a side view of a stemmed glass with a stemware wrap illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6   a  depicts a perspective view of a first example of a retaining clip for use with a wrap according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6   b  depicts a side view of the retaining clip of  FIG. 6   b;    
           [0023]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of an example of a decorative hook for use with a wrap according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  depicts a side view of an example of a decorative ring for use with a wrap according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9   a  depicts a perspective view of one example embodiment of a retaining clip according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9   b  depicts a perspective view of an alternative example embodiment of a retaining clip according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  depicts a pattern for a making a first type of wrap according to the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  depicts a pattern for a making a second type of wrap according to the invention; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  depicts a pattern for a making a third type of wrap according to the invention. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 12 and 13  depict perspective views of the application of the wrap to a children&#39;s sippie cup and to a footed pilsner glass, respectively. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    A stemware wrap according to a first embodiment of the invention is indicated as  100  in  FIG. 1 . The wrap is mounted to a stemmed drinking glass  12  and comprises at least one predetermined of length of flexible material  10 . The stemmed glass wrap  100  can also employ a retaining clip (depicted as  30 A or  30 B in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b ) for the purpose of securing the flexible material  10  in place on the stemmed drinking glass  12 . Alternatively, hooks, rings or clips as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8  may be substituted. 
         [0032]    The stemmed drinking glass  12  typically includes a glass bowl  20  which has an upper rim  24 . The glass bowl  20  is supported by a stem  22  which is joined to a horizontal surface engaging base  23 . 
         [0033]    The flexible material  10  is depicted as a length of ribbon; however numerous other types of flexible material may be employed. A nonexclusive list of examples of such materials includes: ribbon, fabric, beading, sequins, rope, and flexible metal. The flexible material  10  is generally between 1 to 2 feet in length when measured longitudinally, and can substantially vary in width when measured laterally. As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a variety of decorative features can optionally be attached to the length of flexible material  10 . In  FIG. 1 , the wrap itself is tied into a bow  14 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative example of a wrap according to the first embodiment of the invention. All numbered elements correspond to those in  FIG. 1 , with the exception that a flower  16  is substituted for the bow  14  of  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment the wrap  100  may be tied into a simple knot, also holding the decorative accessory or the ends may be held together by a hook, clip or loop as discussed below. Other decorative accessories such as charms, buttons, separately formed bows, simulated jewels, team logos or other items may also be employed, in keeping with the theme of the gathering at which the wraps are used. 
         [0035]    One example of a retaining clip  30 A or  30 B, as depicted in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , can be molded of a single piece of flexible plastic with a tacky surface. Several different embodiments of clip  30  may be employed while still retaining the spirit of the invention. In one embodiment clip  30 A is generally formed in a loop  32  with two abutting ends  34 A and  34 B. The loop  32  can be flexible to accommodate a wide variety of glasses, yet be sufficiently rigid to maintain its overall shape. Additionally, the loop  30 A can be constructed of or coated with a semi-tacky material, such as silicon rubber or a releasable adhesive, to aid the loop  30 A in staying on the rim  24  of the stemmed glass  12 . An example releasable adhesive is like that used in readherable notes. 
         [0036]    An alternative embodiment of clip  30 A is design  30 B. Clip  30 B presents three outer surfaces  37 A,  37 B, and  37 C, and three inner surfaces  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C. An eye  38  can be joined or integrally formed with surfaces  36 C and  37 C. Like the previous embodiment, clip  30 B can be flexible, rigid, and semi-tacky. 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , when mounted to a stemmed drinking glass  12  the single piece of flexible material  10  can be viewed as a series of segments or parts, each of which has a distinct purpose or function. In this way, flexible material  10  is comprised of stem portion  10 A which wraps around stem  22  of glass  12 . Stem portion  10 A follows along at least part of the circumferential surface of stem  22 . Stem portion  10 A then angles toward the bowl  22 , overlapping itself. The two portions of flexible material  10  that extend from stem portion  10 A may be referred to as the bowl portions  10 B and  10 C ( 1120 C being located on the far side of the glass and not visible in this view.). Bowl portions  10 B and IOC hug bowl  22  as they proceed to knot  10 F. Knot  10 F secures the ends of bowl portions  10 B and  10 C distal from stem portion  10 A, thereby keeping bowl portions  10 B and  10 C taut across bowl  22 . The free ends  10 D and  10 E of flexible material  10  extend loosely from knot  10 F. 
         [0038]    Knot  10 F can be large and decorative as depicted in  FIG. 1 , or may be simple and functional as in  FIG. 2 , in some cases hidden by the decorative accessory as illustrated. A variety of other methods can also be used to fasten the ends of the bowl wraps  10 B and  10 C together; such methods can include, but are not limited to, a hook and clasp coupler or a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®. 
         [0039]    The flexible material  10  can be secured to the stemmed glass  12  though a series of steps. An example method for wrapping a stemmed drinking glass includes: first, positioning the flexible material  10  such that it is approximately longitudinally centered on the stem  22  of stemmed glass  12 . The flexible material  10  is wrapped in a manner that causes it to encircle the stem  22  of stemmed glass  12  at least once. Each end of the flexible material  10  is then drawn taut upwardly and across the bowl  20  of the stemmed glass  12  toward rim  24 . The flexible material  10  is then secured in place by a knot made near the rim  24  of the stemmed glass  12 . 
         [0040]    The increased diameter of bowl  20  of stemmed glass  12  where the bowl  20  joins to the stem  22 , keeps the flexible material  10  from sliding upwards past the stem; thereby allowing the flexible material  10  to remain taut. When flexible material  10  is taut, the edge of rim  24  provides enough interference or friction to keep bowl portions  10 B and  10 C of the flexible material  10  in place about bowl  20 . Alternately, retaining clip  30 A or  30 B may be secured to flexible material  10  in place at the rim  24 . 
         [0041]    When using retaining clip  30 A or  30 B, the clip is first placed over the rim  24  of the stemmed lass  12 . When placed over a stemmed glass  12  the two abutting ends  34 A and  34 B (in the case of retaining clip  30 A), or internal surfaces  36 A and  36 C (in the case of retaining clip  30 B), make contact with the rim  24  of the glass. A portion of flexible material  10  or a separate tie can be passed through the inner portion of  30 A or the eye of  30 B to anchor the flexible material  10  to the rim  24  of the stemmed drinking glass  12 . 
         [0042]    Clips, rings and hooks such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8  may be substituted for clips  9   a  or  9   b.    
         [0043]    Once the ends of the flexible material  10  have been fastened together and secured in place a decorative flower  16  or other decorative material  16  may be attached. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  illustrates a second embodiment of a wrap  200  according to the present invention. The wrap  200  takes the form of a closed loop. In this version, intended for wineglasses, the loop has two thicker portions  210  and two thinner portions  212  and  214 . In use, one of the thinner portions  212  will be wrapped around the stem of the glass, corresponding to the stem portion  10 A of wrap  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Wider portions  210 , correspond to the bowl portions  10 B and  10 C of wrap  100  and the second, thinner portion  214  corresponds to the knotted or otherwise fastened together free ends  10 D and  10 E of the wrap  100 . Because the wrap  200  s formed as a loop, the step of knotting or otherwise fastening the free ends together can be omitted. The wrap as illustrated is a smooth fabric provided with a pattern, in this case polka-dots, but various patterns, colors and textures can be substituted, again preferably in keeping with the theme of the gathering at which the wraps are used. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate the wrap  200  of  FIG. 3  mounted on a stemmed glass  12 , otherwise as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The wrap is installed generally as described in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , by wrapping the thinner, stem portion  212  at least once around the stem of the glass. The loop is then pulled outward and upward around the bowl  20 , and the free end of the loop (thinner portion  214 ) is secured to the rim  24  of the glass by means of a decorative hook  216 , corresponding generally to the hook illustrated in  FIG. 7 , as discussed below. Decorative accessories as described above may be added. The wrap may be printed with team logos, brand names or other patterns. 
         [0046]    Because the wrap is formed as a loop, its length cannot be adjusted by tying its ends together as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For this reason, the wrap is preferably fabricated of a stretchy material such as nylon or Lycra® fabric having 2 or 4 way stretch properties. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate perspective and side views of a clip  300  which may be used to secure the wrap adjacent to the rim  24  of the glass  12  ( FIGS. 1-4 ). The clip generally takes the form of a flattened S-shape, having two opposing curved sections  314  and  316 , defining two recesses  318  and  320 . Recess  320  is paced over the rim of the glass with curved section  316  located outside of the bowl. Recess  318  holds the wrap generally adjacent the rim of the glass. The clip may be provided with an inward facing protrusion  312 , to assist in retaining the clap to the glass. The protrusion may have a generally linear or a curved contact surface for bearing against the inner surface of the bowl of the glass. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates a hook  400  which may be used to secure the wrap adjacent to the rim  24  of the glass  12  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), corresponding generally to hook  216  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The hook generally takes the form of an S-shaped wire, having two opposing curved sections  414  and  416 , defining two recesses  418  and  420 . Recess  420  is paced over the rim of the glass with curved section  416  located outside of the bowl. Recess  418  holds the wrap generally adjacent the rim of the glass. The clip may be provided with a decorative feature  412 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative form of ring shaped retainer  500 , taking the form of an open metallic wire ring, corresponding generally in use to clip  30 A,  FIG. 9   b.    
         [0050]      FIG. 10  is a pattern for making a first type of a loop-type wrap according to the present invention. This version of the wrap is intended for use in with martini glasses. Two pieces of fabric according to the pattern are stitched together along their long edges, preferably using a serger machine with a 4 thread overlock stitch, ¼ inch wide for strength and flexibility. This stitch will also assure that seam will lay flat. The free ends are preferably stitched together using a traditional sewing machine and finished with a 4 thread overlock stitch for strength, flexibility and a professional finish. The same assembly technique is used for the wraps of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , below. 
         [0051]    To fit most martini glasses, a length C 1  of about 8 inches, a center width A 1  of about 1¼ inches and end widths B 1  of about 1¾ inches will suffice. The size of the finished piece will be somewhat reduced due to the width of the seams. 
         [0052]      FIG. 11  is a pattern for making a second type of a loop-type wrap according to the present invention. This version of the wrap is intended for use in with stemmed glasses. To fit most wine glasses, a length C 2  of about 12¾ inches, a center width A 2  of about 1¼ inches, increased width portions D 2  of about 2⅛ inches and end widths B 1  of about 1⅛ inches will suffice. For larger stemmed glasses, a length C 2  of about 14¼ inches, a center width A 2  of about 1⅜ inches, increased width portions D 2  of about 2 inches and end widths B 2  of about 1⅛ inches will suffice. This version of the wrap may also be used with footed pilsner beer glasses. To fit most such glasses, a length C 2  of about 17½ inches, a center width A 2  of about 1¾ inches, increased width portions D 2  of about 2¼ inches and end widths B 2  of about 1⅜ inches will suffice. The size of the finished piece will be somewhat reduced due to the width of the seams. 
         [0053]      FIG. 12  is a pattern for making a third type of a loop-type wrap according to the present invention. Smaller patterns may be used for children&#39;s glasses, such as the “sippie cup” type glasses. Larger versions may be used with beer mugs. These wraps typically will be wrapped around the glass or mug below the handle and be held adjacent the rim of the glass by being stretched outward, upward and back around the rim above the handle as described above. No ring, clip or hook is needed in such applications. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 13 and 14  are included for the sake of completeness to illustrate the application of the wrap to a children&#39;s sippie cup  500  and to a footed pilsner glass  600 , respectively. As illustrated, the upper shoulder  510  of the cup, under its cap  530 , can also be used to secure the wrap  520  adjacent its rim. A decorative hook or clasp  610  is used to secure the wrap  620  adjacent the rim of the glass. 
         [0055]    Other patterns may be used as needed to fit other types of glasses and cups. The above specific embodiments should thus be considered exemplary rather than limiting in conjunction with the claims below. Use of the term “glass” does not imply that the glasses as described are made of glass. They may be made of plastic, wood metal, glass or other appropriate material.