Patent Publication Number: US-9414699-B2

Title: Beverage container with removable top

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a beverage container, such as a drinking glass, which contains a seal/lid that can be removed prior to consumption of the beverage. The seal/lid and/or the beverage container can be of a special design to provide greater sealing efficiency and optionally to enable the container to contain carbonated or pressurised beverages. The invention will be described with reference to a beverage glass (which can comprise plastic as well as glass) containing an alcoholic beverage, although it should be appreciated that no particular limitation is meant to be placed on the invention merely by this reference. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Beverages are usually sold to consumers in containers such as glass or plastic bottles; aluminium or steel cans; cardboard or plastic cartons; or casks which include a bladder housed in a cardboard box. 
     Consumers currently have the choice of either drinking directly from the containers mentioned above, or transferring the liquid contained therein to a drinking glass for consumption therefrom. Many consumers prefer to drink certain types of beverages from a drinking glass with a wide mouth to enhance the aroma and therefore the flavour of the beverage. 
     Apart from drinking glasses, most drink containers have no worth once their contents are consumed other than perhaps as part of a recycling program. Consequently, most drink containers are simply discarded and are never recycled. Therefore, there is often a lot of domestic and industrial waste associated with the use of drink containers other than drinking glasses. 
     A problem with the use of drinking glasses however, particularly in the hospitality industry, is that viral and bacterial illnesses (such as hepatitis B and C, and influenza, amongst others) can be spread by the continual and frequent reuse of glasses despite the fact that the glasses are required by health codes to be washed at sterilising temperatures (typically over 80 degrees centigrade) prior to being reused. 
     Moreover, the provision of drinking glasses in the hospitality industry is a significant expense to many businesses in the industry for a number of reasons. Firstly, particularly in climates where beer and other drinks need to be served ice cold and where drinking glasses are therefore chilled before use, there can be significant refrigeration costs associated with chilling drinking glasses. This is because a significant amount of refrigerator space often needs to be dedicated to not only the containers in which the beverages are stored, but also to the empty drinking glasses. Also, in cases where above-bench glass chillers which chill drinking glasses by passing chilled water through the glass are used, significant costs are incurred in the purchase, installation, running costs, and maintenance of such glass chillers, to which beverage is to be poured prior to consumption. 
     Secondly, there are significant costs associated with purchasing drinking glasses at the outset and purchasing replacement glasses due to breakages and other mishaps. 
     Thirdly, the costs associated with cleaning used drinking glasses are a significant component of many businesses in the hospitality industry. These cleaning costs include the labour, chemical, hot water, and electrical costs which are associated with collecting, racking, washing and drying glasses. 
     Lastly, beverage companies who supply the hospitality industry with their beverages in bottles or other containers apart from drinking glasses, often also supply pubs, nightclubs and other venues with free branded drinking glasses for dispensing their product in. The cost to beverage companies of providing the drinking glasses is usually factored into their promotional glassware budgets and can be significant. 
     Another problem with the use of drinking glasses is that the beverage contained therein can be easily spiked with alcohol or another drug without the knowledge of the consumer. It would therefore be desirable to have a drinking glass which at least reduces the possibility of the beverage contained therein being spiked. 
     Furthermore, the surfaces of drinking glasses which are usually contacted by the mouths and lips of consumers are exposed and are therefore susceptible to being contaminated by unclean hands, for example. It would therefore be beneficial to have a drinking glass which reduces the possibility of the aforementioned drinking glass surfaces being contaminated. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide a beverage container (such as a drinking glass) which may overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages. 
     For instance, it is known to provide a drinking glass that contains a removable lid for sealing purposes and where the lid can be removed prior to consumption. However, there are difficulties with proper attachment of the lid to the glass and which have not been overcome by the known methods. 
     One difficulty is that some seals or removable lids merely extend over the top of the rim of the drinking glass. When the lid is removed (this being particularly the case for lids that are glued or similarly attached to the glass) an adhesive residue can remain behind which is unsuitable if the adhesive residue is on the rim of the glass. WO96/05123 describes such an arrangement. 
     Also, the surface area of the rim of the glass is relatively small and therefore there are difficulties in providing a proper seal especially if it is desirable to store a carbonated beverage in the glass in which case the seal needs to be pressure resistant. 
     For this reason, it is known to provide a lid that simply screws over the top of a drinking glass. This provides a good seal and makes the glass pressure tight. However, the arrangement does require a thread to be provided on the upper surface of the drinking glass and this increases the manufacturing cost of the glass, can be an encumbrance to drinkers (with the thread being very close to the rim of the glass), and the thread can be quite easily broken or damaged to present a sharp edge. This arrangement is described in German patent specification 202 05239. 
     Another attempt to overcome the attachment difficulties of the removable seal with the glass rim is to provide the rim with an outwardly extending peripheral flange. While this increases the surface area and therefore provides a better attachment of the seal with the rim, the outwardly extending flange makes drinking more difficult. Also, the flange is usually relatively thin and therefore brittle and is prone to being broken or cracked to produce sharp edges that can cause serious injury. This type of arrangement is described in international patent application WO96/05123. 
     Another disadvantage with attachment of lids to drinking vessels containing a beverage (such as wine), is that if the vessel is shaken or knocked during the lid fitting process, the wine can spill onto the rim of the vessel which can greatly reduce sealing efficiency of the lid to the rim. For this reason, it is also known to provide a specially designed wine glass which contains an opening in the bottom of the stem and which is filled from the bottom. In this way, the lid can be attached to the empty wine glass and the wine can then be filled through the stem. A stopper is required to ensure that the wine does not leak through the stem. This arrangement is quite complicated and would have high manufacturing costs. EP 309314 describes this arrangement. 
     Another attempt to provide a simple solution to the above disadvantages is to provide a lid or seal that overlies the rim of the glass and which extends partially down the side wall of the glass. An advantage of this type of seal is that there is no need to provide glue or other adhesive on the rim. Instead, the adhesive can be applied to the outer side wall of the glass and below the top rim. Also, by extending over the rim and down the side wall of the glass, the rim is protected against contamination prior to consumption of the wine (or other beverage) in the glass. 
     However, a disadvantage with this type of seal is that in practice, it is found that the seal can still inadvertently be removed from the glass and if the glass contains a pressurised beverage, the pressure tightness of the seal is not as good as it could be which means that the beverage in the glass can go flat prior to consumption. While a solution might be to simply make the seal extend further down the wall of the glass, it is found that there is a consumer advantage in being able to view the contents of the glass without the view being occluded by the seal. Also, the manufacturing cost increases. As well, when the seal is removed, any adhesive on the side wall of the glass can remain tacky which is undesirable to people holding the glass. Attempting to attach a seal without adhesive is problematic with this design of glass as there is no proper “purchase” or attachment position of the seal to the glass due to the relatively smooth nature of the glass. Thus, this type of seal can be quite unsuitable for use with pressurised or carbonated beverages. 
     Another disadvantage or problem with many of the known types of seals or lids is that it is often quite difficult to remove the lid or seal from the glass without spilling or upsetting the contents of the glass, this being mainly caused by the rather aggressive nature of the adhesive. Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a seal or lid with some form of construction or design that would make removal of the lid simpler. 
     A difficulty in attempting to provide a removable seal or lid over a drinking vessel is that the mouth of the drinking vessel (e.g. wine glass) is quite large compared to the main body of the vessel. For pressurised systems, the force acting on the lid or seal can be calculated by the equation Force=Pressure×Area. Thus, for relatively narrow necked containers such as beer bottles, the force on the beer bottle cap is relatively low. However, for larger open mouthed glasses and similar vessels (for instance, to accommodate a carbonated beverage), the amount of force on the seal will be much larger. 
     There would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a removable seal or lid for a drinking vessel such as a glass and which could protect the rim of the glass against contamination, which could enable a pressurised beverage to be contained within the glass for longer, and which would have a reduced possibility of delaminating from the glass. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least substantially ameliorate, one or more of the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
     According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a drinking glass and a lid covering an opening of the glass such that a drink contained in the glass is sealed therein by the lid, wherein the lid is adapted to be at least partially removed from the opening so as to thereby enable the drink to be consumed from the glass through the opening. 
     The lid preferably forms a hermetic seal with the glass to prevent the escape of gas from carbonated drinks stored in the glass while the opening of the glass is covered by the lid. 
     In a more particular form, the invention resides in a beverage container, the container comprising a side wall, a rim, and a shoulder portion which is positioned below the rim, and a removable lid, the lid, when in the closed position, sealing the beverage container, the lid having a peripheral edge that extends over the rim and against the shoulder portion. 
     In this form of the invention, the shoulder portion can provide a “purchase” or mechanical attachment of the lid to the beverage container. Thus, there may be no requirement to provide adhesive which has been a disadvantage with previous lids. Also, the lid can now be more suitable for use with carbonated or pressurised beverages. 
     Suitably, the shoulder portion extends between the rim and the side wall. 
     Suitably, the shoulder portion extends about the beverage container. 
     The shoulder portion may comprise an outwardly extending land portion that extends outwardly relative to the side wall which is immediately below the shoulder portion to provide a mechanical type attachment of the peripheral edge of the lid against the shoulder portion. 
     The land portion may have a width of between 0.5-5 millimeters depending on the size of the beverage container. 
     The side wall, rim and shoulder portion may be formed integrally. 
     A plurality of shoulder portions may be provided. These may extend below each other to provide annular bands of shoulder portions about the beverage container. If desired, between 1-10 shoulder portions may be provided and typically between 1-5. The spacing between the shoulder portions may be between 1-10 millimeters depending on the size of the beverage container, the pressure within the container, the type of lid and the like. 
     The shoulder portion may be angled other than substantially at right angles relative to the side wall. For instance, the shoulder portion may form an acute angle of between 30-90° relative to the side wall immediately below the shoulder portion. This can provide an “undercut” that may improve the mechanical attachment of the lid to the container. 
     The shoulder portion may comprise other profiles to improve the attachment of the lid to the container. These profiles may comprise recesses, projections, and the like to improve the mechanical attachment or the “keying” of the lid to the container. 
     For instance, the shoulder portion may comprise a substantially U-shaped channel extending about the rim area of the beverage container and into which an edge of the lid can pass. An embodiment of this is illustrated in figure is 35-38. 
     If desired, the lid and/or the container may be provided with means to facilitate removal, or at least partial removal of the lid from the container. The means may comprise a tab, a projection, a recess, a finger hole, or any other type of configuration or attachments that can facilitate removal, or at least partial removal of the lid typically by providing a better grip to a person wishing to remove the lid. 
     In one broad form, the means may comprise a pull tab. The pull tab may comprise a ring pull. The pull tab may comprise a finger grippable portion (a ring pull or any other type of finger grippable portion), attached to an elongate member (typically a strip member). The elongate member may comprise part of the lid such that pulling of the pull tab causes the elongate member to be ripped from the remainder of the lid, or lifted from the remainder of the lid to provide a weakening of the lid thereby facilitating removal of the lid. 
     The means may comprise a zone or portion or more than one zone or portion in the lid that can be lifted, removed, or otherwise manipulated to facilitate removal of the lid. The facilitation may comprise weakening of the lid upon manipulation (for instance weakening of the lid by removing a portion of the lid thereby enabling easier removal of the lid). These zones or portions may comprise frangible areas, or otherwise weakened areas. 
     Alternatively, the lid may be provided with a zone or portion that can be pushed at least partially into the container to provide an opening or area that can facilitate removal of the remainder of the lid. 
     The lid and/or container may be provided with tamper evident means. It is considered that any suitable type of tamper evident means will fall within the present invention. The tamper evident means may comprise projections or tabs that will be removed or damaged upon tampering of the lid. 
     The means to facilitate removal of the lid may comprise a part of the lid that can be removed from the remainder of the lid, this part being about the shoulder portion such that removal of this part removes or at least reduces the mechanical attachment of the lid to the vessel enabling the lid to be removed more easily. 
     The means to facilitate removal of the lid may comprise part of the lid that extends at least about part of the rim such that removal of this part of the lid reduces the attachment of the lid to the rim thereby facilitating removal of the lid from the vessel. 
     The means to facilitate removal of the lid may comprise a lever. The lever may be formed separately and attachable to the lid. Alternatively, the lever is formed integrally with the lid. Movement of the lever can lever the lid at least partially off the rim to make removal of the lid easier. 
     An advantage therefore of providing this means is that the lid can be attached in a more aggressive manner that can still be removed in a relatively easy manner making it suitable for covering alcoholic beverages, and particularly pressurised beverages where the more aggressive attachment of the lid to the vessel can improve the pressure holding characteristics of lid. 
     The drinking glass according to the present invention is able to serve as both a container for storing beverages, and as a traditional drinking glass from which the contents thereof can be consumed directly therefrom in the usual manner. 
     Preferably, the drinking glass is adapted to be reused. 
     The drinking glass may be constructed from glass, ceramic, plastic, metal, composite materials and the like. Typically, the glass will be made of a plastic and the glass will typically be manufactured using a blow or injection moulding process. PET is considered to be a suitable plastic, although it should be appreciated that no particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by the material from which to drinking glass can be made and the method by which the drinking glass is made. 
     Therefore, it should be appreciated that the term “glass” when used in the present specification is not meant to be construed in a limiting manner and is merely a word used broadly to describe a drinking vessel that can be made of any suitable material. 
     The drinking glass may be any size or shape. For example, the drinking glass may be a beer glass or a wine glass of traditional size and shape. More particularly, the drinking glass may include a generally flat circular base, a stem extending upwardly from the base, and a container portion or bowl, which may or may not be tapered, extended upwardly from the stem. 
     Even more particularly, if the container is a beer glass, the beer glass may be a pilsner glass and if the container is a wine glass, the wine glass may be a flute glass. Of course, it should be appreciated that no particular limitation is to be placed on the invention merely by describing the container as a beer glass or a wine glass. 
     The drinking glass may contain any type of drink or beverage which may comprise a carbonated beverage, a “still” beverage, soft drinks, cordial, wine, beer, a dairy based beverage, a mixture which may comprise an alcoholic mixture or a non-alcoholic mixture, tea, coffee, juice, a suspension (typically comprising food particles in a liquid), a beverage dispersion, an emulsion, thickened beverages, and the like and it should be appreciated that no particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by the type of drink or product that is within the container. 
     Indeed, it is considered that the invention may include food products that are quite viscous and that may need to be spooned, or sucked (for instance via a straw) from the container. These products may include yoghurts, creams, gels and the like. 
     The lid may comprise any suitable material to make the lid suitable for covering the otherwise open mouth of a beverage container. Thus, the lid may comprise a plastic material, a metal material, composite materials and the like. 
     The lid will typically comprise a film or sheet, and it is envisaged that the lid may comprise a laminate of different materials to provide desired characteristics. The laminate may enable the lid to have the required properties of strength, gas impermeability, and the like. The lid may comprise a first zone or area comprising one material and a second zone or area comprising a second material. The lid may comprise one zone or area comprising a rigid material, and a second zone or area comprising a flexible material. 
     The lid may comprise a unitary piece of preformed aluminium, although other metals or materials such as preformed/moulded plastic or resin may be used instead. 
     Suitably, the lid comprises two or more parts that may comprise an inner part to seal the beverage in the container, and an outer part to ensure that the lid is removably fixed to the container. 
     The piece of preformed aluminium or other material preferably has a substantially planar circular disc portion whose underside may be surrounded by a circular recessed portion and a sleeve portion. 
     The lid may be provided with a seal. The seal may be formed integrally with the lid, or may be formed separately and fitted to the lid, or may be formed separately and fitted to the container and the like. 
     A seal is preferably provided inside the lid for forming a seal between the lid and the drinking glass. 
     The seal may be made of any suitable material to provide a satisfactory sealing action. The seal may comprise a plastics material, a resilient material, a rubber, a neoprene, a settable material, and the like. In a particular embodiment, the seal comprises a thermoplastic elastomer which is co-moulded to the inside of the lid. 
     As mentioned above, the lid may include a removable portion which is preferably defined by a frangible line extending thereon. The removable portion may include two sub-portions. The sub-portions are preferably a circular sub portion, and an elongate sub-portion extending from the circular sub-portion. A pull-key can be fixed to the removable portion such that at least one of the sub-portions can be detached from the rest of the lid by pulling the pull-key to thereby open the drinking glass. 
     The pull-key is preferably constructed from a thermoplastic although it may also be constructed from other materials such as aluminium. The sleeve portion of the lid preferably covers a lip of the drinking glass when the lid covers the opening of the drinking glass. The lid preferably covers a lip of the drinking glass to thereby prevent the lip from being contaminated. 
     The lid and/or an upper portion of the vessel may contain a protective covering. The protective covering may comprise a plastic shrink sleeve or fuji seal. 
     The sleeve or seal preferably has a removable strip defined by frangible lines extending along the sleeve or seal such that the removable strip is able to be torn from the rest of the sleeve or strip to thereby enable the sleeve or seal to then be readily removed from the glass. The sleeve on slip can cover a lip of the drinking glass to thereby prevent the lip from being contaminated. 
     The lid may be adapted so that prior to opening, a number of glasses can be stacked. For example, during packaging, transport and when in a refrigerator or on a shelf, the unopened drinking glass can be stacked on top of another unopened drinking glass. The glasses can be packaged in multiple sets (e.g. a six pack, a carton etc) and can be packaged in such a way that they can be stacked pallet on pallet. 
     In another form, the invention comprises a removable lid/seal/cap that is attachable to a drinking vessel, the lid/seal/cap comprising a main body portion adapted to extend over the top of the drinking vessel, and edge portion adapted to engage with the side wall of the drinking vessel (the side wall including the rim), and opening means to enable the lid/seal/cap to be at least partially opened and therefore weakened to enable the lid/seal/cap to be removed more easily. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective of a beer glass according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section of an upper portion of the beer glass illustrated in  FIG. 1  taken along the line  2 - 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an initial stage in the opening of the beer glass illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a further stage in the opening of the beer glass illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  depicts the upper portion of the beer glass illustrated in  FIG. 1  with the lid removed; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective of a beer glass according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective of a beer glass according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective of a wine glass according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section of an upper portion of an alternative embodiment of a drinking beer glass according to the present invention which is similar to the cross-section illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 10-14  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention CONCEPT 21. 
         FIGS. 15-18  illustrate another embodiment of the invention illustrating a lever to open the lid and to enable removal of the lid from the drinking vessel. CONCEPT 2. 
         FIGS. 19-22  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention comprising a press top. CONCEPT 18. 
         FIGS. 23-26  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention CONCEPT 22. 
         FIGS. 27-29  illustrate another embodiment of the invention which uses a tear away tab to remove the lid from the drinking vessel. CONCEPT 5. 
         FIGS. 30-33  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which comprises a “rip off” lid. CONCEPT 12. 
         FIGS. 34-37  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which comprises a “peel off” lid. CONCEPT 15. 
         FIGS. 38-40  illustrate an embodiment of the invention which comprises a ring pull to remove the lid from the drinking vessel. CONCEPT 1. 
         FIGS. 41-43  illustrate another embodiment of the invention which uses a tear away tab that is pulled upwardly to remove the lid from the drinking vessel. CONCEPT 6. 
         FIGS. 44-48  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention comprising an over centre locking mechanism. CONCEPT 17. 
         FIGS. 49-52  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention CONCEPT 23. 
         FIGS. 53-56A  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention containing a lever and circlip. CONCEPT 16. 
         FIGS. 57-60  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention comprising a lid that can be twisted off the drinking vessel. CONCEPT 11. 
         FIGS. 61-63  illustrate another embodiment of the invention which utilises a mechanical lever to pry the lid from the drinking vessel. CONCEPT 4. 
         FIGS. 64-67  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention CONCEPT 24. 
         FIGS. 68-71  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention CONCEPT 25. 
         FIGS. 72-75  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention CONCEPT 26 
         FIGS. 76-78  illustrate another embodiment using an opening lever. CONCEPT  9 . 
         FIGS. 79-82  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which comprises a “pop off” lid. CONCEPT 14. 
         FIGS. 83-88  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention comprising a pull tab. CONCEPT 19. 
         FIGS. 89-94  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention comprising a spring retainer. CONCEPT 20. 
         FIGS. 95-98  illustrate some variations of the rim design of the vessel and therefore variations on the shoulder portion. 
         FIGS. 99, 99A, 100 and 100A , illustrate different views of a particular type of attachment of the lid to a drinking vessel. 
         FIGS. 101-104  illustrates a further embodiment of the invention containing a substantially U-shaped channel formed in the outer wall of the beverage container to enable a lid to be snapped fitted to the container. 
         FIGS. 105-106  illustrate further variations of the possible attachment of a lid to a beverage container. 
         FIGS. 107-108  illustrate further bead variations. 
         FIGS. 109-110A  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which contains a lid having a displacement bulb. 
         FIG. 111  illustrates a drinking vessel containing a lid that is clamped against the drinking vessel and which is in the clamping position. CONCEPT 3. 
         FIG. 112  illustrates the drinking vessel of  FIG. 113 , with the clamping means in the open position. CONCEPT 3. 
         FIG. 113  illustrates a section view of the drinking vessel and lid of  FIG. 113 . CONCEPT 3. 
         FIG. 114  illustrates a drinking vessel with a screw cap (lid) and in the attached position. CONCEPT 7. 
         FIG. 115  illustrates the drinking vessel of  FIG. 116  with the lid in the open position. CONCEPT 7. 
         FIG. 116  illustrates a section view of the drinking vessel and the lid in the closed position and also illustrating the annular seal between the lid and the drinking vessel. CONCEPT 7. 
         FIG. 117  illustrates a drinking vessel containing an internal wall and a pressure release means and in the closed position. CONCEPT 8. 
         FIG. 118  illustrates the drinking vessel of  FIG. 119  in section view and illustrating the internal wall in the closed position. CONCEPT 8. 
         FIG. 119  illustrates the drinking vessel about to be opened. CONCEPT 8. 
         FIG. 120  illustrates the drinking vessel with the lid almost entirely removed from the vessel. CONCEPT 8. 
         FIG. 121  illustrates a drinking vessel containing an internal thread and a lid containing an external thread and in the closed position. CONCEPT 10. 
         FIG. 122  illustrates the drinking vessel of  FIG. 123  in the open position. CONCEPT 10. 
         FIG. 123  illustrates a section view showing the internal threads on the drinking vessel and the external threads on the lid. CONCEPT 10. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The various embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail. Initially, reference is made to  FIGS. 1 and 2  which illustrate a sealed, pre-filled beer glass  20  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     The glass  20  includes a generally flat circular base  21 , a stem  22  extending upwardly from the base  21 , and an elongate, gently tapered cylindrical container portion  23  which extends upwardly from the stem  22 . 
     The bottom of the container portion  23  is closed so that the beer which is stored in the container portion  23  cannot leak through the bottom. 
     The top of the container portion  23  has an opening (not visible) surrounded by a continuous lip  24  which protrudes from the tapered side walls of the container portion  23  by about 1 millimeter. The opening of the container portion  20  is covered by a lid  30  such that the beverage contained in the container portion  20  is sealed therein by the lid  30 . 
     The lid  30  is adapted to be substantially removed from the opening so as to thereby enable the beer stored in the container portion  23  to be consumed from the glass  20  through the opening thereof. 
     The lid  30  includes a unitary piece of preformed aluminium having a substantially planar circular disc portion  31  whose underside is surrounded by a circular recessed portion  32  and a sleeve portion  33 . A seal  34  provided by a thermoplastic elastomer is co-moulded to the underside of portions  31 ,  32 , and  33  of the lid  30 . The disc portion  31  includes a removable portion  35  which is defined by a frangible line  36  which extends along the disc portion  31 . The removable portion  35  includes two sub-portions: a circular sub-portion  37 ; and an elongate sub-portion  38  extending from the circular sub-portion  37 . An ergonomically-shaped pull-key  39  which is constructed from an engineering thermoplastic is fixed to the removable portion  35  at the junction of the circular and elongate sub-portions  37 ,  38  by aluminium rivet  40  such that the rivet  40  forms an airtight seal with the disc portion  31 . 
     After the container portion  23  of the beer glass  20  has been filled with beer, lid  30  is fitted over the opening of the container portion  23  such that the rim of the container portion  23  is received by the recessed portion  32  of the lid  30  and such that the sleeve portion  33  of the lid  30  covers the lip  24 . The seal  34  forms an airtight seal between the container portion  23  and the lid  30  so that the beer is hermetically sealed inside the container portion  23 . The lid  30  is secured to the container portion  23  by a mechanical bond between the sleeve portion  33  and the lip  24 . 
     The width of the sleeve portion  33  is preferably such that the sleeve portion  33  covers, or at least partially covers those parts of the container portion  23  which will normally be contacted by the mouth and lips of a person when consuming the beer directly from the glass  20 . For example, the width of the sleeve portion  33  may be such that it covers a cylindrical portion of the container portion  23  which commences at the rim thereof, finishes at least 15 millimeters below the rim, and includes the lip  24 . This reduces the possibility of the aforesaid parts of the container portion  23  being contaminated prior to the lid  30  being removed. 
     The lid  30  and the upper portions of the side walls of the container portion may be covered with a plastic shrink sleeve or fuji seal  41 . The sleeve or seal  41  may include a removable strip (not shown) which is defined by frangible lines extending along the sleeve or seal  41  such that the removable strip can be torn from the rest of the sleeve or seal  41  to thereby enable the sleeve or seal  41  to then be readily removed from the glass  20 . The sleeve or seal  41  would protect the rim of the glass  20  from contaminants and would also provide an area where branding could be applied or where some simple instructions for opening the glass  20  could be printed. 
     To open the beer glass  20 , a person lifts the pull-key  39  upwardly in the direction of the arrow A shown in  FIG. 3  using their fingers until the portion of the pull-key  39  which is closest to the circular sub-portion  37  contacts the circular sub-portion  37  and presses against that sub-portion to thereby detach the sub-portion  37  from the rest of the lid  30  except the elongate sub-portion  38 . This initial stage of opening the glass  20  is similar to opening conventional aluminium cans and also results in a circular aperture being produced in the lid  30  through which the beer inside the glass  20  can be poured or consumed. A person may drink from the glass  20  at this stage or may proceed to completely remove the lid  30  before consuming the contents of the glass  20 . To completely remove the lid  30 , the person must at least substantially detach the sub-portion  38  of the removable portion  35  from the rest of the lid  30  by pulling the pull-key  39  in the direction indicated by the arrow B in  FIG. 4  to thereby cause the sub-portion  38  to be lifted from the rest of the lid  30  in the direction indicated by the arrow C in  FIG. 4 . This causes the seal between the glass  20  and the lid  30  to be broken so that the lid  30  can then be removed from the glass  20 . The circular aperture  42  and elongate aperture  43  formed in the disc portion  31  of the lid  30  are visible in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the top portion of the beer glass  20  after the lid  30  has been removed therefrom. The opening  44  and lip  24  of the container portion  23  are clearly visible in the figure. 
     Various other glass embodiments according to the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7 . The glasses  50  and  60  which are illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively, each include a lid  30  which is similar to the lid  30  of the beer glass  20 . The glasses  50  and  60  an be designed for pre-mixed drinks and wines respectively. 
     Each of the beer glasses  20 ,  50 , and  60  is a pilsner drinking glass which is the type of drinking glass from which beer is often consumed. 
     A sparkling wine glass  70  according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The wine glass  70  is a flute-type drinking glass from which is the type of drinking glass from which sparkling or still white wine is often consumed. Similarly to the beer glasses  20 ,  50 , and  60 , the wine glass  70  includes a generally flat circular base  21 , a stem  22  extending upwardly from the base  21 , and an elongate, gently tapered cylindrical container portion  23  which extends upwardly from the stem  22 . A lid  30  which is similar to the lids  30  of the beer glasses  20 ,  50 , and  60  covers the glass  70  in the same manner as previously described in connection with the beer glasses. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the lid  30  without the plastic shrink sleeve or fuji seal  41 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-14 , there is illustrated CONCEPT 21 of the invention. In this version, the drinking vessel  450  contains the particular rim profile  451  (that is with the small horizontal land portion). The lid  452  is attached over the top of the drinking vessel  450  but can be removed by a pull tab  453 . The pull tab  453  is initially parallel to the wall of the drinking glass (see  FIG. 10 ) but can be lifted as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The pull tab is attached to a circumferential band  453  which functions to attach the remainder of lid  452  to the drinking vessel. Once the pull tab is lifted, this causes band  453 A to split in the area indicated by reference  454  and the pull tab can then be lifted away as illustrated in  FIG. 13  which will loosen the lid and the lid can then be entirely removed as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIGS. 15-18  illustrate CONCEPT 2 of the invention. The removal means comprises a lever  90  having an outer free end  91  that has pressed fitted over the rim  81 . The free end of  91  can be lifted upwardly to cause part  86  of the lid to be pushed into the drinking glass. However, once lifted sufficiently to push part  86  inwardly, the other end  92  of the lever is then lifted to rip a removable strip  93  away from the remainder of the lid thereby enabling the lid to be more easily removed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-22  (CONCEPT 18) there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the drinking vessel  320  contains a lip  321 . A lid  322  is provided and which has a generally convex shape (see  FIG. 21 ). The lid  322  contains a side wall  323  and when the convex shape is depressed to become concave (see  FIG. 22 ), this causes the side wall  323  to expand, disengaging it from the lip and side wall of the drinking vessel to enable the lid  322  to be removed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23-26 , there is illustrated CONCEPT 22 of the invention. In this version, drinking vessel  455  contains the lid  456  and lid  456  is provided with a pull tab  457 . The pull tab  457  initially overlies the lid as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , but can be lifted up as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . The pull tab is lifted into this position such that leverage can be applied through the lever arm of the pull tab to split the lid along the tear lines provided  457 A. This action disengages the lid  456  from the rim profile  451  (see  FIG. 25 ) and allows the lid to be removed as illustrated in  FIG. 26 . 
       FIGS. 27-29  (CONCEPT 5) illustrate another embodiment to facilitate removal of the lid from the glass. Lid  110  is attached over the rim  81  of the glass. The lid  110  contains a pull tab  111  that is attached to a circumferential strip  112 , strip  112  being attached to the remainder of the lid in a frangible or “breakaway” manner, typically by being separated from the remainder of the lid by a line of weakness or a multiplicity of small openings. To remove lid  110 , pull tab  111  is grasped and pulled away from the lid in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 28 . Once the tab and the attached strip  112  have been entirely pulled away, this has the effect of removing the “mechanical attachment” of the lid to the rim thereby making the lid easy to remove. 
       FIGS. 30-33  illustrate a further concept (CONCEPT 12) of the invention. This concept can be seen as a “rip off” function. In this particular concept, the drinking vessel  260  is protected by a lid  261 . The lid contains an outer ring  262  that extends over the rim of the drinking vessel  260 . A centre portion  263  forms the remainder of lid  261 , and the centre portion  263  contains a lifting tab  264 . In practice, the lifting tab is lifted which will cause part of the centre portion  263  to be pushed downwardly and to rip away from the immediate adjacent portion of the outer ring  262  of the lid. This is best illustrated in  FIG. 31  At this stage, the remainder of the centre portion  263  can be ripped away from the remainder of outer ring  262  this being best illustrated in  FIG. 32 . Thus, the outer ring  262  remains on the rim of the drinking vessel  260 . The outer ring  262  can be made of relatively soft plastic or similar material to provide a pleasant drinking experience. The outer ring  262  can also prevent or reduce chips in the rim of the drinking vessel that can be caused by rough handling. 
       FIGS. 34-37  illustrate a further concept (CONCEPT 15) of the invention which can be seen as a “peel off” two part type lid. A drinking vessel  280  contains a lid  281  which consists of an outer ring  282  and a central section  283 . In this concept, a lift tab  284  is provided, and the lift tab is attached to the outer ring  282 . In practice, the lift tab is lifted which will cause the outer ring  282  to split (see  FIG. 35 ). The outer ring can then be partially peeled off the rim of the drinking vessel  280  best illustrated in  FIG. 35 . Once a sufficient amount of the outer ring  282  has been removed, the central section  283  can be removed from the drinking vessel  282  to entirely remove the lid from the drinking vessel, this being best illustrated in  FIG. 36 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 38-40 , there is illustrated an embodiment of the invention (CONCEPT 1) which comprises a beverage vessel or glass containing a side wall  80 . The side wall contains a top rim  81  (see  FIG. 40 ). The rim extends upwardly from the side wall  80  and therefore defines a substantially outwardly extending and horizontal shoulder portion  82  that has a width of between 0.5-5 millimeters. Attached over the top of rim  81  is a lid  83 . Lid  83  contains a peripheral edge  84  that extends over the top of rim  81  and terminates against the underneath of shoulder portion  82 . Thus, the lid  83  is mechanically attached to the glass. This enables a better and stronger sealing and particularly enables the glass to contain a carbonated beverage if desired. 
     An annular seal  81 A is positioned over the rim  81  and below lid  83 . As the lid  83  can now be mechanically attached quite aggressively to the glass, this enables the seal  81 A to be strongly compressed against the glass to enable the entire system to be quite pressure tight. 
     Removal of lid  83  is made easier than just trying to prise the peripheral edge away from rim  81 , by providing a pull tab. The pull tab in this particular embodiment comprises a ring pull  84  which is attached to a strip member  85 , the strip member  85  forming part of lid  83  and being defined by a zone of weakness to enable the strip to be pulled out of the remainder of the lid. The ring pull  84  is initially pulled forwardly (see  FIG. 38 ), that pushes inwardly another part  86  of lid  83 , which facilitates removal of the ring pull and the strip member  85 . Once this has occurred, further pulling of the tab will lever the lid off the glass and against the mechanical attachments of the lid to the rim (and particularly to the shoulder portion  82 ). 
       FIGS. 41-43  (CONCEPT 6) illustrate another embodiment of the invention and particularly the means by which the lid can be removed from the glass more easily. In this embodiment, lid  120  contains a pull tab  121  that is attached to a frangible strip portion  122 . The pull tab can be lifted upwardly and pulled to rip the strip portion  122  from the remainder of lid  120 . This weakens the lid sufficiently to enable the lid to be removed quite easily by the pull tab  121 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 44-48  there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention (CONCEPT 17). In this embodiment, there is provided a lip  310  and a clamping lid arrangement  311  that fits around lip  310  and again contains a lever  312  that can be pulled to spread a spring clip  313  to allow the clamping arrangement to be removed thereby allowing the lid  311  to be removed. The external spring clip may take a number of forms including the circular and flat cross-sections shown 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 49-52 , there is illustrated CONCEPT 23 of the invention. In this version, the drinking vessel contains a lid  460  and the lid can be removed using a pull tab  461 . The pull tab  461  is peeled up through a cutout section  462  (see  FIG. 50 ) which leads into the tear line  463 . As the pull tab is lifted further (see  FIG. 52 ) the tear line  463  becomes exposed and pull tab  461  can peel off the outside portion  464  of lid  460  which is the portion attached to the drinking vessel (see  FIG. 51 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 53-56A , there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention (CONCEPT 16). In this embodiment, the drinking vessel  300  is provided with a cap assembly which basically comprises a lip  302 , a lid  301  which is fastened about lip  302  and a circlip  303  which is positioned inside lid  301  and is positively retained relative to the lid by providing the circlip  303  with a number of projections  304  that pass through corresponding slots  305  in lid  301  to stop the circlip and lid from separating. A lever  306  is positioned on the outside of the drinking vessel  300 . The lever can be pulled (see  FIG. 55 ) and in doing so, the lever will expand or spread circlip  303  to allow the lid  301  to release and be removed from the drinking vessel. 
       FIGS. 57-60  illustrate a further concept of the invention (CONCEPT 11). In this concept, the protective lid has a “twist off” type function. Specifically, a drinking vessel  254  is provided with discontinuous thread segments  255  (best illustrated in  FIG. 59 ). A lid  256  can be attached to the segments. The lid  256  contains portions  257  that engage with the segments  255 , however part twisting of the lid can cause the lid to be released. Although the lid needs to be twisted off the drinking vessel  254 , initially, the lid can be pushed locked to the drinking vessel which causes portions  257  to ride over and engage underneath and around segments  255 . 
       FIG. 61-63  illustrate another embodiment of the invention (CONCEPT 4) and particularly another embodiment of the lid design and the means by which the lid can be opened with little effort. Lid  100  contains a fold line  101  and is attached over the rim  81  of the glass in a manner similar to that described previously. However, the peripheral edge of the lid is provided with a small extending tab portion  102  (see  FIG. 61 ) to provide a “purchase” for a separate lever  103  which contains an open mouth  104  designed to engage with the tab portion  102 . Upon attachment of lever  103  to the tab portion  102 , the lever is lifted upwardly (see  FIG. 62 ) to bend lid  100  about fold line  101  to “half open” the lid. If desired, the lever  103  can then be removed and the beverage can be drunk with half the lid still in place. Alternatively, the lid can be pulled entirely off the glass if desired. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 64-67 , there is illustrated CONCEPT 24 of the invention. In this version, the drinking vessel  470  has a lid  471 . The lid is attached to the side wall of the drinking vessel by a retainer  472 . The retainer  472  contains a small pull tab  473  that can be levered away to remove retainer  472  from the side wall  473 A of lid  471 . Once retainer  472  has been removed (see  FIG. 65 ), the inner cap can disengage from the rim of the vessel and the lid can be quite easily pulled off the top of the drinking vessel. The pull tab  473  is attached to the retainer by a rivet. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 68-71 , there is illustrated CONCEPT 25 of the invention. In this version, the lid  475  again contains a retaining ring  476 . A pull tab  477  is attached to the retaining ring. The pull tab can be lifted (see  FIG. 67 ) to remove the retaining ring from the side wall  478  of lid  475 . Once this happens, the inner cap can disengage from the rim of the vessel and the lid can be quite easily removed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 72-75 , there is illustrated CONCEPT 26 of the invention. In this version, lid  480  is attached by a retaining ring  481 . A pull tab  482  is attached to the retaining ring. Lifting the pull tab allows the retaining ring to expand allowing the side wall  483  of the lid to expand thereby enabling the lid to be removed. 
     Concepts 24-26 have the common feature of a removable strap, which compresses the inner rubber seal, and when the strap is broken/removed the seal can expand to disengage the sidewall of the lid/cap from the glass. 
       FIGS. 76-78  illustrate another embodiment of the invention (CONCEPT 9) to remove the lid  130  from a glass. In this embodiment, an opening lever  131  is provided that can grip the lid to pull the lid off the glass. 
       FIGS. 79-82  illustrate a further concept of the invention (CONCEPT 14) which can be seen as a “pop off” type lid. In this particular embodiment, the drinking vessel  270  contains a lid  271  which is made of two parts being an inner sealing member  272  which is best illustrated in  FIG. 82  and which extends over the rim of the drinking vessel  270 , and an outer part  273  which also extends over the rim of the drinking vessel and over the inner sealing member  272 , and which is fixed to the drinking vessel  270 . The outer part  273  has a perforated design which is best illustrated in  FIG. 79  and the outer part  273  initially has a slightly convex shape which is best illustrated in  FIG. 82 . The design of the outer part is such that it is designed to be pushed downwardly against the inner sealing member  2 , this being best illustrated in  FIG. 80 . When this happens, the outer part  273  becomes free from attachment to the drinking vessel  270 . When this happens, the entire lid  271  can be removed, this being best illustrated in  FIG. 81 . 
     Referring out to  FIGS. 83-88 , there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention (CONCEPT 19). In this arrangement, there is provided an outer lid  330  and an inner lid  331 . The outer lid  330  contains a pull tab  332  and hinge system to allow pressure release as the tab is pulled upwardly. The inner lid  331  contains biased or pre-sprung segments  333  that are naturally biased outwardly to a “unlocking” position, but are held in place by the outer lid  330 . Thus, when the outer lid  330  is removed (see  FIG. 85 ), this will cause the segments  333  to “pop open” and be released from the lip  334 . The top can then be removed from the drinking vessel. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 89-94  there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention (CONCEPT 20). In this arrangement, the drinking vessel  340  contains a lip  341  which is covered by a lid  342 . A spring  343  is positioned around the lid  342  and has a number of curved sections, which pass through corresponding slots in the cap. These curved sections of spring  343  secure it to the lid  342  and continue through, securing the lid assembly to the lip  341 . A lever  344  (see  FIG. 92 ) is attached to spring  343  and pulling of the lever  344  causes to spring to expand and flatten to disengage the lid  342  from the lip  341  or drinking vessel  340 . 
       FIGS. 95-98  illustrate various non-limiting embodiments of the design of the vessel and particularly of the shoulder portion to illustrate that no particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by a particular type of shoulder portion. 
       FIG. 95  illustrates a shoulder portion  140  which comprises a horizontally extending and outwardly extending annular land portion that extends outwardly relative to the side wall  141  immediately below shoulder portion  140 . Shoulder portion  140 , in this particular embodiment is defined by a lower part of the outwardly extending rim  142  of the glass. The shoulder portion  140  provides a mechanical attachment of the peripheral edge  143  of the lid. 
       FIG. 96  illustrates an alternative embodiment where the side wall  144  of the drinking glass contains an annular recess  145  with the upper wall of the annular recess being substantially horizontal to define the shoulder portion  146 . In this embodiment, rim  147  does not extend outwardly relative to side wall  144 . 
       FIG. 97  illustrates an alternative embodiment that might be suitable should an extremely aggressive mechanical attachment be required between the lid  148  and the drinking vessel. In this embodiment, a plurality (three) of angular recesses  149  is provided extending below the upper edge of rim  150 . Each recess  149  defines an upper shoulder portion  151 . The peripheral edge of lid  148  can be mechanically attached relative to each shoulder portion such that in this particular embodiment, the peripheral edge of lid  148  is mechanically attached in three places to the drinking vessel. 
       FIG. 98  illustrates a rim  152  containing a lower outwardly extending horizontal shoulder portion  153  containing an “undercut”  154 . The peripheral edge  155  of lid  156  can be attached quite aggressively to the drinking vessel by enabling the peripheral edge to be positioned in the undercut  154  as well as about the shoulder portion  153 . 
       FIGS. 99, 99A, 100 and 100A  illustrate a plan view and a section view of a vessel and a lid which has been previously illustrated in  FIGS. 15-18 . 
       FIGS. 101-104  illustrates a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the beverage container  200  contains an annular U-shaped channel portion  201  in the outer wall of the beverage container and in the rim portion. A sealing bead  202  is provided which extends over the upper most part of the rim. A lid  203  contains an edge profile that enables the lid to be snapped over the rim of the container  200 . Specifically, the edge profile contains a return lip  204  (see particularly  FIG. 102 ) that fits into the U-shaped channel portion  201 . The lid is “sprung” such that when the lid is pushed onto the rim of the beverage container, the return lip  204  is biased into the channel  201 . This arrangement has the benefits of added strength and its non-return feature benefits the manufacturing process by simply snapping over the bead on the drinking vessel instead of having to be fixed via a mechanical post process. 
     A lift tab  205  can be provided in this embodiment, the lift tab being not dissimilar to that described previously. 
       FIGS. 105-106  illustrate a different type of attachment. In this variation, the lid  210  is attached to an annular retaining section  211 . The annular retaining section  211  is bonded to the drinking vessel  212  and provides the “purchase” to enable the lid  210  to be fitted to the drinking vessel. The variation in  FIG. 106  relies on the mechanical strength of the taper to form the bond between the vessel and the cap retainer. This differs from the variation in  FIG. 105 , which relies on an adhesive bond. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 107-108  these show further bead variations.  FIG. 107  illustrates a manufactured ring  250  which is bonded to a vessel  251  having a standard type rim.  FIG. 108  illustrates a manufactured ring  252  which is bonded to a vessel  253  having a recessed rim. 
       FIGS. 109-110A  illustrate a further concept of the invention. This particular concept would find suitability for wines and other air sensitive beverages. The drinking vessel  290  contains a lid  291 . The lid is again made of two main parts being an inner sealing part  292  that sits on the rim of the glass and contains the displacement bulb  293 . this is secured in place by an outer locking part  292 A that holds  292  in place by extending over it and keying into the recess in the glass wall. The inner sealing part  292  contains a large displacement bulb  293  which is best illustrated in  FIG. 109  and which extends into the interior of the drinking vessel  290 . The function of this bulb  293  is to displace the wine in the glass towards the top (rim) of the glass. The advantage of this is that the amount of air in the glass is minimal and therefore the wine will not deteriorate by contact with large amounts of air. 
     When the lid is removed, and the displacement bulb is removed from the inside of the drinking vessel, the wine level will be returned to some distance below the rim of the glass to present a glass of wine where the glass is not filled to the brim which is unacceptable. Thus, the bulb, in use, causes a temporary raising of the level of wine in the glass to minimise the trapped volume of air, and when removed, the wine level goes back to an “acceptable” level for the purposes of consumption. 
     The lid contains a tear tab  295  and a rivet  296  such that lifting of the tab  295  enables the lid to be removed. 
     In another form, the invention resides in a drinking vessel containing a removable lid, the drinking vessel being provided with a thread, the removable lid being provided with a complimentary thread such that the lid can be releasably attached to the drinking vessel via the thread. This can include the CONCEPT 7 form of the invention. In this form of the invention, there is an advantage in providing a thread of particular design so as to reduce the possibility of the thread becoming damaged and presenting a sharp edge. Therefore, in a more particular form of the above invention, the vessel may be provided with an external thread, the thread comprising a plurality of separate thread portions. In this more particular form of the invention, the thread portions can be made thicker and more robust. Suitably, the thread portions extend about the drinking vessel. The number of thread portions may be between 2-20, with a preferred number being between 5-15 although this number can vary depending on the size of the vessel. Each thread portion may have a length of between 5-30 millimeters although this can again vary depending on the size and diameter of the vessel. The lid will typically contain an internal thread to engage with the external thread on the drinking vessel. The lid will typically comprise a main body, and a depending side wall or flange and the internal thread will typically be positioned on the depending side wall or flange. 
     In another more particular form of the above invention, the vessel may be provided with an internal thread and the lid may be provided with an external thread. This can include the CONCEPT 10 form of the invention. Suitably, the lid sits substantially within the top of the vessel when attached. An advantage of this more particular form of the invention is that the drinking vessel (e.g. cup or glass) does not contain an external thread that may disrupt the drinking process. The thread may again comprise a plurality of thread portions that may be similar to that described above. Alternatively, the internal thread may comprise a continuous thread as the risk of damage to the internal thread is lessened. 
     The lid in this form of the invention may comprise a main body portion and a peripheral side wall or flange that may be provided with an external thread which may comprise a continuous thread or thread portions as described above. 
     In another form, the invention comprises a lid for a drinking vessel, the lid comprising a main body portion adapted to extend over the open top of the drinking vessel, and a peripheral depending side wall, the side wall containing a clamping means that is movable from a clamping position where the side wall is clamped to the drinking vessel, to an unclamping position where the lid can be removed from the drinking vessel. This can include the CONCEPT 3 form of the invention. An advantage of this form of the invention is that a lid can be attached quite tightly to a drinking vessel such as a glass which can be of ordinary design and which therefore does not require any special manufacture or design. However, it should be appreciated that the lid can be used on other types of drinking vessels that may be of special design; however a feature of this form of the invention is that the drinking vessel may be of conventional design. The clamping means may comprise a band member that extends at least partially and preferably entirely about the side wall of the lid. The band member can be constricted or expanded by the clamping means. In one form, the clamping means comprises a hinge type arrangement utilising an “over centre” type mechanism to create the clamping effect. Thus, the clamping means may comprise a first leg member attached to one part, or comprising one part of the band member, and a second leg member attached to another part or comprising another part of the band member, each leg member being hingedly attached relative to the band member, and some form of tab or like member that can be pulled by a person to open the clamping means thereby enabling the lid to be removed. In this form of the invention, the size and manufacture of the drinking vessel may be as described previously and the size and type of lid may also be as described previously. It is envisaged, in the second form of the invention, that a plurality of clamping means may be provided. 
     In another form of the invention, there is provided a drinking vessel containing a removable lid, the drinking vessel comprising a side wall containing an internal shoulder, an internal wall which seals the drinking vessel and which is at least partially connected to the drinking vessel by the internal shoulder, and pressure releasing means that is operable on the internal wall to move the internal wall from a first position where the internal wall and the vessel define a reduced internal volume, to a second position where the pressure releasing means enables the internal wall to move to a position where the internal wall and vessel define a larger internal volume, thereby reducing the pressure within the vessel, thereby facilitating removal of the internal wall. This can include the CONCEPT 8 version of the invention. In this form of the invention, the interior of the drinking vessel is kept under a higher pressure when the internal wall is in the first position which defines a smaller internal volume in the vessel (and therefore a higher pressure in the vessel). The pressure releasing means can then be activated or operated to enable the internal wall to move to the second position which defines a larger internal volume in the vessel (and therefore a lower pressure in the vessel). This enables the internal wall to be removed. The pressure releasing means may comprise a member or component that can push or maintain the internal wall into the first position. Thus, the pressure releasing means may comprise an elongate member that may extend over the top of the internal wall and be connected to the drinking vessel and which is movable between a locking position where the internal wall is in the first position, and an unlocking position where the internal wall can move to the second position. The elongate member can pivot, hinge, twist, flip or otherwise move between the locking and unlocking position. 
     The drinking glass according to the present invention is able to serve as both a container for storing beverages, and as a traditional drinking glass from which the contents thereof can be consumed directly therefrom in the usual manner. Preferably, the drinking glass is adapted to be reused. 
     The lid may comprise a rigid lid, a flexible lid, or a semi flexible lid. The lid may comprise a laminate of different materials to provide desired characteristics. The laminate may enable the lid to have the required properties of strength, gas impermeability, and the like. The lid may comprise a first zone or area comprising one material and a second zone or area comprising a second material. The lid may comprise one zone or area comprising a rigid material, and a second zone or area comprising a flexible material. The lid may be provided with a seal. The seal may be formed integrally with the lid, or may be formed separately and fitted to the lid, or may be formed separately and fitted to the container and the like. A seal is preferably provided inside the lid for forming a seal between the lid and the drinking glass. The seal may be made of any suitable material to provide a satisfactory sealing action. The seal may comprise a plastics material, a resilient material, a rubber, a neoprene, a sellable material, and the like. In a particular embodiment, the seal comprises a thermoplastic elastomer which is co-moulded to the inside of the lid. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 111-113 . and initially to  FIG. 111 , (CONCEPT 3) there is illustrated the upper part of a drinking vessel  410 . The drinking vessel contains a peripheral rim  411  which is best illustrated in  FIG. 113 , and the peripheral rim can be of conventional design. 
     The drinking vessel is closed by a lid  412 . Lid  142  contains a main body portion  413 , and a depending side wall  414 . The depending side wall  414  is designed to extend over rim  411  and somewhat down the side wall of the drinking vessel  410 . Side wall  414  contains a band member  415  that extends about the drinking vessel  410 . The band member  415  can be constricted (clamped) to hold lid  412  tightly to the drinking vessel  410 , and released (unclamped) to enable lid  412  to be removed. 
     A sealing member  411 A is fitted over the top of rim  411  and is clamped between rim  411  and lid  412  to provide a good pressure tight seal. 
     The clamping and unclamping is provided by a clamping means  416 . Clamping means  416  uses an “over centre” type mechanism to release or to constrict the band member  415 . The clamping means  416  contains a first leg member  417  and a second leg member  418  (see  FIG. 112 ) which are attached to the band member  415  at spaced apart positions. A small tab  419  can be grasped by a person&#39;s finger and pulled away from the drinking vessel  410  into the position illustrated in  FIG. 114 , and this process will activate the clamping means into the released position to enable the lid  412  to be removed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 117-120  (CONCEPT 8), these figures illustrate a another form of the present invention. In this form of the invention, a drinking vessel  420  contains a peripheral rim  421  that is formed with an internal shoulder  422 . An internal wall  423  is positioned inside the drinking vessel and is configured such that it is retained by engagement of the peripheral edge of internal wall  423  with the internal shoulder  422 . The internal wall (best illustrated in  FIG. 118 ) is slightly concave (when viewed in plan) or curved inwardly into the interior of the drinking vessel  420 . In this “first position” of the internal wall  423 , the concave configuration reduces the internal volume of the drinking vessel. Thus, if the drinking vessel is slightly pressurised, the pressure will force the internal wall  423  into sealing engagement against the internal shoulder  422 . 
     The internal wall  423  is prevented from moving to a “second position” where the internal wall has adopted a convex configuration (when viewed in section), or curved outwardly from the drinking vessel. A pressure releasing means  424  holds the internal wall into the first position illustrated in  FIG. 118 . The pressure releasing means comprises an elongate member  425  having one end  426  attached to the rim  421  of the drinking vessel (see particularly  FIGS. 118-120 ) and having another end formed with a tab  427  that can be lifted by a person. 
     The elongate member  425  can be clipped into the “locking” position illustrated in  FIG. 119 . However, lifting of tab  427  can cause the elongate member  425  to be lifted upwardly, this being illustrated in  FIGS. 119-120 . Upon lifting of the elongate member  425 , the internal wall  423  can move from a concave position illustrated in  FIG. 118 , to the convex position illustrated in  FIG. 119 . In doing so, the pressure is reduced, and the internal wall  423  becomes freed from engagement against shoulder portion  422 . 
     Further lifting of the elongate member (see  FIG. 120 ) can cause the internal wall  423  to be entirely removed from the drinking vessel. 
     To stop the internal wall from falling into the drinking vessel, the wall is attached to a connecting piece  428   
     Referring now to  FIGS. 114-116  (CONCEPT 7), and  FIGS. 121-123  (CONCEPT 10), these illustrate a first form of the invention where the lid is attached to the drinking vessel using a thread type arrangement. Basically,  FIGS. 114-116  illustrate an external thread on the drinking vessel and an internal thread on the lid, while  FIGS. 121-123  illustrate an internal thread on the drinking vessel and an external thread on the lid. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 14-116 , the drinking vessel  430  comprises a series of spaced apart thread portions  431  which are best illustrated in  FIG. 115 . These thread portions enable a lid  432  to be “twist locked” onto the drinking vessel in a pressure tight manner. An annular seal  433  (see  FIG. 116 ) extends over the rim of the drinking vessel and is compressed between the lid  432  and the drinking vessel  430 , and because of the design of the thread, the lid can be screwed quite tightly against the drinking vessel  430  thereby properly compressing the seal  433  to provide a good pressure tight fit. 
     The thread portions  431  are designed to enable the lid  432  to be unscrewed quite quickly without needing a full rotation of the lid to remove the lid from the drinking vessel. 
       FIG. 116  illustrates in section view the external thread portions  431  on the drinking vessel that mate with internal thread portions  434  on the lid, and particularly illustrates the seal  433  which is compressed between lid  432  and drinking vessel  430 . 
       FIGS. 121-123  illustrate a different embodiment where the drinking vessel  440  comprises internal thread portions  441  (see  FIG. 122 ) and the lid  442  contains external thread portions  443  (see  FIG. 122 ). Lid  442  is designed to sit within the drinking vessel  440  and therefore contains a bridge  443  that can be manipulated by a person&#39;s fingers to enable the lid to be twisted into the open position. 
     The drinking vessel according to the present invention overcomes the difficulty of properly sealing a pressurised vessel (e.g. a glass containing sparkling wine) and where the glass has a relatively wide mouth (which makes the force on the seal rather large), by providing an aggressive but low profile extrusion around the perimeter of the glass. A cap/seal/lid can then be “keyed” into the profile to create a substantial bond between the two components. The cap can be made of an appropriate yet rigid material such as aluminium. The cap may have deformations in the profile to increase the strength and to allow conformity to the rim of the glass. A seal can be set between the rim and the cap, and the mechanical fixing of the cap will be such that a higher-level seal is formed to contain the contents of the glass. 
     Notwithstanding the aggressive attachment of the cap to the glass, the cap can still be removed quite easily by providing some form on the initial part that can be removed from the cap. The initial part may comprise a frangible portion in the cap, a pull tab, a tear off tab and the like. Once this is achieved, the user can easily overcome the remaining frictional forces between the glass/seal/cap and the cap can be removed quite easily. 
     The drinking glass according to the present invention is advantageous in comparison to other drinking glasses and containers in that it enables a beverage to be pre-packaged and branded in its own drinking glass so that consumers who prefer to drink their beverages from a drinking glass no longer have to transfer their beverage to a drinking glass but may instead consume the pre-packaged beverage directly from the drinking glass according to the present invention. 
     Also, in comparison to many prior art drink containers, the drinking glass according to the present invention, once emptied, has immediate intrinsic value as a reusable drinking glass which may be taken home. This has the consequence of reducing the amount of glass wasted. It also provides consumers with the choice of either keeping the glass or discarding it as part of a recycling program. The reusability of the drinking glass according to the present invention also has significant consequences in relation to the commercial marketability and perceived value of the item. These consequences will be discussed further on. 
     Another advantage of the drinking glass according to the present invention is that it virtually eliminates the problem in the hospitality industry of viral and bacterial illnesses being spread by the continual and frequent reuse of unsterile or improperly cleaned drinking glasses. The design of the lid completely protects the rim of the glass from contamination and accordingly, upon opening the glass, customers are guaranteed that the drinking surface of the glass is contaminant free. This hygiene aspect will likely have universal appeal and application across many product ranges including alcoholic, dairy, juice and soft drinks. 
     The drinking glass according to the present invention can be utilised in many markets. For example, the drinking glass may be utilised in the on-premises liquor market which includes consumption of liquor at bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs. The drinking glass may also find application in the off-premises liquor market which includes liquor purchased from bottle-shops and liquor barns for consumption at home. Moreover, the glass may find application in the fruit juice and soft drink market which includes all fruit juices, soft drinks, energy drinks, sport drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages. Also, the glass may find application in the dairy market which includes all liquid dairy products from plain milk to flavoured milk, iced coffee and other drinks. 
     For all of the markets mentioned in the preceding paragraph it is believed that the use of the drinking glass according to the present invention should strongly influence consumer&#39;s spending choices and present a significant point of difference from a marketing perspective to any other existing packaged product. This is not only a result of the packaging being novel, unique, hygienic, and environmentally friendly, but because the consumer is able to retain the packaging, which is effectively an aesthetically pleasing drinking glass, for continued re-use in the household. Thus, consumers will be faced with choosing between traditionally packaged products whose packages must be disposed of upon consumption of the product, or a drinking glass according to the present invention which has been specifically designed to be retained for future use at home as a drinking glass. It is believed that this will prove to be a considerable motivational purchasing factor for consumers. 
     The drinking glass according to the present invention also offers a significant branding opportunity for suppliers. Manufacturers could print their brand or trade mark directly on the glass (as opposed to applying a paper label). This would enable branding to be displayed on the glass even after it is washed many times in the hands of the consumer. The ongoing exposure of the brand on the glass in the hands of consumers would be of greater value to suppliers in comparison to other forms of packaging that are disposed of immediately after consumption of their contents. 
     A further advantage of the drinking glass is that it obviates need for those in the hospitality to chill drinking glasses in addition to the containers in which beverages are stored as the drinking glass according to the present invention serves as both a storage container and a drinking vessel. 
     Furthermore, by purchasing beverages that are stored in drinking glasses according to the present invention, vendors (including but not restricted to all beverage manufacturers) are able to reduce the amount of money which they outlay on purchasing drinking glasses. 
     Additionally, by purchasing beverages in the drinking glass, vendors in the hospitality industry are able to significantly reduce their expenses associated with cleaning used drinking glasses. 
     Furthermore, beverage companies can reduce the amount of money that they spend in their promotional budgets because the drinking glass serves as both a container and, with brands or trade marks printed thereon, a drinking glass which has promotional value. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.