Patent Publication Number: US-2023137169-A1

Title: Drinking vessel with object holders

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to drinking vessels, and more particularly to drinking vessels with object holders. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The history of alcohol dates back more than 3,000 years, when the Egyptians first fermented beer. Nowadays, alcohol is consumed in a variety of different forms, such as beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. Over time, cocktails have become an integral part of modern societies and lifestyles. 
     Cocktails can include a wide variety of ingredients, some of which are very special, and some of which are just ordinary liquids such as water. Each ingredient may contribute its own flavor, and combining the ingredients to get a satisfying taste is not easily accomplished. The art of “mixology” requires a knowledge of the ingredients and flavors they produce. Thus, creating a satisfying cocktail goes far beyond just pouring together various liquids or ingredients. Additionally, as is the case with food, the presentation of a cocktail can add to its enjoyment. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, there is provided a beverage vessel comprising: a base; a stem having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the base; a basin connected to the second end of the stem; and a plurality of object holders disposed within, and connected to, the basin. 
     In another embodiment, there is provided a beverage vessel comprising: a base; a stem having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the base; a basin connected to the second end of the stem; and a plurality of substantially cylindrical object holders disposed within, and affixed to, the basin, wherein each substantially cylindrical object holder of the plurality of object holders has a diameter ranging from 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters. 
     In yet another embodiment, there is provided a beverage vessel comprising: a base; a side portion, wherein the side portion is connected to the base as to form a basin; a plurality of object holders disposed within, and affixed to, the basin. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 A  shows details of a holder in accordance with embodiments of a present invention. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  2 C  is a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  3    shows details of a holder in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 A  shows a perspective view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 B  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  4 C  shows a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  4 D  shows the embodiment of  FIG.  4 A  with objects placed in the object holders. 
         FIG.  5 A  shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5 B  shows the embodiment of  FIG.  5 A  with objects placed in the object holders. 
         FIG.  6    shows details of a holder in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 A  shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 B  shows a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  7 C  shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention with a reduced liquid level as compared with the view shown in  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  7 D  shows a side view of a beverage vessel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention with a reduced liquid level as compared with the view shown in  FIG.  7 C . 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not necessarily intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only example embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering may represent like elements. Furthermore, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed embodiments provide an improved drinking vessel that is well-suited for cocktails. The drinking vessel comprises a base, a stem, and a basin. The basin is the portion of the drinking vessel that holds the liquid contents of the cocktail. Multiple object holders are connected to the interior of the basin. The object holders are configured to hold objects, for example, food objects often provided with a cocktail, such as olives, onions, grapes, and/or other fruit and/or vegetable slices. The object holders can hold these objects near or above the liquid surface. In this way, a presentation style for cocktails is provided that heretofore has not been possible. No additional equipment such as toothpicks are required since the object holders are integrated into the drinking vessel of disclosed embodiments. In some use cases, non-food objects, such as a parasol are held by the object holders and/or for non-alcoholic beverages. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in some embodiments”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Moreover, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined (“mixed and matched”) in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope and purpose of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, etc., do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term “set” is intended to mean a quantity of at least one. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including”, or “has” and/or “having”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, and/or elements. For the purposes of disclosure, the word, “substantially” is defined as “for the most part”. It means “to a great extent,” but having some room for some minor variation. 
       FIG.  1 A  shows a side view of a beverage vessel  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention holding objects.  FIG.  1 B  shows a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG.  1 A  (without objects). Beverage vessel  100  includes a base  102 . A stem  104  has a first end  171  that is connected to the base  102 , and a second end  173  that is connected to a basin  106 . The basin includes a top rim  108 . The base is of a diameter and/or perimeter larger than the stem, so that the beverage vessel may stand upright on a surface with the base at its bottom. In some embodiments, the basin, stem, and/or base are integrally formed via a molding process (e.g., injection molding), 3D printing, or other suitable method (rather than attached after fabrication or manufacture). In some embodiments, the beverage vessel is a martini glass, a wine glass, a drinking cup, or other suitable beverage vessel. In use, the basin  106  may hold the liquid of a beverage. 
     Within the interior of the basin  106 , multiple object holders are connected. In some embodiments, at least one object holder is connected therein. In some embodiments, the object holders are affixed therein, or integrally formed in the basin via a molding process (e.g., injection molding), 3D printing, or other suitable method. In other embodiments, the object holders may be mechanically attached to the basin via welds, adhesives, twist connections, or other suitable mechanisms. 
     In  FIG.  1 A , there is a first object holder  122 , a second object holder  124 , and a third object holder  126 . In some embodiments, the object holders ( 122 ,  124 , and  126 ) are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical with an elongate side between two round, or substantially round ends. In some embodiments, other shapes are possible. Each object holder has a longitudinal axis, indicated generally as C. The stem has a longitudinal axis, indicated generally as B. 
     In embodiments, one or more of the object holders includes a protrusion, shown generally in  FIG.  1 A  as  135 , and also shown in  FIG.  1 B  at  135 ,  137 , and  139 . The protrusions can be used to pierce an object such as a grape, olive, pearl onion, or the like, to stabilize it on the object holder. 
     In embodiments, each object holder is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stem. Some embodiments may include three cylindrical object holders. Other embodiments may have more or fewer object holders. As shown in  FIG.  1 A , object holder  122  is holding object  142 , object holder  126  is holding object  146 , and object  124  is holding object  144 . In embodiments, objects  142 ,  144 , and  146  can be olives, grapes, pearl onions, or other suitable object for serving in a cocktail or other beverage. The objects shown here are for purposes of disclosure of use cases, and in general, do not form a part of the invention. However, in some embodiments, the beverage vessel and the objects may form a “set,” so in some cases, the objects may be a part of the invention with the beverage vessel. 
     In some embodiments, each object holder of the plurality of object holders are in physical contact with another object holder of the plurality of object holders. As can be seen in  FIG.  1 B , in embodiments, the object holders are disposed in or around the center of the basin, and in some embodiments, the holders are tightly packed, such that the cylindrical object holders are in physical contact with each other. 
     In embodiments, at least one object holder among the object holders comprises a protrusion formed in an interior region of the object holder. In embodiments, the stem, base, and basin are comprised of plastic, glass, ceramic, or other suitable material. 
       FIG.  2 A  shows details of an object holder  122  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  FIG.  2 B  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG.  2 A .  FIG.  2 C  is a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG.  2 A . Each object holder has a height, indicated generally as H. In embodiments, the height H can range from 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters. In some embodiments, the height H of each object holder of a beverage vessel can be different from the others. In some embodiments, the height H of each object holder can be identical. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  2 B , a spar  154  is disposed within the interior  157  of the cylinder  152 . A protrusion  135  is connected to the spar and oriented such that the protrusion tip points towards a top lip  156  of the holder  122 , and when installed in a basin (e.g.,  106 ), points towards the top rim (e.g.,  108 ) of the beverage vessel. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  2 C , it can be seen that the spar  154  is disposed within an interior diameter of the cylindrical object holder  122 . In the embodiment, the interior of the cylindrical object holder is substantially hollow other than the spar and protrusion. The cylindrical object holder  122  has a diameter indicated as T. In some embodiments, the diameter T has a value ranging from 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters, suitable for holding objects such as olives, grapes, small onions, and the like. 
     In embodiments, the protrusion is connected to a spar, wherein the spar is disposed within the cylindrical object holder. In embodiments, the protrusion is conical, and oriented upwards, such that the point of the conical protrusion is pointing towards the top rim of the basin. In some embodiments, the point is sharp or substantially sharp such that an object can be affixed. 
       FIG.  3    shows details of an object holder  322  in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Object holder  322  has cylinder  352 , which has a height indicated as H. Object holder  322  may be used instead of, or in addition to, object holder  122  shown in  FIG.  2 A . Object holder  322  does not have a protrusion. In some embodiments, the interior of object holder  322  is hollow or substantially hollow, such that liquid can enter, and be held within, the object holder. This may be suitable for holding certain objects such as a celery stalk, parasol umbrella, or other elongate object. Some beverage vessels may have a combination of object holders with protrusions (e.g.,  122  of  FIG.  2 A ), and object holders without protrusions (e.g.,  322  of  FIG.  3   ). 
       FIG.  4 A  shows a perspective view of a beverage vessel  400  in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  4 B  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG.  4 A .  FIG.  4 C  shows a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG.  4 A . Beverage vessel  400  includes three object holders such as object holder  322  of  FIG.  3   , indicated as  422 ,  424 , and  426 . 
     Beverage vessel  400  includes a base  402 . A stem  404  has a first end that is connected to the base  402 , and a second end that is connected to a basin  406 . In some embodiments, the stem, base, and/or basin are affixed to one another, and in some embodiments, instead, these are integrally formed during fabrication or manufacture. The basin includes a top rim  408 . The basin  406  holds the liquid of a beverage. Within the interior of the basin  406 , the multiple object holders, indicated as  422 ,  424 , and  426 , are disposed. In this embodiment, the object holders  422 ,  424 , and  426  are not in physical contact with each other, and are disposed in a manner such that they are spaced apart from, and thus, isolated from each other. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  4 B , object holder  422  is positioned at a distance L 3  below top rim  408 . In embodiments, the height of top rim  408  above the bottom-most portion  409  of basin is substantially the same around the diameter (or perimeter where the rim isn&#39;t round). Object holder  424  is positioned at a distance L 2  below top rim  408 . Object holder  426  is positioned at a distance L 1  below top rim  408 . In some embodiments, L 1 , L 2 , and L 3  may be equal. In some embodiments, L 1 , L 2 , and L 3  may each be different values. In some embodiments, L 1  and L 2  may be equal to each other, with L 3  having a different value. Other combinations of equal and unequal distances are possible with embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the value of L 1 , L 2  and L 3  ranges from 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters. In some embodiments, the basin  409  has a height H value ranging from 55 millimeters to 65 millimeters. In some embodiments, L 2  has a value ranging from 18 millimeters to 22 millimeters, L 3  has a value ranging from 28 millimeters to 32 millimeters, and L 1  has a value ranging from 38 millimeters to 42 millimeters. In some embodiments, L 3  has a value that is a percentage of the value of L 1 , and L 2  has a value that is a percentage of the value of L 3 . In some particular embodiments, L 3  has a value that is 65 percent of the value of L 1 , and L 2  has a value that is 65 percent of the value of L 3 . Other percentage values are possible in disclosed embodiments. 
     In embodiments, the basin comprises a top lip, and each cylindrical object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge ( 461 ,  462 , and  463 ) of each cylindrical object holder of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed below the top lip, when oriented as shown in  FIG.  4 B , which is an orientation for holding a beverage. 
       FIG.  4 D  shows the embodiment of  FIG.  4 A  with objects, indicated as  442 ,  444 , and  446 , placed in the object holders. In embodiments, the objects can be olives, pearl onions, grapes, fruit slices, vegetable pieces, or other suitable object used in a cocktail for flavoring and/or presentation purposes. 
       FIG.  5 A  shows a side view of a beverage vessel  500  in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. Beverage vessel  500  includes a base  502 . A stem  504  has a first end that is connected to the base  502 , and a second end that is connected to a basin  506 . The basin includes a top rim  508 . The basin  106  holds the liquid of a beverage. Within the interior of the basin  506 , multiple object holders,  522 ,  524 , and  526 , are connected. 
     Object holder  522  is positioned at a distance L 3  below top rim  508 . Object holder  526  is positioned at a distance L 1  below top rim  508 . In some embodiments, L 1  and L 2  may be equal. In some embodiments, L 1  and L 2  may be different values. Object holder  524  is positioned at a distance L 4  above the top rim  408  to prominently display an object during use. In some embodiments, the value of L 1 , L 2  and L 4  ranges from 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters. 
     Thus, in embodiments, the basin comprises a top lip, wherein a first subset of cylindrical object holders of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge of each cylindrical object holder of the first subset of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed below the top lip, and wherein a second subset of cylindrical object holders of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed within the basin such that a top edge of each cylindrical object holder of the second subset of the plurality of cylindrical object holders is disposed above the top lip. 
       FIG.  5 B  shows the embodiment of  FIG.  5 A  with objects placed in the object holders. Object holder  524  is holding object  549 , which can be a parasol. Object holder  522  is holding object  542 , which can be an olive, grape, pearl onion, or other suitable object. Object holder  526  is holding object  544 , which can be an olive, grape, pearl onion, or other suitable object. With embodiments of the present invention, objects  542  and  544  are positioned at or near the liquid surface  581 , enabling an interesting and compelling presentation for a cocktail. 
       FIG.  6    shows details of an object holder  622  in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to object holder  122  shown in  FIG.  2 A , with a key difference being the use of a barbed protrusion as shown at  635 . The barbed protrusion serves to inhibit removal of an object. This can be useful in outdoor settings, if there is a breeze, for example. In that case, the barbed protrusion  635  can provide additional stability for objects such as olives, grapes, pearl onions, and the like. 
       FIG.  7 A  shows a side view of a beverage vessel  700  in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention. Beverage vessel  700  is a stemless beverage vessel, comprising a base  702  and side portion  706 , that together form a basin. The basin is configured to hold a liquid such as a beverage. A plurality of object holders, indicated as  722 ,  724 , and  726  are connected to the base  702  and within the interior of the beverage vessel  700 . As shown in  FIG.  7 A , each object holder is holding an object. Object holder  722  is holding object  742 . Object holder  724  is holding object  744 . Object holder  726  is holding object  746 . Objects  742 ,  744 , and  746 , may be olives, pearl onions, grapes, or other suitable object.  FIG.  7 B  shows a top-down view of the embodiment of  FIG.  7 A  without the objects on the object holders  722 ,  724 , and  726 . Stemless embodiments such as shown in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  can use any combination of object holders with protrusions (such as shown in  FIG.  2 A ), barbs (such as shown in  FIG.  6   ), and/or without protrusions (such as shown in  FIG.  3   ). As can be seen in  FIG.  7 A , the beverage level  747  is such that object  744  is partially submerged, while objects  742  and  746  are completely submerged. Referring now to  FIG.  7 C , the beverage level  747  is lowered (i.e., after some of the beverage is consumed), such that object  742  is partially submerged, and object  746  is completely submerged, and object  744  is completely exposed. Referring now to  FIG.  7 D , the beverage level  747  is lowered such that object  742 ,  744 , and  746  are completely exposed. 
     Thus, in embodiments, each pedestal is evenly spaced and designed to “reveal” an object, such as an olive, as the user drinks and the liquid moves below the level of the olive. The object holders  722 ,  724 , and  726  are configured to position the objects above the base  702  so if the object, such as an olive, is not eaten when revealed, the flavor of the olive does not overwhelm the final tastes of the beverage. 
     As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments provide an improved drinking vessel, for example, for cocktails. Cocktails such as martinis are often served with olives, or pearl onions. Disclosed embodiments allow for a prominent display of these food objects to provide an interesting cocktail presentation. Disclosed embodiments can be used with martinis, daiquiris, margaritas, mojitos, piña coladas, and/or other cocktail types. Disclosed embodiments can also be used with non-alcoholic beverages. In some embodiments, food objects such as marshmallows, pieces of chocolate, jellybeans, or other sweet food objects can be disposed on the object holders. In some embodiments, food objects such as lemon or lime wedges may be disposed on the object holders. Additionally, in some embodiments, a non-food object such as a decorative parasol, flag, or other object may be held by object holders of disclosed embodiments. Thus, disclosed embodiments enable a wide variety of creative presentations for beverages. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, although the illustrative embodiments are described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of such acts or events unless specifically stated. Some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein, in accordance with the invention. In addition, not all illustrated steps may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, the methods according to the present invention may be implemented in association with the formation and/or processing of structures illustrated and described herein as well as in association with other structures not illustrated. Moreover, in particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.