Patent Publication Number: US-2007119726-A1

Title: Wine glass

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates generally to improvements in wine glasses which may be constructed from relatively lightweight and cost efficient plastic materials. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved wine glass of modular or unitary construction, wherein the assembled wine glass is easily grasped and is shaped to facilitate inspection of the bouquet and visual characteristics of a selected wine, and further wherein a plurality of wine glasses or modular components thereof are shaped for relatively compact stacking for convenient shipping and/or storage.  
      Wine is commonly served at a wide variety of social gatherings and events ranging from small to large, and from informal to formal. In this regard, it is generally recognized that the olfactory, visual and taste characteristics of any given wine are best displayed and best judged by use of a traditional transparent wine glass having a rounded or bowl-shaped bottom of expanded cross sectional size relative to an upwardly and inwardly tapering upper flume. This classic wine glass shape enables close visual inspection of wine color and meniscus and other visual characteristics by swirling a small amount of the wine within the bowl-shaped bottom of the glass, while the narrowing upper flume tends to concentrate the bouquet of the wine for facilitated sensory detection and enjoyment. Traditionally, such wine glasses have been constructed from glass, typically by supporting the bowl-shaped bottom of the glass on a narrow stem which projects upwardly from a disk-shaped lower base.  
      Wine glasses constructed from glass, however, are fragile and thus susceptible to breakage during normal use, and in the course of shipping and handling prior to use, and further in the course of post-use handling including washing, drying and returning the glasses to storage. In addition, a set of glass-constructed wine glasses can be relatively costly, particularly when large numbers of glasses are required for use at a social event. Moreover, the shape of the traditional wine glass, including the narrowed upper flume, inherently precludes compact stacking of multiple glasses for space-efficient shipping and storage.  
      As a result, alternative drinking vessels or cups formed from relatively inexpensive and substantially unbreakable molded plastic are often used for serving wine, in lieu of traditional glass-constructed wine glasses. Such plastic molded cups are relatively inexpensive and thus suitable for disposal following a single use. In some configurations, such molded plastic cups have incorporated surface features designed to enhance the various visual, olfactory and taste characteristics of wine. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,374 and 6,644,846, which are incorporated by reference herein. However, such molded plastic cups are commonly formed with an upwardly expanding cross sectional shape so that the cups can be shipped and stored in a compact stacked array, but this upwardly expanding shape does not concentrate the wine bouquet. Accordingly, plastic molded cups have generally been incompatible with optimally displaying to best advantage the full range of characteristics attributable to a particular vintage, and do not optimize the presentation and enjoyment of the wine.  
      There exists, therefore, a need for further improvements in and to wine glasses of the type constructed from molded plastic, wherein the wine glass is shaped for optimizing the presentation and enjoyment of wine. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In accordance with the invention, a wine glass constructed from molded and preferably transparent plastic comprises an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body of the wine glass further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof defining a generally horizontal and upwardly presented shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass, to correspondingly facilitate close inspection of bouquet and visual characteristics of wine contained therein.  
      In one preferred form of the invention, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass comprise separately formed modular components formed as by injection molding or the like. The modular upper body is adapted for quick and easy, substantially leak-proof assembly with the modular lower base to form an assembled wine glass having the upwardly narrowed flume in combination with the lower annular moat surrounding a central punt. This central punt may have an upwardly convex, generally hemispherical shape for enhanced visual inspection wine contained within the annular moat. The modular upper body and lower base are adapted for quick and easy disassembly for respective compact stacking of the separated modular components.  
      In an alternative preferred form of the invention, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are formed with a unitary or one-piece construction as by blow molding or the like to define the upwardly narrowed flume in combination with the lower annular moat surrounding a central punt, and further defining the external notched indent. The central punt may circumscribe an upwardly concave central inner cup of predetermined or metered volumetric capacity for pour-in reception of a measured quantity of wine. The one-piece glass is adapted for compact stacking in a filled or unfilled state by reception of the upwardly narrowed flume at least partially into an annular cavity formed at the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack, at an inboard or radially inward position relative to the adjoining annular moat.  
      In one form, the wine glass of the present invention provides a convenient and compact commercial unit which may be marketed containing a serving of a selected wine or other beverage within a plastic or foil-based pouch or bag. The pouch or bag is initially contained within the wine glass in a position with a label on the pouch or bag visible through the transparent glass for easy external viewing. A seal member such as a removable cap is provided for normally closing the top of the wine glass with the pouch or bag therein to maintain product sanitation. In use, the seal member is removed for access to and removal of the pouch or bag, which is then opened and the contents thereof dispensed into the wine glass. After use, the entire commercial unit may be economically disposed.  
      Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a module wine glass constructed in accordance with one preferred form of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the module wine glass taken generally on the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , and further illustrating a removable lid in exploded relation thereto;  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing assembly of the components forming the modular wine glass;  
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged and fragmented sectional corresponding generally with the encircled region  4  of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating multiple upper body components for a plurality of wine glasses arranged in compact stacked relation;  
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating multiple lower base components for a plurality of wine glasses arranged in compact stacked relation;  
       FIG. 7  is a vertical sectional view similar to  FIG. 2 , but depicting an alternative preferred form of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a vertical sectional view similar to  FIG. 5 , but showing a plurality of wine glasses constructed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in compact stacked relation;  
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmented sectional view corresponding generally with the encircled region  9  in  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged fragmented sectional view corresponding generally with the encircled region  10  in  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 11  is a front perspective view showing a wine glass constructed in accordance with the invention in combination with a pouch or bag containing a single serving of wine or the like contained therein; and  
       FIG. 12  is a front perspective view similar to  FIG. 11 , but showing the pouch or bag removed from the wine glass having the contents of the pouch or bag dispensed into the wine glass. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      As shown in the exemplary drawings, a wine glass referred to generally in  FIG. 1  by the reference numeral  10  is constructed from molded plastic. In one preferred form ( FIGS. 1-6 ), the wine glass has a modular construction defined by separately formed modular components adapted for quick and easy assembly to provide a leak-proof drinking vessel ( FIGS. 1-4 ) particularly suited for drinking and/or sampling wine, and wherein these plastic modular components are further adapted in an unassembled state for compact nested stacking ( FIGS. 5-6 ). In an alternative preferred form ( FIGS. 7-10 ), a modified wine glass  110  has a unitary or one-piece construction adapted for relatively compact and partially nested stacking in a filled or unfilled state. Either embodiment may be integrated into a convenient commercial unit  200  ( FIGS. 11-12 ) wherein a transparent wine glass  210  is provided in combination with a serving of wine or other beverage contained within a flexible pouch or bag  260 .  
      The wine glass of the present invention is formed with a geometric shape designed for enhanced enjoyment of substantially the full range of characteristics attributable to a specific wine. More particularly, the wine glass incorporates an upper flume  12  of upwardly narrowing cross sectional shape for concentrating the wine aroma or bouquet. In addition, a lower region or bottom of the wine glass includes a contoured lower base  14  defining a central upstanding punt  16  surrounded by a recessed annular moat  18 , wherein the punt  16  and moat  18  accommodate enhanced visual inspection of a small quantity of the wine contained and/or swirled within the moat  18 . Further, the wine glass incorporates an external notched indent  20  defining a relatively shallow, upwardly presented and substantially horizontal exterior shelf  22  sized for convenient fingertip engagement, thereby facilitating fingertip grasping and manipulation of the wine glass. All of these features are provided in a relatively simple and cost-efficient construction suitable for formation by plastic molding processes.  
      As viewed in  FIGS. 1-4 , the illustrative modular wine glass  10  includes an upper shell-shaped body  24  in combination with the lower base  14 , wherein these two components or modules are each adapted for construction by plastic molding or the like and subsequent assembly in substantially leak-proof relation. While a variety of different plastic materials may be used, one preferred plastic material comprises a substantially transparent polystyrene or the like having a density, strength and clarity conducive to close visual inspection of a beverage such as wine contained in the assembled glass, and suitable for relative economic production of the modular components as by injection molding or the like.  
      The upper body  24  has a generally circular cross sectional shape extending upwardly from a lower end, with at least some radially inward taper to accommodate formation by injection molding processes, with quick and easy release of the molded body  24  from an appropriately shaped mold cavity or die (not shown). In accordance with one key aspect of the invention, an upper region of this generally cylindrical tapered upper body defines the flume  12  having a more sharply or more significantly radially inwardly tapered cross sectional shape, corresponding closely with the inwardly tapered upper flume zone of a conventional wine glass constructed from a fragile glass material, terminating in an open upper mouth  26  of reduced cross sectional size. This flume  12  of upwardly narrowing cross sectional area beneficially concentrates the aroma or bouquet of wine contained within the assembled modular glass  10 .  
      At least one annular seal rib  28  (shown best in  FIG. 4 ) is formed within the interior of the upper body  24  at a location spaced closely from a lower end thereof. This seal rib  28  is sized and shaped for interference, preferably snap-fit reception into a generally matingly shaped seal groove  30  ( FIGS. 3-4 ) formed on the outboard side of a generally cylindrical outer wall  32  on the lower base component  14 . A radially outwardly protruding lip  34  may be formed at a lower margin of the outer wall  32 , for overlying and bearing against a lower margin of the upper body  24 , when the two components are snap-fit assembled together. The seal rib  28  and associated seal groove  30  are sized and shaped to provide a substantially sealed or leak-proof interconnection or joint that may thus be disposed below the level of liquid contained within the assembled glass.  
      Alternately, persons skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that the positions of the seal rib  28  and seal groove  30  may be reversed, i.e., that the seal rib  28  may be formed on the outer wall  32  of the lower base  14  for interference, substantially snap-fit reception into the associated seal groove  30  formed within the upper body  24  near the lower end thereof. Moreover, if desired, one or both of the seal rib  28  and the seal groove  30  may be coated with a thin film seal agent, such as a thin coating of a curable silicon-based gel or similar resilient seal material.  
      An upper margin of the outer wall  32  of the lower base  14  is molded integrally with a radially inwardly extending base plate defined by an outer annular segment  36  which cooperates with the axially centered and preferably upwardly convex, half-round or hemispherical punt  16  to form the upwardly open recessed annular moat  18  therebetween. As shown, the vertical dimension of the punt  16  preferably extends at least a short distance above the plane of the outer segment  36 . The resultant volume of the moat  18 , defined by the volume disposed below the plane of the outer segment  36 , preferably comprises a predetermined volume for containing a predetermined quantity of a beverage such as wine, such as a volume on the order of about one fluid ounce or other selected volume suitable for sampling and assessing the characteristics of a particular wine. The shape of the punt  16 , constructed from molded and preferably transparent plastic material, beneficially functions as a refracting or reflecting lens to enhance the light passing through wine contained within the moat  18 , for correspondingly enhanced visual inspection of the wine color, clarity and meniscus.  
      In accordance with one important aspect of the invention, the outer annular segment  36  effectively cooperates with the shape of the recessed moat  18  and the central punt  16  to form a radially stiff construction for the lower base component  14 . Accordingly, radially inward pressure applied to the lower base  14 , by pressing inwardly on the upper body  24  in the region of the seal lip  28 , does not result in radially inward deformation of the lower base  14 . Such radially inwardly deformation of the lower base  14  would undesirably deflect the interfitting seal rib  28  and seal groove  30 , with resulting potential for undesirable leakage of liquid past the seal structure. The stiff geometry of the lower base  14  functions to prevent such leakage from occurring.  
      In the unassembled state as viewed in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of plastic molded upper body components  24  can be assembled in a compact nested or stacked array for convenient, space-efficient shipment and/or storage. In a similar manner, in the unassembled state as viewed in  FIG. 6 , a plurality of plastic molded lower base components  14  can be stacked in a compact nested array for similarly compact shipment and/or storage. These components  24  and  26  can be snap-fit assembled when desired, quickly and easily, to form the assembled modular wine glass  10 . After use, the plastic glass  10  can be discarded, or, if desired, disassembled for appropriate cleaning and compact storage preparatory to re-use.  
      In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the upper body component  24  incorporates the indented notch  20  at the outboard side thereof, preferably at a position near a vertical midpoint of the assembled modular glass  10 . This indented notch  20  is defined in part at a lower end thereof by the substantially horizontal shelf  22  having a relatively narrow but sufficient horizontal depth to accommodate convenient fingertip grasping as by the tip of a person&#39;s thumb. An outboard margin of this shelf  22  may include a short upstanding and generally horizontally elongated rib  38  for further enhanced fingertip grasping and control. Accordingly, the assembled modular wine glass  10  can be readily grasped and manipulated with the fingertips, such as with the thumb and forefinger, in the course of inspecting and drinking wine contained therein.  
      In this regard, the shelf  22  with rib  38  is readily grasped by the thumb, while lifting the assembled glass  10  with the forefinger and/or middle finger engaging the lower base  14  and/or engaging a lower peripheral margin or edge generally at the lip  34 , for easy and convenient lifting of the assembled glass  10  substantially to eye and nose level for optimal inspection of wine contained within the glass. The fingertip-grasped modular glass  10  can be held and manipulated easily by means of the notched shelf  22  and associated rib  38  for holding the glass  10  near the person&#39;s nose in the course of enjoying and/or grading the bouquet of the wine contained within the glass. In addition, the notched shelf  22  facilitates further manipulation of the glass for swirling close to the holder&#39;s eyes for visually inspecting a small quantity of wine contained within the lower end thereof, within or substantially filling the annular moat  18 , particularly due to enhanced lighting effect attributable to the punt  16 . Importantly, such manipulation and lifting of the wine glass  10  may occur substantially in the absence of grasping or smudging any extended surface area of the upper body  24  or the lower base  14 . Moreover, such fingertip handling of the glass  10  minimizes surface area contact between the person&#39;s body and the glass, thereby also minimizing undesirable heat transfer from the person to the wine or the like contained within the glass. The shelf  22  further accommodates handling of the modular glass  10  in the course of drinking the wine.  
      If desired, a removable lid  40  may also be provided as a third component formed from molded plastic as by injection molding or the like, and adapted for removable mounting as by snap-fit connection onto the upper body component  24  to close the mouth  26  of the assembled glass  10 . This lid component  40  is shown in  FIGS. 2-3  in the form of a generally circular disk having a size and shape to overlie the open mouth  26 , and further includes a depending annular lip  42  sized for snap-fit reception into the mouth  26 . With this construction, the lid component  40  can be assembled and disassembled with the glass, as desired. The lid  40  (or the upper body  24 ) may also carry a label (not shown) or include a writable frosted region (also not shown) for identifying the vintage contained within the glass. Moreover, in the unassembled state, a plurality of lid components  40  can also be stacked in a compact array (not shown) for convenient shipping and storage.  
       FIGS. 7-10  illustrate an alternative preferred form of the invention wherein a modified wine glass  110  has a unitary or one-piece construction but otherwise incorporates structural and functional features identified by reference numerals common to the embodiment shown and described in  FIGS. 1-6 .  
      More particularly, as viewed in  FIG. 7  in vertical section, the modified wine glass  110  comprises an upper body  24  having a generally cylindrical cross sectional shape generally conforming with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , to include the upwardly narrowing upper flume  12  terminating at an upper edge or margin in the open mouth  26 . A lower edge or margin of the upper body  24  is joined integrally with a one-piece construction to the lower base  14 . The upper body  24  further includes the notched external indent  20  defining the shallow shelf  22  and associated raised rib  38 . This one-piece wine glass  110  is also preferably constructed from a lightweight and relatively economical and preferably transparent plastic material such as a plastic material suitable for blow mold processes such as PET plastic and the like.  
      The lower base  14  of the one-piece wine glass  110  includes the annular moat  18  defined cooperatively at the lower periphery of the glass interior volume between a lower region of the upper body  24  and a central upstanding punt  16 . In this embodiment, the punt  16  defines an upstanding annular wall formed to extend angularly upwardly and inwardly at a relatively steep angle from a lower margin of the upper body  24 , whereby the moat-defining walls diverge upwardly from each other at an included angle on the order of about  10 - 20  degrees. This geometry provides extensive and improved viewing of the visual characteristics of wine contained within the moat  18 .  
      In addition, the inboard moat-forming wall defined by the punt  16  is joined at an upper marginal edge thereof in circumscribing relation with an upwardly open, upwardly concave central inner bowl or cup  44  of predetermined or metered liquid volumetric capacity for pour-in reception of a measured quantity of wine. This central cup  44  is defined by a downwardly convex geometry that functions as a refracting or reflecting lens to enhance the light passing through wine contained within the cup  44 , for correspondingly enhanced visual inspection of the wine color, clarity and meniscus. Alternately, persons skilled in the art will understand that the upstanding punt  16  shown in  FIGS. 7-8  may have an upwardly convex shape as shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , or that the punt  16  shown in  FIGS. 1-6  may incorporate the central cup  44 .  
      In use, the modified wine glass  110  shown in  FIGS. 7-8  is adapted for pour-in reception of a metered quantity of wine into the upwardly open central bowl or cup  44 . The wine glass  110  can be grasped and manipulated as described previously with respect to  FIGS. 1-6 , for visually inspecting the wine within the cup  44 . In addition, the wine glass can be manipulated to tip and thereby transfer the wine from the cup  44  into the surrounding moat  18  for further visual and olfactory inspection as previously described. Such manipulation of the wine glass  110  is accomplished easily by grasping the glass with minimal surface area contact between the person&#39;s fingertips and the glass, e.g., with the thumb and forefinger (and/or middle finger) respectively at the indented notch  20  and a lower marginal edge defined by the juncture of the upper body  24  and the upwardly extending wall forming the punt  16 , substantially without distorting wine viewing with fingerprints or other smudges.  
      More particularly, the central cup  44  is designed to receive a liquid beverage such as wine for the purpose of improved viewing, measuring and tasting of the beverage. In a preferred form, the central cup  44  defines a relatively broad upwardly presented and upwardly open surface area aligned generally with the open upper mouth of the glass, so that the beverage can be poured from above directly into the central cup  44 , substantially without any significant portion of the beverage splashing or otherwise into or otherwise filling the surrounding moat  18 . In this regard, the circumferential opening defined by the cup  44  is generally coaxially aligned with the mouth  26  and has a circumferential size of at least about ½ and preferably substantially equal to the circumferential size of the mouth  26 . In the preferred geometry, the tapered flume geometry of the upper body  24  at least partially and preferably completely overlies the surrounding moat  18  so that direct-pour of the beverage through the mouth  26  and into the moat  18  is substantially precluded. That is, the moat  18  is, in the preferred form, positioned substantially in an undercut position relative to the rim of the glass defining the mouth  26 , with the uppermost margin of the punt  16  aligned generally vertically with the glass rim.  
      In addition, the central cup  44  defines a liquid volume or capacity for receiving a sufficient yet limited and preferably metered quantity of the beverage for appropriate visual and olfactory inspection and judging, etc. A preferred capacity for the central cup  44  is within the range of from about ½ ounce to about 2 ounces, and most preferably about 1 ounce.  
      The central cup  44  accommodates manipulation of the glass  110  to swirl the beverage therein during this inspection process. The glass can be tipped from a vertical orientation to an angle on the order of about 45 so that the beverage can be swirled and spilled slowly over the uppermost margin of the punt  16  in a controlled or regulated flow into the surrounding moat  18 . This process beneficially facilitates and enhances examination and judging characteristics such as color and viscosity of a beverage such as wine, and thereby increases enjoyment of the beverage. The glass  110  is especially suited for beverage examination and analysis, e.g., at a wine tasting event.  
      The one-piece wine glass  110  is also adapted for relatively compact stacking as viewed in  FIG. 8 . That is, the underside of the lower base  14  of each glass  110  defines an annular cavity  46  between the upstanding wall of the punt  16  and the downwardly convex central bowl or cup  44 , wherein this cavity  46  has a size and shape for substantially nested partial reception of the upwardly narrowing flume  12  on the upper body  24  of an underlying glass  110  in the stack. In particular, the upwardly narrowing taper of the flume  12  is sized and shaped to substantially match the upwardly and inwardly tapered geometry of the punt wall, whereby these components are shaped and sized and essentially aligned vertically for relatively snug and substantially stable slide-fit interconnection when stacked. With this geometry, multiple glasses  110  can be stacked in a secure and stable manner in a partially filled condition, i.e., containing wine within the central cup  44  of each stacked glass  110  for convenient and rapid distribution to individuals, or alternately stacked in a secure and stable manner in an unfilled condition for relatively compact shipment and/or storage prior to or between uses.  
      Stacking of the multiple glasses  110  in a secure and stable manner is enhanced by forming the upper rim of each glass at the open mouth  26  to incorporate a rounded and slightly enlarged or thick-walled bead  50  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) for snap-fit engagement with a matingly shaped detent channel  52  ( FIG. 10 ) formed at the underside of each glass  110  generally at the transition between the upwardly extending inner wall or punt  16  of the moat  18  and the downwardly extending wall defining the central bowl or cup  44 . In the preferred form, this detent channel  52  may be defined by a plurality, typically three or more, of circumferentially spaced shallow detent protrusions  54 , although persons skilled in the art will recognize that an annular detent protrusion may be used if desired. The snap-fit interlocked stack of glasses  110  thus provides a stable array wherein the glasses  110  can be pre-filled each with a measured quantity of wine or the like, and with each underlying glass in the stack being substantially closed and sealed by the immediately overlying glass snap-fit attached thereto. In addition, the rounded bead  50  on the uppermost glass  110 , or on each glass in an unstacked array, may be used for snap-fit mounting of a cap  40  (shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 9 ) of the type shown and described in  FIGS. 2-3 . The pre-filled stacked glasses  110  can thus be prepared in advance for distribution yet maintained substantially sealed until actual distribution which may occur in a convenient and rapid manner.  
      In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the curved, downwardly convex shape of the inner bowl or cup  44  cooperates with the externally convex shape of the body  24  to magnify the liquid contents of the one-piece glass  110  under certain conditions. In particular, liquid such as wine contained within the cup  44  is magnified when viewed from the top of the glass  110 , thereby permitting facilitated and closer inspection of the characteristics of the liquid. In addition, in the illustrative configuration as shown, a focal zone is believed to be created within a region extending generally from about ½ inch above the top of the central bowl or cup  44  to about ½ inch below the beaded upper rim  50  lining the mouth  26 . Within this focal zone or region, and with the glass filled with liquid to approximately ½ inch below the beaded rim  50 , a magnification effect due to light entering the transparent bottom and lower sides of the body  24  is believed to occur as light is refracted upwardly. The net effect of liquid within this focal zone magnifies liquid within the lower inner cup  44 .  
       FIGS. 11-12  show a wine glass  210  which may be constructed in accordance with the foregoing described embodiments of the invention, wherein this wine glass  210  is provided as an integral portion of a commercial unit  200  which further includes a beverage such as a serving of wine contained initially within a sealed plastic or foil-based pouch or bag  260 .  
      More particularly, the wine glass  210  ( FIGS. 11-12 ) is shown generally in conformance with the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7-10 , with the exception that the notched indent  20  and related exterior shelf  22  (shown in  FIGS. 7-8 ) are omitted. Instead, the illustrative wine glass  210  has a one-piece construction comprising an upper body  24  of generally cylindrical sectional shape and tapering upwardly to define the narrowing upper flume  12  terminating at an upper edge or margin in the open mouth  26 . A lower edge or margin of the upper body  24  is joined integrally with a one-piece construction to the lower base  14 . The lower base  14  of the one-piece wine glass  210  includes the annular moat  18  defined cooperatively at the lower periphery of the glass interior volume between a lower region of the upper body  24  and a central upstanding punt  16 . Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-10 , the central punt  16  defines an upwardly open, upwardly concave central inner bowl or cup of predetermined or metered liquid volumetric capacity for pour-in reception of a measured quantity of wine. In the preferred form, the one-piece wine glass  210  is again constructed from a lightweight, economical and transparent plastic material.  
       FIG. 11  shows the commercial unit  200  including the wine glass  210  in an initial configuration including the sealed pouch or bag  260  mounted therein. In this regard, the pouch or bag  260  comprises a flexible plastic or foiled-based structure containing a selected beverage, such as a selected wine, preferably in an amount representing a single serving. In the initial configuration, a label  262  on the pouch or bag  260  is readily visible through the transparent plastic upper body  24  of the wine glass to permit easy external viewing and reading of the contained beverage type, quantity, and source identification. A seal member  40  such as a lid or the like of the type shown and described in  FIG. 2  normally closed and seals the pouch  260  within the glass  210  in a manner maintaining internal glass sanitation.  
      In use, the seal member  40  is removed from the mouth  26  of the glass  210  for access to and removal of the pouch or bag  260  contained therein. The pouch  260  can then be opened in a normal manner, as by manually tearing an upper strip  264  as viewed in  FIG. 12 . With the pouch  260  opened, the pouch contents can be dispensed by pouring quickly and easily into the wine glass  210 . After use, the entire commercial unit  200 , including the glass  210 , the pouch  260 , and the seal member  40  can be economically discarded.  
      A variety of further modifications and improvements in and to the improved modular wine glass  10  and/or the unitary wine glass  110 , and/or the commercial unit  200  of the present invention will be apparent to those persons skilled in the art. By way of example, the modified wine glass  110  may also incorporate a label or writable frosted zone (not shown) on the upper body  24 . In addition, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the wine glass  210  and/or the associated seal member  40  may take a wide variety of different geometric configurations. Accordingly, no limitation on the invention is intended by way of the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims.