Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/935,489 filed Feb. 4, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is in the technical field of glassware. More specifically, the present invention is in the technical field of drinking containers. More specifically, the present invention is in the field of insulating drinking containers. 
     It is known that when a cold drink or liquid such as beer is contained within a glass container, the contents of the glass will eventually warm to ambient room temperature. The rate of warming is proportional to the difference in temperature of the liquid and the surrounding environment and is also proportional to the effective thermal conductivity of the container itself. Furthermore, the heat transferred from the hand of the consumer accelerates the warming process and also induces an unpleasant cooling of the hand. Throughout the warming process, condensation occurs, creating water droplets on the outside of the container which are transferred to the hand and the supporting furniture, both of which are undesirable. The condensation also poses a safety hazard as the container may slip from the hand of the consumer as it is being picked up or held. 
     Containers designed to address the above concerns are known from the Prior Art. “Double-Walled” drinking vessels, e.g., tumblers, cups, mugs, etc., are widely available in the retail market. These vessels are typically constructed of acrylic, polycarbonate, or similar (typically transparent) plastic materials using an inner and outer container, each having sidewalls and a bottom. The two vessels are brought together and “nested” in such a manner as to allow for an insulating air gap between the inner and outer vessel at which time the two vessels are joined at their interface in a cemented, fastened, ultrasonic welded, or similar method. 
     While these containers address the above concerns of keeping a beverage colder for a longer period of time as well as preventing condensation on the outside of the container, many people do not like the “feel” of plastic and prefer the premium “feel” of glass for their cold beverages such as beer when freshly poured from a tap. Almost without exception, glass is used in finer restaurants and bars when serving cold drinks such as beer due to customer preference. 
     Double walled glass containers do exist; however, these containers are typically made from a borosilicate glass, which is a thermally shock resistant glass, and is used for hot beverages and have the fusion seam between the inner and outer walls at the rim of the glass where the consumer places their lips to take a drink. An example can be found under Bodum U.S. Pat. No. D553,437. The point of fusion, at the rim, creates a “bulbous” feel and is not desirable for cold drinks such as beer. Beer glasses typically made from a soda-lime based glass, have a single, thin-walled drinking rim which the consumer is accustomed to and finds more desirable. The rim shape is defined by the method of manufacture and is either a “cut-off” or “burn-off” which will be discussed further below. 
     As such, there is a need for a premium, double walled glass container that embodies a single, thin-walled drinking rim, incorporates a continuous outer surface, and exhibits an improved insulation effect through the use of an air-gap between the inner and outer vessel walls which results in both keeping a cold drink cold longer and eliminating condensation on the outer wall of the outer vessel. In addition, these containers must not only be aesthetically attractive and produced of a high quality standard worthy of being served in the fine restaurant and bar market, they must be produced in an economical manner to appeal to these markets. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention embodies an insulating glass drinking vessel comprising an inner glass vessel for containing a liquid beverage that at is at least partially nested within and hermetically sealed to an outer glass vessel, forming a continuous unitary assembly. The hermetic seal being a water-tight seal. The inner vessel is so constructed as to provide an interstitial air-filled space between the two vessels, providing an insulating effect between the inner and outer vessels. The two vessels are hermetically sealed below the rim of the inner vessel a sufficient distance to prevent contact with the lips during drinking. In addition, a customizable brand name or logo can be fused or affixed to the outer face of the inner vessel such that it is protected from the harsh environment of chemical cleaning and everyday use. 
     Also disclosed herein is a method for assembling an insulated double-walled beverage glass providing an outer glass vessel having a bottom, a generally upright circumferential wall integrally formed with the bottom and a rim on the wall is distal to the bottom. In addition, the method further comprises providing an inner glass vessel having a bottom, a generally upright circumferential wall integrally formed with the bottom and a rim on the wall distal the bottom, wherein the wall includes a lower portion connected to the bottom and an upper portion having the rim, and the upper portion has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the lower portion forming a transition area there between. 
     The outer glass vessel and the inner glass vessel are axially and concentrically aligned relative to one another in respective horizontal positions. The method further comprises transversely positioning the outer glass vessel into contact with the inner glass vessel wherein the rim of the outer glass vessel is in contact with the inner glass vessel at the transition area. 
     The inner and outer glass vessels are then synchronously rotated about a common longitudinal axis, as a light-cure adhesive is dispensed along a circumferential contact joint between the rim of the outer glass vessel and the transition area of the inner glass vessel. The inner and outer glass vessels are rotated for at least one full revolution as the adhesive is dispensed. In addition the method further comprises exposing the light-cure adhesive to ultra violet radiation as the inner and outer glass vessels are synchronously rotated for at least one full revolution. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention for a double-walled insulated glass container. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of the glass vessel of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2A  is a sectional view taken along line  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 2B  is detail view of a hermetic seal of the container of  FIGS. 2 and 2A   
         FIG. 3  is an elevational view of an inner vessel of the container of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a sectional view taken along line  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 3B  is a detailed view of a transition region of the inner vessel. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed sectional view of a transition region of an inner vessel of a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of an outer vessel of the double-walled insulated glass container of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 5A  is a sectional view of the outer vessel taken along line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a detailed sectional view of a rim of the outer vessel of  FIG. 5A   
         FIG. 6  is a detailed sectional view of the interface between the inner vessel and outer vessel before a seal is established at the interface. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an assembly machine used to assemble the double-walled insulated glass container of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the assembly machine. 
         FIG. 7C  is a rear perspective of the assembly machine. 
         FIG. 8  is a side sectional view of the assembly machine with inner and outer vessels supported and ready for engagement. 
         FIG. 9  is a side sectional view of the assembly machine with the outer vessel having been transversely disposed for engagement with the inner vessel. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial sectional view of the assembly machine with a dispensing tip positioned and aligned to dispense a light cure adhesive. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial sectional view of the glass container on the assembly machine with the light curable adhesive dispensed at interface joint between the inner and outer vessels. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial sectional view of the glass container on the assembly machine with an ultraviolet light guide to supply ultraviolet light to cure the adhesive. 
         FIG. 13  is a graph illustrating the temperature difference of the single wall versus double walled glass system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained. 
     With respect to  FIG. 1  a double-walled glass insulated beverage container  10  is shown, and in a preferred embodiment comprises an inner vessel  12  and outer vessel  14  joined together and sealed at a circumferential interface joint  18  of the inner vessel  12  and outer vessel  14 . In addition, the container  10  includes a single wall, drinking rim  16  of the inner vessel  12  spaced above the interface joint  18 . As further shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a logo  20  may be etched or applied onto the outer surface of the inner vessel  12 . While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , and other drawings disclosed herein, has a generally tapered configuration, the invention is not so limited and may include any shape that may be used to design a beverage container. For example, the embodiments of the invention may be incorporated with a beverage glass that includes a stem and foot, and the beverage container portion has a truncated spherical shape. Moreover, any dimensions used to describe embodiments of the invention are provided by way of example only, and not intended to any way limit the invention. 
     As may be appreciated in reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the container  10  has a gap or interstitial space  22  between the inner and outer vessels,  12 ,  14 . For a sixteen ounce container  10  that is about 3.2 inches in diameter at the rim  16 , 2.3 inches in diameter at its lower end, and about 8.0 inches in overall height, the interstitial space  22  may be a distance of 0.2 inches, for example, from inner to outer vessel perpendicular to their faces. As will be described in detail below, this interstitial space  22  comprises air and an adhesive seal  24  hermetically seals the interstitial space  22  along the interface joint  18  between the inner vessel  12  and outer vessel  14 . Again, as will be described in more detail below, a light cure adhesive is used to establish the hermetic seal  24 . 
     The inner vessel  12  is illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B . The inner vessel  12  includes a generally upright circumferential wall  26  integrally formed with a bottom  28  of the vessel  12 . The circumferential wall  26  includes an upper portion  26 A and a lower portion  26 B wherein the upper portion  26 A has a lower most diameter that is larger than an upper most diameter of the lower portion  26 B and in the immediate vicinity of a transition  30  between portions  26 A,  26 B. The upper and lower portions  26 A,  26 B are interconnected through the transition of outer radius  32 , frusto-conical section  34 , and inner radius  36 . The Angle θ of frusto-conical section  34  relative to longitudinal centerline C would be, for example, 30 degrees for a distance of 0.2 inches. In the example, of the above-referenced sixteen ounce container, the wall thickness of the inner vessel  12  at the rim  16  is about 0.07 inches. 
     The above-referenced transition  30  includes the outer radius  32 , inner radius  36  and any glass there between, such as the frusto-conical section  34 ; however, the transition  30  may include less of a transition area or transition glass between radii  32 ,  36 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper and lower portions  26 A,  26 B may be interconnected through the transitions of outer radius  40 , and inner radius  42  without the frusto-conical section referenced above in reference to  FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B . The angle at the outer radius  40  relative to a longitudinal centerline of the inner vessel may be, for example, 45 degrees. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B , the outer vessel  14  is illustrated in more detail. The outer vessel  14  includes a base or bottom  44  integrally formed with an upright generally circumferential wall  46 . The wall thickness, for example for the above-described sixteen ounce container, may be approximately 0.07 inches and generally increases in thickness down to the bottom  44 . The bottom  44  may be thicker than that of the wall  46  and keeps the container  10  upright, stable and promotes the appearance of a traditional beer (beverage) glass. This heavy bottom is also known as a “sham.” The upper rim  48  in this configuration is known as a “burn-off” rim in the industry and is generated by rotating the vessel within an annular flame which ultimately burns off the excess material, leaving a smooth rounded edge. Diameter D is the outside diameter on rounded rim  48  and Diameter D′ is the inside diameter on rounded rim  48 . Another known rim configuration that may be used with embodiments of the invention is known as a “cut” rim in the industry and is generated by scoring the outer surface of the vessel with a laser or diamond or similar and then breaking the excess waste material off creating a square cut edge. 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view and detailed sectional of the inner vessel  12  of  FIG. 3  disposed within the outer vessel  14  of  FIG. 5  creating an interstitial space  22  terminating at a circumferential contact joint  18  between the inner and outer vessels,  12 ,  14 . As described in more detail below, and above with respect to  FIG. 2B , An adhesive, hermetic seal  24  (shown in  FIG. 2B ) is provided between the inner vessel  12  and outer vessel  14  at the joint  18  and at the transition  30  between the inner and outer radii  32 ,  36 , and slightly below the upper portion  26 A. The seal  24  may be composed of a light cure adhesive. The outer surface  24 A of seal  24  tangentially connects the outer surface of inner vessel  12  with the outer surface of outer vessel  14  at inner and outer radii  32 ,  36 , such that the surface  24 A is coextensive with the outer surfaces of the inner vessel  12  and outer vessel  14 . The outer surface of the glass has a flush surface extending from the outer surface of the inner glass vessel, along the outer surface of the light-cure adhesive and to the outer surface of the outer glass vessel. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 7A, 79, and 7C  an assembly machine  60  is illustrated and may be used to assemble the above-described double-walled glass insulated container. The assembly machine  60  includes a carriage  62  used to support the outer vessel  14 . The carriage  62  is moveable along a track  64  on table  66  to position the outer vessel  14  relative to the inner vessel  12  to form the double-walled glass container. Movement of the carriage  62  may be performed manually or with an automated linear actuator. 
     The carriage  62  includes a rotating plate  68  to which outer glass vessel  14  is secured, and the inner glass vessel  12  is supported by rotating plate  70 . Both plates  68 ,  70  are caused to synchronously rotate during dispensing of the light cure adhesive at the transition area  30  or the interface between the inner vessel  12  and outer vessel  14 , as will be explained more detail. To that end, a motor  72  and drive assembly  74 , as will be described below, are used to initiate and control rotation of the plates  68 ,  70 . The motor may be a servo-controlled motor or stepper motor 
     Other operating components of the assembly machine  60  include an adhesive dispenser  76  with a dispenser tip  78 . The dispenser  76  is fixed to a pivoting mechanism for positioning relative to the interface joint  18  between the two vessels  12 ,  14 . In addition, an ultraviolet light source  80  An example of an ultraviolet light source is the Dymax BlueWave® 200 version 3.0, which is a high-intensity, light-curing spot-lamp system. This spot-curing lamp emits energy in the UVA and visible portion of the spectrum (300-450 nm) for light curing of adhesives and light guide  82  are provided for curing the adhesive applied to the glass vessels  12 ,  14 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 8 , the outer vessel  4  is loaded onto the carriage  62  using a gauging tool (not shown) to ensure a proper offset X, which will ensure proper alignment of dispensing tip  78  and alignment with axis  84 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A, 8, 9 and 10 , an abutment  77  is operatively connected to the dispenser  76  and shaft/spring assembly  102 . The abutment  77  includes a disc face  77 A which is spaced from the dispenser tip  78  an offset distance X′. Inflatable seals  86 A and  86 B, within mounting discs  67 ,  69 , inflate to secure the outer vessel  14  to the carriage  62  and rotating plate  68 . Inner vessel  12  is centrally aligned along axis  84  and secured with inflatable seal  88  to rotating plate  70 . A vacuum is also supplied from rotating manifold  87  from a vacuum source (a vacuum pump not shown) to the inside of the inner vessel  12  to hold it secure against the rotating plate  70 . The vessels  12 ,  14  are concentrically aligned and centered on axis  84 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , air lines  85 A,  85 B provide fluid flow communication between the seals  86 A,  86 B and an air compressor  81  to inflate the seals  86 A,  86 B. Similarly, an airline  83  is provided to supply air to inflatable seal  88  from an air compressor (not shown), which could be as the same compressor  79 . In addition, as further shown in  FIG. 10 , an airline  91  is fixed to hub  93 , and aligned with a hole  63  to provide fluid flow communication between a vacuum pump (not shown) and an internal volume of the inner glass vessel  12 . A vacuum having a power of about twenty inches of Hg should be sufficient to secure the inner glass vessel  12  in place for assembly. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the carriage  62  is transversely moved across the table  64  along axis  84  and towards the inner vessel a distance Y so the rim  48  of outer vessel  14  contacts the inner vessel  12  forming the interface joint  18  between the two vessels  12 ,  14 . For example, for the above-described sixteen ounce container, the distance may be about ten inches. While the embodiment described herein includes the outer glass vessel  14  as being transversely positioned, the invention is not so limited. Indeed, the assembly machine  60  may be configured such that the inner glass vessel  12  is moveable on the table  66 , or both vessels  12 ,  14  are transversely moveable on the table  66 . 
     Because glass dimensions or shapes may be subtly different from glass to glass the distance Y that the outer vessel  14  may travel may vary. For example, the diameters of consecutive outer vessels to be assembled may be different. A first outer vessel may have a diameter at its rim that is slightly smaller than a second outer vessel. In such a case the second outer vessel may have to be moved to the left (see  FIG. 8 ) farther than the first outer vessel before the rim of the second. However, the offset distance X from the face of mounting disc  69  to the rim  48  of the outer vessel  14  is preferably set to be the same from assembly of one double-walled container to the next. When mounting disc  67  pushes against the abutment  77  so the rim  48  of the outer vessel  14  contacts the inner vessel  12 , the dispenser  76  and tip  78  are moved a distance equal to the offsets X and X′, so that the tip  78  is positioned directly over the area at which the rim  48  of the outer vessel  14  contacts the inner vessel  12  to apply the adhesive. 
     Cylinder  90  ( FIGS. 7A and 7C ) is extended causing drive assembly  74  to pivot forward about shaft  92  until a forward rubber wheel  94  and a rear rubber wheel  96  make contact with plates  70 ,  68 , respectively. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 7A and 7C , an explanation of drive assembly  74  is described. A first shaft  93 A is directly coupled to belt  95  and a second shaft  93 B is coupled to the first shaft  93 A through a clutch and brake unit  98 . When clutch and brake unit  98  is in “brake” mode, both shafts  93 A and  93 B rotate simultaneously in the same direction. When the clutch and brake unit  98  is in “clutch” mode, shaft  93 B will stop rotating as shaft  93 A continues to rotate. 
     Motor  72  is energized, rotating belt  96  in a counterclockwise direction when facing the motor  72  from the side of the table  66  on which the carriage  62  is positioned. With clutch and brake unit  98  in brake mode, shafts  93 A and  93 B rotate in unison as well as rubber wheels  94 ,  96  in a counterclockwise direction. Due to the direct contact between the rubber rotating wheels  92 ,  94  and the rotating plates  70 ,  68 , the rotating plates  70 ,  68  are driven in a clockwise direction at a rotational speed range of approximately 15 to 60 RPM allowing for the synchronous rotation of the inner and outer vessels  12 ,  14  about the axis  84 . ( FIG. 8 ). The motor  72  may be an AC or DC servo-controlled motor or stepper motor, and may be 1/16 to ¼ hp. 
     As may be appreciated from  FIG. 9 , while inner vessel  12  and outer vessel  14  rotate synchronously, the dispenser  76  with the dispensing tip  78  is pivoted into position using handle  100  and pivot shaft and spring assembly  102  to the position shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , just above joint  18 . 
     A supply valve (not shown) on the dispenser  76  is opened allowing a light cure adhesive to flow from dispensing tip  78  into the joint  18  as inner and outer vessels  12 ,  14  rotate synchronously for one or more revolutions. Suitable light cure adhesives would include Dymax® 425™ and Loctite® 3493™ that use an ultraviolet light wavelength of 365 nm with an intensity of 50 mW/cm 2  to achieve a fixture time shear strength of 0.1 N/mm 2  in 5 to 10 seconds depending on the product. In addition, these adhesives have excellent resistance to humidity and boiling water immersion for extended periods of time and have the transparency of glass. The viscosity of the light cure adhesive is roughly 4,000 cP (centipoise) and has the consistency of molasses or honey at room temperature. Light cure adhesive supply valve (not shown) is then closed when the appropriate amount of adhesive is dispensed over one or more revolutions. 
     The clutch and brake unit  98  is then energized into “clutch” mode which allows the inner vessel  12  to continue rotation while outer vessel  14  is stopped. This “relative” rotation further evenly distributes the light curable adhesive along any imperfections (voids or excess of adhesive in random spots) over the entire circumferential interface joint  18  and any area between the outer surfaces of the inner and outer vessels  12 ,  14  along the circumferential joint  18 . This relative rotation preferably occurs for a minimum of one complete revolution. 
     Clutch and brake unit  98  is then energized into “brake” mode which allows the inner vessel  12  to rotate synchronously with outer vessel  14  for at least one full revolution. 
     In an alternative embodiment, instead of activating the clutch mode, the brake mode is maintained; however, the inner or outer glass vessels  12 ,  14  is rotated faster or slower than the other for at least one for one full revolution. Then, both vessels are rotated at the same rotational speed for application of the ultra-violet light. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , an ultraviolet light guide  82  is supplied ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source  80  ( FIG. 8 ) and is now energized, fusing the light cure adhesive as the inner and outer vessels  12 ,  14  rotate over the stationary light guide  82 . The ultraviolet light source  80  is activated for a minimum of one full rotation of the vessels creating a unitary assembly  10 . 
     The process is complete and the fully assembled double wall vessel  10  ( FIG. 2 ) is removed from assembly machine  60 . 
       FIG. 13  is a graph comparing the actual temperature of a beverage in a single walled glass compared to a similarly shaped double walled glass in an outside environment over a 25 minute period. The environmental conditions are shown on the graph. Temperature results were recorded using a Lascar thermocouple EL-USB-TC-LCD and were downloaded directly to a computer database for analysis and graphing. 
     While certain embodiment of the present invention have been shown and described herein, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those of skill in the art without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 8