AU2010212451A1 - Modified Tableware - Google Patents

Abstract

- 12 Abstract The invention provides a stemmed glassware comprising of a first component having a receptacle for holding liquid; a second component including a base for allowing the stemmed glassware to be self supporting and including a middle portion connecting 5 to the first component, wherein the diameter of the base exceeds the diameter of the middle portion providing a stemmed effect; and at least one vision deformer in the first and/or second component whereby the vision deformer redirects and deforms a text or image to provide a more readily viewable visual effect of text or images. Figure 3 Figure460 Figure 4

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: Jane Elvin INVENTION TITLE: Modified Tableware The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - -2 Modified Tableware Field of the Invention The present invention relates to modified tableware for use in assisting a user to read 5 a menu or wine list at a restaurant or to be used as a novelty item at function centres and celebratory events. Though the invention can be applied to a variety of tableware items, with a number of different visual effects, for convenience it shall be described herein as a visual 10 directing means as applied to stemmed glassware. Unless otherwise specified, "stemmed glassware" is herein defined as glassware having a base portion, a middle portion and a top portion providing an opening whereby the base portion and top portion are larger in diameter than a middle 15 portion. Such examples include, but are by no means limited to, wine glasses, bottles, vases, beer bottles and decanters. The use of the term "glassware" is extended to include all amorphous solids (and melts that easily form amorphous solids), including plastics and resins, or other silica-free amorphous solids. 20 For convenience sake, the invention will be herein described in relation to a wine glass. Background to the Invention 25 It is well known that restaurants, bars, pubs and other eating and drinking establishments use printed menus or lists of food and drinks available to order by patrons. Such lists are useful for patrons to be able to identify the meals and drinks being offered by the establishment and are further useful to establishment owners in order to advertise and clearly list the drinks and food offered. However, there has 30 long been a need for an efficient and effective manner in providing a means to assist patrons in clearly reading such printed menus, lists or bills whilst ensuring that no important or desired information is omitted. For establishment owners, it is important to provide printed material that discloses all 35 their food and drinks to appeal to as many patrons as possible. In order to assist patron owners in differentiating themselves from competitors, they may include advertisement, blurbs and descriptive details to comprehensively define a dish or -3 provide details of the wine and the meal that it is best suited to. In addition to such information, they will also provide for opening hours, specials, entertainment for the venue, history or additional information regarding the staff and establishment. However, inclusion of such information in a menu can take extensive room. Patron 5 owners are therefore required to cut out such information or to include such information but in small text or type font. This presents a significant disadvantage for establishment owners as information being cut out can lead to less clientele or customers being misinformed about a dish 10 or wine which may lead to an unsatisfactory dining experience. In addition, failure to include important information such as use of particular meat, fish or poultry or use of allergenic products, such as peanuts for example, will not allow those patrons with allergies or particular dietary requirements, such as vegetarians, to make an informed decision as to the dish they order. 15 More particularly, the establishment owner may wish to use disclaimers in the menu such as "potential bones in fish" to negate a claim of negligence. In wine lists, the establishment owner may, as a requirement, need to include clearly and unambiguously that alcohol will not be sold to minors. 20 Further, omitting dishes or details of dishes may result in the loss of revenue for an establishment owner as items not detailed in a menu will not be ordered. Further, patrons viewing the menu may wish to leave the establishment and find another venue with a dish that will satisfy their desires. Further, as establishment owners 25 order groceries, failure to order a particular menu will result in wastage of such groceries or wine which may lose its taste or body, depending on the variety. Further to the issues of the patron owner, disadvantages are also caused to persons of normal vision and impaired vision where fine print is used. The use of small print 30 makes it difficult to read, in particular, it may cause headaches to some patrons or an unsatisfactory dining experience. Such disadvantages are particularly emphasised where the venues provide for dimmed lighting or candle light to create a warm ambience. 35 Under such circumstances, a patron may feel embarrassed as they need to request that another patron read to them the items listed in the menu. Further embarrassment arises where the patron must ask their waitress and/or waiter to read -4 out the menu. This can cause significant time wastage for the dining staff and may require venue establishments to hire additional staff members. Further inconvenience is created where users of impaired vision must ensure that 5 their glasses are taken with them to restaurants and bars. It may also be embarrassing to some patrons who do not wish to wear such glasses during dinner with family and friends. The prior art therefore illustrates a need of providing an effective and efficient manner 10 of providing a means of reading a menu or wine list in a conspicuous manner. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a modified wine glass. Summary of the Invention 15 In summary the invention provides for a modified drinking vessel comprising of a receptacle; and at least one vision deformer whereby the vision deformer is located relative to the receptacle, wherein the vision deformer provides a visual effect of objects external to the receptacle. 20 Further to this the invention is applied to drinking vessels such as a wine glass. The invention includes a vision deformer which, in one form, is a lens This lens can be convex in shape to enlarge the apparent image of an object or text, or it can be concave in shape to minimise the apparent image of an object or text. 25 The vision deformer can also be a magnifier, or be formed as a result of the manufacturing process in which it is the shaping of the glass which provides for a magnified effect. 30 The vision magnifier can be an image or light or lighting means which can be used individually or in combination with an image, advertising material or a TM. Where the invention is applied to a wine glass, the invention includes the a wine glass; and a vision deformer in the form of a magnifier provides a bulbous effect in 35 which to act as an optimal magnifier, wherein the magnifier provides an optimal magnifying effect of objects external to the receptacle.

-5 In this embodiment, it is preferred that the vision deformer is in the form of a convex lens. The invention further provides for a receptacle having a first component and a 5 second component wherein the first component provides an inner component for receiving a liquid and the second component providing a holding means allowing a user to grasp the receptacle to consume the contents in the first component of the receptacle and a base in which allow the receptacle to maintain an upright position; at least one vision deformer whereby the vision reformer is located in the second 10 component of the receptacle relative to the first component of the receptacle such that the use of the first component of the receptacle is unhindered, wherein the vision deformer is able to provide a visual effect during the unhindered use of the receptacle. 15 The invention further provides for a method of using a modified drinking vessel comprising of firstly providing a modified drinking vessel wherein the receptacle can be filled with liquid and consumed; providing a vision deformer in the second component of the drinking vessel; arranging the vision deformer in the second component over an object or text to be read by a user and viewing the text or object 20 through the second component of the drinking vessel and identifying the text or object thereof. It is preferred that the method is applied to a wine glass, whereby the vision deformer is in the form of a convex lens. 25 Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a stemmed glassware in the 30 form of a wine glass illustrating the essential features of the invention in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a diagrammatic rear view of the wine glass illustrating the base of the wine glass in accordance with the embodiment of the invention presented in Figure 1. 35 Figures 3 and 4 are details of the wine glass of Figure 1 showing two embodiments of the vision deformer in the base of the wine glass; -6 Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a wine glass of a further embodiment of the invention showing the vision deformer in the receptacle of the wine glass; and Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a wine glass of a further embodiment of the invention showing the vision deformer in the base and receptacle of the wine 5 glass. Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The invention provides modified tableware. In one form the tableware includes stemmed glassware such as a wine glass 10. The wine glass comprises of a first 10 component 20 and a second component 30. The first component 20 provides a receptacle 22 in which the wine glass is able to receive a liquid, such as wine, and to allow a user of the wine glass 10 to consume its contents. The receptacle comprises of an opening 23, a body 26 and a base 28. 15 The second component 30 comprises of an elongated member 34 and a base 36. The elongated member 34 is used by the user as handle in which, in use, the user grasps whilst consuming the contents of the receptacle 22. The elongated member 20 has an upper connection means 32 and a lower connection means 38. The upper connection means attaches the elongated member 34 to the receptacle 22. The lower connection means 38 attaches the elongated member to the base 36. However, this is dependent on the manufacturing method of the glass as it is also noted that the attachment of the elongated member 34 to the receptacle 22 and base 25 36 can occur integrally particularly where the wine glass is to be made in 1 or 2 manufacturing steps. The base 36 provides for an outer surface 41 and an inner surface 42. It defines two areas in which the vision reformer 50 may be housed. 30 The invention further provides for a vision reformer 50. The vision deformer 50 can be, in one form, a lens as illustrated in Figure 1. However, it is envisaged that the vision deformer 50 can be formed during the manufacturing of the wine glass by providing different layers and widths of glass or providing for different structures, 35 such as a bulbous structure, which will provide a visual effect by deforming the text to be viewed. In addition, the manufacturing process can provide the inclusion of a -7 microchip and projector in order to be able to project light or an image onto the body 26. The vision deformer 50 used in stemmed glassware, in the preferred embodiment, is 5 positioned in the inner surface 42. In such a manner it is noted that the stemmed glassware provides a handle in the form of an elongated member extending from the centre of the base 36. As the lens is housed within the base 36, the lens must provide for a means in which a user can view the image as it is being deformed by the vision deformer 50 from a side angle. Though the invention can be modified to 10 allow for a user to view the text from a centre view point through the receptacle base 28, concentrating on the current embodiment of the invention, the lens provides for a refractory mechanism as shown by line A in Figure 1. The refractory mechanism allows for an image directing means in which the text from the wine list is magnified by the vision deformed and redirected to a side angle. 15 This is particularly shown in Figure 3 where the vision deformer 50 is positioned in the centre of the base 36 from the outer surface 41 to the inner surface 42. In this embodiment, Figure 3 illustrates that the base 36 of the stemmed glassware is to be positioned over the wine list 60. In doing so, an individual can view the contents of 20 the wine list 60 by viewing the base 36 from a side angle as the vision deformer 50 is able to divert and magnify the sight of the text. In another embodiment shown in Figure 4, the vision deformer 50 is positioned to an outer edge of the base 36. In doing so the vision deformer 50, in contrast to the 25 embodiment in Figure 3, magnifies and diverts the image in an upward fashion. The lens can therefore provide for different illusions and visual affects through the flexible positioning of the lens in addition to the use of different types of lenses. It is preferred that lens is convex in order to enlarge an apparent image of an object or 30 text. However, the lens can be concave in order to minimise the apparent image of an object where desired. It is further within the scope of the invention to provide for visual deformation through the use of combining lenses. For example, the use of double convex lenses in the outer surface 41 and inner surface 42 provides a converging lens whilst the double concave lens in the same position creates a 35 diverging lens. Such mechanisms assist in allowing a user to read text from a side angle or at least in a non-linear angle.

-8 It is particularly noted that, where the invention is applied to a wine glass, a user can read the text or view an image from an angle and is not required to view such text from the receptacle base 28 upwards. This is advantageous as it allows the vision deformer 50 to be utilised whilst the wine glass is in use and holding the liquid. 5 Therefore, it is preferred that the lenses used refract light in a manner which allows a user, whilst the base 36 is positioned over text to be read, to read the text from a side view. The vision deformer, such as the lens, can also provide for different visual effects or 10 deformed views of the text depending on the positioning of the vision deformer in the wine glass 10. In the current embodiment of the invention, the lens is housed in the second component 30 of the wine glass 10. More particularly, the lens is housed in the base at the centre of the inner surface 42 extending out to the outer rim 43 of the base 36. In such a manner, a user is able to manoeuvre the wine glass 10 over a 15 wine list and view the text from the outer surface 41. The wine glass can then be naturally and inconspicuously moved along the text as the user desires thus providing a discrete and effective manner of reading fine print in a restaurant. Most advantageously, the invention allows for the wine glass 10 to retain its function 20 as a receptacle for holding wine. The wine glass can maintain its structure to provide a discrete method of overcoming the disadvantages of embarrassment and inconvenience. The lens can also be housed in the outer surface 41, the lower connection means 38, 25 the elongated member 34 or the upper connection means 32 or a combination thereof as each can provide a different affect on the text or object to be viewed. Figure 6 presents an example of such an embodiment where the vision deformer 50 is positioned in the upper connection means 32 and the base 36 of the wine glass 10. In doing, such an embodiment will provide for the use of a fibre optic cable 52 for 30 dispersing an image received from the base of the wine glass 10. The fibre optic cable 52 extends from the first vision deformer 50 in the upper connection means 32 to the second vision deformer 50 in the base 36 of the wine glass to thereby allow a user, when holding the wine glass over a light source, to view the text or image or achieve a deformer effect that can be viewed from the opening 23 of the wine glass 35 10.

-9 Such flexible and differential positioning of the lens will provide for different effects or different deformed views of the text. It will further allow a user, when the receptacle is empty, to view the wine list from the top of the wine glass 10 with the line of sight following from the centre of the receptacle base 28 and down the elongated member 5 34. In addition it can allow for the deformed visual effect to be viewed on the body 26 of the first component 20. This embodiment is presented in Figure 5 where the vision deformer 50 is positioned along one side of the receptacle 22 or along several sides of the receptacle to make 10 the wine glass more visually appealing or simply to ensure a balance. This will then allow a user to hold the wine list 60 in an upright position in order to allow the vision deformer 50 to take effect and allow the user to view the deformed image at an angle from the opening 23. 15 Further to this embodiment, the vision deformer 50 may be provided in a plug in manner. This will therefore require the glass to be manufactured and moulded in such a manner to allow for the vision deformer to be 'plugged in'. Such an embodiment may further allow removal of the vision deformer 50 as desired or to replace one vision deformer with another to create a different visual effect. 20 In order to assist in providing different visual effects or visual deformations of the text to be read, the lens can be provided for in a range of colours, designs or be clear or tinted. In addition, the lens can include an image or trade mark which, instead of a menu or bill tab, can be viewed to create a deformed image as a marketing tool. 25 External to the vision deformer 50, the invention further allows the use of lighting, pictures, images, trademarks or other such logos within the wine glass 10 to be used in combination with the vision deformer. For example, an image can be located at the inner member 42. A vision deformer can be located at the upper connection means 30 32. When the glass is empty, such as when a patron is first seated at their table, they can view the glass to see perhaps a trade mark or advertising slogan. When advertising a particular wine or product it will provide the venue owner with an alternate source of revenue. 35 Further to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an image in the inner surface 42 and the vision deformer in the outer surface 41. In such an embodiment, the wine glass 10 does not need to be empty in order to view the visual effects provided.

-10 In another embodiment, the image, trade mark ext can be provided for through the use of a microchip inserted at the lower connection means 38. The image displayed by the microchip can then be reflected through the use of a projector mechanism at 5 the upper connection means 32. In doing, the image, trade mark etc can be seen on the body 26 of the first component 20. It is important to note that the invention can be used in reverse. Though the preferred embodiment is to provide a visual effect by looking down from the first component 20 10 of the wine glass 10 to the second component 30, it can be viewed in reverse from the rear. In such an embodiment, an image can be positioned at the upper connection means 32 and a vision deformer, such as a convex lens at the lower connection means 38. This may be particular useful in celebratory events or functions, to provide for prizes, lottery or raffle tickets. 15 The invention further provides for a method of using modified tableware, such as a wine glass 10. Such a method comprises firstly of providing a wine glass wherein the receptacle can be filled with liquid and consumed. It is an advantage of the present invention that the structure of the wine glass does not need to be modified in order to 20 house the vision deformer. The vision deformer is housed in the second component of the wine glass 20. The second component, as described above, comprising of the upper connection means 32, the elongated member 34, the lower connection means 38 and the base 36. 25 In use, the vision deformer is arranged in a manner as desired by the venue owner or manufactured in the second component 30 of the drinking vessel or used as a removable portion. It is therefore envisaged that the vision deformer can be removable providing the user to obtain different effects as desired by simply replacing the vision deformer used. 30 It is further noted that the vision deformer can form part of the wine glass for example, as part of a removable base or handle to allow for a further variety of visual effects. However, in the current embodiment, the vision deformer is housed in the inner surface 42 of the base 36. This will allow a user to manoeuvre and arrange the 35 base 36 of the wine glass 10 over a text or object to be viewed. When viewing the text or object through the second component of the drinking vessel, the text and - 11 object can be seen, or as described in another embodiment of the invention, an image can be seen for additional visual effects. In an embodiment relating to beer glasses/bottles, the invention can provide for the 5 implementation of an additional compartment at the base of the beer glass in order to provide a base portion which is larger than the middle portion of the beer glasses/bottle. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that such modifications or changes to the 10 particular embodiments exemplified can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. A stemmed glassware comprising of: a first component having a receptacle for holding liquid; 5 a second component including a base for allowing the stemmed glassware to be self supporting and including a middle portion connecting to the first component, wherein the diameter of the base exceeds the diameter of the middle portion providing a stemmed effect; and at least one vision deformer in the first and/or second component 10 whereby the vision deformer redirects and deforms a text or image to provide a more readily viewable visual effect of text or images.

2. A stemmed glassware according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a drinking vessel. 15

3. A stemmed glassware according to claim 2, wherein the stemmed glassware is a wine glass.

4. A stemmed glassware according to claim 1, wherein the vision deformer is in 20 the form of one or more lenses.

5. A stemmed glassware according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or more lenses is convex to alter the apparent image of an object. 25

6. A stemmed glassware according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or more lenses is concave to alter the apparent image of an object.

7. A stemmed glassware according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one vision deformer is a magnifier. 30

8. A stemmed glassware according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one vision deformer provides a visual effect of an image or object viewable external to the stemmed glassware. 35

9. A stemmed glassware according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one vision deformer provides a visual effect of an image or object internal to the stemmed glassware. -14

10. A stemmed glassware according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the text or image to be redirected and deformed is external of the glassware.

11. A stemmed glassware according to any one of the preceding claims wherein 5 the text or image to be redirected and deformed is internal of the glassware.

12. A stemmed glassware comprising of: a wine glass including a base a stem mounted on the base and an open top receptacle mounted on the stem; and 10 a vision deformer in the form of a magnifier integral with the wine glass, whereby the magnifier provides an optimal magnifying effect of objects external or internal to the wine glass. 15

13. A stemmed glassware according to claim 12, whereby the vision deformer is in the form of a lens.

14. A stemmed glassware according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the base includes a bulbous effect in which to act as the vision deformer by an optimal 20 magnifier.

15. A stemmed glassware according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the vision deformer includes one or more lenses comprised of convex and/or concave lenses to enlarge the apparent image of an object. 25

16. A stemmed glassware according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the vision deformer includes an optical fibre for dispersing image received from the base of the glass. 30

17. A stemmed glassware according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the vision deformer includes a lens in the receptacle of the wine glass for providing a viewable magnified image through the receptacle.

18. A stemmed glassware comprising of: 35 a receptacle having a first component and a second component wherein the first component provides an inner component for receiving a liquid and the second component providing a holding means allowing a user -15 to grasp the receptacle to consume the contents in the first component of the receptacle and a base in which allow the receptacle to maintain an upright position wherein the diameter of the receptacle and the base is larger than the diameter of the base; 5 at least one vision deformer allowing a deformed image to be viewed from a side angle whereby the vision deformer is located in the second component of the receptacle relative to the first component of the receptacle such that the use of the first component of the receptacle is unhindered; wherein the vision deformer is able to provide a visual effect during 10 the unhindered use of the receptacle.

19. A method of using a stemmed glassware comprising of: providing a stemmed glassware wherein the receptacle can be filled with liquid and consumed; 15 providing a vision deformer in the second component of the drinking vessel; arranging the vision deformer in the second component over an object or text to be read by a user viewing the text or object through the second component of the 20 glassware from a side angle and identifying the text or object thereof

20. A method of using a stemmed glassware according to claim 19, wherein the stemmed glassware is a wine glass. 25

21. A stemmed glassware according to claim 19, whereby the vision deformer is in the form of a lens.

22. A stemmed glassware according to claim 19, whereby the lens includes a convex lens to enlarge the apparent image of an object. 30

23. A stemmed glassware according to claim 22, whereby the lens includes a concave to deform or enlarge the apparent image of an object.

24. A stemmed glassware substantially as hereinbefore described with reference 35 to the description and the drawings. - 16

25. A method of using a stemmed glassware substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the description and the drawings.