JP2010516584A - wine glass - Google Patents

Abstract

A wine glass made from molded plastic narrows upwards to collect wine scents in combination with a undulating lower base that forms an annular moat that surrounds the central punt to improve visual inspection of wine. And an upper body constituting the flume. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched recess formed on the outside thereof that forms a shelf for easy grasping and handling by the assembled glass fingertips. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules that can be assembled to form the wine glass and each can be compactly and stackably disassembled. In another form, the wineglass has a one-piece structure that is adapted to be stacked compactly by partially accepting the narrowed flume in the stack on the back side of the lower base of the upper glass. .
[Selection] Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates generally to improvements in wine glasses that can be made from relatively lightweight and cost-effective plastic materials. In particular, the present invention is an improved wineglass of modular or unitary construction, so that such wineglasses can be easily grasped and such wines can be easily inspected for aroma and visual characteristics. The invention further relates to wine glasses in which a plurality of wine glasses or their modular components are shaped so that they can be stacked relatively compactly for transport and / or storage convenience.

  Wine is typically served at a wide variety of social meetings and events, from small to large, and informal to formal. In this regard, in general, the olfactory, visual and taste characteristics of any given wine are round or bowl-shaped with an increased cross-sectional size relative to the upper and inwardly tapered upper flume. It is recognized that it is best presented and best judged by the use of a traditional transparent wine glass with a bottom of. This classic wineglass shape swirls a small amount of wine within the bowl-shaped bottom of the glass, allowing precise visual inspection of the wine's color, meniscus and other visual characteristics, narrowing top flume Tend to gather wine aromas to promote sensory detection and enjoyment. Traditionally, such wine glasses are typically made from glass by supporting the bowl-shaped bottom of the glass on thin legs that protrude upwardly from a disc-shaped lower base.

  However, wine glasses made from glass are brittle and thus during normal use as well as during transport and handling prior to use, as well as during handling after use, including cleaning, drying and returning the glass to storage. Easy to break. Further, a set of wine glasses made of glass may be relatively expensive, especially when a large number of glasses need to be used in social events. In addition, traditional wineglass shapes, including a narrow upper flume, inherently do not allow a compact stack of multiple glasses for space-efficient transport and storage.

  As a result, alternative drinking containers or cups made from molded plastics that are relatively inexpensive and do not substantially break are often used to serve wine instead of wine glasses made from traditional glass. It is done. Such plastic molded cups are relatively inexpensive and are thus suitable for disposal after a single use. In some forms, such molded plastic cups are provided with surface features designed to enhance the various visual, olfactory and taste properties of wine. See, for example, US Pat. Nos. 6,409,374 and 6,644,846, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

US Pat. No. 6,409,374 US Pat. No. 6,644,846

  However, such molded plastic cups typically have an upwardly extending cross-sectional shape, so that the cups can be transported and stored in a compact stacked array, but this upwardly extending shape Does not collect the scent of wine. Thus, plastic molded cups are generally incompatible with the most advantageous and optimal display of all properties resulting from a particular vintage and do not optimize wine presentation and enjoyment.

  Accordingly, there is a need for further improvements to wineglasses of the type made from molded plastic that are shaped to optimize wine presentation and enjoyment. The present invention addresses these needs and provides further related advantages.

  In accordance with the present invention, a wine glass made of molded, preferably transparent plastic, is combined with a lower base having an undulation that forms an annular moat surrounding the central punt, which improves visual inspection of the wine. An upper body constituting a flume narrowed upward for collecting the scent of In addition, the upper body of the wine glass, on the outside, facilitates grasping and handling by the fingertips of the assembled glass, and correspondingly for precise inspection of the aroma and visual characteristics of the wine contained in the wine glass And a notched recess that forms a shelf that is generally horizontal and upward.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper body and the lower base of the wine glass are composed of modular components formed separately, and these modular components are formed by, for example, injection molding or the like. The modular upper body is assembled with the modular lower base quickly and easily, substantially leak-free, to form an assembled wine glass with a narrowed flume in combination with a lower annular moat surrounding the central punt It is like that. The central punt may have a generally hemispherical shape that is convex upward to improve visual inspection of wine contained within the annular moat. The modular upper body and lower base are adapted to be quickly and easily disassembled so that separate modular components can each be stacked compactly.

  In another preferred form of the present invention, the upper body and the lower base of the wine glass are combined with a lower annular moat surrounding the central punt to form a flume that narrows upward, for example, by blow molding or the like to form a single structure or an integral structure. And further includes an external notched recess. The central punt may delimit a concave central inner cup above a predetermined or weighed volume for receiving a metered amount of wine. The monolithic glass is an annular cavity formed on the backside of the lower base of the glass that is located above the stack in the stack at an inner or radial inward position relative to the adjacent annular moat. By being fitted at least partially inside, it can be compactly stacked in a filled or unfilled state.

  In one form, the wine glasses of the present invention are sold on the market containing a glass of selected wine or other beverage contained in a plastic or foil-based pouch or bag. It becomes a convenient and compact commercial unit that can be used. The pouch or bag is initially housed in a location within the wine glass where the label affixed to the pouch or bag can be seen through the transparent glass so that it can be easily seen from the outside. Typically, a sealing member such as a removable cap is provided to close the top of the wine glass containing the pouch or bag to keep the product hygienic. In use, the seal member is removed for access to and removal of the pouch or bag, and then the pouch or bag is opened and the contents therein are poured into the wine glass. After use, the entire commercial unit can be disposed of economically.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention.

It is a perspective view which shows the module wine glass comprised by one preferable form of this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the module wine glass taken generally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing the removable lid in exploded view. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the assembly of the component which forms a module wineglass. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to a region 4 entirely surrounded by a circle in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing a number of upper body components of a plurality of wine glasses arranged in a compact stacking relationship. FIG. 6 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing a number of lower base components of a plurality of wine glasses arranged in a compact stacking relationship. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating another preferred form of the invention. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, but showing a plurality of wine glasses constructed according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 in a compact stacking relationship. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to a region 9 entirely surrounded by a circle in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to a region 10 entirely surrounded by a circle in FIG. 8. 1 is a front perspective view of a wine glass constructed in accordance with the present invention, combined with a pouch or bag containing a glass of wine or the like. FIG. FIG. 12 is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 11 but showing the pouch or bag removed from the wine glass and the contents poured into the wine glass.

  As shown in the exemplary drawings, the wineglass, indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1, is made of molded plastic. In a preferred form (FIGS. 1-6), the wine glass is quickly and easily assembled to provide a leak-proof drinking container (FIGS. 1-4) that is particularly suitable for drinking and / or tasting wine. It has a modular structure made up of separately formed modular components that are enabled, and these plastic modular components are further compactly nested in a non-assembled state (see FIG. 5 and 6). In another preferred form (FIGS. 7-10), the modified wineglass 110 has a unitary or unitary structure adapted to be stacked relatively compactly and partially nested in a filled or unfilled state. Either embodiment can be integrated into a convenient commercial unit 200 (FIGS. 11 and 12), in which case the transparent wine glass 210 is a full pouch contained in a soft pouch or bag 260. Offered in combination with wine or other beverages.

  The wine glasses of the present invention have a geometric shape designed to increase the enjoyment of almost all of the properties attributed to a particular wine. More specifically, the wine glass has an upper flume 12 with a cross-sectional shape narrowed upward to collect wine aroma or fragrance. In addition, the lower region or bottom of the wine glass has a lower base 14 with undulations that constitute a central upright punt 16 surrounded by a recessed annular moat 18. Can improve the visual inspection of small amounts of wine that are placed in the moat 18 and / or swirled. In addition, the wine glass has a relatively shallow, upwardly located, externally notched recess 20 that forms a substantially horizontal external shelf 22 sized for convenient fingertip application, thereby It becomes easy to grip and handle with the fingertip of the wine glass. All of these features are provided in a relatively simple and cost effective structure suitable for forming by plastic molding methods.

  As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary modular wineglass 10 has an upper shell-shaped body 24 in combination with a lower base 14, and these two components or modules are: Each is configured by a plastic molding method or the like, and then assembled in a substantially leak-free relationship. While a variety of different plastic materials can be used, one of the preferred plastic materials has density, strength, and transparency that aids in a close visual inspection of a beverage such as wine contained in an assembled glass. And substantially transparent polystyrene suitable for relatively economical production of modular components by injection molding or the like.

  The upper body 24 extends upward from the lower end and has a suitably shaped mold cavity or die (not shown) with at least some radial inward taper to allow formation by an injection molding process. With a substantially circular cross-sectional shape that allows for quick and easy removal of the molded body 24 from the body. According to an important aspect of the present invention, the upper region of the generally cylindrical tapered upper body has a flume 12, which has a sharper or more markedly radially inwardly tapered cross-sectional shape. Which closely matches the inwardly tapered upper flume zone of a conventional wineglass made of brittle glass material and terminates in an upper opening 26 of reduced cross-sectional size. This flume 12 with a narrowed cross-sectional area beneficially collects the aroma or aroma of wine contained within the assembled modular glass 10.

  At least one annular seal rib 28 (best shown in FIG. 4) is formed within the upper body 24 at a location spaced closely adjacent its lower end. This seal rib 28 is for receiving interference, preferably a snap fit, within a generally mating seal groove 30 (FIGS. 3 and 4) formed on the outside of the generally cylindrical outer wall 32 of the lower base component 14. Are dimensioned and shaped. When these two components are combined together with a snap fit, a radially outwardly protruding lip 34 overlying and compressing the lower edge of the upper body 24 is located at the lower edge of the outer wall 32. It is good to form. The seal rib 28 and associated seal groove 30 are thus substantially sealed or leak-free interconnections or joints that may be placed below the level of liquid contained in the assembled glass. Sized and shaped to provide.

  Alternatively, the positions of the seal rib 28 and the seal groove 30 may be reversed, i.e., the seal rib 28 may interfere with the associated seal groove 30 formed in the upper body 24 near its lower end. Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that it may be formed on the outer wall 32 of the lower base 14 to specifically accept a snap fit. Further, if desired, one or both of the seal rib 28 and seal groove 30 may be coated with a thin film sealant such as a curable silicon-based gel or similar elastic seal material.

  The upper edge of the outer wall 32 of the lower base 14 is integrally formed with a radially inwardly extending base plate constituted by an outer annular segment 36, which is centered in the axial direction, preferably upwards In cooperation with the semi-convex or semi-spherical punt 16, a concave annular moat 18 is formed between them. As shown, the vertical dimension of the punt 16 preferably extends upwardly by a distance that is at least shorter than the plane of the outer segment 36. The resulting volume of the moat 18 defined by the volume located below the plane of the outer segment 36 is preferably on the order of about 1 fluid ounce (28.35 g), or a predetermined amount of wine-like beverage. For example, other selected volumes suitable for tasting and evaluating the characteristics of a particular wine. The shape of the punt 16 that is molded and preferably made of a transparent plastic material beneficially facilitates the passage of light through the wine contained in the moat 18 and correspondingly the wine color, Acts as a refractive or reflective lens to improve transparency and visual inspection of the meniscus.

  According to an important aspect of the present invention, the outer annular segment 36 is effective in the shape of the recessed moat 18 and the central punt 16 to form a radially rigid structure for the lower base component 14. To collaborate. Therefore, pushing the upper body 24 inwardly in the region of the seal lip 28 applies a radially inward pressure to the lower base 14 resulting in a deformation of the lower base 14 in the radially inward direction. Absent. Such radially inward deformation of the lower base 14 is undesirable because it causes the sealing ribs 28 and seal grooves 30 that are fitted together to bend, which can result in undesirable leakage of liquid beyond the seal structure. The rigid geometry of the lower base 14 functions to prevent such leakage from occurring.

  In the unassembled state as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of plastic molded upper body components 24 can be conveniently, space-efficient, compact nests for transportation and / or storage. Can be assembled into a stacked array. In a similar manner, in an unassembled state as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of plastic molded lower base components 14 can be stacked in a compact nested array for similarly compact transportation and / or storage. it can. These components 24, 26 can be quickly and easily assembled with a snap fit if desired, thereby forming an assembled modular wine glass 10. After use, the plastic glass 10 may be discarded or, if desired, can be disassembled for proper cleaning and compact storage in preparation for reuse.

  According to a further aspect of the present invention, the upper body component 24 has a notch 20 recessed outside thereof, preferably at a location near the vertical midpoint of the assembled modular glass 10. The recessed notch 20 is partly constituted by a substantially horizontal shelf 22 at its lower end, which is relatively narrow, but can be conveniently grasped with a fingertip, for example by the tip of a human thumb. Sufficient horizontal depth is provided to allow this. The outer edge of the shelf 22 may have short, upright and substantially horizontal elongated ribs 38 to further improve grip and manipulation by the fingertips. Thus, the assembled modular wine glass 10 can be easily grasped and handled with fingertips such as the thumb and index finger while inspecting and drinking the wine contained therein.

  In this regard, the glass 10 assembled with the thumb easily grasping the shelf 22 with the ribs 38, placing the forefinger and / or middle finger against the lower base 14 and / or about the lower periphery or periphery of the lip 34 approximately. The assembled glass 10 can be easily and conveniently lifted substantially to eye and nose level for optimal inspection of the wine that is lifted and contained within the glass. The modular glass 10 grasped with a fingertip is easily held and handled by the notched shelf 22 and associated rib 38 to enjoy and / or rate the scent of wine contained in the glass while the glass 10 is Can be held near the nose. In addition, the notched shelf 22 facilitates further manipulation of the glass to swirl near the eyes of the person holding it, thereby resulting in enhanced lighting effects, particularly from the punt 16. Thus, a small amount of wine in the lower end of the glass in the annular moat 18 or in a substantially filled state can be visually inspected. Importantly, such handling and lifting of the wine glass 10 can be done without grasping or fouling the large surface area of the upper body 24 or the lower base 14. In addition, the handling of the glass 10 with such fingertips minimizes contact between the human body and the surface area of the glass, thereby minimizing undesirable heat transfer from the person to the wine etc. contained in the glass. Can be suppressed. The shelf 22 further facilitates handling of the modular glass 10 while drinking wine.

  If desired, a removable lid 40 is further provided as a third component made of molded plastic, such as by injection molding, such that the top is closed to close the mouth 26 of the assembled glass 10. The body component 24 is detachably attached by, for example, a snap-fit connection. The lid component 40 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in the form of a generally circular disc having a size and shape that lies over the open mouth 26, and the lid component is contained within the mouth 26. And has a suspended annular lip 42 sized for snap fit reception. In this configuration, the lid component 40 can be assembled and removed from the glass as desired. The lid 40 (or upper body 24) may further include a label (not shown) or a writable matte area (also not shown) to identify the vintage contained within the glass. It is good to have. Furthermore, in the unassembled state, a plurality of lid components 40 can also be stacked in a compact array (not shown) for convenient transportation and storage.

  FIGS. 7 to 10 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The modified wine glass 110 has a single body or a unitary structure, but is otherwise shown in FIGS. It comprises structural and functional features identified with reference numerals common to the embodiments described with reference.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 7 in a vertical cross section, the modified wine glass 110 has an upper body 24 having a generally cylindrical cross-sectional shape generally consistent with the embodiment of FIGS. The body has an upwardly narrowed upper flume 12 that terminates in the upper edge or upper periphery of the open mouth 26. The lower edge or the lower peripheral edge of the upper body 24 is integrally joined to the integral structure of the lower base 14. The upper body 24 further includes a notched outer recess 20 that defines a shallow shelf 22 and associated raised ribs 38. The monolithic wine glass 110 is also preferably lightweight and relatively economical and is preferably made from a transparent plastic material such as a plastic material suitable for blow molding processes such as PET plastics. .

  The lower base 14 of the integral wine glass 110 has an annular moat 18 that is cooperatively configured around the lower periphery of the glass interior volume between the lower region of the upper body 24 and the central upright punt 16. ing. In this embodiment, the punt 16 constitutes an upright annular wall formed to extend upward and inward at a relatively steep angle from the lower peripheral edge of the upper body 24, and the wall constituting the moat Are deviating upward from one another with a depression angle on the order of about 10 ° to 20 °. This geometry provides a wide and improved view of the visual characteristics of the wine contained within the moat 18.

  Furthermore, the wall that forms the inner moat, constituted by the punt 16, has a predetermined or metered liquid volume for pouring and receiving a metered amount of wine, open upward and concave in the upper center. Joined at the upper peripheral edge of the inner bowl or cup 44 in a delimiting relationship. This central cup 44 functions as a refractive or reflective lens to improve the light passing through the wine contained in the cup 44 and correspondingly improve visual inspection of the wine's color, transparency and meniscus. It is composed of a downwardly convex geometric shape. As an alternative, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the upright punt 16 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 has an upwardly convex shape as shown in FIGS. Alternatively, the punt 16 shown in FIGS. 1-6 may have a central cup 44.

  In use, the modified wine glass 110 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is adapted to pour and receive a weighed amount of wine into a central bowl or cup 44 that opens upward. The wine glass 110 can be grasped and handled as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6 so that the wine in the cup 44 can be visually inspected. In addition, the wine glass can be manipulated and tilted so that wine can be transferred from the cup 44 into the surrounding moat 18 so that further visual and olfactory tests as described above can be performed. Such handling of the wine glass 110 with minimal surface contact between the person's fingertip and the glass, for example, with the notch 20 and the upper body 24 with the recessed thumb and index finger (and / or middle finger), respectively, By grasping the glass so that it is located at the lower perimeter formed by the joint with the upwardly extending wall forming the punt 16, without substantially distorting the wine's visibility due to fingerprints or other dirt, Easily achieved.

  In particular, the central cup 44 is designed to receive a liquid beverage such as wine for the purpose of improving beverage viewing, weighing and tasting. In the preferred form, the central cup 44 constitutes a relatively wide, upwardly existing and upwardly open surface area substantially aligned with the open upper mouth of the glass so that a substantial portion of the beverage will splash. Without or otherwise allowing the beverage to be poured directly into the central cup 44 from above without entering or filling the surrounding moat 18. In this regard, the circumferential opening defined by the cup 44 is aligned substantially coaxially with the mouth 26, such circumferential opening being at least about 1/2, preferably substantially, the circumferential size of the mouth 26. Have equal circumferential sizes. In the preferred geometry, the tapered flume geometry of the upper body 24 is located at least partially, preferably completely above the surrounding moat 18, so that it is within the moat 18 via the mouth 26. The direct pouring of beverage into the bottle is substantially prevented. That is, in a preferred form, the moat 18 is positioned in a substantially undercut position with respect to the glass rim constituting the mouth 26 with the uppermost periphery of the punt 16 aligned substantially perpendicularly with the glass rim. Has been.

  In addition, the central cup 44 constitutes a liquid volume or volume that accepts a limited but preferably a metered amount of beverage, such as for adequate visual and olfactory examination and judgment. The preferred capacity of the center cup 44 is from about 1/2 ounce (14.17 g) to about 2 ounce (56.70 g), most preferably about 1 ounce (28.35 g).

  The central cup 44 facilitates handling of the glass 110 to swirl the beverage contained therein during this inspection process. The glass can be tilted from a vertical orientation to an angle on the order of about 45 ° so that the beverage is swirled and in a controlled or regulated flow into the surrounding moat 18 from the uppermost edge of the punt 16 Spilling slowly. This process beneficially facilitates and improves the examination and determination of properties such as the color and viscosity of beverages such as wine, thereby increasing beverage enjoyment. The glass 110 is particularly suitable for beverage examination and analysis, for example in wine tasting events.

  The integrated wine glass 110 is also adapted to be stacked relatively compactly as shown in FIG. That is, the back side of the lower base 14 of each glass 110 comprises an annular cavity 46 between the upstanding wall of the punt 16 and a downwardly projecting central bowl or cup 44, which cavity 46 is below the stack. On top of the upper body 24 of the positioned glass 110, it is sized and shaped so as to be able to partially receive the narrowed flume 12 in a substantially nested manner. In particular, the taper narrowed above the flume 12 is sized and shaped to substantially match the geometric shape tapered above and inward of the punt wall, so that these components are It is dimensioned, shaped and essentially vertically aligned to provide a relatively snug and substantially stable slide fit interconnect when stacked. In this geometry, a central cup 44 of each stacked glass 110 is shown with a portion of wine in a number of glasses 110 so that it can be conveniently and quickly distributed to individuals. Can be stacked reliably and in a stable manner with wine in it, or, as a variant, in an unfilled state so that it can be transported and / or stored in a relatively compact manner before or between uses It can be stacked reliably and in a stable manner.

  Stacking a number of glasses 110 in a reliable and stable manner is a transition between the inner wall or punt 16 that extends above the moat 18 and the downwardly extending walls that make up the central bowl or cup 44, with each glass 110. And a round, slightly enlarged or thick bead 50 (FIGS. 9 and 10) that can be snapped into engagement with a detent channel 52 (FIG. 10) formed on the back side of the plate. Thus, it is improved by forming the upper rim of each glass at the open mouth 26. In a preferred form, this detent channel 52 may be constituted by a plurality of, typically three or more, circumferentially spaced shallow detent protrusions 54, although As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, an annular detent protrusion can be used if desired. Thus, the stack engaged with the snap fit of the glass 110 can pre-fill the glass 110 with each weighed amount of wine, etc., and each lower glass in the stack is snap fitted to this. It provides a stable array that is substantially closed and sealed by the glass positioned immediately above it. Further, the round bead 50 of each glass in the topmost glass 110 or non-stacked array is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the cap 40 of the type illustrated and described (shown in phantom in FIG. 9). Can be used for snap-fit attachment. Thus, pre-filled stacked glasses 110 can be prepared in advance for dispensing, but can remain substantially sealed until actual dispensing that can be done in a convenient and quick manner.

  In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the curved downward convex shape of the inner bowl or cup 44 cooperates with the outwardly convex shape of the body 24 under certain conditions to form the integral glass 110. Increase the content of liquid. In particular, a liquid such as wine that is contained in the cup 44 is magnified when viewed from the top of the glass 110 so that the liquid properties can be easily and precisely inspected. Further, in the exemplary configuration as shown, approximately from about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) above the top of the central bowl or cup 44 to about 1/2 of the beaded upper rim 50 that lines the mouth 26. It is believed that the focal zone is created in an area that extends down to inches. Within this focal zone or region, this was due to light entering the transparent bottom and bottom of the body 24 with the glass filled with liquid to about 1/2 inch below the beaded rim 50. The expansion effect is considered to occur when light is refracted upward. The net effect of the liquid in this focal zone expands the liquid in the lower inner cup 44.

  11 and 12 show a wine glass 210 that can be constructed in accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present invention, which is provided as an integral part of a commercial unit 200, which is a sealed plastic or foil. A beverage, such as a full glass of wine, that is initially placed in a pouch or bag 260 based on s.

  In particular, the wine glass 210 (FIGS. 11 and 12) generally has the same structure as FIGS. 7 to 7, except that the notched recess 20 and associated external shelf 22 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) are omitted. It is shown consistent with the embodiment shown in FIG. Instead, the exemplary wine glass 210 has a generally cylindrical cross-sectional shape and tapers upward to form a narrowed upper flume 12 that terminates in the upper or upper periphery of the open mouth 26. The upper body 24 has an integral structure. The lower edge or the lower peripheral edge of the upper body 24 is integrally joined to the lower base 14 in an integral structure. The lower base 14 of the integrated wine glass 210 has an annular moat 18 that is configured to cooperate in the lower periphery of the inner volume of the glass between the lower region of the upper body 24 and the central upright punt 16. Yes. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-10, the central punt 16 has a predetermined or metered liquid volume for opening and receiving a metered amount of wine, open upward and recessed centrally inside. Make up a bowl or cup. In a preferred form, the integral wine glass 210 is also made of a transparent plastic material that is lightweight and inexpensive.

  FIG. 11 shows a commercial unit 200 having a wine glass 210 in an initial configuration in which a sealed pouch or bag 260 is housed. In this regard, the pouch or bag 260 has a flexible plastic or foil-based structure containing a selected beverage, such as a selected wine, preferably in an amount representing a full serving. Yes. In the first form, a label 262 on the pouch or bag 260 is placed on the clear plastic of the wine glass to allow easy external viewing and reading of the type, amount, and origin of the beverage contained. It can be easily seen through the body 24. A sealing member 40, such as a lid of the type shown and described in FIG. 2, normally closes and seals the pouch 260 in the glass 210 in a manner that maintains the internal glass hygiene.

  In use, the seal member 40 is removed from the mouth 260 of the glass 210 and the pouch or bag 260 contained therein is accessed and removed. The pouch 260 can then be opened in the normal manner, for example by manually tearing the upper strip 264 as shown in FIG. With the pouch 260 opened, the pouch contents may be poured by quickly and easily pouring 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.

  Various further variations and modifications of the improved modular wineglass 10 and / or the integral glass 110 and / or the commercial unit 200 of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the modified wine glass 110 may further include a label provided on the upper body 24 or a writable frosted zone (not shown). Further, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the wine glass 210 and / or associated seal member 40 may take a wide variety of different geometric forms. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

A drinking glass with an open mouth;
A flexible pouch containing a drink and received in the beverage glass, normally closed;
A combination of a seal member extending across the open mouth of the glass receiving the beverage containing pouch and closing the open mouth;
The seal member is removable from the open mouth to allow access to the beverage storage pouch or to allow removal of the beverage storage pouch from the glass, the pouch being In order to pour the beverage from the pouch into the glass, it can be opened,
A combination characterized by that.   The combination of claim 1, wherein the flexible pouch is provided with a release strip for manually opening the flexible pouch.   The combination of claim 1, wherein the seal member has a lid removably attached to the glass with a snap fit.   The pouch has an identification label, and the glass is at least partially transparent so that the label can be viewed from the outside when the pouch is received in the glass. Combination described in.   The combination according to claim 1, wherein the glass is made of a transparent molded plastic material.   The glass has a substantially shell-shaped and transparent upper body that terminates in an upper rim that defines the mouth, and a lower base provided at a lower end of the upper body, the lower base being upright The combination of claim 1 comprising a recessed annular moat surrounding the central punt.   7. The central punt comprises an upwardly concave central inner cup delimited by the punt, wherein the inner cup constitutes a beverage capacity of at least about 1/2 ounce (14.17 g). Combination of descriptions.   The combination of claim 7, wherein the rim defining the mouth is positioned in a substantially vertical alignment with the punt.   The combination of claim 6, wherein the shell-shaped body comprises an upwardly narrowed tapered flume that terminates at the upper rim. A transparent beverage glass with an open mouth;
A flexible pouch containing a drink and received in the beverage glass and normally closed;
A combination with a seal member extending across the open mouth of the glass receiving the beverage containing pouch and normally closing the open mouth;
The pouch is provided on the pouch and has an identification label visible through the glass; the pouch is further provided on the pouch and further comprises a detachable strip capable of opening the pouch;
The seal member can be removed from the open mouth to allow access to the beverage containing pouch and to allow removal of the beverage containing pouch from the glass, the pouch A severing strip is adapted to open the pouch to allow the cup of beverage to be poured from the pouch into the glass.
A combination characterized by that.   The combination of claim 10, wherein the seal member has a lid removably attached to the glass with a snap fit.

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