US20070119726A1 - Wine glass - Google Patents

Abstract

A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes 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 further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack.

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 line2-2 ofFIG. 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 theencircled region4 ofFIG. 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 toFIG. 2, but depicting an alternative preferred form of the present invention;
• FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view similar toFIG. 5, but showing a plurality of wine glasses constructed in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 7 in compact stacked relation;
• FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmented sectional view corresponding generally with theencircled region9 inFIG. 8;
• FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmented sectional view corresponding generally with theencircled region10 inFIG. 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 toFIG. 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 inFIG. 1 by thereference numeral10 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 modifiedwine glass110 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 unit200 (FIGS. 11-12) wherein atransparent wine glass210 is provided in combination with a serving of wine or other beverage contained within a flexible pouch orbag260.
• 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 anupper flume12 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 contouredlower base14 defining a centralupstanding punt16 surrounded by a recessedannular moat18, wherein thepunt16 and moat18 accommodate enhanced visual inspection of a small quantity of the wine contained and/or swirled within themoat18. Further, the wine glass incorporates an external notchedindent20 defining a relatively shallow, upwardly presented and substantially horizontalexterior shelf22 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 inFIGS. 1-4, the illustrativemodular wine glass10 includes an upper shell-shaped body24 in combination with thelower base14, 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.
• Theupper body24 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 themolded body24 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 theflume12 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 openupper mouth26 of reduced cross sectional size. This flume12 of upwardly narrowing cross sectional area beneficially concentrates the aroma or bouquet of wine contained within the assembledmodular glass10.
• At least one annular seal rib28 (shown best inFIG. 4) is formed within the interior of theupper body24 at a location spaced closely from a lower end thereof. Thisseal rib28 is sized and shaped for interference, preferably snap-fit reception into a generally matingly shaped seal groove30 (FIGS. 3-4) formed on the outboard side of a generally cylindricalouter wall32 on thelower base component14. A radially outwardly protrudinglip34 may be formed at a lower margin of theouter wall32, for overlying and bearing against a lower margin of theupper body24, when the two components are snap-fit assembled together. Theseal rib28 and associatedseal groove30 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 theseal rib28 andseal groove30 may be reversed, i.e., that theseal rib28 may be formed on theouter wall32 of thelower base14 for interference, substantially snap-fit reception into the associatedseal groove30 formed within theupper body24 near the lower end thereof. Moreover, if desired, one or both of theseal rib28 and theseal groove30 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 theouter wall32 of thelower base14 is molded integrally with a radially inwardly extending base plate defined by an outerannular segment36 which cooperates with the axially centered and preferably upwardly convex, half-round orhemispherical punt16 to form the upwardly open recessedannular moat18 therebetween. As shown, the vertical dimension of thepunt16 preferably extends at least a short distance above the plane of theouter segment36. The resultant volume of themoat18, defined by the volume disposed below the plane of theouter segment36, 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 thepunt16, 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 themoat18, for correspondingly enhanced visual inspection of the wine color, clarity and meniscus.
• In accordance with one important aspect of the invention, the outerannular segment36 effectively cooperates with the shape of the recessedmoat18 and thecentral punt16 to form a radially stiff construction for thelower base component14. Accordingly, radially inward pressure applied to thelower base14, by pressing inwardly on theupper body24 in the region of theseal lip28, does not result in radially inward deformation of thelower base14. Such radially inwardly deformation of thelower base14 would undesirably deflect theinterfitting seal rib28 andseal groove30, with resulting potential for undesirable leakage of liquid past the seal structure. The stiff geometry of thelower base14 functions to prevent such leakage from occurring.
• In the unassembled state as viewed inFIG. 5, a plurality of plastic moldedupper body components24 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 inFIG. 6, a plurality of plastic moldedlower base components14 can be stacked in a compact nested array for similarly compact shipment and/or storage. Thesecomponents24 and26 can be snap-fit assembled when desired, quickly and easily, to form the assembledmodular wine glass10. After use, theplastic glass10 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, theupper body component24 incorporates theindented notch20 at the outboard side thereof, preferably at a position near a vertical midpoint of the assembledmodular glass10. Thisindented notch20 is defined in part at a lower end thereof by the substantiallyhorizontal shelf22 having a relatively narrow but sufficient horizontal depth to accommodate convenient fingertip grasping as by the tip of a person's thumb. An outboard margin of thisshelf22 may include a short upstanding and generally horizontally elongatedrib38 for further enhanced fingertip grasping and control. Accordingly, the assembledmodular wine glass10 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, theshelf22 withrib38 is readily grasped by the thumb, while lifting the assembledglass10 with the forefinger and/or middle finger engaging thelower base14 and/or engaging a lower peripheral margin or edge generally at thelip34, for easy and convenient lifting of the assembledglass10 substantially to eye and nose level for optimal inspection of wine contained within the glass. The fingertip-graspedmodular glass10 can be held and manipulated easily by means of the notchedshelf22 and associatedrib38 for holding theglass10 near the person's nose in the course of enjoying and/or grading the bouquet of the wine contained within the glass. In addition, the notchedshelf22 facilitates further manipulation of the glass for swirling close to the holder's eyes for visually inspecting a small quantity of wine contained within the lower end thereof, within or substantially filling theannular moat18, particularly due to enhanced lighting effect attributable to thepunt16. Importantly, such manipulation and lifting of thewine glass10 may occur substantially in the absence of grasping or smudging any extended surface area of theupper body24 or thelower base14. Moreover, such fingertip handling of theglass10 minimizes surface area contact between the person's body and the glass, thereby also minimizing undesirable heat transfer from the person to the wine or the like contained within the glass. Theshelf22 further accommodates handling of themodular glass10 in the course of drinking the wine.
• If desired, aremovable lid40 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 theupper body component24 to close themouth26 of the assembledglass10. Thislid component40 is shown inFIGS. 2-3 in the form of a generally circular disk having a size and shape to overlie theopen mouth26, and further includes a dependingannular lip42 sized for snap-fit reception into themouth26. With this construction, thelid component40 can be assembled and disassembled with the glass, as desired. The lid40 (or the upper body24) 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 oflid components40 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 modifiedwine glass110 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 inFIGS. 1-6.
• More particularly, as viewed inFIG. 7 in vertical section, the modifiedwine glass110 comprises anupper body24 having a generally cylindrical cross sectional shape generally conforming with the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6, to include the upwardly narrowingupper flume12 terminating at an upper edge or margin in theopen mouth26. A lower edge or margin of theupper body24 is joined integrally with a one-piece construction to thelower base14. Theupper body24 further includes the notchedexternal indent20 defining theshallow shelf22 and associated raisedrib38. This one-piece wine glass110 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.
• Thelower base14 of the one-piece wine glass110 includes theannular moat18 defined cooperatively at the lower periphery of the glass interior volume between a lower region of theupper body24 and a centralupstanding punt16. In this embodiment, thepunt16 defines an upstanding annular wall formed to extend angularly upwardly and inwardly at a relatively steep angle from a lower margin of theupper body24, whereby the moat-defining walls diverge upwardly from each other at an included angle on the order of about10-20 degrees. This geometry provides extensive and improved viewing of the visual characteristics of wine contained within themoat18.
• In addition, the inboard moat-forming wall defined by thepunt16 is joined at an upper marginal edge thereof in circumscribing relation with an upwardly open, upwardly concave central inner bowl orcup44 of predetermined or metered liquid volumetric capacity for pour-in reception of a measured quantity of wine. Thiscentral cup44 is defined by a downwardly convex geometry that functions as a refracting or reflecting lens to enhance the light passing through wine contained within thecup44, for correspondingly enhanced visual inspection of the wine color, clarity and meniscus. Alternately, persons skilled in the art will understand that theupstanding punt16 shown inFIGS. 7-8 may have an upwardly convex shape as shown inFIGS. 1-6, or that thepunt16 shown inFIGS. 1-6 may incorporate thecentral cup44.
• In use, the modifiedwine glass110 shown inFIGS. 7-8 is adapted for pour-in reception of a metered quantity of wine into the upwardly open central bowl orcup44. Thewine glass110 can be grasped and manipulated as described previously with respect toFIGS. 1-6, for visually inspecting the wine within thecup44. In addition, the wine glass can be manipulated to tip and thereby transfer the wine from thecup44 into the surroundingmoat18 for further visual and olfactory inspection as previously described. Such manipulation of thewine glass110 is accomplished easily by grasping the glass with minimal surface area contact between the person's fingertips and the glass, e.g., with the thumb and forefinger (and/or middle finger) respectively at theindented notch20 and a lower marginal edge defined by the juncture of theupper body24 and the upwardly extending wall forming thepunt16, substantially without distorting wine viewing with fingerprints or other smudges.
• More particularly, thecentral cup44 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, thecentral cup44 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 thecentral cup44, substantially without any significant portion of the beverage splashing or otherwise into or otherwise filling the surroundingmoat18. In this regard, the circumferential opening defined by thecup44 is generally coaxially aligned with themouth26 and has a circumferential size of at least about ½ and preferably substantially equal to the circumferential size of themouth26. In the preferred geometry, the tapered flume geometry of theupper body24 at least partially and preferably completely overlies the surroundingmoat18 so that direct-pour of the beverage through themouth26 and into themoat18 is substantially precluded. That is, themoat18 is, in the preferred form, positioned substantially in an undercut position relative to the rim of the glass defining themouth26, with the uppermost margin of thepunt16 aligned generally vertically with the glass rim.
• In addition, thecentral cup44 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 thecentral cup44 is within the range of from about ½ ounce to about 2 ounces, and most preferably about 1 ounce.
• Thecentral cup44 accommodates manipulation of theglass110 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 thepunt16 in a controlled or regulated flow into the surroundingmoat18. 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. Theglass110 is especially suited for beverage examination and analysis, e.g., at a wine tasting event.
• The one-piece wine glass110 is also adapted for relatively compact stacking as viewed inFIG. 8. That is, the underside of thelower base14 of eachglass110 defines anannular cavity46 between the upstanding wall of thepunt16 and the downwardly convex central bowl orcup44, wherein thiscavity46 has a size and shape for substantially nested partial reception of the upwardly narrowingflume12 on theupper body24 of anunderlying glass110 in the stack. In particular, the upwardly narrowing taper of theflume12 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 glasses110 can be stacked in a secure and stable manner in a partially filled condition, i.e., containing wine within thecentral cup44 of eachstacked glass110 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 themultiple glasses110 in a secure and stable manner is enhanced by forming the upper rim of each glass at theopen mouth26 to incorporate a rounded and slightly enlarged or thick-walled bead50 (FIGS. 9 and 10) for snap-fit engagement with a matingly shaped detent channel52 (FIG. 10) formed at the underside of eachglass110 generally at the transition between the upwardly extending inner wall or punt16 of themoat18 and the downwardly extending wall defining the central bowl orcup44. In the preferred form, thisdetent channel52 may be defined by a plurality, typically three or more, of circumferentially spacedshallow detent protrusions54, although persons skilled in the art will recognize that an annular detent protrusion may be used if desired. The snap-fit interlocked stack ofglasses110 thus provides a stable array wherein theglasses110 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, therounded bead50 on theuppermost glass110, or on each glass in an unstacked array, may be used for snap-fit mounting of a cap40 (shown in dotted lines inFIG. 9) of the type shown and described inFIGS. 2-3. The pre-filledstacked glasses110 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 orcup44 cooperates with the externally convex shape of thebody24 to magnify the liquid contents of the one-piece glass110 under certain conditions. In particular, liquid such as wine contained within thecup44 is magnified when viewed from the top of theglass110, 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 orcup44 to about ½ inch below the beadedupper rim50 lining themouth26. Within this focal zone or region, and with the glass filled with liquid to approximately ½ inch below thebeaded rim50, a magnification effect due to light entering the transparent bottom and lower sides of thebody24 is believed to occur as light is refracted upwardly. The net effect of liquid within this focal zone magnifies liquid within the lowerinner cup44.
• FIGS. 11-12 show awine glass210 which may be constructed in accordance with the foregoing described embodiments of the invention, wherein thiswine glass210 is provided as an integral portion of acommercial unit200 which further includes a beverage such as a serving of wine contained initially within a sealed plastic or foil-based pouch orbag260.
• More particularly, the wine glass210 (FIGS. 11-12) is shown generally in conformance with the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 7-10, with the exception that the notchedindent20 and related exterior shelf22 (shown inFIGS. 7-8) are omitted. Instead, theillustrative wine glass210 has a one-piece construction comprising anupper body24 of generally cylindrical sectional shape and tapering upwardly to define the narrowingupper flume12 terminating at an upper edge or margin in theopen mouth26. A lower edge or margin of theupper body24 is joined integrally with a one-piece construction to thelower base14. Thelower base14 of the one-piece wine glass210 includes theannular moat18 defined cooperatively at the lower periphery of the glass interior volume between a lower region of theupper body24 and a centralupstanding punt16. Similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 7-10, thecentral punt16 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 glass210 is again constructed from a lightweight, economical and transparent plastic material.
• FIG. 11 shows thecommercial unit200 including thewine glass210 in an initial configuration including the sealed pouch orbag260 mounted therein. In this regard, the pouch orbag260 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, alabel262 on the pouch orbag260 is readily visible through the transparent plasticupper body24 of the wine glass to permit easy external viewing and reading of the contained beverage type, quantity, and source identification. Aseal member40 such as a lid or the like of the type shown and described inFIG. 2 normally closed and seals thepouch260 within theglass210 in a manner maintaining internal glass sanitation.
• In use, theseal member40 is removed from themouth26 of theglass210 for access to and removal of the pouch orbag260 contained therein. Thepouch260 can then be opened in a normal manner, as by manually tearing an upper strip264 as viewed inFIG. 12. With thepouch260 opened, the pouch contents can be dispensed by pouring quickly and easily into thewine glass210. After use, the entirecommercial unit200, including theglass210, thepouch260, and theseal member40 can be economically discarded.
• A variety of further modifications and improvements in and to the improvedmodular wine glass10 and/or theunitary wine glass110, and/or thecommercial unit200 of the present invention will be apparent to those persons skilled in the art. By way of example, the modifiedwine glass110 may also incorporate a label or writable frosted zone (not shown) on theupper body24. In addition, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that thewine glass210 and/or the associatedseal member40 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.

Claims (11)

1. In combination:

a beverage glass having an open mouth;

a normally closed flexible pouch containing a beverage serving and received within said beverage glass; and

a seal member extending across and closing said open mouth of said glass having said beverage-containing pouch received therein;

said seal member being removable from said open mouth to permit access to and removal of said beverage-containing pouch from said glass, and said pouch being adapted for opening to permit dispensing of said beverage serving from said pouch into said glass.

2. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein said flexible pouch has a tear-off strip thereon for manual opening thereof.

3. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein said seal member comprises a lid removably snap-fit mounted onto said glass.

4. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein said pouch includes an identification label, and further wherein said glass is at least partially transparent to permit external viewing of said label when said pouch is received within said glass.

5. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein said glass is constructed from a transparent molded plastic material.

6. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein said glass comprises an upper generally shell-shaped and transparent body terminating at an upper rim defining said mouth, and a lower base at a lower end of said upper body, said lower base defining a recessed annular moat surrounding an upstanding central punt.

7. The combination ofclaim 6 wherein said central punt defines an upwardly concave central inner cup circumscribed by said punt, said inner cup defining a beverage capacity of at least about ½ ounce.

8. The combination ofclaim 7 wherein said mouth-defining rim is positioned in substantial vertical alignment with said punt.

9. The combination ofclaim 6 wherein said shell-shaped body defines an upwardly narrowing tapered flume terminating at said upper rim.

10. In combination:

a transparent beverage glass having an open mouth;

a normally closed flexible pouch containing a beverage serving and received within said beverage glass, said pouch including an identification label thereon visible through said glass, said pouch further including a tear-off strip thereon to permit opening thereof; and

a seal member extending across and normally closing said open mouth of said glass having said beverage-containing pouch received therein;

said seal member being removable from said open mouth to permit access to and removal of said beverage-containing pouch from said glass, and said pouch tear-off strip being adapted for opening said pouch to permit dispensing of said beverage serving from said pouch into said glass.

11. The combination ofclaim 10 wherein said seal member comprises a lid removably snap-fit mounted onto said glass.

Images