Stemmed beverage containers that are capable of being disassembled are known. In one example of such a container the stem of the container, a wine glass, is connected to the bowl with a screw fitting. This allows such a beverage container to be disassembled and transported more easily. Prior to using such a disassembled wine glass, the stem is screwed onto the bowl, after which the container is usable in the conventional fashion. Containers that are capable of being disassembled into two or more pieces, however, lend themselves to one or more of the pieces going missing. Furthermore, depending on the method of disassembly used, the relatively thin stem of a stemmed beverage container may be exposed by the disassembly and may even be used as a weapon. This is especially undesirable when used in crowded areas such as sporting events and live concerts or on board aircraft.

Some beverages, in particular wine, may also be adversely affected when exposed to air, more specifically the oxygen present in air. Reactions between wine and oxygen may cause the wine's properties to deteriorate. Exposure to air is therefore undesirable, as extended exposure may cause premature oxidation, which may taint the flavour and aroma of the wine. The applicant is aware of beverage containers, more specifically wine glasses, which are sold pre-filled with the preferred contents sealed inside so as to prevent the wine from being exposed to unwanted oxygen. The type of seal used in the manufacture of such wine glasses is typically a pull-tab which is fixed to the rim of the beverage container's bowl, over the opening. If such a pull-tab is fixed to the rim with an adhesive substance such as, for example, glue, a layer of the glue may remain on the rim of the glass when the pull-tab has been removed. When the beverage is consumed from the glass, the taste of the glue may be undesirable to a user. This may be made even more undesirable by the fine differences in taste which wine drinkers may be sensitive to. Even if the residue which remains is flavourless, loose particles of the residue may come into contact with the user's mouth or lips. The presence of such foreign particles may contribute towards an unpleasant drinking experience for the user. The applicant is also aware of pre-filled wine glasses which are sealed with a pull-type tab and which are stackable. These stackable wine glasses are however not stemmed and are accordingly less aesthetically pleasing and are unconventional. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a beverage container comprising a bowl having an open top and a closed bottom, a stem and a foot extending from an operatively bottom end of the stem, the container being characterised in that the stem is at least partially collapsible, thereby facilitating relative movement between the bowl and the foot.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention the stem has a telescopic configuration with an operatively top end thereof being secured to the bottom of the bowl, the stem being able to collapse onto itself and being selectively operable between a first, extended configuration in which the foot is spaced a distance away from the bowl, and a second, collapsed configuration in which the foot is positioned proximate the bowl. The telescopic configuration of the stem may facilitate support of the foot at any desired distance from the bowl between the first and second configurations. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention the bottom of the bowl defines an elongate socket extending into the bowl, the socket being fluidly sealed from the interior of the bowl and defining an open end into which the stem can be slidingly received, and at least one engagement formation for releasably securing the stem inside the socket, relative to the bowl.

Further features of the invention provide for the at least one engagement formation to be an annular groove on an inner surface of the socket and for the stem to have a complementary engagement formation in the form of an annular rim extending about its circumference; for the groove and rim to be engageable in a snap fit; for the groove to be positioned at an operatively lower region of the socket so as to secure the stem in a position such that a major portion of the stem extends below the bottom of the bowl with the foot secured a distance away from the bowl.

Still further features of the invention provide for the socket to include two engagement formations co-operable with the complementary engagement formation on the stem, a first at the operatively lower region of the socket and a second at an operatively upper region of the socket, the engagement formations being configured to secure the stem inside the socket in a first configuration in which the complementary engagement formation is engaged with the first engagement formation and the major portion of the stem extends below the bottom of the bowl, and a second configuration in which the complementary engagement formation is engaged with the second engagement formation and the major portion of the stem is received inside the socket and the foot is positioned proximate the bowl.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention the stem is hingedly connected to the bottom of the bowl so as to allow the stem to be folded inwardly towards the bowl, the bowl including a channelled recess configured to receive the stem when in a folded configuration and the foot being hingedly connected to the bottom of the stem so as to be foldable into a convenient storage location when the stem is folded away against the bowl. A further feature of the invention provides for one or both of the hinged connections between the stem and bowl and stem and foot to include locking formations for temporarily locking the stem and/or foot in its folded or unfolded position.

Further features of the invention provide for the beverage container to be provided with a lid; for the lid to be securable over the open top of the bowl; for the lid to be sized and configured to engage an upper inside surface of the bowl in a friction fit; and for the lid to have a radially outwardly projecting lip configured to engage the top of a rim of the bowl when secured thereto.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the bowl to have at least two protrusions on the upper inside surface which are located to interact with at least two complementary attachment formations on a radially outer surface of the lid; for the at least two attachment formations to be bayonet mount formations; for the bayonet mount formations to be spaced generally equidistantly around the inside of the bowl; and for the number of protrusions and complementary bayonet mount formations to be two, three, four or more.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a channel formation configured to engage an upper inside and upper outside surface of the bowl in a friction fit. Further features of this embodiment of the invention provide for the bowl to include at least two protrusions on the upper inside surface which are located to interact with at least two complementary attachment formations located on a radially outer surface of the channel formation which is configured to engage the upper inside surface of the bowl; and for the at least two attachment formations to be bayonet mount formations that are spaced generally equidistantly around the inside of the bowl. A further feature of the invention provides for the lid to have a recessed top, the recessed top being sized to accept the foot of another similar stemmed beverage container so as to allow a plurality of containers to be stacked on top of one another.

Still further features of the invention provide for the beverage container to be filled with a beverage prior to the lid being secured to it; and for the beverage to be wine, port, cognac, brandy, whiskey, fortified wine, desert wine, a cocktail, ice tea, fruit juice, water or the like.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the beverage container to be provided with a temperature indicator; for the temperature indicator to be applied to the stem, the socket or the bowl of the container; and for the temperature indicator to be a thermometer, a thermochromatic dye or the like.

Further features provide for the beverage container to be manufactured from a suitable plastic material; for the plastic material and/or the lid to be coloured; for the colour of the container and/or lid to be colour coded according to the type of wine or beverage with which the container has been filled; for at least a part of the plastic material to have a mirrored finish, for the plastic material to be re-usable, and for the plastic material to be recyclable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying representations in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a stemmed beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention with the stem in a collapsed configuration; Figure 2 illustrates a detailed view of the lid of the stemmed beverage container illustrated in Figure 1 ; illustrates a three-dimensional view of the stemmed beverage container of Figure 1 in an opened configuration; illustrates a detailed view of the stem of the stemmed beverage container illustrated in Figure 3; is a representation of a plurality of stemmed beverage containers illustrated in Figure 1 in a collapsed and stacked position; is a representation of a plurality of stemmed beverage containers in accordance with the invention in their collapsed configuration inside a standard aircraft trolley tray; and illustrates a part cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a lid in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 to 4 show a stemmed beverage container (1 ), in this embodiment a wine glass (1 ), in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The wine glass (1 ) has a bowl (10), a stem (12) and a foot (14) extending from the bottom of the stem (12), and is illustrated in Figure 1 with its stem in a collapsed configuration. The wine glass (1 ) further has a lid (16) secured over its open top (17). The lid has a sunken top (1 8) defining a recess (19) that corresponds in diameter to that of the foot (14) of the glass (1 ). The bowl (1 0) defines a socket (20) extending from its operatively bottom surface into the bowl (1 0). The socket (20) has a blind, operatively upper end (21 ) and is fluidly sealed from the interior of the bowl (1 0). The socket (20) is shaped and dimensioned to slidingly receive the stem (1 2) and has two engagement formations (32, 34) in the form of annular grooves (32, 34) defined on its inner surface (35), as best illustrated in Figure 4. A first groove (34) is located at an operatively lower region (36) of the socket and a second groove (32) at an operatively upper region (38) thereof. The engagement formations (32, 34) are co-operable with a complementary engagement formation (30) on the stem (12) in the form of an annular rim (30) extending about its circumference. The rim (30) is engageable with one of the grooves (32, 34) in a snap fit. The engagement formations (32, 34) are therefore configured to selectively secure the stem (12) inside the socket (20) in a first configuration, in which the rim (30) is engaged with the first groove (34) and the major portion of the stem (1 2) extends below the bottom of the bowl (1 0), or a second configuration, in which the rim (30) is engaged with the second groove (32) and the major portion of stem (1 2) is received inside the socket (20) and the foot (14) is positioned proximate the bowl.

During the manufacturing and assembly process of the wine glass (1 ), it is filled with a beverage prior to the lid being secured. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the beverage is preferably wine, however, it will be appreciated that any type of beverage may be filled into the glass (1 ). After filling the container (1 ) with the desired amount of wine, the lid (1 6) is secured to the bowl (1 0) in a friction fit. In order to facilitate securement of the lid (1 6) to the bowl (1 0), the lid (1 6) and bowl (1 0) have complementary attachment formations (22). The lid (1 6) is shaped to allow a snug, airtight seal around the top of the bowl (1 0), ensuring that the wine within the container (1 ) does not come into contact with surrounding air and cannot escape from the container (1 ) when it is, for example, turned upside down. In the present embodiment, the lid (1 6) is manufactured from a resilient rubber material.

Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the complementary attachment formations (22) on the lid (1 6) and the bowl (1 0) of the container (1 ). The bowl (1 0) has protrusions (40) spaced about its inner surface at regular intervals. The lid (1 6), in turn, has complementary bayonet mount formations (42) spaced about its periphery at corresponding intervals. In use, the lid (1 6) is lowered onto the rim (1 5) of the bowl (1 0) so that the protrusions (40) in the bowl (1 0) slide into first legs (44) of the bayonet mount formations (22) on the lid (1 6). The first legs (44) of the formations generally extend along the height of the lid (1 6), start at the bottom (46) of the lid (1 6) and terminate below the top (48) of the lid (16). When inserted so that the protrusions (40) reach an upper extremity end of the first legs (44), the lid (1 6) is rotated, in the present embodiment clockwise (38), so that the protrusions (40) slide into second legs (50) of the bayonet mount formations (22). The second legs (50) are generally perpendicular to the first legs (44). In this position, the lid (1 6) is prevented from being lifted off the bowl (1 0). Lifting the lid (1 6) off the bowl (1 0) will only be possible after turning the lid (1 6) in a counter-clockwise direction until the protrusions (40) on the bowl (1 0) again line up with the first legs (44) of the bayonet mount formations (22). The friction between the resilient rubber lid (1 6) and the bowl (1 0) of the container (1 ) may also restrict rotation and removal of the lid (1 6) from the bowl (1 0). The attachment formations (22) prevent accidental removal of the lid (1 6), ensuring a reduced risk of spillage of the beverage, as well as a reduced risk of accidental contact of the beverage with the surrounding air. The absence of glue or a similar sealing mechanism removes the risk of a residue remaining when the lid (1 6) has been removed. This ensures that the beverage which is to be consumed from the container (1 ) is not tainted by the presence of such a glue residue. Having the protrusions (40) positioned on an inside surface of the container (1 ) also prevents the protrusions (40) from coming into contact with the lips or mouth of a user whilst consuming the beverage. This may avoid discomfort which may have been caused if a locking mechanism was located on an outer surface or on the rim (1 5) of the container (1 ).

Figure 3 shows the beverage container (1 ) of Figure 1 with the stem (1 2) in its extended configuration, with a major portion of the stem (12) extending below the bowl (1 0) and outside the socket (20). The container (1 ) stands on its foot (14) and more clearly represents a stemmed beverage container than when it was shown in the collapsed configuration of Figure 1 . The lid (1 6) is also shown to be removed from the bowl (1 0) of the container.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the socket (20) and stem (1 2) of the container (1 ) with the stem (12) in its extended configuration as described above with reference to Figure 3. As described, the stem (1 2) has an annular rim (30) extending about its circumference, and the socket (20) has two corresponding annular grooves (32, 34) shaped to accept the rim (30) in a snap fit. The first groove (32) is located toward the top of the socket (20), and the second groove (34) is located toward the bottom of the socket (20). A reasonable force is needed to move the rim (30) out of a groove (32, 34) once it has been engaged. This allows the bowl (1 0) to be secured relative to the foot (14) in whichever of the two grooves (32, 34) the rim (30) is secured. When the stem (1 2) is in its extended configuration, the rim (30) is engaged with the first groove (34) at the bottom of the socket (20). When the stem (1 2) is forced into the socket (20) with sufficient force to overcome the retaining forces of the rim (30) and groove formation (34), the rim (30) moves out of the groove (34), allowing the stem (1 2) to be slid upwards into the socket (20). When the rim (30) snaps into the second groove (32), as shown in Figure 1 , the stem (1 2) is in its collapsed configuration and retained with its major portion inside the socket (20). The combination of the rim (30) and groove formations (32, 34) allow the stem (30) to be selectively moved into and out of the socket (20) and retained in either the collapsed or extended configuration.

It will be appreciated that the collapsibility of the stem (12) in accordance with the invention allows for easier transport and storage of the beverage container (1 ) than is the case with ordinary stemmed containers, yet presents a user with the familiarity of using a stemmed container when desired. The fact that the stem (12) does not have to be removed from the container (1 ) in order to collapse the container (1 ) eliminates the risk of losing or misplacing either the stem (12) or the bowl (10) during storage or transport.

Figure 5 shows a plurality of stemmed beverage containers (1 ) as described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 stacked on top of one another. The containers (1 ) are stacked in their collapsed configuration. The feet (14) of the containers (1 ) are sized so as to engage, in a friction fit, the inner surface of the recess (19) defined by the sunken top (18) of the lids (16). The friction fit prevents containers stacked on top of one another from dislodging and/or falling over. Likewise, the rim (30) and groove engagement formations (32, 34) ensure that the stems (12) of the containers (1 ) do not extend whilst stacked, thereby further increasing stability of the stacked containers (1 ). It is envisaged that a plurality of containers (1 ), for example 3 or 4, may be packaged and sold stacked on top of one another. Figure 5 shows a plurality of stacked containers (1 ) in a format as they may be shipped or packaged for bulk sale.

It is further envisaged that each container (1 ) may include an indicator configured to indicate the temperature of the beverage held within the container (1 ). Some beverages, more specifically wine, often have a recommended temperature at which it should be consumed. Such an indicator may be attached to the container (1 ), typically on the stem (12) of the container (1 ). When the container is in its collapsed configuration with the stem (12) held within the socket (20), the indicator will be in close proximity to interior of the bowl (10) or in contact with the sides of the socket (20) that are in contact with the beverage. The temperature at or near the surface of the stem (12) will therefore be a good indication of the temperature of the beverage within the container (1 ). The indicator may be a thermometer attached to or incorporated in the stem (12). Alternatively, the stem (12) may be covered in a thermochromatic ink which may indicate the temperature of the beverage, alternatively to cause the stem (12) and foot (14) to discolour when the beverage reaches an optimal temperature. Thermochromatic ink is a type of dye that changes colour when its temperature increases or decreases. It is envisaged that a colour scale will be provided to with a container (1 ) so as to enable a user to identify when the beverage has reached the optimal temperature for consumption. The user may then chill the container (1 ) until the indicator has reached the appropriate colour, thereby indicating that the beverage has been chilled to the correct temperature. If the colour of the beverage lends the ink to be visible through the sides of the bowl (10), such as with white wine or rose wine, the colour scale may indicate what the colour of the ink should be when seen through the beverage.

It is further envisaged that the thermochromatic ink may be applied to the stem (12), on the inside of the socket (20), on the outside of the bowl (10), or any other suitable surface. The thermochromatic ink may also be of the kind that turns transparent when it reaches the correct, predetermined temperature. Thus, where a user is not able to see the ink, he or she will know that the beverage has been chilled to the appropriate temperature for consumption when the beverage is visible or when the surface of the container (1 ) to which the thermochromatic ink has been applied has turned transparent.

It should be appreciated that the invention described in the specification provides a stemmed beverage container (1 ), more specifically a wine glass, with an at least partially collapsible stem (1 2) and which does not require disassembling of the container (1 ) to facilitate easy storage and packaging. In addition, the container (1 ) of the invention facilitates the storage and sealing of a beverage within the container (1 ) so as to be retailed in a pre-filled configuration while preserving the quality of the beverage for consumption at a later time. The sealing mechanism described does not leave any unwanted glue or other residue on the rim (1 5) of the container (1 ) which may affect the taste or aroma of the beverage or cause an unpleasant tactile sensation to the user. Furthermore, the stemmed beverage containers (1 ) according to the invention can be stacked securely on top of one another, thereby allowing for easier bulk packaging, storage, transport and handling, including one-handed handling of a number of stacked containers (1 ). It will furthermore be appreciated that the beverage containers (1 ) may be re-used after the initial pre-filled beverage has been consumed therefrom. This may allow an owner of such a container (1 ) to re-fill and re-seal further beverages for transporting purposes.

It is also foreseen that a plurality of prefilled containers (60) in accordance with one aspect of the invention may be conveniently packed, in their collapsed configuration, inside a standard aircraft trolley tray (62), as shown in Figure 6. Prior to providing a passenger with a beverage ordinarily served in a stemmed glass, such as wine, the flight attendant simply needs to extend the stem (12) from within the socket (20) until it is secured in the extended configuration by means of the engagement formation (34). Likewise, before disposing the containers (1 ), the stems (1 2) may be pushed back into their sockets (20), thus reducing the volume of waste for disposal.

The lids (1 6) of the beverage containers (1 ) may also be colour coded according to the type or variety of beverage held within the container (1 ). This will allow a flight attendant to more easily identify the correct beverage when viewed from above. The lids (1 6) of the containers (1 ) may, for example, be coloured red for red wine, white for white wine, brown for brandy, and the like.

Further, in an alternative embodiment of the lid (70) and as illustrated in Figure 7, the lid (70) may include a channel formation (72) which is configured to engage an upper inside (74) and upper outside surface (76) of the bowl (10) in a friction fit when secured thereto. Similar to the lid (16) illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the lid (70) illustrated in Figure 7 may include at least two attachment formations (22) which are complementary to at least two protrusions (40) located on the upper inside surface of the bowl (10). The at least two attachment formations (22) of the lid (70) may be located on a radially outer surface (78) of the channel formation (72) which is configured to engage the upper inside surface (74) of the bowl (10). It will be appreciated that similar to the lid (16) illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, locating the protrusions (40) and attachment formations (22) on the inside of the container (1 ) will ensure that the protrusions do not come into contact with the lips or mouth of a user whilst consuming the beverage, thereby avoiding discomfort which may have been caused with having the locking mechanism located on an outer surface. Furthermore, the channel formation (72) will ensure that the outer upper surface (76) of the bowl (10), which is also the surface that comes into contact with the lips or mouth of a user, stays free of any dirt or other material which may cause discomfort to a user while consuming a beverage.

A further advantage of a stemmed beverage container (1 ) in which the stem (12) does not need to be removed in order to collapse the container is that the removed stem cannot be used as a weapon. A screw-fitting attachment between the bowl (10) and the stem (12), for example, leaves a user with a sharp stem (12) which may be used as a weapon. This is particularly undesirable on board passenger airplanes. The above description is by way of example only and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any number of changes or modifications may be made to the embodiments of a collapsible beverage container described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the stem may be telescopic and may collapse onto itself or at least partially collapse into the foot of the container. Alternatively, the stem and socket may be tapered to allow the stem to be secured in position in a friction fit when withdrawn from inside the socket. Should the stem be tapered, the narrow end thereof will typically be proximate the foot. The corresponding narrow end of the socket will likewise be proximate the bottom of the bowl with the wide end thereof being positioned inside the bowl.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention stem may be hingedly connected to the bottom of the bowl so as to allow the stem to be folded inwardly towards the bowl. In this embodiment the bowl may include a channelled recess configured to receive the stem when in a folded configuration and the foot may be hingedly connected to the bottom of the stem so as to be foldable into a convenient storage location when the stem is folded away against the bowl. One or both of the hinged connections between the stem and bowl and stem and foot may also include locking formations for temporarily locking the stem and/or foot in its folded or unfolded position. It should be appreciated that by offsetting the hinged connection point between the stem and the bowl from the centre of the bowl towards the side, the stem may be enabled to be folded away into the slot so as to be almost entirely obscured by the bowl and position substantially parallel to the major axis of the bowl. It is furthermore envisaged that by making suitable adaptations to the foot of the stem, in this embodiment of the invention, the foot may be configured to act as a cover over the open end of the bowl when the stem is in die collapsed configuration.

It should also be apparent that the collapsible beverage container may be manufactured by any suitable processes such as, for example, injection moulding or blow moulding. Many different shapes and types of stemmed containers may be made that fall within the scope of the invention, and the containers may be filled with any suitable beverage such as, for example, wine, sparkling wine, cocktails, or spirit liquors.