FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure pertains in general to a single serving beverage vessel with a wide opening for consumption incorporating a tamper-evident seal and a resealable lid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Single serving beverage containers with wide openings for consumption are well known. For example, a single serving beverage container consisting of a wide opening vessel, a removable film seal, and a protective lid that snaps on as a base. Other similar examples are also known. All are sealed by means of a film or foil seal affixed across the wide opening of the vessel. These types of seals require specialized equipment not otherwise used in a winery or bottling operation. The shortcomings of removable film or foil seals include: residue left on the drinking rim, hard to open, may tear in the process of opening. By itself, it is not resealable. Where there is a resealable cap over the foil, once the foil is removed, the container isn't water tight. Also, foil seals have a limit as to how much area they can effectively cover if the contents are vacuum sealed or under pressure. This limits the mouth size of the glass.

[0003] Resealable beverage containers that use removable twist lids as a potential alternative to film/foil seals are also known. For example, beverage containers with a wide opening on one end that is sealed by a threaded lid. The external threads near the drinking edge compromise the drinking experience. In addition, the beverage may trickle down the side of the container. Similarly, a wide opening beverage glass sealed by a snap-on or threaded lid. In this version the threads when coming into contact with the lips while drinking, create an unpleasing experience for the consumer presumably due to leakage past the user's lips. The threads should be non-continuous for a more pleasing tactile experience. However, even this does not satisfactorily remedy the defect.

[0004] Another example of an invention directed to beverage containers combines a seal ("removable membrane") with a threaded lid. The threads interfere with a clean drinking rim. Also, the closure system of this technology is not designed to be used with beverage glasses, but rather with bottles and jars. [0005] Resealable closures and lids are also known in this area of technology. The threading system for these types of bottles addresses a single serve vessel as described by the various embodiments of the present invention and improves upon the lid securement means placing threads below the region where the user's lips are positioned. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate the functional threading system into an ornamental design. The result is that the ordinary observer tends not to focus on the utility of the threading system but rather upon the aesthetic appeal of the design.

[0006] Inside threading for resealable beverage closures is also known. These are beverage containers having closures with threading systems on the interior surface. The present invention improves upon these designs in significant ways. First, the instant designs work well with a variety of rim and wall styles: straight wall, flared, and concave. Previous designs only cover straight-necked bottles and beverage cans. Second, the instant design lowers the threads so that the user's lips do not touch the threads. Also, on a wide-mouthed opening, the lower-placed threads hinder the beverage from dripping before reaching the lips of the user.

[0007] A single serving beverage container with a wide mouth should preferably embody several attributes in order to be commercially successful. The consumer's lips should not come into contact with foreign elements while drinking, for example, residue, pieces of film/foil, threading, or unfamiliar configurations of the drinking rim. The method or means of holding the glass should be comfortable and fit well in the consumer's hand as well as open easily. By contrast, a corked wine bottle or foil sealed glass are more complicated and difficult to use. Ideally, a single serving vessel is resealable to facilitate storage. By being resealable the user can enjoy the beverage over more than one sitting if desired. A water-tight, resealable lid also helps prevent spills.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The described embodiments provide designs for utilization as a single serving beverage vessel that is easy to open.

[0009] It is another object of this design to provide a single serving beverage vessel that is easy to reseal to prevent accidental spillage and, more importantly, to store the beverage for another occasion. [0010] It is another object of these embodiments to provide a single serving container which can be manufactured, filled, and packaged without major alterations in current manufacturing and bottling processes.

[0011] It is another object of these embodiments to provide the customary drinking experience one receives from a fine wine glass or similar vessel. For example, there are no foreign particles left from packaging on the rim, and no

indentations/threads/grooves near the drinking edge of the glass.

[0012] It is another object of these embodiments to protect the drinking rim when the vessels are filled with beverage, capped, and packed for shipping.

[0013] It is another object of these embodiments to protect the vessels from breakage when grouped together on conveyer belts or in shipping containers.

[0014] It is another object of these embodiments to maximize the branding opportunity for the seller and provide the consumer a way to remove all of the advertising as befits the occasion.

[0015] It is another object of these embodiments to provide a vessel suitable for formal settings such as weddings, banquets, and restaurants.

[0016] It is another object of these embodiments to provide a suitable vessel for informal occasions such as outdoor venues.

[0017] It is yet a further object of these embodiments to match the glass design with the wine or other beverage to enhance the taste experience. For example, red wines need more air than white wines. A larger vessel allows the user to swirl in air before drinking. This combines the volatile elements and enhances the aroma of the wine. White wines work well with glasses with narrow openings because they do not need as much air as red wines do. Dry sparkling champagnes work well in fluted or narrow glasses that display the bubbles of the beverage. Fine beers, ales, porters, and stouts works well in tall drinking vessels that display the rich color. Whiskey and other spirits work well in short tumblers.

[0018] Still a further object of these embodiments is to minimize the uncertainty a consumer has in purchasing a wine or alcoholic beverage for the first time. A single serving of a product costs less than purchasing an entire bottle. If the beverage is not to the consumer's taste, waste is minimized.

[0019] Accordingly, the described embodiments provide a single serving beverage container comprising: [0020] (a) a vessel having at least one sidewall, a top end and a bottom end, whereby the sidewall, top end, and the bottom end form a cavity for storing a liquid.

[0021] (b) a resealable lid located at the top of the vessel. The lid locks onto the vessel well below the point where the lips meet the rim of the glass when drinking.

[0022] (c) a tamper-evident seal that is easily removed.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the vessel is designed so that it can be easily held by the stem located below the cavity or by grasping the glass right above the stem.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the vessel is made of shatterproof plastic, which makes it suitable for outdoor venues. Shatterproof plastic minimizes breakage during shipping. This embodiment is especially advantageous for occasions when it is economically more feasible to discard or recycle rather than to clean and reuse.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the vessel is made of glass, which lends itself to formal occasions and keepsake opportunities for long-term brand exposure. Glass being more suitable for high-end beverages than plastic could open new markets in retail and restaurant settings for alternative single serve packaging.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the design of the glass is matched to the red wine beverage type. Red wines have more tannins than white wine and are known for their robust flavor. The taste of the red wines is improved when air can be moved past the surface of the wine prior to tasting the wine, consequently a larger circumference vessel facilitates ventilation of the wine.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the design of the glass is matched to white wines which do not require as much air as red wines, so a narrower or fluted glass embodiment is preferred.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the design of the glass is matched to the sparkling champagne type as dry sparkling champagnes work well in fluted or narrow glasses that display the bubbles of the beverage.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the design of the glass is matched to fine beers, ales, porters and stouts as the tall drinking vessel highlights the rich color of the beverage.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the design of the glass is matched to whisky or other spirits commonly served in tumblers. [0031] According to another embodiment, the design of the glass is matched to cold coffees, fountain drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

[0032] According to another embodiment, incorporated into the lid is a compressible liner that covers the wide opening. The compressible liner facilitates a tight seal because of the unique design of how the lid interacts with beads, threads, other protrusions or with indentations, on the outside walls of the vessel. This embodiment makes the vessel "water-tight" and resealable for storage.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the tamper-evident seal is a thin, non-obtrusive band around the sides and bottom edge of the lid. It has a perforated tab for easy tear and removal.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the tamper-evident seal is an advertising skin that goes down the sides of the vessel, yet when removed leaves the glass advertising-free for formal occasions. This kind of covering is also well suited for covering specialty vessels with intricate fluted designs or logos.

[0035] The single serving beverage vessel as disclosed thus provides several additional benefits. For example, the width of the single serving beverage vessel may be the same as standard beverage bottles. This enables the vessel to fit into distribution and retail chains more easily. This width is kept constant across a number of potential designs. This way the same size lid fits any vessel design. The overall design is stable and helps minimize accidental spills. The flat lid and the wide base make for easy stacking of vessels. Unlike the twist offs on bottles, the lid twists on and off easily with less than one-half turn. Another benefit of a resealable beverage vessel is portion control. One can drink smaller quantities and store the unused beverage in a refrigerator without creating a spill hazard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, references in the detailed description set forth below shall be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel with a resealable lid; [0038] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section through one embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel illustrating the cavity containing the beverage and the resealable lid affixed to the top end of the vessel;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a vertical cross-section through the top-half of one embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel illustrating the cavity containing the beverage and the resealable lid removed from the vessel to access the beverage;

[0040] FIG. 4 upper image is a view of the inside of the resealabel lid with one embodiment of compressible liner, lower image is a view of the top-side of the lid;

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative shape of one embodiment of a the single serving beverage vessel;

[0042] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-section through an alternative shape embodiment for the single serving beverage vessel with resealable lid;

[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative shape embodiment for the single serving beverage vessel;

[0044] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-section through another alternative shape embodiment for the single serving beverage vessel with resealable lid;

[0045] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative shape embodiment for the single serving beverage vessel;

[0046] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-section through another alternative shape embodiment for the single serving beverage vessel with resealable lid;

[0047] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative shape embodiment for the single serving beverage vessel;

[0048] FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-section through another alternative shape embodiment for the single serving beverage vessel with resealable lid;

[0049] FIG. 13 is a series of views of the side and bottom and a vertical cross- section view of another embodiment of a resealable lid;

[0050] FIG. 14 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel depicting an alternative type of threading;

[0051] FIG. 15 is an elevation view of another embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel depicting an alternative threading;

[0052] FIG. 16 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel depicting a series of raised protrusions; [0053] FIG. 17 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel depicting a series of raised ornamental designs;

[0054] FIG. 18 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel depicting a series of raised ornamental designs;

[0055] FIG. 19 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel with a resealable lid having threads on the interior of the vessel; and

[0056] FIG. 20 is an elevation view of a vertical cross-section through the top- half of an embodiment of a single serving beverage vessel having threads on the interior of the vessel illustrating the cavity containing the beverage and the resealable lid removed from the vessel to access the beverage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a single serving beverage vessel 8 particularly suited for wines, spirits, and other beverages usually consumed using a glass. Preferably, the vessel 10 is made from glass or a plastic material such as food grade polycarbonate. With reference to FIG. 2, the vessel 10 has a top end 24, a bottom end 26, and at least one sidewall 28, which forms a cavity with at least one interior surface 30, and a bottom 32, this cavity holds the beverage 38.

[0058] With reference to FIG. 2, the lid 12 has a top end 14, a bottom end 16, at least one sidewall 18, an interior surface 20, and threading 34 which is located near or at the bottom 16 interior surface 20 of the lid 12. Preferably, the lid 12 is made from plastic, aluminum, or a metal alloy. With reference to FIGS. 2-3, the lid 12 has a liner 22 located on the interior surface 20 of the top end 14. The liner 22 is a water resistant coating or compressible insert preferably made from a polymer/pulp combination that assures seal integrity. The liner 22 enables the lid to tightly seal off the top end 24 of the vessel and keep the beverage 38 fresh. With further reference to FIGS. 2-3, beads, threads, other protrusions or indentations 36 on the exterior surface 28 interlock with the threading 34 on the inside surface 20 of the lid 12. Thus tightening the lid 12 and bringing the liner 22 into contact with the top 24 lip of the vessel and creating an airtight seal.

[0059] A close view of the top half of the single serving beverage vessel 8 illustrating the vessel 10, with beads, threads, other protrusions or indentations 36 on the exterior surface 28, the resealable lid 12 with threading 34 on the inside surface 20, and a liner 22 is shown in FIG. 3. With further reference to FIG. 3, the lid 12 is un-twisted from the vessel 10, thus enabling access to the beverage 38.

[0060] With additional reference to FIG. 3, the beads, threads, other protrusions or indentations 36 on the side 28 of the vessel 10 are non-continuous and can be in a number of shapes, either raised or indented; rectangles, triangles, arches, beads, diamonds, etc. with the key element being a somewhat flat bottom to interlock with the threading 34 of the lid 12. This feature enables the beads, threads, other protrusions or indentations 36 to complement with optional decorative fluting on the side of the vessel 10 if desired.

[0061] With further reference to FIGS. 3-4 and FIG. 13, the threading 34 of the lid 12 is such that the individual threads gently slant upwards so that they grip the beads, threads, other protrusions or indentations 36 and securely tighten the lid 12 when it is twisted into place. The lids 12 in FIGS. 3-4 and FIG. 13 are such that the number and placement of the threads 34 and the beads, threads, other protrusions or indentations 36 allow for quick and easy opening and resealing. Alternatively, the beads, other protrusions or indentations 36 and the threading 34 can be replaced by threads commonly used on various types of screw top bottles or jars. Such an alternative threading system would still be located so that it would not interfere with the enjoyment of consuming the beverage.

[0062] With reference to FIG. 3, the part of the vessel 10 exterior surface 28 that extends upwardly from the engagement features 36, may taper as it approaches the top 24 lip of the vessel. This enables the user to comfortably consume beverage from the vessel rim 24. The lid 12 comes down over this tapered region with the engagement features thus protecting it. The vessel 10 sidewall 28 below the engagement features 36 is thick enough to resist breakage from contact with other vessels during filling and shipping which is not a feature found in standard beverage glasses.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 20, the threading 34 of the lid 12 is such that it interlocks with beads, threads, other protrusions or indentations 36 located on the interior surface 30 of the vessel sidewall 28. When the lid is twisted into place, the liner 22 grips the top rim 24 of the vessel and creates a watertight seal. Such an alternative threading system could be used for vessels with flared, straight, or inwardly curving areas near the drinking rim. Whether characterized as threads, protrusions or indentations on either the interior or the exterior of the vessel, these locking features are preferably disposed beneath the rim of the vessel out of contact with the lips of a user when beverages are being consumed from the vessel. The distance from the rim for these locking features is between 0.25 and 3.0 inches and preferably between 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 13, the number of threads 34 is matched to the design of the engagement features 36 on the exterior surface 28. The lid 12 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds with the engagement features 36 of the vessels 10 in FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 5-12. The lid shown in FIG. 13 corresponds with the engagement features 36 of the vessels 10 in FIGS. 14-18.

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS. 5-6 and FIGS. 14-15, the design of the vessel 10 is matched to white wines or dry champagnes.

[0066] With reference to FIGS. 7-8 and FIG. 16, the design of the vessel 10 is matched to red wines.

[0067] With reference to FIGS. 9-10 and FIGS. 18-19, the design of the vessel 10 is matched to fine beers, ales, porters and stouts.

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 11-12, the design of the vessel 10 is matched to whisky and other spirits.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 17, the design of the vessel 10 is matched to fountain-style drinking glasses.

[0070] While the preferred form of the present invention has been shown and described above, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject invention is not limited by the figures and that the scope of the invention includes modifications, variations and equivalents which fall within the scope of the attached claims. Moreover, it should be understood that the individual components of the invention include equivalent embodiments without departing from the spirit of this invention.