US20200399009A1 - Substantially horizontal liquid vessel - Google Patents
Substantially horizontal liquid vessel Download PDFInfo
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- US20200399009A1 US20200399009A1 US16/447,489 US201916447489A US2020399009A1 US 20200399009 A1 US20200399009 A1 US 20200399009A1 US 201916447489 A US201916447489 A US 201916447489A US 2020399009 A1 US2020399009 A1 US 2020399009A1
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- Prior art keywords
- aperture
- shell
- axis
- support
- vessel
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
- B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/12—Vessels or pots for table use
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
- A47G19/2205—Drinking glasses or vessels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/40—Details of walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2501/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece
- B65D2501/0009—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures designed for pouring contents
- B65D2501/0063—Additional discharging means
Definitions
- Beverage containers or vessels for dispensing and/or drinking liquids are generally well-known. Beverage containers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, though most are formed in a generally cylindrical, vertical shape. Such vessels typically include an aperture through which liquid is both dispensed and added.
- a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel is described herein.
- One general aspect includes a vessel for drinking including: a shell enclosing an inner space having an elongated shape with a length along an axis and a width perpendicular to the axis, a first end that intersects the axis, and a second end opposite the first end along the axis.
- the vessel also includes a first support at the second end of the shell and defining a first plane to rest stably on the supporting surface with the shell in a substantially vertical orientation as well as a second support at a first lateral edge of the shell defining a second plane on which the shell rests stably on a supporting surface with the shell in a substantially horizontal orientation.
- the vessel has a first aperture through the shell having a first dimension and located at the first end and offset from the axis in a direction opposite the first support where a perimeter of the first aperture defines a plane perpendicular to the axis.
- the vessel also includes a second aperture through the shell at a second lateral edge of the shell opposite the second support having a second dimension greater than the first dimension, with a center of the second aperture offset from a middle of the shell along the axis towards the first end where a perimeter of the second aperture defines a plane parallel to the axis.
- the vessel in another general aspect, includes a shell enclosing an inner space, having an elongated shape with a length along an axis and a width perpendicular to the axis, a first end that intersects the axis, and a second end opposite the first end along the axis.
- the vessel also includes a support at a lateral edge of the shell defining a plane on which the shell rests stably on a supporting surface when the vessel is in a substantially horizontal orientation.
- the vessel also includes a first aperture through the shell located at the first end and offset from the axis towards a lateral edge of the shell, where a perimeter of the first aperture defines a plane perpendicular to the axis.
- a second aperture is included in the vessel through the shell at a lateral edge of the shell opposite the support, with a center of the second aperture offset from a middle of the shell along the axis towards the first end, and where a perimeter of the second aperture defines a plane parallel to the axis.
- a method of forming a beverage drinking vessel including: forming an elongated shell enclosing a volume in an inner space having a substantially cylindrical shape.
- a spout is formed in the elongated shell eccentrically at a first end of the elongated shell, the spout offset from a center axis of the elongated shell.
- the method also includes forming a first aperture at an end of the spout providing access to the inner space of the elongated shell and forming a second aperture at a lateral edge of the elongated shell with a center of the second aperture offset towards the first end of the elongated shell.
- a first support is formed opposite the first aperture at a second end of the elongated shell opposite the first end and defining a plane on which the elongated shell rests stably when in a vertical orientation and a second support is formed opposite the second aperture at a second lateral edge of the elongated shell defining a plane on which the elongated shell rests stably when in a horizontal orientation.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel, according to at least one example
- FIG. 2 is is a side view of the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel of FIG. 1 resting horizontally on a support surface, according to at least one example;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel of FIG. 1 resting vertically on a support surface, according to at least one example;
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel, according to at least one example
- FIG. 6 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel having finger grooves on a side thereof, according to at least one example:
- FIG. 7 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel having a flat side to rest on a supporting surface, according to at least one example
- FIG. 8 is a front view of the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel having a vertical handle on a side thereof and resting on a support surface, according to at least one example.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel having a horizontal handle on a side thereof, according to at least one example.
- FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting a process for forming a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel, according to at least one example.
- substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel Various components and example embodiments of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel are described herein, as well as their benefits and improvements over typical containers and vessels.
- the examples described herein include: a substantially horizontal body formed of a hard material such as glass, a spout for dispensing liquid, an opening for filling, cleaning, and/or dispensing liquid, a grasping structure for holding the container, and one or more supports for resting the container in at least two orientations on a support surface.
- the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel may be referred to as Lipsip or Leppe cup or another similar name which relates to at least one possible configuration of the drinking spout having the shape of lips.
- the design and the primarily horizontal configuration of the vessel allows a user to drink all of the liquid out of the vessel without requiring the user to bend their neck backwards and tilt their head back. Instead, the horizontal configuration allows for minimal tipping or tilting of the glass to pour or drink liquid contained therein. Additionally, with the horizontal configuration and the spout as described herein, sipping and drinking without spilling can be accomplished with less movement of the user's head and greater success.
- the vessel contains a typical volume of liquid, such as two fluid ounces, three ounces, six ounces, eight ounces, twelve ounces, sixteen ounces, or thirty-two ounces.
- a typical volume of liquid such as two fluid ounces, three ounces, six ounces, eight ounces, twelve ounces, sixteen ounces, or thirty-two ounces.
- the use of glass allows the vessel to be used with liquids having a wide range of temperatures, from cold and/or frozen liquids to boiling liquids without damage.
- FIG. 1 depicts a drinking vessel 100 which is shown in a substantially horizontal orientation.
- the drinking vessel 100 includes a body 102 which is elongated along a single axis, the single axis lying horizontal in the state of vessel 100 in FIG. 1 .
- the body 102 of the drinking vessel 100 is substantially cylindrical, or elongated along a single axis, but includes curves and shapes which result in a body having the appearance of a cylinder with two bulging portions, one at each end of the body 102 .
- the body 102 tapers down to a narrow spout and includes an opening or aperture 104 .
- the body 102 around the aperture 104 is circular but may also be elliptical, rectangular, or any other regular or irregular shape.
- Aperture 104 lies in a plane which is not parallel to the single axis, and in some examples is perpendicular to the single horizontal axis of vessel 100 .
- the first end 108 may be shaped to appear as a pair of human lips, having an upper and a lower lip defining aperture 104 .
- Body 102 is a thin-walled shell formed of glass, such as borosilicate glass, and may be blown or molded.
- body 102 may be formed of various food-safe plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or other glasses such as soda-lime glass, silicate glass, and lead glass.
- HDPE high-density polyethylene
- any material which is rigid, waterproof, and food-safe may be used to form body 102 as well as other components of vessel 100 .
- the body 102 may be formed from plastics, metals (such as aluminum or brass), porcelain, ceramics.
- body 102 may be formed out of a disposable material such as a biodegradable plastic, cardboard, paper, or other compostable materials.
- the body 102 also includes aperture 106 on an upper surface of the body 102 .
- Aperture 106 may be larger than aperture 104 and be used for filling, cleaning, or otherwise accessing the inside of body 102 .
- Aperture 106 defines a plane, around the opening of aperture 106 , which is substantially horizontal in vessel 100 . This plane can be parallel to the single axis. In some instances, aperture 106 may be large enough to allow a user's hand to enter through aperture 106 into an inner portion of body 102 .
- Vessel 100 includes a first set of feet 112 for resting the vessel 100 on a supporting surface 150 .
- Supporting surface 150 is parallel to the single axis described above along which body 102 is elongated.
- Feet 112 define a common plane parallel to the single axis and therefore rest stably on the surface of a flat supporting surface.
- Feet 112 protrude from body 102 and support vessel 100 in a substantially horizontal or primarily horizontal orientation.
- Feet 112 may include at least three individual feet 112 to define the common plane and provide stability.
- Vessel 100 also includes a second set of feet 114 similar to feet 112 though protruding from body 102 at the second end 130 of body 102 .
- Feet 114 are arranged to support vessel 100 stably on a supporting surface 150 when vessel 100 is oriented in a vertical orientation as shown and described with respect to FIG. 3 below.
- Feet 114 and the common plane which they define is perpendicular to and/or intersects the single axis of vessel 100 .
- FIG. 2 depicts a side view of vessel 100 resting on a supporting surface 150 .
- Vessel 100 contains liquid 116 within body 102 and is shown having the feet and apertures as described above.
- Feet 112 maintain body 102 above supporting surface 150 a distance 158 which provides space and clearance for a hand of a user.
- distance 158 may be at or near zero while in some other examples, distance 158 may be as large as two and one-half centimeters (one inch) or more. In at least one embodiment, distance 158 is between one and on-quarter centimeters (one-half inch) and two and one-half centimeters (one inch) in magnitude.
- the feet 114 at second end 130 of body 102 may provide similar clearance as feet 112 .
- feet 114 may provide lower clearance or smaller distance between body 102 and supporting surface 150 than feet 112 due to the manner in which a user may grasp vessel 100 .
- vessel 100 In the substantially or primarily horizontal configuration, vessel 100 may be grasped by the user around a middle portion between the bulging portions of body 102 , with distance 158 enabling the user's fingers to slide under body 102 .
- width 152 of vessel 100 may be sized to fit in the hand of a user, and be of a diameter in a range of two and a half centimeters to fifteen and one-quarter centimeters (one to six inches). The size of vessel 100 may also be based on the volume to be contained therein.
- Aperture 106 may have diameter 110 , which, as described above is larger than a diameter or an effective diameter of aperture 104 .
- diameter 110 may be four times the diameter of aperture 104 .
- diameter 110 may be greater than four times the diameter of aperture 104 .
- aperture 104 is smaller than diameter 110 as aperture 104 forms a drinking spout while aperture 106 provides access for filling and cleaning vessel 100 .
- Aperture 106 may be positioned such that it is on an upper surface of body 102 when vessel 100 is resting in a horizontal configuration as shown in FIG. 2 so as to maximize the volume within body 102 that may be filled with liquid without liquid pouring out of aperture 106 . Additionally, aperture 106 is positioned along the length of vessel 100 to prevent liquid from pouring out through aperture 106 as vessel 100 is tipped for drinking.
- Aperture 106 may be positioned along the length of vessel 100 such that a distance 156 from the aperture 104 at the first end to the center of aperture 106 is less than a distance 154 from aperture 106 to the second end 130 of vessel 100 .
- the ratio of the distance from the center of aperture 106 to the second end 130 compared to the total length of vessel 100 may be about 3 ⁇ 4. In some other examples, the ratio may be less than 3 ⁇ 4, while in some others, the ratio may be greater than 3 ⁇ 4.
- aperture 106 may be positioned nearer to second end 130 than to first aperture 104 to ensure that liquid does not spill out of aperture 106 as vessel 100 is tipped for drinking out of aperture 104 .
- the center of aperture 106 may be located at or near 1 ⁇ 4 of the length of vessel 100 from second end 130 .
- Aperture 104 is likewise positioned to minimize spills and maximize liquid volume contained within vessel 100 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the center of aperture 104 is shown at a distance 160 that is a fraction of the total width and/or height 162 of vessel 100 . Distance 160 may be 3 ⁇ 4 of total height 162 , but in some examples may also be more or less than 3 ⁇ 4. Additionally, in some examples, aperture 104 may be the highest point on vessel 100 when resting horizontally and therefore distance 160 may be greater than height 162 of the remainder of vessel 100 .
- FIG. 3 depicts vessel 100 resting feet 114 on supporting surface 150 and resting stably in a vertical orientation having liquid 116 stored therein.
- the position of aperture 106 determines the volume of liquid 116 that may be stored therein when in the vertical position without spilling. Therefore, aperture 106 is optimally placed nearer aperture 104 and further from second end 130 to maximize liquid volume 116 contained therein. Aperture 106 may be separated from aperture 104 however, to ensure that liquid does not spill out of aperture 106 while drinking through aperture 104 .
- FIG. 4 depicts a front view of vessel 100 as described above.
- Body 102 has a roughly circular cross section as depicted herein, though in other examples the cross section may be any geometric shape, or any regular or irregular shape.
- body 102 may have a rectangular, trapezoidal, star-shaped, hexagonal, or elliptical cross-section, among others.
- FIG. 5 depicts an example embodiment of a vessel 200 including a body 202 , feet 212 , feet 214 , and aperture 204 similar to vessel 100 of FIG. 1 .
- Aperture 210 of vessel 200 is shown having a larger diameter or opening than aperture 106 . The increased size of aperture 210 may allow a user to more easily fill and clean interior of body 202 .
- the location of aperture 210 may be similar or identical to placement of aperture 106 of vessel 100 .
- Aperture 210 is located based on the center of aperture 210 being around M of the length of vessel 200 from an end of the vessel 200 .
- the center of aperture 210 may be moved along the length or primary axis of vessel 200 .
- aperture 210 with a larger opening may be shifted towards halfway along the length of vessel 200 to ensure that an edge of aperture 210 does not approach aperture 204 and allow liquid 216 to spill out of aperture 210 when drinking out of aperture 204 .
- FIG. 6 depicts an example of a vessel 300 including a set of grooves 318 on a side of body 302 .
- Grooves 318 increase a surface area and/or increase a grasping area to enable a user to comfortably and securely grasp vessel 300 .
- Grooves 318 include three finger grooves designed and shaped to match up with fingers of a user.
- the grooves are comprised of sections of half-cylinders inset into the body 302 .
- the grooves 318 may have a diameter in a range of one centimeter to three centimeters (0.4 inches to 1.2 inches).
- the grooves 318 may extend all around the circumference of body 302 or extend only partway up the side of body 302 .
- grooves 318 may extend hallway up the height of body 302 and/or a distance in a range of three centimeters to ten centimeters (1.2 inches to four inches).
- vessel 300 may include other shapes and/or textures in the area of grooves 318 .
- a dimpling and/or checkering may be applied to the area of grooves 318 to increase friction and grip on the vessel 300 .
- grooves 318 may be shaped differently, such as in concentric rings, diagonally, or circumferentially around body 302 .
- aperture 306 of vessel 300 is located centrally along the length of vessel 300 . This position allows vessel 300 to be tilted further when drinking from aperture 304 without liquid 316 spilling out of aperture 306 .
- vessel 300 and/or other embodiments described herein may include only one set of feet 312 and therefore only be designed to rest horizontally instead of primarily vertically.
- FIG. 7 depicts a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel 400 including resting surfaces formed onto body 402 .
- Body 402 has a primarily frusto-conical shape having a flat surface 422 on a lateral edge of body 402 .
- the flat surface 422 may define a plane to stably rest on a supporting surface in the horizontal orientation.
- a flat spot 424 for resting vessel 400 in a vertical orientation.
- Aperture 404 is shown at or near an uppermost height of vessel 40 such that liquid 416 may ill a greater portion of vessel 400 when resting horizontally.
- aperture 404 and aperture 406 may meet or merge into a single opening that functions as both a spout for drinking as well as a filling or access aperture.
- the combination of aperture 404 and aperture 406 may have a regular shape, or may narrow to form a spout at one end (where aperture 404 is located in the figure) and taper or widen in a teardrop shape to form access aperture 406 .
- FIG. 8 depicts a front view of vessel 400 as described above with respect to FIG. 7 .
- the cross section of vessel 400 show a curved upper portion of body 402 which is shown as a circular cross-section.
- the lower portion of body 402 includes flat surface 422 and therefore deforms the frusto-conical shape of body 402 .
- FIG. 9 depicts aside view of a vessel 500 similar to vessel 100 .
- Vessel 500 includes flat surfaces 522 and 524 similar to flat surface 422 and 424 as described with respect to vessel 400 . Additionally, vessel 500 includes a handle 520 for grasping to lift vessel 500 .
- Handle 520 may be on one lateral side of body 502 , or may include multiple handles on opposite sides of body 502 . Handle 520 connects at either end to body 520 to form a loop which may be grasped. In some examples, handle 520 may only be attached at one end to body 502 .
- Handle 520 is oriented in a primarily vertical orientation. Additionally, handle 520 may be positioned along the length of body 502 .
- FIG. 10 depicts a side view of a vessel 600 similar to vessel 500 , with handle 620 oriented primarily horizontally.
- handle 620 may be tilted and/or oriented at angles or orientations besides vertical or horizontal.
- handle 620 may be oriented at forty-five degrees with respect to the axis along which body 602 is elongated.
- FIG. 11 depicts a process 1100 for forming a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel.
- a hollow shell is formed from glass or another suitable material described above.
- the hollow shell may be blown, molded, cast, or otherwise formed to create a shell which has an internal cavity or space.
- the hollow shell formed in block 1102 is elongated along an axis to form a body having an aspect ratio greater than one. This step may also include forming the hollow shell into a cylindrical, substantially cylindrical, or other desired final shape for the body.
- Block 1106 includes forming a spout at one end of the body formed from hollow shell in the steps described above.
- the spout may be formed to have the appearance of lips, and to draw the spout up to a narrow end where a first aperture may be formed at block 1108 .
- the first aperture provides a conduit through the shell into the inner passage of the body.
- a second aperture is formed at block 1110 which provides a second conduit through the body.
- the first aperture and second aperture may be formed by piercing the body while in other embodiments the shell may be formed simultaneously with the first aperture and the second aperture.
- first and second supports are formed on the body of the vessel.
- the first support may include feet and/or a flat spot on the body of the vessel which define a common plane on which the vessel may rest stably when in a horizontal orientation.
- the second support may be a similar structure but be positioned on the body and designed to rest the vessel in a vertical orientation stably on a supporting surface.
- the cleaning machine may use air legs or configurations in non-vertical directions, in in which case the terms “top” and “bottom” may refer to positions not vertical but oriented diagonally as well.
- ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
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Abstract
Description
- Beverage containers or vessels for dispensing and/or drinking liquids are generally well-known. Beverage containers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, though most are formed in a generally cylindrical, vertical shape. Such vessels typically include an aperture through which liquid is both dispensed and added.
- A substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel is described herein. One general aspect includes a vessel for drinking including: a shell enclosing an inner space having an elongated shape with a length along an axis and a width perpendicular to the axis, a first end that intersects the axis, and a second end opposite the first end along the axis. The vessel also includes a first support at the second end of the shell and defining a first plane to rest stably on the supporting surface with the shell in a substantially vertical orientation as well as a second support at a first lateral edge of the shell defining a second plane on which the shell rests stably on a supporting surface with the shell in a substantially horizontal orientation. The vessel has a first aperture through the shell having a first dimension and located at the first end and offset from the axis in a direction opposite the first support where a perimeter of the first aperture defines a plane perpendicular to the axis. The vessel also includes a second aperture through the shell at a second lateral edge of the shell opposite the second support having a second dimension greater than the first dimension, with a center of the second aperture offset from a middle of the shell along the axis towards the first end where a perimeter of the second aperture defines a plane parallel to the axis.
- In another general aspect, the vessel includes a shell enclosing an inner space, having an elongated shape with a length along an axis and a width perpendicular to the axis, a first end that intersects the axis, and a second end opposite the first end along the axis. The vessel also includes a support at a lateral edge of the shell defining a plane on which the shell rests stably on a supporting surface when the vessel is in a substantially horizontal orientation. The vessel also includes a first aperture through the shell located at the first end and offset from the axis towards a lateral edge of the shell, where a perimeter of the first aperture defines a plane perpendicular to the axis. Additionally a second aperture is included in the vessel through the shell at a lateral edge of the shell opposite the support, with a center of the second aperture offset from a middle of the shell along the axis towards the first end, and where a perimeter of the second aperture defines a plane parallel to the axis.
- In at least one illustrative example a method of forming a beverage drinking vessel is described including: forming an elongated shell enclosing a volume in an inner space having a substantially cylindrical shape. A spout is formed in the elongated shell eccentrically at a first end of the elongated shell, the spout offset from a center axis of the elongated shell. The method also includes forming a first aperture at an end of the spout providing access to the inner space of the elongated shell and forming a second aperture at a lateral edge of the elongated shell with a center of the second aperture offset towards the first end of the elongated shell. A first support is formed opposite the first aperture at a second end of the elongated shell opposite the first end and defining a plane on which the elongated shell rests stably when in a vertical orientation and a second support is formed opposite the second aperture at a second lateral edge of the elongated shell defining a plane on which the elongated shell rests stably when in a horizontal orientation.
- The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel, according to at least one example; -
FIG. 2 is is a side view of the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel ofFIG. 1 resting horizontally on a support surface, according to at least one example; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel ofFIG. 1 resting vertically on a support surface, according to at least one example; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel, according to at least one example; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel having finger grooves on a side thereof, according to at least one example: -
FIG. 7 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel having a flat side to rest on a supporting surface, according to at least one example; -
FIG. 8 is a front view of the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel having a vertical handle on a side thereof and resting on a support surface, according to at least one example; and -
FIG. 10 is a side view of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel having a horizontal handle on a side thereof, according to at least one example; and -
FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting a process for forming a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel, according to at least one example. - The term embodiment and like terms are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this disclosure and the claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the present disclosure covered herein are defined by the claims below, not this description. In the following description, various examples will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the examples may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the example being described.
- Various components and example embodiments of a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel are described herein, as well as their benefits and improvements over typical containers and vessels. The examples described herein include: a substantially horizontal body formed of a hard material such as glass, a spout for dispensing liquid, an opening for filling, cleaning, and/or dispensing liquid, a grasping structure for holding the container, and one or more supports for resting the container in at least two orientations on a support surface.
- In some embodiments, the substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel may be referred to as Lipsip or Leppe cup or another similar name which relates to at least one possible configuration of the drinking spout having the shape of lips. The design and the primarily horizontal configuration of the vessel allows a user to drink all of the liquid out of the vessel without requiring the user to bend their neck backwards and tilt their head back. Instead, the horizontal configuration allows for minimal tipping or tilting of the glass to pour or drink liquid contained therein. Additionally, with the horizontal configuration and the spout as described herein, sipping and drinking without spilling can be accomplished with less movement of the user's head and greater success.
- The vessel contains a typical volume of liquid, such as two fluid ounces, three ounces, six ounces, eight ounces, twelve ounces, sixteen ounces, or thirty-two ounces. In addition, the use of glass allows the vessel to be used with liquids having a wide range of temperatures, from cold and/or frozen liquids to boiling liquids without damage.
- Turning now to the figures,
FIG. 1 depicts adrinking vessel 100 which is shown in a substantially horizontal orientation. Thedrinking vessel 100 includes abody 102 which is elongated along a single axis, the single axis lying horizontal in the state ofvessel 100 inFIG. 1 . Thebody 102 of thedrinking vessel 100 is substantially cylindrical, or elongated along a single axis, but includes curves and shapes which result in a body having the appearance of a cylinder with two bulging portions, one at each end of thebody 102. At afirst end 108 of thebody 102, thebody 102 tapers down to a narrow spout and includes an opening oraperture 104. Thebody 102 around theaperture 104 is circular but may also be elliptical, rectangular, or any other regular or irregular shape.Aperture 104 lies in a plane which is not parallel to the single axis, and in some examples is perpendicular to the single horizontal axis ofvessel 100. In one example, thefirst end 108 may be shaped to appear as a pair of human lips, having an upper and a lowerlip defining aperture 104. -
Body 102 is a thin-walled shell formed of glass, such as borosilicate glass, and may be blown or molded. In some examples,body 102 may be formed of various food-safe plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or other glasses such as soda-lime glass, silicate glass, and lead glass. In addition, any material which is rigid, waterproof, and food-safe may be used to formbody 102 as well as other components ofvessel 100. For example, thebody 102 may be formed from plastics, metals (such as aluminum or brass), porcelain, ceramics. In some examples,body 102 may be formed out of a disposable material such as a biodegradable plastic, cardboard, paper, or other compostable materials. - The
body 102 also includesaperture 106 on an upper surface of thebody 102.Aperture 106 may be larger thanaperture 104 and be used for filling, cleaning, or otherwise accessing the inside ofbody 102.Aperture 106 defines a plane, around the opening ofaperture 106, which is substantially horizontal invessel 100. This plane can be parallel to the single axis. In some instances,aperture 106 may be large enough to allow a user's hand to enter throughaperture 106 into an inner portion ofbody 102. - Vessel 100 includes a first set of
feet 112 for resting thevessel 100 on a supportingsurface 150. Supportingsurface 150 is parallel to the single axis described above along whichbody 102 is elongated.Feet 112 define a common plane parallel to the single axis and therefore rest stably on the surface of a flat supporting surface.Feet 112 protrude frombody 102 andsupport vessel 100 in a substantially horizontal or primarily horizontal orientation.Feet 112 may include at least threeindividual feet 112 to define the common plane and provide stability. -
Vessel 100 also includes a second set offeet 114 similar tofeet 112 though protruding frombody 102 at thesecond end 130 ofbody 102.Feet 114 are arranged to supportvessel 100 stably on a supportingsurface 150 whenvessel 100 is oriented in a vertical orientation as shown and described with respect toFIG. 3 below.Feet 114 and the common plane which they define is perpendicular to and/or intersects the single axis ofvessel 100. -
FIG. 2 depicts a side view ofvessel 100 resting on a supportingsurface 150.Vessel 100 contains liquid 116 withinbody 102 and is shown having the feet and apertures as described above.Feet 112 maintainbody 102 above supporting surface 150 adistance 158 which provides space and clearance for a hand of a user. In some examples,distance 158 may be at or near zero while in some other examples,distance 158 may be as large as two and one-half centimeters (one inch) or more. In at least one embodiment,distance 158 is between one and on-quarter centimeters (one-half inch) and two and one-half centimeters (one inch) in magnitude. - The
feet 114 atsecond end 130 ofbody 102 may provide similar clearance asfeet 112. In many examples,feet 114 may provide lower clearance or smaller distance betweenbody 102 and supportingsurface 150 thanfeet 112 due to the manner in which a user may graspvessel 100. In the substantially or primarily horizontal configuration,vessel 100 may be grasped by the user around a middle portion between the bulging portions ofbody 102, withdistance 158 enabling the user's fingers to slide underbody 102. Inaddition width 152 ofvessel 100 may be sized to fit in the hand of a user, and be of a diameter in a range of two and a half centimeters to fifteen and one-quarter centimeters (one to six inches). The size ofvessel 100 may also be based on the volume to be contained therein. -
Aperture 106 may havediameter 110, which, as described above is larger than a diameter or an effective diameter ofaperture 104. In some examples,diameter 110 may be four times the diameter ofaperture 104. In some other examples,diameter 110 may be greater than four times the diameter ofaperture 104. In any event,aperture 104 is smaller thandiameter 110 asaperture 104 forms a drinking spout whileaperture 106 provides access for filling and cleaningvessel 100. -
Aperture 106 may be positioned such that it is on an upper surface ofbody 102 whenvessel 100 is resting in a horizontal configuration as shown inFIG. 2 so as to maximize the volume withinbody 102 that may be filled with liquid without liquid pouring out ofaperture 106. Additionally,aperture 106 is positioned along the length ofvessel 100 to prevent liquid from pouring out throughaperture 106 asvessel 100 is tipped for drinking. -
Aperture 106 may be positioned along the length ofvessel 100 such that adistance 156 from theaperture 104 at the first end to the center ofaperture 106 is less than adistance 154 fromaperture 106 to thesecond end 130 ofvessel 100. In some examples, the ratio of the distance from the center ofaperture 106 to thesecond end 130 compared to the total length ofvessel 100 may be about ¾. In some other examples, the ratio may be less than ¾, while in some others, the ratio may be greater than ¾. In some embodiments,aperture 106 may be positioned nearer tosecond end 130 than tofirst aperture 104 to ensure that liquid does not spill out ofaperture 106 asvessel 100 is tipped for drinking out ofaperture 104. For example, the center ofaperture 106 may be located at or near ¼ of the length ofvessel 100 fromsecond end 130. -
Aperture 104 is likewise positioned to minimize spills and maximize liquid volume contained withinvessel 100. As shown inFIG. 2 , the center ofaperture 104 is shown at adistance 160 that is a fraction of the total width and/orheight 162 ofvessel 100.Distance 160 may be ¾ oftotal height 162, but in some examples may also be more or less than ¾. Additionally, in some examples,aperture 104 may be the highest point onvessel 100 when resting horizontally and therefore distance 160 may be greater thanheight 162 of the remainder ofvessel 100. -
FIG. 3 depictsvessel 100 restingfeet 114 on supportingsurface 150 and resting stably in a verticalorientation having liquid 116 stored therein. Withvessel 100 in the vertical orientation, it is clear that the position ofaperture 106 determines the volume ofliquid 116 that may be stored therein when in the vertical position without spilling. Therefore,aperture 106 is optimally placed neareraperture 104 and further fromsecond end 130 to maximizeliquid volume 116 contained therein.Aperture 106 may be separated fromaperture 104 however, to ensure that liquid does not spill out ofaperture 106 while drinking throughaperture 104. -
FIG. 4 depicts a front view ofvessel 100 as described above.Body 102 has a roughly circular cross section as depicted herein, though in other examples the cross section may be any geometric shape, or any regular or irregular shape. For example,body 102 may have a rectangular, trapezoidal, star-shaped, hexagonal, or elliptical cross-section, among others. -
FIG. 5 depicts an example embodiment of avessel 200 including abody 202,feet 212,feet 214, andaperture 204 similar tovessel 100 ofFIG. 1 .Aperture 210 ofvessel 200 is shown having a larger diameter or opening thanaperture 106. The increased size ofaperture 210 may allow a user to more easily fill and clean interior ofbody 202. - The location of
aperture 210 may be similar or identical to placement ofaperture 106 ofvessel 100.Aperture 210 is located based on the center ofaperture 210 being around M of the length ofvessel 200 from an end of thevessel 200. In some examples, due to the larger size ofaperture 210, the center ofaperture 210 may be moved along the length or primary axis ofvessel 200. For example,aperture 210 with a larger opening may be shifted towards halfway along the length ofvessel 200 to ensure that an edge ofaperture 210 does not approachaperture 204 and allow liquid 216 to spill out ofaperture 210 when drinking out ofaperture 204. -
FIG. 6 depicts an example of avessel 300 including a set ofgrooves 318 on a side ofbody 302.Grooves 318 increase a surface area and/or increase a grasping area to enable a user to comfortably and securely graspvessel 300.Grooves 318 include three finger grooves designed and shaped to match up with fingers of a user. In particular, the grooves are comprised of sections of half-cylinders inset into thebody 302. Thegrooves 318 may have a diameter in a range of one centimeter to three centimeters (0.4 inches to 1.2 inches). Thegrooves 318 may extend all around the circumference ofbody 302 or extend only partway up the side ofbody 302. In at least one example,grooves 318 may extend hallway up the height ofbody 302 and/or a distance in a range of three centimeters to ten centimeters (1.2 inches to four inches). In some examples,vessel 300 may include other shapes and/or textures in the area ofgrooves 318. For instance, a dimpling and/or checkering may be applied to the area ofgrooves 318 to increase friction and grip on thevessel 300. In other examples,grooves 318 may be shaped differently, such as in concentric rings, diagonally, or circumferentially aroundbody 302. - Additionally,
aperture 306 ofvessel 300 is located centrally along the length ofvessel 300. This position allowsvessel 300 to be tilted further when drinking fromaperture 304 withoutliquid 316 spilling out ofaperture 306. In some examples,vessel 300, and/or other embodiments described herein may include only one set offeet 312 and therefore only be designed to rest horizontally instead of primarily vertically. -
FIG. 7 depicts a substantially horizontalbeverage drinking vessel 400 including resting surfaces formed ontobody 402.Body 402 has a primarily frusto-conical shape having aflat surface 422 on a lateral edge ofbody 402. Theflat surface 422 may define a plane to stably rest on a supporting surface in the horizontal orientation. At the end ofvessel 400opposite aperture 404 is aflat spot 424 for restingvessel 400 in a vertical orientation.Aperture 404 is shown at or near an uppermost height of vessel 40 such thatliquid 416 may ill a greater portion ofvessel 400 when resting horizontally. - Additionally, in some examples,
aperture 404 andaperture 406 may meet or merge into a single opening that functions as both a spout for drinking as well as a filling or access aperture. The combination ofaperture 404 andaperture 406 may have a regular shape, or may narrow to form a spout at one end (whereaperture 404 is located in the figure) and taper or widen in a teardrop shape to formaccess aperture 406. -
FIG. 8 depicts a front view ofvessel 400 as described above with respect toFIG. 7 . The cross section ofvessel 400 show a curved upper portion ofbody 402 which is shown as a circular cross-section. The lower portion ofbody 402 includesflat surface 422 and therefore deforms the frusto-conical shape ofbody 402. -
FIG. 9 depicts aside view of avessel 500 similar tovessel 100.Vessel 500 includesflat surfaces flat surface vessel 400. Additionally,vessel 500 includes ahandle 520 for grasping to liftvessel 500. Handle 520 may be on one lateral side ofbody 502, or may include multiple handles on opposite sides ofbody 502. Handle 520 connects at either end tobody 520 to form a loop which may be grasped. In some examples, handle 520 may only be attached at one end tobody 502. Handle 520 is oriented in a primarily vertical orientation. Additionally, handle 520 may be positioned along the length ofbody 502. -
FIG. 10 depicts a side view of avessel 600 similar tovessel 500, withhandle 620 oriented primarily horizontally. In some examples, handle 620 may be tilted and/or oriented at angles or orientations besides vertical or horizontal. For instance, handle 620 may be oriented at forty-five degrees with respect to the axis along whichbody 602 is elongated. -
FIG. 11 depicts aprocess 1100 for forming a substantially horizontal beverage drinking vessel. Atblock 1102, a hollow shell is formed from glass or another suitable material described above. The hollow shell may be blown, molded, cast, or otherwise formed to create a shell which has an internal cavity or space. - At
block 1104, the hollow shell formed inblock 1102 is elongated along an axis to form a body having an aspect ratio greater than one. This step may also include forming the hollow shell into a cylindrical, substantially cylindrical, or other desired final shape for the body. -
Block 1106 includes forming a spout at one end of the body formed from hollow shell in the steps described above. The spout may be formed to have the appearance of lips, and to draw the spout up to a narrow end where a first aperture may be formed atblock 1108. The first aperture provides a conduit through the shell into the inner passage of the body. A second aperture is formed atblock 1110 which provides a second conduit through the body. In some examples, the first aperture and second aperture may be formed by piercing the body while in other embodiments the shell may be formed simultaneously with the first aperture and the second aperture. - At
blocks - The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims.
- Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated examples thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as defined in the appended claims.
- The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed examples (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. As used herein, the terms “top” and “bottom” can be associated with vertical positions when the air legs of the cleaning machine are oriented vertically. However, in some cases, the cleaning machine may use air legs or configurations in non-vertical directions, in in which case the terms “top” and “bottom” may refer to positions not vertical but oriented diagonally as well. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate examples of the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.
- Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. “About” and/or “substantially” includes within a tolerance of ±0.01%, ±0.1%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±8%, ±10%, ±15%, ±20%, ±25%, or as otherwise known in the art.
- Preferred examples of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of those preferred examples may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims (20)
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US16/447,489 US20200399009A1 (en) | 2019-06-20 | 2019-06-20 | Substantially horizontal liquid vessel |
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US16/447,489 US20200399009A1 (en) | 2019-06-20 | 2019-06-20 | Substantially horizontal liquid vessel |
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US20200399009A1 true US20200399009A1 (en) | 2020-12-24 |
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US16/447,489 Abandoned US20200399009A1 (en) | 2019-06-20 | 2019-06-20 | Substantially horizontal liquid vessel |
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Cited By (1)
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US11091266B2 (en) * | 2017-08-29 | 2021-08-17 | Goodrich Corporation | Conformable tank fabricated using additive manufacturing |
-
2019
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11091266B2 (en) * | 2017-08-29 | 2021-08-17 | Goodrich Corporation | Conformable tank fabricated using additive manufacturing |
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