WO2021260738A1

WO2021260738A1 - Attachment for a drinking vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2021260738A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rohit Warrier
Original assignee: Warrier Electronics
Priority date: 2020-06-26
Filing date: 2021-06-24
Publication date: 2021-12-30
Also published as: US20210401199A1

Abstract

An attachment for a drinking vessel is disclosed. The attachment comprises an inner wall, an arc shape on the inner wall, an exterior wall, a plurality of ribs on the inner side of the exterior wall, a curved surface joining the inner wall and exterior wall and a curved edge. The attachment is designed to act as a shield between the drinking vessel and the lips of the user.

Description

ATTACHMENT FOR A DRINKING VESSEL

PRIORITY INFORMATION

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Indian patent application numbered 202021027274 filed on June 26, 2020 in India and US patent application numbered 17/196,066 filed on March 09, 2021.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to an attachment for a drinking vessel.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In recent times, human civilization has been impacted by transmission of various viruses and bacteria. Lack of cleanliness, especially with respect with kitchenware often leads to the spread of illnesses. It is not always possible to make sure if public eateries have taken exhaustive cleanliness measures with all their kitchenware. Often the viruses and bacteria spread through the public eateries. Moreover, it has become especially important for one and all to follow good personal hygiene, particularly while in public places. Therefore, it has become imperative to take precautions, whenever and wherever possible.

SUMMARY

[0004] Before the present systems and methods, are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to systems and methods for constructing an attachment for a drinking vessel and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one implementation, an attachment for drinking vessel is disclosed. The attachment may comprise an inner wall having an inward slope structure. The inner wall may be in contact with the inner surface of the drinking vessel. The attachment may further comprise an arc on the inner wall. In one aspect, the arc may be present on the inner surface. The attachment may further comprise an exterior wall covering the outer surface of the drinking vessel. In one aspect, the exterior wall may length longer in height than the inner wall. The attachment may further comprise a plurality of ribs located on the inner side of the exterior wall. It may be noted that the plurality of ribs may be configured to maintain a structural integrity of the exterior wall. The attachment may further comprise a curved surface joining the inner wall and the exterior wall. The attachment may further comprise a curved edge on the curved surface. It may be noted that the curved edge has a half semi-circle cut on an edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the present document; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawings.

[0007] The detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components. [0008] Figure 1 illustrates a top front view 100 of an attachment (102) for a drinking vessel (502), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a top back view 200 of an attachment (102) for a drinking vessel (502), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a front view 300 of an attachment (102) for a drinking vessel (502), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates a sliced side view 400 of a drinking vessel

(502) when an attachment (102) is attached to the drinking vessel (502), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 5 illustrates a top view 500 of an attachment (102) for drinking vessel (502) when attached to the drinking vessel (502) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0013] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “mounting,”, “comprising”, “placing”, “fitting” and "installing," and other forms thereof, are intended to be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary systems and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. [0014] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0015] The present invention describes an attachment for a drinking vessel. The attachment may be readily retrofittable on an aperture edge of the drinking vessel. The aim of the attachment is to operate as a protective cover on an immediate adjacent area of the drinking vessel that comes in contact with a user’s lips or mouth. The attachment avoids direct exposure of the user’s mouth with contaminants present on the aperture end of the drinking vessel. A shape of the attachment is adapted and constructed in a way that fits and covers an inner and an outer surface of the drinking vessel. A size of the attachment is large enough to provide maximum coverage area on the aperture end of the drinking vessel, with no contact of the user’s lips with the drinking vessel. The attachment is designed in a way to self-maintain a structural integrity while also firmly griping the aperture end of the drinking vessel. A design of the attachment has adapted anti-skid property in order to avoid accidental swallowing of the attachment. The attachment is readily detachable by manually pulling it away from the drinking vessel. The attachment is reusable as a personal possession. The attachment can be made at least from a food grade virgin plastic, rubber, and a non-toxic polymer material. In one embodiment, the attachment may also be made from a biodegradable material.

[0016] While aspects of described attachment and a method for functioning of the attachment may be implemented in any number of different environments, and/or configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary attachment for drinking vessel.

[0017] Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 disclose an attachment (102) for a drinking vessel (502) and a method for the functions of the attachment (102) for permitting the user to drink from the drinking vessel (502) without any contact with the drinking vessel (502).

[0018] Referring now to Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, an attachment

(102) for a drinking vessel (502) is disclosed. The drinking vessel (502) is at least one of a glass, a cup, a sipper, and a mug. The attachment (102) has a curved arching shape in order to best fit an aperture edge (504) of the drinking vessel (502). The attachment (102) may sufficiently cover an immediate adjacent area of an aperture edge (504) of the drinking vessel (502) that comes directly in contact with a user’s mouth. The attachment (102) is readily retrofittable and readily detachable by manually pulling the attachment (102) away from the drinking vessel (502). The attachment (102) is biodegradable.

[0019] Further, the attachment (102) comprises an inner wall (112), in contact with an inner surface (402) of the drinking vessel (502). The inner wall (112) may rest like a flap on the inner surface (402) of the drinking vessel (502). The edges of the inner wall (112), farther from an aperture edge (504) of the drinking vessel (502), may be trimmed or cut to form an arc shape (302). In an embodiment, the arc shape (302) is similar to a smiley cut and may provide stability to the attachment (102). In another embodiment, the arc shape (302) may help the inner wall (112) from opening and staying intact. Further, the inner wall (112) consists of an inward slope. The inward slope may allow seepage free flow of liquid form the drinking vessel (502) into a user’s mouth. The inward slope may grip the inner surface (402) of the drinking vessel (502).

[0020] Furthermore, the attachment (102) comprises an exterior wall

(108) in contact with an outer surface (404) of the drinking vessel (502). The exterior wall (108) rests like a flap on the outer surface (404) of the drinking vessel (502). In an embodiment, the exterior wall (108) may have a slight inward gradient. In another embodiment, the length of the exterior wall (108) may be longer in height in comparison to the inner wall (112), to cover as much as surface area of outer surface (404) of the drinking vessel (502). It may be noted that the length of the exterior wall (108) is customizable based on shape of the drinking vessel (502).

[0021] Further, the attachment (102) comprises a plurality of ribs (104) located on an inner side of the exterior wall (108). The plurality of ribs (104) may be equally spaced curved and slender column like structure. The plurality of ribs (104) may run parallel to a length of the drinking vessel (502). In an embodiment, a vertical design of the plurality of ribs (104) may make the attachment (102), easy to fit and detach from the drinking vessel (502). In another embodiment, the plurality of ribs (104) may make the attachment (102) sturdy and may maintain a structural integrity of the attachment (102). In another embodiment, the plurality of ribs (104), may provide thickness to the attachment (102), keeping the attachment (102) from falling flimsy. Further, the plurality of ribs (104) may cover any extra space between the attachment (102) and the drinking vessel (502). In an embodiment, the plurality of ribs (104) may enable a user to drink seepage free by covering the extra space. Furthermore, the plurality of ribs (104) may give a tight fit to the attachment (102), allowing the user to drink without accidently swallowing the attachment (102). It must be noted that the plurality of ribs (104) is not visible to the user when the attachment (102) is fixed to the drinking vessel (502).

[0022] Further, the attachment (102) comprises a curved surface (110).

The curved surface (110) rests on a rim of an aperture edge (504) of the drinking vessel (502). The curved surface (110) may join an inner wall (112) to an exterior wall (108). The curved surface (110) may curved in design to fit the rim of the aperture end (504) of the drinking vessel (502).

[0023] Further, the attachment (102) consists of a curved edge (106) on either side of a curved surface (110). The edges of an inner wall (112) and an exterior wall (108) closer to an aperture edge (504) of a drinking vessel (502) may also form the curved edge (106). The curved edge (106) may have a half semi circle cut. In an embodiment, the half semi-circle cut may be in a shape of an inward tunnel. In another embodiment, the half semi-circle cut may avoid any protrusions on the aperture edge (504) of the drinking vessel (502). In another embodiment, the curved edge (106) cut in a half semi-circle shape may provide stability and grip to the attachment (102). In yet another embodiment, the half semi-circle cut design feature may cover up any gap between an inner ceiling of the curved surface (110) and the rim of the aperture edge (504) of the drinking vessel (502).

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a sliced side view (400) of a drinking vessel

(502) when the attachment (102) is retrofitted on top. Further, an inward slope structure maybe adapted to an inner wall (112) resting on the inner surface (402) of the drinking vessel (502). In an embodiment, the slope structure may facilitate seepage free flow of a liquid to a user’s mouth. Further, an inward gradient is adapted to an exterior wall (108) resting on the outer surface (404) of the drinking vessel (502). As shown in the figure, the exterior wall (108) length is longer in height than the inner wall (112). Further, the plurality of ribs (104) may give a tight fit to the attachment (102). A curved surface (110) resting on a rim of an aperture edge (504) of the drinking vessel (502) is joining the inner wall (112) and the exterior wall (108).

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates the top view (500) of the attachment (102) when retrofitted on top of the drinking vessel (502). Further, curved edge (106) of the inner wall (112), farther from an aperture edge (504) of the drinking vessel, is trimmed to form an arc shape (302) or a smiley cut. In an embodiment, the arc shape (302) may prevent the opening of the inner wall (112). In another embodiment, the arc shape (302) may prevent a liquid seepage while drinking from the drinking vessel (502). Further, the curved edge (106) fills any gap between a rim of an aperture edge (504) and the curved surface (110). In an embodiment, the curved edge (106) may provide seepage free drinking from the drinking vessel (502).

[0026] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.

[0027] Some embodiments enable the attachment (102) to be retrofit on top of the drinking vessel (502).

[0028] Some embodiments enable the attachment (102) to be detachable from the drinking vessel (502) by manual pulling the attachment (102) away from the drinking vessel (502). [0029] Some embodiments facilitate the attachment (102) to be reusable.

[0030] Some embodiments facilitate the attachment (102) to be biodegradable.

[0031] Although implementations for an attachment (102) for a drinking vessel (502) have been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for constructing the attachment (102) for drinking vessel (502).

Claims

We claim:

1. An attachment for a drinking vessel, comprising: an inner wall having an inward slope structure, wherein the inner wall is in contact with an inner surface of a drinking vessel; an arc shape on the inner wall, wherein the arc shape is present on the inner surface; an exterior wall, wherein the exterior wall covers an outer surface of the drinking vessel, and wherein the exterior wall length longer in height than the inner wall; a plurality of ribs, wherein the plurality of ribs are located on an inner side of the exterior wall, and wherein the plurality of ribs are configured to maintain a structural integrity of the exterior wall; a curved surface, wherein the curved surface joins the inner wall and the exterior wall; and a curved edge on the curved surface, wherein the curved edge is a half semi-circle cut on an edge of the curved surface.

2. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment is reusable.

3. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment is a retrofit attachment.

4. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inward slope structure facilitates flow of liquid from the drinking vessel to a user’s mouth.

5. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arc shape on the inner wall facilitates seepage free usage of the attachment, and wherein the arc shape is a smiley cut.

6. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of ribs provides grip and anti-skid protection to the attachment.

7. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curved edge facilitates tight fit on a top of the drinking vessel.

8. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drinking vessel is at least one of a glass, a cup, a sipper, and a mug.

9. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment is made up of at least a food grade virgin plastic, a rubber, and a polymer material.