U.S. patent application number 12/492796 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-07 for modular stemware and serving set.
Invention is credited to Lanita Cox.
Application Number | 20100000904 12/492796 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41463523 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100000904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cox; Lanita |
January 7, 2010 |
MODULAR STEMWARE AND SERVING SET
Abstract
A serving set to be used for beverages at formal and informal
parties may include modular stemware. The serving set has a base
that nests into a food serving tray, and can be disassembled into
its component parts of base, stem, and bowl. This allows the bowls
and stems of the beverage set to be interchanged and easily stored.
The serving set could be made of one or more of glass,
polycarbonate, metal, crystal, or other plastics.
Inventors: |
Cox; Lanita; (Suwanee,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BATEMAN IP LAW GROUP
P.O. BOX 1319
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
41463523 |
Appl. No.: |
12/492796 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61077436 |
Jul 1, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/563 ;
220/574 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0216 20130101;
A47G 19/2255 20130101; B65D 1/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/563 ;
220/574 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/34 20060101
B65D001/34; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A device, comprising: a base; and a bowl, wherein the base and
the bowl are releasably attachable to each other to form a single
piece of stemware.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a stem, wherein at
least two of the base, the stem, and the bowl are releasably
attachable to each other.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least two of the base, the
stem, and the bowl are releasably attachable with a threaded
connection.
4. The device of claim 3, where the stem of the beverage set has a
male-threaded screw extending outward from the bottom to secure it
to the base.
5. The device of claim 3, where the base has a female-threaded
portion in the center to receive the stem.
6. The device of claim 3, where the stem has a female-threaded
portion in the center of the top to receive the bowl.
7. The device of claim 3, where the bowl has a male-threaded screw
at the bottom to connect firmly to the stem.
8. The device of claim 2, where base, stem, and bowl of the
stemware can be disassembled when not in use.
9. The device of claim 1, where the base is configured to securely
engage a serving tray having a beverage container portion, wherein
the base is slightly smaller in size than the beverage container
portion, allowing the base to nest into the beverage container
portion.
10. Modular stemware, comprising: a plurality of bases; a plurality
of stems; and a plurality of bowls, wherein each of the plurality
of stems is configured to releasably couple to any one of the
plurality of bases and any one of the plurality of bowls.
11. The modular stemware of claim 10, wherein a first portion of
the plurality of bowls have a different shape than at least a
second portion of the plurality of bowls.
12. The modular stemware of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
bowls includes at least two different bowl designs selected from
the following: a martini-style bowl; a white wine-style bowl; a red
wine-style bowl; a champagne flute-style bowl; a margarita-style
bowl; and a chilled beverage-style bowl.
13. The modular stemware of claim 10, wherein at least a first
portion of the plurality of stems is aesthetically different from
at least a second portion of the plurality of stems.
14. The modular stemware of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality
of bowls, each of the plurality of stems, and each of the plurality
of bases includes at least one threaded portion.
15. The modular stemware of claim 10, wherein at least one of the
plurality of bases, the plurality of stems, and the plurality of
bowls is made from one of metal, glass, plastic, and crystal.
16. The modular stemware of claim 15, wherein a single stemware
having a base, a stem, and a bowl includes one of the base, the
stem and the bowl being made of a material different from at least
one of the remaining base, stem, or bowl.
17. The modular stemware of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of
the plurality of bowls is configured to stack with similar bowls
when disassembled.
18. The modular stemware of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
stems includes at least one stem each selected from at least two of
the following, a straight stem design, a heart-shaped stem design,
and a zigzag stem design.
19. The modular stemware of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality
of bases is configured to releasably couple to each of the
plurality of bowls.
20. A serving set comprising: a food serving tray having a beverage
compartment formed therein; and a piece of stemware, the stemware
having a base configured for nesting in the beverage compartment of
the food serving tray.
21. The serving set of claim 20, wherein the beverage compartment
is sloped to enable stacking the serving trays with each beverage
compartment being extendable into a beverage compartment of another
serving tray.
22. The serving set of claim 14, wherein the base of the stemware
has a sloped outerwall.
23. The serving set of claim 22, wherein the base is
frusto-conical.
24. The serving set of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of
interchangeable stems, each of the stems having a different
configuration.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/077,436, filed on Jul. 1, 2008, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to stemware for holding
beverages. More specifically, the invention relates to modular
stemware with interchangeable parts, including an improved
interface between a base of the stemware and a beverage container
that allows the base to be nested into the food tray so that the
glass will resist spilling its contents if the tray is tipped.
BACKGROUND
[0003] While entertaining or hosting an occasion such as a dinner
party, a wedding, a reunion, etc., the situation often exists where
guests must hold both a plate with food and a beverage container.
Often this includes the use of paper plates, which can give way
under the weight of the food. This can cause embarrassment for the
person whose food has spilled and may create an unsightly mess.
[0004] Even if non-disposable plates are provided when serving food
at such an occasion, however, it is difficult for a guest to
conveniently handle both the plate with food and the beverage
container at the same time. Therefore, it is desired to have a food
tray that would be appropriate for a variety of occasions to allow
an individual to carry both food and beverage items in one hand,
while maintaining ready access to either.
[0005] At occasions where food is not served individually but
rather in a buffet style, an individual picks up a plate, such as a
china plate, and proceeds through a buffet line adding food to the
plate. While acquiring food on the plate, the individual usually
must also carry silverware and a napkin. At the end of the buffet,
or at another table, an individual acquires a beverage to be
consumed with the meal. After this process, the individual must
carry a plate of food, a beverage, silverware, and a napkin back to
a table, or must eat sitting in a chair or standing. Not only are
these items difficult to carry, but eating in places other than at
a table can be challenging at such an occasion.
[0006] An individual at such occasions is often greeted by others,
or engages in conversation with others in attendance. When one is
introduced to a new person, it is customary to stand and to shake
hands as a polite exchange. However, social introductions can be
awkward if an individual is carrying a plate of food, a beverage,
silverware, and a napkin. Also, if tables are not provided at such
an occasion, or a table is not available, then an individual must
stand to eat, or must sit in a chair to eat. Either way, there is
no place to set one's beverage besides the floor or other flat
surfaces. The floor or other flat surfaces are not desirable
because one's drink could be spilled or confused with someone
else's beverage. In addition, it would be desirable for the food
tray to be able to hold a beverage securely without a great risk of
spilling the drink while carrying the food tray or while laying the
tray on a flat surface or one's lap.
[0007] When using stemware or other standard beverage containers at
an occasion where numerous persons are to be served, it is
desirable to have containers that are easy to stack and store. Most
normal stemware does not stack easily in a fashion that will not
fall over and care must be taken to avoid damaging the glasses.
Therefore, one would desire a serving set for beverages that is
appropriate for a formal or semi-formal occasion, that allows the
user to carry the beverage in one hand on a food tray, and that can
be easily stacked to save space.
[0008] Different types of social occasions and beverages call for
varying types of stemware. For example, when martinis are served,
the bowl, or cup portion, of the stemware is a martini style,
whereas when champagne is served, the bowl of the stemware is a
champagne flute. Similarly, stemware for white wine, red wine, and
chilled beverages traditionally have different bowl shapes.
Additionally, many different stem designs have been used for
stemware. For a more formal occasion, a traditional,
straight-stemmed glass would be appropriate. For a wedding, a
heart-shaped stem may be desirable. At many large gatherings, the
stemware is provided by the company who caters. Catering companies
must provide stemware for a variety of occasions and types of
drinks.
[0009] The number of guests at an event and the variety of drinks
which may be ordered--such as at an open bar, can be daunting for a
caterer. If one hundred guests are expected, the caterer may need
to bring at least one hundred of each type of glass to ensure that
it can cover whatever is ordered. While other types of stemware can
be used, using stemware other than that specifically designed for
the drink is less than desirable and can be socially uncomfortable
for the person hosting the event, and damaging to the reputation of
the caterer. Once the event is over, the caterer is faced with the
task of transporting all of the used stemware to its facility and
cleaning the stemware for the next event. Again, a substantial
volume of stemware must be transported.
[0010] Due to these concerns, it would be desirable to have a
serving set that could be disassembled to allow for the most
possibility in variety of stemware without having to purchase each
entire glass separately. Such disassembled stemware also is easier
to transport and to clean. Thus, there is a need for a stemware
that is aesthetically and socially appropriate for various
beverages in a formal or semi-formal occasion, and which allows an
individual to securely carry a beverage on a food tray in one hand
to prevent spilling. There is also a need for a stemware that can
be easily assembled and disassembled to allow for stacking and
interchanging the stems and bowls.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0011] A modular serving set with stemware, along with associated
methods and components is disclosed herein. The service set may
include stemware which is designed to be more useful, especially
during large social situations. According to some embodiments, the
serving set may include stemware having a base that can be securely
nested into a receptacle in a food serving tray. The base secures
the stemware in the food serving tray so that tipping the serving
tray to either side does not cause the stemware to tip over.
Preferably, the base is configured to easily slide into and out of
the receptacle while being held upright by the wall defining the
receptacle. Thus the interaction of the base and the receptacle
allows the beverage to be securely attached to the tray while not
in use, but also allows the beverage to be removed when an
individual desires a drink.
[0012] According to other embodiments, the base, the stem, and/or
the bowl of the stemware are releasably engageable with each other,
allowing a variety of configurations of stemware with minimal
components. This allows the stem to be securely fastened to the
base while the beverage set is in use, and also allows it to be
removed for storage or cleaning, thus substantially reducing space
requirements.
[0013] In accordance with other embodiments, a plurality of
different stem formations may be used with a single base and/or
with a variety of bowl configurations. Similarly, multiple bases
may be used with a single stem configuration. Thus, a caterer or
the like can select a stem which is most appropriate for a given
occasion. For example, a stem with a heart design may be used for a
wedding reception one date and the same base may be used with a
stem having a more traditional configuration at a dinner party the
next.
[0014] Likewise, the same base could be used with a stem resembling
a flag for a holiday such as the Fourth of July, or with stems
matched to any other occasion. Similarly, the bowl of the beverage
set may releasably engage the stem. This may allow the bowl to be
securely attached to the stem of the beverage while in use, and
also allows it to be interchangeable with other bowls depending on
the type of drink to be served.
[0015] In some embodiments, some of the components may be
integrally formed. For example, some stems and bases may be
integrally formed to achieve a particular aesthetic look, and may
be releasably engaged with a variety of bowl designs. Similarly, a
bowl and stem may be integrally formed that can be used with
interchangeable bases.
[0016] According to embodiments, the bowl of the beverage set may
be contoured to receive another bowl of the same design when
stacked. After stemware has been used, the bowels can be stacked on
top of one another and the stems and bases can be grouped together.
Stackable bowls and bases substantially reduce the space required
to move or store the stemware.
[0017] It will be appreciated that not all embodiments made in
accordance with the invention will contain all aspects of the
invention as noted above. Rather, various embodiments of the
invention will contain different advantages thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from a consideration of the
following detailed description presented in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a food serving tray with
stemware nested into the beverage compartment;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the serving tray and stemware
of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the serving tray of
FIGS. 1 and 2 with a conventional glass disposed therein;
[0022] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the serving tray and
glass of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an assembled beverage
set;
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the assembled beverage set of
FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a base of the beverage
set;
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the base of FIG. 5;
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of the base of FIG. 5;
[0028] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a straight stem of a beverage
set;
[0029] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the straight stem of FIG.
8;
[0030] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a Martini-style bowl;
[0031] FIG. 11 shows a plurality of Martini-style bowls which are
contoured to receive another Martini-style bowl when stacked;
[0032] FIG. 12 shows a plurality of wine bowls contoured to at
least partially receive one another;
[0033] FIG. 13 shows a plurality of champagne flutes contoured to
at least partially receive one another;
[0034] FIG. 14 shows a plurality of different stems which may be
used with various bowls or flutes;
[0035] FIG. 15 shows an alternate configuration of a base for the a
beverage set of the present invention configured for stacking;
[0036] FIG. 16A shows an alternative configuration of a champagne
flute where the stem has been omitted;
[0037] FIG. 16B shows an alternative configuration of a wine glass
where the stem has been omitted; and
[0038] FIG. 16C shows an alternative configuration of a martini
glass in which the stem has been omitted; and
[0039] FIG. 17 shows an alternative configuration of a base.
[0040] It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative
and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by
the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the
various elements of the present invention will be given numeral
designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to
enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is
to be understood that the following description is only exemplary
of the principles of the present invention, and should not be
viewed as narrowing the pending claims.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 1, a food serving tray is shown generally at
10. The food serving tray shown is substantially the same as that
shown in U.S. Pat. No. D573,407 S. The food serving tray 10
includes a beverage compartment 14 and a pair of food compartments
18, which are divided as shown at 22. A handle 20 extends from the
serving tray 20.
[0043] As will be discussed in additional detail below, the
beverage compartment 14 is sized very slightly larger than the base
24 of the stemware 26. In this configuration, the beverage
compartment 14 allows the base of the beverage to nest in the
compartment and significantly reduces the risk that the beverage
will be spilled in the event that someone accidentally bumps the
beverage or tilts the serving tray 10. In contrast, placing a
bottle or can on a conventional plate makes it very likely that the
beverage will spill if the bottle, can or plate is bumped.
Likewise, even placing a conventional wine glass or other glass in
the serving tray 10 can cause the drink to be spilled easily.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 2, a side view of the beverage set in
the tray is shown. The base of the beverage set 26 is slightly
smaller than the beverage compartment 14, allowing the base to nest
in the beverage compartment. By nesting, it is meant that the base
24 will slide in and out easily, but has little room for lateral
movement when seated at the bottom of the beverage compartment 14.
With the beverage nested in the tray in this manner, a person could
hold their drink securely in the tray while not in use, and have
easy access to the beverage when they desire a drink.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 2A, there is shown a cross-sectional
view of the beverage compartment 14 with a traditional wine or
margarita glass 30. The base 30' of the glass 30 may fit nicely in
the bottom of the beverage compartment 14, but there is little to
prevent the glass 30 from tipping over in the event the glass is
inadvertently bumped (as is common at social events).
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2B, the base 24 of the beverage set 26 may
sufficiently engage the beverage compartment 14 such that it will
resist the beverage set 26 being tipped over if it is bumped.
Likewise, if a person were to pick up the serving tray 10 at an
angle--say up to 30-45 degrees, the engagement between the base 24
and the walls of the beverage container 14 may hold the beverage
set 26 secured to the serving tray 10 and prevent or minimize any
spilling. In contrast, lifting a serving tray 10 with a
conventional glass 30 may cause the glass to tip over, spilling its
contents on the serving tray or the user.
[0047] FIGS. 2A and 2B show the walls of the beverage container 14
as being slightly sloped. Such a configuration may allow stacking
of the serving trays 10. Additionally, while FIG. 2B shows a
generally frusto-conical base 24, it will be appreciated that the
stem 27 of the serving set 26 could attach at the bottom, with the
base forming a somewhat flattened V shape--thereby allowing the
bases 24 to be stacked as will be discussed below. Similarly, any
number of complimentary shapes and features may be provided on the
bases 24 and the serving trays 10 to achieve the secured
relationship as described herein.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the assembled beverage
set 26. In some embodiments, the beverage set 26, or various
components of the beverage set 26, may be integrally formed from a
single piece of material. In some embodiments, the beverage set 26
may be formed from a plurality of parts so as to make the beverage
sets more convenient for parties and for storage, and to provide
versatility in selecting a particular aesthetic or socially desired
configuration for a particular event. When the set is fully
assembled with the base 24, stem 16, and bowl 28, it resembles
regular stemware that cannot be disassembled. FIG. 4 shows the
assembled beverage set from a side-view. As will be explained in
additional detail below, allowing the bowl or flute, the stem and
the base to come apart substantially reduces the space which is
required for transporting or cleaning the beverage set. It also
allows a given inventory of parts to make stemware for a variety of
occasions, thereby minimizing the inventory that must be on
hand.
[0049] For example, if a caterer is catering a party that has 100
guests that is to last for 3 hours and has an open bar with various
types of drinks, such as wine, mixed drinks, champagne, soda, etc.,
the caterer will typically have to bring a large number of
different types of glasses appropriate for the different types of
beverage. If each guest were to average 3 drinks, the caterer would
need to bring 300 glasses. However, some guests may ask for wine,
while others want margaritas. Still others may request champagne.
The caterer must then approximate how many of each type of glass to
bring--perhaps 250 wine glasses, 150 margarita glasses and 150
champagne glasses. Thus, the caterer must transport 550 glasses to
cover an estimated 300 drinks. That many glasses will consume a
considerable volume.
[0050] In accordance with the present invention, the caterer could
bring 300 wine bowls, 300 margarita bowls and 300 champagne flutes,
300 stems and 300 bases, or some other combination as desired.
Because they can be separated and stacked, the pieces will consume
considerably less space than bringing 300 of each type of stemware.
Additionally, the servers at the bar are able to quickly construct
whichever glasses are needed. Thus, for example, if there were an
overwhelming number of requests for champagne, the servers can
assemble all 300 champagne flutes if needed. Additionally, in an
emergency, the stem and base from one drink for a user could be
reused and a new bowl attached for the new drink of that user.
Thus, there is little risk that the caterer will run out of the
correct type of stemware for a given drink.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the base of
embodiments of a beverage set is shown. The base 24 may be
generally cylindrical (or slightly tapered) in shape and slightly
smaller than the beverage container in the food serving tray. This
allows the base 24 to nest into the beverage container 14 of the
serving tray 10 when it is not being used. The base 24 may include
a receptacle 31 which allows the stem (discussed below) to nest in
the base. Base 24 may be solid, or may include an open bottom as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the base 24. The base 24 may
essentially form a nut with female threads 31 to allow a stem with
a male screw to be securely attached. Of course, the base 24 could
be provided with a projection with male threads and the stem 32
could include a receptacle with female threads. Other complimentary
connectors may also be used, such as a slide and lock configuration
where the male portion is inserted and then turned to securely
engage the base 24 and a stem 32 together. These and other various
connection configurations may be used to connect the various
modular components described throughout this specification.
Similarly, while female threads 31 are shown in FIG. 7 as extending
only partially through base 24, female threads 31 may extend
through the entire base, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0053] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the base 24 taken
along the line 6-6. The receptacle 31 extends downwardly inside the
base, extending at least part-way through, to provide adequate
attachment for a stem 32. In some embodiments, such as base 124
shown in FIG. 17, base 124 may include notches 125 to allow base
124 to press-fit into beverage compartment 14 of serving tray 10,
and to allow for improved draining during washing. Notches 125 may
provide a biasing action to base 124 when placed into beverage
compartment 14, and may be tapered slightly less than the taper of
beverage compartment 14. Similarly, base 124 may be slightly larger
than the base 24 to allow for the press-fit. In other embodiments,
any base for modular stemware may include features such as notches
125 to allow for similar press-fit accommodation in beverage
compartment 14. In other embodiments, base 24 may be solid without
the cut-out portion as shown in FIG. 7.
[0054] FIG. 8 shows an example of a straight stem 32 that can be
used with the beverage set. Although any shape, color, or design of
stem may be used, the stem typically has a male threaded projection
33 extending from the bottom of the stem. This projection 33 allows
the stem to be securely connected to the base 24 via the
complimentary threaded configuration of the receptacle 31. Being
able to connect a variety of stems to the same base will allow for
more options of appropriate stemware at large social occasions
without having to buy an entire separate glass. (While mentioned as
threaded engagement between the stem and the base, it will be
appreciated that other forms of engagement could be used.)
[0055] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
straight stem 32 taken along line 9-9. The top of the stem 32 has a
female-threaded receptacle 34 inside. The receptacle 34 extends
part-way through the top of the stem 32, with the top of the
receptacle typically being coplanar with the top of the stem. The
receptacle 34 allows the bowl of the beverage set to be screwed
into the stem 32 to thereby form a piece of stemware. A variety of
styles and shapes may be used for the stems of the beverage set.
Because the set can be dissembled, any desired stem could be easily
stored. Likewise, it will be appreciated that the male and female
engagements 31 and 34 could be reversed.
[0056] Turning to FIG. 10, a side view of the Martini-style bowl 28
is shown. A male-threaded projection or screw 36 on the bottom of
the bowl allows it to securely attach to the stem of the beverage
set. The void 38 and the tapered bowl allows for stacking of the
food serving trays. FIG. 11 shows a view of a plurality of
Martini-style bowls which are stacked. The tapered body of the bowl
is shown in phantom at 40. Although the bowls of the beverage set
could be of a variety of designs or shapes, it is preferable that
the bowls are contoured and shaped to allow stacking, as this
significantly reduces storage space. Thus, for example, six to
eight bowls 28 may be stacked in the space that would ordinarily be
taken by a single piece of stemware. When space is provided for the
stems 32 and bases 24, the components for six to eight pieces of
stemware can fit within the space normally consumed by two
glasses--thereby reducing volume by more than two-thirds.
Additionally, forming the stemware from interchangeable pieces
allows servers or caterers to create the type of stemware needed,
when needed.
[0057] FIG. 12 shows a plurality of wine bowls 40 contoured to at
least partially receive one another. The wine bowls 40 are stacked
for storage. For use, they need only be attached to the stems 32
via a threaded projection 42 (or the engagement may be reversed)
and to stems attached to the bases 24 for a wine glass to be
provided. However, because the stemware comes apart and the bowls
40 stack, the components can be stored and transported in a much
smaller volume. This will allow a caterer to have numerous types of
glasses available and will allow stemware to be assembled on-site
and as needed.
[0058] FIG. 13 shows a plurality of champagne flutes 44. Like the
martini bowls 28 and the wine bowls 40 the champagne flutes 44 may
be stackable so that they can be stored and transported in
reasonably small volume. Projections 46 or receptacles (not shown)
can be used to secure the champagne flutes 44 to the stems 32.
[0059] FIG. 14 shows a plurality of different stems 32, 32a, 32b,
32c, which may be used with the various bowls 28, 40 or flutes 44,
or any other desired bowl or cup configuration. Each stem 32, 32a,
32b, 32c and 32d includes an attachment mechanism, such as the
threaded projection 33, for attachment to the bowls 28, 40, 44.
[0060] In some embodiments, the stems can be configured and
selected for particular occasions. Stem 32 represents a classical
stem. Stem 32a shows a stem having a heart shape as may be used at
a wedding or on Valentine's Day. Stem 32b shows a stem having an
American flag as may be used on the Fourth of July, or at a party
given for or by members of the Armed Forces, etc. Stem 32c is
simply a modern design which could be used to enliven the look of
the stemware 26. Of course, a wide variety of stem shapes and
designs may be used. By using different stems, the caterer could
provide distinctive looks for different types of parties, all while
using the same store of components.
[0061] FIG. 14 also shows stem 32d. Stem 32d is shown as being
provided with a company logo. The names of a recently married
couple or the names of a couple celebrating a wedding anniversary
could also be used. In such embodiments, stems may be designed
specifically for and/or by an event, group, company, individual,
couple, etc. Because the cost of designing and producing a stem
alone is likely much less than a traditional integrated stemware
glass, such individualization may be financially reasonable to many
more people than it would be otherwise. With such embodiments,
those attending the party could then be allowed to keep the entire
piece of stemware or the stem could be removed as a souvenir, with
the base and bowl removed.
[0062] It will be appreciated that the various components of the
stemware discussed herein could be made from a variety of food-safe
materials including metal, glass, plastics and other resins,
crystal, etc. In some embodiments, a stemware piece may be
assembled with components having different materials. For example,
a glass bowl may be coupled with a metal stem and a glass base.
Similarly, a metal bowl may be coupled with a glass stem and base.
Similarly, in certain embodiments, a single component, such as a
stem or a bowl, may include more than one material. For example,
bowls may be made of glass with a metal rim, or stems may be metal
with a glass winding resembling plant matter. Of course, many other
combinations with various materials may be applied.
[0063] FIG. 15 shows an alternate configuration of a base 24'. The
bottom-most base 24'a is shown in cross-section to show the
receptacle 31' for receiving the projection 33 of the stem 32. The
bases 24' are similar to the base 24, except that the shape has
been inverted so that the receptacle 31 in the bottom portion of
the base 24' and the base extends upwardly therefrom to nest in the
beverage compartment 14 of the serving tray 10. This configuration
allows the bases 24' to be stacked, to thereby provide a further
reduction in storage volume.
[0064] In some embodiments, the modularity of the stemware may also
allow for changes to the actual configuration of the stemware. For
example, FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C show configurations of a champagne
flute, a wine glass and a martini glass where the stem has been
omitted. Thus, the bowl 44, 40 and 38, respectively, is attached
directly to the base 24. This results in a lower profile glass
which is easy to use and less likely to spill.
[0065] Thus there is disclosed a modular stemware that nests
securely into a food serving tray in accordance with one aspect of
the invention and which can be disassembled to allow for easy
storage and interchanging of the bowls and stems in accordance with
various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
numerous modifications can be made to the embodiments discussed
above and that the embodiments discussed above exemplary and not
exhaustive of all contemplated embodiments, and are only meant to
teach one of ordinary skill in the art how to use or make the
invention and not to limit the claims. The appended claims are
intended to cover such modifications.
* * * * *