U.S. patent application number 14/671957 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-23 for tilted sensory aroma glass.
This patent application is currently assigned to E.& J. GALLO WINERY. The applicant listed for this patent is E.& J. GALLO WINERY. Invention is credited to Meara Kelley, Tim Ryan, Lewis Stern.
Application Number | 20150201772 14/671957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49945689 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150201772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stern; Lewis ; et
al. |
July 23, 2015 |
Tilted Sensory Aroma Glass
Abstract
A tilted sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one
embodiment, an apparatus includes a fluid container having a rim
and a base. The base is parallel to and in contact with a surface
when the fluid container is placed on the surface. The rim and the
base lie on intersecting planes. The apparatus further includes a
fluid barrier having an opening. The fluid barrier is in contact
with the fluid container and extends into the fluid container. The
opening is configured to allow an aroma of a fluid in the fluid
container to escape through the opening. The aroma glass allows
consumers to view and smell the liquid contents of the aroma glass,
but prevents consumers from consuming the liquid contents.
Inventors: |
Stern; Lewis; (Modesto,
CA) ; Kelley; Meara; (Modesto, CA) ; Ryan;
Tim; (Modesto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
E.& J. GALLO WINERY |
Modesto |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
E.& J. GALLO WINERY
Modesto
CA
|
Family ID: |
49945689 |
Appl. No.: |
14/671957 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14033288 |
Sep 20, 2013 |
9022250 |
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14671957 |
|
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|
13610793 |
Sep 11, 2012 |
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14033288 |
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12618455 |
Nov 13, 2009 |
8281954 |
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13610793 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
156/60 ;
141/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 2439/00 20130101;
Y10T 156/10 20150115; A47G 2400/045 20130101; B67D 3/0061 20130101;
B32B 37/18 20130101; B32B 37/182 20130101; A47G 19/2211 20130101;
A47G 19/2255 20130101; B32B 2307/7265 20130101; B32B 37/12
20130101; A47G 19/2205 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B32B 37/12 20060101 B32B037/12; B32B 37/18 20060101
B32B037/18 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: portioning a fluid in a fluid container
having a rim and a base, wherein the base is parallel to and in
contact with a surface when the fluid container is placed on the
surface, and wherein the rim and the base lie on intersecting
planes; fitting a fluid barrier having an outer edge with an
opening of the fluid container, including fitting the outer edge of
the fluid barrier within the rim of the fluid container, wherein
the opening at the outer edge of the fluid barrier is slanted with
respect to the base of the fluid container, extending the fluid
barrier into the fluid container, and allowing an aroma of a fluid
in the fluid container to escape through the opening.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising preventing the fluid
from escaping through the opening when the fluid container is
tipped in any direction.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising filling the fluid
below a fill line on the fluid container.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming the fluid
barrier as a stepped conical shape.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising including a sieve
cover over the opening.
6. The method of claim 1, including an intercrossing rail cover
over the opening.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising screwing together the
fluid container and the fluid barrier.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising vacuum sealing the
opening.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing the fluid to
be visually inspected through the fluid barrier.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising molding the fluid
barrier and the fluid container from a single piece of
material.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising welding together the
fluid barrier and the fluid container to form a single piece.
12. A method comprising: bonding with an adhesive a fluid barrier
having an outer edge to a fluid container having a rim and a base,
wherein an opening at the outer edge of the fluid barrier is
slanted with respect to the base of the fluid container; extending
the fluid barrier into the fluid container; and allowing an aroma
of a fluid in the fluid container to escape through the
opening.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising preventing the fluid
from escaping through the opening when the fluid container is
tipped in any direction.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising filling the fluid
below a fill line on the fluid container.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising including a sieve
cover over the opening.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising including an
intercrossing rail cover over the opening.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising forming the fluid
barrier as a stepped, conical shape that fits a variety of fluid
container shapes and sizes.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising fitting the fluid
barrier to one or more of the rim and a side wall of the fluid
container.
19. The method of claim 12, further comprising forming the fluid
barrier as a cone shape.
20. The method of claim 12, further comprising forming the fluid
barrier from a plastic material.
Description
[0001] The present application is a divisional application of and
claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/033,288
entitled "Tilted Sensory Aroma Glass", filed on Sep. 20, 2013,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/610,793 entitled "Sensory Aroma Glass", filed on Sep. 11, 2012,
which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,281,954 entitled
"Sensory Aroma Glass", filed on Nov. 13, 2009 and issued on Oct. 9,
2012, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in
their entirety, for all purposes, herein.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a container for fluids. In
particular, the present apparatus and methods are directed to a
sensory aroma glass.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Prior devices include a variety of drinking vessels that
allow for improved olfaction from the vessel during consumption of
a beverage, and vessel covers which prevent insects from contacting
the liquid contents.
[0004] One prior device is a drinking glass having the dual purpose
of providing, in addition to drinking therefrom, the ability to
sample the aroma emitted from the beverage. The device has at least
one inner element inside the drinking glass dividing the glass into
a drinking compartment and an aroma compartment. This allows the
aroma of the beverage to be sampled from the aroma compartment
while consuming the beverage from the drinking compartment.
[0005] Another prior device is a drinking glass which allows for
improved olfaction from the glass in addition to drinking
therefrom. The rim of the glass has a cut-out section to create a
facial profile to receive the nose.
[0006] Another prior device is a cover for a container which will
allow liquid contents to exit while preventing intrusion of
insects. The cover has a plastic screen which is attachable and
detachable from the upper rim of the container.
[0007] Another prior device has an improved cover for a container
which allows liquid contents to exit while preventing the intrusion
of insects. The cover has an annular guard formed with a downwardly
extending skirt and an orthogonally upwardly positioned rim
including a screen matrix tapering downwardly to meter flow of
beverage through the openings.
SUMMARY
[0008] A tilted sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one
embodiment, an apparatus includes a fluid container having a rim
and a base. The base is parallel to and in contact with a surface
when the fluid container is placed on the surface. The rim and the
base lie on intersecting planes. The apparatus further includes a
fluid barrier having an opening. The fluid barrier is in contact
with the fluid container and extends into the fluid container. The
opening is configured to allow an aroma of a fluid in the fluid
container to escape through the opening.
[0009] The above and other preferred features, including various
novel details of implementation and combination of elements, will
now be more particularly described with reference to the
accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be
understood that the particular methods and circuits described
herein are shown by way of illustration only and not as
limitations. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the
principles and features described herein may be employed in various
and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are included as part of the
present specification, illustrate the presently preferred
embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the general
description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below serve to explain and teach the
principles described herein.
[0011] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a sensory aroma glass,
according to one embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a sensory aroma
glass in practice, according to one embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a fluid barrier with a
sieve type bottom cover, according to one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of a fluid barrier with a
rail bottom cover, according to one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of a fluid barrier with an
open bottom, according to one embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an attachable and
detachable fluid barrier, according to one embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a fluid barrier inserted
into a glass, according to one embodiment; and
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a sensory aroma glass
sealed with prefilled beverage product.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a fluid barrier inserted
into a tilted fluid container, according to one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fluid barrier
inserted into a tilted fluid container, according to one
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of a fluid barrier inserted
into a tilted fluid container, according to one embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 8B illustrates another side view of a fluid barrier
inserted into a tilted fluid container, according to one
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary diagram of a fluid barrier
that may be inserted into a tilted fluid container, according to
one embodiment.
[0024] It should be noted that the figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions
are generally represented by like reference numerals for
illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be
noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the
description of the various embodiments described herein. The
figures do not describe every aspect of the teachings described
herein and do not limit the scope of the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] A promotional tool in the form of a drinking glass with a
barrier that allows consumers to view and smell the liquid contents
of the glass, but prevents consumers from consuming the liquid
contents. The fluid container has the shape and appearance of a
conventional glass but has a unique conical barrier which prevents
consumption of any liquid contents.
[0026] Three important aspects of initial purchase and repeat
purchase of wine, spirit, and malt beverages are the product
appearance, aroma and taste. When promoting such beverages, there
may be instances where it is desirable to allow consumers to both
view the beverage and sample its aroma, while preventing the
consumer from actually tasting or consuming the beverage. Case
examples where such a promotional tool is useful include states
where tasting/sampling of alcoholic beverages is subject to
regulatory constraints, or instances where the promotion location
is not zoned/licensed for sale/consumption of alcoholic
beverages.
[0027] According to one embodiment, the present apparatus provides
a fluid container manufactured with a fluid barrier which prevents
the beverage from escaping or being extracted, while permitting the
aroma of the beverage to pass through. The interior of the fluid
container manufactured with a conical barrier.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the present apparatus provides
a reusable fluid container and fluid barrier set which prevents the
beverage from escaping or being extracted while permitting only the
aroma of the beverage to pass through. The fluid barrier being
attachable and detachable from the fluid container.
[0029] According to one embodiment, the present apparatus provides
a universally sized fluid barrier for drinking glasses, such as
traditional long stem wine glasses, tumblers, sifters, goblets,
brandy glasses, etc. The universally sized fluid barrier inserts
into a glass and adhesively seals onto the glass's rim or internal
or external side wall. The fluid barrier has a stepped conical
shape for various glass openings which prevents the beverage from
escaping or being extracted, while permitting the aroma of the
beverage to pass through.
[0030] According to one embodiment, a sensory aroma glass can be
sealed for a prefilled beverage product.
[0031] When a fluid container and fluid barrier are used in
combination, the combination is referred hereinafter as a sensory
aroma glass.
[0032] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a sensory aroma glass,
according to one embodiment. Preferably, a fluid container 40 with
a fluid barrier 41 is molded from a single piece of material.
Alternatively, the fluid container 40 and fluid barrier 41 are two
separate pieces that are welded together to form a single piece; a
sensory aroma glass. The conical shape of the fluid barrier 41
prevents consumption of the liquid contents of the fluid container
40. The bottom 22 of the fluid barrier 41 may be open or partially
covered to allow the aroma to escape and is shown in greater detail
in FIGS. 2A-C. According to one embodiment, the fluid container 40
has a fill-mark 43 which indicates the maximum level at which the
fluid container 40 may be filled in order for the fluid barrier 41
to function properly.
[0033] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of sensory aroma
glass in practice, according to one embodiment. The sensory aroma
glass is shown tilted at such an angle that liquid contents 49
would escape from a conventional drinking glass. The conical shape
of the fluid barrier 41 prevents consumption of the liquid contents
49 of the fluid container 40 by trapping the liquid contents 49
between the outer wall 45 of the fluid barrier 41 and the internal
side wall 47 of the fluid container 40 when tipped in any direction
and at any angle. The fluid barrier 41 prevents the liquid contents
49 from escaping even if the fluid container 40 is turned
completely upside down. As shown in this exemplary illustration,
the bottom 22 of the fluid barrier 41 is partially covered by a
sieve type cover to prevent extraction of liquid contents 49.
According to one embodiment, the fluid container 40 has a fill-mark
43 which indicates the maximum level at which the fluid container
40 may be filled in order for fluid barrier 41 to function
properly.
[0034] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a fluid barrier with a
sieve type bottom cover, according to one embodiment. The bottom 22
of the fluid barrier 21 is flat with small holes 23 (sieve type
cover) which allows aroma vapor to escape but prevents the beverage
from escaping or being extracted (e.g. by way of a straw). The
holes 23 should be sized and spaced such that the bottom 22 of the
fluid barrier 21 is porous enough to permit the aroma of the liquid
contents to pass through but impermeable enough that it is
difficult to extract the liquid contents. FIG. 2B illustrates a top
view of a fluid barrier with a rail bottom cover, according to one
embodiment. Rather than a sieve type cover, the bottom 22 of the
fluid barrier 21 is partially covered by rails 27. Persons skilled
in the art will recognize other designs that will achieve this end.
FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of a fluid barrier with a bottom 22
that is completely open, according to one embodiment. The bottom 22
of the barrier 21 is left open to allow for maximum
aromatization.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an attachable and
detachable fluid barrier, according to one embodiment. The fluid
barrier 31 and fluid container 30 are part of a set. The fluid
barrier 31 is conical in shape and attaches to the fluid container
30. According to one embodiment, the fluid barrier 31 and the fluid
container 30 are both threaded 35 and 37 such that the fluid
barrier 31 screws into the fluid container 30. Persons skilled in
the art will recognize other ways of making fluid barrier 31
attachable to fluid container 30. According to the preferred
embodiment, the fluid container 30 is reusable while the fluid
barrier 31 is reusable or disposable. Once attached to the fluid
container 30, the conical shape of the fluid barrier 31 seals and
prevents consumption of liquid contents in the fluid container 30.
The bottom 22 of the fluid barrier 31 may be open or partially
covered and is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2A-C. According to
one embodiment, the fluid container 30 has a fill-mark 43 which
indicates the maximum level at which the fluid container 30 may be
filled in order for the fluid barrier 31 to function properly.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a fluid barrier inserted
into a glass, according to one embodiment. The fluid barrier 31 has
a stepped conical shape so that it can fit a variety of glass
shapes and sizes. A wine glass 10 is shown in FIG. 4 but the
barrier 31 is intended for use with any glass or cup shape. The
steps 15 of fluid barrier 31 have a layer of adhesive 13 so that
the barrier 31 can bond with the rim or internal or external side
wall of the glass 10. Once adhesively sealed to a glass, the
conical shape of the fluid barrier 31 prevents consumption of the
contents of the glass 10. The bottom 22 of the fluid barrier 31 may
be open or partially covered to allow the aroma to escape and is
shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2A-C. According to one embodiment,
the glass 10 has a fill-mark 43 which indicates the maximum level
at which the glass 10 may be filled in order for fluid barrier 31
to function properly.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the sensory aroma glass
sealed with prefilled beverage product. According to this
embodiment, the sensory aroma glass 50 is sealed with a removable
or breakable seal 55 for prefilled beverage product 53. Those
skilled in the art will recognize different methods and materials
for sealing a sensory aroma glass 50.
[0038] Preferably, the material used to construct the apparatus is
clear so that the liquid contents can be seen at the same time as
the aroma is sampled; however, this is not a requirement. The
apparatus may be constructed of glass, polymers, including, but not
limited to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density
polyethylene (HDE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density
polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate, aluminum,
paper based material or composite material. These are few examples
of materials that may be used and are not intended as an exhaustive
list. Those skilled in the art will recognize other materials for
construction of the present apparatus.
[0039] There are a variety of methods in which the apparatus may be
implemented. According to one embodiment, the fluid container and
fluid barrier are manufactured as separate pieces. A fluid
container is fitted with a fluid barrier after the beverage product
is portioned into the fluid container. For example, at the
promotion location. As described above, the fluid barrier may be
universally sized for any drinking glass, or come as part of a
fitted fluid container/barrier set. Further, either the fluid
barrier or fluid container may be reusable or disposable. According
to another embodiment, a fluid container and a fluid barrier are
manufactured as a single piece. For instance, the fluid container
and fluid barrier may be manufactured as two pieces that are later
welded or bonded together to form a single piece; a sensory aroma
glass. According to this embodiment, the sensory aroma glass may be
prefilled with beverage product, or the beverage product may be
portioned into the sensory aroma glass on site.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a fluid barrier inserted
into a tilted fluid container, according to one embodiment. A fluid
container 61 includes an opening 63 so that an aroma of contents
within the fluid container 61 can escape through the opening 63.
When the fluid container 61 is placed on a surface (e.g., a table
surface) such that a base 62 of the fluid container 61 is in
contact with the surface, the fluid container 61 is tilted at an
angle to the surface. The tilted fluid container 61 allows the
escaping aroma of the contents to be directed towards a user who
may be adjacent to the opening 63 of the fluid container 61. A
cross-sectional view of the fluid container 61 is illustrated in
FIG. 7, as indicated by the dotted line path 7.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fluid barrier
inserted into a tilted fluid container, according to one
embodiment. A fluid container 70 with a fluid barrier 72 may be
molded from a single piece of material. In another embodiment, the
fluid container 70 and the fluid barrier 72 are two separate pieces
that are welded together to form a single piece. The fluid
container 70 includes a fill line 76. The conical shape of the
fluid barrier 72 prevents the contents within the fluid container
70 from escaping through the opening of the fluid barrier 72 when
the fluid container 70 is tipped in any direction and at any angle,
provided that the contents are filled at or below a maximum level
indicated by the fill line 76. The conical shape of the fluid
barrier 72 prevents consumption of the contents in the fluid
container 70 by trapping the contents between the outer wall 77 of
the fluid barrier 72 and the internal side wall 78 of the fluid
container 70 when the fluid container 70 is tipped in any direction
and at any angle. The fluid container 70 includes a base 75 that is
at an angle 71 to the longitudinal axis 74 of the fluid container
70. When the fluid container 70 is placed on a surface 79 (e.g., a
table surface) such that the base 73 of the fluid container 70 is
parallel to and in contact with the surface 79, the fluid container
70 is tilted at the angle 71 to the surface 79. The rim 710 and the
base 73 of the fluid container 70 lie on intersecting planes. The
bottom 73 of the fluid barrier 72 may be open or partially covered
to allow the aroma of the contents within the fluid container 70 to
escape. The tilted fluid container 70 allows the escaping aroma of
the contents to be directed towards a user who may be adjacent to
the opening of the fluid container 70.
[0042] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate side views of a fluid barrier
inserted into a tilted fluid container, according to one
embodiment. A fluid container 80 may include the conical fluid
barrier 72 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The fluid container 80
includes a fill line 81 that indicates a maximum level at which the
fluid container 80 may be filled in order to prevent the contents
in the fluid container 80 from escaping through the opening of the
conical fluid barrier 72 when the fluid container 80 is tipped in
any direction and at any angle. When the fluid container 80 is
placed on a surface such that the base 82 of the fluid container 80
is parallel to and in contact with the surface, the fluid container
80 is tilted at an angle to the surface. The rim 83 and the base 82
lie on intersecting planes. Tilting the fluid container 80 directs
the escaping aroma of the contents towards a user who may be
adjacent to the opening of the fluid container 80.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary diagram of a fluid barrier
that may be inserted into a tilted fluid container, according to
one embodiment. When a fluid barrier 91 is fitted into a fluid
container 90, an outer edge 92 of the fluid barrier 91 is in
contact with a rim 93 of the fluid container 90. When the fluid
container 90 is placed on a surface 96 (e.g., a table surface) such
that the base 95 of the fluid container 90 is parallel to and in
contact with the surface 96, the fluid container 90 is tilted at an
angle 95 to the surface 96. The rim 93 and the base 95 of the fluid
container 90 lie on intersecting planes.
[0044] A tilted sensory aroma glass has been described. It is
understood that the embodiments described herein are for the
purpose of elucidation and should not be considered limiting the
subject matter of the disclosure. Various modifications, uses,
substitutions, combinations, improvements, methods of productions
without departing from the scope or spirit of the present
disclosure would be evident to a person skilled in the art.
* * * * *