U.S. patent application number 16/422114 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for container with coaster.
The applicant listed for this patent is Matt Zimmer. Invention is credited to Matt Zimmer.
Application Number | 20190357713 16/422114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68615360 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190357713 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zimmer; Matt |
November 28, 2019 |
CONTAINER WITH COASTER
Abstract
An assembly that includes a beverage container having a beverage
vessel body that includes: a base, a side wall connected to the
base, and a first rim integral with an end of the side wall that is
distal to the base. The base includes: a bottom surface, and an arm
member extending downward from the side wall. The arm member has an
inwardly oriented side, an outwardly oriented side, a surface
contacting region, and a detent region defined by the inwardly
oriented side. The assembly includes a coaster having a second
bottom surface, and a top portion attached to the second bottom
surface. The top portion includes a second rim defined by an
upwardly projecting ridge, wherein the projecting ridge snaps into
the detent region so as to attach the coaster to the beverage
container without the need to rotate the beverage container
relative to the coaster.
Inventors: |
Zimmer; Matt; (Newprt Beach,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zimmer; Matt |
Newprt Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68615360 |
Appl. No.: |
16/422114 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62676648 |
May 25, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2205 20130101;
A47G 23/03 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 23/03 20060101
A47G023/03; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. An assembly, comprising: a beverage container, comprising: a
vessel body, comprising: a base; a side wall connected to the base;
and a first rim integral with an end of the side wall that is
distal to the base, wherein the base comprises: a bottom surface;
and an arm member extending downward from the side wall, wherein
the arm member comprises: an inwardly oriented side; an outwardly
oriented side; a surface contacting region; and a detent region
defined by the inwardly oriented side; and a coaster, comprising: a
second bottom surface; and a top portion attached to the second
bottom surface, comprising: a second rim defined by an upwardly
projecting ridge, wherein the projecting ridge snaps into the
detent region so as to attach the coaster to the beverage
container, wherein attachment of the coaster to the beverage
container is accomplished without the need to rotate the beverage
container relative to the coaster.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the coaster further comprises
an attachment device that engages the second bottom surface.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the attachment device comprises
an adhesive layer that engages the second bottom surface.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the attachment device further
comprises a second adhesive layer disposed between the first
adhesive layer and the second bottom surface.
5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the coaster further comprises a
removable panel covering at least a portion of the adhesive
layer.
6. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the attachment device is
selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, a hook and loop
fastener, and a magnet.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the projecting ridge releasably
engages a portion of the detent region.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the beverage container further
comprises a lid having a seal region, the seal region removably
attached to the first rim.
9. A kit, comprising: a beverage container, comprising: a vessel
body, comprising: a base; a side wall connected to the base; and a
first rim integral with an end of the side wall that is distal to
the base, wherein the base comprises: a bottom surface; and an arm
member extending downward from the side wall, wherein the arm
member comprises: an inwardly oriented side; an outwardly oriented
side; a surface contacting region; and a detent region defined by
the inwardly oriented side; and a coaster capable of engaging the
beverage container, comprising: a second bottom surface; and a top
portion attached to the second bottom surface, comprising: a second
rim defined by an upwardly projecting ridge, wherein the projecting
ridge is capable of snapping into the detent region so as to attach
the coaster to the beverage container, wherein attaching of the
coaster to the beverage container is accomplished without the need
to rotate the beverage container relative to the coaster; and a
package defining a volume of space, wherein the beverage container
and the coaster are located within the volume of space and are not
engaged to one another while in the volume of space.
10. The kit of claim 9, further comprising an attachment device
capable of engaging the second bottom surface.
11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the attachment device comprises an
adhesive layer that engages the second bottom surface.
12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the attachment device further
comprises a second adhesive layer disposed between the first
adhesive layer and the second bottom surface.
13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the coaster further comprises a
removable panel covering at least a portion of the adhesive
layer.
14. The kit of claim 10, wherein the attachment device is selected
from the group consisting of an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener,
and a magnet.
15. The kit of claim 9, further comprising a lid capable of
removably attaching to the first rim.
16. A method for using a coaster and a beverage container assembly,
comprising: attaching a beverage container with a coaster, wherein
attachment is accomplished without the need to rotate the beverage
container relative to the coaster; and placing the coaster, with
the beverage container attached thereto, on a desired surface.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein prior to placing the coaster on
the desired surface, an adhesive on the coaster is exposed and the
adhesive contacts the desired surface.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising disengaging the
beverage container from the coaster.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising removing the coaster
from the desired surface.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising re-attaching the
beverage container to the coaster.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 62/676,648, filed May 25, 2018, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a container, such as a
beverage container like a wine glass, which can be attached to a
coaster that can be attached to a surface. The present invention
also relates to assemblies of such containers and coasters in a
direct connected, attached configuration, wherein a top portion of
the coaster engages a base of the container and a bottom of the
coaster is secured to the surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Beverages are commonly sold to consumers in containers, such
as glass or plastic bottles, aluminum or steel cans, cardboard or
plastic cartons, or devices that include bladders containing the
beverage. The beverage contained therein can be transferred to a
drinking glass composed of a suitable material, including, but not
limited to, glass, plastic, or the like. In certain situations,
users prefer drinking beverages from individual serving containers,
such as cans, juice bottles and the like. However, many consumers
prefer drinking certain types of beverages from glasses having wide
mouths to enhance the aroma and, therefore, the flavor of the
beverage.
[0004] In each of using a drinking glass or individual serving
containers, it is common to place the glass or container on a
surface, like a coaster or a table. Direct placement on the counter
or table can lead to moisture forming on the surface via sweating
or spillage from the glass or container. It is well known to use a
coaster to prevent moisture forming on the surface by placing the
coaster on the surface and placing the glass or container on the
coaster. Unfortunately, the coaster can move on the surface when
contacted and spillage can occur if a glass or container is on the
coaster when the coaster is moved. Spillage can also occur when the
glass or container is bumped into while on the coaster.
[0005] It is desirable when using individual serving containers or
glasses to secure them in order to reduce the incidence of
spillage. It is also desirable to provide a coaster that both
engages with the individual serving container or glass and a
desired surface.
SUMMARY
[0006] One aspect of the present invention regards an assembly
having a beverage container that has a vessel body having a base, a
side wall connected to the base, and a first rim integral with an
end of the side wall that is distal to the base. The base of the
vessel body includes a bottom surface, and an arm member extending
downward from the side wall. The arm member includes an inwardly
oriented side, an outwardly oriented side, a surface contacting
region, and a detent region defined by the inwardly oriented side.
The assembly further includes a coaster having a second bottom
surface, and a top portion attached to the second bottom surface.
The top portion includes a second rim defined by an upwardly
projecting ridge, wherein the projecting ridge snaps into the
detent region so as to attach the coaster to the beverage
container. The attachment of the coaster to the beverage container
is accomplished without the need to rotate the beverage container
relative to the coaster.
[0007] A second aspect of the present invention regards a kit. The
kit includes a beverage container that has a vessel body having a
base, a side wall connected to the base, and a first rim integral
with an end of the side wall that is distal to the base. The base
of the vessel body includes a bottom surface, and an arm member
extending downward from the side wall. The arm member includes an
inwardly oriented side, an outwardly oriented side, a surface
contacting region, and a detent region defined by the inwardly
oriented side. The kit further includes a coaster capable of
engaging the beverage container that includes a second bottom
surface, and a top portion attached to the second bottom surface.
The top portion includes a second rim defined by an upwardly
projecting ridge, wherein the projecting ridge is capable of
snapping into the detent region so as to attach the coaster to the
beverage container. The attachment of the coaster to the beverage
container can be accomplished without the need to rotate the
beverage container relative to the coaster. The kit further
includes a package defining a volume of space, wherein the beverage
container and the coaster are located within the volume of space
and are not engaged to one another while in the volume of
space.
[0008] A third aspect of the present invention regards a method for
using a beverage container that includes attaching a beverage
container with a coaster, wherein attachment is accomplished
without the need to rotate the beverage container relative to the
coaster. The method further includes placing the coaster, with the
beverage container attached thereto, on a desired surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The various features, advantages and other uses of the
present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the
following detailed description and drawing in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a known
beverage container to be used in accordance with the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a detail view of a bottom region of the beverage
container of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
coaster to be used in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the coaster of FIG.
3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view schematic of the coaster of FIGS. 3
and 4;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
assembly of the beverage container of FIG. 1 and the coaster of
FIG. 3 in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the base of the
beverage container having several arm members;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of a
coaster having an attachment device attached;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of a
coaster having an attachment device attached;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of a
coaster;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
disassembly of the assembly of FIG. 6 in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a kit containing a beverage
container and a coaster within a package.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] As shown in the exemplary drawing figures, and referring
particularly to FIG. 1, a container such as a beverage container 10
includes a beverage vessel body 12 and a removable lid 14 sealingly
affixed to the beverage vessel body 12. Such a beverage container
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,807,340, the entire contents of
which is incorporated herein by reference. The beverage vessel body
12 can be constructed of any suitable durable material, such as a
moldable polymeric material. Where desired or required, the
material can be transparent. In specific embodiments, the material
employed can be any material that is suitable for use with food
stuffs. The material can be one that is dimensionally stable, but
can provide minor deformation in specific applications. In
applications where the beverage container 10 contains wine, the
beverage vessel body 12 can be composed of suitable transparent
polymeric material so the user can view the contents of the
beverage container 10.
[0023] The removable lid 14 can be made of any suitable material
including, but not limited to, foil, plastic and the like. The
material employed in the removable lid 14 can be made of a material
that is the same or different from the material of the beverage
vessel body 12. In some applications, it is contemplated that the
material employed in the removable lid 14 will be more deformable
than that employed in the beverage vessel body 12 and will be able
to conform to suitable dimensional contours by crimping or the
like.
[0024] Note that while the beverage container 10 is designed to
contain wine, it can contain other liquids, such as teas and
juices. Furthermore, the container 10 can house other edible
products, such as snacks, cereal, candy, etc. And, of course, the
container can house non-edible items, such as toys, office
supplies, etc.
[0025] The beverage vessel body 12 includes a base 16 and a side
wall 18. The side wall 18 and base 16 define an interior chamber of
a specified volume. As such, the side wall 18 will have a suitable
height. The side wall 18 extends upward from the base 16 and
terminates at a rim 20.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the side wall 18 has a
curvilinear outer contour that creates at least one bulbous region
22 that extends beyond the perimeter created by the base 16. The
side wall 18 has an inwardly tapering region 24 immediately above
the bulbous region 22. Tapering region 24 terminates at rim 20, the
geometry of which will be described in greater detail subsequently.
The side wall 18 curves upward from base 16 to form the bulbous
region 22. The side wall 18 then enters a gentle inward curve that
proceeds contiguously into tapering region 24. In other
embodiments, however, side wall 18 may have other contours, such as
a linear outer contour or a concave outer contour.
[0027] The internal volume of the beverage vessel body 12 contained
in the internal chamber generally will be suitable to contain a
suitable beverage serving. The beverage vessel body 12 will be
proportioned in a manner that provides the suitable volume. In
certain embodiments, it is contemplated that base 16 will have a
cross-sectional diameter between 2 and 4 inches. The inner diameter
of rim 20 will be sufficient to permit the beverage to be consumed
from the beverage vessel body 12. The maximum diameter of side wall
18 can be between 1/4 inch and 1 inch greater than the diameter of
base 16. The total height of the beverage container 10 will be
preferably one that approximates the height of a 6 oz. beverage
glass in certain applications. Of course, other dimensions are
possible for the beverage vessel body 12, base 16, and rim 20 in
order to store a desired amount of the contents of the interior
chamber defined by the beverage vessel body 12.
[0028] Rim 20 is preferably contiguously joined to the upper region
of side wall 18. In certain embodiments, the outer diameter of rim
20 is essentially equal to an inner diameter defined by base 16.
The rim 20 also has an upwardly oriented surface that can include
at least one upwardly oriented surface or bead projecting
therefrom.
[0029] Rim 20 is configured to be placed in mating contact with the
removable lid 14 in a manner as described in U.S. Pat. No.
8,807,340 that facilitates establishment of a removed seal. It is
contemplated that while removable lid 14 can be used when
non-edible items are present within beverage container 10,
removable lid 14 would be preferably used when edible items, such
as food and wine, are housed within beverage container 10 so as to
preserve the freshness of the edible items. Removable lid 14 can
contact rim 20 in any suitable manner. In certain embodiments, the
lid 14 is configured with a suitable edge region that is affixed to
the rim 20 to maintain the beverage inside the beverage vessel body
12. The removable lid 14 can be attached to the rim 20 in any
suitable manner including, but not limited to, crimping adhesives
and the like. Where an adhesive material is employed, the suitable
adhesive material will be one that is suitable for use with food
stuffs. Note that an adhesive material is inherently a material
that includes an adhesive that is a sticky substance that can
adhere or stick to another material. The adhesive material can be
present as a layer, bead, or other structure that is interposed
between the rim 20 and the interior facing side of removable lid
14. Where desired or required, the interposed adhesive can be
positioned such that it contacts all or a portion of the upper
surface of rim 20, such as a bead.
[0030] The removable lid 14 can have any suitable configuration to
sealingly engage the rim 20 and span the opening defined by the
beverage vessel body 12. In various embodiments, the removable lid
14 can be a thin planar member that can conform to and cover the
defined opening. For example, the removable lid 14 can be made out
of a foil-like material that has a tab that extends beyond the bead
so that a user can grasp the tab and remove the lid 14. When in
sealing engagement, the removable lid 14 can deflect inward into
the opening defined in the beverage vessel body 12. The removable
lid 14 can have a suitable peripheral region proximate to its outer
edge that can be configured to conform to at least a portion of the
rim 20.
[0031] The desired beverage can be sealed in the beverage vessel
body 12 by removable lid 14. When the beverage vessel body 12 is
composed of a suitable transparent polymeric material, the beverage
will be visible through the beverage vessel body 12. As mentioned
previously, that besides liquids, the beverage vessel body 12 can
contain other types of objects, such as solid foods.
[0032] As mentioned previously, the rim 20 can have any
configuration that will facilitate sealing engagement between the
lid 14 and the beverage vessel body 12. In one configuration, the
rim 20 can include a generally vertical neck portion with a bead
present at an end thereof. In another embodiment, the rim 20 can be
configured with a plurality of steps positioned on interiorly and
exteriorly oriented surfaces relative to a bead. It is contemplated
that adhesives or other sealing material can be interposed between
the previously mentioned interiorly oriented steps and removable
lid 14. Note that an adhesive material is inherently a material
that includes an adhesive that is a sticky substance that can
adhere or stick to another material. As used herein the term
"adhere" is taken to include connection facilitated by direct
rim-to-lid adhesion as well as interposition of a suitable adhesive
layer between the rim 20 and the lid 14. Where a line of adhesive
is used, it is contemplated that the adhesive line can be deployed
so as to contact a bead of rim 20 and, if desired, the adhesive can
be disposed such that the adhesive contacts multiple planar
surfaces defined in the inwardly oriented surface of the rim
20.
[0033] It is also possible to configure removable lid 14 to conform
to one or more of the geometric ridges and/or shelves defined in
the upper surface of the rim 20. Conformance can be accomplished
during manufacture of lid 14 or during attachment of lid 14 to
associated rim 20. Conformance fitting may be augmented by
adhesives where desired or required.
[0034] Where desired or required, the rim 20 can have suitable
outer geometric details, such as various combinations of shoulders
and shelves, sufficient to permit contact with lid 14, but small
enough to permit an enjoyable drinking experience.
[0035] While an adhesive attachment between the lid 14 and the
associated rim 20 has been previously described, other types of
attachment are possible. For example, an outer edge of the lid 14
could be crimped like a beer bottle cap so as to engage an exterior
side of the rim 20. Another possibility is to slightly melt the top
layer of the rim 20 and/or the bottom of the lid 14 prior to
placing the lid 14 thereon so that a seal is formed between the lid
14 and rim 20.
[0036] While the previous descriptions regarded the situation where
the lid 14 is attached to the rim 20 of the beverage container 10,
it is also possible not to use lid 14 in conjunction with the
beverage container 10.
[0037] The base 16 of beverage vessel body 12 can be configured to
releasably engage with a suitable accessory, like a coaster 40. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the base 16 includes at least one arm
member 26 having an outwardly oriented side 28 contiguously
connected to the lower region of the side wall 18 at a location on
beverage vessel body 12 opposite to the rim 20. The arm member 26
defines an inwardly oriented detent 30 generally opposed to
outwardly oriented side 28 that terminates in bottom surface 36
(shown in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 6). The size, number and
positioning of arm member(s) 26 is sufficient to releasably engage
a rim 48 of the coaster 40, the geometry of which will be
subsequently described in greater detail. In this case, a single
arm member 26, preferably extends continuously around the entire
circumference of base 16 and defines a surface contacting region
34. Of course, having the arm member 26 extend around a portion of
the circumference is also possible, as shown in FIG. 7. In the
embodiment of FIG. 7, the arm members 26 are the same size and
equally spaced from one another by equally spaced gaps 27
schematically. In some embodiments, the geometry of the arm
member(s) 26 may include teeth-like members to engage the rim 48.
Additionally, or alternatively, the rim 48 may have teeth-like
members to engage the arm member(s) 26, the geometry of which will
be described in greater detail subsequently.
[0038] The inwardly oriented detent 30 can have any suitable
internal wall configuration sufficient to receive and maintain at
least a portion of rim 48 of an associated coaster 40 in engaged
relationship. In FIGS. 2 and 6, the internal wall of detent 30 has
a concave configuration forming a detent region 32 that can
releasably engage the corresponding rim 48 of the coaster 40. In
FIG. 6, the inner wall of detent 30 contacts a projecting ridge 46
associated with rim 48.
[0039] The arm member 26 can be either of solid or hollow
construction depending on the specific application. In FIG. 2, arm
member 26 is a continuous solid circular body contiguously
positioned relative to side wall 18 and bottom surface 36. Without
being bound to any theory, it is believed that the solid continuous
arm member 26 provides stability to the associated beverage vessel
body 12.
[0040] The bottom surface 36 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 6)
can have any suitable geometric configuration. As shown in FIGS. 2
and 6, the bottom surface 36 has an inwardly curved geometry having
a lowest region proximate to arm member 26 and a maximum inwardly
oriented point proximate to the radial center of the beverage
container 10. The arc defined by curved bottom surface 36 is
between 1 degree and 30 degrees from planar.
[0041] Engagement between rim 48 and the arm member 26 generally
occurs at a junction point located at a lower portion of detent 32
and projecting ridge 46 of the respective elements as shown in FIG.
6.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a coaster 40 to be releasably
engaged to the beverage container 10. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
the coaster 40 includes a bottom surface 42 and a top portion 44.
The top portion 44 is configured to releasably engage a suitably
configured base 16 of beverage container 10. The coaster 40 can be
constructed of any suitable material, such as a suitable moldable
polymeric material. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that
the coaster 40 be manufactured using a custom injection molding
process. Other suitable molding processes may be used as well.
Where desired or required, the material can include wood, metal, or
any other suitable material for use as a coaster. The material can
be one that is dimensionally stable, but can provide minor
deformation in specific applications.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the top portion 44 includes an upwardly
projecting annular-like ridge 46 extending from the top surface of
the coaster 40. The projecting ridge 46 extends radially inward
from its perimeter 45 until the ridge drops off to form an indented
top surface 47 in the center of the top portion 44. The dotted line
in FIG. 5 represents the indentation defining the indented top
surface 47. As shown in FIG. 5, the perimeter 45 of the projecting
ridge 46 defines the rim 48. In certain embodiments, the projecting
ridge 46 has a height approximately between 0.04 inch and 0.08 inch
(i.e. 1-2 millimeters) above the indented top surface 47.
Nonetheless, the projecting ridge 46 will have sufficient height to
mate with the arm member(s) 26 of the base 16, the mating of which
will be subsequently described in greater detail. In certain
embodiments, the rim 48 can be defined by various combinations of
shoulders and shelves. As mentioned earlier, the rim 48 may also
include teeth-like members to mate with arm member(s) 26 of the
base 16. The teeth-like members may span the entire circumference
of the rim 48 or only a portion thereof.
[0044] The coaster 40 will be proportioned such that it forms a
suitable surface for the beverage container 10. In certain
embodiments, it is contemplated that the overall height of the
coaster 40 be between 1/8 inch and 3/16 inch, and the overall
diameter of the coaster 40 is preferably 2 inches to 2.5 inches.
Nonetheless, the projecting ridge 46 will be sufficient diameter to
engage the arm member(s) 26 of base 16. Of course, other dimensions
are possibly for the coaster 40 in order to sufficiently support
and engage the beverage container 10.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the rim 48 is configured to matingly
contact the arm member(s) 26. The rim 48 snaps into the detent
region 32 and contacts the surface contacting region 34. Similarly,
the arm member 26 snaps into an indentation 49 formed in the rim
48. In other embodiments, the projecting ridge 46 may engage a
portion of the detent region 32 and contact a portion of the
surface contacting region 34. The rim 48 and the arm member(s) 26
mate in a manner such that rotation of the beverage container 10
with respect to the coaster 40 is unnecessary to secure the
beverage container 10. The beverage container 10 is free to rotate
in any direction when mated with the coaster 40. In order to
disengage the beverage container 10 with the coaster 40, a user
must use force sufficient to overcome the contact forces between
the arm member(s) 26 and the rim 48. Likewise, to engage the
beverage container 10 with the coaster 40, a user must apply a
force sufficient to push the rim 48 past the arm member(s) 26 and
into the detent region 32.
[0046] Bottom surface 42 is generally planar and can conform to a
desired surface, such as a table top or counter. The top portion 44
is attached to the bottom surface 42 such that the top portion 44
extends away from a desired surface.
[0047] As schematically shown in FIGS. 8-10, an attachment device
50 may engage the bottom surface 42 of the coaster 40. The
attachment device 50 can secure the coaster 40 to a desired
surface, such as the top of a table or a counter. The attachment
device 50 defines an adhesive layer 52 that has an upper surface 53
that adhesively engages the bottom surface 42. The adhesive layer
52 adhesively secures the coaster 40 to a desired surface. A lower
surface 55 of the adhesive layer 52 sufficiently adheres such that
the beverage container 10 can be attached and detached from the
coaster 40 without the coaster 40 moving with respect to the
desired surface. Note that an adhesive material is inherently a
material that includes an adhesive that is a sticky substance that
can adhere or stick to another material. There are adhesive
materials having varying degrees of adhesive properties such that
one adhesive material may be "stickier" or stronger than another
adhesive material. In the present disclosure, it is contemplated
that the coaster 40 having the adhesive layer 52 disposed thereon
is capable of being removed from a first desired surface and reused
on a second desired surface, and removed and reused on other
surfaces over the life of the adhesive material.
[0048] As shown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 10, the
attachment device 50a includes a second adhesive layer 54 disposed
between the adhesive layer 52 and the bottom surface 42. The
adhesive layer 52 and the second adhesive layer 54 may have the
same or different adhesive properties. As previously mentioned, the
adhesive layer 52 and the second adhesive layer 54 may be removed
and reused on other surfaces.
[0049] A shown in FIG. 9, the coaster 40 can further include a
removable panel structure 56 that covers at least a portion of the
adhesive layer 52 of FIG. 8 to protect the adhesive material prior
to use. As shown in FIG. 4, removable panel structure 56 includes
two half-circle-shaped panels. There are no limits on the size and
shape of the panel(s) used to cover the adhesive material. The
removable panel structure 56 can be made of any suitable material,
such as a flexible polymeric material capable of being peeled away
from the adhesive layer 52. Similarly, the removable panel
structure 56 can be used to cover adhesive layer 54 of the
embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment for the
attachment device 50 is an attachment device 50b wherein layer 50a
is replaced by a hook and loop fastener 58 that is adhesively
adhered to the coaster 40 by layer 52. The hook or loop fastener 58
engages a complementary hook or loop fastener 58 attached to the
desired surface. Another possible embodiment is an attachment
device 50c wherein layer 50a is replaced by a magnet 60 that is
adhesively adhered to the coaster 40 by layer 52. The magnet 60
engages either a complementary magnet attached to the desired
surface or a desired surface that is itself magnetic, like some
stainless steel tables. The disclosed embodiments do not limit the
number or size of the magnet 60 or hook and loop fastener 58
necessary to secure the coaster 40 to a desired surface.
[0051] In other embodiments, the coaster 40 may attach to a desired
surface by suction, like a suction cup. It is preferable that the
coaster 40 be made from a suitable flexible material and that the
bottom surface 42 be concave to enable suction. The coaster 40 will
adhere to the desired surface when a sufficient force is applied to
the top portion 44--the concave bottom surface 42 will become
relatively planar. However, a pocket of air having a lower pressure
than the surrounding air pressure will form between the desire
surface and the bottom surface 42 creating a suction effect.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, when beverage container 10 is attached
to coaster 40, they define an assembly 200. As previously
mentioned, the beverage container 10 may have a serving of a given
beverage located in a sealed chamber defined in the beverage vessel
body 12. In the assembly 200, the base 16 of the beverage container
10 can releasably engage the rim 48 of the coaster 40. In addition,
note that the beverage container 10 may include a plastic cap to
cover the lid 14.
[0053] The present disclosure contemplates a method for using
beverage containers and coasters such as those previously
described. Without any need to rotate a beverage container 10
relative to a coaster 40, a user can attach the beverage container
10 with the coaster 40 in the manner previously described herein.
In certain embodiments, before placing the coaster 40 on a desired
surface, like a counter or tabletop, the user may remove the
removable panel structure 56 so to expose the adhesive layer 52. Of
course, other attachment devices, like those contemplated herein,
may require different steps. For example, the hook and loop
fastener 58 may require the user to place the hook portion of the
hook and loop fastener 58, or vice versa, on the desired surface
prior to placing the coaster 40 on the desired surface. The user
may then place the coaster 40, with the beverage container 10
attached thereto, on the desired surface.
[0054] Once the coaster 40 is attached to the desired surface, a
user may desire to use the beverage container 10 for drinking or
eating. The method may further include the user disengaging the
container 10 from the coaster 40 to take a drink, for example,
while the coaster 40 remains attached to the desired surface. After
such use, the beverage container 10 can be re-attached to the
coaster 40 in a manner previously disclosed herein. A user may
repeatedly detach the beverage container 10 from the coaster 40 and
repeatedly re-attach the beverage container 10 to the coaster
40.
[0055] If a user no longer wishes to use the coaster 40 for
drinking or eating, the user may remove the coaster 40 from the
desired surface, and save for the next time the user wishes to use
the beverage container 10 and the coaster 40. Alternatively, if the
user wishes to remove the coaster 40 from the desired surface to a
second desired surface, for example, from a counter to a coffee
table, the user may re-attach the coaster 40 to the second desired
surface. It is contemplated that the coaster 40 may be repeatedly
attached and removed from any desired surface over the life of the
attachment device 50.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when a package 310 defining a
volume of space contains any number of beverage containers 10 and
coasters 40 that are not engaged to one another while within the
package 310, they define a kit 300. The beverage container 10 may
contain an assortment of various beverages and food stuffs, like
different types of wines. The coasters 40 located in package 310
may be an assortment of coasters of various materials, for example.
In one embodiment, the package 310 may include an outer covering
member. Other non-limiting examples of outer covering include boxes
and shrink wrap and the like.
[0057] The kit 300 may further include various attachment devices
50, 50a, 50b, and 50c as previously described herein. For example,
a kit may provide a combination of adhesive layers 52, adhesive
layer 52 with adhesive layer 54, hook and loop fasteners 58, and/or
magnets 60 for use with the coasters 40 contained within package
310. The attachment devices 50, 50a, 50b, and 50c are separate from
the coasters 40 within the package 310 and can be attached to the
bottom surface 42 of the coaster 40 in a manner previously
described herein. The combination of attachment devices 50, 50a,
50b, and 50c is not limited to those found in the present
disclosure.
[0058] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which
scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is
permitted under the law.
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