Abstract
The apparatus according to present invention comprises a combination of a drinking vessel and a geometrically shaped collar that is divided into at least two pieces such that the collar can encircle and snugly fit onto a stem or handle of a glass, cup or mug whereby when attached the collar is not movable relative to the stem or handle. When the at least two pieces of the collar are joined together to surround the stem of a glass, handle of a mug or the actual glass body itself, the geometrically shaped collar is restored to its original shape and form.
Claims
1) A drinking glass marker apparatus comprising: a combination of at least one of a wineglass, goblet and champagne glass; and a collar having two collar-pieces that oppose each, other; at least one hinge connecting first opposing ends of each of the two collar pieces to each other such that, the two collar-pieces can pivot about the at least one hinge; and at least one locking mechanism connecting second opposing ends of each of the two collar pieces to each other, wherein the collar can be pivoted opened at the at least, one hinge, further positioned to surround a stem of the at least one wineglass, goblet and champagne glass, pivoted closed to engage the stem then secured to the stem by the at least one locking mechanism.
2) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises: a locking protrusion affixed to one of the two collar-pieces and a locking dock for receiving the locking protrusion affixed directly opposite to the locking protrusion such that when the two collar-pieces are pressed together the locking protrusion of one of the two collar-pieces enters the locking docking of the other of the two collar-pieces whereby the two collar-pieces are joined together to form the collar; and a locking release that is affixed to the locking protrusion such that the locking protrusion will disengage from the locking dock when the locking release is depressed.
3) The drinking glass marker of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further includes at least one of a magnetic clasp, a hook and eye clasp, a hook and pin clasp and screw clasp.
4) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one gasket insert affixed to an inside surface of each, of the two collar-pieces, the inside surface being the surface that is in contact with the at least one of a stem of a wineglass, a stem of a goblet and a stem of a champagne glass.
5) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 4, wherein the gasket insert comprises at least one of neoprene, rubber, silicon, plastic, paper, cork and a pliable material.
6) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a charm and a name plate affixed to an outside surface of at least one of the two collar-pieces, the outside surface being the surface that is not in direct contact with the at least one of a stem of a wineglass, a stem of a goblet and a stem of a champagne glass.
7) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one charm, link for receiving at least one removable charm.
8) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two collar pieces are constructed from at least one of gold, platinum, silver, precious gemstones, pearls and semi-precious gemstones.
9) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 1, wherein the collar is shaped as a triangle, a circle, a heart, a kidney, an ellipse, a square, a pentagon or a hexagon.
10) A drinking glass marker apparatus comprising: a combination of at least one of a wineglass, goblet and champagne glass; and at least two collars each of the at least two collars having at least two collar-pieces; at least one locking mechanism comprising at least one of a magnetic clasp, a hook and eye clasp, a hook and pin clasp, screw clasp and a locking protrusion affixed to one of the at least two collar-pieces and a locking dock for receiving the locking protrusion affixed directly opposite to the locking protrusion such that when the at least two collar-pieces are pressed together the locking protrusion of one of the at least two collar-pieces enters the locking docking of another of the at least two collar-pieces whereby the at least two collar-pieces are joined together to form at least one of the at least two collars; at least one hinge connecting first opposing ends of each of the two collar pieces to each other such that the two collar-pieces can pivot about the at least one hinge, wherein the at least two collar can be pivoted opened at the at least one hinge, further positioned to surround a stem of the at least one wineglass, goblet and champagne glass, pivoted closed to engage the stem then secured to the stem by the at least one locking mechanism.
11) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: at least one gasket insert affixed to an inside surface of the at least two collar-pieces, the inside surface being the surface that is in contact with the at least one of a stem of a wineglass, a stem of a goblet and a stem of a champagne glass.
12) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 11, wherein the gasket insert comprises at least one of neoprene, rubber, silicon, plastic, paper, cork and a pliable material.
13) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: at least one of a charm and a name plate affixed to an outside surface of at least one of the at least two collar-pieces, the outside surface being the surface that is not in direct contact with the at least one of a stem of a wine-glass, a stem of a goblet and a stem of a champagne glass.
14) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: at least one charm link for receiving at least one removable charm.
15) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least two collars having at least two collar-pieces are constructed from at least one of gold, platinum, silver, precious gemstones, pearls and semi-precious gemstones.
16) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least two collars are shaped as at least one of a triangle, a circle, a heart, a kidney, an ellipse, a square, a pentagon or a hexagon.
17) A drinking glass marker apparatus comprising: a combination of at least one of a wineglass, goblet and champagne glass; and a collar having at least two collar-pieces that oppose each other; at least one connector connecting first opposing ends of each of the at least two collar pieces to each other such that the at least two collar-pieces can pivot about the at least one hinge; and at least one locking mechanism connecting second opposing ends of each of the at least, two collar- pieces to each other, wherein the collar can be pivoted opened at the at least, one connector, further positioned to surround a stem of the at least one wineglass, goblet and champagne glass, pivoted closed to engage the stem then secured to the stem by the at least one locking mechanism.
18) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least two collar-pieces are constructed from at least, one of gold, platinum, silver, precious gemstones, pearls and semi-precious gemstones.
19) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: at least one gasket insert affixed to an inside surface of the at least two collar-pieces, the inside surface being, the surface that, is in contact with the at least one of a stem of a wineglass, a stem of a goblet and a stem of a champagne glass.
20) The drinking glass marker apparatus of claim 19, wherein the gasket insert, comprises at least one of neoprene, rubber, silicon, plastic, paper, cork and a pliable material.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Apparatus that are particular embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings:
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates top view of a drinking glass marker apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 1B illustrates an exterior side view of a drinking glass marker apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a stackable drinking glass marker apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a drinking glass marker apparatus having a hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 3B illustrates an interior side view of a drinking glass marker apparatus having a hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a drinking glass marker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The apparatus according to present invention comprises a geometrically shaped collar that is divided into at least two pieces such that the collar can encircle and snugly fit onto a stem or handle of a glass, cup or mug when the at least two pieces of the collar are separated then joined together to surround the stem or handle whereby when the collar is attached the collar is not movable relative to the stem or handle. When the at least two pieces of the collar are separated then joined together to surround the stem of a glass, handle of a mug or the actual glass body itself, the geometrically shaped collar is restored to its original shape and form.
[0031] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a drinking glass marker according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a top view and FIG. 1B is an exterior side view. The drinking glass marker comprises at least two pieces 101 that can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. When connected the at least two pieces 101 of the drinking glass marker form a collar. The collar can be constructed into any geometrical shape such as a triangle, circle, heart, kidney, ellipse, u-shape, square, pentagon, hexagon or any other shape. Preferably the drinking glass marker further comprises at least one locking mechanism. Preferably the locking mechanism comprises a locking dock 102, a locking protrusion 103, and a locking release 104. The locking dock 102 is positioned on at least one of the at least two pieces 101 of the drinking glass marker. Directly opposed to the locking dock 102 is a locking protrusion 103 which is positioned opposite to the locking dock 102 on at least one of the at least two pieces of the drinking glass marker. To operate the locking mechanism the locking protrusion 103 which can be configured to have spring tension is inserted info its respective locking dock 102 and the at least two pieces of the drinking glass marker are squeezed together such that the locking protrusion 103 engages the locking dock 102. During usage each of the at least two pieces 101 of the drinking glass marker are positioned to surround a stem, or handle of a glass in any position desired by the user. The locking mechanism is used to fasten the at least two pieces of the drinking glass marker together whereby a single unit is formed. The locking mechanism can be also be constructed using a hook and latch, magnetic clasps or any other device that would secure the at least two pieces of the collar together. Advantageously when the drinking glass marker is attached to the stem or handle of a glass, the drinking glass marker is stationary relative to the stem or handle of the glass, however the drinking glass marker can also be constructed to be movable relative to the stem or handle of the glass. To unlock the locking mechanism, the locking release 104 is depressed to release the spring tension of the locking protrusion 102 and the at least two pieces of the drinking glass marker will separate. Another embodiment according to the present invention further comprises at least one gasket insert 105 that is affixed to an inner surface of at least one of the at least two pieces of the drinking glass marker. The inner-surface is the surface of the drinking glass marker that is in direct contact with a stem or handle of a glass. Preferably the at least one gasket 105 is constructed from pliable material such as neoprene, silicon, or rubber however other materials which are non-pliable can be used such as wood, plastics f or paper. An advantage of using a gasket insert is that the stem or handle of the glass will be protected from scratches or other damage. Another advantage of using a gasket insert is that when the drinking glass marker is attached to the stem or handle of a glass, the gasket insert ensures that the drinking glass marker will have a snug fit and not move from the position on the stem or handle of the glass that the drinking glass marker was placed on.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a drinking glass marker according to an embodiment of the present invention. A drinking glass marker according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of collars 201. The plurality of collars 201 are constructed to be a set such that when each collar of the plurality of collars 201 is stacked upon one another, the plurality of collars 201 gives the appearance of a single aesthetically appealing drinking glass marker. Preferably the shape of each of the plurality of collars 201 is a compliment to the shape of each of the plurality of collars 201 that it is adjacent to within the stack. Each of the plurality of collars 201 further comprises at least two pieces 202 that can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. When connected the at least two pieces 202 of each of the plurality of collars 201 form at least one of the plurality of collars 201 that make up the set. Each of the plurality of collars 201 that form the set will be attached to a stem or handle of a glass. The plurality of collars 201 that form the set can be constructed to interlock with one another, to be stackable with one another or both. Each of the plurality of collars 201 further comprises at least one locking mechanism. Preferably the at least one locking mechanism comprises a locking dock 203, a locking protrusion 204, and a locking release 205. The locking dock 203 is positioned on at least one of the at least two pieces 202 of each of the plurality of collars 201 that comprise the drinking glass marker. Directly opposed to the locking dock 203 is a locking protrusion 204 which is positioned on at least one of the at least two pieces 202 of each of the plurality of collars 201. To operate the locking mechanism the locking protrusion 204 which can be configured to have spring tension is inserted into its respective locking dock 203 and the at least two pieces 202 of each of the plurality of collars 201 are squeezed together such that the locking protrusion 204 connects with the locking dock 203. Another embodiment according to the present invention further comprises a gasket insert (described above with reference to FIG. 11 that is affixed to an inner surface of at least one of the at least two pieces of at least one of the plurality of collars. The gasket insert advantageously prevents a stem or handle of a glass from damage and additionally prevents the fully assembled drinking glass marker from movement relative to a stem or handle of a glass. Another embodiment according to the present invention comprises the plurality of collars to interlock with each adjacent collar. The interlocking of the plurality of collars can be accomplished by using a tongue and a groove mechanism (not shown) whereby the tongue of one of the plurality of collars is positioned adjacent to the groove of another of the plurality of collars such that the tongue of one collar engages the groove of its adjacent collar.
[0033] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a drinking glass marker apparatus having a hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a top view and FIG. 3B is an interior side view. The drinking glass marker comprises at least two pieces 301 that can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. When connected the at least two pieces 301 of the drinking glass marker form a collar 302. The collar 302 can be constructed into any geometrical shape such as a triangle, circle, heart, kidney, ellipse, u-shape, square, pentagon, hexagon or any other shape. Each of the at least two pieces 301 of the collar is constructed with a hinge pin holder 303. A hinge pin 304 is placed into the hinge pin holder 303 such that the at least two pieces 301 are movably secured together. The drinking glass marker further comprises at least one locking mechanism. Preferably the at least one locking mechanism comprises a locking dock 305, a locking protrusion 306, and a locking release 307. The locking dock 305 is positioned on at least one of the at least two pieces 301 of the drinking glass marker. Directly opposed to the locking dock 305 is a locking protrusion 306 which is positioned on at least one of the at least two pieces of the drinking glass marker. To operate the locking mechanism the locking protrusion 306 which can be configured to have spring tension is inserted into its respective locking dock 305 and the at least two pieces of the drinking glass marker are squeezed together such that the locking protrusion 306 engages with the locking dock 305. During usage the at least two pieces 301 are opened by pivoting the at least two pieces 301 on the hinge pin 304 then positioning the interior sides at least two pieces 301 adjacent to a stern or handle of a glass at any position, desired by the user such that the at least two pieces 301 surround or encircle the stem or handle of the glass. The at least two pieces 301 are then pivoted such that the at least two pieces 301 encircle the stem or handle of the glass and the locking mechanism is used to fasten the at least two pieces 301 of the drinking glass marker together to form a single closed unit. Advantageously when the drinking glass marker is attached to the stem or handle of a glass, the drinking glass marker is stationary relative to the stem or handle of the glass, however the drinking glass marker can also be constructed to be movable relative to the stem or handle of the glass. To unlock the locking mechanism, the locking release 307 is depressed to release the spring tension of the locking protrusion 306 and the at least two pieces of the drinking glass marker will separate. Another embodiment according to the present invention further comprises at least one gasket insert 308 that is affixed to at least one gasket holder 309 however the at least one gasket can be affixed directly onto an interior side of at least one of the at lest two pieces 301. Preferably the at least one gasket 308 is constructed from pliable material such as neoprene, silicon, or rubber however other materials which are non-pliable can be used such as wood, plastics, or paper. An advantage of using a gasket insert is that the stem or handle of the glass will be protected from scratches or other damage. Another advantage of using a gasket insert is that when the drinking glass marker is attached to the stem or handle of a glass, the gasket insert ensures that the drinking glass marker will have a snug fit and not move from the position on the stem or handle of the glass that the drinking glass marker was placed on. Another embodiment according to the present invention comprises a plurality of stackable hinged collars that compliment each other. The plurality of stackable hinged collars can be constructed to be stand alone collars or interlocking collars as described in reference to FIG. 2 above, however other interlocking mechanisms can be used such as art elongated hinge pin that can be inserted through two or more adjacently stacked collars.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a drinking glass marker having a removable charm according to an embodiment of the present invention. A drinking glass marker according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one charm link 401 whereby at least one decorative interchangeable charm 402 having a charm hook 403 that is compatible with the at least one charm link 401 can be connected to the at least one charm link 401 via the charm hook 403. The charm hook 403 can be constructed to have a safety latch such that the charm 402 will not disengage from the charm link 401 during usage. The use of at least one charm 402 advantageous allows users of the drinking glass marker to attach a unique charm 402 or multiple charms to the drinking glass marker to identify their own drinking glass. Additionally the drinking glass marker can be constructed to comprise at least one charm that is permanently affixed onto the drinking glass marker. Another embodiment according to the present invention comprises a name engraving plane 404 that is a permanent part of a surface of the drinking glass marker however the name engraving plate 404 can also be constructed to be a separate unit that can be removable or mounted permanently onto the drinking glass marker.
[0035] Having described embodiments for a drinking glass marker apparatus, it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
