US20080011748A1

US20080011748A1 - Portable Beverage Container And Method Of Use

Info

Publication number: US20080011748A1
Application number: US11/456,782
Authority: US
Inventors: Mathew Meyer; Chris Avery
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-11
Filing date: 2006-07-11
Publication date: 2008-01-17

Abstract

A portable beverage container and methods of using such a beverage container are provided herein. More specifically, the portable beverage container can be fashioned to resemble a typical beverage container for a particular type of beverage (i.e., wine, wine coolers, beer, or the like) that can be transformed to resemble a typical beverage consumption device used to consume the same type of beverage.

Description

FIELD

The present invention is directed to a portable beverage container. More specifically, the portable beverage container resembles a wine bottle as well as a wine glass.

BACKGROUND

The demand for portable products has increased greatly in the recent past. As people are traveling more than ever, and multi-tasking has become a standard aspect of everyday life, individuals have become more reliant on a product that can offer them quality and portability. The relatively new “single-serving” alcoholic beverage category is steadily growing and gaining popularity with products such as Floot sparkling wine in a can, Australian versions of wine in a can, single serving pre-mixed drinks, and wines in a box. Although this particular product category has been somewhat popular in Europe and Japan for some years now, the popularity of these products is finally beginning to increase in its largest potential market, the United States. The benefits of lower shipping costs, greater portability, and more exciting graphics make this alternative packaging attractive to producers as well as consumers. The single-serving category also introduces a newer, emerging group of drinkers to the wine and champagne market, namely a younger, stylish crowd.
Single serving wine bottles are essentially smaller versions of standard 750 ml wine bottles having a metal cap. Once purchased, the cap is removed and the contents are poured into a separate glass for consumption. In situations where a glass is not readily available, one could drink the wine or other beverage directly from the bottle.
Unfortunately, targeted consumers of the single serving wine tend to find the act of drinking the wine directly from the bottle unfashionable. This means that most consumers are forced to carry an additional wine glass or the like to “properly” consume the wine from its single serving container.
There have been some attempts to address the problem of providing a portable container that resembles a wine glass. Most solutions provide a container that holds a certain amount of a particular beverage. The top of the container is removable from the container carrying the fluid and is subsequently attached to the bottom of the container, thus resulting in a make shift consumption glass. These particular products are little more than a carrying container with a top that can also be used as the container's base. Most current portable container solutions do not properly resemble a glass that is typically used to consume the beverage of choice. Rather, most current single serving products do not provide the “chic” look that a consumer of the product would prefer. This failure to create a carrying container (i.e., wine bottle) that can be made to resemble a suitable consumption container (i.e., a wine glass) has resulted in foregone sales of single serving products.
One reason an appealing single serving container has not been found is mainly due to the notion that the carrying container should be the only vessel used to contain the beverage. Because the carrying container is the vessel responsible for containing the beverage, difficulties designing a container that can convert into a consumption device have been encountered. The difficulty of designing a single container that holds the beverage and converts into a consumption device is the container must be designed to prevent the beverage from leaking out during conversion.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beverage container that can be converted from a beverage-carrying container into a beverage-consumption container that resembles a container used to consume the beverage of choice. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a beverage container is provided comprising:
a body having a first and a second end;
a base member detachably connected to the first end of the body in a first mode of operation;
a fluid container; and
an interface operable to secure the fluid container to the base member in the first mode of operation and to secure the second end of the body to the base member in a second mode of operation.
In the first mode of operation the body and the base member resembles a single serving wine bottle or the like. A single serving wine bottle is a smaller version of a 750 ml wine bottle. Suitable sizes of the body and base member include, but are not limited to, 187 ml, 375 ml, and 500 ml. Of course, the body and base member may be fashioned to represent a full 750 ml bottle that can be transformed into a wine glass that is somewhat larger than typical wine glasses.
As can be appreciated, the fluid container may be secured to the base member by a detachable connection or the like. Alternatively, the fluid container may simply rest on the base in a manner that limits the movement of the fluid container. In a further alternative, the fluid container may be suspended above the base by some other suspension mechanism and the fluid container may simply be in contact with the base even though a true mechanical connection has not been realized. Snaps, buttons, buckles, threads, hooks, or other types of frictional fitting mechanisms may also be used to connect two elements until it is desired to separate the elements.
A fluid container is used as the fluid containment device and the body along with the base element serve a more aesthetic purpose. Namely, the fluid container may be any type of vessel suitable to contain and carry a fluid without allowing the fluid to leak (e.g., a Mylar® bag or the like). In a preferred embodiment, the fluid container is flexible such that it can fit within containers of different shapes and sizes. Thus, a single type of fluid container can be used to carry various beverages in different containers.
In additional to the beverage container, a method of preparing a beverage for consumption from the beverage container is also provided herein. The method comprises the steps of:
removing a first end of the body from the base member;
disconnecting the fluid container from the base member;
connecting a second end of the body to the base member; and
pouring the beverage from the fluid container into the body of the container.
The fluid container is connected to the base member such that during shipment the fluid container is stabilized within the body. Excessive movement of the fluid container may result in the rupture of the fluid container and subsequent leakage of the beverage contained therein. Moreover, the fluid container is connected to the base member rather than to the body, because it is the body that is designed to have a smooth inner surface for consumption of the beverage. However, as can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the fluid container may be connected to the body rather than the base member to prevent the unnecessary shift of the fluid container during shipment.
Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container and bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a beverage bag and base in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a beverage container receiving a fluid from a beverage bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 4-4 of the base member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 4-4 of the base member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base member having a first configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base member having a second configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base member having a third configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base having a fourth configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting the connection between the base member and a beverage bag in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a beverage container in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart depicting a method of using a beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed toward a portable beverage container and methods of using such a container. Although the described container is designed for use with wine, champagne, wine coolers, and the like, it can be appreciated that the container may be fashioned for use with other types of beverages including, alone or in combination, water, milk, juice, soda, tea, coffee, beer, malt liquor, whiskey, vodka, rum, and other alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a beverage container 100 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The container 100 generally comprises a body 104, a base member 116, and a fluid container 124. The body 104 is cylindrically shaped and comprises a converging portion 106, a neck 107, a top end 108, and a bottom end 112. The radius of the middle portion of the body 104 is about the same as the radius of the bottom end 112.
The top end 108 further comprises a connector 109 that is adapted to interface with the base member 116 when the beverage container 100 is functioning as a consumption device. The body 104 is generally fashioned to resemble a wine bottle or the like. In other words, the radius of the top end 108 is less than the radius of the bottom end 112. The radius of the body 104 decreases through the converging portion 106 to the neck 107.
The bottom end 112 is connected to the base member 116 through either a friction fit or threading. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the bottom end 112 comprises a lip 114 that extends beyond the outer radius of the bottom end 112. The lip 114 connects the base member 116 to the body 104 during transportation of the beverage container 100. The lip 114 receives a corresponding lip 117 or protrusion on the base member 116. Of course, other fastening means may be used to connect the bottom end 112 to the base member 116 including snaps, fasteners, hooks, buckles, and the like. The base member 116 can be removed from the body 104 by pulling the base member 116 away from the body 104 thereby disconnecting the lips 114 and 117.
Within the body 104 is the fluid container 124. The fluid container 124 acts to secure the beverage so that the connection between the body 104 and the base member 116 does not need to be a liquid tight seal. The fluid container 124 comprises a nozzle 126 and a nozzle connector 128. The nozzle connector 128 is secured to the base connector 120 thus preventing the fluid container 124 from excessively shifting relative to the base member 116 during transportation.
When the body 104 is disconnected from the base member 116, the fluid container 124 may still be connected to the base connector 120 via the nozzle connector 128. Thus, upon separation of the base member 116 and body 104, the fluid container 124 may also be removed from the inner cavity of the body 104. The body 104 may be reoriented (i.e., turned upside down) such that the fluid container 124 is right side up while it is being removed from the body 104.
The base member 116 may also include a centrally disposed neck or protrusion 118 that resembles the base of a wine glass. The protrusion 118 extends with a decreasing radius away from the base member 116 to the base connector 120. The base connector 120 may simply be a continuation of the protrusion of the base member 116. The base connector 120 could simply include a hollow region and a cylindrical sidewall. The hollow region within the sidewalls may be designed to receive and substantially secure the connector 109 and the nozzle connector 128. In other words, the inside radius of the sidewalls of the base connector 120 may be slightly bigger than the outside radius of the body 108, such that the body 108 can fit within the base connector 120.
Alternatively, the base connector 120 may be a solid piece of material with only an outside radius. The body may comprise a hollow region within sidewalls. The inside radius of the sidewalls of the top end 108 may be slightly larger than the inside radius of the base connector 120. This way, the hollow region of the body 108 can receive the base connector 120 and a connected between the two elements can be obtained.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the body 104, base member 116, and connectors 109 and 120 may be constructed of substantially the same material(s) so as to create the illusion of a single piece container when the base member 116 is connected to the body 104. Of course, one or more elements of the container 100 may be constructed of different materials if desired. Appropriate materials that may be used to construct the body 104, base member 116, and connectors 109 and 120 include, but are not limited to, metal (e.g., aluminum), glass, ceramic, plastic, paper, and the like. The materials used may be deformable or rigid depending upon the application and chosen end use.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a fluid container 124 connected to a base member 116 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As noted above, a fluid container 124 is employed to carry and contain the beverage or fluid of choice. The fluid container 124 comprises a first end 125 having a nozzle 126 or protrusion that is further attached to a nozzle connector 128 and a second end 126 that rests within the body 104 during transportation. The nozzle connector 128 interfaces with the base connector 120 to connect the base member 116 to the fluid container 124. The nozzle connector 128 may be designed similarly to the top end 108 of the body 104. The outside radius of the nozzle connector 128 may be slightly smaller than the inside radius of the base connector 120. Therefore, a hollow portion of the base connector 120 can receive the nozzle connector 128. On the other hand, the nozzle connector 128 may comprise a hollow portion with sidewalls having an inside radius slightly larger than an outside radius of the base connector 120. Thus, the hollow portion of the nozzle connector 128 can receive the base connector 120.
As can be appreciated, the connection between the base connector 120 and the nozzle 126 may be a frictional connection that substantially prohibits the movement of the nozzle 126 relative to the base member 116. Alternatively, the nozzle 126 may simply rest or otherwise lay on the base connector 120. Such a connection may inhibit some movement between the nozzle 126 and the base member 116 but may not completely stop all of such movement.
The nozzle connector 128 may further function as a cap that can keep fluids within the fluid container 124 safely secured. When the nozzle connector 128 is removed, the fluid can be poured. The nozzle connector 128 may subsequently be reattached to the nozzle 126 to prevent additional fluids from leaving the fluid container 124. The nozzle connector 128 may include threading or may be a plug like cap that is inserted into the hollow portion of the nozzle 126.
In an alternative embodiment, the base member 116 may act as the cap of the fluid container 124. For example, the base member 116 may comprise a threaded fitting that is inserted into the nozzle 126 of the fluid container 124 during transport. When the base member 116 is unscrewed from the top member 108 it may also be unscrewed from the fluid container 124 and the fluid within the fluid container 124 may be readily available for consumption.
The fluid container 124 is made of a somewhat compliant material, like plastic, and is preferably made of Mylar™. Other examples of compliant materials that may be used in connection with the fluid container 124 include polyester, rubber, nylon, and combinations thereof. Of course, the fluid container 124 may be preformed to fit within the body 104, and therefore may be made of a less compliant material including, without limitation, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminum, and the like.
The base member 116 may also comprise threading 117 that mates with threading on the bottom end 112 of the body 104. The threads 117 are received by the corresponding threading on the bottom end 112 of the body 104. To disconnect the base member 116 from the body 104, the base member 116 is unscrewed or turned relative to the body 104 to release the threaded connection.
Referring now to FIG. 3 an assembled container 100 that appears like a wine bottle will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. The base member 116 comprises two sides. The first side of the base member 116 includes the protrusion 118 extending therefrom, whereas the second side of the base member 116 is essentially flat. The relatively flat second side of the base member 116 helps stabilize the container 100 for display to potential consumers. The protrusion 118 is concealed during display as a wine bottle because it extends inside the body 104.
Referring to FIG. 4 the container 100 assembled to appear like a wine glass will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. With the body 104 reoriented, the base member 116 may be attached to the top end 108 of the body 104. The base member 116 is connected to the body 120 via the base connector 120 interfacing with the top end connector 109. When the base member 116 is connected to the top end 108 of the body 104, the container 100 resembles a wine/champagne glass or other type of stemmed consumption device.
After the base member 116 is attached to the top end 108, the cavity of the body 104 is ready to receive the beverage from the fluid container 124. The nozzle connector 128 of the fluid container 124 is removed therefrom and the beverage 132 may subsequently be poured into the cavity of the body 104 via the nozzle 126. In the event that the fluid container 124 is equipped with a resealable cap, only a portion of the beverage 132 may be poured into the body 104 for consumption during a first time. Then the cap may be replaced and the rest of the beverage 132 may be saved for a later time. Of course a resealable cap is not necessary for the fluid container 124. If the fluid container 124 does not have a resealable cap, it may be advisable to consume the entire beverage 132 such that it is not wasted or attempted to be stored in an unsealed fluid container 124.
Once the consumer is finished enjoying his/her beverage of choice from the container 100, any leftover beverage 132 is poured back into the fluid container 124. Then the partially filled or empty fluid container 124 may be placed back into the body 104 and the base member 116 may be reattached to the bottom end 112 of the body 104 for convenient portability. The fluid container 124 may be refilled with other beverages and reused at a later time. Alternatively, refill fluid containers 124 may be purchased and placed into the fluid container 100 for later use.
One advantage of placing the typically compliant fluid container 124 into the outer container 100 is that the fluid container 124 is protected from outside impacts. This is particularly advantageous for picnicking or backpacking where contents of a bag tend to shift and an unprotected fluid container 124 may suffer a leak upon such shifting of contents. The container 100 serves as a protection mechanism for the fluid container 124 helping to ensure that the beverage 132 does not spill in a bag.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a base connector 120 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As noted above, the base connector 120 may comprise a hollow portion with a substantially cylindrical sidewall 136 encompassing the hollow portion. The sidewall 136 may have an inside radius and an outside radius. As noted above, the interface may be adapted to receive and secure a nozzle connector 128 and/or the top end connector 109.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative base connector 120 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The base connector 120 may comprise an inner sidewall 140 along with the outer sidewall 136. The space between the inner sidewall 140 and the outer sidewall 136 may be designed to receive a single sidewall of the nozzle connector 128 and/or the top end connector 109. The use of two sidewalls instead of one may help to ensure a tighter connection between elements. One of both of the inner and outer sidewalls may be threaded to further secure any one of the elements connected thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a frictional fit base connector 120 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The outer sidewall 136 of the base connector 120 may have a downwardly decreasing radius. In other words, the sidewall 136 may be inwardly tapered such that as an element like the nozzle connector 128 or the top end connector 109 is inserted into the base connector 120, a stronger connection between the inserted element and the base connector 120 is realized.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a threaded base connector 120 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The outer sidewall 136 of the base connector 120 may be equipped with threading 150 on its interior. The interior threading 150 of the base connector 120 may be designed to receive an exterior threading on the nozzle connector 128 and/or top end connector 109. One of the nozzle connector 128 and top end connector 109 may be inserted in the sidewalls and screwed into the base connector 120 until a tight connection is made between the base member 116 and the connected element.
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the base connector 120 is integral to the base member 116. In other words, the base connector 120 is a portion of the base member 116. The base connector 120 may be molded along with the base member 116 such that both elements are a single piece. Alternatively, the base connector 120 may be “permanently” secured to the base member 116 through the use of extra strong adhesives or the like.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a detachable connector 156 will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. The detachable connector 156 comprises a lower portion 160 and an upper portion 164. The lower portion 160 is designed to connect to the base connector 120 of the base member 116. The upper portion 164 is designed to connect to one or both of the nozzle connector 128 and top end connector 109. The types of connection mechanisms employed by the detachable connector 156 are similar to those described in conjunction with the base connector 120. Furthermore, the upper portion 164 may employ one type of connection mechanism whereas the lower portion 160 may employ a different connection mechanism. For example, the lower portion 160 of the detachable connector 156 may be connected to the base connector 120 of the base member 116 via a threaded connection. The upper portion 164 may be designed to create a frictional connection for the nozzle 126 and/or top end 108.
Additionally, the upper portion 164 and lower portion 160 may both be threaded and may have reversed threading relative to one another. Thus, when one element is being removed from the detachable connector 156, the opposing element is being tightened to the detachable connector 156.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a base connector 120 comprising external threading 168 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The base connector 120 may comprise external threading 168 rather than internal threading 150. Therefore, a hollow cavity of the nozzle 126 and/or top end 108 may receive the base connector 120 and be threaded onto the base connector 120.
Referring now to FIG. 11, a detachable connector 156 will be further described in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The detachable connector 156 is oriented along the center axis of the base connector 120 extending from the base member 116. The detachable connector 156 is then connected to the interface such that it remains oriented along the same axis of the base connector 120. Thereafter, the nozzle connector 128 of the fluid container 124 is brought into connection with the detachable connector 156 along the same center axis of the base connector 120. The connection is then secured by screwing the nozzle connector 128 into the detachable connector 156, pressing the nozzle 126 into the detachable connector 156, latching the nozzle 126 onto the detachable connector 156, or otherwise securing the nozzle 126 to the detachable connector 156.
Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternative form of the container 100 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The container 100 does not necessarily need to be designed to represent and wine bottle and glass. Rather, the container 100 may be designed for ease of portability and use. The container 100 of FIG. 12 comprises a body 172, a lid 176, a fluid container 124 comprising a nozzle 126, and connector 180 between the nozzle 126 and the lid 176.
The body is cylindrically shaped and comprises a top end 173 and a bottom end 174. The bottom end is relatively flat such that the body 172 can sit on a surface. The top end 173 comprises threading 175 that receives corresponding threading 178 on the lid 176. The lid 176 is removed from the body 172 by unscrewing the lid 176. Likewise, the lid 176 is screwed into the body 172 to secure the lid 176 to the body 178.
The fluid container 124 is able to conform to the space within the body 172. The body 172 also serves as a protective barrier between the fluid container 124 and any foreign objects. The fluid container 124 is connected to the lid 176 such that the fluid container 124 does not substantially shift in the body 172 during movement. When the lid 176 is removed from the lower body 172, the fluid container 124 is also removed.
The connection between the lid 176 and the body 172 is generally the same as the connection between the body 104 and the base member 116. Moreover, the lid 176 acts in substantially the same way as the base member 116 by securing the fluid container 124 during transport. Additionally, the body 172 is similar to the body 104 in that is provides protection for the fluid container 124 and also provides for a way to consume the beverage stored within the fluid container 124.
The body 172 may further comprise a connection mechanism 182 on its lower end 174 that can receive the lid 176 for storage and the like. Therefore, when the user is consuming a beverage from the container 172, he/she does not have to worry about holding both the lid 176 and the body 172. Rather, the lid 176 may be attached (e.g., screwed or pressed) to the bottom of the body 172 making it more difficult to lose one of the two elements. The lower end 174 may comprise a recess such that the lid does not protrude from beyond the edge of the lower end 174 when the lid 176 is connected to the connection mechanism 182.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the fluid container 124 may have multiple compartments 184 and 188. Each compartment 184 and 188 may be used to store a different beverage or fluid. A divider 192 separates the compartments 184 and 188 ensuring the fluids are not mixed until doing so is desired. This can result in a fresher tasting mixed product. For example, juice or the like may be stored in the first compartment 184 of the fluid container 124 and vodka may be stored in the second compartment 188 of the fluid container 124. The two beverages can be separated until they are poured from the fluid container 124 into the body 104. Thus, a consumer can purchase a cranberry juice and vodka and drink it at his/her leisure and still receive the taste of a cranberry juice and vodka that has just been mixed. Pre-made mixed drinks in accordance with embodiments of the prior art are mixed prior to shipping and therefore the consumer receives a mixed drink that has been mixed for days if not weeks. This may result in a less than acceptable product by consumer standards. However, since the fluid container 124 separates the beverages, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, it is believed a fresher tasting mixed drink can be offered to consumers.
As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the first 184 and second 188 compartments may be made of different materials. For example, the first compartment 184 may comprise a compliant material whereas the second compartment 188 may comprise a less compliant material. The second compartment 188 may comprise a less compliant material such that a carbonated beverage may be stored therein under pressurized conditions. Any known material used to store carbonated beverages like aluminum, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or any other suitable material. Alternatively, first compartment 184 may be used to carry an alcoholic beverage or other drink that does not necessarily require a non-compliant material to contain it. Additionally, the relative sizes of each compartment 184 and 188 do not necessarily need to be the same.
Referring now to FIG. 13, a method of preparing a beverage for consumption will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. Initially, the method begins by separating the top member (i.e., the body 104 or the body 172) from the bottom member (i.e., the base member 116 or the lid 176) (step 204). As noted above, the act of separating the top member from the bottom member may include unscrewing the two members, unfastening the two members, or otherwise pulling the two members apart.
The fluid container 124 is then separated from the interface such that it is no longer connected to the bottom member (step 208). Thereafter, if necessary, the top member is reoriented such that it is prepared to receive and hold fluids (step 212). The top member is then connected with the interface of the bottom member (step 216). This helps to ensure that the two elements are not separated and provides for ease of use. Additionally, the top member may be connected with the interface of the bottom member to render a container that substantially resembles a suitable consumption device like a wine glass.
Once the container 100 is ready to have a liquid poured therein, the fluid container 124 is opened (step 220). As noted above, the fluid container 124 may include a re-attachable cap that can be removed and then replaced. This allows a user to consume only a portion of the contents within the fluid container 124 and save the rest for later consumption. After the fluid container 124 has been opened, the contents of the fluid container 124 are poured into the top member (step 224).
The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain the best modes presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or in other embodiments, and with the various modifications required by their particular application or use of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

1. A beverage container, comprising:

a body having a first and a second end;

a base member;

a fluid container; and

wherein the base member is operably secured to the first end of the body and the fluid container for configuration of the container in a first non-use position, and is removable for attachment to the second end of the body for configuration of the container in a second use position.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a first side for sitting on a surface and a second side operable to interface with at least one of the body and fluid container.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a centrally disposed elongated stem that secures one of the fluid container and the body.

4. The container of claim 1, further comprising a connector having a bottom portion for attaching with the base member and a top portion for attaching with one of the second end of the body and a nozzle of the fluid container.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises first threads and wherein the fluid container and the second end of the body comprise second threads for screwing into the first threads.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second end of the body and a nozzle of the fluid container are secured to the base member through a friction fit.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein an inner radius of a nozzle of the fluid container is substantially the same as an inner radius of the second end of the body, and wherein the inner radius of the nozzle of the fluid container and the second end of the body is smaller than an outer radius of a base member connector.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein an outer radius of the nozzle of the fluid container is substantially the same as an outer radius of the second end of the body, and wherein the outer radius of the nozzle of the fluid container and the second end of the body is larger than an inner radius of a base member connector.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the fluid container comprises a deformable bag comprising a nozzle for pouring out a liquid within the bag.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the body and base member substantially resemble a wine bottle when the first end of the body is secured to the base member, and wherein the body and base member substantially resemble a wine glass when the second end of the body is secured to the base member.

11. A method of preparing a beverage for consumption from a container comprising a body, a base member, and a fluid container, comprising:

detaching a first end of the body from the base member;

disconnecting the fluid container from the base member;

connecting a second end of the body to the base member; and

pouring the beverage from the fluid container into the body of the container.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid container is disconnected from the base member at substantially the same point as the second end of the body is connected to the base member.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the disconnecting the fluid container from the base member comprises unscrewing a nozzle of the fluid container from the base member.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the connecting the second end of the body to the base member comprises screwing the second end of the body into the base member.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the connecting the second end of the body to the base member comprises pressing the body into the base member to create a friction fit between the body and the base member.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid container comprises a deformable bag comprising a nozzle and a cap, and the method further comprises the step of removing the cap from the nozzle prior to pouring the beverage.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the body and base member substantially resemble a wine bottle prior to removing the first end of the body from the base member, and wherein the body and base member substantially resemble a wine glass after the second end of the body is connected to the base member.

18. A beverage container, comprising:

a body having a first and a second end;

a base member detachably connected to the first end of the body;

means for containing a fluid; and

means for securing the fluid container to the base member that is further operable to secure the second end of the body to the base member upon disconnecting the fluid container from the base member.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing is embodied on the base member.

20. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing comprises an elongated stem originating from the center of the base member.

21. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing comprises a bottom portion for attaching to the base member and a body for attaching to one of the second end of the body and a nozzle of the means for containing a fluid.

22. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing comprises threads for receiving at least one of a threaded section of the second end of the body and a threaded section of the means for containing a fluid.

23. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing comprises a hollow portion for receiving at least one of the means for containing a fluid and the second end of the body, and wherein the hollow portion comprises walls with a downward decreasing radius.

24. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for containing a fluid comprises a deformable bag comprising a nozzle for pouring out a liquid within the bag.

25. The container of claim 18, wherein the body and base member substantially resemble a wine bottle when the first end of the body is connected to the base member, and the body and base member substantially resemble a wine glass when the second end of the body is connected to the base member.