James Neal John

US Patent:

57277125, Mar 17, 1998

Filed:

Nov 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/754241

Inventors:

James Joseph John Costello - Houston TX

International Classification:

B65D 2300

US Classification:

220703

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a device for retaining ice in a drinking glass while permitting the beverage therein to be enjoyed. The device comprises a shield shaped to conform generally to at least a portion of an interior cross-section of the glass at a chosen distance below the lip thereof. The device further includes a stem attached at one end to the shield and at the other end to a clip. The stem is of a length so that the shield will be positioned at the chosen distance below the lip of the glass when the clip is engaged on the lip thereof. In the preferred embodiments, the shield is substantially the same size as the interior cross-section of the glass at the chosen distance and includes a plurality of holes sized to retain the ice in the glass while permitting the beverage to flow freely therethrough. In the most preferred embodiments, the clip is pivotally attached to the opposite end of the stem and spring biassed to firmly engage the lip of the drinking glass. Finally, the present invention includes the combination of an ice retainer together with a drinking glass or other beverage container especially designed so that the ice retainer is completely disposed below the lip of the cooperating glass or container.