Patent Application
20060123605
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to removably attachable identification badges, tags, and similar devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to various embodiments of a clip adapted for attachment to the wraparound label or sleeve conventionally applied to many types of beverage containers and bottles. The device enables the owner of the container to readily identify his or her container from a group of similar beverage containers.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of a distinctive identifying mark, tag, label, etc., to identify the owner of various articles, e.g., books, tools, clothing, and various loose articles and accessories, has been known for a considerable time. Permanent labels or the like, e.g., adhesively applied labels or merely writing the owner's name and/or other information on or in the article, are commonly used to identify the owner of relatively costly articles and/or articles having some longevity. However, the need for such identification often occurs with less expensive articles having relatively short life spans, e.g., disposable drink bottles and containers. There are many occasions where people are provided with identical drinks or containers, e.g., at catered luncheons and the like, or perhaps purchase identical articles at sports events and similar activities. At times it can be difficult for a person to track just which bottle or container belongs to him or her, particularly when several identical containers have been placed upon a picnic table or merely placed upon the ground while their owners participate in a game or other activity.
As a result, many people will mark their drink container in some way, but most such attempts are not particularly suitable. Most conventional writing implements, e.g., pencils and ball point pens, are not capable of leaving a readily legible mark on the smooth surface of most such disposable bottles and containers. Even where a legible mark may be applied to the container, the hand of a person holding the container will generally cover such a mark, thus rendering the mark useless if the person does not notice it before picking up the container.
Various attempts have been made in the past to provide devices for removable attachment to a bottle or similar container for identifying the contents or for displaying other information. An example of such is shown in European Patent No. 865,015, published on Sep. 16, 1998. This publication describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) various embodiments of a device which clips across the mouth or base of a wine bottle, and which contains a permanent or removable card or tag. The card or tag is used for noting information about the bottle, e.g., vintage, etc. In one embodiment, the device is attached over the mouth of the bottle, requiring the device to be removed before one can access the contents of the bottle. In another embodiment, the device is secured beneath the base of the bottle, where it cannot be seen when the bottle is resting in an upright position.
None of the inventions and patents known to the present inventor, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a beverage container identification clip solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The beverage container identification clip allows persons to quickly and easily apply an identification or other distinguishing element to a conventional beverage container having a wraparound label. Such labels are commonly used to provide branding and product information on thin wall plastic bottles of various sorts, e.g., bottled water, soft drink bottles, etc. The clip includes a pair of thin arms or fingers pivotally secured together at one end and urged toward one another by a light spring. One arm of the clip is inserted between the wall of the container and the overlying wraparound label sleeve, with the sleeve gripping the captured arm between the sleeve and wall of the container to hold the clip securely in place. The outer arm of the clip is exposed to the outside of the label, where any identification may be readily seen. The device may include additional identifying elements, e.g., beads, charms and/or other trinkets, etc., as desired. When the container is to be disposed of, the identification clip is easily removed from its attachment to the band or label surrounding the bottle for future use.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
The present invention comprises a series of embodiments of an identification clip for use with a beverage bottle or other type of beverage or liquid container having a wraparound label or other encircling sleeve therearound. The clip attaches to the container and sleeve assembly between the sleeve and container wall, with a portion of the clip remaining outside the sleeve to display some distinctive form of identification so the owner of the bottle or container may readily identify his or her container.
The beverage container identification clip 10a, 10b comprises an elongate first or sleeve capture arm 12 adapted for removable installation between the sleeve S and the wall W of the bottle B or container, and an opposite elongate display arm 14 disposed outside the sleeve S when the clip 10 is secured thereto. The two arms 12 and 14 each include a pivot end, respectively 16 and 18, and are joined together at their pivot ends 16 and 18 by a lateral pivot 20 (more clearly shown in the detailed views of
Each of the embodiments of the present identification clip includes some form of distinctive identification element therewith. In the two clip embodiments 10a and 10b of
The clip 10d of
In conclusion, the beverage container identification clip provides a most convenient means for people to keep track of their own beverage bottles, cans, or cups at a gathering. People at parties, office meetings, conferences, sports events, and other activities, often have identical drink containers (bottled water, coffee cups, beverage cans, etc.), and the determination of which container belongs to which person can often be confusing. The identification clip solves this problem in an inexpensive and convenient manner. The clip not only greatly enhances sanitation by assuring that beverage containers are not inadvertently picked up by different persons, but also serves as a decorative and distinctive touch to the container. The identification clip may include virtually any type of distinctive marking or configuration as desired, e.g., personalized by name, or perhaps a holiday theme, sports team logo or player number, symbol or emblem relating to work or a hobby or other interest, etc., as desired. Accordingly, the beverage container identification clip will prove to be extremely popular with people from all walks of life.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
