Patent Application
20110290976
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1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments relate to combination coasters and devices for use in a public drinking establishment for indicating that a drink has not been abandoned and for preventing the introduction of foreign substances into the drink.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to meeting two recently recognized needs. The introduction of smoking restrictions in public places such as clubs, bars, and taverns including private clubs has created the need for a simple means of indicating that a drink owner has temporarily absented himself or herself from the establishment in order to smoke, or for other purposes, and intends to return. By indicating an intention to return, the combination coaster and drink cover of the present disclosure serves to reserve the drink owner's seat at the bar, and also prevents the bartender removing the glass. In addition, reports of the surreptitious introduction of date rape drugs into a person's drink creates the need for a simple means of protecting a drink from adulteration or introduction of foreign substances during the owner's absence. Embodiments of the present disclosure meet both needs, as well as serve the customary function of a coaster.
In the present disclosure the term “bar” means a counter in which food or especially alcoholic beverages are served, as well as a table used for the same purpose.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,162 discloses a multi-layer coaster.
US 2006/0151413 discloses a security device which allows fluid to be removed from a bottle while preventing the introduction of contaminants.
US 2007/0178284 discloses a date rape drug preventing closure for glasses consisting of a thin film on a carrier. The thin film is removed from the carrier and used to seal the glass.
US 2008/0072412 discloses a thin film mounted on a cut-out on a frame which is pressed over the mouth of a glass, sealing the opening and indicating that the drink has not been abandoned.
US 2008/0302794 discloses a security closure for a container which secures a lid using a combination lock.
US 2009/0020546 discloses a tamper resistant closure for containers which prevents introduction of drugs into a drink.
None of the discovered prior art devices provide the advantages of the present disclosure, that of combining the customary functions of a coaster along with means for indicating that a partially consumed drink has not been abandoned and, at the same time, protecting the drink against adulteration.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.
The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.
Embodiments include a combination coaster and cover for a drink glass which comprises a top coaster layer having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer fixedly attached to the lower surface of the coaster layer. A release sheet is removable attached to the adhesive layer. A bottom coaster layer having an upper and a lower surface is fixedly attached to the release sheet at the upper surface of the bottom coaster layer.
In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions.
Embodiments fulfill the functions of conventional coasters, that of absorbing moisture which is condensed on the sides and bottom of cool drinks, and that of protecting the bar or horizontal surfaces upon which a drink container is placed. Accordingly, the top and bottom coaster layers of embodiments are manufactured of materials widely used in conventional coasters. In embodiments coaster layers are manufactured of paper, blotting paper, absorbent paper, cork, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, glass, stainless steel, aluminum, copper or soapstone.
In embodiments either or both sides of the coaster layers are colored or printed with indicia such as advertisings, slogans, logos, trademarks, etc. as are conventional coasters. In addition, indicia which enhance the informative function of embodiments may be printed on the coasters. Such indicia make clear that the owner of a drink intends to return and that the drink has not been abandoned.
In embodiments the adhesive layer is comprised of food grade adhesives. One function of the adhesive layer is to attach the top coaster layer to the mouth or opening of a drink container such as a glass or mug, and thereby to indicate the drink has not been abandoned as well as to prevent the adulteration of or introduction of foreign substances into a drink when the owner is temporarily absent. When the drink owner recovers his or her property the top coaster can be removed and discarded or the adhesive layer and release layer can be recombined and the coaster-cover can be reused. The owner then can consume the drink with confidence that it has not been tampered with. In embodiments the adhesive layer is comprised of food grade materials, including silicone, epoxy, polyisobutylene, synthetic rubber or dextrin based adhesive.
In embodiments the release layer is manufactured of plastic film, but any material which adheres to the adhesive layer yet is easily detached from the adhesive layer may be used. It may be necessary to treat the release layer to insure its release from the adhesive layer; for example, a wax layer may allow an otherwise unsuitable material to be useful as a release layer. The suitability of the release layer depends on the nature of the adhesive layer. In embodiments release layers are comprised of suitably treated plastic film, paper, blotting paper, absorbent paper, cork, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, glass, stainless steel, aluminum, or soapstone.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope. The applicant or applicants have attempted to disclose all the embodiments of the invention that could be reasonably foreseen. There may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications that remain as equivalents.
