Patent Application
20070292588
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
Referring first to
The liquid beverage 12 may be a spirit. Generally, a spirit is any alcoholic beverage that is not a wine or beer. Examples of spirits are brandy, gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey. Other suitable liquid beverages include water, soda, gelatin, wine, beer or the like. The preferred beverages are substantially colorless although colored beverages may be used. The liquids may also be odorless and tasteless (hereinafter referred to as “neutral liquids”). Such neutral beverages include vodka, white rums and white whiskies.
The at least one fluorescent dye should be nontoxic and safe for ingestion. Suitable dyes include disodium fluorescein (C20H10O5Na2) available from, for example, Flinn Scientific, P.O. Box 219, Batavia, Ill. 60510. Other suitable fluorescent dyes are available from, for example, Bright Dyes, Division of Kingscote Chemicals, 3334 S. Tech Blvd., Miamisburg, Ohio 45342.
The fluorescent dyes may be selected from a wide variety of colored fluorescent dyes. For example, red, orange and yellow/green fluorescent dyes are available from Bright Dyes. The specific fluorescent dyes available from Bright Eyes that are suitable include, but are not limited to the following:
The fluorescent dyes may be available in a number of forms such as tablets, liquid, powder, or the like. The preferred form is powdered.
The fluorescent beverage may be made by mixing the at least one fluorescent dye vigorously with the clear liquid as shown by the examples below, which are not intended to be limiting.
The mixture may be heated to about 150° F. to improve solubility, if necessary. The range of volumes of liquid in which the at least one fluorescent dye is dispersed may vary depending on whether a strong or light visual concentration is desired. For example, for about 1000 ml to about 4000 ml of liquid, about 0.01 to about 0.6 g of powdered fluorescent dye or about 0.01 to about 0.04 ml liquid fluorescent dye may be added to provide a strong visual concentration. It is to be appreciated that a combination of liquid fluorescent dye and powdered fluorescent dye may be used. The preferred ratio of powdered dye to liquid is 1:400 i.e. 1 part dye to 400 parts liquid. For multi-color fluorescent beverages, two or more different-colored fluorescent dyes may be added to the beverage.
The method of displaying beverages in a dark place is also provided and comprises the steps of:
providing a fluorescent beverage;
exposing the fluorescent beverage to ultraviolet light from an external source.
The external source of the ultraviolet light may be from UV lamps 14, etc. Under UV light, the fluorescent beverage appears brightly colored and luminous i.e. the fluorescent beverage will fluoresce, or glow when exposed to the ultraviolet light (black light). These black lights are often seen in nightclubs or on stages. The external source of UV light is preferably within close range (about six to about 24 inches) of the fluorescent beverage, but may also be positioned a greater distance away.
From the foregoing, it is to be appreciated that the glowing beverage bottles create an attractive display and decorative effect, especially in a bar setting or club setting. They help create a desired unique ambience and can also make the displayed beverages attractive for purchase. The fluorescent beverages are substantially safe and non-toxic and will not adversely affect one's health. The flavor and texture of the beverage is substantially unaffected. The person's perspiration and urine may be tinted the color of the dye for a short period of time.
Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.
