Beverage container identification clip
The beverage container identification clip attaches removably to the wraparound label of a thin wall plastic beverage container or bottle, and provides positive identification of the container for the owner. The device may also be secured to an insulated can cooler sleeve or the like. The clip includes a pair of arms or fingers pivotally attached to one another at one end, and urged together by a light spring. One arm is inserted between the label or sleeve and the container wall, with the label gripping the arm between the label and bottle wall. The other arm remains outside the label or sleeve, where it is exposed to view. Various forms of identification, e.g., a name, charm or other trinket, sports team or occupational logo or symbol, etc., may be applied directly to the visible arm, or attached to the pivotal or distal end of the exposed arm as desired.
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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSThe 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.
Claims
1. A beverage container identification clip, comprising:
- an elongate sleeve capture arm having a pivot end and a distal free end opposite the pivot end;
- an elongate display arm having a pivot end secured to the pivot end of said sleeve capture arm, and a distal free end opposite the pivot end; and
- a distinctive identification element disposed upon said display arm.
2. The beverage container identification clip according to claim 1, wherein each said arm further includes a manipulation tab extending from the pivot end thereof.
3. The beverage container identification clip according to claim 1, further including a light spring disposed between each pivot end of each said arm, the spring urging said sleeve capture arm and said display arm together.
4. The beverage container identification clip according to claim 1, wherein each said arm is curved.
5. The beverage container identification clip according to claim 1, wherein each said arm is straight.
6. The beverage container identification clip according to claim 1, wherein said identification element is an elongate string of beads.
7. The beverage container identification clip according to claim 1, wherein said identification element is disposed directly upon said display arm.
8. The beverage container identification clip according to claim 1, wherein said identification element is a ribbon.
9. The beverage container identification clip according to claim 1, wherein said identification element is a pendant charm.
10. A beverage container with a beverage container identification clip, comprising:
- a beverage container;
- a sleeve closely surrounding said beverage container;
- a beverage container identification clip, comprising: an elongate sleeve capture arm having a pivot end and a distal free end opposite the pivot end, the capture arm being removably inserted between the sleeve and said beverage container; an elongate display arm having a pivot end secured to the pivot end of said sleeve capture arm, and a distal free end opposite the pivot end; and a distinctive identification element disposed upon said display arm.
11. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein each said arm of said clip further includes a manipulation tab extending from the pivot end thereof.
12. The beverage container according to claim 10, further including a light spring disposed between each pivot end of each said arm of said clip, the spring urging said sleeve capture arm and said display arm together.
13. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein each said arm of said clip is curved.
14. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein each said arm of said clip is straight.
15. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein said identification element of said clip is an elongate string of beads.
16. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein said identification element of said clip is disposed directly upon said display arm.
17. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein said identification element of said clip is a ribbon.
18. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein said identification element of said clip is a pendant charm.
19. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein said beverage container is selected from the group consisting of thin wall, flexible plastic bottles, metal and plastic cans, and plastic and paper cups.
20. The beverage container according to claim 10, wherein said sleeve is selected from the group consisting of thin, wraparound plastic labels, foam plastic insulating sleeves, and paper insulating sleeves.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 14, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 15, 2006
Inventor: Charmaine Adair (North Las Vegas, NV)
Application Number: 11/010,318
International Classification: B65D 23/12 (20060101); A41F 1/00 (20060101); A44B 17/00 (20060101);