Fruit Wedge Containment Clip For Beverage Bottle
A fruit wedge containment device having a bottle rim coupling component and a wedge containment arm. The bottle rim coupling component is shaped for securing the containment device to a rim of a bottle. The containment arm extends angularly downward from a lower, interior end of the rim coupling component. The wedge containment device is secured to the rim of the bottle. A fruit wedge is inserted into the bottle, being secured between the interior surface of a neck of the bottle and the containment arm. A hook can optionally be formed at the distal end of the containment arm. Alternatively, a single hook, a series of hooks, or any other frictional feature can be incorporated along the containment arm for aiding in holding the fruit wedge in place. A promotional image can be provided on the device, such as via a promotional medallion.
The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for containing a fruit wedge proximate a bottle spout. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a clip that secures to a rim of a bottle, the clip comprising a cantilevered arm for retaining a fruit wedge against an inner sidewall of a bottle proximate the bottle opening.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFruit wedges have been introduced into drinks for both decorative purposes as well as flavoring adjustments. Fruit wedges are defined as any cut portion of a fruit for use in adorning and/or flavoring a beverage. Fruit wedges are normally cut into wedge shaped portions of a sphere, but can be cut into cubes or any other shape.
One commonly used means for introducing the fruit wedge is by slicing the fruit center and placing the slice of the wedge over the lip of the bottle. This is known to cause interference when the drinking party is consuming the beverage. Fruit contains an acid, which can irritate a person's skin when in contact with the fruit. By placing the fruit onto the rim of the bottle, the location significantly increases the likelihood of the drinking party contacting the fruit wedge, thus the acid contacting the consumer's skin.
Several embodiments are taught to relocate the fruit wedge away from the rim of the bottle.
The first means is to simply insert the fruit wedge into the bottle, and since the neck of the bottle is normally tapered, the fruit wedge falls into and floats on the beverage. This allows the fruit juice and bitter flavor from the rinds to saturate into the drink, which provides a different flavor when compared to passing the drink across the fruit wedge. When passing the fluid across the fruit wedge, the drink obtains a consistent and more desirable flavoring.
A second embodiment incorporates a fruit slice receptacle within a neck of the bottle. This requires retooling for bottles. The design further requires that the fruit slice be compressed while it is being inserted through the rim of the bottle. This releases the fruit juices into the drink.
Another known embodiment encapsulates a fruit wedge within a porous material, the encapsulating body comprising a tether, which is secured to an upper portion of the bottle. This configuration allows the fruit wedge to move within the bottle, including a potential for impeding the flow of the drink while the person is consuming the beverage.
In yet another embodiment, an additive holder is provided. The additive holder is sealed and stored within an upper portion of a bottle. The user can remove the seal from the additive container and mix the enclosed additives with the beverage. The additive holder is generally removed prior to consumption of the beverage.
Alternately, a citrus squeezer is known, wherein the citrus squeezer is secured to the rim of a bottle, a slice of fruit is inserted into the apparatus, and the user squeezes the two sides of the apparatus to extract the juice from the fruit slice. This apparatus is removed prior to consumption of the beverage. Further, the process mixes the fruit juice with the beverage prior to consumption, providing a higher concentration of the fruit juice within the beverage as compared to passing the drink across the fruit wedge just prior to consumption.
Therefore, a fruit wedge containment device, which limits the transfer of fruit juice and moreso, the acids from the rind/skin to a beverage without causing irritation to the consumer or interfering with the dispensing of the fluid, is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure is generally directed to a device for holding a fruit wedge proximate an opening of a bottle.
In some embodiments, the fruit wedge containment device may include:
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- a bottle rim coupling component; and
- a cantilevered arm extending downward at an angle sufficient for compressing a fruit wedge against an interior wall of a neck of a bottle.
In another aspect, the present invention can further comprise a hook formed in a distal end of the cantilevered arm.
While in yet another aspect, the hook can be provided at any reasonable location along the length of the cantilevered arm, including projecting from a major surface or along an edge for aiding in gripping the fruit wedge. It is also understood that a plurality of hooks or other frictional shape can be incorporated along the cantilevered arm.
In still another aspect, bottle rim coupling component comprising “U” shaped feature.
In yet another aspect, the bottle rim coupling component comprising round shaped feature having a rotational surface that is greater than 180 degrees for securing the apparatus to a rounded rim of the bottle.
In a still further aspect, the apparatus further comprises a surface for placement of a promotional image.
In another aspect, the surface for placement of a promotional image is provided as an enlarged component, having a surface that is significantly wider than the general shape of the other components of the device.
Continuing with another aspect, the promotional image component is incorporated into the device, extending from the bottle rim coupling component.
In a still further aspect, the promotional image component extends from an exterior portion of the bottle rim coupling component, placing the promotional image component on an exterior of the bottle.
In yet another aspect, the bottle rim coupling component is shaped such to contour to a threaded rim of a bottle.
With another aspect provides the bottle rim coupling component in a circular ring shape having a cylindrical projection extending downward from an internal edge of the ring. The downward projection engages with the interior edge of the bottle opening, extending into a neck of the bottle.
In another aspect, the device is formed having a cross sectional shape that is selected from a group consisting of:
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- a. A rectangular cross sectional shape,
- b. A circular cross sectional shape,
- c. An oval cross sectional shape,
- d. A “C” shaped cross sectional shape,
- e. A “D” shaped cross sectional shape, and
- f. A combination of any two or more members thereof.
In still another aspect, the device further comprising a vertical component extending downward from the bottle rim coupling component, which is seated against an interior wall of the bottle, having the cantilevered arm extending from a lower end of the vertical component. The vertical component being provided to aid in applying a containment force to the fruit wedge.
While in another aspect, the present invention includes a method of containing a fruit wedge proximate a bottle opening, wherein the method applies a holding force to a fruit wedge securing the fruit wedge against the interior surface of the neck of a bottle. The holding force is provided via a cantilevered arm, which is secured to a rim of the bottle.
In yet another aspect, a second protrusion is incorporated along the cantilevered arm, the second protrusion acting in conjunction with the distal hook providing the functionality of a bottle opener.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals denote like elements and in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A fruit wedge containment device 100 is presented via a plurality of views in
The containment arm portion 110 includes a containment arm 114 having an optional hook 112 formed at a distal end thereof. The cross sectional shape of the containment arm 114 can be rectangular (as shown), circular, oval, “D” shaped, or any other reasonable shape allowing the desired flexure of the containment arm 114. The containment arm 114 can have a width continuing from the width of the rim clip feature 124 or broadens as illustrated. The width of the containment arm 114 can be determined by a variety of factors, including rigidity of the containment arm 114, fit for insertion into the bottle 200, the option for placement of promotional information along the surface of the arm 114, and the like. The containment arm 114 can alternately include a hook or series of hooks at any reasonable location along the length of the cantilevered arm 114, including projecting from a major surface or along an edge for aiding in gripping the fruit wedge. The hook 112 can have a planar end (as shown), be shaped incorporating two tapered edges forming a central point, include a series of teeth, and the like, to aid in gripping a fruit wedge 220 (
The bottle rim coupling component 120 includes the rim clip feature 124 as previously presented. The bottle rim coupling component 120 can optionally include a secondary rim member contour 128 for contouring to a secondary rim feature 216 (
It is desirable to maintain low costs for the establishments serving food and beverages. One means for reducing costs is to supplement costs by providing a means for marketing other companies, products, services, and the like. In turn, the advertising party provides revenue to the establishment, provides the devices to the establishment, and the like, to aid in reducing the overall costs of business. The fruit wedge containment device 100 can include a promotional medallion 130 having a promotional surface 132 for placement of promotional information 134. The promotional information 134 can include a name, logo, catch phrase, coupon, advertisement, and the like. The promotional medallion 130 can be of any reasonable shape, including round (as shown), rectangular, contouring to a shape resembling the promotional item, and the like. The promotional information can be presented via a printing, a bossing (raised surface), an embossing (recessed surface), applied via a label, an insertion, and the like.
The method of use of the fruit wedge containment device 100 is presented in
When the fruit wedge 220 is inserted through the bottle rim portion 210, into the interior of the beverage bottle 200, the fruit wedge 220 causes the containment arm 114 to bend (referenced via the motion of arrow B). The original shape is presented in phantom (dashed lines), with the flexed shape being shown (solid lines). The flexure creates the spring cantilevered force C, which holds the fruit wedge 220 against the interior surface 204 of the bottle neck 202. It is understood the shape of the containment arm 114 can be modified to accomplish the same results.
A central protrusion 142 can be formed along the containment arm 114 as illustrated in
An alternate exemplary embodiment is referred to as a fruit wedge containment device 300, being illustrated in
The term promotional image 134 is representative of any type of image 134, including promotional images (logos, text, designs, etc.), personal identification, instructions, and the like. A user can apply a personal identification to the promotional surface 132 as a means for identifying their particular drink. The promotional image 134 can be presented upon the containment arm 114, the promotional surface 132 of the promotional medallion 130, or any other reasonable surface of the fruit wedge containment device 100. The image 134 can be printed, embossed, recessed, applied via decal, label, and the like.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
Claims
1. A fruit wedge containment device, comprising:
- a bottle rim coupling component comprising a rim clip feature being shaped to removably secure the wedge containment device to a rim of a bottle; and
- an elongated containment arm extending angularly downward from the bottle rim coupling component at an angle for containing a fruit wedge between an interior surface of a neck of the bottle and a surface of the containment arm.
2. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 1, wherein the bottle rim coupling component is formed having a curved upper section being of at least 180 degrees for gripping the rim of the bottle.
3. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 1, wherein the bottle rim coupling component further comprises a secondary rim member contour.
4. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 1, the bottle rim coupling component further comprising at least one bottle gripping member extending from an end of the rim clip feature for contacting a surface of the bottle downward from the bottle rim.
5. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least one bottle gripping member is incorporated between an interior end of the rim clip feature an upper end of the containment arm.
6. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 1, the wedge containment device further comprising a fruit securing feature disposed upon the containment arm.
7. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 1, the wedge containment device further comprising a hook disposed upon a distal end of the containment arm.
8. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 6, the wedge containment device further comprising a bottle latch disposed upon a central portion of the containment arm, wherein the bottle latch works in conjunction with the hook to function as a bottle opener.
9. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 1, the wedge containment device further comprising at least one aperture provided through the containment arm.
10. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 1, the wedge containment device further comprising a promotional image.
11. A fruit wedge containment device, comprising:
- a bottle rim coupling component comprising a rim clip feature being shaped to removably secure the wedge containment device to a rim of a bottle;
- a vertical spring component extending downward from an interior end of the rim clip feature; and
- an elongated containment arm extending angularly downward from a distal end of the vertical spring component at an angle for containing a fruit wedge between an interior surface of a neck of the bottle and a surface of the containment arm.
12. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 11, wherein the bottle rim coupling component is formed having a curved upper section being of at least 180 degrees for gripping the rim of the bottle.
13. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 11, wherein the bottle rim coupling component is formed in a shape selected from a group consisting of:
- a. an inverted “U” shape for securing over a section of the bottle rim,
- b. a partial “D” shape for securing over a section of the bottle rim,
- c. a rotated “C” shape for securing over a section of the bottle rim, and
- d. a circular shape being parallel to the bottle rim for resting upon an upper surface of the bottle rim.
14. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 11, wherein the bottle rim coupling component further comprises a secondary rim member contour.
15. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 11, the wedge containment device further comprising a hook disposed upon a distal end of the containment arm.
16. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 11, the wedge containment device further comprising a promotional image.
17. A fruit wedge containment device, comprising:
- a bottle rim coupling component comprising a rim clip feature being shaped to removably secure the wedge containment device to a rim of a bottle;
- a rim clip extension projecting downward from an exterior end of the rim clip feature; and
- an elongated containment arm extending angularly downward from the bottle rim coupling component at an angle for containing a fruit wedge between an interior surface of a neck of the bottle and a surface of the containment arm.
18. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 17, wherein the bottle rim coupling component is formed having a curved upper section being of at least 180 degrees for gripping the rim of the bottle.
19. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 17, the wedge containment device further comprising an image medallion disposed upon a distal end of the rim clip extension.
20. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 19, the wedge containment device further comprising a promotional image disposed upon the image medallion.
21. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 17, the wedge containment device further comprising a promotional image.
22. A fruit wedge containment device as recited in claim 17, the wedge containment device further comprising a hook disposed upon a distal end of the containment arm.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 24, 2009
Publication Date: Feb 24, 2011
Inventor: Jeffery S. Bartucci (Coral Gables, FL)
Application Number: 12/546,100
International Classification: B65D 23/12 (20060101);