Beverage container identification clip

Abstract

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] 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. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] 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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] 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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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