Unique identifying device for a beverage container

Abstract

The invention provides a unique identifying device that differentiates identical or similar beverage containers. A stirrer from a set of stirrers, each with its own design, is placed inside a beverage glass or cup to enable users to determine which beverage among many in use is theirs. In the case of cans, bottles, boxes, or pouches, a unique band from a set of bands, each with its own design, is placed around the outside of the container to enable users to distinguish their beverage from others that are in the same type of container. The preferred composition of the stirrer is plastic, and the preferred composition of the band is a stretchable material. The invention has the advantage of being quick and easy to use, and is inexpensive enough to be disposable. It is an object of the invention to identify individual beverage containers using a unique identifying device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to the field of the identification of individual beverage containers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the differentiating of beverage containers in order to differentiate users' drinks. Many social situations involve the serving of beverages in glasses, cups, bottles, cans, boxes or pouches. Typically the glasses, bottles, cans, boxes or pouches in a set will be of the same pattern, making it difficult for different users to determine which drink is theirs once the containers are set down.[0003]This can lead to negative consequences, for instance, the spread of disease when someone drinks from the container that a sick person has been using. Another negative consequence can be an allergic reaction in a person who unwittingly consumes a drink containing a substance to which they're allergic. In a setting where people are gathered and alcohol is served, some patrons may argue or physically fight over a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0036]It is an object of the invention to provide an easy, quick, and inexpensive method of differentiating beverage containers.

[0041]It is an object of the invention to help a parent or caregiver differentiate their child's juice or beverage box, pouch, bottle or sippy cup from those of other children in any setting where children are grouped together, such as a party, play group or daycare.

[0042]It is an object of the invention to avoid quarrels over ownership of a beverage, particularly in situations with children, or with adults who have been consuming alcohol.

Problems solved by technology

Typically the glasses, bottles, cans, boxes or pouches in a set will be of the same pattern, making it difficult for different users to determine which drink is theirs once the containers are set down.

This can lead to negative consequences, for instance, the spread of disease when someone drinks from the container that a sick person has been using.

Another negative consequence can be an allergic reaction in a person who unwittingly consumes a drink containing a substance to which they're allergic.

In a setting where people are gathered and alcohol is served, some patrons may argue or physically fight over a perceived theft of their drink.

In an event with children involved, not only are there typically many germs to be spread, but children may get very angry and act inappropriately if another child takes their drink.

Additionally, many people are just queasy about sharing germs with anyone.

In the case of the band, again, the prior art cites inventions which are more difficult to make and subsequently increasing the cost to the consumer.

One possible solution outside of the present invention and prior art would be to write on the outside of the beverage containers, but this is not generally feasible.

In the case of disposable containers, many beverage cans and pouches are made from metal or foil, which is difficult to write on.

Plastic bottles may weep and erase writing or be difficult to write on initially, and their labels are difficult to write on either because of the material from which they are made or because they are so covered in color and writing that it is difficult to find a place where the writing will show.

Glass bottles are difficult to write on as well, and individual beverage boxes are coated with a wax.

Finding a writing utensil that may work on any of these surfaces is not always possible, and may not be desirable if young children can access it and write on other surfaces, such as sofas or walls.

Writing utensils also are easily misplaced at a party and may be difficult to find, especially in a social situation.

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