Patent Publication Number: US-9852662-B2

Title: Beverage tag

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to an identification device and, more particularly, to a beverage identification device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many restaurants, bars, and other food eating establishments provide beverages, such as soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and brewed beverages. Because these beverages are generally not often visually distinguished by brand, the customer cannot always positively identify beverages he or she likes in the container which the beverage is served. Furthermore, with the increasing competition between specialized beverages, such as beers and wines, manufacturers need a way to distinguish their products from the competition. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, a beverage identification device is provided and has an identification member, a rotation member rotatably attached to the identification member, and an attachment mechanism extending from the identification member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a beverage identification device according to the invention, shown attached to a known beverage container; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the beverage identification device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a beverage identification device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the beverage identification device of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is another perspective view of a beverage identification device according to the invention, showing an attachment mechanism removed therefrom; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the attachment mechanism of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the attachment mechanism of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view a beverage identification device according to the invention, showing a rotation member rotatably positioned about an identification member; 
         FIG. 9  is another rear view the beverage identification device of  FIG. 8 , showing the rotation member further rotated about the identification member; 
         FIG. 10  is yet another rear view the beverage identification device of  FIG. 8 , further showing rotation of the rotation member about the identification member; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a beverage identification device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is sectional view of the beverage identification device of  FIG. 4 , taken along line  12 - 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is sectional view of the beverage identification device of  FIG. 12 , taken along line  13 - 13 ; 
         FIG. 14  is sectional view of the beverage identification device of  FIG. 12 , taken along line  14 - 14 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is sectional view of the beverage identification device of  FIG. 12 , taken along line  15 - 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in the Figures, a beverage identification device  1  for a beverage container  2  is provided. 
     As shown, the beverage identification device  1  generally has a rotation member  10 , an identification member  40 , and an attachment mechanism  70 . 
     Now with respect to  FIGS. 4 through 11 , the rotation member  10  will be described. The rotation member  10  is a flat planar member. In particular, in the shown embodiment, the rotation member  10  is a disc shaped member. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the rotation member could have other polygonal shapes. 
     As shown in the Figures, the rotation member  10  generally has a front side  12 , an information display  14 , a rear side  16 , a rotation member viewing section  34 , and an outer wall  38 . 
     The front side  12  is a flat planar surface outside of the beverage identification device  1 . 
     The information display  14  is positioned along the front side  12 . The information display  14  is a display of printed indicia, engraved advertisements, or other product information. For instance, the information display  14  may have product information, website information, or other information for a consumer of beverages. The information display  14  may also be a decal that is disposed along the planar surface of the front side  12 . 
     The rear side  16  is opposite the front side  12  and generally has a recessed section  18 , a rotation device receiving passageway  20 , and a flange  22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the recessed section  18  is a depression extending from an outer surface of the rear side  16  and toward the front side  12 . In the shown embodiment, the recessed section  18  is circular shaped and provides the flange  22  along an outer perimeter thereof. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design are possible and the rear side  16  may be planar and without a recessed section as shown. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the flange  22  is a flat rim positioned along the outer perimeter of the rear side  16 . The flange  22  provides a flat surface on which the identification member  40  rotates. The flange  22  has a positioning member  26  having one or more protrusions  28  extending outward from the flange  22 . As shown, the flange  22  has one protrusion  28  that is a cylindrical protuberance in an exemplary embodiment. The protrusion  28  is sized and shaped to correspond with a plurality of protrusion receiving passageways  62  that are positioned on the identification member  40  (described in further detail below). One skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the positioning member  26  may have a plurality of depressions (not shown) that extend inward from a top surface of the flange  22 . Each depression would be sized and shaped to correspond with one or more protuberances positioned on the identification member  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11-13 , the rotation device receiving passageway  20  has a pin receiving passageway  21   a  and a catch receiving section  21   d . The pin receiving passageway  21   a  and the catch receiving section  21   d  are positioned and shaped to correspond with a rotation device  50  of the identification member  40  (described in more detail below). 
     In the shown exemplary embodiment, the rotation device receiving passageway  20  is positioned about a proximate center of the rear side  16  and, more particularly, about a proximate center of the recessed section  18 . The pin receiving passageway  21   a  is a cylindrical opening extending from the rear side  16  toward the front side  12 . However, in the shown embodiment, the pin receiving passageway  21   a  does not extend completely through the rotation member  10 , but to a center section thereof. In the shown embodiment, the catch receiving section  21   d  is doughnut shaped receiving section positioned in the pin receiving passageway  21   a  and extends laterally with respect to the a longitudinal length of the pin receiving passageway  21   a . The catch receiving section  21   d  is positioned about a middle section of the pin receiving passageway  21   a.    
     However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the shape, size and placement of the pin receiving passageway  21   a  and a catch receiving section  21   d  may change depending of the shape, size and placement of the rotation device  50 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 through 11 , the rotation member viewing section  34  is an opening along the front side  12  and extends through a major surface of the rear side  16 . The rotation member viewing section  34  has an inner wall  36  that provide a through hole extending completely through the rotation member  10 . In the embodiment shown, the rotation member viewing section  34  is kidney shaped. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs and shapes are possible. Furthermore, a transparent material may be positioned over the rotation member viewing section  34 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , the outer wall  38  extends along an outer perimeter of the rotation member  10 . The outer wall  38  extends between the front side  12  and the rear side  16 . In the shown embodiment, the outer wall  38  has knurled or reeded edges  39  for grip. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate the other design are possible. For instance, the outer wall  38  may have one or more depressions or protuberances to provide relief along the outer edge of the rotation member  10 . 
     Now with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 and 11-15 , the identification member  40  will be described. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the identification member  40  generally has a front side  42 , a rating device  48 , a rotation device  50 , a rear side  66 , and an outer wall  68 . 
     The front side  42  is a flat planar surface positioned on an inner section of the beverage identification device  1 . In the shown embodiment, the front side  42  has an attachment mechanism receiving section  44 , a recessed section  46 , and a flange  58 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the recessed section  46  is a depression extending from an outer surface of the front side  42  toward the rear side  66 . In the shown embodiment, the recessed section  46  is circular shaped. The recessed section  46  provides the flange  58 . However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design are possible and the front side  42  may shaped and sized differently. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the flange  58  is a projecting flat surface rim positioned along an outer perimeter of the front side  42 . The flange  58  provides a surface on which the rotation member  10  rotates. The flange  58  has a positioning member  60  which is one or more protrusion receiving passageways  62  that extend inward from the flange  58 . As shown, the flange  58  has three protrusion receiving passageways  62  that are cylindrical depressions. The protrusion receiving passageways  62  are sized and shaped to corresponding with a plurality of protrusions  28  positioned on the rotation member  10 . One skilled in the art should appreciate that other design are possible. For instance, the positioning member  60  may have a plurality of protrusions (not shown) extending outward from a top surface of the flange  58 . Each protrusion would be sized and shaped to corresponding with one or more depressions positioned on the rotation member  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the attachment mechanism receiving section  44  is a depression extending further from the outer surface of the front side  42  toward the rear side  66 . In the shown embodiment, the attachment mechanism receiving section  44  is boxed shaped and corresponds to the attachment mechanism  70 . However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design are possible and the attachment mechanism receiving section  44  may shaped and sized differently. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the rating device  48  is provided and positioned along a major surface of the recessed section  46 . In the shown embodiment, the rating device  48  has a plurality of grouped raised indicia  49  for classification purposes. As shown, a grouping of stars is used for the plurality of grouped raised indicia  49  so the user can rank characteristics of the beverage. For example, one to five stars may be employed to categorize the beverage on appearance, aroma, palate, flavor, quality, or the overall impression, as well as any other the characteristic left to the discretion of the individual user. One skilled in the art should appreciate that other shapes and rating systems known to the art are possible. For instance, a number system may be used, or the indicia can be a set of stickers positioned on the major surface of the recessed section  46 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the rotation device  50  is positioned along a major surface of the recessed section  46  and, more particularly, outward from the attachment mechanism receiving section  44 . The rotation device  50  generally has an extension  52 , an extension support  54 , and a stop  56  in the embodiment shown. As shown, the extension  52  extends outward from the attachment mechanism receiving section  44  and is positioned perpendicular to the outer surface of the front side  42 . The extension  52  is a cylindrical pin in the embodiment shown. 
     In the embodiment shown, the extension support  54  is provided along a proximal end of the extension  52 . The extension support  54  is a weld extending around the extension  52  to provide support and rigidity. As shown, the extension support  54  is integrally formed with the extension  52 . However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the rotation device  50  further has the stop  56  positioned along a distal end of the extension  52 . The stop  56  is a catch extending about the extension and, in the shown embodiment, doughnut shaped. The stop  56  is integrally formed with extension and approximately positioned inward from the distal end. One skilled in the art should appreciate that other design are possible. For instance, the stop  56  is shaped and sized to correspond with the catch receiving section  21   d . Therefore, the stop  56  and the catch receiving section  21   d  are keyed to one another, as shown. 
     The primary indicia  67  are positioned along the rear side  66 . The primary indicia  67  are a display of printed indicia or engraved advertisements or information. For instance, the primary indicia  67  may have a trademark, product information, website information, or other information for the consumer concerning the beverage. The primary indicia  67  may also be a decal that is disposed along the planar surface of the rear side  66 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , the outer wall  68  is positioned along an outer perimeter of the rotation member  10 . The outer wall  68  extends between the front side  42  and the rear side  66 . In the shown embodiment, the outer wall  68  has reeded edges  69  for grip. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate the other design are possible. For instance, the outer wall  68  may have one or more depressions or protuberances to provide relief along the outer edge of the rotation member  10 . 
     Now with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , the attachment mechanism  70  will be described. In the embodiment shown, the attachment mechanism  70  generally has a container connector section  72 , a member connector section  78 , and a connection section  84 . In the shown embodiment, the attachment mechanism  70  is removable from the identification member  40 . However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the other designs are possible. For instance, the attachment mechanism  70  may be permanently secured within the identification member  40  or held by the rotation device  50 . 
     As shown, the container connector section  72  has a pair of resilient outer arms  74  and rigid base  76  connecting the pair of resilient outer arms  74  along a proximal end of the attachment mechanism  70 . The pair of resilient outer arms  74  extend parallel to each other and are inwardly elastic in the embodiment shown. For instance, the pair of resilient outer arms  74  can be moved toward each other. One skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the container connection section  72  may be a single arm. Furthermore, the container connector section  72  may be other known means of removable connectors, including fasteners, adhesives, etc. A width of the container connector section  72  is approximately the same as the attachment mechanism receiving section  44 . 
     As shown, the member connector section  78  has a pair of resilient inner arms  80  and rigid base  82  connecting the pair of resilient inner arms  80  along a distal end of the attachment mechanism  70 . The pair of resilient inner arms  80  extend parallel to each other and are inwardly elastic in the embodiment shown. For instance, the pair of resilient inner arms  80  can be moved toward each other. As shown, the pair of resilient inner arms  80  are angled with respect to the pair of resilient outer arms  74 . One skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the member connector section  78  may be a single arm connected to the pair of resilient outer arms  74 . Furthermore, the member connector section  78  may be other known means of connection, including fasteners, adhesives, etc. 
     As shown, the connection section  84  has a pair of connecting arms  86  connecting the pair of resilient inner and outer arms  74 ,  80 . The pair of resilient connecting arms  86  extend parallel to each other and are inwardly elastic in the embodiment shown. For instance, the pair of resilient connecting arms  86  can be moved toward each other. As shown, the pair of resilient connecting arms  86  are u-shaped such that the pair of resilient outer arms  74  and the pair of resilient inner arms  80  are angled with respect to each other. One skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible. For instance, the connection section  84  may be a single arm connected to the container connector section  72  and the member connector section  78 . In other embodiments, the container connector section  72  and the member connector section  78  can be directly connected to each other. 
     Now with reference to Figures, assembly of the beverage identification device  1  will be described. 
     Generally, the rotation member  10  and the identification member  40  are connected together using the rotation device  50  and the rotation device receiving passageway  20 . The flange  22  along the rear side  16  of the rotation member  10  is positioned on the flange  58  of the front side  42  of the identification member  40 . The rotation device  50  is positioned in the rotation device receiving passageway  20 . In particular, the extension  52  is positioned through the pin receiving passageway  21   a  and the stop  56  is received by the catch receiving section  21   d  to hold the extension  52  in the pin receiving passageway  21   a . The rotation member  10  abuts the identification member  40  and is allowed to rotate there about. The positioning member  26  is positioned in one of the plurality of protrusion receiving passageways  62  positioned on the identification member  40  and one of the raised indicia  49  of the rating device  48  is visible through the rotation member viewing section  34 . The member connector section  78  is then positioned in the attachment mechanism receiving section  44  and held in the identification member  40  by a friction fit connection in the shown embodiment. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the attachment mechanism  70  may be secured to the identification member  40  using various known connection means, including fasteners, adhesives, etc. 
     Now with reference to Figures, use of the beverage identification device  1  will be described. 
     A server positions the beverage identification device  1  on the beverage container  2  using the attachment mechanism  70 . In the embodiment shown, the container connector section  72  is united with the beverage container  2  and, more particularly, hung from a rim of the beverage container  2 . However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the attachment mechanism  70  may be united with the beverage container  2  using various known connection means, including fasteners, adhesives, etc. 
     The user can remove the identification device  1  from the beverage container  2  and review information concerning the beverage in the beverage container  2  using the information display  14  and the primary indicia  67 . 
     The user then rates the beverage by rotating the rotation member  10  about the identification member  40  such that the positioning member  26  is positioned in one of the plurality of protrusion receiving passageways  62 . The user then selects which of the raised indicia  49  of the rating device  48  is visible through the rotation member viewing section  34 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the user can remove the attachment mechanism  70  for disposal and collect several beverage identification devices  1  for further review at a later time. 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the described embodiments are illustrative, and that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.