Patent Publication Number: US-7591092-B2

Title: Apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method used with a beverage container. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container. The apparatus, the system and the method may have a first arm and/or a second arm. The first arm and the second arm may have bottom edges and/or top edges. The top edges of the first arm and the second arm may be opposite to the bottom edges of the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The first arm may be attached to the second arm with a connector. The connector may have a spring which may force the top edge of the first arm outward with respect to the top edge of the second arm. As a result, the bottom edge of the first arm may be pushed inward with respect to the bottom edge of the second arm. A top end of a beverage container may be inserted between the bottom edges of the first arm and the second arm, respectively. As a result, the first arm and the second arm may hold and/or may be attached to the top end of the beverage container. Moreover, the first arm and/or the second arm may have indicia thereon to provide a label for the beverage-container. 
   It is generally known that vendors and/or retailers sell beverages to consumers in single serving containers, such as, for example, juice boxes, juice pouches and/or the like. A consumer opens the container to consume the beverages therein by inserting a plastic straw into an opening in the container. The consumer drinks and/or consumes the beverage from the container via the straw. Further, the consumer may fail to consume the entirety of the beverage contained within the container and/or may save portions of the beverages for consumption at a later time. The consumer stores the container in a location for later consumption. However, the straw in the container is contaminated with bacteria and/or germs from the consumer. The container which belongs to the consumer is not labeled and/or cannot be identified from a similar container being drank by another consumer. A first consumer may mistakenly consume the beverage from a container used by a second consumer. The bacteria and/or the germs of the second consumer are passed to the first consumer via the straw in the container. As a result, the first consumer may contract a sickness, an illness and/or a disease from the second consumer. 
   It is known to provide a label for a beverage container to identify the container and/or an owner of the container. One known identifier is a label in the form of a medallion attached to an elastic band. The elastic band is placed around an exterior of the beverage container. The elastic band contracts inward with respect to an exterior of the beverage container. As a result, the medallion is held against the exterior of the beverage container by the elastic band. However, the elastic band exerts a force inward with respect to the exterior of the beverage container. The exterior of the beverage container must be made from, for example, glass to withstand the inward force exerted by the elastic band. A beverage container, such as, for example, a juice box and/or a juice pouch collapses inward from the force of the elastic band. As a result, the beverage within the beverage container is pushed out the opening of and/or the straw inserted in the opening of the beverage container. Therefore, elastic bands with medallions can not be used to label beverage containers, such as, for example, juice boxes and/or juice pouches. 
   A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container. Additionally, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may identify the beverage container. Further, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may attach to a top edge of the beverage container without damaging the exterior of the beverage container. Still further, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may be removed from the beverage container. Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may be disposable and/or reusable. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method used with a beverage container. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container. The apparatus, the system and the method may have a first arm and/or a second arm. The first arm may be connected to the second arm. The first arm and/or the second arm may have bottom edges and/or top edges. The top edges of the first arm and the second arm may be opposite to the bottom edges of the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The first arm may be attached to the second arm with a connector. A top end of a beverage container may be inserted between the bottom edges of the first arm and the second arm. As a result, the first arm and the second arm may hold and/or may be attached to the top end of the beverage container. Moreover, the first arm and/or the second arm may have indicia thereon for labeling and/or identifying the beverage container. 
   The apparatus, the system and the method for labeling a beverage container may be, for example, a clip. The connector between the first arm and the second arm may be, for example, a spring. The spring may be, for example, a straight torsion spring, a flat spring and/or the like. The connector and/or the spring may force the top edge of the first arm outward with respect to the top edge of the second arm. As a result, the bottom edges of the first arm and the second arm may be forced inward with respect to each other. The top end of the beverage container may be held between the bottom edges of the first side and the second side, respectively. The indicia, the first side and/or the second side of the apparatus may provide a label for the beverage container. A user may identify the beverage container via the indicia, the first side and/or the second side of the apparatus. 
   To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for identifying a container is provided. The apparatus has a first arm having a length defined between a first end and a second end opposite to the first end wherein the first arm has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite to the top edge. Further, the apparatus has a first handle attached to the first arm wherein the first handle extends outward with respect to the top edge of the first arm and further wherein the first handle is adjacent to the first end of the first arm. Still further, the apparatus has a second arm having a length defined between a first end and a second end opposite to the first end wherein the second arm has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite to the top edge wherein the second arm is connected to the first arm and further wherein the container is interposed between the bottom edge of the first arm and the bottom edge of the second arm. Moreover, the apparatus has an identifier on the first arm. 
   In an embodiment, the apparatus has a pin attaching the second arm to the first arm. 
   In an embodiment, the apparatus has a spring between the first arm and the second arm. 
   In an embodiment, the first arm is a color. 
   In an embodiment, the apparatus has indicia on the first arm. 
   In an embodiment, the apparatus has ribs on the first handle. 
   In an embodiment, the apparatus has a second handle attached to the second arm. 
   In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for identifying a container from a plurality of containers is provided. The system has a first arm having a length defined between a first end and a second end opposite to the first end wherein the first arm has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite to the top edge. Further, the system has a second arm having a length defined between a first end and a second end opposite to the first end wherein the second arm has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite to the top edge wherein the second arm is connected to the first arm and further wherein the bottom edge of the first arm is adjacent to the bottom edge of the second arm. Moreover, the system has an attaching means between the first arm and the second arm wherein the attaching means is adjacent to the first end of the first arm wherein the attaching means moves the bottom edge of the first arm outward with respect to the bottom edge of the second arm wherein the first arm and the second arm attach to the container and further wherein the container is distinguishable from the plurality of containers. 
   In an embodiment, the attaching means is a spring. 
   In an embodiment, the system has a pin attaching the first arm to the second arm. 
   In an embodiment, the system has a handle connected to the attaching means. 
   In an embodiment, the system has indicia on the first arm. 
   In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for identifying a container is provided. The method has the step of providing a clip having a length defined between a first end and a second end wherein the clip has an interior and an exterior. Further, the method has the step of providing a handle on the exterior of the first end of the clip to attach the clip to the container wherein the container is adjacent to the interior of the clip. Moreover, the method has the step of attaching an identifier to the exterior of the clip wherein the container is distinguished by the identifier. 
   In an embodiment, the method has the step of providing ribs on the handle. 
   In an embodiment, the method has the step of providing a spring in the clip. 
   In an embodiment, the method has the step of providing indicia on the exterior of the clip. 
   In an embodiment, the method has the step of attaching the clip to the container. 
   In an embodiment, the method has the step of providing an erasable surface on the exterior of the clip. 
   In an embodiment, the method has the step of attaching a sticker to the exterior of the clip. 
   In an embodiment, the method has the step of labeling the container with the clip. 
   It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which provides identification of the beverage container. 
   And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which provides a clip for attaching to a top of the beverage container. 
   Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may be connected to the top of the beverage container. 
   A further advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may be disposable. 
   Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may be reusable. 
   And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which provides printed indicia thereon to label and/or to identify the beverage container. 
   Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may provide labeling for a juice container, a juice box, a juice pouch and/or the like. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may provide handles for attachment to and/or removal from the beverage container. 
   Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may provide a color to label and/or to identify the beverage container. 
   A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may prevent damage to the beverage container during attachment to and/or removal from the beverage container. 
   Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may be packaged with the beverage container for sale. 
   And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may be inexpensive. 
   Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container may provide a clip having a length to prevent swallowing of and/or choking on the clip by a consumer. 
   A further advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may allow a consumer to drink from a straw inserted into the beverage container. 
   Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may allow a consumer to identify the beverage container from a plurality of beverage containers. 
   And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which prevents a consumer from mistakenly consuming from a beverage container not belonging to the consumer. 
   Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which prevents the passage of bacteria and/or germs of a first consumer to a second consumer via a straw in the beverage container. 
   A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container which may allow a consumer to identify the beverage container from which the consumer has been drinking. 
   Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front plan view of an apparatus and a beverage container in an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a left side view of the apparatus and the beverage container of  FIG. 1  in an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a right side view of the apparatus and the beverage container of  FIG. 1  in an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an apparatus and a beverage container as taken along line III-III of  FIG. 1  in another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the apparatus and the beverage container as taken along line III-III of  FIG. 1  in an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an apparatus and a beverage container in another embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method used with a beverage container. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for labeling a beverage container. The apparatus, the system and the method may have a first arm and/or a second arm. The first arm may be attached to the second arm by a connector. The connector may be, for example, a straight torsion spring, a flat spring and/or the like. A top end of a beverage container may be inserted between the first arm and the second arm. As a result, the first arm and second arm may be attached to and/or may hold the top end of the beverage container. Moreover, the first arm and/or the second arm may have indicia thereon for labeling the beverage container. The indicia, the first arm and/or the second arm may label the beverage container. The indicia, the first arm and/or the second arm may allow a consumer to identify the beverage container. 
   Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIGS. 1-3  and  5  illustrate an apparatus  10  for labeling a beverage container  12  in an embodiment of the present invention. The beverage container  12  may have a top end  14  and/or an exterior  16 . The beverage container  12  may have a length  18 , a first end  20 , a second end  22  and/or a width  24 . The second end  22  may be opposite to the first end  20 . The beverage container  12  may be made from a material, such as, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, tin, aluminum, cardboard and/or the like. The beverage container  12  may contain a beverage, such as, for example, juice, milk, sports drink, fruit drink, and/or the like. The beverage container  12  may be, for example, a beverage box, a beverage pouch, a beverage container and/or the like. The present invention should not be deemed as limited to the embodiments of the material of the beverage container  12  and/or the beverage contained within the beverage container  12 . 
   The beverage container  12  may have an opening  26  in the exterior  16 . The opening  26  may extend through the beverage container  12  from the exterior  16  to an interior  17  of the beverage container. A straw  28  may be inserted into the opening  26  and/or the interior  17  of the beverage container  12 . A first consumer (not shown in the drawings) may drink and/or may consume the beverage within the beverage container  12  via the straw  28 . Moreover, the first consumer may discard the beverage container  12  after consuming the beverage within the beverage container  12 . 
   However, the first consumer may not drink the entire beverage contained within the beverage container  12 . The first consumer may choose to save a portion of the beverage or the entire beverage. The beverage container  12  may be stored, for example, on a shelf, on a table, in a picnic basket, in a box and/or the like. Further, the beverage in the beverage container  12  may require refrigeration after opening the same. As a result, the first consumer may store the beverage container  12  in, for example, a cooler, a refrigerator, an icebox and/or the like. 
   The first consumer may drink the beverage from the beverage container  12  via the straw  28 . Germs and/or bacteria from the mouth, lips, saliva and/or tongue of the first consumer may pass to the straw  28  while drinking and/or consuming the beverage within the beverage container  12 . As a result, the straw  28  and/or the beverage within the beverage container  12  may be contaminated with the germs and/or the bacteria of the first consumer. The germs and/or the bacteria on the straw  28  may pass to another consumer drinking from the beverage container  12 . 
   The apparatus  10  may be attached to the top end  14  of the beverage container  12  to label and/or to identify the beverage container  12 . A second consumer (not shown in the drawings) may be associated with the first consumer. The second consumer may be drinking from and/or consuming a beverage from a container (not shown in the drawing). The container belonging to the second consumer may be similar to or identical to the beverage container  12  belonging to the first consumer. Further, the apparatus  10  may identify the first consumer and/or may indicate to the second consumer that the beverage container  12  belongs to the first consumer. The second consumer may identify that the beverage container  12  belongs to the first consumer and/or may refrain from drinking and/or consuming the beverage therein. The second consumer may refrain from drinking for the beverage container  12  to prevent contraction of the germs and/or the bacteria of the first consumer from the straw  28 . As a result, the apparatus  10  may prevent the germs and/or the bacteria of the first consumer on straw  28  from passing to the second consumer. Still further, the beverage container  12  may not be wrongfully discarded because the apparatus  10  identifies that the beverage container  12  belongs to the first consumer. 
   The apparatus  10  may have a first arm  30  and/or a second arm  32 . The first arm  30  may have a length  34 , a first end  36  and/or a second end  38 . The length  34  of the first arm  30  may be equal to the length  18  of the beverage container  12 . The second end  38  may be opposite to the first end  36 . The first arm  30  may have a top edge  40  and/or a bottom edge  42 . The bottom edge  42  may be opposite to the top edge  40 . The first arm  30  may have an exterior surface  44  and/or an interior surface  46 . 
   A first handle  48  may be attached to the top edge  40  of the first end  36  of the first arm  30 . The first handle  48  may extend outward with respect to the top edge  40  of the first end  36 . The first handle  48  may have a first end  50  and/or a second end  52 . The second end  52  may be opposite to the first end  50 . The first handle  48  may be integrally formed with the first arm  30 . The first handle  48  may have an interior surface  54  and/or an exterior surface  56 . The exterior surface  56  may have ribs  58 . The ribs  58  may extend across the exterior surface  56  from the first end  50  to the second end  52  of the first handle  48 . The first handle  48  may have, for example, five ribs  58 . The ribs  58  may be integrally formed with the first handle  48  and/or the first arm  30 . 
   The interior surface  46  of the first end  36  of the first arm  30  may have a first mount  60 . The first mount  60  may extend outward with respect to the interior surface  46  of the first arm  30 . The first mount  60  may be located on the interior surface  46  between the top edge  40  and the bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30 . The first mount  60  may be integrally formed with the first arm  30 . The first mount  60  of the first arm  30  may have a hole  62  therein extending through the first mount  60 . 
   The interior surface  46  of the first arm  30  may have a second mount  64 . The second mount  64  may extend outward with respect to the interior surface  46  of the first arm  30 . The second mount  64  may be located on the interior surface  46  between the top edge  40  and the bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30 . The second mount  64  on the interior surface  46  may be adjacent to the second end  52  of the first handle  48 . The second mount  64  may be integrally formed with the first arm  30 . The second mount  64  of the first arm  30  may have a hole  65  therein extending through the second mount  64 . 
   The second arm  32  may have the length  34 , a first end  66  and/or a second end  68 . The second end  68  may be opposite to the first end  66 . The second arm  32  may have a top edge  70  and a bottom edge  72 . The bottom edge  72  may be opposite to the top edge  70 . The second arm  32  may have an exterior surface  74  and/or an interior surface  76 . 
   A second handle  78  may be attached to the top edge  70  of the first end  66  of the second arm  32 . The second handle  78  may extend outward with respect to the top edge  70  of the first end  66 . The second handle  78  may have a first end  80  and/or a second end  82 . The second end  82  may be opposite to the first end  80 . The second handle  78  may be integrally formed with the second arm  32 . The second handle  78  may have an interior surface  84  and/or an exterior surface  86 . The exterior surface  86  may have ribs  88 . The ribs  88  may extend across the exterior surface  86  from the first end  80  to the second end  82  of the second handle  78 . The second handle  78  may have, for example, five ribs  88 . The ribs  88  may be integrally formed with second handle  78  and/or the second arm  32 . The ribs  58  and/or the ribs  78  may be used to grip and/or to hold the apparatus  10 . 
   The interior surface  76  of the first end  66  of the second arm  32  may have a first mount  90 . The first mount  90  may extend outward with respect to the interior surface  76  of the second arm  32 . The first mount  90  may be located on the interior surface  76  between the top edge  70  and the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . The first mount  90  may be integrally formed with the second arm  32 . The first mount  90  of the second arm  32  may be attached to the first mount  60  of the first arm  30 . 
   The interior surface  76  of the second arm  32  may have a second mount  92 . The second mount  92  may extend outward with respect to the interior surface  76  of the second arm  32 . The second mount  92  may be located on the interior surface  76  between the top edge  70  and the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . The second mount  92  on the interior surface  76  may be adjacent to the second end  82  of the second handle  78 . The second mount  92  may be integrally formed with the second arm  32 . The second mount  92  of the second arm  32  may be attached to the second mount  64  of the first arm  30 . 
   The first arm  30 , the second arm  32 , the first handle  48 , the second handle  78 , the first mounts  60 ,  90 , the second mounts  64 ,  92 , and/or the ribs  58 ,  88  may be made from a material, such as, for example, plastic, polyethylene, polyurethane and/or the like. The material may be a color, such as, for example, red, blue, green, white, black, purple, orange and/or the like. Further, the material may be a combination of more than one color. The first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32  may be molded by a molding procedure, such as, for example, injection molding, compression molding and/or the like. It should be understood that the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32  may be made from any material, of any color or colors and/or by any method that may be implemented by one having ordinary skill in the art. 
   The first arm  30  may be connected to the second arm  32 . The first mount  90  and second mount  92  of the second arm  32  may be inserted into first mount  60  and the second mount  64  of the first arm  30 . As a result, the interior surfaces  46 ,  54  of the first arm  30  and the first handle  48 , respectively, may be adjacent to the interior surfaces  84 ,  76  of the second arm  32  and the second handle  78 , respectively. Further, the first end  36  of the first arm  30  may be adjacent to the first end  66  of the second arm  32 . The hole  62  in the first mount  60  of the first arm  30  may align with the hole in the first mount  90  of the second arm  32 . Still further, the hole  65  in the second mount  64  may align with the hole in the second mount  92  of the second arm  32 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , a pin  94  may be inserted into the hole  62  of the first mount  60  of the first arm  30 . Further, the pin  94  may extend through the first mount  60  into the hole of the first mount  90  of the second arm  32 . A spring  96  may be located between the first mount  90  and the second mount  92  of the second arm  32 . The spring  96  may be, for example, a torsion spring. Still further, the pin  94  may extend through the spring  96  into the hole of the second mount  92  of the second arm  32 . Moreover, the pin  94  may extend through the hole of second mount  92  of the second arm  32  into the hole  65  of the second mount  64  of the first arm  30 . As a result, the spring  96  may be connected between the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 . 
   The spring  96  may have a first prong  98  and/or a second prong  100 . The first prong  98  may be adjacent to the interior  46  of the first arm  30 . The second prong  100  may be adjacent to the interior  76  of the second arm  32 . The first prong  98  and/or the second prong  100  may extend outward with respect to the top edges  40 ,  70  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 , respectively. 
   The first prong  98  and/or the second prong  100  of the spring  96  may exert forces outward with respect to each other. Further, the first prong  98  and the second prong  100  may push the first handle  48  of the first arm  30  outward with respect to the second handle  78  of the second arm  32 . The pin  94  may be a pivot for the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32 . The bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  may pivot inward with respect to the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32  via the pin  94 . As a result, the bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  may be pushed inward with respect to the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . Still further, the bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  may abut the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . Moreover, the first prong  98  and the second prong  100  may hold the bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  against the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . 
   The first consumer may attach the apparatus  10  to the beverage container  12  by applying a force to the exterior surface  56  and/or the ribs  58  of the first handle  48 . The force from the first consumer may move the first handle  48  inward with respect to the second handle  78 . The force from the first consumer may overcome the outward force of the spring  98 , the first prong  98  and/or the second prong  100 . As a result, the first handle  48  and/or the top edge  40  of the first arm  30  may move inward with respect to the second handle  78  and the top edge  70  of the second arm  30 , respectively. The bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  may pivot outward with respect to the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32  via the pin  94 . As a result, the bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  may be separated from the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . The first consumer may insert the top end  14  of the beverage container  12  between the bottom edges  42 ,  72  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 . The first consumer may stop applying force to the first handle  48 . The spring  96  may push the bottom edges  42 ,  72  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 , respectively, inward with respect to each other. As a result, the top end  14  of the beverage container  12  may be held between the bottom edges  42 ,  72  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 , respectively. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  and  5 , the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32  may display an indicator, such as, for example, indicia  104 . The indicia  104  may have a perimeter  106 . The indicia  104  may be attached to the exterior surface  44  of the first arm  30  and/or the exterior surface  74  of the second arm  32 . The perimeter  106  of the indicia  104  may be a shape, such as, for example, a square, a rectangle, a circle, an oval, a triangle, a star and/or the like. The present invention should not be deemed as limited to the embodiments of a shape of the perimeter  106  of indicia  104 . 
   The indicia  104  may be marks, such as, for example, words, names, phrases, numerals, numerical sequences, designs, insignias, language characters, objects, images, cartoons and/or the like. Further, the indicia  104  may be a color, such as, for example, red, green, yellow, purple, blue, black, orange, white and/or the like. Still further, the marks may relate to a topic, such as, for example, a cartoon character, an athlete, a musical performer, a political figure, a visual scene, a competition, a written message, a theme and/or the like. Moreover, the indicia  104  may relate to an entity, such as, for example, an entertainment company, a food manufacturing company, a bottling company, a food processing company and/or the like. Further, the present invention should not be deemed as limited to the embodiments of specific marks, specific topics and/or specific entities of the indicia  104 . 
   The indicia  104  may be on, for example, a sticker with an adhesive backside which may attach to the exterior surface  44  of the first arm  30  and/or the exterior surface  74  of the second arm  32 . Further, the indicia  104  may be, for example, screened and/or stamped onto the exterior surface  44  of the first arm  30  and/or the exterior surface  74  of the second arm  32 . Still further, the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32  may be molded to contain and/or to display the indicia  104  by a molding procedure, such as, for example, injection molding, compression molding and/or the like. The exterior surfaces  44 ,  74  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 , respectively, may be erasable surfaces, such as, for example, a message board. The indicia  104  may be written onto the exterior surfaces  44 ,  74  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 , respectively, by the first consumer with, for example, an erasable marker and/or the like. The present invention should not be deemed as limited to the embodiments of a specific method for placing the indicia  104  on the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32 . Moreover, it should be understood that the indicia  104  may be placed on the first arm  30  and the second arm  32  by any method that may be implemented by one having ordinary skill in the art. 
   The indicia  104  and/or the color of the apparatus  10  may identify the first consumer. For example, the indicia  104  may contain a word, such as, for example, “baseball.” Further, the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32  may be a color, such as, for example, blue. The first consumer may label the beverage container  12  by attaching the apparatus  10  to the beverage container  12 . The first consumer may apply force to the first handle  48  and the second handle  78  to separate the bottom edges  42 ,  72  of the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32 . The first consumer may insert the top end  14  of the beverage container between the bottom edges  42 ,  72  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 . The first consumer may stop applying the force to the first handle  48  and/or the second handle  78  and/or may release the handles  48 ,  78 . The top end  14  of the beverage container  12  may be held between the bottom edges  42 ,  72  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 , respectively. As a result, the apparatus  10  with the indicia  104  may be attached to and/or may hold the beverage container  12 . The indicia  104  and/or the color of the apparatus  10  may indicate to the second consumer that the beverage container  12  does not belong to the second consumer. 
   The beverage container  12  may be labeled by the apparatus  10  and/or the indicia  104  which may be identifiable with the first consumer. As a result, the beverage container may not be misidentified as and/or mistaken as a beverage container  12  belonging to another consumer. The apparatus  10  may be used to identify beverage containers  12  belonging to any number of consumers. The first consumer may attach the apparatus  10  to the beverage container  12 . As a result, the beverage container  12  may be identifiable with the first consumer. Another consumer may not mistakenly drink from the straw  28  of the beverage container  12  because the indicia  104  displayed by and/or the color of the apparatus  10  indicates to the other consumer that the beverage container  12  belongs to another consumer. As a result, the germs and/or the bacteria of the first consumer may be prevented from passing from the first consumer to another consumer via the straw  28  and/or the beverage container  12 . 
   The first consumer may drink the beverage from the beverage container  12  via the straw  28  without obstruction from the first handle  48  and/or the second handle  78 . Placing the first handle  48  and the second handle  78  at the first end  14  may allow the straw  28  to be utilized without the first handle  48  and/or the second handle  78  contacting a face, a nose, eyes and/or lips of the first consumer. Further, the length  34  of the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32  may prevent the first consumer and/or another consumer from swallowing and/or choking on the apparatus  10 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an apparatus  200  in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  200  has the first arm  230  and the second arm  232 . Further, the first arm  230  and the second arm  232  may have the first handle  48  and the second handle  78 , respectively. The first arm  230  may have the first mount  60  and/or the second mount  64 . The second arm  232  may have the first mount  90  and/or the second mount  92 . The pin  94  may be inserted into the hole  62  of the first mount  60  of the first arm  30 . Further, the pin  94  may extend through the first mount  60  into the hole of the first mount  90  of the second arm  32 . A flat spring  202  may be located between the first mount  90  and the second mount  92  of the second arm  32 . Further, the flat spring  202  may be located between the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 . The flat spring  202  may be, for example, U-shaped. The flat spring  202  may have a first end  204  and/or a second end  206 . The second end  206  is opposite to the first end  204 . The flat spring  202  may have a bend  208  located between the first end  204  and the second end  206  of the flat spring  202 . The flat spring  202  may be a flat ribbon or strip made from a material, such as, for example, steel, metal and/or the like. 
   The pin  94  may pass from the first mount  90  of the second arm  32  through the second mount  92  of the second arm  32  and/or into the hole  65  of the second mount  64  of the first arm  30 . As a result, the flat spring  202  may be connected to the first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32 . The first end  204  of the flat spring  202  may abut a first lip  210  on the interior surface  54  of the first handle  48 . The second end  206  of the flexible strip  202  may abut a second lip  212  on the interior surface  84  of the second handle  78 . The first arm  30 , the second arm  32 , the pin  94  and the flat spring  202  may be, for example, a clip. 
   The first end  204  of the flat spring  202  may be adjacent to the interior  46  and/or the first lip  210  of the first arm  30 . The second end  206  of the flat spring  204  may be adjacent to the interior  76  and/or the second lip  212  of the second arm  32 . The first end  204  and/or the second end  206  of the flat spring  202  may extend outward with respect to the top edges  40 ,  70  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 , respectively. 
   The first arm  230 , the second arm  232 , the first handle  48 , the second handle  78 , the first lip  210 , the second lip  212 , the first mounts  60 ,  90 , the second mounts  64 ,  92 , and/or the ribs  58 ,  88  may be a color, such as, for example, red, blue, green, white, black, purple, orange and/or the like. Further, the first arm  230 , the second arm  232 , the first handle  48 , the second handle  78 , the first lip  210 , the second lip  212 , the first mounts  60 ,  90 , the second mounts  64 ,  92 , and/or the ribs  58 ,  88  may be a combination of more than one color. The first arm  230  and/or the second arm  232  may be molded by a molding procedure, such as, for example, injection molding, compression molding and/or the like. It should be understood that the first arm  230  and/or the second arm  232  may be any color or colors and/or may be molded by any method that may be implemented by one having ordinary skill in the art. 
   The first end  204  and/or the second end  206  of the flat spring  202  may exert forces outward with respect to each other. Further, the flat spring  202  may force the first handle  48  of the first arm  30  outward with respect to the second handle  78  of the second arm  32 . The bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  may be pushed inward with respect to the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . As a result, the bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  may abut the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . The first end  204  and/or the second end  206  may hold the bottom edge  42  of the first arm  30  against the bottom edge  72  of the second arm  32 . 
   The apparatus  200  may display the indicia  104  which may identify the first consumer. The first arm  30  and/or the second arm  32  of the apparatus  200  may display the indicia  104 . The indicia  104  may be attached to an exterior surface  234  of the first arm  230  and/or an exterior surface  236  of the second arm  232 . 
   The apparatus  200  may be attached to the beverage container  12 . The top end  14  of the beverage container may be inserted between bottom edges  240 ,  242  of the first arm  230  and the second arm  232 , respectively, of the apparatus  200 . The flat spring  202  may be pinch and/or may hold the top end  14  of the beverage container  12  between the bottom edges  240 ,  242  of the first arm  30  and the second arm  32 , respectively. As a result, the apparatus  200  with the indicia  104  may be attached to the beverage container  12 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an apparatus  300  in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  300  may have a base  302  which may have a first arm  304  and/or a second arm  306 . The base  302  may be integrally formed with the first arm  304  and/or the second arm  306 . The base  302  may have a first side  308  and/or a second side  310 . The first side  308  of the base  302  may be adjacent to the first arm  304 . The second side  310  may be adjacent to the second arm  306 . The first side  308  and/or the second side  310  of the base  302  may have ribs  311 . The base  302  may be integrally formed with the ribs  311 . The ribs  311  may be used to grip and/or to hold the base  300 . 
   The first arm  304  and the second arm  306  may have a first end  312  and a second end  314 , respectively. The first arm  304  may have an interior surface  316  and/or an exterior surface  318 . The second arm  306  may have an interior surface  320  and/or an exterior surface  322 . The first arm  304 , the second arm  306 , the base  302  and/or the ribs  311  may be a color, such as, for example, red, blue, green, white, black, purple, orange and/or the like. Further, the first arm  304 , the second arm  306 , the base  302  and/or the ribs  311  may be a combination of more than one color. The base  302  integrally formed with the first arm  304 , the second arm  306  and/or the ribs  311  may be molded by a molding procedure, such as, for example, injection molding, compression molding and/or the like. It should be understood that the base  302  may be any color or colors and/or may be molded by any method that may be implemented by one having ordinary skill in the art. 
   The apparatus  300  may display the indicia  104  which may identify the first consumer. The first arm  304  and/or the second arm  306  of the apparatus  300  may display the indicia  104 . The indicia  104  may be attached to the exterior surface  318  of the first arm  304  and/or the exterior surface  322  of the second arm  306 . 
   The apparatus  300  having the indicia  104  may be attached to the beverage container  12 . The first end  312  of the first arm  304  may be separated from the second end  314  of the second arm  306  by a distance X. The distance X may be less than the width  24  of the beverage container  12 . The top end  14  of the beverage container  12  may be inserted between the first arm  304  and the second arm  306  of the base  302 . The top end  14  may be adjacent to the base  302  and/or the interior surfaces  316 ,  320  of the first arm  304  and the second arm  306 , respectively. The top  14  of the beverage container may be pinched between and/or held by the first arm  304  and the second arm  306  of the base  302 . As a result, the base  302  having the indicia  104  may be connected and/or attached to the beverage container  12 . The beverage container  12  may be labeled by the base  302  and/or the indicia  104 . 
   The apparatus  10  may be attached to the top end  14  of the beverage container  12  to label and/or to identify the beverage container  12 . The apparatus  10  may have the indicia  104  which may identify that the beverage container belongs to the first consumer. The apparatus  10  and/or the indicia  104  may indicate to another consumer that the beverage container  12  belongs to the first consumer. The other consumer may refrain from drinking from the beverage container  12 . As a result, the other consumer may prevent the contraction of the germs and/or the bacteria from the first consumer via the straw  28 . Moreover, the beverage container may not mistakenly be discarded because the owner of the beverage container  12  is identifiable via the apparatus  10  and/or the indicia  104 . 
   It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.