GB2405141A

GB2405141A - Tamper-proof drinking vessel

Info

Publication number: GB2405141A
Application number: GB0319834A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Pearson
Original assignee: WILLERSDORF LEAH
Current assignee: WILLERSDORF LEAH
Priority date: 2003-08-22
Filing date: 2003-08-22
Publication date: 2005-02-23
Also published as: GB0319834D0

Abstract

The tamper-proof drinking vessel (Drawing 1/3, Front Elevation) works by liquid entering through a cavity in the centre of the glass and then sealing it with a tamper-proof stopper (Reference 4/9). The holes on the rim (Reference 1/9) of the glass enable the drink to be consumed, whilst making it extremely difficult to put anything e.g. date rape drugs, or other contaminants, inside without removing the stopper.

Description

TAMPER-PROOF DRINKING VESSEL

The invention pertains to a drinking vessel which is rendered "tamper-proof" by the existence of a valved stopper.

Such a drinking vessel would minimise the potential for illicit substances, for instance, amongst others, Rohypnol or GHB (gammahydroxybutrate), to be placed in a glass so as to incapacitate a potential victim before an assault, sexual or otherwise, is committed. Such drugs as the aforementioned, as well as other drugs not mentioned, are tasteless and odourless, hence the "drinker" is completely unaware that the drug has be placed in his/her drink.

As this crime is becoming increasingly prevalent, the object and aim of this invention is to substantially reduce the risk or, moreover, completely eradicate drugs being slipped into a drink by a potential opportunist.

Accordingly, the invention ensures that with the use of a stopper, no substance, other than the drink of choice, can enter the drinking vessel. Small holes, the precise number and diameter of which will depend upon the style of drinking vessel or vessels to be tamper-proofed, allow adequate flow of liquid into the mouth.

Ideally, the vessel would be made from glass or plastic. The stopper is preferably made from plastic and rubber. l

The embodiment of the invention is described as follows, with reference to the attached drawings: DRAWING 1/3 showing the front elevation of the tamper-proof drinking vessel with References 1/9 to 4/9 inclusive, and References 6/9 to 9/9 inclusive; DRAWING 2/3 showing the overhead elevation of the tamper-proof drinking vessel, with particular focus on the 'drinking holes' and the valved stopper; and DRAWING 3/3 showing the front elevation of the stopper.

On the left, the stopper is deflated (Reference 4/9); on the right, the stopper is inflated (Reference 5/9) in order to hold it in place and seal the glass.

As depicted in Drawing 1/3 (Front Elevation) and Drawing 2/3 (Overhead Elevation), Reference 1/9, the rim of the tamper-proof drinking vessel, has a number of holes, the precise number and diameter of which is dependent upon the style of drinking vessel or vessels to be tamperproofed. As this is from where the drink is consumed, it provides an adequate flow of liquid into the mouth.

As depicted in Drawing 1/3 (Front Elevation), Reference 2/9 indicates the space provided for between the rim of the drinking vessel and the stopper to enable drinking at ease (ie. supplying sufficient room for the mouth and nose).

In Drawing 1/3, Ref 8/9 depicts a plastic rim on the stopper which is in place to prevent the stopper from falling into the tamper-proof drinking vessel.

As depicted in Drawing 1/3 (Front Elevation), Reference 3/9 refers to the section of the tamper-proof drinking glass which is stronger and thicker than the rest of the vessel in order that it can support the stopper and keep it in place.

The stopper, Reference 4/9, Drawing 1/3 (Front Elevation) and Drawing 3/3 (Front Elevation of Stopper) is preferably made of plastic and rubber. The stopper's purpose is activated by pumping a small measure of compressed air into the valve (Drawing 1/3 (Front Elevation) Ref 7/9) making the rubber expand to hold the stopper in place.

In Drawing 3/3 (Front Elevation of Stopper), Reference 5/9 depicts an expanded/inflated stopper. In order to remove the stopper, the pressure is expelled.

In Drawing 1/3 (Front Elevation), Reference 6/9 depicts the space in which liquid is poured before drinking commences, and before the stopper is put in place and pressurized. The way to consume the contents of the vessel (ie. that which is under the stopper) is through the holed rim (Drawing 1/3 (Front Elevation) and Drawing 2/3 (Overhead Elevation), both with Reference 1/9). l

As depicted in Drawing l/3 (Front Elevation), Ref 9/9 is the drinking vessel proper which can be made in any form of drinking receptacle.

The embodiment of the invention enables the tamper-proof drinking vessel to be implemented as follows: (a) The tamper-proof drinking vessel is filled with the drink of choice, leaving sufficient space for the stopper to be inserted; (b) The stopper is placed in the relevant position and compressed air is applied through the valve (Drawing 1/3 (Front Elevation), Ref 7/9) to inflate the rubber section of the stopper and, hence, seal the stopper; (c) When the consumption of the drink is complete, the pressure is to be expelled from the valve; (d) The stopper is then removed in order to refill the glass or, alternatively, wash it.

Claims

1. A tamper-proof drinking vessel to ensure that, with the use of a stopper, no substance, other than the drink of choice, can enter the drinking vessel.

2. A tamper-proof drinking vessel as claimed in Claim 1 with small holes, the number and diameter of which will depend upon the style of drinking vessel or vessels to be tamper-proofed, allow adequate flow of liquid into the mouth.

3. A tamper-proof drinking vessel as described in Claim 1 and Claim 2 would minimise the risk of illicit substances, such as Rohypnol or GAB (gamma-hydroxybutrate) being slipped into a drink by a potential opportunist.