GB2436674A

GB2436674A - A measuring device for measuring the liquid level of a drinks bottle

Info

Publication number: GB2436674A
Application number: GB0606011A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adam Anthony Joy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-27
Filing date: 2006-03-27
Publication date: 2007-10-03
Also published as: GB0606011D0

Abstract

A measuring device for liquids comprises a rule in the form of a flexible strip 4 or a rod capable of being positioned on the outside or inside respectively of a drinks bottle 1. The strip or rod is calibrated to provide indications of drink measures taken from the bottle 1.

Description

1 2436674

MEASURING DEVICE FOR LIQUIDS

The present invention relates to a measuring device for liquids and particularly, but not exclusively, to such a device for measuring liquids in spirit bottles behind the bars of pubhc houses, hotels, clubs etc. Spirit bottles are commonly fixed in an inverted position and connected to the mouth of the bottle is a dispensing device known as an optic. When a drink is ordered, the empty glass is pushed upwardly against a horizontal bar on the optic and as the bar is lifted by the rim of the glass, a measure (a single nip) of the drink flows from the bottle into the glass. If multiples of a single measure is required the glass can be pushed upwardly against the optic on successive occasions again.

A disadvantage of the above arrangement is that it is not possible to determine accurately the number of nips or measures that have been dispensed from a bottle. This means that such a haphazard method of dispensing drink is open to abuse by careless or even dishonest staff who can take extra measures from a bottle without the knowledge of his or her superiors.

In order to help overcome this disadvantage there is provided according to the present invention a measuring device for liquids, comprising a rule capable of being positioned on the outside or inside of a drinks bottle, which rule has incrementally marked on it indications of drink measures taken from the bottle.

The measuring device may comprise a flexible strip which can be adhered to the outside of a drinks bottle.

Alternatively, the measuring device may comprise a rod or the like which can be positioned within the bottle.

The present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an inverted bottle with a measuring strip adhered to it, and Figure 2 shows an upright bottle with a measuring rod or stick inside.

Referring to figure 1, there is shown an inverted spirits bottle 1 made of clear glass. Secured to the neck 2 of the bottle I is an optic 3. Adhered to the outside of the bottle I is a strip or the like 4 which runs substantially from top to bottom of the bottle. The strip 4 is designed to be easily adhered to the outside of the bottle I and is of sufficient length to enable the upper end portion of the strip 4 to be bent over and fixed to the base of the bottle by means of, for example, adhesive tape 4a.

Alternatively it could be alarmed to deter unauthorised removal. In a modification the calibrated adhesive strip might be secured at the mouth of the bottle where it is enclosed by the optic.

The strip 4 may be printed with variable calibrations of what constitutes a single measure of spirits to meet the licensee's requirements. For example measures may be calibrated in 25m1 nips in one licensed premises, 35m1 nips in another and 50m1 nips in a further one. The strip 4 would, therefore, be printed accordingly. The level 5 of the contents of the bottle can easily be read against the calibrations on the adhered strip 4.

Referring to figure 2, there is shown a smoked glass bottle in its upright position. In this embodiment the same reference numerals are given to the parts which are common to those in figure 1.

Since the bottle I is made from smoked glass, the level of the liquid cannot clearly be seen from the outside of the bottle and thus the level could not be read by an external calibrated strip In the embodiment shown in figure 2, when the number of nips taken/remaining need to be known for stock taking or other purposes this problem is overcome by the use of a rigid rod 6, made from, for example, plastics or the like material. To determine the number of nips or measures taken from the bottle, it is removed from its support which holds it in its inverted position, as in the embodiment shown in figure 1, and placed is upright on a suitable surface. The optic 3 is removed and the rod 6 is fully inserted into the bottle to its maximum depth. The number of nips or measures taken can then be read off the rod at the surface level 5 of the liquid in a similar manner to a dipstick in a vehicle engine.

Claims

Claims I. A measuring device for liquids, comprising a rule capable of

being positioned on the outside or inside of a drinks bottle. which rule has incrementally marked on it indications of drink measures taken from the bottle.

2. A measuring device according to claim 1, comprising a flexible strip which in use is adhered to the outside of a drinks bottle.

3. A measuring device according to claim 1, comprising a rod or the like which is capable of being positioned within the bottle.

4. A measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rule is in use secured to the base of the bottle.

5. A measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rule is calibrated in any suitable volume of nip or measure.

6. A measuring device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

7. A measuring device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.