GB2453541A

GB2453541A - Drink protection system

Info

Publication number: GB2453541A
Application number: GB0719598A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Nicholas Moor; Clea Marshall; David Shieff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-08
Filing date: 2007-10-08
Publication date: 2009-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-08
Also published as: GB0719598D0; GB2453541B

Abstract

A device for insertion into a drinking vessel in order to provide security against contamination of the contents of the vessel comprising an insert having a mesh surface 2 to allow passage of liquid. The device can be inserted at point of sale and a font for its insertion is included. The device may include a cylindrical body 1, provided with the mesh structure 2 at one end, and external longitudinal ribs 3 to secure the device inside the neck of a bottle. A central section 4 may be provided with a thin breakable unit 5 and a more robust limb 6 in order to allow insertion of a straw.

Description

DRINK PROTECTION SYSTEMS

The present invention relates to means for improving the integrity and/or protecting the contents of beverages. In particular the invention relates to systems which prevent or deter contaminants such as insects and illicit substances from entering or being placed in beverages such as soft drinks including water, still or carbonated, alcoholic drinks such as wines and beers and alcoholic ready to drink mixes/beverages In a particularly useful embodiment this invention is directed at the people who drink directly from the beverage container as opposed to decanting contents to a secondary drinking vessel such as a cup or glass. In certain instances the device can make it difficult to decant thus reducing the likelihood of contamination in a secondary vessel. -Beverages are frequently supplied in bottles or cans provided with a cap such as a screw threaded cap, a ring pull or a crown cap which are usually provided with or act as a tamper evident seal. From the moment the tamper evident seal is broken on a bottle, the ring pull is opened on a can, or a crown cap is removed, there is a risk of another contaminating substance being inserted or accidentally entering the drink without the consumer's knowledge. Examples of contaminants include deliberately introduced materials for spiking drinks to adversely affect the consumer such as drugs; accidental occurrences can be insects such as wasps, bees and flies entering into a drink to which they are attracted.

Systems have been proposed which can be inserted into the opening of a can or bottle once it has been opened to safeguard against deliberate or accidental contamination of the contents. However all previous devices put the responsibility for providing the safeguard with the consumer of the beverage, in that they are expected .5 to insert the drink safe' component themselves every time they have a new drink.

These systems make no provision for human error, hygiene issues, storage of * SI S..

* : 30 devices or a person's mentality after a few alcoholic drinks have been consumed. S.. S * S

. : Once one alcoholic beverage has been consumed, it is very easy to relax and forget the concerns of safe drinking with subsequent beverages. Furthermore, within a * bustling environment such as a darkened room with flashing lights, loud dance music and many distractions typical of most night club settings, fashionable' bars etc. it is not always possible to remember to insert a drink safe device or to insert one in the correct way.

As most people are aware, it is socially accepted to buy your fellow drinking companion(s) a drink, known as rounds. It is possible, that the intended victim of drink contamination such as a Date Rape' attempt may not have been given the drink directly from the barman who opened it in front of them whilst they were watching. In these circumstances an illicit substance could have been introduced into the beverage before the ultimate consumer is able to insert a drink safe device.

Furthermore, it will not always be appropriate for drink safe devices to only work in conjunction with a straw such as those described in GB patent publications GB2415691 and GB2409201 since drinking directly from the bottle is often preferred The device of GB2415691 comprises a central core provided with a top flange and several circumferential flanges which secure the device in the neck of a bottle. The top flange is provided with a hole for a drinking straw which is provided with an internal flange to make/removal of the straw difficult. This device suffers from three main drawbacks. Firstly in order to provide protection it must be inserted into the bottle neck and a straw inserted into the hole provided. Secondly it can only be used for drinking though a straw and thirdly the circumferential flanges provide barriers for the passage of air into the container to replace consumed liquid or the passage of liquid for consumption.

There are also test systems which show or indicate to a potential consumer that an illicit substance has been mixed with a beverage. Sensible though these systems are, the likelihood of drinkers testing their drink and waiting up to 30 seconds to see results multiple times throughout the course of the drinking session/period are very remote. ***.

Mouthpiece protection versions also exist such as those described in GB2416349 as do complex external versions which attach to the outside of the bottle such as those described in GB2417951.

In our GB patent application number 0706754.9 we provide a beverage protection device and we describe how it can be provided to the vessel, such as a can or bottle, during the filling and capping process and which remains in the protection position after the vessel has been opened to enable the contents to be drunk. In this way the beverage can be supplied by the filler of the container ready protected and it is not necessary for the consumer to provide the protection means. We have however found that the benefits of relieving the consumer of the responsibility for inserting the protection means can also be avoided if the device is inserted at the point of sale of the drink.

The present invention therefore provides a drink device and a drink protection system having one or more of the following improvements i. The device can be inserted at the point of sale.

ii. Once inserted the device allows for the same or very similar flow rate of beverage as is achieved from the container without the protection system and at the same time it prevents pills and insects such as bees and wasps from being inserted into or entering the contents of the container iii. optionally the system can provide for a straw to be inserted through a straw cover iv. there can be no contamination or error issues resulting from system insertion by consumer v. The system can be inserted into a vessel such as a bottle mechanically, ensuring optimum and consistent positioning of the device. For example, the height difference from the top of the protection device to the mouth of a bottle may be substantially zero or close enough to prevent pills being placed on top or into the protection device system inside the neck of a bottle. The use of a precise mechanised insertion process ensures that the positioning of the protection device can be optimum and the same from one container to another. * I *SS.

The point of sale insertion can be readily mechanised so that a protection device can be automatically selected from a pool of devices and inserted correctly and with the desired degree of force immediately after the opening of the vessel. The insertion can be mechanical, by gas pressure or by any other means. The pool of devices can also be held in a sterile environment and fed automatically to the insertion point thus rendering the process hygienic.

The insertion at point of sale could be by means of a font device preferably positioned on the bar or near the area where the vessel particularly a bottle is un capped. The font can also comprise means for advertising to the public both relating to the component and other drinks brands or other advertisements if desired. Such medians can be used like poster style, holographic projection, moving images etc. When a font is employed it can be used to build awareness surrounding the safety component and drinks brands promoting safer drinking. The font preferably contains means to store multiple quantities of components, means to select a single component from storage to point of insertion which is positioned correctly. The font also included the means to insert the component with the correct force into the bottle neck at the correct position time after time. Means are also required within the font to allow positioning of the bottle to receive a component. The means to drive the insertion or activate the process can be gas cylinder, electrical, mechanical and the like but always activated by a skiJled and responsible person preferably behind the bar such as the bar person. It is further preferred that the font's insertion point is facing behind the bar and the advertising is projected in the opposite direction towards the consumer. Optionally means can be provided to clean the inserter or driver head A device such as that described in our patent application number 0706754.9 may be used for point of sale insertion. It has the benefits that i. It provides a mesh top for consumption direct from the container ii. It can employ longitudinal ribs for location of the device within the neck :. of the bottle which provide passageways between the ribs for the :..::: passage of liquid and/air *.. S iii It provides a cap for the orifice for the drinking straw to provide protection for the consumer against contamination before insertion of the straw and is an aspect of the present invention.

*. The present invention therefore provides a device for insertion into drinking vessels in order to provide security against contamination of the contents of the vessel comprising an insert having a mesh surface to allow passage of liquid and preferably a plurality of protrusions to secure the insert in the vessel wherein the pattern of the protrusions, when present,provides passageways for the flow of liquid out of the vessel and/or the flow of air into the container.

The mesh surface is generally the uppermost surface of the device and in position is at or close to the exit from the vessel.

In a preferred embodiment protrusions are present and are ribs which extend longitudally down the exterior of the device and are sufficiently small and sufficiently close to prevent the insertion of contaminants into liquid contained within the vessel.

The protrusions can create small channels between the core of the device and the interior surface of the neck of a bottle which allow flow of liquid. If the exterior surface is flay and a tight fit with the interior delivery system of the vessel it may be necessary to structure the interior of the device to aid liquid flow out of the vessel and air flow in.

In a further preferred embodiment the device is provided with a capped orifice in the meshed surface for the insertion of a drinking straw. The act of insertion of the straw should break the cap so that the consumer can see that there has been no tampering with the vessel prior to insertion of the straw.

The use of the device of this invention therefore has the following benefits I) the system allows for the same or very similar flow rate of beverage as is achieved from the container without the protection device and at the same time prevents pills and insects such as bees and wasps from being inserted into or entering the contents of the container S. * . ii) to function as a drink safe device the component is not reliant on use of a **** straw iii) Optionally the system can provide for a straw to be inserted through a straw cover which can alert the drinker if the cover is broken by other means. ** * * S * S.

In one form, the device can come with a lip which prevents forces from pushing the component into the bottle which may also aid the positioning of the component at the point of insertion. However, in some situations this may not be beneficial since a component that is dislodged from within the container will give a better indication of whether the drink has been tampered with than a device which can be removed more easily with a lip then replaced in to the same position without any physical differences in appearance. It is therefore preferred in our invention not have a lip or top surface which protrudes the external sidewalls of the device to sit on the outer surface of the bottle neck providing easy leverage to remove said device.

It is further preferred that the positioning of the system upon insertion is that the top of the device is flush with the top of the bottle and not protruding there from.

Furthermore it is preferred that it is not totally inside the neck of the bottle to the extent that space is created for illicit substances to sit.

It is further preferred that the system does not hug' or have any interaction with the external walls of the bottle or beverage container.

In a further embodiment the mesh section of the protection device of the present invention can be designed so that it is difficult to pour the contents of the vessel into a secondary container. In this way the likelihood of contamination is reduced. The device can also limit the flow if the bottle is knocked over for example. In this way it can become an anti spill mechanism which is particularly useful for example for children's drinks.

It is preferred that the protrusions are ribs and are vertical ribs since a device with vertical ribs is easier to manufacture by injection moulding with a reduced the cycle time per component as an open and shut tool can be used as opposed to a side action. Side action tools are required if horizontal ribs are used such as those used in GB 2416249. As an alternative to ribs, the protrusions can be ridges formed down :. the external side wall of the component. * S.. 5S* * S *S..

In our application 0706754.9 we describe how such a device can be provided as part of the vessel filling operation. Whilst this is useful there is also a need for the provision of the device at the point of sale such as in bars, public houses, restaurants, outdoor entertainment events and the like. Although the device can be provided in the drinking vessel by the consumer this is undesirable as there can be a period of time between opening the vessel and delivery to the final consumer in which the drink could be contaminated. Furthermore it is possible that the final consumer might, for one reason or another, forget to insert the device or insert it incorrectly. Additionally, and even less desirable, it is possible to create a vending machine comprising the same font mechanisms described to allow insertion of device by the consumer and position the machine close to the bar. Although this is mechanical'y inserting the device removing consumer error, this provides sufficient opportunity for tampering time between point of sale and device insertion and is not desirable unless the vending machine was operational from the barman's side of the bar only The device of the present invention can therefore be inserted at the point of sale of the beverage. For example it could, on request be inserted by a barman at the time of opening the vessel ready for sale.

Accordingly in a further embodiment the present invention provides a point of sale beverage delivery system wherein a beverage vessel is opened for sale a contamination protection device is inserted into the vessel and the protected vessel then provided to the consumer.

The device of the present invention is particularly useful in such a beverage delivery systems and this aspect of the invention provides the following benefits (a) there can be no contamination or error issues resulting from device insertion by the consumer (b) the device can be inserted into a vessel such as a bottle mechanically, ensuring optimum and consistent positioning of the device. For example, the height difference from the top of the protection device to the mouth of a bottle may be substantially zero or close enough to prevent pills being placed on top or into the protection device system inside the neck of a bottle.

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(c) Although the device could be dislodged it will be difficult to do so and it will be obvious to the drinker that it has been dislodged which provides a further ***SSS * : 30 safety alert as opposed to a component being removed and replaced without S.....

* the drinker's knowledge. S. S S S*

* . The invention is applicable to most if not all types of sealed beverage container, aSS bottles, cans, barrels, paper containers and the like. Although it is particularly useful with drinks the concept can also be applied to liquid foodstuffs such as milk, sauces and the like. The nature of the delivery system of a container will vary according to the nature of the container. In the preferred embodiment where the container is a bottle the delivery system can comprise the neck of the bottle.

Any appropriate material can be used to make the protection device, such as flexible membranes, flexible meshed fabrics, various plastics etc. Due to the cost of the component we prefer to use a single material to make a single component or co mold (two shot) component with a more flexible material such as a thermoelastomer. Any food grade compliant material can be used, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene or high or low density polyethylene being preferred since forms of these materials can be readily moulded and can provide both the rigidity and flexibility that is required. The material must be sterilisable and able to withstand conditions used for insertion of the device. The material can also be selected so that it does not have an adverse effect during recycling of the container.

The protection device serves the dual function of allowing the contents of the vessel to flow out from the vessel without significantly interrupting normal flow conditions and also provides difficult to remove protection. The optimum shape and form of the protection device will depend upon the shape of the delivery system of the vessel.

However we prefer that the device provides an open mesh surface which permits the contents to flow from the vessel. We also prefer that the device has a degree of flexibility and is dimensioned so that it requires some force for insertion into the delivery system of the vessel so that it is a tight fit making illicit removal from the delivery system difficult. A preferred device for use with a necked bottle can have a short cylindrical body provided with the mesh at one end, usually the end to be nearest to the consumer and in one embodiment is provided with external longitudinal ribs which lock firmly against the inner surface of the delivery system :. upon insertion. In another optional embodiment the device can be coloured to indicate the particular type of drink contained in the vessel. * **i

30 The present invention is illustrated but in no way limited by reference to the accompanying Figures in which Figure lisa view of a protection device according to the present invention. *

Figure 2 shows a bottle with a device of figure 1 inserted in the neck thereof.

Figure 3 shows how a straw can be inserted into the device.

Figure 4 shows a drink dispenser container including a font for insertion of the device.

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the point of sale embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a protection device of the present invention having a cylindrical body (1) provided with a mesh structure (2) at one end to provide protection against contamination and to allow outflow of the contents of a bottle to which it is fitted. The cylindrical body is provided with external longitudinal ribs (3) which are of a size that they will secure the device inside the neck of a bottle. Figure 1 also shows the central section (4) through which a drinking straw can be pushed attached to the mesh structure by one thin breakable unit (5) and a more robust limb (6).

The protection system shown in figure 1 can be inserted into a ready to drink glass bottle as shown in figure 2.

The tapered parts (3) of the system such as those illustrated maybe sacrificial since they may be compressed, change shape or distort to ensure the fit is firm. These parts may also be made from a co-moulded material such as a thermoelastomer; alternatively they may be of the same material as the remaining system. Where a rib system is provided it may also create channels between the exterior of the cylindrical portion of the protection device and the inner surface of the delivery system to allow flow of the beverage along the channels as well as through the mesh.

Figure 3 shows the central section of the device shown in figure 1 broken at limit (5) for the passage of a straw. * *** * * **..

Figure 5 is a flow chart of the point of sale system of the present invention.

*....: 30 * * The system illustrated is particularly useful for insertion into bottles which may be of plastic or glass. S. S S * * S.

Although research shows that the most readily accessible illicit substances which are the easiest way to carry and introduce to a drink are in the forms of pills, it is possible to obtain substances in the form of liquids and powders. Whilst the system of the present invention will deter and probably prevent introduction of pills, the introduction of liquids and powders cannot be guaranteed. However we have found that an attempt to introduce a powder leaves traces around the neck of the bottle and around the protection device. Furthermore we have found that it takes longer to introduce a powder or liquid than without the protection device. It is also very difficult to introduce a liquid into the drink without leaving part of it on the device, these trace quantities might provide a sufficient concentration to alert the drinker. The protection device could also be made from material that reacts to certain known contaminants to provide a warning to the consumer.

The protection device may be provided with means to allow the introduction of a drinking straw through the device and into the contents of the drinking vessel. In a preferred embodiment the central part or area on the top face of the protection device is detachable preferably through downward force such as can be applied by pushing the end of a drinking straw against the central part or area. It is preferred however that the central part or area is not totally detached from the protection device but folds away to allow passage of the drinking straw. In this way any problems associated with the central part falling into the bulk of the contents of the drinking vessel can be avoided. Figure 3 illustrates how a straw can be inserted. By pushing the central part of the top of the protection device, the straw can be inserted.

Detachment can be achieved by limiting the attachment of the central part to the surrounding plastic to a number of points rather like perforated paper. Some sections of the perforations can be thicker preventing the inside area or circular disc from being completely detached but allowing for insertion of the straw.

The system of the present invention is also useful in preventing insects such as wasps and bees from entering a beverage. Whilst the sugar sweetness of the drink attracts the insects, it is possible to receive nasty stings internally or to swallow insects without such a system in place. The shape of a protection device with the straw cover included acts as a guard. When a straw is the preferred method of withdrawing the content of the bottle, the straw penetrates the straw cover creating a straw hole; the straw will replace the protection provided by the straw cover section and therefore maintains prevention of insects such as wasps and bees getting inside the neck of the bottle. If a drink is left unattended, for example when a child is playing in the park and wasps are trying to get in the bottle, when the drink is required again it will be obvious to see the wasp(s) on top of the bottle as opposed to inside and consequently the drinker or drinker's guardian/parent will be alerted.

As well as preventing contamination the use of the protection device of the present invention can provide evidence of tampering or attempting to tamper with drinks. For example, if the straw cover has been broken or if the device is not in the same position prior to drinking, it is likely that the drink has been tampered with and the consumer will be alerted to this. Any attempt to push the device down the neck of a bottle with great force, will be known to the consumer since the position of the device will have been obviously altered. In some embodiments of the device, it maybe preferred to have the top face comprising the grid shape of the device to have a very thin wall thickness ensuring that if it is tampered with, the grid becomes broken or disfigured also alerting the potential drinker.

In a further embodiment the protection device of the present invention can be designed so that it is difficult to pour the contents of the vessel into a secondary container. In this way the likelihood of contamination is reduced. *. * S * 5.5 * . * *.. *

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Claims

1. A device for insertion into a drinking vessel in order to provide security against contamination of the contents of the vessel comprising an insert having a mesh surface to allow passage of liquid.

2. A device according to claim I provide with a plurality of protrusions to secure the insert in the vessel wherein the device is provided with a pattern of the protrusions on its outer surface which provide passageways for the flow of liquid out of the vessel and/or the flow or air into the container.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the mesh surface is the uppermost surface of the device and in position is at or close to the exit of the vessel.

4. A device according to any of the preceding claims in which the protrusions are ribs which extend longitudally down the exterior of the device.

5. A device according to claim 4 in which the ribs are sufficiently small and sufficiently close to prevent the insertion of contaminants into liquid contained within the vessel

6. A device according to any of the proceeding claims in which the protrusions create small channels between the core of the device and the interior surface of the neck of a bottle which allow flow of liquid.

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7. A device according to any of the preceding claims provided with a capped orifice in the meshed surface for the insertion of a drinking straw.

8. A bottle containing a device according to any of the preceding claims.

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9. A bottle according to claim 7 wherein the positioning of the device upon *:*. insertion is such that the top of the device is flush with the top of the bottle *. and not protruding there from.

10. A bottle according to claim 8 in which the device is not totally inside the neck of the bottle to the extent that space is created for illicit substances to sit.

11. A point of sale beverage delivery system wherein a beverage vessel is opened for sale a contamination protection device is inserted into the vessel and the protected vessel then provided to the consumer.

12. A point of sale beverage delivery system according to claim 10 in which the vessel a bottle.

13. A point of sale system according to claim 10 or claim 11 in which the insertion at point of sale is by means of a font.

14. A point of sale system according to claim 12 in a bar in which the font is positioned on the bar or near the area where the vessel particularly a bottle is un capped

15. A point of sale system according to claim 13 in which the font also comprises means for advertising to the public.

16. A point of sale system according to any of claims 12 to 14 the font includes means to insert the component with the correct force into the bottle neck at the correct position.

17. A point of sale system according to claim 15 in which the font contains means to store multiple quantities of devices, means to select a single device from storage and move it to a point of insertion.

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18. A point of sale system according to claim 16 in which the means to store multiple quantities of devices provides a sterile environment. S...

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