WO2008003955A2

WO2008003955A2 - Measuring container

Info

Publication number: WO2008003955A2
Application number: PCT/GB2007/002486
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theresia Marlys Benker
Original assignee: Theresia Marlys Benker
Priority date: 2006-07-05
Filing date: 2007-07-03
Publication date: 2008-01-10
Also published as: GB0822566D0; GB2439713A; GB2451997A; GB0613303D0; WO2008003955A3

Abstract

A container for measuring the alcohol content of an alcoholic drink is provided. The container comprises an indicator that shows the volume of the alcoholic drink that would contain a given number of units of alcohol. The container may include a plurality of indicators for a plurality of different drinks for increased versatility. Alternatively a plurality of different containers with different indicators may be provided.

Description

Measuring container

The present invention relates to a measuring container. More specifically, it relates to a measuring container for an alcoholic beverage.

It is well known to measure out alcoholic beverages in fixed volumes in public houses or other drinking establishments. These are generally referred to as "pub measures".

For example, in the United Kingdom beer is generally measured in pint or half pint measures. Smaller measures are generally used for wines or spirits.

Dispensers may be set up to dispense pub units. Thus many pubs will have upturned spirits bottles attached to dispensers. A dispenser is set up to deliver a pub unit into a glass that is positioned underneath the dispenser and is pressed against the dispenser. By repeating the process a double unit can be dispensed (e.g. a double whisky).

It is now also commonplace for drinks glasses to be marked to indicate pub units. For example, in the United Kingdom beer glasses are typically marked with horizontal lines to indicate pint or half pint levels.

People concerned about their intake of alcohol will often try to regulate this by limiting the number of pub units they drink.

In the United Kingdom it is recommended for health reasons that men drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week and that women drink no more than 14 units per week. It is further recommended that men drink no more than three to four units per day and that women drink no more than two to three units per day (preferably with at least two non- drinking days ).

However it is not easy to calculate accurately the number of units of alcohol in a pub measure. The number of units of alcohol can vary widely between pub measures for different drinks. Furthermore with some types of drink (e.g. wines) the pub measure can vary with different glass size or shape. Thus it is difficult for people to regulate their drinking based upon estimating numbers of units of alcohol. This is not only a problem at pubs or other drinking establishments, but also at home. At home people often use drinking vessels similar to those used at pubs but people are generally much less accurate when dispensing their own measures. This makes it even harder to estimate the number of units of alcohol consumed.

In any event even if a person knows the alcohol content of a drink and its volume, the average person is generally at a loss as to how to determine the number of units of alcohol that are present.

In the United kingdom 1 unit of alcohol corresponds to 10 ml of pure alcohol (ethanol) per 1000 ml (or 8g ethanol /1000 ml) .

This is equivalent to the amount of alcohol that would be present in 1 litre of alcohol at 1 % ABV (alcohol by volume).

Taking for example a pint of beer at 4.5 % ABV, this percentage ABV value corresponds to 45 g of alcohol per 1000 ml of liquid. However a pint is not 1000 ml but is 568 ml Thus it is necessary to multiply the % alcohol ABV value by 568/1000 (i.e. by 0.568) to work out the actual number of units of alcohol present.

Thus, in this example, the pint of beer would contain 0.568 X 4.5 = 2.556 units of alcohol.

However even this figure (which is difficult to determine in the head) is not particularly helpful because it is not a simple round figure that is easy to work with.

A drinker might therefore still be at a loss to work out how many units had been drunk over a given period and also might still find it difficult to estimate what volume would constitute say 1 or 2 units of alcohol.

This is particularly the case in a drinking establishment, where it is usually noisy and it is therefore difficult to concentrate. The effects of the alcohol itself should also be taken into account and these effects can of course affect calculations. In any event most drinkers simply do not wish to make complex mathematical calculations in order to assess the number of units of alcohol consumed or to identify a limit of alcohol to be drunk.

People therefore generally work on a rule of thumb. For example, it is often assumed that a typical pint of beer is equivalent to 2 units of alcohol.

However the strength of beers varies widely and there is now a trend for beers of relatively high strengths to be sold compared to beers that were sold several years ago. Thus the rule of thumb can result in gross errors.

Taking the case of the beer discussed earlier that has an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV (which is not unusual) there would be an error of over 25% if such a rule of thumb were to be used.

This can be a major problem. If a person is trying to drink no more than a recommended maximum daily limit, the person would be more than 25% over that limit.

If this was repeated in a regular drinking pattern then there could be serious health implications.

Furthermore, such errors can result in the person being over a drink drive limit and may even result in accidents / deaths caused buy drink driving. Indeed, one of the most common reasons given for drivers being over a drink drive limit is that they had not correctly appreciated the number of units of alcohol consumed. Thus errors in assessing alcohol consumption can be very serious.

Errors can be even higher with wines than with beers. As indicated earlier, wine glasses now come in a range of different sizes and shapes and wine measures can vary accordingly. Large measures are now commonplace. However many drinkers estimate their alcohol content on the simple assumption that a glass of wine contains 1 unit of alcohol. However this assumption is based upon relatively dated advice relating to a notional 125 ml measure of wine at 8 % ABV. In reality many wines sold today are much stronger than this (often nearly twice as strong) and are served in larger measures.

In the case of spirits there is even higher variation in alcohol content. This can be a difference of 20% ABV or more, depending upon the spirits.

There is therefore a need for an improved method of determining alcohol consumption.

One method (apart from various rules of thumb) is to use commercially available breathalysing devices. These are now sold at pubs, at garages and other retail outlets and can give an indication of the level of alcohol present in a breath sample.

These devices are generally used by people who wish to check whether or not they are below a legal limit for driving. The legal alcohol limit for driving in the UK is 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 ml of breath (corresponding to 80 milligrams of alcohol on 100 ml of blood; or 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 ml of urine).

Whilst breathalysers can be useful in indicating whether or not a driver is above the limit at a particular time, many commercially available breathalysers are very inaccurate. It is therefore not advisable to rely upon them, especially if they are very cheap over the counter varieties.

Furthermore, breathalysers are generally used at a stage when an individual has already finished consuming alcohol. They are therefore not particularly beneficial as tools for monitoring and reducing alcohol consumption.

Various systems are known whereby it is possible to estimate (in advance) blood alcohol levels following alcohol consumption.

WO 97/26510 focuses on blood alcohol levels and gives an example of an etched glass having a chart marked thereon, which is said to allow blood alcohol levels to be estimated. However this requires someone to know their weight and to read the chart to determine a safe amount of alcohol to be poured into a glass. This could be difficult for an inexperienced user. Furthermore, blood alcohol levels can vary significantly with food consumed, time following alcohol consumption, etc., and the blood alcohol indication given will not necessarily be accurate.

BE 1007637 suffers from many of the problems of WO 97/26510. It refers to a glass that has been etched with blood alcohol levels for a specific alcoholic drink, taking into account standard deviation. There is also a discussion of providing several scales for different beverages. However these indicate the parts per thousand of alcohol in a drinker's bloodstream and are graduated for average body size and absorption characteristics (which can vary significantly). A further disadvantage of this approach is that many people simply do not know the legal limits for blood alcohol content.

Thus there is still a major need for a simple way of measuring the level of alcohol consumed so that it can be regulated.

Whilst it is of course desirable that a driver should not drink at all (given that even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgement), in practice many people do drink and drive. This is especially the case in remote areas where there may not be good public transport or taxi services. This is also a problem at weddings, birthdays, concerts, or other events to which people travel and where alcohol is served.

It is therefore desirable that if a person is drinking and intends to drive then the number of units of alcohol be kept down.

There is no absolute figure that can be guaranteed to ensure that a person is below a drink drive limit. (This will depend upon various factors such as the age, size and sex of the person; their metabolism; what and when they have eaten and drunk before; etc.)

However, for most adults, drinking only one or two units of alcohol is very unlikely to result in the person being above the drink-driving limit (unless alcohol remains in the person's system from a previous bout of drinking).

This is also likely to be the case for a person who has drunk three units, although the risks of being above the limit increase here (particularly for women). At the level of 4 units many men may be borderline or just below the drink drive limit. However many women are likely be above it.

At higher levels (5, 6, 7 or more units) then the risk of people being above the drink drive limit is very high (for either sex).

Thus, for example women may decide to drink 3 units or less (more preferably 2 units or less, or 1 unit or less). Men may decide to drink 4 units or less (more preferably 3 units or less, 2 units or less, or 1 unit or less).

However, even if such a decision is made, there is still the difficulty of determining the number of units of alcohol that are drunk when pub measures or home measures are served. Furthermore, during a session of drinking people often have two or more different types of alcoholic drink and this makes the calculation of units of alcohol very difficult.

It is therefore clear that there are numerous long standing problems in estimating and regulating alcohol consumption, especially when pub measures are concerned.

The present invention aims to overcome or at least alleviate these problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a measuring container for measuring the alcohol content of an alcoholic drink; wherein the container comprises an indicator that shows the volume of the alcoholic drink that would contain a given number of units of alcohol.

Preferably the number is a whole number of units. It may, for example, be one, two, three, four, or more units.

The container may comprise a scale giving a plurality of such units.

Containers indicating at least one unit or at least two units of alcohol (or preferably indicating both these values) are particularly preferred. If desired the scale may indicate parts of a unit, For example, it may include halves of a unit (e.g. 0.5, 1.0 1.5, 2.O., 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 units, etc.)

In a preferred embodiment the container is suitable for indicating units of alcohol for a plurality of alcoholic drinks of different strengths. Thus, for example, it may comprise different scales for different drinks. The scales may define drinks by their alcohol content (preferably in % ABV units).

The scales may also/alternatively be labelled with descriptions of the nature of the drink.. Thus they may refer to drinks such as wine, beer, lager, vodka, whisky, etc. They may even categorise drinks within a given category (e.g. average lager, weak bitter, strong wine, etc.).

It is not however essential for detailed scales for to be provided. For example, a simple mark (e.g. a horizontal line) may be used to indicate the volume occupied by a given number of units of one drink. Another mark may be used to indicate the volume occupied by a given number of units of another drink.

Thus for example a container may be marked to show the volume of

a) 1 unit of 3% ABV beer. (This volume would correspond to 333ml a suitable mark or other indication could be made for when the container is filled to this level)

b) 1 unit of 3.5% ABV beer. (This volume would correspond to 286 ml a suitable mark or other indication could be made for when the container is filled to this level)

c) 1 unit of 4% ABV beer. (This volume would correspond to 250 ml and a suitable mark or other indication could be made for when the container is filled to this level)

d) 1 unit of 4.5% ABV beer. (This volume would correspond to 222 ml and a suitable mark or other indication could be made for when the container is filled to this level)

e) 1 unit of 5% ABV beer. (This volume would correspond to 200 ml and a suitable mark or other indication could be made for when the container is filled to this level) f) 1 unit of 5.5 % ABV beer. (This volume would correspond to 182 ml and a suitable mark or other indication could be made for when the container is filled to this level.)

g) 1 unit of 6 % ABV beer. (This volume would correspond to 167 ml and a suitable mark or other indication could be made for when the container is filled to this level.)

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above volumes could be also indicated by a graph on the container. The horizontal axis of the graph could be marked in % ABV units and the vertical axis would indicate volume. The graph would comprise a line that increases in height (relative to the base of the container) with increasing % ABV.

Thus a user could identify a given ABV on a scale and then read off the point on the graph showing the volume that is occupied by that % ABV. By providing such a graph on the container then a continuous range of different alcohol contents can be catered for.

In an alternative embodiment, the container may be provided with different scales for different alcoholic drinks, with each scale indicating the volume that would be occupied by a range of different numbers of units of alcohol (i.e. each scale would show different numbers of units of alcohol for a fixed % ABV, rather than different % ABV values for a fixed number of units).

Again it is possible to provide these data on a graph. The horizontal axis of the graph could be marked in number of units of alcohol and the vertical axis would indicate volume. The graph would comprise a line that increases in height (relative to the base of the container) with increasing number of units of alcohol.

It is preferred that alcoholic drinks are identified on the container by % ABV values (e.g. 4 % ABV). Less preferably the alcoholic drink is simply indicated by a category or sub-category of drink (e.g. lager or strong lager) and/or by a trade mark (e.g. Fosters™). .

Combinations of the % ABV and the type of drink/ trade mark however be used (e.g. Stella™ = 5.2 % ABV). The container may for example be a container for: a) beers; or b) wines; or c) spirits; or d) alcopops; or e) any other type of alcoholic drink; or f) any combination of the foregoing.

For example the container may be suitable for beers, wines and spirits and may have appropriate scales for each. The container may be for a category or sub-category of drink.

The container may for example be in any appropriate form. For example it may be a measuring jug or a measuring cylinder.

The present invention includes a method comprising obtaining such a container and using it to measure out a given number of alcoholic units. It also includes a method comprising pouring the given number of units from the container into a drinking vessel. This provides a much better method of determining units of alcohol than rough rules of thumb.

[It is true that containers with scales for measuring % alcohol content are known. For example in JP 2002-199977 the Kiko Masumune Sake Brewing Co. discloses such a container. However this is simply used to aid in accurately diluting sake to taste. There is no indication of using this to measure units of alcohol in the sense of the present invention and no markings corresponding to such units are provided. Indeed JP 2002-199977 is not at all concerned with the same problem as the present invention. It is concerned with diluting alcohol and not with measuring units of alcohol in an existing drink having a given % alcohol content. ]

The container, of whatever nature, is preferably transparent or translucent, or at least comprises a region that is transparent or translucent (e.g. a region marked with a scale). The container can be formed of any suitable material for containing alcoholic drinks. For example it may be formed of glass or of a plastics material. Kits comprising a plurality of different containers for different alcoholic drinks and/or for different numbers of units of alcohol may be provided.

The indicator can be provided in any appropriate manner. It may for example be marked on the container by etching, engraving, marking with ink, by moulding, etc. The indicator may be permanent so that it will survive repeated washes of the container (e.g. in a dishwasher).

Alternatively, marking may even be via one or more pre-formed indicators that are subsequently attached to a container.

The pre-formed indicator may comprise a flexible material (e.g. a flexible plastic material or a paper material.) It may be removably attached to the container.

It may be adhesively coated. For example it may be in the form of a label comprising a scale as aforesaid.

If desired, a plurality of different indicators may be provided.

For example, different indicators with scales marked in units of alcohol may be provided for drinks with different % ABV. (For example, one scale may be provided showing the volume that would contain different units of alcohol for a drink at 4% ABV. A corresponding scale may be provided showing the volume that would contain different units of alcohol for a drink at 5% ABV.)

Alternatively, different indicators with scales marked in % ABV may be provided for different numbers of units of alcohol. (For example, one scale may be provided showing the volumes of drinks with a range of different % ABVs that would be equivalent to 1 unit of alcohol. Another scale may be provided showing the volumes of drinks with a range of different % ABVs that would be equivalent to 2 units of alcohol.)

Kits comprising a plurality of indicators are within the scope of the present invention. The kits may be used for different alcoholic drinks, for different units of alcohol. If desired a kit or an indicator may be calibrated for drinks of a particular category (e.g. wines, beers or spirits) and/or a particular sub-category (e.g. lager beers).

In a further embodiment of the present invention the indicator may be in the form of a gauge for placing inside a drinks vessel or at a side of the drinks vessel. This avoids the need to have to mark the container itself. The gauge may be portable and may be carried by a user so that it can be used when desired to assess units of alcohol. Kits comprising a plurality of different gauges for different alcoholic drinks and/or for measuring different numbers of units of alcohol may even be provided.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the present invention has a number of different aspects. The present invention is therefore broadly applicable.

The calculations discussed herein are based upon UK units of alcohol. Units vary for different countries.

The table provided below shows how different units vary for different countries (according to The International Center For Alcohol Policies). Information for different countries can also be obtained from health and legal authorities in the countries concerned.

Thus, for example, a volume calculated to contain 1 unit of alcohol in the UK should be multiplied by 8/10 to work out the equivalent volume for 1 unit of alcohol Australia. The present invention can provide containers marked differently for different countries.

It also provided a container with a plurality of indicators for showing different measures of alcohol for different countries.

The invention is useful in all countries for controlling alcohol intake. It can be used as part of a program for responsible alcohol consumption. It is therefore a useful educational and practical tool.

Containers of the present invention may be used at pubs, bars, clubs or any other drinking establishments. They may also be used at home.

They can be used as part of a health education program. For example they can be used to demonstrate that many people grossly underestimate the number of units in various alcoholic drinks. Thus the containers may be provided to educational establishments (e.g. schools, universities and colleges) to health establishments (e.g. hospitals, GP surgeries and clinics) to charities (especially those concerned with alcohol misuse or addictive behaviour) to sports clubs, to social clubs, etc.

The containers are simple to use and easy to demonstrate, without the need for complicated explanations or calculations. They therefore avoid the disadvantages of much of the prior art.

Furthermore, they also allow the numbers of units of alcohol present to be easily determined for a plurality of different drinks. This is particularly important in educating people regarding alcohol content and is again a major advantage over the prior art.

Various containers (and gauges) of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, without limitation thereof. Example 1

A one litre capacity jug is obtained.

The jug is etched or marked with a number of parallel vertical scales on its outside surface. This can be done with a suitable tool (e.g. a diamond tipped engraver) or a marking tool (e.g. an indelible ink marker).

Each scale is indicated for a given % ABV. In this example seven vertical scales are given for % ABV values of 3.0 %, 3.5 %, 4.0 %, 4.5 %, 5.0 %, 5.5 % and 6.0 % respectively. (Of course any suitable number of scales can be provided.)

The scales are evenly spaced equally around the jug, so that each scale is easy to read.

The tables overleaf indicate the volume in ml that a given number of units of alcohol at the specified ABV would occupy.

For example, in the first table below overleaf it can be seen that 0.5 units of alcohol corresponds to 167 ml of 3.0% ABV beer. 167 ml of fluid (e.g. .water) can be poured into the jug from a standard measuring cylinder. The level of the top of the fluid is then noted and the jug can be marked with the indication of "0.5 units" at this level. The method can then be repeated for different numbers of units to build up the scale. This method allows a scale to be determined even for jugs of irregular or tapering shapes.

Of course once a scale has been determined for a container of a given size and shape it can be programmed into a computer and used for containers of the same size via a more convenient automated process. The scale may even be included in a mould that is used to form the container (e.g. a glass forming mould).

The procedure described above can be used to provide a plurality of different scales for drinks of different % ABV values. The tables overleaf give examples of the volumes (to the nearest ml) that would be occupied by different numbers of units of alcohol. 3.0 % ABV

3.5 % ABV

4.0 % ABV

4.5 % ABV

5.0 % ABV

5.5 % ABV

6.0 % ABV

The above scales are suitable for the majority of beers sold in pubs in the United Kingdom . (to the nearest 0.5%). (For the purposes of the present invention the term "beer" includes ales, lagers and stouts.)

Different scales can of course be provided to further increase accuracy. For example, a scale my be provided with smaller intervals, such as 0.1 or 0.25 unit intervals.

Alternatively the range can be increased to include very strong beers (e.g. up to 10% ABV) or can be changed to cover other drinks (e.g. wines and/or spirits).

The container can be used as part of a responsible drinking campaign. It may be left on a bar or table so that customers are free to use it for assessing the number of units in their drinks.

Larger or smaller containers can of course be used. Large jugs of beer (sometimes known as pitchers) are often sold to groups of customers. For example, in the UK 4 pint jugs of beer are commonly sold.

Such jugs can be marked with large scales to indicate the numbers of units present. This will assist in dispensing alcohol from the jug because it is then much easier to assess how many units are dispensed.

In a further alternative a beer glass may be marked with one or more scales. For example a pint glass may be provided. This can be marked with scales up to 568 ml.

Thus it may be marked with scales based upon the tables overleaf. (These correspond to the earlier tables but exclude volumes above 568 ml) . ^

16

3.0%ABV

3.5%ABV

4.0%ABV

4.5 %ABV

5.0%ABV

5.5 %ABV

6.0 % ABV

Of course tables for wine glasses or wine jugs (or other alcoholic beverages) can also be provided and beer is simply used as an example.

It is important to appreciate that although GB 2422019 discloses a beverage measuring system in which the number of units of alcohol to be dispensed from a wine bottle can be calculated the system is limited in its application. If the bottle is marked directly then it is admitted at page 8 of GB 2422019 that this "has the disadvantage that only wine with a particular alcohol content can be contained in these bottles". An alternative of printing labels is proposed in GB 2422019 but a different label with a different scale is then required for each different bottle. There is nothing suggesting providing labels or markings on the same container that allow units of alcohol to be determined for drinks with different alcohol contents. Furthermore, it is important to note that GB 2422019 was published only after the priority date of the present application.

Example 2

Example 1 uses upon scales in which the number of units of alcohol varied and the ABV is fixed for a given scale. (Different scales for drinks with different % ABVs are provided.)

It is however possible to provide a scale in which the number of units of alcohol is fixed and the % ABV varies.

This can for example be an easy way of determining the volume of alcohol for a range of ABV values that would provide 1 unit of alcohol.

The following table shows such a scale for the different strengths of beer indicated in Example 1.

Scale for 1 unit of alcohol

A scale can be therefore be marked upon a container with horizontal lines along the scales at the indicated volume levels.

Next to the horizontal marks the appropriate ABVs can be given. The scale can be marked "1 unit of alcohol".

Corresponding tables can of course be used to determine scales for different units of alcohol.

For example the following scale is for 2 units of alcohol:

If desired a single container may be marked with two or more scales. For example a container may be marked with a scale for 1 unit of alcohol (for different ABVs) and also with a scale in respect of 2 units of alcohol (again for different ABVs).

Alternatively the scales may even be merged together to provide a single scale.

Example 3

Examples 1 and 2 describe various scales.

As an alternative it is possible to mark the containers with graphs.

For example a graph may be provided for alcohol of a given ABV (e.g. 4% ABV). The graph may show the number of units of alcohol along a horizontal axis and may indicate volume along a vertical axis. When alcohol with that ABV is poured into the container a drinker can read off the volume that corresponds to a certain number of units. Several such graphs may be provided with alcohol of different ABVs.

Alternatively the graph may be provided for a given number of units (e.g. 1 unit). The graph may be show % ABVs along a horizontal axis and may indicate volume along a horizontal axis. When alcohol with a given ABV is poured into the container a drinker can read off the volume of alcohol at that ABV that corresponds to 1 unit. Several such graphs may be provided for different numbers of units of alcohol.

Example 4

The foregoing examples use containers that are marked with scales or graphs.

It is however possible to provide these scales or graphs separately for subsequent attachment to the container. The scales or graphs may for example be provided on an adhesive-coated flexible material (e.g. a plastics material or a paper material) that can be applied to the container. Adhesive is however not always needed. Indeed non adhesive coated plastics materials may be preferred, especially if the graph or scale is intended to be removable.

A kit comprising a range of different graphs or scales may be provided (e.g. for different ABVs, for different numbers of units, for different types of alcoholic drink, for different containers, etc.)

Example 5

It is also possible to provide a gauge that comprises a scale suitable for use in the present invention. The gauge may be calibrated for reading when it is inside or alongside a container.

For example the gauge may be provided in the form of an elongate object that is marked with the scale and is can be placed in the container. The scale is calibrated for the particular container (e.g. a beer glass).

The gauge may for example be similar to an oil gauge in being an elongate flexible strip with appropriate markings that is designed to be dipped in a fluid. Alternatively it may designed like a ruler, but with the appropriate scale (instead of a scale in cm, inches etc.) In a further alternative it may be a cylindrical glass form with a scale marked on it (similar to a thermometer in general shape, but without mercury).

Many different shapes are of course possible and the precise shape is not limiting. Providing the gauge performs its function (many different shapes are possible).

The gauge may even comprise a plurality of different scales for versatility. For example it may have a plurality of faces with a different scale on each face. Alternatively it may be generally cylindrical and may comprise spaced apart scales arranged around its circumference. Each scale may for example be for a different % ABV. Alternatively it may be for a different number of units of alcohol.

Preferably the gauge is formed of a resilient material that is resistant to alcohol. It may be provided in a suitable water impervious container. This allows it to be replaced in the container and stored in a user's pocket

In one embodiment the gauge is simply held in position by a user who can then read off a reading. Thus for example the gauge may be placed in a container with the base of the gauge contacting the inner base of the container and it may then be held with the gauge in substantially horizontal position. (A spirit level can be incorporated in the gauge to assist in this, but will normally not be required.)

In another embodiment the device may be provided with a support (e.g. a flat base) or releasable attachment means (e.g. a clip or temporary clamp) so that it is not necessary to hold it in place once it has been appropriately positioned.

The gauge may be even provided with a movable pointer. This may be used for example to indicate a particular target value (e.g. a particular number of units of alcohol).

Example 6

In this example a plurality of containers are provided in a kit.

A first container is for relatively high strength alcoholic drinks, such as spirits (e.g. whisky, brandy, vodka, etc.).

A second container is for intermediate strength alcoholic drinks (e.g. wines.)

A third container is for lower strength alcoholic drinks (e.g. beers and lagers).

The containers can be containers in the forms as described in any of Examples 1 to 4. Preferably each container has different scales or markings to show the volume that would provided a given numbers of units (or fractions thereof) for a range of different drinks within a given category.

Thus the first container can be for indicating units of alcohol (and/or fractions thereof) in respect of a range of spirits of different alcoholic strengths.

The second container can be for indicating units of alcohol indicating units (and/or fractions thereof) for a range of wines of different alcoholic strengths.

The third container can be for indicating units of alcohol indicating units of alcohol (and/or fractions thereof) for a range of beers of different alcoholic strengths.

Preferably the containers are shaped so that they can be conveniently nested for storage or presentation. Thus the smallest container may be shaped to nest within the next largest container, which may in turn nest within the next largest container etc.

The nested containers desirably fit together in a manner that allows the containers to be easily separated, whilst still nested close enough together so as to reduce the risk of damage due to the containers clattering excessively with one another. It will be appreciated that although three containers are discussed above; any desired number can of course be provided. The categories of drink can of course be varied and are not limited to wines, spirits and beers/lagers. (For example a category for "alcopops" could be provided, wines could be divided into high strength and low strength wines etc.)

Example 7

This is similar to Example 6 in that a plurality of containers are provided in a kit. However here each container is for a fixed percentage of alcohol.

Thus for example a series of wine glasses may be provided. Each glass may be marked with a different fixed % ABV and may show the volume of wine of that % ABV that would with correspond to one or more units of alcohol (or fractions of units). Preferably the % ABV is a whole number.

For example eight wine glasses could be provided and be marked 8% ABV, 9% ABV, 10% ABV, 11% ABV, 12 % ABV; 13 % ABV, 14% and 15% ABV respectively.

Each of these glasses may be marked with the markings 0.5 unit, 1 unit, 1.5 units and 2 units (for example) to show the volume that would correspond to the given number of units for a given % ABV.

This embodiment is of course not limited to wine glasses. It could also be used for other for other drinks containers (e.g. beer or lager glasses, spirits glasses, etc) or measuring containers (e.g. jugs, cylinders, etc.).

Indeed a whole series of containers could be provided for a very wide range of % ABV drinks. If desired, the containers could be nested.

Example 8

In an alternative to Example 7 each container may be marked with a fixed number of units and the percentage of alcohol that may vary.

Thus for example six glasses may be provided. The first could be marked with 0.5 units. The second could be marked with 1.0 units. The third could be marked with 1.5 units. The fourth could be marked with 2.0 units. The fifth could be marked with 2.5 units. The sixth could be marked with 3.0 units.

Each glass may be marked to show the different volumes that be taken up by different % ABV wines to correspond to the given number of units.

For example a scale may be provided on each glass ranging from 8% to 15% ABV with markings at each % ABV to show the volume that would occupy the given number of units.

As for Example 7, this embodiment is of course not limited to wine glasses. It could also be used for other drinks containers (e.g. beer or lager glasses, spirits glasses, etc.) or measuring containers (e.g. jugs, cylinders, etc.).

Indeed a whole series of containers could be provided for a wide range of numbers of units (or fractions thereof).

If desired, the containers could be nested, as described earlier.

Claims

1. A measuring container for measuring the alcohol content of an alcoholic drink; wherein the container comprises an indicator that shows the volume of the alcoholic drink that would contain a given number of units of alcohol.

2. A container according to claim 1 ; wherein the container comprises an indicator that shows the volume of the alcoholic drink that would contain a whole number of units of alcohol.

3. A container according to claim 2; wherein the container at least indicates the volume of the alcoholic drink that would contain one unit of alcohol.

4. A container according to claim 2 or claim 3; wherein the container at least indicates the volume of the alcoholic drink that would contain two units of alcohol.

5. A container according to any preceding claim; wherein the container indicates said volume for a plurality of different alcoholic drinks.

6. A container according to claim 5; wherein the container has different indicators for different alcoholic drinks.

7. A container according to claim 6; wherein the indicators are in the form of scales.

8. A container according to claim 6; wherein the container has a plurality of scales and each scale indicates the volumes that would be occupied by a plurality of different numbers of units of alcohol.

9. A container according to claim 5; wherein the container comprises a single scale indicating the volumes of a plurality of different alcoholic drinks that would contain a given number of units of alcohol.

10. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the alcoholic drink is indicated on the container by its % ABV.

11. A container according to any preceding claim; wherein the alcoholic drink is indicated on the container by a type of drink and/or by a trade mark.

12. A container according to any preceding claim for a) beers; or b) wines; or c) spirits; or d) alcopops; or e) another type of alcoholic drink; or f) any combination of the foregoing.

13. A container according to any preceding claim; wherein the container is a measuring jug or a measuring cylinder.

14. A container according to any preceding claim; wherein the container is a beer glass, a wine glass, or a spirits glass.

15. A container according to any preceding claim that is at least partially transparent or translucent.

16. A container according to any preceding claim that is formed of glass.

17. A container according to any of claims 1 to 15 that is formed of a plastics material.

18. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the indication of the number of units is in marked on the container.

19. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the indication of the number of units is provided by one or more pre-formed indicators that is/are subsequently are attached to the container.

20. A container according to claim 19; wherein the one or more indicators are removably attached.

21. A kit comprising a plurality of different containers according to any of claims 1 to 20; wherein the different containers are marked for different alcoholic drinks or different classes of alcoholic drink.

22. A kit comprising a plurality of different containers according to according to any of claims 1 to 20; wherein the different containers are marked for different numbers of units of alcohol.

23. A method comprising obtaining a container according to any of claims 1 to 20 and using it to measure out a predetermined number of units of alcohol.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising dispensing the predetermined number of units from the container into a drinking vessel.

25. The method according to claim 23 or claim 24; wherein the method is used to measure out predetermined numbers of units of alcohol for a plurality of different alcoholic drinks.

26. An indicator for indicating the number of alcohol units in a given volume of an alcoholic drink; wherein the indicator is suitable for attachment to an existing container to provide a container according to any of claims 1 to claim 20.

27. An indicator according to claim 26; wherein the indicator is calibrated for a wine, beer or spirits glass.

28. An indicator according to claim 26 or 27; comprising a flexible material.

29. An indicator according to any of claims 26 to 28; wherein the indicator can be removably attached to the container.

30. An indicator according to any of claims 26 to 29 that comprises an adhesive

31. A gauge comprising an indicator for indicating the number of alcohol units in a given volume of an alcoholic drink; wherein the gauge is for placing inside a container for an alcoholic drink or inside said container.

32. A gauge according to claim 31 comprising a plurality of scales,

33. A kit comprising a plurality of indicators according to any of claims 26 to 30 or a plurality of gauges according to claim 31 or 32.

34. A container according to any of claims 1 to 20; wherein the container contains a predetermined number of units of alcohol.

35. A container according to any of claims 1 to 20; wherein the container shows how units of alcohol vary for different countries.

36. A kit according to claim 21 or claim 22 comprising at least one container for wines; one container for spirits and one container for beers or lagers.

37. A kit according to any of claims 21, 22 or 36; wherein the containers are shaped so that they can be nested together for ease of storage.

38. The invention substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying examples.