U.S. patent application number 10/261363 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for container identification system.
Invention is credited to Monmouth, Michael, Williams, Don C..
Application Number | 20040060840 10/261363 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32029970 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040060840 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams, Don C. ; et
al. |
April 1, 2004 |
Container identification system
Abstract
Multiple containers (e.g. cups 10/20/30/40) for liquid or solid
materials each having along it top, peripheral edge (17/27/37) at
least one series of peripherally extended, spaced, intelligent
indica (13/23/33), four embodiments being illustrated (FIGS. 1-4).
The indicia can be a series of letters (e.g., the alphabet "A-Z"
11/12/31), or numeric sequence (21/22/32, "0-9") with special value
indicia (e.g., "100," "200"). The user selects desired ones of the
indicia for identification purposes from the one or more series and
high-lights the selected ones by, for example, crushing a plastic
bubble, pulling a tab, scratching of a covering or physically
marking them with a writing instrument, etc. For example, using two
alphabetic series of indicia, a user can mark his/her cup with
his/her basic initials (FIG. 1) or, for further example, using two
numeric series of indicia and special quantum indicia a number
between 0-299 could be used to identify the container (FIG. 2).
Inventors: |
Williams, Don C.; (New
Orleans, LA) ; Monmouth, Michael; (Houston,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
C. EMMETT PUGH
82 N. MAIN ST.
SUFFIELD
CT
06078-2102
US
|
Family ID: |
32029970 |
Appl. No.: |
10/261363 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 ;
206/459.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2227 20130101;
B65D 2203/00 20130101; G09F 3/00 20130101; B65D 25/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 ;
206/459.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of identifying a hand-holdable, rounded, container for
goods by at least one user who has two hands, and distinguishing
that container from other, like containers, each of which
containers has an open, rounded top with a curved upper edge and a
rounded, interior surface and a rounded, exterior surface,
comprising the following steps: a) using a series of containers
each of a size and weight to be easily held in the adult human hand
and each having at least one series of intelligent indicia
including a series of juxtaposed indicia elements permanently
presented on at least its exterior surface at least near its upper
edge; b) selecting for identification purposes some of the indicia
elements on at least a first one container of said series of
containers, and high-lighting the selected indicia elements using
at least one hand of a user and thereby identifying that container
in a relatively unique way with the high-lighted, selected indicia
elements; and c) selecting some different indicia elements on at
least another container from said series of containers and
high-lighting the different selected indicia elements, again using
at least one hand of a user, and thereby identify that other
container in a different, relatively unique way with the
high-lighted different, selected indicia elements and thereby
distinguishing the other container from the first container.
2. The container identification method of claim 1, wherein each
indicia element has an outer surface; and wherein in the
high-lighting aspects of step "b" and in step "c" there is further
included in each the steps of: bc-1) holding the container in one
hand while high-lighting the selected indicia elements; and bc-2)
using the other hand to cause the high-lighting of the selected
indicia elements to occur.
3. The container identification method of claim 2, wherein in step
"a" there is included the step of: a-1) using for the at least one
series of intelligent indicia a series located circumferentially
along and juxtaposed to the container's upper edge and using
indicia elements which are each subject to a change in external
appearance state when pressure is applied to its outer surface; and
wherein in sub-steps "bc-1" & "bc-2" there is included in each
the step of: bc1-2) separately applying pressure on each selected
indicia between the user's thumb and the ball of another finger in
a pincer movement, thereby high-lighting the selected, pressured
indicia elements.
4. The container identification method of claim 3, wherein each of
said indicia element's outer surface includes a crushable bubble;
and wherein there is further included in connection with step
"bc1-2" the step of: crushing the crushable bubble of each selected
indicia element between the user's fingers, changing the selected
indicia's external appearance.
5. The container identification method of claim 2, wherein in step
"a" there is included the step of: a-1) using indicia elements
which each have an associated tab positioned initially flat at
least substantially in line with the exterior surface of the
container and a back tab wall against which the tab initially lies;
and wherein in sub-steps "bc-1" & "bc-2" there is included in
each the step of: bc1-2) separately pulling the tab between the
user's thumb and the ball of another finger and moving the initial
edge of the tab at least about ninety (90.degree.) degrees, thereby
high-lighting the selected indicia elements with the moved
tabs.
6. The container identification method of claim 5, wherein each
indicia element has its indicia located on the back tab wall; and
wherein, in connection with step "bc1-2," there is included the
step of: exposing the selected indicia on the back tab wall in
pulling their associated tabs, thereby high-lighting the selected
indicia.
7. The container identification method of claim 2, wherein the
containers are all drinking cups; and wherein, in association with
step "a," there is further included the step of: a-1) using at
least two, separate, but adjacent series of intelligent indicia
each of which includes the letters of the alphabet; and wherein in
sub-steps "b" & "c" there is separately included the steps of:
bc1-2) separately selecting a letter from each of the two series of
indicia based on the initials of the respective user of the
respective drinking cup.
8. The container identification method of claim 2, wherein, in
association with step "a," there is further included the step of:
a-1) using at least two, separate, but adjacent series of
intelligent indicia each of which includes the numeric series of
zero through nine (0-9); and wherein in sub-steps "b" & "c"
there is separately included the steps of: bc1) separately
selecting a number from each of the two series of indicia based on
at least a double digit number to be assigned to the respective
container.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein, in association with step "a,"
there is further included the step of: a-1) including in
association with the series of numeric indicia at least one special
quantum indicia element signifying the numeric quantum "100"; and
wherein in steps "b" and "c" there separately is included the step
of: bc1) high-lighting the special quantum indicia element when it
is desired to identify the container with a number higher than
ninety-nine (99).
10. The container identification method of claim 2, wherein, in
association with step "a," there is further included the step of:
a-1) using at least two, separate, but adjacent series of
intelligent indicia one of which includes a series of a first type
of indicia and the other of which includes a series of a second,
different type of indicia; and wherein in steps "b" & "c" there
is separately included the steps of: bc1) separately selecting a
different indicia element from each of the two series of indicia
based on identifying the nature of the goods contained in the
container.
11. A container identification system for separately identifying a
hand-holdable, rounded, containers for goods by at least one user
who has two hands, and distinguishing that container from other,
like containers, each of which containers has an open, rounded top
with a curved upper edge and a rounded, interior surface and a
rounded, exterior surface, comprising: a series of containers each
of a size and weight to be easily held in the adult human hand and
each having at least two series of intelligent indicia each
including a series of juxtaposed indicia elements permanently
presented on at least its exterior surface, both of which series of
intelligent series are circumferentially extended in parallel,
side-by-side paths along and adjacent to its respective container's
upper edge; at least a first container of said series of containers
having at least one selected, high-lighted, identification, indicia
element in at least one of said series of intelligent indicia,
identifying that container in a relatively unique way with the
highlighted, selected indicia element(s); and at least a second
container of said series of containers having at least one
selected, high-lighted, identification, indicia element in at least
one of said series of intelligent indicia, the selected,
highlighted indicia being different than the selected, high-lighted
indicia of said first container, identifying said second container
in a relatively unique way with said different high-lighted,
selected indicia element(s), distinguishing said second container
from said first container and from the other containers of said
series of containers.
12. The container identification system of claim 11, wherein: each
of said containers of said series of containers is of a size and
configuration allowing it to be held in one hand of a human adult;
and wherein: the size, container location and type of each of said
indicia elements allowing said indicia elements to be high-lighted
by the user using the other hand of the user while holding the
container in the user's other hand.
13. The container identification system of claim 12, wherein: each
of said indicia elements has an outer surface and are individually
subject to a change in external appearance state, high-lighting the
selected indicia, when pressure is applied to said outer surface,
the pressure level to achieve said highlighting change in external
appearance being that which can be applied by pressing the adult
human thumb and another finger on one hand together in a pincer
movement.
14. The container identification system of claim 13, wherein: each
of said indicia element's outer surface includes a crushable
bubble, curshable under the user's fingers' pincer movement, said
selected, high-lighted indicia having crushed bubbles, causing said
selected, high-lighted indicia being distinguishable from the
non-selected, non-high-lighted indicia due to said highlighted
indicia's appearance.
15. The container identification system of claim 12, wherein: each
of said indicia elements on each of said first and said second and
said other containers has an associated tab positioned initially
flat at least substantially in line with the exterior surface and a
back tab wall against which the tab can initially lie, and be
separately pulled by the user's thumb and the ball of another
finger on the same hand of the user and being capable of movement
at least about ninety (90.degree.) degrees, the selected indicia
being so high-lighted with their respective moved tabs.
16. The container identification system of claim 15, wherein: each
indicia element has its indicia located on the back tab wall, said
selected, high-lighted indicia being exposed on the back tab wall
due to their associated tabs being pulled away.
17. The container identification system of claim 12, wherein: said
containers are all drinking cups; both of said series of
intelligent indicia include the letters of the alphabet; and
wherein: said selected, high-lighted indicia of said first and said
second containers include a letter from each of the two series of
indicia based on the initials of the respective user of the
respective drinking cup.
18. The container identification system of claim 12, wherein: said
two series of intelligent indicia each include the numeric series
of zero through nine (0-9); and wherein: said first and said second
container each separately have a number from each of the two series
of indicia selected and high-lighted based on at least a double
digit number, different for each container, assigned to the
respective container.
19. The container identification system of claim 18, wherein there
is further included: in association with the series of numeric
indicia at least one special quantum indicia element signifying the
numeric quantum "100"; said quantum indicia being high-lighting
when it is desired to identify the respective container with a
number higher than ninety-nine (99).
20. The container identification method of claim 12, wherein: one
of said two separate series of intelligent indicia includes a
series of a first type of indicia and the other includes a series
of a second, different type of indicia, the selected, high-lighted
indicia being based on the nature of the goods contained in the
respective container.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to multiple, related
containers (e.g. cups), for liquid or solid materials, each having
some intelligent, separately high-lightable, selectable indicia
which allows one container to be separately identified differently
from another container or all other containers of the multiple
containers, some exemplary intelligent indicia being the alphabet
(e.g., A-Z), a numerical series (e.g., 0-9), dates, symbols,
special value cells, and a combination of the foregoing, etc.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] It is known, for example, to mark items with, for example,
initials or numbers, to distinguish one item from another.
[0003] In association with some liquid containers, such as cups, it
is known at, for example, some fast food establishments to
identify, for example, one cup of coffee from another purchased,
for example, by a single customer, by providing tops with the cups,
each of which has a series of spaced, crushable dimples on the top
surface of the top, some associated with identifying letters to
indicate, for example, whether the coffee in a particular cup is
decaffeinated ("D") or has sugar ("S") and/or cream ("C") added to
that coffee, etc.
[0004] However, this prior art system is very limited in the number
of indicia that can be used and, once the top is removed, no
identification information remains with the cup.
[0005] There is a need in many different situations to be able to
tell one container from another one, particularly where the
containers are substantially identical to one another in their
basic physical structure and color.
[0006] For example, at a party, many identical cups or other
containers are used for liquid refreshment. However, often a number
of users will put down their containers, with the liquid content
only partially consumed, with the intent to later pick up their
containers to finish consuming their beverages or other drinks.
However, with others doing the same thing, the containers can
become confused and one user often will not know which container is
his/hers. As a result, the containers become mixed and often are
left unconsumed, with the users then going back for additional
drinks due to the inability of telling their containers from other
users' containers.
[0007] For another example, scientists, researchers, medical
workers, etc., use containers to store specimens and need to be
able to distinguish one specimen from another by differently
marking the containers, with respect to, for example, the
container's contents and/or the date of the container's specimen
and/or the identity of the user or the location source of the
specimen, etc.
[0008] For still another example, vendors of goods are dispensed or
distributed to their customers in containers holding the goods in,
for example, liquid of solid form, of different types, often to the
same customer. It is desirable to, for example, identify the
contents of each container so that the customer/user accurately can
distinguish the contents of one container from the other or the
final intended user for that container.
[0009] There are, of course, many other possible applications for
the inventive concepts of the present invention.
GENERAL SUMMARY DISCUSSION OF INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to multiple, related
containers (e.g. cups) for liquid and/or solid materials, each
container having some intelligent, separately markable, selectable
indicia which allows one cup to be separately identified
differently from another cup or all other cups of the multiple
containers, some exemplary indicia being the alphabet (e.g., A-Z),
a numerical series (e.g., 0-9, with which, for example, special
quantum value cells allow with two series a selection of 0-299),
dates (month, year, day), symbols, including, for example,
commercial logos, or a combination of the foregoing, etc.
[0011] The intelligent indicia preferably are included on the
exterior of each of the containers, preferably, at least in part,
along the upper, peripheral edge of the container or else where on
the container's exterior surface, in one or more rows, in which
selected one(s) of the indicia can be highlighted or otherwise
visually set apart from most, if not all, of the other indicia.
Examples of the many possible variations include a single or
double, side-by-side series of the letters of the alphabet, by
which a selected one in each series of letters can be selected and
highlighted to indicate the user's initials or the container's
contents, etc. Another example is the use of two series of a
numeric sequence(s), with special indicia indicating a special
quantum. A still further example is the use of a series of indicia
for indicating a date (including, for example, day, month &
year of the date, or at least one of them). A final example is the
use of a series of symbols or letter sets to indicate, for example,
a location. Of course, there are many variation or combination
possible of these exemplary series of intelligent indicia.
[0012] There are also many ways in which the particular, selected
indicia can be "high-lighted" or differentiated from the other,
non-selected indicia in a series. For example, a depressable,
plastic bubble can be placed over each one of the selectable,
indicia elements which when selected by the user can be crushed or
otherwise deformed to show the user's selected indicia elements
from all of the other non-selected indicia. For further example,
each indicia elements is placed on a separate tab, each of which
can be individually folded down or ripped down or actually removed
to show the user's selected indicia elements from all of the other
non-selected indicia. Alternatively, although currently not as
preferred, separate marking instruments, such as a pen, pencil or
high-lighter felt pen, etc., could be used to, for example,
encircle or color-over or otherwise high-light the selected
indicia. A still further example is the use of "scratch-off"
coverings, which, when scratched off by, for example, the user's
fingernail(s) expose the selected indicia beneath them. There, are,
of course, many other "high-lighting" techniques or approaches
available.
[0013] The placement of the intelligent indicia and the number of
series of indicia or special indicia on the container is also
subject to great variation, although the placement of at least one
series of intelligent indicia along the peripheral edge of the
container's lip on at least the exterior surface of the cup is
particularly preferred. For, further examples, the series can be
placed side-by-side circumferentially in one or more spaced
locations on the container's exterior surface and/or in "vertical"
line(s) or other paths.
[0014] Some exemplary, preferred applications for the exemplary
containers of the system of the present invention, include the
following:
[0015] 1. At a party, many identical cups or other containers are
used for liquid refreshment. However, often a number of users will
put down their containers, with the liquid content only partially
consumed, with the intent to later pick up their containers to
finish consuming their beverages or other drinks. However, with
others doing the same thing, the containers can become confused and
one user often will not know which container is his/hers. As a
result, the containers become mixed and often are left unconsumed,
with the users then going back for additional drinks due to the
inability of telling their containers from other users' containers.
In accordance with some of the principles of the present invention,
the container can include intelligent indicia including, for
example, two, separate rows of the letters of the alphabet, whereby
a user or the purveyor can selectively choose the user's two
initials to correlate and visually associate that container to that
particular user.
[0016] 2. Scientists, researchers, medical workers, etc., use
containers to store specimens and need to be able to distinguish
one specimen from another by differently marking and correlating or
identifying the containers, with respect to, for example, the
container's contents and/or the date of the container's specimen
and/or the identity of the user or the location source of the
specimen, etc. In accordance with some of the principles of the
present invention, the container can include intelligent indicia
including, for example, two, separate rows of the letters of the
alphabet, whereby a user can selectively choose the user's or the
user's associate's two initials to correlate and visually associate
that container to that particular user in similar fashion to that
used in application "1" above. Additionally, supplemental or
alternative, intelligent indicia could include a series of the
twelve months, along with, for example, one or more years, and two
separate rows of numeric series for indicating up to "31" the day
of the month, etc. Further, supplemental or alternative,
intelligent indicia could include a series of location identifiers
to symbolize the location of the specimen.
[0017] 3. Goods are dispensed or distributed by a vendor to the
vendor's customers in containers holding the goods in, for example,
liquid of solid form, of different types, often to the same
customer. It is desirable to, for example, identify the contents of
each container so that the customer/user accurately can distinguish
the contents of one container from another or the final intended
user for that container. In accordance with some of the principles
of the present invention, the container can include intelligent
indicia including, for example, two, separate rows of the letters
of the alphabet, whereby a user or the purveyor can selectively
choose the user's two initials to correlate and visually associate
that container to that particular end user. Additionally,
supplemental or alternative, intelligent indicia could include a
series of other letters or symbols or logos to identify the
container's contents.
[0018] The exemplary methodology of identifying of the container
identification system of the present invention includes the use of
a hand-holdable, rounded, container for goods by at least one user
who has two hands, and distinguishing that container from other,
like containers, each of which containers has an open, rounded top
with a curved upper edge and a rounded, interior surface and a
rounded, exterior surface, comprising the steps of:
[0019] a) using a series of containers each of a size and weight to
be easily held in the adult human hand and each having at least one
series of intelligent indicia including a series of juxtaposed
indicia elements permanently presented on at least its exterior
surface at least near its upper edge;
[0020] b) while holding the container in one hand, selecting for
identification purposes some of the indicia elements on at least a
first one container of said series of containers, and high-lighting
the selected indicia elements using the other hand of a user and
thereby identifying that container in a relatively unique way with
the highlighted, selected indicia elements; and
[0021] c) again while holding the container in one hand, selecting
some different indicia elements on at least another container from
said series of containers and high-lighting the different selected
indicia elements, again using at least one hand of a user, and
thereby identify that other container in a different, relatively
unique way with the high-lighted different, selected indicia
elements and thereby distinguishing the other container from the
first container;
[0022] with the "high-lighting" step using one or more of the
techniques of finger-depressable bubbles, foldable or removeable
tabs, "scratch-off" coatings, etc., with at least some of the
indicia preferably located along the upper edge of the lip of the
container, with one or more series of indicia being used,
including, for example, letters of the alpha bet, numbers, symbols,
logos, etc.
[0023] There are, of course, many other possible applications,
methods, structures and variations for the inventive concepts of
the present invention, but the foregoing, particular ones are
currently believed to be especially efficacious and innovative
ones, except as noted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the
present invention, reference should be had to the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective, top view of a first, exemplary,
currently preferred embodiment of the container identification
system of the present invention, holding, for example, a drinkable
liquid, illustrating a double, side-by-side, peripheral lines of
intelligent indicia spaced along the top peripheral edge of the
exemplary cup container including two, adjacent series of the full
alphabet (A-Z) as might be used, for example, in identifying the
two initials of a person's name.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective, top view of a second, exemplary
embodiment of the container identification system of the present
invention illustrating two, peripheral lines of intelligent indicia
spaced along the top peripheral edge of the exemplary cup including
two, side-by-side, numeric sequences, along with a special quantum
indicator, allowing the container to be marked by any number from,
for example, zero to two hundred and ninety-nine (0-299).
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective, top view of a third, exemplary
embodiment of the container identification system of the present
invention illustrating a peripheral line of intelligent indicia
spaced along the top peripheral edge of the exemplary cup container
and a second or alternative series of intelligent indicia located
in a "vertical" direction.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a partial, close-up detail view of an alternative
version of the embodiment of FIG. 3, in which the intelligent
indicia is included on the container's tab wall and the moveable or
removable tabs do not have the intelligent indicia on their
exterior surfaces.
EXEMPLARY MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Listing of Reference Numbers
[0029] For ease of reference to the drawings, the drawing reference
numbers are listed below.
[0030] FIG. 1--
[0031] 10 exemplary container in cup form
[0032] 11 first series of intelligent indica in the form of
letters
[0033] 12 second series of intelligent indica in the form of
letters
[0034] 13 individual indicia element
[0035] 14 individual depressable bubble
[0036] 15 body of cup
[0037] 16 bottom of cup
[0038] 17 peripheral, upper edge of cup
[0039] 18 "vertical" line separating one indica element from an
adjacent indicia element
[0040] 19 circumferential line separating one series of intelligent
indicia from an adjacent, side-by-side series of intelligent
indicia
[0041] FIG. 2--
[0042] 20 exemplary container in cup form
[0043] 21 first series of intelligent indica in the form of
numbers
[0044] 22 second series of intelligent indica in the form of
numbers
[0045] 23 individual indicia element
[0046] 24 individual depressable bubble
[0047] 25 body of cup
[0048] 26 bottom of cup
[0049] 27 peripheral, upper edge of cup
[0050] 28 "vertical" line separating one indica element from an
adjacent indicia element
[0051] 29 circumferential line separating one series of intelligent
indicia from an adjacent, side-by-side series of intelligent
indicia
[0052] FIG. 3--
[0053] 30 exemplary container in cup form
[0054] 31 first, circumferential series of intelligent indica in
the form of alphabet letters
[0055] 32 second, "vertical" series of intelligent indica in the
form of numbers
[0056] 33 individual indicia element
[0057] 34 peripheral, fold-over tab
[0058] 34A peripheral wall from which tab can be folded down
[0059] 35 body of cup
[0060] 36 bottom of cup
[0061] 37 peripheral, upper edge of cup
[0062] 38 "vertical" line separating one indica element from an
adjacent indicia element
[0063] 39 circumferential line separating one series of intelligent
indicia from the at least in part, adjacent series of intelligent
indicia
[0064] FIG. 4--
[0065] 40 exemplary container in cup form
[0066] 41 first, circumferential series of intelligent indica in
the form of alphabet letters
[0067] 43 individual indicia element
[0068] 44 peripheral, fold-over tab
[0069] 44A peripheral wall from which tab can be folded down
[0070] 45 body of cup
[0071] 47 peripheral, upper edge of cup
[0072] 48 "vertical" line separating one indica element from an
adjacent indicia element
[0073] 49 circumferential line separating the first series of
intelligent indicia from any other adjacent series of intelligent
indicia
Embodiment of FIG. 1
[0074] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the first, preferred, exemplary
embodiment of the container identification system of the present
invention includes an exemplary container in the form of a typical,
relatively inexpensive, generally cylindrical or near cylindrical,
drinking cup 10 usually made of plastic or Styrofoam and having a
basic body 15, a bottom 16 and a top, peripheral edge or lip
17.
[0075] Along the top, peripheral edge 17 is a set of two,
side-by-side, parallel series 11 & 12, separated by the
circumferential line 19, of intelligent indicia 13 in the form of
the letters of the alphabet, including in each series the letters
"A-Z," it being noted that the letter "A" cannot be directly seen
but is located in the left-most indica placement in the figure.
[0076] A depressable, plastic bubble 14 is positioned over each
indicia element 13 between the "vertical" lines 18. When it is
desired to "high-light" or mark selected indicia, the user merely
depresses the bubbles over the selected indicia, using for example,
pressure force generated by closing the thumb against the ball of
the adjacent finger, causing the pressured bubble to collapse or be
at least indented or otherwise crushed. If the intelligent indicia
13 are printed or impressed on both sides of the cup edge 17, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, both, opposed bubbles are depressed,
highlighting the indicia on both sides of the cup edge and upper
areas. This allows the marked indicia to be viewed from either side
of the cup.
[0077] Bubbles which collapse or are crushed under pressure are
just one, possible form of marking the selected indicia. Other
approaches are, of course, also possible, including, for further
example, the use of indicia structures which change color under
significant pressure, etc.
[0078] When it is desired to identify the cup 10 with, for example,
the basic initials of the user, the end user or provider user
merely crushes the appropriate bubbles 14 located over the letters
being selected and to be high-lighted, for example, the letter "D"
from the first series 11 for the first initial of the name and the
letter "W" from the second series of alphabet indicia for the
second initial of the name to identify the cup with, for example,
"Don Williams" as the end user (note darkened indicia elements in
FIG. 1). Thus, for example, when Dr. Williams places his cup down
and comes back later to pick it up, he can specifically and
definitely identify his so-identified, "DM" cup as his own,
although he may, for example, be with many other people at a party
using substantively identical cups 10.
[0079] Of course, adding a third series of the alphabet letters,
substantively identical to series 11 & 12, would allow the use
of three (3) initials. Also, adding special value cells or indicia,
"I," "II" and "III" or "Jr." and "Sr." would allow differentiating
between such members of the same family.
Embodiment of FIG. 2
[0080] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the second, exemplary embodiment
of the container identification system of the present invention
includes an exemplary container likewise in the form of a typical,
relatively inexpensive, generally cylindrical or near cylindrical,
drinking cup 20 usually made of plastic or Styrofoam and having a
basic body 25, a bottom 26 and a top, peripheral edge or lip
27.
[0081] Along the top, peripheral edge 27 is a set of two,
side-by-side, parallel series 21 & 22, separated by the
circumferential line 29, of intelligent indicia 23 in the form of
two, numeric sequences, including in each series the numbers "0-9,"
it being noted that the number zero ("0") cannot be directly seen
but is located in the left-most, toward-the-rear indica placement
in the figure. Special quantum value cells or indicia for "100" and
"200" are included in the two series, respectively, allowing the
selection of any number for uniquely identifying each cup 20 in a
series between zero and two hundred and ninety-nine (0-299).
[0082] Thus, the exemplary, special, quantum value indicia
included, namely, "100" in the top series 21 and "200" in the next,
lower series 22, in combination with the two numeric series zero to
nine (0-9) allow the selection of any desired identifying number
from zero or one to two hundred and ninety-nine (0/1-299). Thus, if
the user wishes to mark the container 20 illustrated with the
number "275", the user would select the "200" indicia element from
the second series 22 and the "7" and "5" indicia elements from the
first and second, numeric series 21 & 22, respectively.
[0083] A depressable, plastic bubble 24 is positioned over each
indicia element 23 between the "vertical" lines 28. When it is
desired to "high-light" or mark selected indicia, the user, as in
the embodiment of FIG. 1, merely depresses the bubbles over the
selected indicia, using for example, pressure force generated by
closing the thumb against the ball of the adjacent finger, causing
the pressured bubble to collapse or be at least indented or
otherwise crushed. If the intelligent indicia 23 are printed or
impressed on both sides of the cup edge 27, as illustrated in FIG.
2, both, opposed bubbles are concurrently depressed, highlighting
the indicia on both sides of the cup edge and upper areas. This
allows the marked indicia to be viewed from either side of the
cup.
[0084] As before, bubbles which collapse or are crushed under
pressure are just one, possible form of marking the selected
indicia. Other approaches are, of course, also possible, including,
for further example, the use of indicia structures which change
color under significant pressure, marking devices, etc.
[0085] For further example, when it is desired to identify the cup
20 with, for example, the number "38," the end user or provider
user merely crushes the appropriate bubbles 24 located over the
numbers being selected and to be high-lighted, for example, the
number "3" from the first series 21 and the number "4" from the
second series 22 of numeric indicia to identify the cup with, for
example, "34" (note darkened indicia elements in FIG. 2). Thus, for
example, when the end user places his/her cup down and comes back
later to pick it up, he/she can specifically and definitely
identify his/her so-identified, "34" cup as his own, although he
may, for example, be with many other people at a party using
substantively identical cups. Besides arbitrarily assigning
numbers, the numbers could at least generally be based on the
user's age or, if four numeric series zero to nine (0-9) are
present, the day and month of the user's birthday, for example,
"0704" for July 4.sup.th could be selected. An assigned number,
however selected, could also be used in connection with a number to
be arbitrarily determined in, for example, a numerically based,
party raffle, etc.
[0086] As a further, exemplary alternative, if one wished to
increase the range of the numbers that could be selected, a third
row, substantively identical to rows 21 & 22, could be added
and the special quantum value cells changed to "1,000" &
"2,000" with "3,000" added in the third row, would allow a
selection of zero to three thousand, nine-hundred and ninety-nine
("0-3,999").
Embodiment of FIG. 3
[0087] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the third, exemplary embodiment of
the container identification system of the present invention
includes an exemplary container in the form again of a typical,
relatively inexpensive, generally cylindrical or near cylindrical,
drinking cup 30 usually made of plastic or Styrofoam and having a
basic body 35, a bottom 36 and a top, peripheral edge or lip
37.
[0088] Along or at least partially near the top, peripheral edge 37
is a set of two, series 31 & 32, one circumferentially located
and the other "vertically" located, separated in part by the
circumferential line 39, of intelligent indicia 33. As can be seen,
the indicia are in the form of the letters of the alphabet,
including in each series the letters "A-Z" (only "A" and "B" being
shown in the second series 32 for simplicity purposes).
[0089] A pull-down, indicia marked tab 34 each carries an indicia
element 33 between the "vertical" lines 38. When it is desired to
"high-light" or mark selected indicia, the user merely pulls the
selected tab 34, pulling it down away from the associated,
peripheral wall element 34A for the selected indicia, using for
example, using the fingers and/or finger nails. If the intelligent
indicia 33 are printed or impressed on both sides of the cup edge
37, as illustrated in FIG. 3, both, opposed tabs can be pulled
down, highlighting the indicia on both sides of the cup edge 37.
This allows the marked indicia to be viewed, at least in part, from
either side of the cup 30.
[0090] The circumferential line 39 and the "vertical" lines 38 can
be scored or perforated to assist in the pulling down and possible
removal of the individual tabs 34.
[0091] When it is desired to identify the cup 30 with, for example,
the initials of the user, the end user or provider user merely
pulls down the tabs 34 located for the letters being selected and
to be high-lighted, for example, the letter "H" from the first
series 32 for the first initial of the name and a letter from the
second series 32 of alphabet indicia for the second initial of the
name to identify the cup. Thus, for example, when the user places
his/her cup down and comes back later to pick it up, he/she can
specifically and definitely identify his/her so-identified cup as
his/her own, although he/she may, for example, be with many other
people at a party using substantively identical cups.
Embodiment of FIG. 4
[0092] Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 4, the indicia
elements 43 could be placed on the tab wall 44A in the form of
letters (or numbers or other symbols or special values) which
appear on the interior side but, for example, is covered over by
the tab 44 on the exterior side of the cup 40. By viewing the
letters (numbers, symbols, etc.) on the interior side, the user
could see which tab 44 is covering over the desired letter (or
numbers or other symbols or special values) and then pull it down
or off, exposing the selected letter indicia, for example, "H." In
folding or removing the tab 44, each selected tab is preferably
grabbed between the user's thumb and the ball of another finger and
moving the initial edge of the tab at least about ninety
(90.degree.) degrees, thereby high-lighting the selected indicia
elements with the moved tabs. Preferably the selected intelligent
indicia are translucent or transparent, while the tabs 44 are
opaque, causing the selected letters (numbers, symbols, etc.) to
standout and be more clearly viewable and indeed be emphasized by
the ambient light.
[0093] An alternative "high-lighting" approach would be to use
"scratch-off" coatings or covering, which, with, for example, the
user's fingernail(s) or a coin or the like, can be scratched off,
exposing the intelligent indicia underneath the selected coverings
or coatings. This "scratch-off" approach is often used in
"scratch-off" cards used in games of chance and the like and are
well known in that art.
[0094] In conclusion, it should be noted in FIG. 2 (FIG. 3) that
the intelligent indicia 23 (33) appear on both sides of the upper
cup area 27 (37), with the indicia on the interior side being
"reversed" or a mirror image of the indicia. This is caused when
the indicia 23 (33) is, for example, embossed or die pressed from
one side, causing a depression on one side and a surface extension
on the other side of the cup 10 (30). Likewise, it should be noted
in FIG. 2 that the intelligent indicia 23 appear on both sides of
the upper cup area 27, with the indicia on the interior and
exterior sides each being right facing. This is caused when the
indicia 23 is, for example, separately imprinted on the interior
and exterior surfaces.
[0095] Additionally, it should be understood that in addition to
alphabet series (13/33), numeric series (23/32), and special
quantum value indicia ("100," "200,". . . ), other special value,
intelligent indicia series or individual indicia could be used,
including the use of some symbols (e.g., commercial logos for
designating the container's contents), etc. For example, the
special indicia monthly series of "January" ("Ja" or "1"),
"February" ("Fb" or "2"), "March" ("Mr" or "3"), "April" ("Ap" or
"4"), "May" ("My" or "5"), "June" ("Jn" or "6"), "July" ("Ju" or
"7"), . . . , etc.; or a limited series of years, for example,
"2002", "2003", "2004", etc.; or a series of product description
values, for example, in a first product sequence, for example,
"coffee" (or "C"), tea (or "T"), etc., and a second series of types
or additives, for example, "D" (decaffeinated), "C" (cream added),
"M" (milk added), "H" ("half-and-half" added), "S1" (one sugar
added), "S2" (two sugar added), etc., or series of locations, for
example, "N" (New York plant), "C" (Chicago plant), etc., and so
on.
[0096] Finally, the container can have many different
configurations and sizes and have a top or be top-less, etc.,
although a hand-held container, cup or "drinking glasslike" or cup
configuration are particularly preferred, efficacious embodiments.
It is noted that an exemplary, plastic party has a height of about
four (4") inches and a top diameter of about three (3") inches and
a bottom diameter of about two (2") inches, although there are
other sizes of drinking cups that would likewise work well with the
present invention. With this exemplary cup and the different
dimensions between the top and the bottom diameters, the side wall
of the cup has an upward, outward inclination, and this shape in
the context of this patent specification is referred to as
"substantially cylindrical," while a line on the side wall surface
lying in a plane through the center-line of the cup is considered
in the context of this patent specification to be "vertical."
[0097] With such containers, each container is easily held in one
hand of an adult user, while the other hand can be used to select
and high-light the selected indicia elements. Thus, for example, in
the embodiment of FIG. 3 (or FIG. 4), while holding the container
30 (40) in one hand, the user can use his/her thumb and the
adjacent fore-finger or other finger of the other hand in a pincer
movement to separately grab and pull down the tabs 34 (44) of the
selected indicia, which tabs should be moveable at least ninety
(90.degree.) or one hundred and eighty (180.degree.) degrees, if
not completely removable, high-lighting their respective indicia.
Likewise, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 & 2, the bubbles 14/24
can be crushed between the thumb and the fore-finger or other
finger of the other hand in a squeezing, pincer movement, with the
outer surfaces of the bubbles being designed to be crushed under
such pressure.
[0098] It also should be understood that the foregoing variations
and alternatives, etc., described above are merely exemplary and
many other changes to the exemplary embodiments are possible within
the teachings of the present invention.
[0099] Thus, the embodiments of the present invention described
herein in detail for exemplary purposes are of course subject to
many different variations in structure, design, application,
materials and methodology. Because many varying and different
embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive
concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be
made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the
descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that
the details herein generally are to be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *