GB2435034A

GB2435034A - A closure device to prevent drink spiking

Info

Publication number: GB2435034A
Application number: GB0602672A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Smith
Original assignee: ETP CONCEPTS Ltd
Current assignee: ETP CONCEPTS Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-09
Filing date: 2006-02-09
Publication date: 2007-08-15
Also published as: GB0602672D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure device (1) for a vessel (39) such as a drinking glass. The device (1) comprises a closure member (5) movable from an open position to a closed position and a frame (3) carrying a flexible member (9) locatable around the vessel (39). The frame (3) and the closure member (5) define a surface (21) for receiving an adhesive label (35, fig 3) to retain the closure member in its closed position. The present invention also relates to a method of attaching a closure device (1) to a vessel (39). The frame and closure member may be connected to each other by a live hinge, and locking means may be provided to lock the frame and closure in the closed position. The closure may be provided with a transparent window, the closure and/or label may be provided with indicia such as logos, brand names. The closure device could also be used with bottles and drinks cans.

Description

-I-

A CLOSURE DEVICE

The present invention relates to a closure device for a vessel, such as a drinking glass.

The problem of drink spiking, whereby a mind-altering substance is introduced into a person's drink, is becoming increasingly widespread in bars and clubs. Rape, theft and assault are often the motivation for drink spiking.

Drugs such as Flunitrazepam, which are colourless, odourless and tasteless, are commonly used since they remain undetected when dissolved. Although certain manufacturers have added dyes to aid detection of certain drugs, counterfeit versions are available which do not include the dye. It will be appreciated that alcohol and other substances may also be used to spike drinks.

It is known to provide plastic lids which fit over the top of drinking glasses. The lids are supplied in a range of different sizes to fit different types of glasses. These lids make it more difficult to introduce a substance into the glass since they must first be removed from the glass. However, after a substance has been added to the drink the lid may readily be replaced on the glass without providing an indication that tampering has occurred. As such, the lid provides little or no protection against drink spiking if the glass is left unattended. Furthermore, out-gassing of a carbonated or expansive drink may cause the lid to lift partially off of the glass.

The present invention, at least in preferred embodiments, sets out to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the problems outlined above.

Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention relates to a closure device for a vessel, the device comprising a closure member movable from an open position to a closed position and a frame carrying a flexible member locatable around a vessel; the frame and the closure member defining a surface for receiving an adhesive label to retain the closure member in said closed position. In use, the flexible member is located around the vessel and the closure member is located in its closed position to obstruct an opening in the vessel and thereby prevent the introduction of a substance into the vessel.

The application of an adhesive label to the surface defined by the frame and the closure member retains the closure member in its closed position. The resilience of the flexible member is such that it is extremely difficult to locate the device on the vessel with the closure member in its closed position. At least in preferred embodiments, the closure member must be moved to said open position to locate the device on a vessel. Moving the closure member to said open position typically results in the adhesive label being torn or damaged which provides an indication that tampering has occurred. Thus, at least in preferred embodiments, the closure device according to the present invention is a tamper-evidencing device.

The device may be used as a temporary closure device without applying an adhesive label. Rather, the device is used as a lid which is placed on top of the vessel. This kind of use would provide additional protection from drink spiking, for example, while someone is drinking from the vessel.

The use of a flexible member is desirable insofar as it allows the device to be fitted on vessels of different sizes and shapes. Moreover, the flexible member helps to prevent the closure member and frame being lifted off of the vessel due to out-gassing from a drink contained in the vessel. The flexible member helps to ensure that, although out-gassing may cause the closure member and the frame to lift slightly, the device remains attached to the vessel.

Preferably, the flexible member allows gas to vent to atmosphere and thereby prevents the build up of gas in the vessel.

The flexible member may be made of latex or rubber, but it is preferably made of Flexistretchth, produced by Everite Transworld Ltd of Hong Kong and the subject of UK patent application No. 0219164.1. However, it will be appreciated that any flexible material may be used.

The closure member is preferably provided with at least one transparent window. The at least one transparent window allows a user to check that the flexible member has been located properly on the vessel. Equally, the at least one transparent window allows a user to check whether the device has been removed and then placed back on the vessel without locating the flexible member around the vessel. The at least one window is preferably made of a transparent plastics material.

The device is suitable for use with a range of different shapes and sizes of vessels. The device is typically used on open vessels, such as drinking glasses, wine glasses and drinks cans, but is not limited to use with vessels of these types.

The flexible member, in use, preferably contacts the sidewalls of the vessel.

In use, the frame is preferably located around the outside of the vessel.

The surface defined by the frame and the closure member for receiving an adhesive label is defined when the closure member is in said closed position. The surface is preferably substantially continuous. At least part of the surface is preferably raised relative to the surrounding regions of the frame and closure member.

At least part of said surface preferably comprises a lip on the frame and/or a lip on the closure member. Preferably the lip on the frame and/or the lip on the closure member define(s) an acute angle with the associated edge of the frame and/or closure member. A ridge is preferably defined across the surface. When the closure member is moved towards said open position, this arrangement advantageously promotes tearing of an adhesive label adhered to the surface.

The closure member and the frame could be pivotally connected to each other. Preferably, however, the closure member and the frame are hingedly connected to each other. Most preferably the closure member and the frame are connected to each other by a live hinge.

The closure member and the frame are preferably circular. The closure member preferably abuts the frame when it is moved to said closed position. At least one locating member is preferably provided on the frame and/or closure member to align the closure member with said frame when it is moved to said closed position. The closure member may be provided with one or more ribs to make it more difficult to lift the flexible member away from the closure member.

It is envisaged that the device could be used as part of a promotional campaign. With this in mind, indicia, such as an image, brand name or slogan, may be provided on the closure member and/or frame. The indicia may, for example, be printed or embossed on the top surface of the closure member.

The flexible member is preferably formed from a sheet of flexible material. Although the flexible member could form a skirt locatable around a vessel, the flexible member is preferably substantially planar when the device is not in use. Preferably, the flexible member is supported by or lies adjacent to the closure member when the device is not in use.

An aperture is preferably provided in the flexible member to facilitate location of the flexible member around a vessel. The flexible member is preferably circular. The aperture in the flexible member is preferably circular and, most preferably, is located at the geometric centre of the flexible member.

The closure member may have a protrusion locatable in the aperture provided in the flexible member. The profile of the protrusion preferably matches the aperture to make it more difficult for an individual to grip a free edge of the flexible member. However, if the flexible member is made of a highly flexible material, such as FlexistretchTM, the aperture formed therein may be relatively small (for example having a diameter of between 1mm and 5mm) and it is not necessary to provide a protrusion on the closure member.

The present invention further relates to a closure device as described herein in combination with at least one adhesive label applicable to the surface defined by the frame and the closure member. Indicia are preferably provided on said at least one adhesive label.

A plurality of adhesive labels is preferably provided on a single sheet.

The adhesive labels on the sheet may all be provided with different indicia; or the adhesive labels on the same sheet may all be provided with the same indicia. At least one matching indicia is preferably printed on the sheet for reference purposes.

The at least one adhesive label is preferably a security label. Labels of this type typically disintegrate if an attempt is made to remove them. Thus, the adhesive label cannot be removed from the device in a single piece and then returned to the device after the closure member has been opened. The label may, for example, be made of ultra thin PVC.

Viewed from a still further aspect, the present invention relates to a set of adhesive labels for use with a closure device as described herein, wherein the adhesive labels are each provided with different indicia.

Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present invention relates to a set of adhesive labels for use with a closure device as described herein, wherein the adhesive labels are each provided with the same indicia.

Viewed from a yet still further aspect, the present invention relates to a closure device for a vessel, the device comprising a frame and a closure member movable from an open position to a closed position; the frame carrying a flexible member; the device further comprising locking means for locking the frame and the closure member in said closed position. The locking means may, for example, be a lock operated by a key.

Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present invention relates to a closure device for a vessel, the device comprising a closure member movable from an open position to a closed position and a frame locatable around a vessel; the frame and the closure member defining a surface for receiving an adhesive label to retain the frame and the closure member in said closed position. The frame preferably contacts the sidewall of the vessel and retains the device in position.

The present invention also relates to a method of attaching a closure device to a vessel, the device comprising a closure member movable from an open position to a closed position and a frame carrying a flexible member; the method comprising the steps of: (a) locating the flexible member around the vessel; (b) moving the closure member to said closed position; and (c) applying an adhesive label to retain the frame and the closure member in said closed position.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a closure device in accordance with the present invention in an open position; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the device in a closed position; Figure 3 shows a side view of the device in a closed position; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the device located on a drinking glass with the closure member in an open position; Figure 6 shows a plan view of the device located on a drinking glass with the closure member in a closed position; and Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 6.

A tamper-evidencing device I in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The device I comprises a circular frame 3 and a circular closure member 5. The closure member 5 is connected to the circular frame 3 by a live hinge 7 and is movable between an open position, as shown in Figure 1, and a closed position, as shown in Figure 2.

A flexible membrane 9 made of Flexistretchtm, produced by Everite Transworld Ltd of Hong Kong, is fixedly mounted in the frame 3. The membrane 9 may be attached to the frame 3 using an adhesive, but in the present embodiment a fixing ring 11 is provided inside the frame 3 to secure the membrane 9 in position. A circular aperture 13 is provided in the membrane 9 to allow the membrane 9 to be fitted over a vessel. A circular protrusion 15 provided on the underside of the closure member 5 locates inside the aperture 11 when the closure member 5 is in the closed position.

First and second raised areas 17, 19 are provided on the frame 3 and the closure member 5 respectively, as shown in Figure 2. The raised areas 17, 19 collectively define a circular surface 21 for receiving an adhesive label to retain the closure member 5 in a closed position. As most clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4, the adjacent edges 21, 23 of the frame 3 and the closure member 5 project upwardly to define a ridge transecting the surface 21.

A series of concentric ribs 25 are provided on the underside of the closure member 5. The ribs 25 make it more difficult to peel back the membrane 9 when the closure member 5 is in said closed position. A latching member 27 is provided on the underside of the closure member 5 for engaging an indent 29 in the frame 3 to secure temporarily the closure member 5 in its closed position.

First and second locating members 31, 33 are provided on each side of the frame 3 to locate the closure member 5 in its closed position. The outside of the locating members 31, 33 is serrated to allow the user more readily to grip the device 1.

An adhesive label 35 is applied to the surface 21 to retain the closure member 5 in its closed position. The adhesive label 35 is provided with indicia (not shown) to allow a person to identify whether the label has been replaced with a different label. The indicia may comprise an image, symbol, lettering, The adhesive labels 35 are preferably tamper evident or security labels.

These labels are made of ultra-thin polyvinylchioride, with an acrylic adhesive.

Any attempt to remove these labels causes them to tear, thereby preventing them from being removed in one piece. A supplier of suitable adhesive labels is Abacas Studios of Christchurch Business Centre, Grange Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4JD, United Kingdom.

The closure member 5 is provided with a plurality of transparent windows 37 made of a transparent plastics material. The windows 37 advantageously allow the membrane 9 to be viewed when the device I is located on a drinking glass 39. If the device I has been removed and then simply placed back on top of the drinking glass 39 the membrane 9 will obstruct the windows 37. Thus, the windows 37 provide a further visual indication that tampering may have occurred. The membrane is preferably a highly visible colour, such as red, to provide a clear indication of tampering. The windows 37 also enable a user to check that the membrane 9 has been properly fitted.

The fitting of the device I onto the drinking glass 39 will now be described with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7.

The closure member 5 is moved to the open position and the membrane 9 is stretched over the outside of the drinking glass 39, as shown in Figure 4.

The frame 3 is then lifted to a position generally level with the top of the drinking glass 39 and the closure member 5 is moved to the closed position, as shown in Figure 6. An adhesive label 35 is then provided on the surface 21 to retain the closure member 5 in its closed position.

The membrane 9 is provided around the outside of the drinking glass 39 and the closure member 5 closes the top thereof, as shown in Figure 7. Thus, access to the interior of the drinking glass 39 is restricted whilst the device 1 is in position. The possibility of a substance being added to the contents of the drinking glass 39 is thereby reduced.

The device I can be removed even when the closure member 5 is in the closed position. However, if the device I is removed with the closure member 5 in the closed position, it is extremely difficult to locate it back on the drinking glass 39 without moving the closure member 5 to the open position.

When the device I is not in use and the closure member 5 is in the closed position, the protrusion 15 locates inside the aperture 13 and makes it difficult to grip the free edge of the membrane 9. Even if an individual successfully grips the membrane 9 it is difficult to stretch it sufficiently to locate the device I back on the drinking glass 39. Indeed, the membrane 9 may rip if it is stretched excessively in a single direction by an individual trying to locate the device I on the drinking glass 39 with the closure member 5 in said closed position.

The projecting edges 21, 23 of the frame 3 and the closure member 5 are likely to cause tearing of the adhesive label 35 if an individual tries to force the device I back onto the drinking glass 39. By checking the condition of the adhesive label 35 it is relatively straightforward for someone to determine whether tampering has occurred. Equally, if the device I has been removed and then placed back on top of the drinking glass 39, the membrane 9 obstructs the windows 37 and provides a clear indication that the device has been removed.

Although the indicia provided on the adhesive labels do not have to be unique, adhesive labels with a range of indicia are preferably available. This makes it more difficult for an individual to remove the adhesive label 35 and then replace it with an adhesive label 35 having the same indicia. The indicia printed on the adhesive labels may be changed periodically, for example as part of different promotions, to reduce further the likelihood of an individual having a matching adhesive label 35. Of course, personalised or unique indicia may be printed on the adhesive labels 35 to provide additional security.

The present invention thereby provides a closure device I suitable for vessels of different sizes and shapes. If an individual removed the device I and attempted then to locate it back on the drinking glass 39 without opening the closure member 5, it is believed that their actions would, in many cases, be highly conspicuous. Thus, once the device I is installed on a vessel it should act as a deterrent against drink spiking. Although leaving a drinking glass 25 unattended is not encouraged, at least in preferred embodiments the device I should provide some evidence of tampering.

The closure member 5 provides a useful surface to display branding, such as logos or brand names. The brand name of a beverage company may, for example, be printed on the closure member 5. Equally, the adhesive labels could form part of a particular drinks promotion. Of course, a brand name, logo or other such display could be embossed or otherwise applied to the device I for advertising purposes.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the closure device described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the device could be produced in a range of different sizes to fit vessels of different types and sizes. Although the device has been shown in conjunction with a drinking glass, it will be appreciated that it could equally be used for other vessels, such as bottles or drinks cans.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A closure device for a vessel, the device comprising a

closure member movable from an open position to a closed position and a frame carrying a flexible member locatable around a vessel; the frame and the closure member defining a surface for receiving an adhesive label to retain the closure member in said closed position.

2. A closure device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, the flexible member contacts a sidewall of the vessel.

3. A closure device as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein, in use, the frame is located around the outside of the vessel.

4. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein, in use, the top of the vessel is covered by the closure member when it is in said closed position.

5. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the surface for receiving an adhesive label is raised.

6. A closure device as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least part of said raised portion is defined by a lip on the frame.

7. A closure device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein at least part of said raised portion is defined by a lip on the closure member.

8. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame and the closure member are connected to each other by a hinge.

9. A closure device as claimed in claim 8, where said hinge is a live hinge. -11 -

10. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure member and the frame are circular.

11. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure member locates inside the frame when it is moved to said closed position.

12. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an image, brand name or slogan is provided on the closure member.

13. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an image, brand name or slogan is printed or embossed on the top surface of the closure member.

14. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible member is circular.

15. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an aperture is provided in the flexible member.

16. A closure device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the aperture is circular.

17. A closure device as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the aperture is located at the geometric centre of the flexible member.

18. A closure device as claimed in claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the aperture is sized to enable the flexible member to be provided around the outside of a vessel in use.

19. A closure device as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the closure member has a protrusion locatable in the aperture.

20. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one transparent window is provided in the closure member.

21. A closure device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vessel is a drinking glass.

22. A closure device in combination with at least one adhesive label applicable to the surface defined by the frame and the closure member.

23. A closure device in combination with at least one adhesive label as claimed in claim 22, wherein indicia are provided on said at least one adhesive label.

24. A closure device in combination with at least one adhesive label as claimed in claim 23, wherein a plurality of adhesive labels is provided and different indicia are provided on each of said adhesive labels.

25. A closure device in combination with at least one adhesive label as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, wherein said at least one label is provided on a sheet with at least one matching indicia.

26. A closure device in combination with at least one adhesive label as claimed in any one of claims 23, 24 or 25, wherein said at least one adhesive label is a security label.

27. A set of adhesive labels. for use with a closure device as claimed in any one of claims I to 21, wherein the adhesive labels are each provided with different indicia.

28. A set of adhesive labels for use with a closure device as claimed in any one of claims I to 21, wherein the adhesive labels are each provided with the same indicia.

29. A closure device for a vessel, the device comprising a frame and a closure member movable from an open position to a closed position; the frame carrying a flexible member; the device further comprising locking means for locking the frame and the closure member in said closed position.

30. A closure device for a vessel, the device comprising a closure member movable from an open position to a closed position and a frame locatable around a vessel; the frame and the closure member defining a surface for receiving an adhesive label to retain the frame and the closure member in said closed position.

31. A method of attaching a closure device to a vessel, the device comprising a closure member movable from an open position to a closed position and a frame carrying a flexible member; the method comprising the steps of: (a) locating the flexible member around the vessel; (b) moving the closure member to said closed position; and (c) applying an adhesive label to retain the frame and the closure member in said closed position.

32. A closure device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.

33. A method of locating a closure device on a vessel substantially as herein described.