Dispensing – With lock or fastening seal – Single-use fastening seal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-13
2001-04-24
Kaufman, Joseph A. (Department: 3254)
Dispensing
With lock or fastening seal
Single-use fastening seal
C222S153140, C222S481500, C222S525000, C215S901000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220484
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to a security strap for a bottle spout for dispensing a beverage.
Beverages such as liquor are typically poured from a bottle into a glass in which a drink is being mixed. A spout is often attached to the mouth of the bottle to dispense the liquor at a relatively constant flow rate so that a bartender can free-pour the liquor without the need for a measuring device, such as a jigger. A need exists for a simple, inexpensive way of securing the spout to the bottle to prevent unauthorized removal of the spout to dispense drinks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a single-piece, disposable security strap that is inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to use effectively to prevent unauthorized use.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a security strap for a beverage dispensing device having a bottle and a spout disposed at the mouth of the bottle includes a strap ring having an opening configured to surround a portion of the spout. First and second connecting portions extend from the strap ring. A first affixing member is connected to the end of the first connecting portion. A second affixing member is connected to the end of the second connecting portion. The first and second affixing members include an adhesive for securing the affixing members to the exterior of the bottle.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second affixing members includes a self-adhering surface. The first and second connecting portions are generally straight strips extending generally radially outwardly from the strap ring. The opening of the strap ring is sufficiently large to allow a distal portion of the spout to pass therethrough and is sufficiently small to surround and engage a proximal shoulder of the spout. The strap ring is generally circular. In a specific embodiment, the security strap includes a third connecting portion extending from the strap ring and a third affixing member connected to the end of the third connecting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second affixing members are configured to be connected together to form an affixing loop around the exterior of the bottle.
Another aspect of the invention is directed to a security strap for a beverage dispensing device having a bottle and a spout disposed at the mouth of the bottle. The security strap includes a strap band having an opening configured to capture a portion of the spout and a plurality of connecting portions extending from the strap band. Each connecting portion includes an affixing member at an end thereof. The affixing members are configured to be connected together to form a fastening band around the exterior of the bottle. The security strap may have a generally uniform thickness.
Another aspect of the invention is a method of securing a spout disposed at a mouth of a bottle to the bottle using a security strap which includes a strap ring having an opening configured to capture a portion of the spout, and a plurality of connecting portions extending from the strap ring, each connecting portion having an affixing member at an end thereof. The method includes placing the strap ring around the spout to capture a portion of the spout with the opening, and adhering the affixing members to the exterior of the bottle to secure the strap ring around the spout against the mouth of the bottle to prevent displacement of the spout for dispensing.
In some embodiments, each affixing member is adhered to the exterior of the bottle. A self-adhesive surface is provided on at least one of the affixing members. The affixing members are connected together to form an affixing loop surrounding the bottle. An adhesive is applied between at least one of the affixing members and the exterior of the bottle. The security strap is provided with at least one self-adhering surface releasably adhered to a strap. The security strap is peeled from the strip for use. In a specific embodiment, the opening of the strap ring is larger than a distal portion of the spout and smaller than a proximal shoulder of the spout. The strap ring is placed around the proximal shoulder of the spout by passing the distal portion therethrough.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3117701 (1964-01-01), Stull
patent: 5472120 (1995-12-01), Stebick et al.
patent: 5996849 (1999-12-01), Bansal
patent: 6079589 (2000-06-01), Matsuyama et al.
Automatic Bar Controls Inc.
Kaufman Joseph A.
Townsend and Townsend / and Crew LLP
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