US20160073808A1

US20160073808A1 - Beverage Cup Protector Lid Apparatus, Method and System

Info

Publication number: US20160073808A1
Application number: US14/949,711
Authority: US
Inventors: Virginia M. Drogo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-08-08
Filing date: 2015-11-23
Publication date: 2016-03-17

Abstract

The present invention comprises an improved beverage lid design capable of stretching over a container, such as a beer glass or wine glass. The lids will be fabricated of materials having polymeric elastomeric properties. The lid will be used to cover alcohol beverages served by any establishment that sells opened alcohol beverages to the public. The lid will have certain sayings printed on the top of the lid that will make a potential predator aware that the potential victim is aware of the problem of “date rape”; the lid itself will cover the beverage and will prevent someone from casually slipping a roofie (date rape drug) or any other type of drug into their glass. The cover will also protect against spillage as patrons both female and male walk around a bar or night club with their drink in hand.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional patent application is a continuation-in-part application of applicant's Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 29/503,605 filed on Sep. 29, 2014 and applicant's Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/569,143 filed on Aug. 7, 2012; said application Ser. No. 13/569,143 claimed priority from applicant's Provisional Patent Application No. 61/515,977 filed on Aug. 8, 2011.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A “roofie” (also known as Rohypnol) is a brand name for flunitrazepam, a tranquilizer similar to Valium. Rohypnol is at least 10 times stronger than Valium. Roofies are not approved for sale in the U.S. There are adverse effects associated with using Roofies which include decreased blood pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.
Roofies can take effect as little as half an hour after ingestion and last several hours.
Roofies have amnesia producing effects that makes it the choice date rape drug for predators. Rohypnol is also known as:

- Circles
- Forget Pill
- LA Rochas
- Lunch Money
- Mexican Valium
- Mind Erasers
- Poor Man's Quaalude
- R-2
- Rib
- Roach
- Roach-2Other date rape drugs are listed below
- Roches
- Roofies
- Roopies
- Rope
- Rophies
- Ruffles
- Trip-and-Fall
- Whiteys
- Clonazepam (marketed as Klonopin in the U.S. and Rivotril in Mexico); and
- Alprazolam (marketed as Xanax).

GHB, is a nick name for gamma hydroxybutyric (GAM-muh heye-DROX-ee-BYOO-tur-ihk) acid. GHB is also known as:

- Bedtime Scoop
- Cherry Meth
- Easy Lay
- Energy Drink
- G
- Gamma 10
- Georgia Home Boy
- G-Juice
- Gook
- Goop
- Great Hormones
- Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
- Liquid E
- Liquid Ecstasy
- Liquid X
- PM
- Salt Water
- Soap
- Somatomax
- Vita-G

Ketamine (KEET-uh-meen), is also known as:

- Black Hole
- Bump
- Cat Valium
- Green
- Jet
- K
- K-Hole
- Kit Kat
- Psychedelic Heroin
- Purple
- Special K
- Super Acid

The drugs listed are known as Club Drugs and are used in the social arenas other social gathering that involves drinking other social gathering that involves drinking, and most commonly used in the club scene.
The drugs are used both on women, usually for sexual assault, and men to rob them of their money and belongings. Although the term date rape is used many times it is a stranger who commits the rape or sexual assault.
In the prior art, there has been no satisfactory apparatus, method or system, that properly, and affirmatively prevents the introduction of the aforesaid drugs into the beverage of an unwitting victim, while simultaneously providing overt visual warnings to a potential nefarious criminal. The present invention solves this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention (“Roofie Stopper or Roofie Blocker” herein) is an improved lid by design and utility. The lid will be capable of stretching over a glass within a one inch diameter of its original position, therefore the lids will be manufactured in several sizes to accommodate a wide range of beverage drink cup top mouth opening diameters. The lids will be fabricated of materials having both elastic and/or plastic properties. The lids may also be fabricated with a plurality of concentric ridges in order to be affixed to a plethora of beverage containers. The lid will be used to cover alcohol beverages served by bars, night clubs, beach bars and any establishment that sells opened alcohol beverages to the public especially in a night club and bar setting. The lid will look like a rubber lid, a cap, a cover, that when placed over the top of a glass it will stretch over the top to have a tight fit. The lid will have a perforation (such as shaped as an “X”) on the top of the lid for entrance of a straw; the perforation will be able to accommodate a wide range of straw diameters, which shall include, but not be limited to straw diameters up to approximately 3/16 inches to ¼ inches. The straw opening will be uncut until the person putting a straw into the lid pushes it through the aforesaid perforation.
The lid will have certain sayings on the top of the lid that will make the predator aware that the potential victim is aware of the problem of “date rape”; the lid itself will cover the alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverage and will prevent someone from casually slipping a roofie (date rape drug) or any other type of drug into their glass. The cover will also protect against spillage as patrons both female and male walk around a bar or night club with their drink in hand.
The utility of the elastic-plastic material capabilities of the product(Roofie Stopper/Roofie Blocker) and/or a plurality of concentric ridges placed on the underside of said lids, will allow coverage of the majority of glasses used at Bars, Night Clubs, Beach Bars and any establishment that sells opened alcohol beverages to the public.
The lids (Roofie Stopper/Roofie Blocker) will cover most substantially rigid glasses/cups within the stretching range of the diameter of the lid. Although the lids (Roofie Stopper/Roofie Blocker) will come in various sizes that will fit the majority of glasses used in the entertainment arena; bars, nightclubs, beach bars, etc. the lids (Roofie Stopper/Roofie Blocker) can be narrowed down to approximately three to six sizes.
Another utility of the Roofie Stopper/Roofie Blocker is the available affirmative action that can be taken by the bar owner, liquor manufacturer and any other entity that will be serving or selling alcohol beverages to the public. It has been established that young girls are being sexually assaulted, rapped and even killed after being drugged with a date rape drug. The lid (Roofie Stopper/Roofie Blocker) will be offer for sale at the bar to the public and the person purchasing the Lid (Roofie Stopper/Roofie Blocker) will be able to utilize the lid all night reusing lid on any refill of her beverage.
The Lids (Roofie Stopper/Roofie Blocker) will be manufactured using materials with both elastic and/or plastic material properties such that protective lid will be able to stretch over a glass about one inch from said lid's original size, and then return to its original shape when removed. The function of the stretchable lid gives the user the capability of utilizing the lid to cover variety of gasses within at least 130% of its unstretched original diameter. The lids will also have the ability to be manufactured with a plurality of ridges on said lids underside, thereby further enabling affixing to a plethora of beverage cup sizes and materials. This will enable the liquor industry to try and help the unwanted and illegal spiking of a drink.
For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is plan view of the top of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is plan view of the bottom of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings FIGS. 1 through 5, there is illustrated the preferred embodiment of the improved Beverage Cup Protector Lid embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the preferred embodiment of a beverage container protective lid (100) to cover the top of a plurality of said beverage container's sizes, said lid fabricated of a polydimethylsdoxanes elastomeric material or fabricated of thermoplastic polyester elastomeric material, such that said lid will stretch over the top of said beverage containers to cover a variety of said beverage container such that said lid can be stretched to 110% of said lid's unstretched original diameter to have a leak-proof fit over the top of said beverage containers, said lid having a plurality of integrally molded supplemental elastomeric seal lips (101) on said lid's underside, said elastomeric seal lips having a plurality of radial slots (102) of removed elastomeric material from part of its circumference, said seal lips (101) providing secondary sealing to prevent introduction of drugs into said beverage container, said radial slots (102) providing additional sealing to prevent spillage of a liquid in said beverage container if said beverage container is turned from its vertical position, said radial slots (102) enabling said seal lips to a seal beverage container with changing diameters in the region just below the top of the beverage container [i.e., a conical beverage container (beer glass), a bulbous beverage container (wine glass), etc.], said lid (100) having a plurality of warnings to individuals, printed on its top (103), said warnings stating for an individual not to attempt to place unwanted drugs in said beverage container, said lid having a perforation (104) on the top of the lid for entrance of a straw, said perforation (104) capable to accommodate a plurality of said straw's diameters, said perforation (104) being not fully cut open until said straw is inserted through said perforation (104) thereby inhibiting the insertion of unwanted substances into said beverage container.
FIGS. 1-5 show the preferred embodiment wherein the aforesaid elastomeric lid (100) materials' properties enable the secure capture of any beverage container, and prohibit the easy unauthorized removal of said lid, and preclude the stealth entry of any unwanted solids or liquids, such as the aforesaid Roofie drugs (i.e. the lid is leak-proof and tamper-proof).
While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the instant disclosure will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
In so far as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the limited claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred and alternate embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for prohibiting the unwanted introduction of drugs into an individual's beverage container, said apparatus comprising:

a beverage container,

a beverage container protective lid to cover the top of a plurality of said beverage container's sizes, said lid fabricated of a polydimethylsiloxanes elastomeric material such that said lid will stretch over the top of said beverage containers to cover a variety of said beverage containers such that said lid can be stretched to 110% of said lid's unstretched original diameter to have a leak-proof and tamper-proof fit over the top of said beverage containers, said lid having a plurality of integrally molded supplemental elastomeric seal lips on said lid's underside, said elastomeric seal lips having a plurality of radial slots of removed elastomeric material from part of its circumference, said seal lips providing secondary sealing to prevent introduction of drugs into said beverage container, said radial slots providing additional sealing to prevent spillage of a liquid in said beverage container if said beverage container is turned from its vertical position, said radial slots enabling said seal lips to a seal beverage container with changing diameters in the region just below the top of the beverage container,

said lid having a plurality of warnings to individuals, said warnings stating to said individuals not to attempt to place unwanted drugs in said beverage container,

said lid having a perforation on the top of the lid for entrance of a straw, said perforation capable to accommodate a plurality of said straw's diameters, said perforation being not fully cut open until said straw is inserted through said perforation thereby inhibiting the insertion of unwanted substances into said beverage container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said polydimethylsiloxanes elastomeric material is replaced with thermoplastic polyester elastomeric material.

3. An method for prohibiting the unwanted introduction of drugs into an individual's beverage container, said method comprising:

the step of having a beverage container,

the step of having a beverage container protective lid to cover the top of a plurality of said beverage container's sizes, said lid fabricated of a polydimethylsiloxanes elastomeric material such that said lid will stretch over the top of said beverage containers to cover a variety of said beverage containers such that said lid can be stretched to 110% of said lid's unstretched original diameter to have a leak-proof and tamper-proof fit over the top of said beverage containers, said lid having a plurality of integrally molded supplemental elastomeric seal lips on said lid's underside, said elastomeric seal lips having a plurality of radial slots of removed elastomeric material from part of its circumference, said seal lips providing secondary sealing to prevent introduction of drugs into said beverage container, said radial slots providing additional sealing to prevent spillage of a liquid in said beverage container if said beverage container is turned from its vertical position, said radial slots enabling said seal lips to seal a beverage container with changing diameters in the region just below the top of the beverage container,

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said polydimethylsiloxanes elastomeric material is replaced with thermoplastic polyester elastomeric material.

5. An system for prohibiting the unwanted introduction of drugs into an individual's beverage container, said system comprising:

a beverage container,

a beverage container protective lid to cover the top of a plurality of said beverage container's sizes, said lid fabricated of a polydimethylsiloxanes elastomeric material such that said lid will stretch over the top of said beverage containers to cover a variety of said leverage container such that said lid can be stretched to 110% of said lid's unstretched original diameter to have a leak-proof and tamper-proof fit over the top of said beverage container, said lid having a plurality of integrally molded supplemental elastomeric seal lips on said lid's underside, said elastomeric seal lips having a plurality of radial slots of removed elastomeric material from part of its circumference, said seal lips providing secondary sealing to prevent introduction of drugs into said beverage container, said radial slots providing additional sealing to prevent spillage of a liquid in said beverage container if said beverage container is turned from its vertical position, said radial slots enabling said seal lips to seal beverage containers with changing diameters in the region just below the top of the beverage container,

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said polydimethylsiloxanes elastomeric material is replaced with thermoplastic polyester elastomeric material.