Contents identification device for a container

• US 5,992,073 A
• Filed: 09/25/1997
• Issued: 11/30/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ronald B. Wolpa
• Original Assignee: Ronald B. Wolpa
• Inventors: Wolpa, Ronald B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Trettel, Michael F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CONLEY, FREDRICK C
• Application Number:
  US08/937,404
• Time in Patent Office: 796 Days
• Field of Search: 40/651, 40/306, 40/310, 40/312, 40/649, 40/665, 40/633, 40/630, 40/488, 40/489, 40/490, 40/491
• US Class Current: 40/651
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/20 for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 7/10 and slideably mounted

Abstract

The present invention provides an identification device, and a method of use therefor. The identification device comprises a label holder, at least one label, and a strap or adhesive bond to secure the label holder to a storage container. The label holder preferably has a box frame and a slot therein. A slot entrance aperture allows the insertion of the label or labels into the slot. A window in an exterior wall of the label holder provides visual access to at least a portion of the information on the label. Each of the labels has a tab extending outwardly from the slot entrance aperture as well as printed information on at least one side of the label concerning the age of, the nature of, and the approximate amount of the contents of the storage container. In its preferred mode, the identification device also includes an indicator. The indicator preferably is attached to the box frame by an oval shaft that fits into a hole with a plurality of detents. The indicator is positionable at each one of a plurality of orientations to represent varying approximate levels of the contents as indicated on the label.

Claims

1. A combination storage container, a storage container contents and a storage container contents identification device, the combination comprising:

a label holder providing a means for attachment of the label holder to an exterior surface of an opaque storage container, and a means for removable engagement of a label means within the label holder, said label holder further providing viewing means positioned for freely viewing the label means and a surface indicia thereon, the surface indicia defining a nature and a plurality of selected contents levels of a storage container contents within the storage container;

a contents level identifying means rotationally mounted onto the label holder and providing a moveable indicator, the moveable indicator enabled for incremental positioning at each one of a plurality of positions for indicating, by association, any one of the plurality of contents levels of the surface indicia on the label means.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the attachment means is a strap encompassing the storage container.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the attachment means is adhesive bonding of the device to the exterior surface of the storage container.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the label holder is a box frame, the removable engagement means being a slot therein, a slot entrance aperture providing a means for inserting the label means into the slot, the viewing means comprising a window in an exterior wall of the label holder for providing visual access to at least a portion of the surface indicia.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the label means further includes a tab means extending outwardly from the slot entrance aperture, the tab means providing indicia appropriate to the contents of the container.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the label means includes separate label cards, the slot being sufficient for accepting a plurality of the label cards.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the contents of the container is coffee and the label means provides written and graphical information about the type of coffee within the container, including the date of purchase of the coffee and caffeination information thereof.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein the tab means comprises individual tabs associated with the label cards, the label cards being arrangeable within the slot so that the tabs are spaced apart.