Method and apparatus for conveying unique visual communication

A method for conveying a unique visual communication, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a tab rotatably attached to a connection point proximate to the center of an upper end wall of a container;
• providing an indicator supported by said tab, said indicator selectively movable along a path of rotation;
• providing a plurality of first indicia disposed in a circumferentially spaced series and positioned radially outwardly from said connection point of said tab, said plurality of first indicia being in substantial circumferential alignment along said path of rotation of said indicator;
• providing a second indicia perceptually distinct from said plurality of first indicia and positioned radially outwardly from said connection point of said tab and in substantially circumferential alignment along said path of rotation of said indicator;
• rotating said tab for positioning said indicator in selective alignment with said second indicia;
• and
• providing an order signal conveying a request for another container.

An apparatus for conveying a unique visual communication, said apparatus comprising:

• a container having a substantially cylindrical side wall and an upper end wall coupled to said side wall;
• a tab rotatably attached to said upper end wall at a connection point, said tab selectively movable along a path of rotation;
• a tear portion defined within said upper end wall, said tab being configured to engage said tear portion to define an opening within said upper end wall, said opening being positioned intermediate said connection point and said side wall and having an axis intersecting said connection point;
• an order signal disposed radially outwardly from said connection point of said tab, said tab being movable from a first position substantially parallel to said axis substantially intermediate said opening and said side wall to a second position angularly offset from said first position and aligned with said order signal;
• and
• wherein alignment of said tab with said order signal represents a request for a second said container.

An apparatus for conveying a unique visual communication, said apparatus comprising:

• a first container having an upper end wall;
• a tab pivotally supported by said upper end wall for movement between a first position substantially parallel with said upper end wall and a second position substantially perpendicular to said upper end wall;
• and
• at least one request signal supported by said tab, said at least one request signal configured to be visible both when said tab is supported in said first position substantially parallel with said upper end wall and when said tab is supported in said second position substantially perpendicular to said upper end wall, wherein movement of said tab into substantial perpendicular disposition with said upper end wall causes said at least one request signal to indicate a request for a second said container.

An apparatus for conveying a unique visual communication, said apparatus comprising:

• a first container having an upper end wall;
• a tab pivotally supported by said upper end wall;
• a request indicia supported by said tab, wherein movement of said tab into substantial perpendicular disposition with said upper end wall causes said request indicia to effect a first unique visual communication;
• said tab being rotatably supported at a connection point proximate the center of said upper end wall, said tab including an indicator selectively movable along a path of rotation;
• and
• a plurality of identification indicia circumferentially spaced and disposed radially outwardly from said connection point of said tab, said plurality of identification indicia being substantially aligned with said path of rotation of said indicator, wherein said indicator is selectively movable into alignment with any one of said plurality of identification indicia for conveying a second unique visual communication.

A method for conveying an order signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first beverage container including an upper end wall, the upper end wall including a tear portion;
• providing a tab pivotally supported by said upper end wall of said first beverage container at a connection point;
• pivoting said tab upwardly into a position substantially perpendicular to said upper end wall for contacting said tear portion and providing an opening within said first beverage container;
• pivoting said tab downwardly into a position substantially parallel to said upper end wall;
• removing beverage from said first beverage container so that said first beverage container is substantially empty;
• pivoting said tab upwardly into a position substantially perpendicular to said upper end wall of said first beverage container;
• and
• conveying an order signal comprising a request for a second beverage container.

The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:

• providing an indicator supported by said tab, said indicator selectively movable along a path of rotation;
• rotatably supporting said tab at said connection point;
• providing a plurality of visual indicia disposed in a circumferentially spaced series along said container upper end wall, said plurality of visual indicia positioned radially outwardly from said connection point of said tab and in substantial circumferential alignment along said path of rotation of said indicator;
• and
• rotating said tab for positioning said indicator in selective alignment with any one of said plurality of visual indicia for conveying an identification signal representing an indication of the possessor of said beverage container.