Design student invents Hollow glass to prevent drink spiking
posted May 2nd 2005 8:59AM
After a friend was sexually assaulted when her drink was spiked in a bar, design student Tom Martin developed a device designed to put an end to that foul nightclub practice (see the Drink Guard, the Alcotop, and the Drink Safe Coaster for some earlier attempts at spike blockage). The Hollow is a glass with double walls, whose only way in to the liquid part of the chamber is via a special nozzle that must be affixed to the glass. Without the nozzle in place, it's almost impossible to tamper with the drink's contents — the center is hollow and bottomless, so anything pitched in in the normal manner would just fall straight through. Additionally, the Hollow sits on a special coaster that changes color as the drink sits. If not touched for over 10 minutes, the coaster is blue, signifying to the drinker the higher likelihood that the drink had been tampered with in her absence. We won't even go into how insane it is that someone had to invent this device in the first place, and just congratulate Tom Martin on being proactive about it.
Great innovation, but yeah, sad that it had to be done.
Guys who use roofies and other date-rape drugs are absolutely evil. They don't deserve to live. They should be shot and killed.
How do you put ice in it? An olive? Does it have a place for the little umbrella?
A good friend of mine was raped this way... the guy slipped something in her coke can and then "escorted" her to his car... she doesn't remember leaving but did remember waking up naked in a public park at 11pm...
We got her help, and then we made sure the guy paid... by first destroying his brand new Saab, and then we informed the police.
He was in the military, so it was even sweeter to see him spend time in a military prison... I'm guessing he had numerous opportunities to enjoy forced prison love, nightly.
dreampc, you guys did a good job
How on earth do you wash it?
Interesting idea for a safe glass but the coaster seems to be useless. If the person wants to reset the coaster they could just lift the glasss and set it down again. My question is how do you drink from this glass? Through the "special nozzle"? Its sad that there is a need for people to revert back to the sippy cup for drinking in a bar.
Umm... yes, it's utterly awful that people have this sort of thing happen to them, but wouldn't it be *whole* lot easier if women just learned to never leave their drink unattended anyway? That's what I've always done!
Here's the obvious question: how do you wash it?
"proactive?" I think this is reactive. "Proactive" would have been designing this and beginning production before the friend was sexually assaulted after having a drink spiked.
@mitchell: I think you're confusing "pro" and "pre"... pro means positive. they're referencing the fact that most people just sit back and bitch about stuff like this or do something destructive... where as this is constructive (see what I did there... I used pro again... this time contrasting it with con)
about my comment above, sorry for being an ass.
@jake: I think preactive is not a word, and the definition of proactive is "Acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty; anticipatory:"
Uh, I don't get it. So liquid must flow out somehow, so why can't it flow back thru the same route?
If you really want something secure, they should have mini-juicebox shooters or single swig servings. (I can just see it now - the Coors Nano-Party Ball!)
I see an arms race in the making, with the spikers finding and exploiting security flaws in the Hollow, Martin moving to close them, and so forth.
Really good invention and should look cool with the changing colors in a bar situation. Too bad I wanted to get taken advantage by some hot girl.
Quoted from above:
"Umm... yes, it's utterly awful that people have this sort of thing happen to them, but wouldn't it be *whole* lot easier if women just learned to never leave their drink unattended anyway? That's what I've always done!"
--------------------
Yes it's horrible to think that we need to have a glass like this, but your comment begs the question: why the fuck should women have to be worried about leaving their drink in the first place? Last time I checked nobody has the right to spike your drink just because you leave it while you go dancing or to the bathroom. It's the men who use date rape drugs that are the criminals, not the women, quit blaming the victim!
#16, I know a guy who was raped by another guy after leaving his drink while going to the bathroom, scary stuff.
As someone else mentioned, if you can drink out of it (not through the special nozzle) you can put stuff in through that way, unless it's a weird crazy one way valve. This is too complicated to be practical I think.
this is the dumbest idea ever, if girls are so stupid that when they go out either a) alone or b) without friends that have the common sense to watch their drink while they are gone, and choose to NOT watch their drink themselves, then they should not go out at all. anyone who thinks enjoying toxins irresponsibly in a place where nobody cares about them is a good idea needs to be slipped something more than a roofie or two
Seems like it is going to be a pain in the ass for the bartender to make the drink. How would they do a martini, old fashioned, or mojito, etc?
i'm going to invent a device that will shield people from food poisoning, it will be a 30 pound chunk of steel with a one-way lock. the device is simple and easy to use, you simply put the burger inside and close it, and you are instantly protected against food poisoning. the device is a one-time use device since it cannot be reopened and will retail for $6,000 USD. i've got the patent, so dont try anything or my company, NTP, will sue your ass
To: #1
"They don't deserve to live. They should be shot and killed."
As vito Coreleone said... "That is not justice...your daughter still lives."
I have a sister (and believe it or not a mother as well) and lots of female friends and I'll admit I worry about them (particularly because of the sleazy way I hear guys treat them when they are unescorted). And if I found out someone had done something like this/that to one of them, draggin' the perp out back for an Old Yeller style coup de grace would as Solozzo (aka 'the Turk') would say, "be my first reaction, sure.". But as dreampc says, just let them go to prison and they'll get their comupence. Cause in there...they don't even BOTHER to spike your drink...
Though I am of course joking up to this point, I realize this is a serious subject...
But as for this safety device...hmm...if I were to be analytical and proactive(preactive?) and try to figure out how this thing might be defeated (and therefore expose IT'S inherint risks), what could I come up with....
Depending on the concentration of the extra intoxicant, it could simple be applied to where the drinker puts their lips (though they might taste it). Or perhaps a topical substance could be sprayed or otherwise applied to the outside of the glass, thereby by-passing the need for oral ingestion. Or even easier, if the drink is REALLY left unattended, I'll bet you could probably pump whatever vile substance you want in through the drinking opening via any syringe-like device (available in any common printer refill kit).
Or if this thing catches on, inevitably black market filling nozzles will hit the college underground scene.
Or you could simply knock her drink over and replace it with something stronger while she's away (knocking it over explains why it's a different drink which she would no doubt notice upon her return). Though this thing is likely shatterproof plastic...
The best practice I've seen (disgusting as it has the potential to be) is just to take your drink with you, or go hit the head or the phone or whatever between drinks. And if that's not possible...order a fresh one you can see delivered when you return. Might be expensive (but if the dudes legit he should be paying anyway...or at least understand), but so are ambulance rides, counseling, lawyers fee, bullets, and headstones.
Be safe out there ladies...
why hasn't ricks comment been removed ?
So, my question is.. Could a rapist not put a contact drug along the lip of the glass?
The fact that measures like this have to be taken is pretty crappy.
Attitudes like jfish and burnt circuit’s perpetuate the problem. Rape is a violent crime, not a regret – particularly in this case were the rapist uses a weapon. Yes, drugs can be considered a “weapon” in this case. Men should step up and start holding each other accountable for their actions and oppressive views against women.
While I certainly won't say anyone 'deserves' it, and I think it's an absolute tragedy for the designers friend, I do believe that the best protection against this sort of thing is to -not drink-. I know it sounds like such an unheard of thing, but believe it or not - you CAN go out and have a good time without alcohol.
With all of the problems that occur from alcohol, I'm absolutely amazed it is still as popular as it is. Try some common sense, people. :(
Morgon - nothing says a guy can't spike your Diet Coke. This has nothing to do with alcohol.
As for those who say the woman shouldn't have to watch her drink and get pissed at people who say women should be more careful - Life's not fair. I shouldn't have to lock my car or shred my credit card statements either, but I do, because I don't want my sh!t stolen. I'm not saying a woman is "asking for it" if she leaves her drink to go to the bathroom... but please use a little common sense. If you are at a bar alone (already a bad idea), you don't drink anything that wasn't handed to you by the bartender, and you don't drink from a container that's left your sight for even a second (that ten minute thing is crap.. how long do you think it takes to drop a little pill in your beer?)
Of course, the best thing to do is always have someone with you. Someone slips you something, and you start getting woozy, your friend calls the bouncer to get the skeevy guy off you, and then you both go home.
I don't walk through shady neighborhoods at night, and women shouldn't go to bars alone. A sad fact of life, but a fact none the less.
Don't take this like I don't hate rapists... I'd like to beat each and every one to a bloody pulp as much as the next guy, probably more. I'm just saying that if you're smart and careful, you can avoid a lot (not all, but a lot) of bad situations.
Technology to the rescue! There should be biometric glasses, it will look like a german stein, and the lid will only open if the properly authorized thumb is pressed against the bio-sensor.
Maybe date rapists will then have to get by only on their looks and charm, ha!
Why not just make an attractive container chics can take to bars. They can keep it on their person the whole time. Ask the bartender to fill with drink.
Good advice 'Nate' and 'Morgan'.
On an aditional note:
"It's the men who use date rape drugs that are the criminals..."
True, but don't think men are the only ones up to no good. I used to work with a guy who got drugged in a bar and was robbed blind...BY A WOMAN. This phenomena of drugging people to take advantage of them is most certainly dominated by M seeking W, so I'm not disagreeing with 'Ted'...
But dudes, you gotta watch your back too...
(It's easier for us though...when an attractive female comes over to guy in a bar and starts falling all over him and getting him drinks and stuff he should already know somethings fishy :) )
Or, in deference to 'Ted', I'll say you don't HAVE TO, but since the world is an imperfect place it would be in your best interests to watch your back and keep your wits about you.
is there even 1 girl who reads/posts here?
its all well and good for guys (like myself) to says what women should and should not do but it would be nice to hear a women's opinion.
another congrats to dreampc by the way.
and by women's opinion i mean woman's.
"Men should step up and start holding each other accountable for their actions and oppressive views against women."
I'd be delighted.
What, you thought that just because I'm the same gender as some of these sleazebags that I'm on their side? If somebody were to abuse a person I cared about like that, I'd make sure they were never able to perform that kind of abuse again. And I'm not talking about a firm scolding.
First, I think this is an interesting invention that if anything highlights a problem in the bar scene. And don't think this happens to just women by men. I know a guy who got roofied by a woman; some woman he did not know at all shoved a drink in his face. He woke up the next day in his car, but nothing had happened to him. Apparently, this woman might have done this to him to get her own jollies off -- or maybe it had happened to her before and could only take revenge out on some innocent guy, as sick as that sounds.
Secondly, people should NOT rely solely on these gadgets and gimmicks (like the color changing drink coaster). I think, while they help to raise awareness, they can give the drinker a false sense of security -- there are ways these things can be circumvented.
To: 'mark'
"..but nothing had happened to him."
DUDE! Did you check his KIDNEYS ?!?!? :)
I know, I know, you're serious. And I've got no reason to doubt it. There are definitely some sick/wierd/twisted/demented people out their of all races/genders/persuasions/classes/causes.
As for 'Rick' and his views/comments...
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say sure, just as there are some predatory men running around out there, there are some promiscuous (or maybe just foolish) women out there too. And I'm sure some of those women have woken up after a night of alcohol/drug fueled (but concensual as far as was possible through the haze)ah...exploits and found themselves ashamed and regretful. And I'm sure some of those women have, instead of simply picking up and making whatever changes they need to to prevent themselves from making such mistakes again, have been unable/unwilling to take responsibility for their actions and have instead cried 'RAPE' (This scenerio presupposes no foul play was actually employed and all actions WERE entered into willingly) causing a completely innocent (if stoopid) male counterpart and cohort in these actions to be wrongfully persecuted.
Rick...I'm sure it's happened.
But this is the MINORITY of cases where women cry rape. Publicly admiting to having been raped is a very humiliating experience for most women, it's not something they are eager to fake (no pun intended) or to go through. End even in cases that are ultimately judged (in court) as having been like this, usually there was some kind of coercion or implied/veiled threats or verifiable surrupticious use of intoxicants...basically the guy was no saint either. You have to understand that legally (and I think most others in here will agree MORALLY) even if a girl/woman says 'yes' until she and her lover are millimeters apart from closing escrow, if she changes her mind and says 'NO' at that point...it's RAPE.
Heck if a man and a woman are halfway done, and she decides she wants to stop before he's finished, vocalizes such, and he does not stop...it's again, rape.
Yes, it is disapointing for a sleazy guy to have spent his time and money working up to 'the pay off' only to have a capricous girl who has been flirting with him all night drunkenly spouting inuendos and occasionally smacking him in the rear or passing her hand over his crotch or whatever say she's not interested, has a headache, prefers women....whatever...That's tough, it's frustrating, it's even kinda cruel on her part, but...walk, man...walk... Cause at that point you AIN'T GOT NO RIGHT TO NOTHIN'. You run that risk when you play the game (snake eyes as it were). It is entirely legal to be a flirt and a tease. Being a rapist is strictly illegal, not to mention out right wrong.
Didn't anyone ever tell you these things ?
my $0.02...nothing more...
PS - If you've never seen it, rent and watch the original black and white movie 'Cape Fear'. Watch it with an open mind and an open heart and think of your mother/sister/girlfriend(shudder)/wife/daughter while you do. Maybe it will give you a little more perspective...
Rick (#34), you're a cowardly loser, just for making that kind of comment. How does it feel to be so such a trashbag, defending this kind of behavior? I bet you sleep well at night.
You deserve to have your unit cut off and stuffed down your throat.
Dear Mitchell Keith Bloch:
pro·ac·tive: "Acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty; anticipatory: proactive steps to prevent terrorism."
You have seem to forgotten/unaware the attached example of the acceptable use of the word in your dictionary definition, which, happens to match the precise expression of the word used by Engadget.
Hi guys.
I am the inventor of the glass.
The nozzle is only used for filling te glass up, it is attached to an optic, therefore its not used during drinking, it just prevents the bar staff from spiking the drinks, which is a problem in the uk. Also if you want your own bottle, there is an optic fitted to each table.
The mat works in your peripheral vision, just like a rear view mirror in a car. If the light is broken you notice it in your vision (just as if someone flashes you when you drive your car)
Therefore if anyone was to break the beam given off they would tamper with your peripheral vision malking you look and in turn catching them!
The mat glows green for the first ten mins - its safe
then blue between 10 and 20 minutes meaning it could be tampered with
then red after twenty minutes meaning the glass is dead and the bar man removes it.
The system is reset after every time the glas is drunk from
The glass is washed by a special washing system which i have developed also, but seems to be left out of the article.
Also there is a lowered inner wall meaning that the drink is safe from spiking with liquids. If the fluid is tipped in it simply falls straight through as there is no inner wall to stop the fluid from entering the safe compartment. (just like standing under a waterfall you don't get wet, ie the fluid doesn't go in the glass)
Hope this helps
Tommo.
Comment to T2:
You suggest that crying rape is never done in response to a bad decision on the part of the woman. My sister’s best friend has claimed rape three times when she was clearly not raped. She was very drunk and had regret in the morning but there was no rape. Actually two of the three times were with the same man and she then later began dating the man. Also she has since admitted to being too drunk and that her claims of rape were a way of answering for her poor choices on the bar scene.
She knowingly sleeps with men who show the slightest bit of interest due to her low self esteem on a regular basis. Yes these men are perhaps a bit low in my book for taking advantage of this but this is not an example of rape. I wish she would make better decisions in life but I don't feel she has ever been raped. She just regrets the face she finds in the morning and this is FOR HER the easy answer to give.
My sister has always been supportive of her and has tried help her when she claims rape but then a day or two later she recants and just admits to a bad decision.
I think that her friend is doing a real disservice to the female population as this diminishes the strength of the term rape. No one should ever claim something as horrific as rape to cover their own mistakes but yes it does happen.
acidreflux:
"After a friend was sexually assaulted when her drink was spiked in a bar"
Really think this is proactive? Let me give you the definition of reactive too:
"Tending to be responsive or to react to a stimulus; Characterized by reaction."
You have a woman's opinion... mine. First of all, I did not suggest that crying rape is never done. I suggested that a woman being forced to have sex against her will is RAPE not a regret. But since we're on the topic only 2% of rapes are falsey reported. Having one experience support your entire view of the situation is weak. Also, having sex with someone who is under the influence of alcohol is not only unethical, but is against the law (at least in my state). People who are under the influence of alcohol cannot give consent. If you have sex with someone who hasn't given consent, then it is rape. Male or female... doesn't matter. Also, by men holding other men accountable I did not mean to imply that all men have negative views against women. If that were the case, why bother asking men to confront other men... wouldn't be too helpful, would it? There have been comments posted here that refer to women as whores and sluts... and I don't think anyone has attempted to confront that behavior except me... a woman. When they have negative views against women, what I have to say isn't going to make one bit of different to them. It is up to you, Lee, and other men like you to start pointing these things out. Remaining silence perpertuates the situation and allows it to continue.
Just a thought. If a guy and girl both go out to a bar get drunk and end up having sex that night. Who is the one commiting rape? Who ever thinks it was a mistake first?
Now don't get me wrong. In this case no one is being forced to have sex and neither person has been given drugs. I'm just saying the two people were under the influence and therefore not legally able to give consent (which is then rape according to the previous post).
Were does the law stand in situations like this. Just wondering as I would imagine this would happen alot.
hi everyone. i have been watching very closly at all the ideas that have been developed for to stop drink spikeing, The only problem is that it is all for bottles only. Think of the millions that use glass pints ect,I was spiked in my pint in a local bar and was ill for nearly two weeks.So i came up with an idea and made a prototype of it.it fits any beer glass or wine glass and is impossibile to remove.so if any companys out their are interested email me thanks. inventorman@blueyonder.co.uk
I wrote to Diagio twice about changing their formulas so that drinks fizz over uncontrolably when spiked. But on both occasions they did not reply back, very bad.