BEVERAGE CONTAINER HOLDER

Abstract

A beverage container holder may include an insulating sleeve including a first end opposite a second end. The first end may be defined by an opening sized to receive a beverage container. The beverage container holder may include a lining affixed to an internal surface of the sleeve along a length of the internal surface, forming an enclosed pocket between the sleeve and the lining. A beverage container holder may include an insert positioned within the pocket and including at least one sealed compartment containing refreezable material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/709,802 filed 2 Oct. 2012, entitled “FROZEN BEVERAGE HOLDER AND METHODS,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all intents and purposes.

BACKGROUND

A cold beverage product stored within a container when opened may warm to ambient temperature, when ambient temperature is greater than initial temperature of the beverage product. After time, this may affect enjoyment of the cold beverage product.

SUMMARY

This Summary does not in any way limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an aspect, a beverage container holder is disclosed. The beverage container holder may include an insulating sleeve including a first end opposite a second end, the first end defined by an opening sized to receive a beverage container. The beverage container holder may include a lining affixed to an internal surface of the sleeve along a length of the internal surface, forming an enclosed pocket between the sleeve and the lining. The beverage container holder may include an insert positioned within the pocket and including at least one sealed compartment containing refreezable material.

In an aspect, a method for forming a beverage container holder is disclosed. The method may include providing an insulating material, a lining material, and an insert that has at least one sealed compartment containing refreezable material. The method may include positioning the insert to the insulating material. The method may include positioning the lining material to the insert and the insulating material. The method may include affixing the lining material to the insulating material to form a layered structure having an enclosed pocket having the insert positioned therein. The method may include folding the layered structure about a particular axis. The method may include affixing a first portion of the layered structure to a second portion of the layered structure, and a third portion of the layered structure to a fourth portion of the layered structure, forming the beverage container holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. When only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1 shows a first example of an unfolded cut-out of a beverage container holder.

FIG. 2 shows a first example of an insert of a beverage container holder.

FIG. 3 shows the insert of FIG. 2 positioned to the cut-out of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a first example of a beverage container holder.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a second example of an unfolded cut-out of a beverage container holder.

FIG. 7 shows a second example of an insert of a beverage container holder.

FIG. 8 shows the insert of FIG. 7 positioned to the cut-out of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a second example of a beverage container holder.

FIG. 10 shows the beverage container holder of FIG. 9 in perspective view having a beverage container inserted therein.

FIG. 11 shows the beverage container holder of FIG. 9 in perspective view partially collapsed.

FIG. 12 shows the beverage container holder of FIG. 9 in top-down view fully collapsed.

FIG. 13 shows the beverage container holder of FIG. 9 in end view partially collapsed.

FIG. 14 shows an example method for assembling a beverage container holder in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed towards a beverage container holder, and methods for assembling or forming the same.

People have attempted to keep beverage products cold after opening. The use of an insulating foam or neoprene type may be used to achieve this, however, this may only slow down the rate at which a beverage comes to ambient temperature. It may be beneficial to provide a beverage container holder that may cool a beverage when first removed from a refrigeration unit, and allow the beverage to stay cold for an extended period of time.

In one example embodiment, a beverage container holder may comprise of a single-piece neoprene or “scuba foam” sleeve or shell that is cut to a particular size based on dimensions of a particular beverage container, such as a can or a bottle. A refreezable material, such as an aqueous solution or gel, may be placed into a resilient receptacle or container, such as a polyurethane bag, which may then be heat-sealed so as to seal the refreezable material therein. The container is resilient at least because the container may expand and contract with freezing and refreezing of the refreezable material.

The resilient container may be positioned to the single-piece sleeve or shell and then may be covered with a lining, such as a lightweight fabric material, on the inside of the beverage container holder. The lining may facilitate or ease insertion of a beverage container into the beverage container holder, and further protect the resilient container from direct contact with the beverage container. When respective components of the beverage container holder are affixed or positioned in place with respect to each other, the beverage container holder may be folded onto itself, and then at least one seam may be formed to couple or connect portions of the beverage container holder to form a flexible, cylinder-like structure sized to hold a beverage container. The beverage container holder may then be placed within a freezer to freeze the refreezable material, and then used to cool or maintain temperature of a beverage as desired.

Although not so limited, various aspects of the present disclosure may be understood in light of the following description in connection with FIGS. 1-14.

For example, referring now to FIG. 1, a first example of an unfolded blank or cut-out 100 of a beverage container holder is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1 shows first view 102 of cut-out 100, and second view 104 of cut-out 100 (e.g., when cut-out 100 is “flipped” over). In general, cut-out 100 when folded onto itself and affixed to itself at particular portions may form an insulating sleeve or shell having first end 106, second end 108, interior surface 110, and exterior surface 112. Cut-out 100 may be formed of a single-piece material that when cut is sized to a particular beverage container. For example, width 114 and length 116 of cut-out 100 may be selected as desired so as to achieve desired dimensions of cut-out 100. An example width 114 of cut-out 100 may be about 4 inches, or about 102 millimeters. An example length 116 of cut-out 100 may be about 8.5 inches, or about 216 millimeters. Other embodiments of width 114 and/or length 116 are possible.

Further, thickness 118 of cut-out 100 may be selected as desired so as to achieve desired dimensions of cut-out 100. An example thickness 118 of cut-out 100, without loading, may be about 0.08 inches, or about 2 millimeters. Other embodiments of thickness 118 are possible, and may depend on type of material used to form cut-out 100. An example material used to form cut-out 100 may include neoprene. Another example material used to form cut-out 100 may include “scuba foam.” Still other embodiments are possible. For example, cut-out 100 may be formed of any type of plastic material, foam material, or other material as desired, including recycled materials, composite materials, etc.

Cut-out 100 may be formed to exhibit or include first connecting tab 120 and second connecting tab 122. In general, cut-out 100 may folded onto itself to form an insulating sleeve or shell. For example, cut-out 100 may be folded generally about an Axis A that bisects cut-out 100, where first connecting tab 120 and second connecting tab 122 may be affixed together when cut-out 100 is folded onto itself, discussed further below. First connecting tab 120 and second connecting tab 122 when affixed may prevent a beverage container from passing through the bottom of a beverage container holder comprising cut-out 100, discussed further below. Although shown a particular shape in FIG. 1, first connecting tab 120 and second connecting tab 122 may be formed in any shape and dimension as desired to suit a functional and/or aesthetic requirement. Shape and dimension of first connecting tab 120 and second connecting tab 122 may be dependent at least on the size and shape of a particular beverage container.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a first example of an insert 200 of a beverage container holder is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2 shows first view 202 of insert 200, and second view 204 of insert 200 (e.g., when insert 200 is “flipped” over). In general, insert 200 may be sized in dimension similar to cut-out 100 described above in connection with FIG. 1. For example, width 206 and length 208 of insert 200 may be selected so as to be substantially similar to width 114 and length 116 of cut-out 100. In the example shown, the insert 200 may be sealed on ends by seams 210, 212, 214, 216, and include pockets 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228 separated by respective seams 230, 232, 234, 236, 238. Pockets 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228 may be substantially filled with refreezable material. As an example, pockets 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228 may contain about 10 milliliters of refreezable material. Other embodiments are possible. An example of a refreezable material includes aqueous liquid. Another example of a refreezable material includes freezer gel. Still other embodiments are possible. The insert 200 may be formed of a resilient material so that the insert 200 may expand and contract with freezing and refreezing of the refreezable material, without compromising structural integrity of insert 200. In general, number of, size, shape, and location of pockets of insert 200 may be selected or defined as desired, and may be a function of one or more dimensions of cut-out 100.

The refreezable material as discussed throughout may in one embodiment include a composition of water (e.g., 80%), a sodium product, and propylene glycol (Kosher) (e.g., <20%), and may be food grade safe and non-toxic. In general, the propylene glycol may prevent the mixture or composition from freezing solid, and may stay flexible/pliable. This may allow the gel material to drop below freezing temperature, and when used to cool a beverage may keep the beverage colder for longer or greater period of time. For example, beverage temperature may become “colder” than when it was removed from a refrigeration unit, keeping it “ice cold” for an extended period of time. Further, since the mixture or composition does not freeze solid, it may stay uniform, having increased surface area contact with a beverage container. Further, when placed in a refrigeration unit at different angles, the mixture or composition may freeze to a pliable state and not collect in one end or other of its container (e.g., insert 200), instead staying uniform.

Referring now to FIG. 3, insert 200 of FIG. 2 is shown positioned to cut-out 100 of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 3 shows first view 302 of insert 200 positioned to cut-out 100, and second view 304 of insert 200 positioned to cut-out 100. Second view 304 differs from first view 302 in that second view 304 shows lining 306 positioned on top of, or over, or covering insert 200. In second view 304, insert 200 is shown in phantom line. In general, referring to first view 302, insert 200 may be affixed to cut-out 100 by or at seam 308. Insert 200 may be affixed to cut-out 100 by one or more various methods such as: adhesive; stitching. Other fastening or coupling methods are possible. Further, referring to second view 304, lining 306 may be affixed to interior surface 110 of cut-out 100 by or at seam 310, substantially covering insert 200 Lining 306 may be affixed to interior surface 110 of cut-out 100 by one or more various methods such as: adhesive; stitching. Other fastening or coupling methods are possible. Further, in some embodiments, insert 200 may not be affixed to cut-out 100. Rather, insert 200 may be loosely contained or positioned within a substantially enclosed pocket formed between lining 306 and cut-out 100. In this example, insert 200 is affixed to neither lining 306 nor cut-out 100. In both examples though (insert 200 affixed to cut-out 100 or not), insert 200 may be contained or positioned within a substantially enclosed pocket formed between lining 306 and cut-out 100.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a first embodiment of a beverage container holder 400 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. Beverage container holder 400 may be formed of or comprise of cut-out 100, insert 200, and lining 306, as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-3. Insert 200 and lining 306 are shown in phantom lines that are visible through exterior surface 112 of cut-out 100 Lining 306 may be formed of a lightweight fabric material to allow a beverage container to slide easily in and out of beverage container holder 400, such as nylon fabric or polyester interlock fabric for example.

Cut-out 100, including insert 200 and lining 306 thereby forming a layered structure, may be folded onto itself to form beverage container holder 400, where first edge 402 and second edge 404 of cut-out 100 (see e.g., FIG. 1) are affixed at or by seam 406, and edge 408 of first connecting tab 120 and edge 410 of second connecting tab 122 (see e.g., FIG. 1) are affixed at or by seam 412. First side 402 of cut-out 100 may be affixed to second side 404 of cut-out 100 by one or more various methods such as: adhesive; stitching. Other fastening or coupling methods are possible. Edge 408 of first connecting tab 120 may be affixed to edge 410 of second connecting tab 122 by one or more various methods such as: adhesive; stitching. Other fastening or coupling methods are possible. First connecting tab 120 and second connecting tab 122 when affixed may prevent a beverage container from passing through the bottom of beverage container holder 400.

In one embodiment, along the “top” of beverage container holder 400, such as at or near first end 106 of cut-out 100, seam 413 may affix fabric 414 to beverage container holder 400 to “finish” the top of beverage container holder 400. Fabric 414 may be formed of a material similar to lining 306. For example, fabric 414 may be a lightweight fabric material, such as nylon fabric or polyester interlock fabric. In FIG. 4, logo 416 may be printed or formed within exterior surface 112, such as for advertising or personalization purposes. In general, exterior surface 112 may exhibit any type of color or coloring as desired. Further, custom print may be placed on or within exterior surface 112 in any location as desired. Custom print may refer to logos, promotional material, messages, or any other information that may be conveyed by visual representation. In this manner, exterior surface 112 may exhibit or include any type or form of indicia as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a top view of beverage container holder 400 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, insert 200 is shown, edge 408 of first connecting tab 120 is shown affixed with edge 410 of second connecting tab 122 by or at seam 412, and lining 306 is shown positioned interior of beverage container holder 400. Further fabric 414 is shown affixed to beverage container holder 400 by or at seam 413 to “finish” the “top” of beverage container holder 400.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a second example of an unfolded blank or cut-out 600 of a beverage container holder is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6 shows first view 602 of cut-out 600, and second view 604 of cut-out 600 (when cut-out 600 is “flipped” over). Cut-out 600 is similar to cut-out 100, as discussed above, in many ways. For example, cut-out 600 when folded onto itself and affixed at particular portions of itself may form an insulating sleeve or shell having first end 606, second end 608, interior surface 610, and exterior surface 612. Cut-out 600 may be formed of a single-piece material that when cut is sized to a particular beverage container. For example, width 614 and length 616 of cut-out 600 may be selected as desired so as to achieve desired dimensions of cut-out 600. An example width 614 of cut-out 600 may be about 4 inches, or about 102 millimeters. An example length 616 of cut-out 600 may be about 11 inches, or about 280 millimeters. Other embodiments of width 614 and/or length 616 are possible. Further, thickness 618 of cut-out 600 may be selected as desired so as to achieve desired dimensions of cut-out 600. An example thickness 618 of cut-out 600, without loading, may be about 0.08 inches, or about 2 millimeters. Other embodiments of thickness 618 are possible, and may depend on type of material used to form cut-out 600. An example material used to form cut-out 600 may include neoprene. Another example material used to form cut-out 600 may include “scuba foam.” Other embodiments are possible.

Cut-out 600 may be formed to exhibit or include connecting tab 620. In general, cut-out 600 may folded onto itself to form an insulating sleeve or shell. For example, cut-out 600 may be folded generally about an Axis B that bisects connecting tab 620, where first edge 622 may be affixed to second edge 624 of cut-out 600, and third edge 626 may be affixed to fourth edge 628 of cut-out 600, discussed further below. Connecting tab 620, when first edge 622 is affixed to second edge 624 of cut-out 600, and third edge 626 is be affixed to fourth edge 628 of cut-out 600, may prevent a beverage container from passing through the bottom of a beverage container holder comprising cut-out 600, discussed further below. Although shown a particular shape in FIG. 6, connecting tab 620 may be formed in any shape and dimension as desired. Shape and dimension of connecting tab 620 may be dependent at least on the size and shape of a particular beverage container.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a second example of an insert 700 of a beverage container holder is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 7 shows first view 702 of insert 700, and second view 704 of insert 700 (e.g., when insert 700 is “flipped” over). In general, insert 700 may be sized in dimension similar to cut-out 600 described above in connection with FIG. 6. For example, width 706 and length 708 of insert 700 may be selected so as to be substantially similar to width 614 and length 616 of cut-out 600. In the example shown, the insert 700 may be sealed on ends by seams 710, 712, 714, 716, and include pockets 718, 720, 722, separated by respective seams 724, 726. Pockets 718, 720, 722 may be substantially filled with refreezable material. As an example, pockets 718, 720, 722 may contain about 10 milliliters of refreezable material. Other embodiments are possible. An example of a refreezable material includes aqueous liquid. Another example of a refreezable material includes freezer gel. Still other embodiments are possible. The insert 700 may be formed of a resilient material so that the insert 700 may expand and contract with freezing and refreezing of the refreezable material, without compromising structural integrity of insert 700. In general, number of, size, shape, and location of pockets of insert 700 may be selected or defined as desired, and may be a function of one or more dimensions of cut-out 600.

Referring now to FIG. 8, insert 700 of FIG. 7 is shown positioned to cut-out 600 of FIG. 6. In particular, FIG. 8 shows first view 802 of first instance 804 of insert 700 and second instance 806 of insert 700 positioned to cut-out 600, and second view 808 of first instance 804 of insert 700 and second instance 806 positioned to cut-out 600. Second view 808 differs from first view 802 in that second view 808 shows lining 810 positioned on top of, or over, or covering first instance 804 of insert 700 and second instance 806 of insert 700. In second view 808, first instance 804 of insert 700 and second instance 806 of insert 700 are shown in phantom line. In general, referring to first view 802, first instance 804 of insert 700 and second instance 806 of insert 700 may be affixed to cut-out 600 by or at particular seam 812. First instance 804 of insert 700 and second instance 806 of insert 700 may be affixed to cut-out 600 by one or more various methods such as: adhesive; stitching. Other fastening or coupling methods are possible.

Further, referring to second view 808, lining 810 may be affixed to interior surface 610 cut-out 600 by or at particular seam 814, substantially covering respective one of first instance 804 of insert 700 and second instance 806 of insert 700. Lining 810 may be affixed to interior surface 610 of cut-out 600 by one or more various methods such as: adhesive; stitching. Other fastening or coupling methods are possible. Further, in some embodiments, first instance 804 of insert 700 and/or second instance 806 of insert 700 may not be affixed to cut-out 600. Rather, first instance 804 of insert 700 and/or second instance 806 of insert 700 may be loosely contained or positioned within a substantially enclosed pocket formed between lining 810 and cut-out 600. In this example, insert 700 is affixed to neither lining 810 nor cut-out 600. In both examples though (insert 700 affixed to cut-out 600 or not), insert 700 may be contained or positioned within a substantially enclosed pocket formed between lining 810 and cut-out 600.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a second embodiment of a beverage container holder 900 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. Beverage container holder 900 may be formed of or comprise of cut-out 600, insert 700, and lining 810, as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 6-8. First instance 804 of insert 700 and lining 810 are shown in phantom lines that are visible through exterior surface 612 of cut-out 600. Lining 810 may be formed of a lightweight fabric material to allow a beverage container to slide easily in and out of beverage container holder 900, such as nylon fabric or polyester interlock fabric for example.

Cut-out 600, including insert 700 and lining 810 thereby forming a layered structure, may be folded onto itself to form beverage container holder 900, where first edge 622 of cut-out 600 (see e.g., FIG. 6) may be affixed to second edge 624 of cut-out 600 (see e.g., FIG. 6) at or by seam 902, and third edge 626 of cut-out 600 (see e.g., FIG. 6) may be affixed to fourth edge 628 of cut-out 600 (see e.g., FIG. 6) at or by seam 904. First edge 622 of cut-out 600 may be affixed to second edge 624 of cut-out 600, and third edge 626 of cut-out 600 may be affixed to fourth edge 628 of cut-out 600 by one or more various methods such as: adhesive; stitching. Other fastening or coupling methods are possible. Further, connecting tab 620, when first edge 622 is affixed to second edge 624 of cut-out 600, and third edge 626 is affixed to fourth edge 628 of cut-out 600, may prevent a beverage container from passing through the bottom of beverage container holder 900.

In one embodiment, along the “top” of beverage container holder 900, such as at or near first end 606 of cut-out 600, seam 906 may affix fabric 908 to beverage container holder 900 to “finish” the “top” of beverage container holder 900. Fabric 908 may be formed of a material similar to lining 810. For example, fabric 908 may be a lightweight fabric material, such as nylon fabric or polyester interlock fabric for example. In FIG. 9, logo 910 may be printed or formed within (e.g., embroidery, stitching, etc.) exterior surface 612, such as for advertising or personalization purposes. In general, exterior surface 612 may exhibit any type of color or coloring as desired. Further, custom print may be placed on or within exterior surface 612 in any location as desired. In general, custom print may refer to logos, promotional material, messages, or any other information that may be conveyed by visual representation. In this manner, exterior surface 612 may exhibit or include any type or form of indicia as desired. Further, it is contemplated that any feature of beverage container holder 900 may be customized as desired to exhibit particular coloring, indicia, etc. For example, particular fabric or fabrics of beverage container holder 900 may have or exhibit specific coloring. Further, stitching, zippers, and other types of fastening means incorporated within or on beverage container holder 900 may have or exhibit specific coloring, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, beverage container holder 900 is shown in multiple views. In particular, FIG. 10 shows beverage container holder 900 in perspective view having a beverage container inserted therein. FIG. 11 shows beverage container holder 900 in perspective view partially collapsed. FIG. 12 shows beverage container holder 900 in top-down view fully collapsed. FIG. 13 shows beverage container holder 900 in end view partially collapsed.

In general, size and layout of beverage container holder 900 (and beverage container holder 400) may be selected as desired so as to fit or accommodate a particular beverage container. For example, a first instance of beverage container holder 900 formed according to the principles of the present disclosure may be sized to hold a 12 ounce soda can, whereas a second instance of beverage container holder 900 formed according to the principles of the present disclosure may be sized to hold a 25 ounce bottle of wine, and etc. Further, beverage container holder 900 may be formed to have dimensions so as to snugly or tightly hold a particular beverage container.

As best illustrated in FIG. 12, connecting tab 620 of cut-out 600 is shaped such that beverage container holder 900 appears to exhibit first notch 1202 and second notch 1204 when fully collapsed. First notch 1202 and second notch 1204, in tandem with seam 902 and 904 (see e.g., FIG. 9), enable beverage container holder 900 to assume a substantially “flat” profile, restricted only by combined thickness of cut-out 600, insert 700, and lining 810. For example, first notch 1202 and second notch 1204 may prevent “bunching” of material that would otherwise bias beverage container holder 900 to assume a side or edge-on profile “greater than” or “larger than” that which may be assumed by beverage container holder 900 when connecting tab 620 is shaped in a manner such as described above. Further, seam 902 and 904 together introduce an inherent folding crease that may allow beverage container holder 900 to assume a side or edge-on profile “less than” or “smaller than” that which may be assumed when beverage container holder 900 does not include seam 902 and 904. Beverage container holder 900 formed to include connecting tab 620 and/or seam 902 and 904 in a manner such as described above may be beneficial in many respects. For example, beverage container holder 900 may occupy “less” physical space when stored and/or placed within a refrigeration unit to freeze refreezable material. Other benefits and/or advantages are possible as well.

Further, referring now specifically to FIG. 10, it is contemplated that a removable insert (e.g., insert 700 as shown in FIG. 7) may be placed in a freezer unit by itself, for example, and then the insert may be positioned within a particular pocket of beverage container holder 900 (e.g., similar to the enclosed pockets discussed above) such that “exchangeable” gel packs may be used with beverage container holder 900. In this example, fastener 1002 (e.g., zipper, Velcro, folded envelope, etc.) may be opened and closed such that gel packs may be positioned to and removed from beverage container holder 900. Other embodiments are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a method 1400 for assembling or forming a beverage container holder is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. The method 1400 is an example. Various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various method steps, procedures, etc., as desired. For instance, in alternative configurations, the method 1400 may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various steps may be added, omitted, and/or combined.

At 1402, an insulating material, a lining material, and an insert that has at least one sealed compartment containing refreezable material may be provided. The insulating material may correspond to one of cut-out 100 of FIG. 1 and cut-out 600 of FIG. 6. The lining material may correspond to one of lining 306 of FIG. 3 and lining 810 of FIG. 8. The insert may correspond to one of insert 200 of FIG. 2 and insert 700 of FIG. 7.

At 1404, the insert may be positioned to the insulating material. In one embodiment, this may correspond to positioning insert 200 to cut-out 100, as shown by first view 302 of FIG. 3. In one embodiment, this may correspond to positioning insert 700 to cut-out 600, as shown by first view 602 of FIG. 6.

At 1406, the lining material may be positioned to the insert and the insulating material. In one embodiment, this may correspond to positioning lining 306 to insert 200 and cut-out 100, as shown by second view 304 of FIG. 3. In one embodiment, this may correspond to positioning lining 810 to insert 700 and cut-out 600, as shown by second view 604 of FIG. 4.

At 1408, the lining material may be affixed to the insulating material to form a layered structure having an enclosed pocket having the insert positioned therein. In one embodiment, this may correspond to affixing lining 306 to insert 200 and cut-out 100 at or by seam 310, as shown by second view 304 of FIG. 3. In this example, lining 306 may be understood to be affixed to interior surface 110 of cut-out 100 along a perimeter, periphery, or length of interior surface 110. In one embodiment, this may correspond to affixing lining 810 to insert 700 and cut-out 600 at or by seam 814, as shown by second view 604 of FIG. 4. In this example, lining 810 may be understood to be affixed to interior surface 110 of cut-out 600 along a first perimeter, periphery, or length of interior surface 610.

At 1410, the layered structure may be folded about a particular axis. In one embodiment, this may correspond to folding cut-out 100 about Axis A that bisects cut-out 100, described above in connection with at least FIG. 1. In one embodiment, this may correspond to folding cut-out 600 about Axis B that bisects connecting tab 620, described above in connection with at least FIG. 6.

At 1412, a first portion of the layered structure may be affixed to a second portion of the layered structure, and a third portion of the layered structure may be affixed to a fourth portion of the layered structure, forming the beverage container holder. In one embodiment, this may correspond to affixing first edge 402 with second edge 404 of cut-out 100 at or by seam 406, and edge 408 of first connecting tab 120 with edge 410 of second connecting tab 122 at or by seam 412, described above in connection with at least FIG. 4. In one embodiment, this may correspond to affixing first edge 622 of cut-out 600 to second edge 624 of cut-out 600 at or by seam 902, and third edge 626 of cut-out 600 to fourth edge 628 of cut-out 600 at or by seam 904, described above in connection with at least FIG. 6.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A beverage container holder, comprising:

an insulating sleeve including a first end opposite a second end, the first end defined by an opening sized to receive a beverage container;

a lining affixed to an internal surface of the sleeve along a length of the internal surface, forming an enclosed pocket between the sleeve and the lining; and

an insert positioned within the pocket and including at least one sealed compartment containing refreezable material.

2. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the insulating sleeve is formed of a material selected from: neoprene; scuba foam.

3. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the lining is formed of a material selected from: nylon fabric; polyester interlock fabric.

4. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the insert is formed of a material selected from: elastomer plastic; thermoplastic plastic.

5. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the refreezable material is formed of a material selected from: aqueous liquid; freezer gel.

6. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the second end is defined by a notched connecting tab.

7. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the lining is further affixed to the internal surface of the sleeve along a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, partitioning the pocket into a first pocket and a second pocket between the sleeve and the lining.

8. The beverage container holder of claim 7, wherein a first insert is positioned within the first pocket and includes at least one sealed compartment containing refreezable material, and a second insert is positioned within the second pocket and includes at least one sealed compartment containing refreezable material.

9. The beverage container holder of claim 7, wherein the first longitudinal seam is diametrically opposite the second longitudinal seam.

10. The beverage container holder of claim 9, wherein the beverage container holder is collapsible about the first longitudinal seam and second longitudinal seam.

11. The beverage container holder of claim 1, further comprising a fabric material affixed to the internal surface of the sleeve along a particular periphery adjacent the first periphery, and affixed to the external surface of the sleeve along a particular periphery adjacent a second periphery adjacent the first end.

12. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the insert is affixed to the internal surface of the sleeve.

13. The beverage container holder of claim 1, further comprising one or more indicia imprinted on or within an external surface of the sleeve.

14. A method for forming a beverage container holder, comprising:

providing an insulating material, a lining material, and an insert that has at least one sealed compartment containing refreezable material;

positioning the insert to the insulating material;

positioning the lining material to the insert and the insulating material;

affixing the lining material to the insulating material to form a layered structure having an enclosed pocket having the insert positioned therein;

folding the layered structure about a particular axis; and

affixing a first portion of the layered structure to a second portion of the layered structure, and a third portion of the layered structure to a fourth portion of the layered structure, forming the beverage container holder.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the insulating material is formed of a material selected from: neoprene; scuba foam.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the lining material is formed of a material selected from: nylon fabric; polyester interlock fabric.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one insert is formed of a material selected from: elastomer plastic; thermoplastic plastic.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the refreezable material is formed of a material selected from: aqueous liquid; freezer gel.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising affixing the lining material to the insulating material by one or more of: stitching; adhesive.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising affixing the first portion of the layered structure to the second portion of the layered structure, and the third portion of the layered structure to the fourth portion of the layered structure, by one or more of: stitching; adhesive.