Beverage floatation device and method of advertising

Abstract

An apparatus relating to sealable floating beverage holders and containers for use in an aquatic environment that are constructed to inhibit listing as the volume of the beverage in the container varies, and a method of advertising using the floating beverage holders and containers are disclosed. The apparatus includes a float, a beverage container, and a ballast. A beverage container sleeve may also be used. The ballast helps to keep the beverage container and float level in the water and helps to prevent it from tipping over. The beverage container is sealable to prevent the beverage from spilling and to prevent water from splashing into the beverage. The method of advertising utilizes the apparatus to display messages while the apparatus is used in an aquatic environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATAION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/407,592, filed Aug. 30, 2003 (the '592 application). The '592 application is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] a. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention is generally related to floating beverage containers, and more particularly, to sealable floating beverage holders and containers that may be insulated and that are constructed to inhibit listing as the volume of the beverage in the container varies, and to a method of advertising employing the sealable floating beverage holders and containers.

[0004] b. Background Art

[0005] Drinking a beverage while spending time in a pool, a spa, a lake, or any aquatic environment has in the past generally required a person to retain the beverage on dry ground to avoid the risk of spilling or dropping the beverage into the water. To overcome this problem, various types of beverage floatation devices have been designed that allow people to take a beverage with them into the water.

[0006] One drawback of many beverage flotation devices currently on the market is that they are configured for use by more than one person and thus have multiple cup receptors to hold more than one cup, bottle, or can. These multiple-cup beverage floatation devices require the group of people using the beverage flotation device to remain near each other as well as the beverage flotation device while in the water. Existing multiple-cup beverage flotation devices may also be equipped with a lanyard to keep the floatation device in close proximity to one swimmer. However, this does not eliminate the requirement of having the other swimmers remain in close proximity with the multiple-cup beverage flotation device as well as the swimmer to whom the lanyard is connected.

[0007] Another drawback of some existing floating multiple cup holders is that they are oftentimes unstable in the water if less than all of the beverage container receptacles are used. For instance, placing one full cup in a beverage floatation device designed to hold four cups may cause the floatation device to list to one side and spill the beverage. In addition, a beverage flotation device designed to hold multiple cups may become unstable and subject to tipping as the volume of the beverages in the cups vary as the beverages are consumed.

[0008] Beverage flotation devices available on the market today are oftentimes designed to hold standard-sized beverage containers, such as 12 ounce cans or 22 ounce bottles. One drawback of such standard sizing is that it may limit the swimmer's choice of beverage to one that is available in a container having a size that is compatible with the size of the beverage holder. Other problems may be encountered if a swimmer uses a smaller size beverage container than a beverage floatation device is configured to hold. For instance, if a swimmer places a 12 once can in a floatation device designed to hold a 22 once bottle, the can will not be held snuggly in place and may be subject to tipping or spilling. In addition, many beverages are not supplied in an easily resealable container. Therefore, if a cup is used with a beverage floatation device, the contents are easily spilled, and it is subject to having water splash into the contents.

[0009] Some single beverage floatation devices are also currently available on the market, but they have problems similar to those encountered with the multiple beverage container designs. One such design involves an inflatable donut-shaped tube that holds a beverage container. These inflatable single beverage containers are subject to instability, because the beverage container is held mostly above the surface of the water resulting in a high center of gravity. Inflatable single beverage containers may also be punctured rendering them unusable.

[0010] Some personal floatation devices also use an integral beverage holder, but these beverage holders are also subject to instability as a result of a person's movements on the personal floatation device. Both the personal floatation devices with integral beverage holders and inflatable single beverage containers are typically designed to hold standard-size beverage containers, and are thus subject to the previously-discussed drawbacks.

[0011] It is a common practice to affix advertisements, business names, or company logos on beverage floatation devices. However, placing a company name on a beverage floatation device that lists in the water and is subject to easily tipping over may have the inadvertent effect of negatively associating the advertised company, product, or the like, with a flawed floatation device. Such negative association may lead to a generally negative view of the advertised business or product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Aspects of the present invention address the shortcomings of the beverage flotation devices currently available on the market. The present invention is a beverage flotation apparatus that, in one embodiment, includes a float for holding a single beverage container, a sealable beverage container dimensioned to fit the float for holding the beverage container, and a ballast system to prevent the beverage flotation apparatus from listing in the water as the volume of beverage in the container varies. The beverage floatation apparatus is suitable for use in a pool, lake, spa, ocean, or any other aquatic environment where a person may want to enjoy a beverage while spending time in the water. Because this embodiment of the beverage flotation device of the present invention is equipped with ballast, it will remain stable in a wavy environment and, therefore, it is less likely that the beverage will be spilled. The apparatus may also be supplied with a sealable beverage container that prevents water from being splashed into it and ruining the beverage. A lanyard may also be attached to the float, so a person can move freely in, for example, a pool without accidentally knocking the beverage over in the water while at the same time keeping the beverage in close proximity. Because the beverage floatation device will remain upright in water and is difficult to tip over, placing an advertisement on the invention is less likely to draw a negative association with the devices.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the beverage flotation device comprises a float defining an aperture, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The beverage floatation device further comprises a beverage container sleeve secured to the float within the aperture, the beverage container sleeve extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the float. A sealable beverage container is releasably inserted into the beverage container sleeve; and the beverage container sleeve further comprises a ballast portion.

[0014] Alternatively, the beverage flotation device may comprise a float with an aperture in the float defining an inner engagement surface. The beverage floatation device further comprising a beverage container sleeve defining an outer engagement surface and a ballast portion wherein the outer engagement surface of the beverage container sleeve releasably engages the inner engagement surface of the aperture. A sealable beverage container releasably is inserted into the beverage container sleeve.

[0015] In another embodiment, the beverage flotation device comprises a float with an aperture in said float defining an inner engagement surface. The beverage floatation device further comprises a sealable beverage container defining an outer engagement surface and a ballast portion wherein the outer engagement surface of the beverage container releasably engages the inner engagement surface of the aperture.

[0016] The beverage floatation device may be utilized in a method of advertising comprising first selecting the beverage floatation apparatus conforming to required needs. Then, a message to be conveyed is created and affixed to the selected beverage floatation apparatus, the beverage floatation apparatus displaying the desired message is distributed, and the beverage floatation device is subsequently used in an aquatic environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a beverage flotation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a float and a beverage container sleeve according to the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a ballast according to the present invention, the ballast being made of solid material.

[0020] FIG. 3B is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a ballast according to the present invention, the ballast comprising a vessel containing a liquid or granular material.

[0021] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a ballast according to the present invention, wherein the ballast is threadedly engaged with a beverage sleeve.

[0022] FIG. 4B is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a ballast according to the present invention, wherein the ballast is frictionally engaged with a beverage sleeve.

[0023] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a float and a beverage container sleeve according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 5B is an isometric view of a float and a beverage container sleeve according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5C is an isometric view of a float with a float ballast according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5D is an isometric view of a plurality of floats according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an isometric view of a float and a frictionally-secured beverage container sleeve for use in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6C is an isometric view of a float and a beverage container sleeve with a threaded engagement portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6D is an isometric view of a float and a beverage container sleeve with a bulbous engagement portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 6E is an isometric view of a float and a beverage container sleeve with a tapered engagement portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6F is an isometric view of a beverage container sleeve with a ledge portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6G is an isometric view of a beverage flotation apparatus utilizing the beverage container sleeve with the ledge portion depicted in FIG. 6F and the float according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7A is an isometric view of a sealable beverage container utilizing a sealable straw shown in the open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7B is an isometric view of the sealable beverage container in FIG. 7A with the sealable straw shown in the closed position.

[0035] FIG. 7C is a cross sectional view of the sealable beverage container depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0036] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a sealable beverage container for use with a float without a beverage container sleeve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a sealable beverage container with a ledge portion utilizing a snap lid and sealable straw.

[0038] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the beverage flotation apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 further equipped with a lanyard according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of the present invention having a beverage container with an alternative ledge portion, a removable float, and a removable insulation sleeve.

[0040] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11 in a fully-assembled configuration.

[0041] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12 with the float removed.

[0042] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a beverage flotation apparatus being utilized in a method of advertising.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method of advertising using an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0044] The present invention is a beverage flotation device that includes a float (e.g., 12) for holding a single beverage container (e.g., 14) dimensioned to fit the float. Because embodiments of the invention are configured to hold a single beverage, swimmers may bring their own separate beverage floatation device 10 and beverage into the water without the need to remain in close proximity to other swimmers as generally required when using a beverage floatation device constructed to hold multiple beverage containers. The float 12 provides the required buoyancy to keep a beverage container 14 from sinking in the water while at the same time providing easy access to the beverage container.

[0045] The float 12 may be constructed of material that lends itself to easily affixing a business name, logo, or message (see, e.g., FIG. 14) to its top surface 16 to facilitate use of the floating beverage device 10 in a method of advertising. Because the invention is constructed to bias the float 12 in a level configuration while in the water, an advertisement 18 placed on the top surface 16 of the float 12 is more easily seen from an observer standing on a pool's edge or looking down from, for example, a hotel balcony into a pool. Some of the component pieces of a beverage floatation device in accordance with the invention are generally described below. Following the general description, particular embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the figures.

[0046] Embodiments of the invention also provide a ballast (see, e.g., 20 in FIG. 1) to help keep the beverage container 14 upright in the water despite the level of beverage in the container 14. As described in more detail below, the ballast 20 may be connected with a beverage container sleeve 22, the beverage container 14, or the float 12. In order to prevent spilling the beverage or having water splashed into it, some embodiments of the invention include a sealable beverage container (e.g., the beverage container 14 depicted in FIG. 1 is sealable as described further below)

[0047] In some embodiments of the invention, the float 12 is integrally formed with the beverage container sleeve 22 that holds the beverage container 14. The beverage container sleeve 22 may be integrally formed with the float 12 or releasably connected with the float 12. Moreover, the sleeve 22 may be insulated to help maintain beverage temperature, i.e., warm or cool. In embodiments not using a beverage container sleeve 22, the beverage container 14 is constructed to releasably connect directly with the float 12. As with the beverage container sleeve 22, the beverage container 14 may be insulated.

[0048] One beverage container 14 conforming to aspects of the present invention includes a cylindrical main body 24, a removable lid 26, and a sealable straw 28. The outer diameter of the cylindrical main body 24 is dimensioned to fit snuggly inside the beverage container sleeve 22 to inhibit inadvertent separation of the beverage container 14 from the sleeve 22 and to prevent tipping or spilling the beverage with the sleeve 22. The beverage container could have other than a circular cross section as long as the beverage container sleeve has a complementary cross-sectional configuration to facilitate a snug fit between the beverage container and the beverage container sleeve. The removable lid 26 and sealable straw 28 provide access to the main body 24 of the beverage container 14 without having to remove the beverage container 14 from the beverage container sleeve 22.

[0049] Referring now to the various embodiments shown in the figures, aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a beverage flotation device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The beverage floatation device 10 comprises the float 12, the beverage container 14, the beverage container sleeve 22, and the ballast 20. The float 12 provides the required buoyancy to keep the beverage floatation device 10 afloat in the water. The float 12 is in the shape of a disk defining the float top surface 16 and a float bottom surface 30. It should be understood that the float 12 may be constructed in a shape other than a disk, such as a square, a triangle, or any other polygon, including random shapes and easily recognizable shapes (e.g., the shape of a foot or animal). When in use, the float bottom surface 30 rests on, or slightly below, the surface of the water. The float 12 may be constructed from polyethylene foam, Styrofoam™, or any other material generally available on the market that is buoyant in water.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage container sleeve 22 extends downwardly from the float bottom surface 30 and is configured to hold the beverage container 14. The beverage container sleeve 22 may also be insulated in order to keep a cold beverage cold or a hot beverage hot. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the beverage container sleeve and the float are integrated as a single piece. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the float 12 may be affixed to the beverage container sleeve 22 (e.g., by adhesive), or the float 12 and sleeve 22 may have been formed as a unit. Alternatively, the sleeve 22 may be removably connected to the float 12. Various embodiments of the beverage floatation device that comprise a removable sleeve are discussed below with regard to, for example, FIGS. 6A-6G.

[0051] The beverage container sleeve 22 comprises a sleeve body 32 and a ballast 20. The float 12 comprises an aperture 34 located generally in its center with a diameter equal to the inner diameter the sleeve body 32. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the beverage container main body 24 is dimensioned to snuggly fit inside the aperture 34 and the beverage container sleeve 22.

[0052] The beverage floatation devices shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a ballast 20 located at a bottom portion 36 of the beverage container sleeve 22. As discussed in more detail below, a ballast may also be located at a bottom portion of the beverage container when used in alternative embodiments of the invention that do not employ a beverage container sleeve 22. The ballast 20 is not buoyant and is heavy in order to create a downward force that is countered by the upward force created by the buoyancy of the float when in use. The ballast 20 helps to bias the beverage floatation device 10 in an upright configuration whether the beverage container 14 is full or empty. The counter balancing of forces between the float 12 and the ballast 20 provides stability to the beverage floatation device 10 and helps prevent the beverage floatation device 10 from listing in the water. The beverage container sleeve 22 may provide additional buoyant force to assist the float 12, additional downward force to assist the ballast, or a combination of additional buoyant force and downward force. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ballast may be cylindrical in shape with an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of beverage container sleeve 22. However, the size and shape of the ballast should not be construed to be limited to that which is depicted. As shown in FIG. 3A, the ballast 20′ may be constructed of a solid, heavy material 38 that is not buoyant such as metal, dense plastic, rubber, or the like. Alternatively, the ballast 20″ may be a vessel 40 that contains a heavy granular or liquid material such as sand or water, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0053] Some embodiments of the beverage container sleeve have an integrated ballast. In other words, the ballast may be permanently affixed to the bottom portion 36 of the beverage container sleeve 22, or the ballast may be formed together with the sleeve 22. Alternatively, the ballast may be releasably secured to the beverage container sleeve 22. In the example depicted in FIG. 4A, a ballast 44 is threadedly engageable is shown exploded from a threaded beverage container sleeve 46. Alternatively, the beverage container could comprise threads into which the threadedly engageable ballast 44 threads. The threadedly engageable ballast 44 defines a ballast top 48 including an engagement portion 50 having a plurality of ballast threads 51. Corresponding body threads 52 are defined along a bottom portion 36′ of the body 32′ of the threaded beverage container sleeve 46. Therefore, the threadedly engageable ballast 44 may be screwed into the body 32′ of the threaded beverage container sleeve 46.

[0054] The screw design depicted in FIG. 4A is an example of only one embodiment and should not be construed to limit the invention to the type or style depicted. For example, the body threads 52 may be located on the outer surface of the body 32′ and the corresponding ballast threads 51 on the ballast engagement portion 52 may be located on an inner surface of the ballast top 48. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B, a ballast 54 may be frictionally engageable with the body 32″ of a beverage container sleeve 56. The ballast 54 defines a ballast top 56 including an engagement portion 58. A bottom portion 36″ of the body 32″ of the beverage container sleeve 56 defines a body engagement area 60 in the inner wall of the body 32″. The outer diameter of the engagement portion 58 of the ballast top 56 is large enough in relation to the inner diameter of the body engagement area 60 such that when the engagement portion 58 is forced into the body engagement area 60, the engagement area 60 and engagement portion 58 are forced against each other producing sufficient static friction to hold the ballast 54 securely to the body 32″ of the beverage container sleeve 56.

[0055] Alternative features may be utilized in the present invention to achieve the desired stability. For example, the ballast may be constructed in various shapes to provide additional stability. As shown in FIG. 5A, a disk-shaped ballast 62 may be used. The disk-shaped ballast 62 is connected with the bottom portion 36 of the beverage container sleeve 22 utilizing any of the aforementioned means. Because the ballast 62 shown in FIG. 5A has more surface area than a cylindrical-shaped ballast with a smaller outer diameter. The top surface 64 and the bottom surface 66 of the ballast 62 act as a baffle in a rough aquatic environment, thus providing additional stability.

[0056] In another alternative, the beverage container sleeve 22 may also be equipped with outwardly extending baffles 68 as shown in FIG. 5B. Four baffles 68 are shown attached to the body 32 of the beverage container sleeve 22 above the ballast (e.g., 20). In a rough aquatic environment, the baffles 68 create drag to resist tipping caused by temporarily unequal buoyancy forces exerted on the float by waves. The baffle invention depicted in FIG. 5B is an example of only one embodiment and should not be construed to limit the design to the type or style depicted. For example, more or fewer baffles may be used with different sizes and shapes.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5C, one example of a float 12′ having an integrated ballast 70 is shown. In this example, the ballast 70 is a flat piece of material, such as metal, dense plastic, or the like, connected to the bottom surface 30′ of the float 12′. The ballast 70 and the float 12′ may be constructed integrally such that they comprise a single piece (formed or adhered together), or the ballast 70 may be releasably connected with the float 12′. The ballast may be releasably connected with the float 12′ by any number of means, such as with a hook-and-loop fastener, screws, a snap-on connection, or the like. The ballast 70 defines a shape corresponding to the outer contour of the float bottom surface 30′, and further defines an aperture (not shown) equal in diameter to the float aperture 34. Alternatively, the ballast may define a ring (not shown) that covers the outer circumferential edge of the float 12′ rather than, or in addition to, being connected to the bottom surface 30′ of the float 12′. Embodiments having a ballast connected with the float may also have a ballast connected with a beverage container sleeve or a beverage container depending on the ballast requirements for a particular use.

[0058] Depending upon the buoyancy requirements for a particular application, a plurality of floats may be utilized. For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, one float 72 may be stacked on top of another float 74. The floats 72, 74 may be releasably or permanently connected on their respective bottom and top surfaces. The floats 72, 74 may be held securely in place by the body of a beverage container extending through the aperture 34, or the floats 72, 74 may be connected to a beverage container sleeve 22. An additional float would create additional buoyancy that may be required depending upon what (e.g., a twelve-ounce or forty-ounce beverage) or where (e.g., fresh water or salt water) it is used. For example, a forty-ounce beverage would require more buoyancy than would a twelve-ounce beverage, and a beverage floatation device used in fresh water is less buoyant than an identical beverage floatation device used in salt water.

[0059] As opposed to constructing the beverage floatation device such that the beverage container sleeve 22 and the float 12 are integrated as a single piece (see, e.g., FIG. 2), the beverage container sleeve may be releasably connected with the float as depicted in FIGS. 6A through 6G. The means depicted in FIGS. 6A through 6G by which the beverage container sleeve may be releasably attached to a float may also be used to releasably secure a beverage container to a float in embodiments that do not require a beverage container sleeve. FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a removable float 76 detached from a beverage container sleeve 78 according to one aspect of the present invention. The removable float 76 includes a top surface 78, a bottom surface 80, and a sleeve aperture 82. The aperture 82 defines an aperture surface 84. As previously mentioned, beverage container sleeves conforming to the present invention are generally cylindrical in shape and may have a ballast associated therewith. The beverage container sleeve 86 defines a sleeve aperture 88 dimensioned such that a beverage container (e.g., 14) snuggly fits therein. The beverage container sleeve 86 also defines a body 90 with an upper portion 92. A frictional engagement portion 94 on the upper portion 92 of the body 90 frictionally engages the aperture surface 84 of the float 76 to releasably secure the beverage container sleeve 86 within the float aperture 82. When the container sleeve 86 and the float 76 are connected, the body 90 of the container sleeve 86 extends downwardly from the bottom surface 80 of the float 76 as shown in FIG. 6B. When in use, the bottom surface 80 of the float 76 rests on or just below the surface of the water.

[0060] Generally, in embodiments of the invention that comprise a removable float (like the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, and the embodiments of FIGS. 6C-6G), the aperture through the float is configured to secure the beverage container sleeve (or the beverage container) to the float. Referring to FIG. 6C, another embodiment of the invention having a removable float is shown. In this embodiment, a float 96 comprises a threaded float aperture surface 98, and a beverage container sleeve 100 comprises an engagement portion 102 with complementary threads 104, so the beverage container sleeve 100 may be screwed into the float 96. Referring to FIG. 6D, another embodiment of the invention is shown with a beverage container sleeve 104 that may be releasably secured to a float 106 utilizing frictional engagement between a bulbous engagement portion 108 of the container sleeve 104 and a concave aperture surface 110 of the float 106. The outer surface of the bulbous engagement portion 108 of the container sleeve 104 is sized and configured relative to the concave aperture surface 110 of the float 106 such that when the bulbous engagement portion 108 of the container sleeve 104 is forced into the float 106, the bulbous engagement portion 108 and the concave aperture surface 110 are forced against each other producing sufficient static friction to hold the container sleeve 104 securely to the float 106.

[0061] Instead of using frictional engagement or threads to releasably secure the beverage container sleeve to the float, the counter balancing of forces between the downward force generated by the ballast and the buoyancy of the float may be utilized to hold the beverage container sleeve and the float together. Referring, for example, to FIG. 6E, one embodiment of the invention utilizing counter balancing of forces between the downward pull of the ballast and the buoyancy of the float is shown. Specifically, in this embodiment, a beverage container sleeve 112 comprises an engagement portion 114 that is tapered or flared outwardly from the sleeve body 32. A float 116 has a complementary tapered aperture 118 with the aperture diameter at a top surface of the float 116 is larger than the aperture diameter at a bottom surface 122 of the float 116. The ballast 20 and body 32 of the container sleeve 112 are dimensioned so that they may be inserted through the tapered float aperture 118 until the engagement portion 114 of the container sleeve 112 rests against the surface of the tapered aperture 118 of the float 116. When placed in the water, the ballast 20 located on the beverage container sleeve 112 pulls with a downward force that is resisted by an upward force created by the buoyancy of the float 116. Thus, the engagement portion 114 of the container sleeve 112 is forced against the surface of the tapered aperture 118. The outer circumference of the tapered aperture at the top surface 120 of the float 116 may define a flange (not shown) configured so that the tapered engagement portion 114 of the sleeve 112 snaps under the flange to secure the sleeve 112 to the float 116.

[0062] In FIGS. 6F and 6G, a beverage container sleeve 124 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown as comprising a ledge portion 126 to secure it to a float. The ledge portion 126 of the beverage container sleeve 124 defines a ledge upper surface 128 and a ledge lower surface 130. The beverage container sleeve 124 may be dimensioned such that a body 132 of the beverage container sleeve 124 can be inserted through a float aperture until the ledge lower surface 130 rests against the float top surface 116. When used in the water, the ballast 20 located on the beverage container sleeve 124 pulls with a downward force that is resisted by an upward force created by the buoyancy of the float 12. Thus, the ledge lower surface 130 is forced against the float top surface 16. The sleeve 124 may also define a second ledge (not shown) on the body 132 of the sleeve below the first ledge 126. The outer diameter of the second ledge is greater than the diameter of the aperture through the float 12. When connecting the sleeve 124 to the float 12, the sleeve body 132 is inserted through the float aperture until the second ledge abuts the top surface 16 of the float 12. The second ledge is then forced through the aperture until the float top surface 16 and the float bottom surface 30 are positioned between the ledges. The beverage container sleeve 124 utilizing the ledge portion 126 may also be constructed with an engagement portion to frictionally or threadedly engage the float aperture.

[0063] FIGS. 7A though 7C depict a sealable beverage container 134 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that does not utilize a beverage container sleeve. The sealable beverage container 134 includes a removable lid 136 and a sealable straw 138. This beverage container 134 is sealed to prevent spilling or to prevent water from being splashed into the user's beverage. The beverage container 134 comprises a body 140 that may be insulated to help keep the beverage at a constant temperature.

[0064] The lid 136 may be secured to the body 140 of the beverage container in any number of ways. In one embodiment, the lid 136 and body 140 of the beverage container 134 are threaded such that the lid 136 may be screwed onto the body 140 of the beverage container 134 after it is filled. The lid 136 and body 140 may be configured such that threads are located on the outer surface of the body and the corresponding threads may be located on the inside of the lid. Alternatively, the lid and body may be configured such that threads are located on the inner surface of the body and the corresponding threads may be located on the outside of the lid. As opposed to using a threaded engagement, in an alternative embodiment, the lid 136 may be secured to the body 140 using a snap-on type arrangement as is known in the art.

[0065] The sealable straw 138 allows a user to easily drink a beverage while at the same time providing a means for sealing the beverage container 134 when not in use. The sealable straw 138 comprises a valve 142, a sipping portion 144, and a straw tube 146. FIG. 7A shows the sipping portion of the sealable straw 138 positioned such that the valve 142 is in the open position, and FIG. 7B shows the sipping portion 144 of the sealable straw 138 positioned such that the valve 142 is in the closed position. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the sealable beverage container 134 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The sipping portion 144 of the scalable straw 138 is connected with the valve 142. The valve 142 defines a valve inlet 148 and a valve discharge 150. When in the open position, the valve inlet 148 is aligned with the straw tube 146, thus allowing the contents of the beverage container to flow from inside the body 140, through the valve inlet 148, through the valve discharge 150, through the straw tube 146, and from the sipping portion 144 of the sealable straw 138. When the sealable straw 138 is in the closed position, the valve inlet 148 abuts a valve body wall 152, thus preventing flow to the sealable straw 138. The valve 142 is actuated between the open and closed positions by rotating the sipping portion 144 of the sealable straw 138 in the directions indicated by arrow 154 in FIG. 7A. An internal tube 156 may extend to a bottom 158 of the sealable beverage container 134 so the user can extract the entire beverage without having to tip the container 134. In order to extract a beverage from the container, the user sucks on the sipping portion 144 of the sealable straw 138, which causes the beverage to flow from inside the beverage container 134 into the internal tube 156. The beverage then flows from the internal tube 156 into the valve inlet 148 and eventually exits the sipping portion 144.

[0066] FIG. 8 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention, comprising a sealable beverage container 134′ that is similar to the sealable beverage container 134 depicted in FIGS. 7A-7C. The sealable beverage container 134′ depicted in FIG. 8, however, is configured to be used in combination with a float, similar to the float 76 depicted in FIG. 6A, and a ballast, similar to the ballast depicted in FIG. 6A. Thus, FIG. 8 depicts one example of a sealable beverage container 134′ for use with a float and a ballast to form a floating beverage container without a beverage container sleeve. The sealable beverage container 134′ is similar to the sealable beverage container 134 described and depicted in FIGS. 7A through 7C except that it includes a ballast 160 and an engagement portion 162. Referring to FIG. 8, the sealable beverage container 134′ is dimensioned such that the body 140 can easily slide through the aperture in the float to a point where the engagement portion 162 of the sealable beverage container 134′ mates with the aperture surface on the float. The engagement portion 162 on the sealable beverage container 134′ releasably secures the sealable beverage container 134′ to the float aperture surface. The various means previously described to releasably secure the beverage container sleeve to a float with regard to FIGS. 6A through 6E may also be used to secure the sealable beverage container 134′ to a float.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a sealable beverage container 164 that may be used with a float similar to the float 76 depicted in FIG. 6A, but without the beverage container sleeve 86. The sealable beverage container 164 includes a ballast 166, a body 168, a ledge portion 170, a removable lid 172, and a sealable straw 174. Instead of using friction or threads to releasably secure the sealable beverage container 164 to the float, the sealable beverage container utilizes the ledge portion 170 to hold it together with the float in the same manner that the float 12 is held together with the beverage container sleeve 124 previously described and depicted in FIGS. 6F and 6G. The ledge portion 170 of the sealable beverage container 164 defines a ledge upper surface 176 and a ledge lower surface 178. The beverage container 164 may be dimensioned such that the body 168 of the sealable beverage container 164 can be inserted through the float aperture until the ledge lower surface 178 rests against the float top surface. When used in the water, the ballast 166 located on the sealable beverage container 164 will pull with a downward force that is resisted by an upward force created by the buoyancy of the float. Thus, the ledge lower surface 178 is forced against the float top surface. The sealable beverage container 164 utilizing the ledge portion 170 may also be constructed with an engagement portion (not shown) to frictionally or threadedly engage the float aperture to further secure the sealable beverage container to the float.

[0068] The removable lid 172 shown in FIG. 9 is releasably secured to the ledge upper surface 176. The removable lid 172 may be constructed to snap into place as is generally know in the art, and may be removed by applying an upward force to a lip 180 protruding from the removable lid 172. The removable lid 172 may also be secured to the ledge upper surface 176 by utilizing a threaded engagement (not shown). The removable lid 172 includes a lid aperture 182 dimensioned to allow the sealable straw 174 to be inserted through the removable lid 172 and into the body 168 of the sealable beverage container 164. The sealable straw 174 may be stiff or flexible. The sealable straw 174 includes a removable straw cap 184 that fits snuggly on a sipping portion 186 of the sealable straw 174 to seal the straw 174 and to prevent spilling the beverage or allowing water to splash inside the body 168 when in use. The straw cap 184 may be threadedly or frictionally engageable with the sipping portion 186. The straw cap 184 may also be releasably secured to the sealable straw 174 by a straw cap ring 188 and a straw cap leash 190. The straw cap ring 188 is dimensioned to snuggly fit around the outer diameter of the sealable straw 174, and the straw cap leash 190 secures the straw cap 184 to the straw cap ring 188. When the straw cap 184 is removed from the sipping portion 186, the straw cap leash 190 will keep the straw cap 184 in close proximity to the sealable straw 174 to ensure that the straw cap 184 is not dropped or lost.

[0069] The sealable beverage containers depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 134′, 164, respectively, may become more or less buoyant as the volume of beverage contained therein varies. Therefore, the sealable beverage containers 134′, 164 include a ballast 160, 166, respectively, to inhibit the beverage floatation device from listing in the water as the volume of beverage contained in the sealable beverage container varies. As described previously with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the ballast may be constructed of a solid, heavy material 38 (FIG. 3A) that is not buoyant such as metal, plastic, or rubber. Alternatively, the ballast portion may be constructed as a vessel that contains a heavy granular or liquid material 42 (FIG. 3B) such as sand or water. The ballast may also be integral with or releasably secured to the beverage container utilizing any of the various means described previously with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B for securing the ballast to the beverage container sleeve.

[0070] FIG. 10 depicts a beverage flotation device 192 according to the present invention that is equipped with a lanyard 194 in order to keep the beverage floatation device 192 in close proximity to the user. With the exception of the lanyard 194, the floatation device 192 depicted in FIG. 10 is substantially similar to the beverage floatation device 10 shown in FIG. 1. One embodiment of the lanyard 194 comprises a wrist band 196, a leash 198, and a rotatable eye hook 200 to secure the leash 198 to the float 12 of the beverage flotation device 192. The leash 198 may also be connected with other portions of the beverage floatation device 192, and may also be retractable, extendable, or a fixed length. The wrist band 196 is expandable to fit various wrist sizes. The lanyard 194 depicted in FIG. 10 is an example of only one embodiment and should not be construed to limit the lanyard to the type or style depicted. For example, a lanyard may utilize a hook or clamp to secure the leash to a float or raft instead of a person's wrist. The lanyard may also be secured with a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown).

[0071] FIGS. 11-13 depict an embodiment of a convertible beverage flotation device 202 according to the present invention. The beverage flotation device 202 is “convertible” since it can be easily converted for use in water or for use away from water as explained further below. FIG. 11 is an exploded, isometric view of the convertible beverage floatation device 202. In the depicted embodiment, the beverage floatation device 202 comprises a beverage container 204 having a body 206, a float 208, and a removable insulation sleeve 210. The beverage container 204 further comprises a removable lid 26 and sealable straw 28 as described above in connection with FIG. 1. An alternative ledge portion 212 is located near the juncture of the removable lid 26 and the body 206.

[0072] FIG. 12 depicts the convertible beverage floatation device 202 configured for use in an aquatic environment. In particular, the float 208 has been slid onto the body 206 of the beverage container 204, and the removable insulation sleeve 210 also has been slid onto the body 206. As shown in FIG. 12, when the convertible beverage floatation device 202 is fully assembled in this configuration, the float 208 is held in position between an upper edge 214 of the removable insulation sleeve 210 and a bottom surface 216 of the alternative ledge portion 212. The removable insulation sleeve 210 and the float 208 may be configured so as to frictionally engage the body 206 of the beverage container 204, or they may be detachably joined with the body 206 of the beverage container 204 using any of the previously-described techniques for joining components.

[0073] In order to inhibit listing of the convertible beverage floatation device 202, a ballast 218 may be affixed to the body 206 of the beverage container 204 using any of the previously-described techniques. In addition, or in the alternative, the removable insulation sleeve 210 may also serve as a ballast. In particular, the sleeve 210 may be constructed with denser material or more mass at a lower portion 220 of the sleeve 210. The ballast 218 and/or the lower portion 220 of the sleeve 210 would thus provide a force tending to bias the convertible beverage floatation device 202 in an upright position in the water.

[0074] FIG. 13 depicts the convertible beverage floatation device configured for use away from an aquatic environment. As shown in FIG. 13, the float 208 (FIGS. 11 and 12) has been removed, and the removable insulation sleeve 210 has been reinstalled on the body 206 of the beverage container 204. Although a short section of the beverage container 204 is exposed and thus uninsulated in this configuration, the majority of the beverage container 204, including the portion most likely to hold the actual beverage, remains covered by the removable insulation sleeve 210. When the convertible beverage floatation device is in the configuration depicted in FIG. 13, the float 208 is not in the user's way.

[0075] In a method for advertising, a beverage floatation device according to one of the above embodiments is used to display a message or advertisement 18 (FIG. 14) such as a company's name, logo, or other advertisement. As shown in FIG. 14, in one example, the advertisement is embossed or affixed to the top surface 16 of the float 12. The advertisement 18 may also be constructed such that it is removable or permanently affixed to the float 12.

[0076] There are many different situations where the invention may be utilized to advertise a product or business. For example, a business that rents water sports equipment such as sailboats, personal watercraft, and like, at a beach may wish to have its name and the service it provides displayed on the invention for use in a hotel pool or in the ocean nearby the hotel. People staying at the hotel may use the beverage floatation device in the pool and passers-by may also notice the company's name displayed on the invention while being used by others. As people staying in the hotel later plan for activities on the beach, for example, they may remember the advertisement and choose to rent waters sports equipment from the rental company located on the beach without first looking elsewhere.

[0077] The beverage floatation device according to one of the above embodiments may be used in a method of advertising according to the method depicted in FIG. 15. In step 222, beverage floatation devices conforming to one or more required needs (i.e., size and shape) are first selected. A message to be conveyed is then created (step 224). The message is then affixed to beverage flotation devices (step 226). The beverage floatation devices having the message displayed thereon (step 228) are then distributed. Lastly, one or more of the beverage floatation devices having the advertisement are used by others (230).

[0078] In one embodiment of the invention, the advertisement 18 may be placed on a separate sheet affixed to the float top side by a number of different means, such as glue, hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. Alternatively, a message may be embossed directly onto the float top surface 16 without the need of placing it on a sheet. When in use, the ballast of the beverage flotation system aids in keeping the beverage flotation system level in the water such that the advertising message placed on the top surface of the float will be visible during normal use of the beverage flotation devices.

[0079] Although various embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to those disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments, and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A beverage flotation device comprising

a float comprising a float aperture, a top surface, and a bottom surface;

a beverage container sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion being secured to said float at said float aperture, and said beverage container sleeve extending downwardly from said bottom surface of said float;

a sealable beverage container releasably inserted into said beverage container sleeve; and

a ballast portion at said lower portion of said beverage container sleeve.

2. A beverage flotation device comprising

a float including a float aperture defining an inner engagement surface;

a beverage container sleeve defining an outer engagement surface and a ballast portion, wherein said outer engagement surface of said beverage container sleeve releasably engages said inner engagement surface of said aperture; and

a sealable beverage container releasably inserted into said beverage container sleeve.

3. A beverage flotation device comprising

a float including an aperture defining an inner engagement surface; and

a sealable beverage container defining an outer engagement surface and a ballast portion, wherein said outer engagement surface of said beverage container releasably engages said inner engagement surface of said aperture.

4. A beverage flotation device comprising

a beverage container;

a float associated with said beverage container, wherein said float is constructed to bias said beverage container in an upright configuration while in the water; and

a ballast, wherein said ballast is adapted to bias said beverage container in an upright configuration while in the water.

5. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said beverage container has a bottom portion, and wherein said ballast is located at said bottom portion of said beverage container.

6. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said beverage container is a sealable beverage container.

7. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said beverage container is insulated.

8. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said ballast is constructed of a solid, heavy material.

9. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said ballast comprises a vessel that contains a heavy granular material.

10. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said ballast comprises a vessel that contains liquid.

11. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said ballast comprises part of said float.

12. The beverage flotation device of claim 11, wherein said ballast comprises a flat piece of relatively dense material affixed to a bottom surface of said float.

13. The beverage flotation device of claim 12, wherein said ballast further defines an aperture equal in diameter to a float aperture, and wherein said ballast defines a shape corresponding to an outer contour of said float bottom surface.

14. The beverage flotation device of claim 11, wherein said ballast define a ring that covers an outer circumferential edge of said float.

15. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said ballast comprises part of said beverage container.

16. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said ballast comprises a first ballast connected with said float and a second ballast connected with said beverage container.

17. The beverage flotation device of claim 4 further comprising a beverage container sleeve configured to hold said beverage container, wherein said beverage container sleeve insulates said beverage container, and wherein said ballast comprises part of said beverage container sleeve.

18. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said ballast comprises a first ballast connected with said float and a second ballast connected with said beverage container sleeve.

19. The beverage flotation device of claim 17, wherein said ballast is integrally-formed with said beverage container sleeve.

20. The beverage flotation device of claim 17, wherein said ballast is releasably secured to said beverage container sleeve.

21. The beverage flotation device of claim 20, wherein said ballast is threadedly engageable with a threaded beverage container sleeve

22. The beverage flotation device of claim 20, wherein said ballast is frictionally engageable with said body of said beverage container sleeve.

23. The beverage flotation device of claim 20, wherein said ballast includes an engagement portion, wherein said beverage container sleeve includes a body having a bottom portion, and wherein said bottom portion defines a body engagement area in the inner wall of said body.

24. The beverage flotation device of claim 23, wherein said engagement portion is adapted to frictionally engage said body engagement area of said body.

25. The beverage flotation device of claim 20, wherein said ballast is a disk-shaped ballast, and wherein said disk-shaped ballast is connected with said bottom portion of said beverage container sleeve.

26. The beverage flotation device of claim 20, wherein said beverage container sleeve further comprises outwardly extending baffles.

27. The beverage flotation device of claim 17, wherein said beverage container sleeve is adapted to provide additional buoyant force to assist said float.

28. The beverage flotation device of claim 17, wherein said beverage container sleeve is adapted to provide additional downward force to assist said ballast.

29. The beverage flotation device of claim 17, wherein said beverage container sleeve is adapted to provide both additional buoyant force to assist said float and additional downward force to assist said ballast.

30. The beverage flotation device of claim 17, wherein said beverage container sleeve has a bottom portion, and wherein said ballast is located at said bottom portion of said beverage container sleeve.

31. The beverage flotation device of claim 30, wherein said ballast is cylindrical in shape with an outer diameter equal to an outer diameter of said beverage container sleeve.

32. The beverage flotation device of claim 4, wherein said beverage container comprises a cylindrical main body, a removable lid, and a sealable straw.

33. The beverage flotation device of claim 32, wherein said cylindrical main body has an outer diameter that is dimensioned to fit snuggly inside said beverage container sleeve.

34. The beverage flotation device of claim 17, wherein said beverage container sleeve comprises a sleeve body and a ballast.

35. The beverage flotation device of claim 17, wherein said float is releasably connected with said beverage container sleeve.

36. A convertible beverage flotation device comprising

a beverage container having a lid, a body, and a ledge portion near the juncture of said lid and said body, wherein said ledge portion has a bottom surface;

a float adapted to slidingly engage said body of said beverage container below said ledge portion; and

a removable insulation sleeve adapted to slidingly engage said body of said beverage container below said float to removably secure said float on said body of said beverage container adjacent to said bottom surface of said ledge portion.

37. The convertible beverage flotation device of claim 36 further comprising a ballast.

38. The convertible beverage flotation device of claim 37, wherein said float comprises a tope surface, and wherein an advertisement is on said top surface of said float.

39. A beverage flotation device comprising

a beverage holding means for holding a beverage;

a sealing means for sealing said beverage holding means;

a floating means for releasably supporting said beverage holding means; and

a ballast means to inhibit listing of said floating means.

40. A method of advertising utilizing the beverage flotation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, the method comprising the steps of

creating a message to be conveyed;

affixing said message to said beverage floatation apparatus; and

distributing said beverage floatation apparatus.