Bottled drink carrier apparatus

Abstract

A bottled drink carrier apparatus is provided for supporting a bottle containing a drink product at a position upon a user's neck or shoulder or attached to a belt loop. The apparatus includes a strap assembly forming a loop having upper and lower end portions, a cable having ends that are attached to the lower portion of the strap assembly. The cable forms a closed noose with a slide below the strap. A slide or locking member is provided for tightening the noose about a bottle to be supported, the slide frictionally engaging the cable at least in the locking position. The slide or locking member lock has a bar or stop that prevents separation of the slide locking member from the cable.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/234,039, filed 3 Sep. 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/504,229, filed 15 Feb. 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,338, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/138,108, filed 21 Aug. 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,066, and of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/138,267, filed 21 Aug. 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,870, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to devices for supporting a bottled drink in close proximity to a user. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a bottled drink carrier apparatus wherein the carrier has a strap that can be affixed to a user's neck or shoulder area and wherein a connection enables a bottle to be secured with a small cable portion of the apparatus that is much smaller in diameter than the maximum thickness of the strap. Another embodiment of the invention includes a connection to a belt loop.

2. General Background

Most beverages are sold today in disposable containers that are made of plastic to be recycled after use. These bottled drink products are used for a number of different products such as soft drinks, spring water, colas, lemonade, sport drinks and the like. A number of similarly configured bottles are manufactured of glass.

During outdoor events such as sporting events, festivals, concerts, gatherings and the like, individuals typically carry such bottled drink products with them, thus requiring continuous use of one hand. In the past, there have been sold bottled drink carriers for holding such drink products so that the user can have full use of both hands. One such prior art device is in the form of an elongated strap supporting a foam insulated sleeve at the lower end of the strap. The foam sleeve has a cylindrically shaped recess for carrying a drink bottle or can.

One of the problems of prior art type bottled drink carriers is that they are cumbersome to use and operate.

The following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference:

• • U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,793,901; 4,248,366; 5,148,926; 5,427,259; 5,454,497; 5,577,647; 6,036,066; 6,029,870; D284,421; D304,890; D315,477; and D373,677.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention provides an improved bottled drink carrier apparatus that can easily be carried by the user at the neck or shoulder area or strapped to a belt. The apparatus includes a strap assembly having an upper end and a lower end.

A small cable forms a connector for connecting a bottle to the lower end of the strap member. The cable portion has first and second ends, each end being connected, preferably stitched, to the lower end of the strap member, at folded end portions of the strap member.

A slide is provided having apertures through which the cable can extend. The combination of the slide and cable define an adjustable noose formed by the cable below the slide during use.

Sliding movement of the slide upon the cable changes the size of the noose, so that the noose can grip the neck area of a bottled drink despite the diameter ofthe bottle at the neck area.

The slide has a catch that is moveable between “release” and “gripping” positions, the slide gripping the cable in the gripping position. In order to adjust the noose, the slide is moved upon the cable when the slide is in the “release” position, until a desired noose size is obtained.

The cable is preferably much smaller in diameter than the maximum width of the strap so that the cable can be made very small and lightweight. The larger strap can carry printed and/or artistic matter. The cable can thus fit very small recesses that are often provided on bottled drink products at the neck area. This small diameter cable can thus “double” as a carrier of other objects than bottles, such as sunglasses, cosmetic products, sun screen containers, suntan oil containers, food containers and the like.

The user can drink from the bottle while the strap and loop member remain affixed to the user's neck or shoulder and the noose is connected to the bottle. The strap's maximum width is preferably at least two times the diameter or thickness of the cable.

The cable can, for example, be between about 3 and 12 inches in length and have a thickness of between about {fraction (1/16)} and ¼ inches. The strap has a maximum thickness of about 1-3 inches. This enables the cable to be doubled upon itself with its free ends stitched to the remainder (cable) of the apparatus. In such a situation, the noose is of a diameter of about 1 to 6 inches which is adequate to affix the noose to most drink products at the neck area of the bottle and still provide adjustability with the slide.

The present invention includes a bottled drink carrier apparatus comprising:

• • a) a strap member that forms a loop, the strap member having end portions;
  • b) a cable having first and second ends, the cable ends connected respectively to the lower ends of the strap member at connections that may include stitching;
  • c) a slide lock through which the cable extends during use;
  • d) an adjustable noose formed by the cable below the slide lock during use;
  • e) wherein sliding movement of the slide lock upon the cable changes the size of the noose so that the noose can adjustably grip a bottled drink;
  • f) wherein the slide lock has a catch that is movable between “release” and “gripping” positions, the slide lock gripping the cable in the gripping position and the slide lock being slidable upon the cable in the release position, the cable movement through the slide lock being substantially in the same plane as the slide lock; and
  • g) a quick release detachable connection that separates the strap member into first and second strap sections that enable the strap to quickly separate at the detachable connection if the strap is subjected to pulling or tugging. The cable can have a diameter of between {fraction (1/32)}″ and ½″, for exanple. The cable preferably has a diameter of about ⅛″.

The strap can be about 2-3 times as long as the cable.

There are preferably folds at the ends of the strap member, the folds joining the strap to the cable. The cable has a cable thickness and the strap member has a maximum width, the maximum width being much greater than the cable thickness; the maximum width of the strap member is preferably at least two times greater than the cable thickness. Each fold preferably encapsulates an end of the cable.

The cable can be between about 3 and 60 inches long.

There can be stitching which passes through the combination of fold and encapsulated end of a cable.

Disclosed herein is a bottled drink carrier apparatus for supporting a bottle containing a drink product at a position next to a user's neck or shoulder, comprising:

• • a) a strap assembly forming a loop and having end portions;
  • b) a cable having a length and two free ends attached respectively to the end portions of the loop;
  • c) a slide lock for frictionally engaging the cable in a selected locking position;
  • d) wherein the cable forms an adjustable noose below the slide lock, and is generally vertically oriented as it passes through the slide lock; and
  • e) a stop on the slide lock that prevents separation of the slide lock from the cable.

Also disclosed herein is a bottled drink carrier apparatus comprising:

• • a) a strap that forms a loop member that enables a user to wear the strap member;
  • b) a strap member having a first end and a second end;
  • c) a cable having first and second ends, each end connected to an end of the strap member with stitching;
  • d) a slide lock having a pair of slide openings through which the cable ends can extend, the strap member openings being sized and shaped and the strap member having a maximum thickness so that it is too large to fit the strap member through either of the slide openings;
  • e) an adjustable noose formed by the cable below the slide lock during use;
  • f) wherein sliding movement of the slide lock upon the cable changes the size of the noose so that the noose can grip a bottled drink selected by a user;
  • g) wherein the strap functions as a stop to limit movement of the slide lock; and
  • h) a stop on the slide lock that prevents separation of the slide lock from the cable. The cable preferably has a diameter of between about {fraction (1/32)} and ¼ inch, and more preferably a diameter of less than ¼ inch. The bottled drink carrier preferably further comprises folds at the ends of the strap for connecting to the respective ends of the cable; preferably, a fold and a cable end are joined with stitching. The slide lock preferably has a catch that is moveable between “release” and “gripping” positions, the slide lock gripping the cable in the gripping position, the slide sliding upon the cable in the release position.

The cable has a cable thickness and the loop member has a maximum width, the maximum width being much greater than the cable thickness. The cable has a cable diameter and the strap member has a maximum width, the maximum width being much greater than the cable diameter.

The length of the cable is preferably about one third the length of the strap.

Also disclosed herein and shown in the attached drawings is a bottled drink carrier apparatus for supporting a bottle containing a drink product at a position upon a user's person comprising:

• • a) a strap having two strap ends and forming a loop that enables the user to wear the strap;
  • b) a cable having two cable ends attached respectively to the strap ends;
  • c) a slide lock for tightening the cable about a bottle to be supported, the slide lock being aperatured along a generally vertical path with two passageways that accept the cable ends during use, the slide lock frictionally engaging the cables in a locking position when each cable is generally vertically oriented, the slide lock having a plurality of spacers that separate the cable ends at the slide lock;
  • d) wherein the cable forms an adjustable noose below the slide lock;
  • e) wherein the maximum width of the strap is much greater than the thickness of the cable;
  • f) wherein the strap functions as a stop for limiting upward movement of the slide; and
  • g) a stop on the slide lock that prevents separation of the slide lock from the cable. The maximum width of the strap member is preferably at least two times greater than the thickness ofthe cable. The cable is preferably attached to the strap with bar tack stitching. The cable preferably has a diameter of between {fraction (1/32)}″ and ½″. The cable more preferably has a diameter of about ⅛″.

There are preferably folds at the ends of the strap member, the folds joining the strap to the cable with a fold connection. The fold connection preferably includes stitching.

The cable has a cable thickness and the strap member has a maximum width, the maximum width being much greater than the cable thickness. The maximum width of the strap member is preferably at least two times greater than the cable thickness.

The cable has a cable diameter and the strap member has a maximum width, the maximum width preferably being much greater than the cable diameter. The maximum width of the strap member is preferably at least two times greater than the cable diameter. Each fold preferably encapsulates an end ofthe cable. The cable is preferably between about 3 and 60 inches long.

Also disclosed herein is a bottled drink carrier apparatus comprising:

• • a) a strap member forming a loop, the strap member having first and second strap ends;
  • b) a cable member having first and second cables, each cable respectively stitched to the first and second strap ends and each cable having a cable end portion;
  • c) wherein the maximum width of the strap member is much greater than the diameter of the cable member;
  • d) a bottle holder connected to the cable member;
  • e) a detachable connection that separates the strap member into first and second strap sections;
  • f) wherein the bottle holder includes a locking member that slides upon the cable end portions, the locking member having upper and lower end portions, and at least one spacer that holds the cable end portions apart at the locking member; and
  • g) a bar at the lower end portion of the locking member hat prevents separation of the locking member from the cable. The maximum width of the strap member is preferably at least two times greater than the cable diameter.

Also disclosed herein is a cord-fastener which comprises:

• • a) a housing having a front wall, a rear wall, a side portion and a cavity extending therethrough in between the front and rear walls;
  • b) a locking element disposed in said cavity;
  • c) said locking element including a movable segment connected to said housing by a spring;
  • d) a pair of cord passages on opposing surfaces of said movable segment and being part of said housing cavity;
  • e) said spring urging said movable segment so that said opposing surfaces restrict said passages wherein said movable segment and spring are integrally molded as one piece; and
  • f) a bar positioned at the bottom ofthe housing below the movable segment and in between the cord passages. The movable segment is preferably tapered, and the cord-fastener preferably further comprises a handle connected to the movable segment for moving said movable segment so that said passages can be enlarged. The housing is preferably an integrally molded part. The movable segment preferably has two cammed surfaces extending, one next to a cord passage. The spring is preferably a multiple cantilever beam spring. There is preferably a slot in the housing front wall and a handle extending from the movable segment through the slot.

Also disclosed herein is a cord fastener which comprises:

• • a) a housing having a cavity extending therethrough, the cavity having upper and lower end portions;
  • b) a cord that attaches to the housing at cord passages;
  • c) a movable locking element movably disposed in said cavity along a generally vertical path;
  • d) a spring that supports the movable segment within the cavity, the spring urging the movable segment toward one of said upper and lower end portions of the housing;
  • e) a pair of cord passages defined by opposing surfaces of said cavity and said movable segment;
  • f) the spring urging said movable segment so that said opposing surfaces restrict said passages; and
  • g) a cord retainer at the bottom ofthe housing, portions ofthe cord passages positioned on left and right sides of the retainer, the retainer preventing separation of the cord from the housing. The cord passages preferably converge about a central axis passing through said cavity and at least a portion of said opposing surfaces are serrated. A slot is preferably included in said housing and a handle preferably extends from the movable segment through said slot; a handle is preferably connected to said movable segment for moving said movable segment thereby enlarging said passages; the housing is preferably an integrally molded part and said locking element is preferably a separate integrally molded part.

Also disclosed herein is a cord fastener which comprises:

• • a) a housing having a cavity extending therethrough;
  • b) a locking element movably disposed in said cavity, said element having opposed cord gripping surfaces;
  • c) said locking element that includes a movable segment connected to said housing with a spring;
  • d) a cord passage passing transversely through said housing and defined by opposing surfaces of said housing and said movable segment; and
  • e) a cord that forms a loop with the housing, the cord having first and second sections contained in separate of the passages;
  • f) said spring urging said moveable segment so that said opposing surfaces restrict said passage wherein said movable segment, and spring are integrally molded as one piece; and
  • g) a cord retainer at the bottom of the housing and having portions of the cord passage one left and right sides of the retainer for preventing separation of the cord from the housing. There are preferably V-shaped knife edges disposed on said opposing surfaces; the V-shaped knife edges preferably define an included angle of less than about 120°. The included angle can be about 120°.

The housing is preferably an integrally molded part. Each protrusion preferably has a cammed surface extending outwardly from said stationary segment into a corresponding hole in said cavity. The resiliently separable fastener means preferably comprises a pair of clasps extending from said stationary segment into said cavity and each having one of said protrusions. The spring means preferably is a multiple cantilever beam spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing it during use attached to a user's neck area;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the noose in an open position, and prior to tightening of the noose about the neck area of a bottle;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective fragmentary view ofthe first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the noose in a closed, tightened position about the neck area of a bottle;

FIG. 5 is a front cutaway view of slide portion that can be used as part of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the slide in a closed or gripping position;

FIG. 6 is a front cutaway view of slide portion that can be used as part of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the slide in an open or released position;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a second and preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing it during use attached to a user's neck area;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view ofthe second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the locking member in a released position;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the locking member in a locked position;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the locking member in a locked position; and

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the locking member in an unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show generally the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10. Bottled drink carrier apparatus 10 can be attached to the neck or shoulder areas 17, 18 of a user 16 with a large strap member 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The strap member 11 includes a front surface 12 and rear surface 13. The strap 11 can be webbing material, web fabric, plastic, rubber or leather material between about one and three inches in maximum width, preferably between one and two inches in maximum width, and more preferably between one and one and a half inches in maximum width. This width enables printed and/or artwork or photographic matter to be added to strap 11. The strap 11 is preferably of a length that places bottle 20 at the user's torso area 14. The webbing width allows information or designs to be printed on the webbing without being so wide as to be cumbersome or uncomfortable. The webbing is preferably about 10″-64″ long. More preferably, the webbing is about 15″-52″ long, and for example about 29″ or 40″ long. The webbing can be made of any suitable material, and preferably one which is strong and durable. The webbing is preferably made of unstarched polyester (polyester without sizing), such as is commercially available from Tape Craft.

The apparatus 10 of the present invention enables the user 16 to support a bottle 20 containing a drink product 21 (see FIG. 2) by securing the bottle neck 22 with an adjustable noose 26 as will be described more fully hereinafter. Some bottle neck portions 22 typically provide a recess or groove 24 that can for example be defined by the bottle top 25 and an annular flange 23, both being positioned at the neck area 22.

In FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the noose 26 is shown as being comprised of a relatively small diameter cord or cable 27 having end portions 28, 29 that are attached by stitching at 15, 30 for example to strap 11. Stitching 15, 30 is preferably bar tack stitching. This stitching is a zig-zag stitching which secures the strap and the cord together well. This cable 27 is preferably of a much smaller diameter than the maximum thickness of large loop member 11.

The cable 27 has a thickness of between about {fraction (1/32)} inches and ¼ inches. The loop 11 and strap 11 have widths of between about 1 and 3 inches. The cable 27 can be between about 3″-60″ long, preferably between 6″-45″ long, for example 15″ long.

The cable 27 can be made of any suitable rope or cable material such as polyethylene, braided polyethylene, or the like. Such cable is commercially available from a number of sources such as Franklin Braid of Emporia, Va.

In order to change the size of noose 26, a slide lock 36 is provided. The slide lock 36 provides a trigger 37 that can be operated with a user's thumb. In order to release the slide lock 36 so that it can adjust the size of the noose 26, the trigger 37 is moved in the direction of arrow 38 as shown in FIG. 6. This movement also releases the locking member 39 so that the cable 27 can slide through opposed passageways 40, 41. In order to lock the slide 36 to the cable 27 thus defining the size of the noose 26, the user simply releases the trigger 37. This enables return spring 42 to move the locking member 39 to the gripping position of FIG. 5 as shown by arrow 43. The slide lock can be any suitable cord or cable lock or like means to reduce the diameter of the noose 26 and hold it in a reduced position. A preferred lock is a Duraflex brand lock made by National Molding of N.Y. The noose 26 has a diameter of between about 1″ and 24″, preferably between about 1″ and 18″, and most preferably between about 1″ and 12″. A typical maximum diameter for the noose 26 is about 4″.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show generally an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 50. Bottled drink carrier apparatus 50 can be attached to the neck or shoulder areas 57, 58 of a user 56 with a large strap member 51 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The strap member 51 includes a front surface 52 and rear surface 53. The strap 51 can be webbing material, web fabric, plastic, rubber or leather material between about one and three inches in maximum width, preferably between one and two inches in maximum width, and more preferably between one and one and a half inches in maximum width. This width enables printed and/or artwork or photographic matter to be added to strap 51. The strap 51 is preferably of a length that places bottle 60 at the user's torso area 54. The strap 51 width allows information or designs to be printed on the strap webbing without being so wide as to be cumbersome or uncomfortable. The webbing is preferably about 10″-64″ long. More preferably, the webbing is about 15″-52″ long, and for example about 29″ or 40″ long. The webbing can be made of any suitable material, and preferably one which is strong and durable. The webbing is preferably made of unstarched polyester (polyester without sizing), such as is commercially available from Tape Craft.

The apparatus 50 of the present invention enables the user 56 to support a bottle 60 containing a drink product 61 (see FIG. 8) by securing the bottle neck 62 with an adjustable noose 66 as will be described more fully hereinafter. Some bottle neck portions 62 typically provide a recess or groove 64 that can for example be defined by the bottle top 65 and an annular flange 63, both being positioned at the neck area 62.

In FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the noose 66 is shown as being comprised of a relatively small diameter cord or cable 67 having end portions 68, 69 that are attached by stitching at 55, 70 for example to strap 71. Stitching 55, 70 is preferably bar tack stitching. This stitching is a zig-zag stitching which secures the strap and the cord together well. This cable 67 is preferably of a much smaller diameter than the maximum thickness of large loop member 51.

The cable 67 has a thickness of between about {fraction (1/32)} inches and ¼ inches. The loop 51 and strap 71 have widths of between about 1 and 3 inches. The cable 67 can be between about 3″-60″ long, preferably between 6″-45″ long, for example 15″ long. The cable 67 can be made of any suitable rope or cable material such as polyethylene, braided polyethylene, or the like. Such cable is commercially available from a number of sources such as Franklin Braid of Emporia, Va.

In order to change the size of noose 66, a slide lock 76 is provided. The slide lock 76 provides a trigger 77 that can be operated with a user's thumb or finger. In order to release the slide lock 76 so that it can adjust the size of the noose 66, the trigger 77 is moved in the direction of arrow 78 as shown in FIG. 13. This movement also releases the locking member 79 so that the cable 67 can slide through opposed passageways 80, 81. In order to lock the slide 76 to the cable 67 thus defining the size of the noose 66, the user simply releases the trigger 77. This enables return spring 82 to move the locking the member 79 to the gripping position of FIG. 12 as shown by arrow 83. The slide lock 76 can be any suitable cord or cable lock or like means to reduce the diameter of the noose 66 and hold it in a reduced position. A preferred locking member 76 is a Duraflex brand locking member made by National Molding of N.Y. National Molding corp. owns U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,269 for such a lock. U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,269 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The noose 66 has a diameter of between about 1″ and 24″, preferably between about 1″ and 18″, and most preferably between about 1″ and 12″. A typical maximum diameter for the noose 66 is about 4″.

The locking member 76 has a bar 84 positioned at the lower end portion 90 of locking member 76 that functions as a stop or retainer to prevent its separation from cable 67. Passageways 80, 81 extend along opposite sides of spring 82 to bar 84 and on opposite respective sides of bar 84 (see FIGS. 12-13). Cable section 68 tracks passageway 80. Cable section 69 tracks passageway 81. Noose 66 extends below bar 84. Arrow 85 indicates schematically that noose 66 can enlarge below bar 84, but bar 84 prevents withdrawing of cable house 66 into passageways 80, 81. This construction ensures that a user 56 will always be able to grip noose 66 at bar 84. This construction also ensures that slide lock 76 cannot be removed from cable 67 wherein it could present a hazard to small children that might try to swallow it.

A quick release, detachable connection 59 (FIG. 9) is provided to strap 51. This quick release, detachable connection protects the user 56 in the event that another person attempts to grab and pull bottle 60 or strap 51 or any other prank or “horseplay” (or in the event the user 56 might fall and the strap 51 gets caught on something as he falls). In such a situation, the detachable connection 59 separates to release strap. At detachable connection 59, first 86 and second 87 strap segments are releasably joined using e.g. a hook and loop (e.g. Velcro®) connection. First segment 86 can have a hook covered portion 88. Second segment 87 can have a loop covered portion 89. The connection preferably detachably releases at around 15-17 pounds of pressure, though it could be designed to separate at more or less pressure (15-17 pounds is good because a typical bottle to be carried by the apparatus weighs substantially less than that and most persons wearing the apparatus weigh more than that).

The following table lists the parts numbers and parts descriptions as used herein and in the drawings attached hereto.

PARTS LIST
Part Number Description
10          bottled drink carrier apparatus
11          strap member
12          front surface
13          rear surface
14          user's torso
15          stitching
16          user
17          user's neck
18          user's shoulder
20          bottle
21          drink product
22          bottle neck
23          annular flange
24          recess
25          bottle top
26          noose (or bottle holder)
27          cable
28          cable end
29          cable end
30          stitching
36          slide lock
37          trigger
38          arrow
39          locking member
40          passageway
41          passageway
42          spring
43          arrow
50          bottled drink carrier apparatus
51          strap member
52          front surface
53          rear surface
54          user's torso
55          stitching
56          user
57          user's neck
58          user's shoulder
59          detachable connection
60          bottle
61          drink product
62          bottle neck
63          annular flange
64          recess
65          bottle top
66          noose (or bottle holder)
67          cable
68          cable section
69          cable section
70          stitching
76          slide lock
77          trigger
78          arrow
79          locking member
80          passageway
81          passageway
82          spring
83          arrow
84          bar
85          arrow
86          first strap segment
87          second strap segment
88          hook covered portion
89          loop covered portion
90          lower end portion

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1-65. (canceled)

66. A bottled drink carrier apparatus comprising:

(a) a loop member;

(b) a cable member having first and second ends;

(c) a detachable connector for connecting the cable member to the loop member;

(e) a slide having spaced-apart apertures through which the cable can extend;

(f) an adjustable noose formed by the cable below the slide during use;

(g) wherein sliding movement of the slide upon the cable changes the size of the noose so that the noose can grip a bottled drink selected by a user; and

(h) the slide having a catch that is movable between “release” and “gripping” positions, the slide gripping the cable in the gripping position the slide sliding upon the cable in the release position.

67. The bottled drink carrier of claim 66 wherein the cable has a diameter of between about {fraction (1/32)}″ and ½″.

68. The bottled drink carrier of claim 66 wherein the cable has a diameter of about ⅛″.

69. The bottled drink carrier of claim 66 wherein the detachable connector has first and second interlocking members that enable a user to quickly disconnect the noose and bottle so that the user can drink from the bottle when the loop member remains affixed to the user's belt and the noose is connected to the bottle.

70. The bottled drink carrier of claim 69 wherein the cable has a cable thickness and the loop member has a maximum width, the maximum width being greater than the cable thickness.

71. The bottled drink carrier of claim 69 wherein the detachable connection includes a buckle.

72. The bottled drink carrier of claim 66 wherein the cable is between about 3 and 60 inches long.

73. A bottled drink carrier apparatus for supporting a bottle containing a drink product on a user, comprising

(a) an assembly having separate upper loop and lower cable sections, said sections including;

(b) a detachable connector for removably connecting the upper loop and lower cable sections;

(c) the cable forming a closed noose; and

(d) a slide for tightening the noose about the bottle being supported, the slide frictionally engaging the cable in a locking position.

74. A bottled drink carrier apparatus comprising:

(a) a harness that includes a loop member for enabling an attachment to a user, the harness including a cable member;

(b) a detachable connector for connecting the cable member to the loop member;

(c) a slide through which the cable member can extend; and

(d) an adjustable noose formed by the cable member below the slide during use, wherein sliding movement of the slide upon the cable member changes the size of the noose so that the noose can be constricted to grip a bottled drink selected by a user.

75. The bottled drink carrier of claim 74 wherein the cable has a diameter of between about {fraction (1/32)} and ¼ inch.

76. The bottled drink carrier of claim 74 wherein the cable has a diameter of less than ¼ inch.

77. The bottled drink carrier of claim 74 wherein the detachable connection on the harness has first and second interlocking members that enable a user to quickly disconnect the noose and bottle so that the user can drink from the bottle when the loop member remains affixed to the user and the noose is connected to the bottle.

78. The bottled drink carrier of claim 77 wherein the detachable connection is part of a strap member.

79. The bottled drink carrier of claim 74 wherein the slide has a catch that is moveable between “release” and “gripping” positions, the slide gripping the cable in the gripping position, the slide sliding upon the cable in the release position.

80. The bottled drink carrier of claim 77 wherein the cable member has a cable thickness and the loop member has a maximum width, the maximum width being greater than the cable member thickness.

81. The bottled drink carrier of claim 77 wherein the detachable connection includes a quick release buckle having said first and second interlocking members.

82. The bottled drink carrier of claim 74 wherein the cable is between about 3 and 60 inches long.

83. A bottled drink carrier apparatus for supporting a bottle containing a drink product at a position next to a user, comprising

(a) an assembly having upper loop and lower cable sections;

(b) a detachable connector for removably connecting the upper loop and lower cable sections;

(c) the lower cable section forming a closed noose; and

(d) a slide for tightening the noose about a bottle to be supported, the slide frictionally engaging the lower cable section in a locking position.

84. The bottled drink carrier of claim 83 wherein the lower cable section has a diameter of between about {fraction (1/32)} and ½″.

85. The bottled drink carrier of claim 83 wherein the lower cable section has a cable thickness and the upper loop member has a maximum width, the maximum width being greater than the cable thickness.

86. A bottled drink carrier apparatus comprising:

a) a strap member that forms a first loop, the strap member having end portions;

b) an adjustable noose attached to the strap member;

c) a slide lock attached to the adjustable noose through which the adjustable noose extends during use;

d) a second loop formed by the adjustable noose below the slide lock during use;

e) wherein sliding movement of the slide lock upon the adjustable noose changes the size of the second loop so that the second loop can adjustably grip a bottled drink; and

f) wherein the slide lock has a catch that is movable between “release” and “gripping” positions, the slide lock gripping the adjustable noose in the gripping position and the slide lock being slidable upon the adjustable noose in the release position, the movement of the adjustable noose through the slide lock being substantially in the same plane as the slide lock.

87. The bottled drink carrier of claim 86, further comprising a quick release detachable connection that separates the strap member into first and second strap sections that enable the strap sections to quickly separate at the detachable connection if the strap member is subjected to pulling or tugging.

88. The bottled drink carrier of claim 86 wherein the adjustable noose has a diameter of between {fraction (1/32)}″ and ½″.

89. The bottled drink carrier of claim 86 wherein the adjustable noose has a diameter of about ⅛″.

90. The bottled drink carrier of claim 86 wherein the adjustable noose has a noose thickness and the strap member has a maximum width, the maximum width being much greater than the noose thickness.

91. The bottled drink carrier of claim 90 wherein the maximum width of the strap member is at least two times greater than the noose thickness.

92. The bottled drink carrier of claim 86 wherein the adjustable noose has a noose diameter and the strap member has a maximum width, the maximum width being much greater than the noose diameter.

93. The bottled drink carrier of claim 92 wherein the maximum width of the strap member is at least two times greater than the noose diameter.

94. The bottled drink carrier of claim 86 wherein the adjustable noose is between about 3 and 60 inches long.

95. The bottled drink carrier of claim 86 wherein the quick release detachable connection comprises a hook and loop connection.