Beverage Container Handle System

Abstract

A beverage container handle system is provided to hold, retain, secure, transport, or otherwise engage or couple to a container such as, for example, a beverage container. The system could be positioned about, engaged with, or disposed about portions of a container to provide a removable and adjustable “handle” for the container. The system could include an elongated body, a first structure associated with a first end of the elongated body and configured to dispose about a first end of a container, and a second structure associated with a second end of the elongated body and configured to dispose about a second end of the container. The elongated body could form a handle for the container when the first structure and the second structure are engaged with the container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/077,678 filed on Sep. 15, 2008 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office entitled “Drink Handle.” The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/077,678 is incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to securing, retaining, and gripping methods and systems and, in particular, to drink handle systems.

BACKGROUND

Containers for beverages could generally include various sizes, shapes, and configurations. Such containers, however, typically do not include a removable handle for ease of handling and transportability.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a beverage container handle system.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could generally provide a system having an elongated body. The system could also provide a first end of the elongated body configured to dispose about a first portion of a container. The system could further provide a second end of the elongated body configured to dispose about a second portion of the container.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could generally provide a system having a first structure configured to dispose about a first portion of a container. The system could also include a second structure connected to the first structure and configured to dispose about a second portion of a container. The system could further include a sheath configured to adjust the size of the first structure and the second structure.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a system having an elongated body. The system could include a first structure associated with a first end of the elongated body and configured to dispose about a first end of a container. The system could also include a second structure associated with a second end of the elongated body and configured to dispose about a second end of the container. The elongated body could form a handle for the container when the first structure and the second structure are engaged with the container.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a beverage container handle system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 generally illustrates another beverage container handle system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 generally illustrates the beverage container handle system shown in FIG. 2 in an engaged position relative to a beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustrating a method of using a beverage container handle system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally provides a beverage handle system.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a beverage container handle system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

System 100 could be used to hold, retain, secure, transport, or otherwise engage or couple to a container such as, for example, a beverage container. In one embodiment, system 100 could be positioned about, engaged with, or disposed about a container to provide a removable and adjustable “handle” for the container. The handle could be used to indirectly hold the container (thus reducing the exchange of heat/cold and aid in maintaining the temperature of the contents of the container), to dangle or otherwise hang the container from an object (e.g., a bike handle, belt loop, or other suitable object), use to display advertising or promotional material, or to use as a decorative object.

Although the following description primarily describes system 100 for use in conjunction with a beverage container, it should be understood that system 100 could be used with any suitably sized, shaped, or configured container used to hold, retain, secure, transport, or otherwise dispose any suitable material including, for example, liquids, semi-liquids, solids, semi-solids, edible materials, innate objects, or any combination thereof.

It should also be understood that the container used in conjunction with system 100 could be made of any suitable material, combination of materials, or coated with any suitable finish or finishes. In one embodiment, system 100 could be used in conjunction with plastic, glass, or metal bottles, cans, or jars used for retaining, storing, or transporting water, flavored water, mineral water, sparkling water, sports drinks, electrolytes, smoothies, protein shakes, probiotics, juices, fruit drinks, milks, flavored milks, shakes, malts, yogurts, alcohols, beers, wines, coffees, teas, sodas, seltzers, caffeine drinks, energy drinks, other suitable liquids, semi-liquids, and drinkable materials, or any combination thereof.

System 100 could include first end 102, second end 104, and body 106 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. First end 102, second end 104, and body 106 could be made of the same materials or of a combination of different materials. For example, system 100 or parts of system 100 could be made of nylon, rope, jute, hemp, sisal, leather, fibers, rope-like material, twine, cloth, canvas, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, bungee cord material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-gloss polyester, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, first end 102 could be generally configured to engage or otherwise be disposed about or coupled to one end of a container, while second end 104 could be configured to engage or otherwise be generally disposed about or coupled to a second end of the container. It should be understood that one or both of first end 102 and second end 104 could engage or otherwise be disposed about or coupled to a middle portion of the container. First end 102 and second end 104 could include a loop or loop-like configuration that engages the container and could be adjustable to fit snugly about or coupled to the container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Body 106 could be any suitable structure disposed between first end 102 and second end 104. In one embodiment, body 106 could include an elongated body having a rope-like material wound about the elongated body in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1. When first end 102 and second end 104 are engaged with or coupled to the container, body 106 could form a rigid, handle-like structure for the container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The handle or handle-like structure could be used to indirectly hold the container, dangle the container from an object, advertise, or use the container as a decorative object.

In one embodiment, body 106 could be secured to or otherwise coupled to first end 102 and second end 104 by one or more of adhesive, tape, glue, temporary adhesive, spray adhesive, heat sensitive adhesives, hook-and-loop fastener, removable adhesive tab, peel-and-stick material, clay, putty, sticky material, staple, retaining structure, clip, screw, pin, other suitable adhesives or retaining devices, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, first end 102 and second end 104 could be melted together to form body 106 or a portion of body 106.

FIG. 2 generally illustrates another beverage container handle system 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, system 200 could be similar to system 100 shown in and described in conjunction with the description accompanying FIG. 1 above. For example, system 200 could be used to hold, retain, secure, couple, transport, or otherwise engage a container such as, for example, a beverage container. In one embodiment, system 200 could be positioned about, engaged with, or disposed about a container to provide a removable “handle” for the container.

Although the following description primarily describes system 200 for use in conjunction with a beverage container, it should be understood that system 200 could be used with any suitably sized, shaped, or configured container used to hold, retain, secure, couple, transport, or otherwise engage any suitable material including, for example, edible materials and innate objects.

It should also be understood that the container used in conjunction with system 200 could be made of any suitable material, combination of materials, or coated with any suitable finish or finishes. In one embodiment, system 200 could be used in conjunction with plastic, glass, or metal bottles, cans, or jars used for retaining, storing, or transporting water, flavored water, mineral water, sparkling water, sports drinks, electrolytes, smoothies, protein shakes, probiotics, juices, fruit drinks, milks, flavored milks, shakes, malts, yogurts, alcohols, beers, wines, coffees, teas, sodas, seltzers, caffeine drinks, energy drinks, other suitable liquids, semi-liquids, and drinkable materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, system 200 include first end 202, second end 204, body 206, and sheath 208. First end 202, second end 204, and body 206 could be made of the same materials or of a combination of different materials. For example, system 200 or parts of system 200 could be made of nylon, rope, jute, hemp, sisal, leather, fibers, rope-like material, twine, cloth, canvas, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, bungee cord material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-gloss polyester, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, first end 202 could be generally configured to engage or otherwise be disposed about one end of a container, while second end 204 could be configured to engage or otherwise be generally disposed about a second end of the container. It should be understood that one or both of first end 202 and second end 204 could engage or otherwise be disposed about or coupled to a middle portion of the container. First end 202 and second end 204 could include a loop-like configuration that engages the container and could be adjustable to fit snugly about the container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Body 206 could be any suitable structure disposed between first end 202 and second end 204. In one embodiment, body 206 could include an elongated body having a rope-like material wound about the elongated body in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2. When first end 202 and second end 204 are engaged with the container, body 206 could form a rigid, handle-like structure for the container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, body 206 could be secured to first end 202 and second end 204 by one or more of adhesive, tape, glue, temporary adhesive, spray adhesive, heat sensitive adhesives, hook-and-loop fastener, removable adhesive tab, peel-and-stick material, clay, putty, sticky material, staple, retaining structure, clip, screw, pin, other suitable adhesives or retaining devices, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, first end 202 and second end 204 could be melted together to form body 206 or a portion of body 206.

In one embodiment, sheath 208 could be disposed over body 206 as generally shown in FIG. 2. Sheath 208 could provide enhanced functionality for system 200. For example, in one embodiment, sheath 208 could be positioned to allow changes or other alterations to the overall size and shape of first end 202 and second end 204 to fit a container appropriately. In one example, sheath 208 could be rolled to increase the loop size formed by first end 202. In other examples, sheath 208 could include a zipper, button, tab, hook-and-loop fastener, removable adhesive tab, peel-and-stick material, clay, putty, sticky material, staple, retaining structure, clip, screw, pin, other suitable adhesives or retaining devices, or any combination thereof to change or otherwise alter the overall size and shape of first end 202 and second end 204.

Sheath 208 could include ergonomic features to facilitate better gripping and handling according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, sheath 208 could provide notches or other structures to allow the human hand and fingers to grip system 200 appropriately. In addition, sheath 208 could include rubber or silicon gripping features etched or otherwise disposed on the surface of sheath 208 to provide ease of handling for system 200.

In addition, sheath 208 could include any color, materials, tags, graphics, logos, advertisements, website addresses, treatments, or other suitable features printed or otherwise used on the surface of or associated with sheath 208 to aid in identifying system 200, offering promotions, providing advertisements, or generally used as decorative features according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that sheath 208 could be made of any suitable material or combination of materials such as, for example, silicon, nylon, cloth, canvas, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), leather, polyester, high-gloss polyester, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polymer, cloth, polyurethane, polyethylene, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof.

Accordingly, system 200 could be used to hold, retain, secure, transport, or otherwise engage or couple to a container such as, for example, a beverage container. In one embodiment, system 200 could be positioned about, engaged with, or disposed about a container to provide a removable and adjustable “handle” for the container. The handle could be used to indirectly hold the container (thus reducing the exchange of heat/cold and aid in maintaining the temperature of the contents of the container), to dangle or otherwise hang the container from an object (e.g., a bike handle, belt loop, or other suitable object), to display advertising or promotional material, or use as a decorative object.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates application 300 having system 200 shown and described in conjunction with FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that application 300 shown in FIG. 3 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable application, system, or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of application 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, application 300 could include container 302. Application 300 could also include system 200, first end 202, second end 204, body 206, and silicon sheath 208 as described herein above. Container 302 could include a plastic, glass, or metal bottle, can, or jar used for retaining, storing, or transporting water, flavored water, mineral water, sparkling water, sports drinks, electrolytes, smoothies, protein shakes, probiotics, juices, fruit drinks, milks, flavored milks, shakes, malts, yogurts, alcohols, beers, wines, coffees, teas, sodas, seltzers, caffeine drinks, energy drinks, other suitable liquids, semi-liquids, and drinkable materials, or any combination thereof.

Accordingly, application 300 could be used to indirectly hold container 302 (thus reducing the exchange of heat/cold and aid in maintaining the temperature of the contents of container 302), to dangle or otherwise hang container 302 from an object (e.g., a bike handle, belt loop, or other suitable object), to display advertising or promotional material, or to use as a decorative object.

FIG. 4 is a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustrating method 400 of using a beverage container handle system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that method 400 shown in FIG. 4 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable method or sub-method could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of method 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the steps of method 400 could be performed in any suitable order or manner.

In step 402, a container such as, for example, container 302 shown and described above in conjunction with the description accompanying FIG. 3 above, is chosen to use with a beverage container handle system such as, for example, system 200 shown and described above in conjunction with the description accompanying FIG. 2 above.

In step 404, first end 202 and second end 204 are adjusted to fit respective ends of container 302. For example, sheath 208 could be adjusted to change or otherwise alter the size of first end 202 and/or second end 204 as appropriate.

In step 406, a first end of container 302 is positioned within first end 202 and secured and/or coupled appropriately. In step 408, a second end of container 302 is positioned within second end 204 and secured and/or coupled appropriately.

Accordingly, method 400 provides a method of using a beverage container system such as, for example, system 100 or system 200 to secure a container such as, for example, container 302.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

an elongated body;

a first end of the elongated body configured to dispose about a first portion of a container; and

a second end of the elongated body configured to dispose about a second portion of the container.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated body forms a handle for the container when the first end and the second end are engaged with the container.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a sheath disposed along the elongated body and configured to adjust the size of the first end and the second end.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the sheath comprises silicon.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a beverage container.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end comprises a loop structure.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the second end comprises a loop structure.

8. A system comprising:

a first structure configured to dispose about a first portion of a container;

a second structure connected to the first structure and configured to dispose about a second portion of a container; and

a sheath configured to adjust the size of the first structure and the second structure.

9. The system of claim 8 further comprising:

an elongated body disposed between the first structure and the second structure.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the elongated body forms a handle for the container when the first structure and the second structure are engaged with the container.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the sheath comprises silicon.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the container comprises a beverage container.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the first structure comprises a loop structure.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the second structure comprises a loop structure.

15. A system comprising:

an elongated body;

a first structure associated with a first end of the elongated body and configured to dispose about a first end of a container; and

a second structure associated with a second end of the elongated body and configured to dispose about a second end of the container,

wherein the elongated body forms a handle for the container when the first structure and the second structure are engaged with the container.

16. The system of claim 15 further comprising:

a sheath disposed along the elongated body and configured to change the respective sizes of the first structure and the second structure to retain the first end and the second end of the container, respectively.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the sheath comprises silicon.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a beverage container.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the first structure comprises a loop structure.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the second structure comprises a loop structure.