COVERS FOR DRINKING CONTAINERS

Abstract

A cover for an open top of a drinking vessel, such as a drinking glass, cup or bottle has a cover member and a securing member configured for positioning over the open top. In one of the embodiments, the cover member has a disk-shaped portion and a tubular downwardly extending flange, which fits over the glass rim. The securing member tightens about the flange to retain the cover member in place. In other embodiments, the cover can be formed as a clutch bag closure member, or as a minor compact. The bottle neck cover is configured as pair of spaced-apart cylindrical sleeves connected by a flexible middle portion. The exterior surface of the cover can be embellished with decorative elements.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to beverage container covers and, more particularly, to a cover designed to protect an open beverage container from contamination or tampering.

Open-top containers are used for serving a variety of beverages, including soft drinks, wine, liquor, beer, etc. Outdoors, there is a danger of the beverage poured into an open-top container becoming contaminated with dust, insects, etc. Indoors, particularly in bars and nightclubs, there is a danger of an unattended drink being tampered by criminals, who can drug an unsuspecting bar patron.

One of the obvious solutions is to use a cover to protect the contents of the drinking glass. A straw can be inserted in the opening in the cover to allow the user to sip from the glass. Another often-used solution is to use a cover with a sipping spout. However, such covers are likely to interfere with the enjoyment of consuming a wine or cocktail. Wine aromas constitute one of elements of wine tasting and covering the open drinking glass with a plastic cover will deprive the consumer of the more pleasurable aspects of consuming wine or liquor.

Various attempts have been discussed to solve the problem. One such attempt is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,080,108 issued to Samuel J. Brandstein on May 11, 1937. The '108 patent discloses a cover designed to cover, protect or conceal contents of a container. The cover is formed form a flexible pliable material, such as fabric, leather, rubber, Cellophane, etc. A drawstring is secured to the cover to secure the cover about the peripheral opening below the rim of the container.

Another attempt is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,614 issued to Michael Kovac on Jan. 28, 1975 for “Sheet of Elastic Covers for Containers,” which shows a lid that snaps over the marginal bead of a container. The lid includes a stretchable cover sheet such as a sheet or film of plastic material, and an annular stretchable washer-like sheet member adhered to the underside of the cover sheet for gripping the external peripheral surface of the container. The inner diameter of the unstretched annular member is less than the maximum diameter of the bead of the container to which it is to be applied so as to require the cover sheet and annular member to be stretched in order to spring or snap the lid device periphery over the container bead.

Still another example of a drinking vessel cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,287 issued to Veronica Milnark on Jan. 24, 2012 for “Caps for Drinking Vessels” discloses a cap for covering the open top of a drinking vessel. The cap comprises a substantially rigid cover disk assembly dimensioned to span across and substantially cover the open top of the drinking vessel, and a flexible tubular membrane that extends from a bottom side of the cover disk assembly. The membrane is adapted to be rolled down a side wall of the drinking vessel to thereby removably secure the cap thereto. The beverage within the drinking vessel can be consumed using a drinking straw.

While the above examples may perform well under certain conditions, there is a need of a non-collapsible cover for a drinking vessel that can be secured to protect the content of the drinking vessel from contamination in a simple and aesthetic manner and be easily removed from the container when necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a cover for an open-top drinking vessel that retains its shape when positioned over the open top of the drinking vessel.

It is another object of the invention to provide a cover for an open-top drinking vessel that can be easily positioned and removed by the user when desired.

It is further object of the invention to provide a cover for an open-top drinking vessel that has a non-collapsible cover member.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved through a provision of a selectively removable cover assembly for covering an open top of a drinking vessel, such as a drinking glass, cup, or bottle. One of the embodiments of the cover assembly comprises a non-collapsible cover member having a disk-shaped portion and a circumferential flange extending downwardly from the disk-shaped portion. The flange frictionally engages an upper rim of the drinking vessel when the cover assembly is positioned on the drinking vessel. A securing member is operationally connectable to the cover member, the securing member being configured to engage and tighten the flange of the cover member over the upper rim of the drinking vessel. The tightening element can be a buckle.

Another embodiment of the cover assembly is configured as a clutch bag having an inverted U-shaped non-collapsible securing member and a flexible cover member that fits over the open top of the drinking vessel. The securing member extends across the open top of the drinking vessel when the cover assembly is selectively positioned on the upper rim of the drinking glass or cup.

A third embodiment of the invention provides for a cover assembly configured as a mirror compact, where a cover member moves pivotally in relation to the securing member between a closed position covering the open top of the glass or cup and an open position opening access to the drinking glass or cup. An inner surface of the cover member has a reflective aspect and can serve as a minor. The securing member has an upper portion and a lower portion, which engages the rim of the glass. The inner surface of the cover member rests on the upper portion of the securing member when the cover is closed.

A fourth embodiment of the invention is configured for covering an open top of a soda or beer bottle. In this embodiment, a cylindrical hollow upper sleeve and a cylindrical hollow lower sleeve are connected by a flexible middle portion. The upper sleeve has a closed planar top, which rests on the open bottle neck when the cover is positioned over the neck of the bottle. The middle portion is formed as a tubular member having an inner opening at least slightly greater than the exterior diameter of the bottle neck allowing the tubular middle portion to frictionally engage the bottle neck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container cover assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a wine glass.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container cover assembly of the first embodiment mounted on a wine glass, and pivotally moved into an open position while being secured on the wine glass.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag for retaining the container cover of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the container cover assembly of the present invention configured as a clutch bag.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the container cover assembly of the present invention configured as a compact with a mirror.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the third embodiment showing the compact lid pivoted to an open position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the container cover of the present invention mounted over an open top of a bottle.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10 designates the container cover assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 10 comprises a non-collapsible cover member 12 and a securing member 14. The cover member 12 is configured to fit over a lip 16 of a drinking vessel 18. In the illustration of FIGS. 1 and 2, the drinking vessel is a conventional wine glass having a bowl 20, a stem 22 and a foot 24. Of course, other drinking vessels can be covered with the container cover assembly 10, and it will be understood that the wine glass 18 is an exemplary illustration of a drinking vessel.

The cover member 12 comprises a disk portion 30 and a circumferential flange 32 extending downwardly from the peripheral edge 34 of the disk portion 30. It is envisioned that the flange 32 has a predetermined width sufficient to extend from the lip 16 of the drinking vessel 18 downwardly to some distance over the bowl 20 of the drinking vessel 18. If desired, the flange 32 can be formed from a flexible stretchable material allowing the flange to tightly fit over the round bowl 20.

The disk portion 30 has a predetermined diameter sufficient to cover an open mouth or open top 36 of the bowl 20 when the cover assembly 10 is positioned on the drinking vessel 18. If desired, the exterior surface of the disk portion 30 can be decorated with beads 38, advertising indicia or other embellishments to enhance the aesthetic characteristics of the container cover 10.

A pull knob 40 is secured to the exterior surface of the disk portion 30. The knob 40 can be centrally located, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The knob 40 facilitates pivotal movement of the cover member 12 between a closed position, covering the mouth 36 of the drinking vessel 18, as shown in FIG. 1, and an open position shown in FIG. 2.

The disk portion 30 can be formed from a non-collapsible material, for instance neoprene, such that the disk portion 30 retains its shape when mounted on the drinking vessel 18. The flange 32 can be formed from the same material as the disk portion 30 or from a material having stretchable characteristics. The beads 38 can be made of plastic, glass, metal alloy or any other desired lightweight material.

The securing member 14 is an elongated member that is flexible and foldable and that can be detachably secured by means such as Velcro to the disk portion 30 or permanently affixed thereto. In one aspect of the invention, the securing member 14 is a planar body that has sufficient longitudinal dimensions to encircle the rim of the drinking vessel 18. If desired, a small buckle 42 is attached to the securing member 18. The buckle as a tightening member and allows the securing member to be tightened about the flange 32 when the securing member is mounted on the drinking vessel 18. The securing member 14 can be embellished with beads, or other decorative elements to enhance its aesthetic features.

In one aspect of the invention, the securing member 14 engages the flange 32 at a tab 48 allowing the disk portion 30 to pivot against the tab 46, as shown in FIG. 2. A similar tab 48 is provided at a diametrically opposite location on the flange 32, thus allowing a second point of attachment, depending on the user's selection. In the detachable version of the securing member 14 and the cover member 12, hook-and-loop fasteners can be used as the tab members 46 and 48.

In operation, when the user wishes to temporarily leave the drinking vessel unattended, the user positions the cover member 12 over the open top 36 of the drinking vessel 18 such that the flange 32 extends downwardly over the bowl 20 of the drinking vessel 18. The user then tightens the securing member 14 about the flange 32. To gain access to the drinking vessel, the user can either remove the securing member and the cover member from the drinking vessel 18 or release the securing member 14 and pivot the cover member 12 into an open position.

An optional carrying container, such as for instance a flexible foldable bag 50 can be provided for enclosing the reusable cover assembly 10. The bag is configured to enclose the cover assembly 10 when not in use. A drawstring 52 can be provided on the bag 50 to close the bag 50 and prevent the cover assembly 10 from falling out of the bag.

FIG. 4 illustrates the second embodiment of the cover assembly of the present invention. The cover assembly of the second embodiment is designated by numeral 60 in FIG. 4. The cover assembly 60 comprises a flexible cover member 62 and a pull knob 61. The flexible cover member 62 is shown in a cutaway view to illustrate position of the cover assembly on the drinking vessel 18. The bottom of the cover member 62 is open while the top of the cover member is closed.

The cover member 62 spans a distance to extend downwardly along the sides of the bowl 20 of the drinking vessel 18. When positioned over the drinking vessel 18, the cover member extends around the bowl 20, while the central portion extends across the open top of the drinking vessel and rests on the rim 16 in a partially overlapping relationship to the cover portion 62.

In operation, the user aligns the cover member 62 with the open top 36 of the drinking vessel 18 and lowers the cover portion over the top and bowl of the drinking vessel 18. Depending on the design, the cover portion 62 can extend over an upper part of the bowl 20, or to half of the height of the bowl 20, or can entirely shroud the bowl 20, or can extend to any vertical level along the height of the bowl 20. To expose the mouth of the drinking vessel, the user pulls up the rigid securing member 61 and removes the cover member 62 from the drinking vessel 18. Similarly to the cover assembly 10, the cover assembly 60 is reusable.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the third embodiment of the cover assembly is designated by numeral 70. This embodiment of the invention is configured as a minor compact having a non-collapsible cover member 72 and a non-collapsible securing member 74. The cover member 72 is shaped as a truncated pyramid having an outer surface 76, an inner surface 78, and a plurality of sloping side portions 80 extending upwardly from the outer surface 76. If desired, the corners of the sloping portions 80 can be mitered, as at 82.

The inner surface 78 of the cover member has a reflective aspect; it can be provided with a reflecting layer or can be formed as a mirror. The outer surface 76 may be embellished with decorative elements, such as beads, color inclusions, advertising indicia, etc. If desired, the decorative element 77 attached to the outer surface 76 can serve as a pull knob to facilitate pivoting of the cover member 72 into an open position.

The cover member 72 is defined by a peripheral edge 84, a portion of which carries pivot members 86. The pivot member 86 is configured to cooperate with an aligned pivot member on the securing member 74 and allow pivoting of the cover member 72 in relation to the securing member 74 to move the cover member between a closed position covering the open top of the drinking vessel, as shown in FIG. 5, and an open position allowing access to the open top of the container, as shown in FIG. 6.

The securing member 74 comprises an upper portion 90 and a lower portion 92 unitary continuously formed with the upper portion 90. The lower portion 92 is formed as an annular lip similar to the circumferential flange 32 of the first embodiment. The lower portion 92 is configured to frictionally engage an upper part of the bowl 20 of the drinking vessel 18. The upper portion 90 extends transversely outwardly from the upper edge of the lower portion and forms a peripheral flange 94. The peripheral flange 94 is provided with a central opening, which is sized to be at least slightly larger than the cover member 72.

To move the cover member 72 into an open position, the user lifts the cover member 72.

The cover member 72 and the upper portion 90 of the securing member 74 can be configured to retain their shape and not collapse when mounted on the drinking vessel 18. The annular lip 92 of the securing member 72, similar to the circumferential flange 32, can be formed slightly stretchable to allow the lower portion to closely follow the configuration of the drinking vessel 18. Of course, the truncated shape of the cover member 72 is but one of possible configurations. Some of the envisioned alternatives may be a planar member, a truncated cone and other desirable configurations.

FIG. 7 illustrates the fourth embodiment of the cover assembly of the present invention particularly adapted for use on open bottles, such as beer or soda bottles 110. In this embodiment, the cover assembly 100 comprises an upper cylindrical sleeve 102, a lower cylindrical sleeve 104 and a hollow tubular middle portion 106 extending between the upper sleeve 102 and the lower sleeve 104. The middle portion 106 has a tubular aspect; it can be formed from a flexible material suitable for frictionally engaging the neck of the bottle 110, while the upper sleeve 102 and the lower sleeve 104 can be formed from a rigid material, for instance polypropylene, neoprene and the like. The tubular middle portion 106 has an inner opening at least slightly greater than the outer diameter of the bottle neck 110.

The upper sleeve 102 has a closed planar top 103, and a pull knob 108 is secured to the top 103. The pull knob 108 is used for lifting the cover assembly 100 from the neck of the bottle 110. An inner surface of the planar top 103 contacts the rim of the bottle neck when the cover assembly 100 is mounted on the bottle 110. The upper sleeve 102 and the lower sleeve 104 is each formed as a hollow cylindrical member having an inner opening at least slightly greater than the neck of the bottle 110.

In operation, the user aligns the cover assembly 100 with an open top of the bottle 110 and lowers the lower sleeve 104 over the bottle neck such that the middle portion 106 extends in a covering relationship over the bottle neck. Once the upper sleeve 102 contacts the top rim of the bottle neck, the user stops movement of the cover assembly 100 over the bottle 110. The cover assembly 100 can remain in a covering relationship over the open top of the bottle 110 until the user removes the cover assembly 100 by pulling the cover assembly 110 off the bottle 100 using the pull tab 106.

The carrying bag 50 shown in FIG. 3 can be used for holding the container covers of any of the above-described embodiments. The cover assembly of this invention covers drinks outdoors to prevent dirt or insects from contaminating open containers. The cover assembly covers drinks indoors and prevents introduction of undesirable substances into open-top drinking vessels. It is compact and easy to carry and use. The cover assembly can be manufactured in different diameters to allow covering wine glasses, drink glasses, soda or beer bottles and the like.

Many other changes and modifications can be made in the designs of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I, therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A selectively removable cover assembly for covering an open top of a drinking vessel, the cover assembly comprising:

a non-collapsible cover member having a disk-shaped portion and a circumferential flange extending downwardly from the disk-shaped portion, the flange being configured to frictionally engage an upper rim of the drinking vessel when the cover assembly is positioned on the drinking vessel; and

a securing member operationally connectable to the cover member, the securing member being configured to engage and tighten the flange of the cover member over the upper rim of the drinking vessel.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1, the disk-shaped portion being configured to rest on a lip of the drinking vessel when the cover assembly is positioned on the drinking vessel.

3. The cover assembly of claim 1, said cover member having an exterior surface and wherein a pull knob is secured to the exterior surface.

4. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover member is detachably secured to the securing member.

5. The cover assembly of claim 1, said securing member being provided with a tightening means.

6. The cover assembly of claim 5, wherein said tightening means comprising a buckle member.

7. The cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising a carrying bag for holding the cover member and the securing member therein.

8. The cover assembly of claim 1, said cover member and the securing member being each embellished with a decorative element.

9. A selectively removable cover assembly for covering an open top of a drinking vessel, the cover assembly comprising:

a flexible cover member configured to frictionally engage an upper rim of the drinking vessel and extend over a body of the drinking vessel when the cover assembly is positioned on the drinking vessel; and

a rigid securing member operationally engaged with the cover member, the securing member being configured to extend across the open top of the drinking vessel and extend downwardly along sides of the drinking vessel.

10. The cover assembly of claim 9, wherein the securing member has an inverted U-shaped configuration.

11. The cover assembly of claim 9, wherein the securing member has a clutch bag closure configuration.

12. The cover assembly of claim 9, wherein said cover member has an open bottom and a closed top.

13. The cover assembly of claim 9, wherein the cover member is securely attached to the securing member.

14. The cover assembly of claim 9, wherein the securing member is provided with a pull knob.

15. A selectively removable cover assembly for covering an open top of a drinking vessel, the cover assembly comprising:

a non-collapsible cover member configured to rest on a lip of the drinking vessel when the cover assembly is positioned on the drinking vessel; and

a non-collapsible securing member pivotally engaged with the cover member, said securing member being configured to frictionally engage an upper rim of the drinking vessel when the cover assembly is positioned on the drinking vessel, said cover member being movable between a closed position, covering the open top of the drinking vessel, and an open position, uncovering the open top of the drinking vessel.

16. The cover assembly of claim 14, wherein the cover member has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a truncated middle portion extending between the inner surface and the outer surface.

17. The cover assembly of claim 15, wherein said inner surface has a reflective aspect.

18. The cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the securing member has an annular lip and a transversely outwardly extending peripheral flange, and wherein the inner surface of the cover member rests on the peripheral flange when the cover member is in the closed position.

19. The cover assembly of claim 18, wherein the annular lip is configured to frictionally engage an upper rim of the drinking vessel.

20. The cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the outer surface is embellished with a decorative element.

21. The cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the outer surface carries a pull knob.

22. A selectively removable cover for covering an open top of a bottle, the cover comprising a cylindrical hollow upper sleeve, a cylindrical hollow lower sleeve and a middle portion extending between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve, said cover being configured to frictionally engage a bottle neck.

23. The cover of claim 22, said upper sleeve has a closed top member configured to rest on a rim of the bottle neck when the cover is mounted over the open top of the bottle.

24. The cover of claim 23, wherein said closed top member has a planar configuration.

25. The cover of claim 23, said closed top member carrying a pull knob on an exterior surface thereof.

26. The cover of claim 22, said upper sleeve and said lower sleeve each having a rigid aspect.

27. The cover of claim 22, wherein said middle portion is formed as a flexible tubular body having an interior opening sized at least slightly greater than an outer diameter of the bottle neck.