METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROTECTING BEER AND OTHER BEVERAGES FROM LIGHT ENERGY

Abstract

The invention is a device and method for providing a protective shade covering for protecting a container of craft beer or similar, to reduce exposure of the beverage to light that may cause spoiling of the beverage. The device may consist of a base for placement upon a table or other surface, a back perpendicular to the base, and a top coupled to the back such that the top may be positioned over the top of a glass or tankard and provide a physical shield between the drink and light from a substantively overhead source such as a ceiling light or the sun. In preferred applications, the device may be provided as an amenity at a restaurant, taproom, or similar which serves tap beer to customers, particularly for enjoyment of the served beverage utilizing outdoor seating.

Description

This Nonprovisional Patent Application is a Continuation-in-Part Patent Application to Nonprovisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/134,474 as filed on Jan. 6, 2020, by Inventor Nicholas Peter Pavlina. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/134,474 is hereby incorporated into its entirety and for all purposes into the present disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is related to beverage quality maintenance, and specifically to protection of beer and other beverages from the chemical reaction effects of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

It is well known that certain varieties of craft beer and other similar beverages can turn sour (or get “skunked”, as this is sometimes called) if exposed to too much light. This phenomenon resulting from a natural chemical process is a key reason why this type of beverage is generally packaged and sold in opaque metal cans or dark brown glass bottles, as opposed to clear or green glass containers which expose the contents to more light. However, a customer ordering a craft beer on tap at a taphouse, brewery, or restaurant may encounter the same “skunking” problem simply by enjoying a pint outdoors during the day, and may not be wary enough to keep the beer out of the sun.

Therefore, there is a long-felt need to improve a craft beer dining experience by providing additional protection against skunking of tap craft beer in particular by exposure to light. Especially given the present public health imperative to reduce indoor dining and encourage outdoor dining instead, there has perhaps never been a better time to provide an improved experience of enjoying a craft beer outside in the sun.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Towards these and other objects of the method of the present invention (hereinafter, “the invented method”) that are made obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, what is provided is a sun shade for placing around or above one's glass of craft beer to better protect the beer from skunking by exposure to light.

In certain preferred embodiments and applications, the device of the present invention (hereinafter, “the invented device”) may consist of a base for placement upon a table or other surface, a back piece perpendicular to the base, and a top piece coupled to the back piece such that the top may be positioned over the top of a glass or tankard and provide a physical shield between the drink and light originating from a substantively overhead source such as but not limited to a ceiling light or the sun. In certain preferred embodiments, the device may consist of a shaped single-piece object that can be utilized in a restaurant or taproom setting in a similar fashion to a utensil or condiment container, such as but not limited to handing the device to a customer along with their purchased beer, or delivering the device to a customer's table or seat along with their purchased beer, perhaps with the understanding that the device will be left at the table or otherwise returned when the customer leaves. In preferred embodiments, the device might be shaped to stand on a table or flat surface and provide an overhanging opaque or light-restricting element at a suitable height for placing of the beverage safely underneath.

The invented device might be made of any suitable material or combination of materials as known in the art or subsequently discovered to be suitable, such as but not limited to aluminum metal, other metal or metal alloys, plastic, glass, ceramic, or wood. It is noted that at least the overhanging element is preferably made of a material that provides shade or reduces light passing through; this may be an entirely opaque material, but certain non-opaque materials, such as but not limited to the dark brown or green varieties of beer bottle glass used for the same anti-skunking purpose in packaged beer, may also be suitable for providing at least reduced light exposure. The current preferred prototypes, on which the Figures drawings of this disclosure are generally based, are each constructed with a single piece of shaped metal, but embodiments comprised of multiple coupled pieces or materials are obvious variations on the essential concept of the invention. No limitation of suitable materials for construction of the invented device should be assumed except as specifically limited by the claims.

The examples of the invented device as presented in the disclosure are of a certain size suitable for fitting over or around most beer glasses, but it should be noted that the invented device is not limited to the size of the presented examples disclosed herein, and no limitation of size or scale should be assumed or construed except as specifically limited by the claims.

Further, while the invention is generally suited to physically shielding beer and other beverages that might be damaged by exposure to light, the invented device may also be suited to provide the additional possible benefit of a cover or partial cover for the top of a drink glass which may discourage the evaporation of alcohol or carbonation from a beverage, or keep a warm drink warm for longer, by partially trapping steam and/or air pressure above the surface of the beverage.

Certain preferred embodiments of the invented device may include a handle, such as but not limited to an aperture through the upright section that may fit a few fingers or a hand, or even a grip extension for someone to use in similar fashion to the way one might use the handle of a mug or tankard. The handle may be gripped for moving or using the device, and may also be used to hang the device on a hook, as a point to fasten a rope or cord around, or similar applications of handles as known in the art.

Additional possible add-on features for the invented device are numerous and obvious. For example, further alternate preferred embodiments of the invented device may be foldable or collapsible, such as for portability. The invented device may have a flat ‘clip’ or clamp attached, such as for holding a piece of paper; in a restaurant setting, a customer might be served a craft beer with the invented device, the invented device having the check, a few napkins, or some promotional material thoughtfully clipped on for the customer's convenience. The invented device might also be decorated with a logo, picture, or other design, such as to identify the owner or as a self-expression by the owner, such as but not limited to a personal beer protector bearing one's initials, the logo of the taphouse the device belongs to or originated from, or the insignia of one's favorite sports team. The device may be foldable or collapsible, for convenience of portability. The invented device might be modified in shape, such as for aesthetic effect or for providing of additional features.

Certain other alternate preferred embodiments comprise a translucent vessel containing a liquid beverage; and a shield that is as least partially screening of light energy, the shield positioned relative to the vessel to limit the exposure of the liquid beverage to light energy, and wherein the beverage may comprise beer.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,589 (inventor: Weaver; issued on Sep. 7, 2004) titled “Amber polyester compositions and container articles produced therefrom”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,898 (inventor: Weaver; issued on Apr. 6, 2004) titled “Amber polyester compositions for packaging food and beverages” are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.

FIG. 1 is a line drawing diagram presenting a first embodiment of the invented device in a preferred application context, sitting on a surface shielding a beverage glass;

FIG. 2A is a line diagram of the first embodiment of FIG. 1, presenting a front profile view;

FIG. 2B is a line diagram of the first embodiment of FIG. 2A, presenting a side view;

FIG. 2C is a line diagram of the first embodiment of FIG. 2A, presenting a top view;

FIG. 3A is a line diagram of a second embodiment of the invented device, presenting a side view;

FIG. 3B is a line diagram of the second embodiment of FIG. 3A, presenting a top view;

FIG. 4A is a line diagram of a third embodiment of the invented device, presenting a side profile view;

FIG. 4B is a line diagram of the third embodiment of FIG. 4A, presenting a front view;

FIG. 4C is a line diagram of the third embodiment of FIG. 4A, presenting a bottom view;

FIG. 5A is a line diagram of a fourth embodiment of the invented device, presenting a side view;

FIG. 5B is a line diagram of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5A, presenting a bottom view;

FIG. 5C is a line diagram of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5A, presenting a top view, presenting a rear view and further including the optional feature of a graphic or logo on the top;

FIG. 5D is a line diagram of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5A, presenting a rear view and further including the optional feature of a graphic or logo on the back;

FIG. 5E is a line diagram of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5A, presenting additional information;

FIG. 6A is a line diagram presenting the first embodiment of FIG. 1 further including a first type of handle;

FIG. 6B is a line diagram presenting the first embodiment of FIG. 1 further including a second type of handle;

FIG. 6C is a line diagram presenting the third embodiment of FIG. 4A further including a third type of handle;

FIG. 7A is a line diagram presenting the third embodiment of FIG. 4A further including a side panel;

FIG. 7B is a line diagram presenting the third embodiment of FIG. 4A further including a side panel, with a glass further included for spatial reference;

FIG. 8A is a line diagram presenting the third embodiment of FIG. 4A further including an overhang;

FIG. 8B is a line diagram presenting the third embodiment of FIG. 4A further including an overhang, with a glass further included for spatial reference;

FIG. 9A is a line diagram presenting the third embodiment of FIG. 4A further including both a side panel and an overhang;

FIG. 9B is a line diagram presenting the third embodiment of FIG. 4A further including both a side panel and an overhang, with a glass further included for spatial reference;

FIG. 10A is a line diagram presenting a fifth embodiment of the invented device which folds up, in an unfolded position;

FIG. 10B is a line diagram presenting the fifth embodiment of FIG. 10A, in a mostly folded position;

FIG. 11A is a line diagram presenting a sixth embodiment of the invented device which folds up, in an unfolded position; and

FIG. 11B is a line diagram presenting the sixth embodiment of FIG. 11A, in a mostly folded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and embodiments of the invention are described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the invention can be adapted for any of several applications.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular aspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events.

Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methods and materials are now described.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

When elements are referred to as being “connected” or “coupled,” the elements can be directly connected or coupled together or one or more intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when elements are referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled,” there are no intervening elements present.

Throughout this specification, like reference numbers signify the same elements throughout the description of the figures.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a line drawing presenting a first embodiment of the invented device (“a first device 100”) as used in context. The first device 100 includes a base 102, a back 104, and a roof 106. The first device 100 is placed on a substantively flat surface 108 such as a table, adjacent to a glass 110, such that the roof 106 is positioned over the top of the glass 110, thus shading the glass 110 at least partially from light 112 from a light source 114 positioned above the surface 108 that might otherwise ‘skunk’ the beverage in the glass 110. It is noted that this instance where the beverage is contained in a translucent vessel like the glass 110 is a demonstrative example; the beverage does not need to be in a glass, and may instead be held in a cup, mug, tankard, or other vessel suitable for containing a beverage, and further, if the vessel still exposes the beverage to any light, the present invention may still be useful in sheltering the beverage from light and reducing chance of ‘skunking’.

In preferred embodiments, the back 104 stands perpendicular to the base 102, such that the base 102 can sit firmly upon the surface 108, and the back 104 can provide suitable elevation for the roof 106 to overhang the glass 110. It is noted that the height of the device 100 relative to the glass 110 is relevant: if the device 100 is too short, the glass 110 may not fit underneath; if the device 100 is too tall, the efficacy may be reduced, as the shadow of the roof 106 may not fall on the top of the glass; a close fit is ideally preferred, but ideally not to the point of skimming foam off the top of the beverage in the glass 110. It is further noted that a just-right close fit may provide additional benefits such as partially isolating air pressure on the surface of the beverage and thus reducing heat transfer into the surrounding air or evaporation of carbonation or alcohol.

FIG. 1 further includes an XYZ compass 116, presenting an X axis, Y axis, and Z axis as labeled. The X axis is mutually orthogonal both to the Y axis and to the Z axis. The Y axis is mutually orthogonal to both the X axis and the Z axis. The Z axis is mutually orthogonal to both the X axis and the Y axis. For the purposes of standardizing terminology in this disclosure, the X axis is the ‘front-to-back’ dimension relative to the device 100, and runs parallel to the surface 108. The point of the roof 106 most distant from the back 104 along the X axis is considered the front of the device 100. The Y axis is the dimension of ‘up and down’, such that the back 104 runs parallel or mostly parallel (allowing for aesthetic or stylized variation) to the Y axis, and the Y axis is substantively orthogonal to the surface 108, such that the base 102 rests on and against the surface 108, and the roof 106 is positioned at the end of the device 100 furthest from the base 102 along the Y axis. The Z axis is the ‘side-to-side’ dimension, and runs parallel to the surface 108 and orthogonal to the other two axes. All instances of the XYZ compass 116 appearing in other Figures follow the same conventions stated above.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A is a line diagram of a prototype of the invented device 100 of FIG. 1, presenting a front profile view. It is noted that shading is selectively included in this line diagram to better represent this three-dimensional object, such as making clearer that the corner between the back 104 and roof 106 is an ‘inside’ corner, with the roof 106 facing downward and substantively orthogonal to the back 104.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B is a line drawing of the invented device 100 of FIG. 2A, presenting a side profile view. It is noted that shading of the roof 106 is again utilized to decrease any visual ambiguity by indicating that the underside of the roof 106, facing downward and thus shadowed, and the top side of the base, facing upward and thus illuminated, are in view.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C is a line drawing of the invented device 100 of FIG. 2A, presenting a top view. It is noted that the back 104 is barely visible in this view from directly above the invented device 100.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A is a line drawing of a second embodiment of the invented device (“a second device 300”), presenting a side view. This alternative model of the invented device 300 includes a base 302 with a ‘folded over’ clip element 302A, a back 304, and a roof 306. The clip element 302A may provide extra base 302 stability or ballast, and may also serve as a clip feature into which a paper, such as a diner's check, a small menu, a promotional brochure, a few napkins, or something similar might be placed when a glass 110 of craft beer is served to a diner along with the invented device 300.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3B, FIG. 3B is a line drawing of the second embodiment of FIG. 3A, presenting a top view.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A is a line drawing of a third embodiment of the invented device, presenting a side profile view. This embodiment includes a base 402, a back 404, a roof 406, and further includes a dip 404A to the back, a shape which may provide additional benefits of design such as conserving space while allowing a larger base 402, or providing a built-in ‘hook’ shape for carrying or storing the device 400. This embodiment also has the base 402 positioned substantively underneath the roof 406. This may also conserve some space on a crowded table, or allow a server to carry and serve the glass 110 already placed ‘inside’ the device 400 rather than handle the device and glass as two items, though this may increase risk of toppling or spilling the glass 110. The side panels presented in FIGS. 7A through 9B might be useful in providing more stability in that application of carrying the beverage inside the invented holder, or a railing feature at least partially encircling the position of the glass might also offer improved stability. It is noted that shading is included in this image to reduce visual ambiguity, such as shadowing in the corner between the back 404 and the roof 406 to visually indicate an inside corner.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4B, FIG. 4B is a line drawing of the third embodiment of FIG. 4A, presenting a front view. It is noted that shading is added to reduce visual ambiguity in a line drawing of a three-dimensional object, such as by indicating that the underside of the roof 106 and the sloped face of the dip 404A are facing downward or partially downward.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4C, FIG. 4C is a line drawing of the third embodiment of FIG. 4A, presenting a bottom view. It is noted that the back 404 and the roof 406 are partially visible from this angle, and labeled accordingly.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5A is a line drawing of a fourth embodiment of the invented device, presenting a side view. This fifth device 500 includes a base 502, a back 504, and a roof 506. This compact and simple variation includes the feature of the roof 506 positioned directly above the base 502, allowing the fifth device 500 to take up minimal space.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5B, FIG. 5B is a line drawing of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5A, presenting a bottom view.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5C, FIG. 5C is a line drawing of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5A, presenting a top view. This image further presents the optional feature of a graphic 508 such as a logo positioned on the top panel of the invented device facing upward. It is noted that the graphic 508 may be any kind of image considered appropriate to place on the invented device. One example might be a signature, trademark, logo, or other brand indicator belonging to the establishment to which the invented device belongs, so that a taphouse might have a collection of these devices with matching logos on them, much like trays, glasses, napkin holders, or other such elements. Another application of this might be providing customization for a personal device, such that an avid beer drinker might purchase and carry their own and have it personalized, such as with their name, favorite sports team, or a graphic similar to what one might put on a t-shirt, bumper sticker, or mug. The graphic 508 might be positioned elsewhere on the device besides the top, such as the graphic 508 of FIG. 5D positioned on the back of the device. The graphic 508 might be affixed or drawn onto the device in a variety of different ways allowing for different aesthetics, including but not limited to pasting on a sticker, painting, etching, welding, burning, or adding a ‘jacket’ bearing the logo made out of some other material. It is noted that the graphic 508 might also consist of apertures through the device, in the manner of a stencil; a lot of potential for creativity in aesthetic design is available here, and this disclosure of some approaches that come to mind should not be construed as limiting in scope; no matter how the invented device is decorated, it will generally remain an instance or embodiment of the invented device.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5D, FIG. 5D is a line drawing of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5A, presenting a rear view. This image further presents the optional feature of the graphic 508 of FIG. 5C, positioned at an alternative location such as the back of the device. It is noted that the graphic 508 might be positioned elsewhere on the device besides the top or back, and no limitation as to the positioning of the graphic 508 is intended by providing of these examples.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5E, FIG. 5E is a line diagram of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5A, presenting physical dimensions of height h, width w, depth d, and thickness t. While the invented device is not limited to a specific size and may be scalable as deemed practical or advantageous, the invented device is generally preferred to be of a size to stand slightly taller and wider than a standard-sized beverage glass 110, so as to fit around and over the glass and provide shade. Some exemplary measurements for the fourth device 500, as an illustrative example, may include the following. Height h from the bottom of the base 502 to the top of the roof 506 may preferably be within the range of between 1 inch and 24 inches. Width w from the back 504 to the frontmost point of the roof 506 may preferably be within the range of between 1 inch and 12 inches. Depth d from one side to the other along the Z axis may preferably be within the range of between 1 inch and 12 inches. Thickness t from one face to the opposite face of a piece of material such as the back 504 may preferably be within the range of between 1/1000th of an inch and 3 inches.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C present various embodiments of the invented device further including a variety of possible handles that might be included as additional features to any embodiment of the invented device. FIG. 6A presents a first alternative type of handle (“a first handle 600”) consisting of an aperture through the material of the back 104. FIG. 6B is a line drawing presenting the invented device of FIG. 1 further including a second alternative type of handle (“a second handle 602”) consisting of an aperture through the material of the back 104. An aperture serving as a handle for the invented device might take a wide variety of shapes, either practical or decorative, of which the first handle 600 and the second handle 602 are only two representative examples. FIG. 6C is a line drawing presenting the first device of FIG. 1 further including a third alternative variety of handle (“a third handle 604”). This handle might be coupled to the back of the device as presented, providing a hand grip similar to a mug or tankard. It is understood that any embodiment of the invented device, including the first device 100 of FIG. 1, the second device 300 of FIG. 3A, the third device 400 of FIG. 4A, the fourth device 500 of FIG. 5A, the sixth device of FIG. 10A, the seventh device of FIG. 11A, might further include a handle such as one of the handles presented in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C or another suitable handle as known in the art or deemed appropriate in design, of which these are only a few possible examples.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7A is a line drawing diagram presenting the third device 400 further including a side panel 700. The side panel 700 may provide further shade area coverage or protection from light for the beverage glass 110. The side panel 700 also may be decreased or increased in size and/or area coverage, and is preferably opaque or otherwise adapted to provide shade from light. The side panel may be coupled permanently as part of the device 400, or may be detachably coupled, such as by sliding into grooves positioned on the roof 406 and base 402 or being coupled by other fastening means as known in the art. The side panel may be a rigid element, such as a sheet of metal or plastic, but may also be flexible or clothlike, such as with the device 400 providing a rigid ‘framework’ to support the shape of the side panel 700. One notes that all components of the invented device are preferably washable, as spills do occasionally happen and cleanliness is important in a setting where food and drink are prepared and consumed.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 7B, FIG. 7B is the line drawing diagram presenting the third device 400 further including the side panel 700, and additionally presenting the glass 110 positioned within the device 400 as a reference indicator. The side panel 700 may be positioned on either side of the device, i.e. as shown or on the opposite side which in this image would partially conceal the glass 110 from view. Some embodiments may even include the panel 700 as positioned on the front (curved, opposite the back 404), such that the device forms a closed loop with the sides open. There may be side panels 700 covering more than one side, or curving around to cover one side and part of another. Additionally, while FIGS. 7A and 7B present the side panel 700 as added to the third device 400, any embodiment of the invented device might include the side panel 700 as an additional feature, and the third device 400 was used here only as an example for the purpose of illustration. It is noted that the side panel 700 may also provide additional stabilization if the device 400 were to be picked up and moved with the glass 110 in place.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8A, FIG. 8A is a diagram presenting the third device 400 additionally including an overhang 800. The overhang 800 may be an additional partial sheet or panel for providing additional light-blocking, or an extension of the roof 406 that ‘curves’ down to extend the shielding surface. The overhang 800 may be positioned on the front, as shown, but may also be positioned on a side, or curve around the front and part of a side.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8B, FIG. 8B is a diagram presenting the third device 400 with overhang 800, additionally presenting the glass 110 positioned within the device 400 as a reference indicator. It is noted that the overhang 800 may also provide additional stabilization if the device 400 were to be picked up and moved with the glass 110 in place.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9A, FIG. 9A is a diagram presenting the third device 400 with both the side panel 700 and the overhang 800 in combination.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9B, FIG. 9B is a diagram presenting the third device 400 with both the side panel 700 and the overhang 800 in combination, additionally presenting the glass 110 positioned within the device 400 as a reference indicator.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 10A and 10B, FIGS. 10A and 10B present a sixth embodiment of the invented device (“a sixth device 1000”) which can be folded up. The sixth device 1000 has a base 1002, a back 1004, a roof 1006, and also a set of hinges 1008. In this embodiment, the base 1002, back 1004, and roof 1006 are preferably separate pieces of material, coupled together by mutual coupling to the hinges 1008, such that when the hinges 1008A coupling the base 1002 to the back 1004 are rotated, the base 1002 is re-oriented to form a narrower and more acute angle relative to the back 1004 as shown in FIG. 10B, and such that when the hinges 1008B coupling the roof 1006 to the back 1004 are rotated, the roof 1006 is re-oriented to form a narrower and more acute angle relative to the back 1004 as presented in FIG. 10B. In certain preferred embodiments the base 1002 and roof 1006 may fold ‘all the way in’, rather than mostly as shown in FIG. 10B, such that the device 1000 is substantively flat in a folded-up state; this could be especially useful for storage or travel. In certain preferred embodiments, the hinges 1008 may allow the base 1002 or roof 1006 to rotate all the way around, such that the roof 1006 may be positioned on the opposite side of the back 1004 from the base 1002 (as presented in FIGS. 10A and 10B) or both the base 1002 and roof 1006 may be positioned on the same side, as presented in the seventh device 1100 of FIGS. 11A and 11B. The hinges 1008 may contain components not shown as generally understood as belonging to or used with hinges as known in the art, such as a spring, a central axis or pin around which the hinge rotates, or a locking mechanism to hold the hinge 1008 in a current rotated position. The sixth device 1000 may further include means for locking the device ‘open’ (i.e. usable as a drink shield in accordance with the invented method) or ‘closed’ (i.e. folded up flat for storage). This diagram presents two hinges 1008 at each rotation point; this might easily be single hinges 1008 instead, as presented in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 11A and 11B, FIGS. 11A and 11B present a seventh embodiment of the invented device (“a seventh device 1100”) which can be folded up. The seventh device 1100 has a base 1102, a back 1104, a roof 1106, and also a set of hinges 1108. In this embodiment, the base 1102, back 1104, and roof 1106 are preferably separate pieces of material, coupled together by mutual coupling to the hinges 1108, such that when the hinge 1108A coupling the base 1102 to the back 1104 are rotated, the base 1102 is re-oriented to form a narrower and more acute angle relative to the back 1104 as shown in FIG. 10B, and such that when the hinge 1108B coupling the roof 1106 to the back 1104 are rotated, the roof 1106 is re-oriented to form a narrower and more acute angle relative to the back 1104 as presented in FIG. 11B. In certain preferred embodiments the base 1102 and roof 1106 may fold ‘all the way in’, rather than mostly as shown in FIG. 11B, such that the device 1100 is substantively flat in a folded-up state; this could be especially useful for storage or travel. In certain preferred embodiments, the hinges 1108 may allow the base 1102 or roof 1106 to rotate all the way around, such that the roof 1106 may be positioned on the same side of the back 1104 as the base 1102 (as presented in FIGS. 11A and 11B) or both the base 1102 and roof 1106 may be positioned on opposite sides, as presented in the sixth device 1000 of FIGS. 10A and 10B. The hinges 1108 may contain components not shown as generally understood as belonging to or used with hinges as known in the art, such as a spring, a central axis or pin around which the hinge rotates, or a locking mechanism to hold the hinge 1108 in a current rotated position. The seventh device 1100 may further include means for locking the device ‘open’ (i.e. usable as a drink shield in accordance with the invented method) or ‘closed’ (i.e. folded up flat for storage).

The invented device might be made of any suitable material or combination of materials as known in the art or subsequently discovered to be suitable, such as but not limited to metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, or wood. It is noted that at least the overhanging element is preferably made of a material that provides shade or reduces light passing through; this may be an entirely opaque material, but certain non-opaque materials, such as but not limited to the dark brown beer bottle glass used for the same anti-skunking purpose in packaged beer, may also be suitable for providing at least reduced light exposure. The scope of the invention includes both embodiments comprising multiple pieces of material coupled together and embodiments formed out of a single piece of material. No limitation of suitable materials for construction of the invented device should be assumed except as specifically limited by the claims.

The examples of the invented device as presented in the disclosure are of a certain size suitable for fitting over or around most beer glasses, but it should be noted that the invented device is not limited to the size of the presented examples disclosed herein, and no limitation of size or scale should be assumed or construed except as specifically limited by the claims.

While selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment, it is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for protecting a beverage contained in a vessel from solar energy, the device comprising:

a base, the base presenting a bottom planar surface and a top planar surface, wherein the bottom planar surface and the top planar surface are parallel to an x-y plane, the x-y plane defined by a mutually orthogonal x-axis and y-axis;

a wall, the wall coupled with the base and extending away from the base along a z-axis, wherein the z-axis is orthogonal to the x-y plane; and

a cover, the cover coupled with the base and at least partially covering the base from the viewpoint of the z-axis.

2. The device of claim 1 comprising a material that impedes the transmission of sun energy.

3. The device of claim 1 comprising aluminum.

4. The device of claim 1 comprising a metal or metal alloy.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover is coupled with the wall and with the base by means of the extension.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the cover is coupled with the wall at a location of the wall distal from the base.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover presents a planar cover inner surface that faces the base.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the planar cover inner surface is parallel with the x-y plane.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover presents a planar cover outer surface that faces away from the base.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the cover further presents a planar cover inner surface that faces the base, wherein the planar cover outer surface and the planar cover inner surface are parallel.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the planar cover outer surface and the planar cover inner surface are parallel with the x-y plane.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover presents a cover signage.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the wall presents a wall signage.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the wall extends along the x-axis of the x-y plane.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the wall extends along the y-axis of the x-y plane.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the wall further extends along both the x-axis and the y-axis of the x-y plane.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the wall presents a curved cross parallel to the x-y plane section at at least one location of the wall.

18. A device for protecting a beverage contained in a vessel from solar energy, the device comprising:

a wall, the wall rotatably coupled with the base and extending away from the base along a z-axis, wherein the z-axis is orthogonal to an x-y plane, wherein the wall is sized and shaped to partially encompass the vessel; and

a cover, the cover coupled with the wall and positioned to at least partially occlude the vessel from the viewpoint of the z-axis.

19. The device of claim 17, further comprising a base, the base coupled with the wall distally from the cover, and the base comprising a bottom planar surface and a top planar surface, wherein the bottom planar surface and a top planar surface are parallel with the x-y plane.

20. The device of claim 17, wherein the wall presents a curved cross section at positions parallel to the x-y plane.