INSULATED BEVERAGE CONTAINER COVER

Abstract

A beverage container cover includes a body, lid and optional neck portion. The cover is configured to surround a beverage container including a top portion and opening of the beverage container. The lid and body are insulative being designed to surround portions of the container. An optional neck portion may be included between the lid and the body. In some embodiments, the lid, body, and neck portions may include an attachment point to permit selective detachment from each other. A method of insulating a beverage container includes pivoting the insulative lid partially away from the insulative body and inserting a beverage into the insulative body. The user may then pivot the insulative lid over a portion of an upper surface of the beverage container so as to cover an opening of the beverage container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date and right of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/481,823, filed 27 Jan. 2023, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates to a drink cover, and more particularly to a cover for a drink that surrounds a portion of the body and a drink opening.

2. Description of Related Art

Throughout history, a variety of containers have been used to hold water and other beverages, from simple options like gourds and ostrich eggshells to more complex ones constructed of clay, minerals, paper, glass, and metal. Drinks were initially stored in glass bottles, followed by steel and aluminum cans, when beverage bottling first started more than a century ago. When there is a temperature gradient between the drink and the environment, condensation may occur on the container.

A common beverage container holder is a Koozie™. Its primary purpose is to function as a beverage insulator, keeping a drink such as a beer or soda cool while it is being drunk. Additionally, the holder prevents the can from sweating and slipping out of a user's hand after being held too long. Its significance in preventing condensation on a hand and surface cannot be understated. Furthermore, when removed from ice or refrigeration for consumption, beverage containers can quickly lose its coldness. Human hands and ambient air temperature will quickly warm a container if it is not insulated in some way. The holder typically covers the majority of the beverage, but the top of the can is left exposed to temperature changes and environmental factors including sand, dirt, water, insects, and other contaminants.

Although strides have been made, shortcomings remain. It is desired that an assembly be provided that is configured to surround both the body of the container and selectively cover the opening of the container to minimize energy transfer between the environment and the contents of the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present application to provide an insulative beverage container cover that is configured to insulate the main body of a beverage as well as selectively cover a top portion or opening of the beverage. Portions of the insulative beverage cover may be detachable to permit flexibility in matching different sized and shaped beverage containers.

Ultimately the invention may take many embodiments. In these ways, the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the prior art. The more important features have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and to ensure that the present contribution to the art is appreciated. Additional features will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Many objects of the present application will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the various purposes of the present design. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an insulative beverage container cover according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a second embodiment of the cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the cover of FIG. 1 with a lid articulated upward.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the cover of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the cover of FIG. 2 with the lid articulated rearward.

While the embodiments and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the embodiments described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

The embodiments and method in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with the prior art discussed previously. In particular, the insulated beverage container cover design of the present application includes the use of a lid selectively coupled to the body to permit full or mostly full coverage of the beverage container. An optional neck portion may be used to facilitate usage with bottles having long necks. These and other unique features are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The embodiments and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the assembly may be presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described.

Referring now to the Figures wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. The following Figures describe embodiments of the present application and its associated features. With reference now to the Figures, embodiments of the present application are herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The insulated beverage container cover of the present application is configured to both insulate and remove the ill effects of moisture accumulation on an outer surface of the container. This is configured to increase the ease of grip by the user over the container as well as help to maintain and regulate the temperature of the contents within a beverage container.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 in the drawings, embodiments of the insulative beverage container cover are illustrated. Insulated beverage container cover 101 is configured to be sized and shaped so as to fit around primarily cylindrical beverage containers, such as aluminum cans for example. Insulated beverage container cover 201 is seen in FIG. 2 and is configured to be sized and shaped so as to fit around primarily various sized bottle beverage containers. The type of material for the container is not an issue. Both covers 101 and 201 are configured to operate with a beverage container made from any material.

Both covers 101 and 201 are collapsible bottle or can beverage holders produced of an insulative material such as neoprene. Due to the design of the product, each can be conveniently collapsed to fit into a pocket or purse and be immediately ready for usage. Each cover 101/201 has a top cover for the beverage or a “top hat” that will cover the beverage container's opening. By covering the often-exposed sections of the container, the top cover contributes to completing the insulating properties of the neoprene beverage holder. The top covering not only improves insulation but also protects beverages from contaminants like sand, dirt, water from lakes or pools, insects, and other types of debris. It is understood the material of choice for cover 101/201 may permit some absorption of condensate moisture. Such is allowable as cover 101/201 is configured to air dry and timely release such moisture.

It should be understood that various attachment methods may be used to form the shape and connect portions of cover 101/201. Conventional techniques such as Velcro, straps, fasteners, snaps, and zippers are possible but not necessary. Cover 101/201 may be stitched together or fastened even through an adhesive. The material may flex to allow accommodating various sized containers.

To suit practically any beverage container, the flexible and form-fitting cover 101/201 is available in a range of sizes, such as small, standard, large, and extra-large for example. Bottles of practically any size may be used as well, and the top cap protects the opening on all of them. The term “opening” refers to the area on the container wherein the contents are exited.

As further seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, graphical indicia may be incorporated into any portion of the exterior of cover 101/201. Such graphical indicia is noted specifically in FIG. 2 but is also incorporated into FIG. 1. The use of colors and patterns are ideal for adding sports, business, or personal logos or designs. Since neoprene material comes in a variety of colors and hues for custom designs, personalization, and team or corporate color options are always a possibility for marketing and recognition.

As will be described in more detail with respect to the particular embodiments herein, it is understood that cover 101/201 are intended to be both practical and functional. The manufacturer's marketability is enhanced by the relative simplicity of manufacturing and reasonably priced components. Improved enjoyability and lasting temperature of beverages benefit the user, which should generate significant market interest in the product.

Both embodiments will be described in a manner that each includes a main body and a lid. The main body covers the body of the container while the lid is selectively attached to the main body but is primarily used to cover the opening. The physical structure of the container may influence the overall shape and design of cover 101/201. These particular embodiments are not meant to be limiting but are intended to provide a sampling of suitable shapes and sizes possible.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3-4 in the drawings, views of cover 101 are provided. FIG. 3 is a front view of cover 101 and is primarily used for beverages held in a can type container. The unique one part design of body 103 and lid 105 allow it to fit numerous can and bottle sizes. Lid 105 is coupled to body 103 by any known method, such as at attachment point 106. Attachment point 106 may be stitching or a clip 106 for example. FIG. 4 illustrates cover 101 from a side wherein the lid 105 is articulated or raised from the front. In this embodiment, lid 105 includes a lip 107 that protrudes outward from lid 105 along an outer surface to more easily permit a user to rotate lid 105 around the opening of the container. It is understood that some embodiments permit for the selective detachment of lid 105 from body 103 along attachment point 106.

Referring now also to FIGS. 5-6 in the drawings, views of cover 201 are provided. FIG. 5 illustrates cover 201 from a front view. Cover 201 is primarily used for bottle or glass containers and is similar in form and function to that of cover 101. An included feature is the extended neck portion 204 that may be selectively included between the lid 205 and body 203. Neck portion 204 is shown extending between lid 205 and body 203. Cover 201 is primarily used to show that the insulative beverage container cover may further include neck portion 204 wherein the lid 205 and body 203 are distal from each other. Additionally, lip 207 is also shown and is similar in form and function to lip 107.

Much like with cover 101, cover 201 may also include an attachment point to permit the selective detaching of lid 205 from that of body 203. As seen in the Figures, attachment point 206a is located at the junction of body 203 and neck portion 204. Attachment point 206b is located at the junction of lid 205 and neck portion 204. Attachment points 206a and 206b may be stitching or a clip 106 or any type of coupling that may either provide for permanent or detachable function. Neck portion 204 may be selectively detached from either or both of body 203 or lid 205. In such an embodiment it is permissible to conceive that the lid 205 and body 203 may then share an attachment point.

As seen in both embodiments, cover 101/201 may include a gap 109/209 at a lower end of body 103/203 to permit condensation to drain. Ideally gap 109/209 is located distal from lid 105/205. Gap 109/209 is configured to pass through from an interior surface of body 103/203 to an exterior surface of that same body. The foldable nature of cover 101/201 also permits the gap to widen or decrease depending on shape.

It should be understood that container 99 in FIG. 6 is shown as a representative example of a container, even though a container with cover 101 is not shown. The opening 97 of container 99 helps to illustrate where an opening may be found.

When it's time to drink, the cover 101/201, the respective lids can be effortlessly flipped out of the way and then quickly put back in place. After being stored collapsed, the neoprene immediately rebounds around the bottle or can, and the strong stitching maintains the shape integrity of the product.

A method of insulating a beverage container would include obtaining a beverage container cover 101/201. A user would selectively pivot the insulative lid partially away from the insulative body. The user would then insert the beverage container into the insulative body. The user may then pivot the insulative lid over a portion of an upper surface of the beverage container such that the insulative lid covers the opening of the beverage container.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. A beverage container cover, comprising:

an insulative body configured to surround a portion of the beverage container; and

an insulative lid selectively coupled to an upper portion of the body and configured to surround an upper portion of the beverage container, the lid configured to flex so as to selectively cover an opening of the beverage container.

2. The cover of claim 1, further comprising:

a neck portion extending between the insulative body and the insulative lid

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the neck portion is selectively detachable from at least one of the insulative body and the insulative lid.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the lid and the body may share an attachment point without the neck portion.

5. The cover of claim 2, wherein the lid includes a lip configured to extend outward along an outer surface.

6. The cover of claim 2, wherein the insulative body includes a gap formed along its lower end that passes through from an interior surface past an exterior surface of the insulative body.

7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the lid and the body include a correlated attachment point configured to selectively detach the body from the lid.

8. The cover of claim 1, wherein the lid and the body are selectively detachable.

9. The cover of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a lip configured to extend outward along an outer surface.

10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the insulative body includes a gap formed along its lower portion that passes through from an interior surface past an exterior surface of the insulative body.

11. A method of insulating a beverage container, comprising:

obtaining a beverage container cover in claim 1;

pivoting the insulative lid partially away from the insulative body;

inserting a beverage into the insulative body; and

pivoting the insulative lid over a portion of an upper surface of the beverage container, the insulative lid covering an opening of the beverage container.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

selectively detaching the insulative lid from the insulative body.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

coupling a neck portion between the insulative lid and the insulative body along one or more attachment points.