US20060283868A1

US20060283868A1 - Beverage container accessory

Info

Publication number: US20060283868A1
Application number: US11/156,226
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne McDonald
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-17
Filing date: 2005-06-17
Publication date: 2006-12-21
Also published as: CA2543944A1

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to holders for beverage containers. The present invention also relates generally to coasters and napkins that are used in conjunction with beverage containers, especially beverage containers containing cold beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to a beverage container accessory that in a collapsed state can be used as a conventional napkin or a coaster and in a non-collapsed state can be used to facilitate the holding of beverage containers, as well as the method of making and using of the present invention.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a beverage container accessory for cold liquids. More particularly, this invention relates to a beverage container accessory that in a collapsed state can be used as a conventional napkin or coaster and in a non-collapsed state can be used to hold beverage containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Glass bottles and aluminum cans are commonly used as containers for keeping and serving cold beverages, e.g. beer, sodas, water. A common problem experienced by a consumer of cold beverages is that condensation forms on the outside of the container, which means that a consumer's hand gets wet and cold when the container is gripped during the consumption process. One common solution to this problem is to take a napkin and wrap the napkin around the container to absorb the condensation. Generally this is only a temporary solution since the condensation wicks from the surface of the napkin touching the container to the surface of the napkin touching the hand of the consumer, plus the napkin has a tendency to lose structural integrity under these conditions. If the cold beverage is in a can, one solution is to use a sturdy, insulated device to hold the beverage container, e.g. a koozie, coozie. These devices are generally made from closed or open cell foam materials and are designed to be sturdy and to have insulating properties. These devices generally have logos or promotional information displayed on the outside since both the manufactures of cold beverages and the owners of establishments serving cold beverages use this medium to advertise their respective brands. Historically, beverage manufacturers have been producing for promotional distribution paper drink coasters and bar napkins with their advertising logos/messages on them. These are often distributed free of charge to restaurants and bars.
A number of beverage container accessories have been proposed for hot and cold beverages, e.g., sleeves for containers of hot beverages and insulated jackets for cans of cold beverages. Generally, the focus for the sleeves for containers of hot beverages is to keep the consumer's hand from being burnt, while the focus for the insulated jackets for cans of cold beverages is to keep the beverage cold.
Examples of these types of proposed solutions include the following. Egger U.S. Pat. No. 2,617,549 discloses a coaster type holder that is fitted about and carried by containers for liquids such as glasses, bottles, cans, etc. Reineke U.S. Pat. No. Des. 159,525 discloses a jacket-type coaster. Harmony U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,567 discloses an insulator for canned drinks made from an elongated sheet of cross-linked polyethylene foam having a strip of adhesive deposited on one side at one end of the sheet. Kelly U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,303 discloses a beverage container cooler having a flexible foam insulating layer with a cooling surface. Williamson U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,668 discloses an individual beverage cooler having a flexible, multilayer thermal wrap with an inner coolant layer which conforms to a container's shape and leaves an opening at the container's top to expose the pouring end. Zills U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,245 discloses a collapsible, insulative beverage container jacket with a pocket sewn on the jacket. Curtis U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,995 discloses a knit cover for a beverage container formed as a single piece seamless rib knit sleeve. Taylor U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,280 discloses a cover of adjustable size for a bottle. Henderson U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,611 discloses a fold-up insulated beverage container accessory. Henderson U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,525 discloses a fold-up insulated beverage container accessory with a stabilizing support base. Hewlett U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,588 discloses a cooling wrap method of manufacture. Guo U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,025 discloses a thermal isolating sheath for beverage containers which is integrally made by a kind of flexible and elastic thermal isolating material, and is comprised of main gasket and a base gasket. Shelby U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,315 discloses an insulated beverage receptacle holder formed from a substantially rigid paperboard sheet having a rectangular body portion having opposite lateral side edges. Downes U.S. Pat. No. Des. 370,600 discloses a flexible insulation device for a beverage container with a handle. Rose U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,615 discloses a container holder having a unique shape that facilitates printing of advertising material at a predetermined location on the holder. Welch U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,902 discloses an insulated foldable receptacle for containers. Bell U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,091 discloses a hot or cold beverage container accessory manufactured from a sheet of recycled pressed paper pulp. Mahl U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,686 discloses a thermal insulating sleeve for a container that is easily converted from a generally planar configuration during periods of nonuse and into an expanded or open configuration for receiving a container during periods of use.
None of these devices are designed to convert from use as a napkin or coaster to use as a beverage container holder. Additionally, none of these devices are designed to convert from use as a napkin or coaster to use as a beverage container holder that is disposed for advertising and promotion. Other problems exist that are not addressed by these devices.
Improvements are needed to facilitate addressing the condensation problem on the outside of cold beverage containers, while providing a single device that can serve as a napkin, a coaster and a beverage container holder. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage container accessory device that overcomes these and other problems.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage container accessory that is operable for converting from a napkin or coaster to a beverage container holder that will hold most beverage containers, e.g. bottles and cans.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage container accessory that will partially absorb condensation when in contact with the outside of a beverage container containing a cold beverage.
Still another object of the present invention to provide a beverage container accessory that can accept printing and embossing.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage container accessory that can be easily expanded into an open configuration for accommodating beverage containers of varying shapes and sizes, e.g., high ball glasses, low ball glasses, pints.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage container accessory that is sturdy enough to withstand moderate handling, e.g., maintaining reasonable structural integrity for the average length of time it takes to consume the beverage.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage container accessory that can be formed from a biodegradable and/or recyclable material.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage container accessory that is capable of being manufactured by existing machinery, with no or moderate modifications.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container accessory that can easily collapse into a substantially planar configuration for ease of storage, shipping and dispensing, and will fit into most current bar napkin holders.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container accessory that is easy to use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container accessory that will provide a moderate thermal benefit by minimizing direct contact of the user's hand with the beverage container.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container accessory that can be made inexpensively.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container accessory that is disposable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned and other objects were achieved, and the above-mentioned disadvantages overcome, by the present invention, by providing a beverage container accessory device that can also be used as a napkin, a coaster or a beverage container holder.
The present invention is directed to an accessory for a container, such as a beverage container. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the beverage container accessory is comprised of a generally tubular body of material when in the un-collapsed state. The tubular body of material is further comprised of an open first end and a second end forming a central cavity therein. The central cavity is sized for insertion of a beverage container, e.g. a beer bottle or beer can. The second end prevents the inserted beverage container from falling through the cavity. The inside material of the central cavity is enabled for absorption of a portion of the normal condensation formed on the outside of a cold beverage container. The outside material of the present invention is enabled for receiving advertising or promotional information, e.g. logos, brand names and the like.
The preferred storage of the present invention is in a collapsed state wherein the present invention is in a generally planar configuration suitable for vertical stacking of the present invention. The preferred dispensing of the present invention is such that it can be placed in a closed configuration under a beverage container as an absorbent coaster, or placed in a closed configuration to the side of a beverage container as a napkin replacement, or opened in an un-collapsed state and having a beverage container placed through the first open end, into the cavity until the beverage container comes to rest at the second end of the present invention.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the beverage container accessory if formed from pliable material, e.g., paper, fabric, cotton, linen, linen composite, plastic, cardboard, foam composites of paper, fabric, plastic, cardboard or foam and laminates of paper, fabric, plastic, cardboard or foam.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the beverage container accessory is comprised of an absorbent material and means for attaching the material to itself to form an open-ended tube, e.g. adhesive, thread, or compression.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be obtained by means of instrumentalities in combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a complete embodiment of the invention according to the best modes so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a beverage container accessory in a non-collapsed state with a beverage bottle inserted according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory in a collapsed state according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory in a collapsed state according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory in a collapsed state according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory in a collapsed state according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory in a collapsed state for holding beverage cans according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory in a collapsed state for holding beverage bottles according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory with an alternate bottom arrangement in the non-engaged position according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory with an alternate bottom arrangement in the engaged position according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory with left bottom and right bottom openings according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 shows a front perspective view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 shows a front plan view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 shows a top plan view of an unassembled beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 shows a front plan view of an assembled beverage container accessory according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 shows a front perspective view of a beverage container accessory according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The drawings show aspects of the invention. As the drawings are described, reference will be made to the present preferred embodiments of the invention. The terminology used herein to describe the present preferred embodiments is for the purpose of clarification. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used. Terminology used to describe each element should be understood to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
The present invention is described in relation to a beverage container accessory device. Nonetheless, the characteristics and parameters pertaining to various embodiments the device and methods described herein may be applicable for other uses.
Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention is shown as device 10, with bottle 5 inserted through opening 20. Condensation 6 is shown on bottle 5.
Referring to FIG. 2, device 10 is comprised of top side 10A, right side 10B, left side 10C, bottom side 10D, front side 10E and back side 10F (not shown). Right sealing area 30, bottom sealing area 40 and left sealing area 50 are preferably sealed with adhesive, but can be sealed with other methods, e.g. thread, compression, heat and the like. The combination of right sealing area 30, bottom sealing area 40 and left sealing area 50 forms cavity 10H (not shown) into which a beverage container, such as bottle 5, can be inserted. In this embodiment two square sheets of equal size are used to form device 10.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment, also using two square sheets of equally sized material, is shown where right sealing area 30 and left sealing area 50 form a tubular body of material, which allows a beverage container, such as bottle 5, to be inserted into opening 101 (not shown) either from the direction of top side 10A or bottom side 10D.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a single sheet of material is used and folded at crease 10G and sealed at right sealing area 30 to form a tubular body of material.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a single sheet of material is used and folded at crease 10G and sealed at right sealing area 30 and bottom sealing area 40 to form cavity 10H (not shown) for holding a beverage container.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a single sheet of material is used, folded and sealed using indentions 60 formed by compression. Indentions 60 are positioned such that a beverage can fits into opening 20 (not shown).
Referring now to FIG. 7, a single sheet of material is used, folded and sealed using indentions 60 formed by compression. Indentions 60 are positioned such that a beverage bottle fits into opening 20 (not shown). Indentions 60 can be disposed in varying arrays and in varying shapes, e.g. circles, squares, triangles, irregular shapes. Glue dots 61 (not shown) may also be used such that an inserted beverage container will “pop” open the beverage container accessory until it fits the size of the beverage container. Glue dots 61 may be used instead of indentions 60, or in combination with indentions 60.
Referring now to FIG. 8, device 10 is formed from a single sheet of material, folded such that edge 70 is affixed, preferably with adhesive to front side 10E. Bottom 80 is formed as part of back side 10F and is comprised of bottom extension 80A, bottom support 80B and bottom tab 80C. Bottom tab 80C has means for permanently affixing to device 10, e.g. adhesive protected by a removable cover.
Referring now to FIG. 9, bottom support 80B is folded such that bottom tab 80C adheres to device 10 and forms a bottom operable for holding a beverage container.
Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. Right cut-out 120 and left cut-out 130 are formed by the sealing of alternate right sealing area 90 and alternate left sealing area 110. A beverage container is inserted into opening 20 (not shown) from the direction of top side 10A until the bottom of the beverage container comes to rest on the floor formed by bottom side 10D. Portions of the base of the inserted beverage container will then partially protrude through the apertures formed by right cut-out 120 and left cut-out 130.
Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment shows that device 10 is formed by two circular pieces of material that are sealed together at semi-circular sealing area 140. Semi-circular sealing area 140 begins at left end-point 150 and finishes at right end-point 160, staying roughly equidistant from outer-edge 180, thus forming opening 20 (not shown), wherein a beverage container can be inserted from the direction of semi-circular top side 170 into cavity 10H (not shown). Left end-point 150 is preferably positioned roughly at 315° and right end-point 160 is preferably positioned roughly at 45°.
Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown where the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is cut to form alternate top 190.
Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown where device 10 is formed in a tubular shape with top opening 200 and bottom opening 205 forming a sleeve for a beverage container.
Referring now to FIG. 14, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown where device 10 is in a tubular shape with top opening 200, bottom seam 210 and bottom 220 forming an holder for a beverage container.
Referring now to FIG. 15, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown with right sealing area 240, left sealing area 230, right diagonal opening 250, left diagonal opening 260, and bottom 270.
Referring now to FIG. 16, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown with right sealing area 280, left sealing area 290, right upper diagonal opening 300, right lower diagonal opening 310, bottom 320, left lower diagonal opening 330 and left upper diagonal opening 335.
Referring now to FIG. 17, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown with right sealing area 340, left sealing area 400, right upper opening 350, right side opening 360, bottom 370, left side opening 380 and left upper opening 390.
Referring now to FIG. 18, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown with upper right sealing area 410, right notch 420, lower right sealing area 430, bottom 450, lower left sealing area 460, left notch 470, upper left sealing area 480.
Referring now to FIG. 19, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in the unassembled state. First portion 490, second portion 510, and bottom portion 500 are shown.
Referring now to FIG. 20, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown where the unassembled embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is assembled by applying adhesive on right adhesive area 520 and left adhesive area 530, folding and pressing to form the shape shown in FIG. 20, with bottom 500.
Referring now to FIG. 21, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown with top opening 530, bottom extension 540A, bottom support 540B and bottom tab 540C. Bottom tab 540C has adhesive area 540D for permanently affixing to device 10, e.g. adhesive protected by a removable cover.
The preferred process of making the present invention is as follows:

- Obtaining a sheet of pliable, disposable material
- Cutting the sheet to form a first section and a second section where both the first section and the second section are dimensioned to be roughly 5″×5″
- Affixing adhesive along the edges of three of the sides of the first section
- Placing the second section on top of the first section with the adhesive to form a 5″×5″ beverage container accessory blank
- Pressing firmly on the beverage container accessory blank to form a beverage container accessory
- Waiting until the adhesive has dried
- Imprinting at least one side of the beverage container accessory
- Stacking the beverage container accessory in a dispensing container

The preferred process of using the beverage container accessory is as follows:

- Obtaining a beverage container accessory
- Positioning the beverage container accessory such that the open end is facing up
- Placing a thumb along the near edge of the beverage accessory container
- Placing the remaining fingers along the far edge of the beverage accessory container
- Moving the thumb and fingers slightly towards each other in order to open the cavity of the beverage container accessory
- Placing a suitably sized beverage container into the beverage container accessory cavity
- Gripping the beverage container accessory such that the beverage container is firmly held within the beverage container cavity

Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and examples should be considered exemplary only.

Claims

1) A beverage container accessory, made from at least one blank of pliable material, dimensioned and operable for conversion from a roughly planar collapsed state to a non-planar non-collapsed state capable of facilitating the holding a beverage container.

2) The beverage container accessory of claim 1, wherein said pliable material is fabric.

3) The beverage container accessory of claim 2, wherein said fabric is a paper composite.

4) The beverage container accessory of claim 3, wherein said beverage container is a bottle.

5) The beverage container accessory of claim 3, wherein said beverage container is a can.

6) The beverage container accessory of claim 3, wherein said beverage container is a glass.

7) A method of making an beverage accessory device, comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a sheet of pliable, disposable material;

b) cutting said sheet to form a first section and a second section where both said first section and said second section are dimensioned to be roughly square;

c) affixing adhesive means along the edges of three sides of said first section;

d) placing said second section on top of said first section to form a beverage container accessory blank;

e) pressing firmly on said beverage container accessory blank to form a beverage container accessory;

f) waiting until said first section is affixed to said second section;

g) imprinting at least one side of said beverage container accessory; and,

h) stacking said beverage container accessory in a dispensing container.

8) A method of using a beverage container accessory comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a beverage container accessory with at least one open end, a near edge and a far edge;

b) positioning said beverage container accessory such that said open end is facing up;

c) placing a thumb along said near edge of the beverage accessory container;

d) placing the remaining fingers along said far edge of the beverage container accessory;

e) moving said thumb and said fingers slightly towards each other in order to form an opening at said top of said beverage container accessory;

f) placing a suitably sized beverage container into said opening of said beverage container accessory; and,

g) gripping said beverage container accessory such that said beverage container is firmly held within said beverage container accessory.