Universal Drink Sleeve

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims priority from a prior utility provisional application with application No. 63/620,165 filed on Jan. 11, 2024. The entire collective teachings thereof are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to the field of beverage accessories, specifically to insulating devices for beverage containers. More particularly, the invention pertains to a universal beverage insulator designed to provide thermal insulation, structural flexibility, and adaptability to accommodate beverage vessels of varying shapes and sizes, while offering improved portability and user convenience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a growing need for a versatile beverage insulator that can accommodate the increasing variety of beverage vessel sizes and shapes available in the market. Traditional beverage insulators, such as can coolers or “Koozies,” are often limited to fitting specific container dimensions. This lack of adaptability creates inconvenience for users who wish to use a single insulator across various drink types, including slim cans, wide cups, and irregularly shaped containers. Additionally, existing insulators are often bulky and lack portability, making them less convenient for users to carry during travel or outdoor activities. While existing products are effective at insulating beverages and preventing heat transfer, there is a demand for a solution that combines thermal efficiency with structural flexibility and compactness.

Accordingly, it is apparent that a need exists for a universal beverage insulator that is not only thermally efficient but also adaptable to diverse container sizes and shapes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a beverage insulator. The beverage insulator includes a central body component that comprises a first upper portion and a second upper portion, each configured to conform to the shape of a beverage vessel, and a bottom portion integrally connecting the first upper portion and the second upper portion. The bottom portion provides structural continuity, support, and thermal insulation to maintain beverage temperature. The beverage insulator includes a first expandable section comprising, a primary adjustable side panel connected to a first lateral edge of the first upper portion of the central body component via a first flexible seam, a secondary adjustable side panel connected to a third lateral edge of the second upper portion of the central body component via a second flexible seam, and a first stretchable member extending between and attached to the first lateral edge of the first upper portion and the third lateral edge of the second upper portion of the central body component. The first stretchable member allows dynamic expansion and retraction of the first expandable section, thereby enabling the insulator to conform to varying beverage vessel diameters and shapes. The beverage insulator includes a second expandable section comprising, a third adjustable side panel connected to a second lateral edge of the first upper portion of the central body component via a third flexible seam, a fourth adjustable side panel connected to a fourth lateral edge of the second upper portion of the central body component via a fourth flexible seam, and a second stretchable member extending between and attached to the second lateral edge of the first upper portion and the fourth lateral edge of the second upper portion. The second stretchable member allows independent dynamic expansion and retraction of the second expandable section, further enhancing the ability of the insulator to accommodate a wide range of beverage vessel sizes and shapes.

In an embodiment, a first width of each of the first and second upper portions being greater than a second width of each of the first, second, third and fourth adjustable side panels.

In another embodiment, the first stretchable member is attached to the first adjustable side panel at the first flexible seam and the second adjustable side panel at the second flexible seam.

In yet another embodiment, the second stretchable member is attached to the third adjustable side panel at the third flexible seam and the second adjustable side panel at the second flexible seam.

In yet another embodiment, the second stretchable member is attached to the third adjustable side panel at the third flexible seam and the second adjustable side panel at the second flexible seam.

In yet another embodiment, the central body component, including the first and second upper portions and the bottom portion, is configured to maintain the beverage at a desirable temperature while providing a comfortable grip for a user.

In yet another embodiment, a) the first stretchable member is attached to the first lateral edge of the first upper portion and the third lateral edge of the second upper portion of the central body component, and b) the second stretchable member is attached to the second lateral edge of the first upper portion and the fourth lateral edge of the second upper portion of the central body component, through a method selected from the group comprising of sewn attachment, or heat-bonded adhesive attachment, wherein the chosen attachment method facilitates repeated expansions and contractions of the stretchable members while maintaining the structural integrity, thermal insulation, and conforming properties of the beverage insulator.

In yet another embodiment, a) the first stretchable member is detachably attached to the first lateral edge of the first upper portion and the third lateral edge of the second upper portion of the central body component, and b) the second stretchable member is detachably attached to the second lateral edge of the first upper portion and the fourth lateral edge of the second upper portion of the central body component.

In yet another embodiment, the detachable attachment is achieved through fastening mechanisms selected from the group comprising of hook-and loop fasteners, snap buttons, zippers, or other detachable fastening means, allowing for easy removal, replacement, or adjustment of the stretchable members to accommodate varying beverage vessel sizes and user preferences.

In yet another embodiment, the central body component, first expandable section, and second expandable section are constructed from a material selected from the group comprising of neoprene, foam, four-way stretch fabric, or combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the central body component is made of the neoprene material.

In yet another embodiment, the central body component, the first expandable section, and the second expandable section are collectively configured to accommodate beverage vessels of varying dimensions comprising a) slim-sized beverage containers including 12 oz. slim aluminum can, and b) larger or unevenly shaped beverage vessels including a stadium cup with varying top and bottom diameters.

In yet another embodiment, the central body component, the first expandable section, and the second expandable section are configured to fold along the flexible seams, allowing the insulator to collapse into a compact, folded state for ease of storage and portability.

In yet another embodiment, the first upper portion and the second upper portion of the central body component comprises a width (W1) within a range of 2.5 to 4 inches (63.5 to 102 mm).

In yet another embodiment, the primary adjustable side panel, the secondary adjustable side panel, the third adjustable side panel and the fourth adjustable side panel, each comprises a width (W2) ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38 to 63.5 mm).

In yet another embodiment, the first stretchable member and the second stretchable member comprises a minimum resting width (W3) ranging from 3 to 6 inches (76 to 152 mm).

The beverage insulator offers unparalleled versatility by accommodating a wide range of drink sizes and shapes, from slim aluminum cans to large plastic cups. Its self-adjusting design, utilizing stretchable materials such as neoprene and four-way stretch fabric, ensures a snug and secure fit for any beverage vessel, enhancing usability across various events such as concerts, shows, and sporting events. Crafted from premium materials, the insulator provides superior thermal insulation, ensuring drinks remain at the desired temperature while offering a comfortable grip. Its self-adjusting capabilities allow it to securely conform to beverage vessels of various dimensions, including slim 12 oz. aluminum cans and larger, irregularly shaped containers such as stadium cups with varying top and bottom diameters. Unlike traditional beverage insulators, this invention retains its shape and functionality after repeated use, ensuring longevity and reusability. Its lightweight and compact design makes it highly portable, easily fitting into pockets or bags for on-the-go convenience. Additionally, the beverage insulator is cost-effective to produce, incorporating repurposed materials or alternative fabrics without compromising its performance, making it both economical and adaptable to different manufacturing needs. Its straightforward design supports promotional branding, providing an ideal option for personal use, advertising, or events. By offering unmatched versatility, reusability, portability, and user-friendly functionality, the beverage insulator surpasses the limitations of traditional 12 oz. can coolers, delivering an unparalleled drinking experience for users.

The embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims. The summary above provides a general overview of various aspects and introduces some of the concepts that are discussed in greater detail in the following description section. This summary is not meant to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used on its own to determine the scope of the claims. The subject matter should be understood with reference to the entire specification, including any relevant drawings and the claims themselves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Accordingly:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a beverage insulator according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 in a collapsed state according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 in a collapsed state according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded open view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 in a 3-dimensional view according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an open view with a slight over-the-head look in an open form of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates collapsed right-side view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates collapsed left-side view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an open side view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 7 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an open expanded right-side view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 7 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an open right view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 7 with a nonstandard cylinder beverage vessel according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an open right view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 7 with a symmetrical cylinder beverage vessel according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion.

Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. A beverage insulator is discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments.

The beverage insulator includes a central body component 2 that comprises a first upper portion 4 and a second upper portion 6, each configured to conform to the shape of a beverage vessel 34, and a bottom portion 8 integrally connecting the first upper portion 4 and the second upper portion 6. The beverage insulator includes a first expandable section 10 comprising a primary adjustable side panel 12 connected to a first lateral edge 14 of the first upper portion 4 of the central body component 2 via a first flexible seam and a secondary adjustable side panel 16 connected to a third lateral edge 18 of the second upper portion 6 of the central body component 2 via a second flexible seam. The first expandable section 10 includes a first stretchable member 20 extending between and attached to the first lateral edge 14 of the first upper portion 4 and the third lateral edge 18 of the second upper portion 6 of the central body component 2. The beverage insulator includes a second expandable section 22 comprising a third adjustable side panel 24 connected to a second lateral edge 26 of the first upper portion 4 of the central body component 2 via a third flexible seam and a fourth adjustable side panel 28 connected to a fourth lateral edge 30 of the second upper portion 6 of the central body component 2 via a fourth flexible seam. The second expandable section 22 includes a second stretchable member 32 extending between and attached to the second lateral edge 26 of the first upper portion 4 and the fourth lateral edge 30 of the second upper portion 6.

In certain embodiments, the first upper portion 4 and the second upper portion 6, each partially surround the beverage vessel's surface while leaving the top. In further embodiments, these portions are configured to have a width (W1) suitable for accommodating standard beverage vessels, with a range of 2.5 to 4 inches (63.5 to 102 mm), allowing the insulator to fit small cups, such as 8-ounce containers, to large tumblers, such as 32-ounce containers.

In certain embodiments, the adjustable side panes 12, 16, 24, 28 are each the same width. In a further embodiment the adjustable side panels 12, 16, 24, 28 each have a width (W2) ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38 to 63.5 mm), which is sufficient for secure standard beverage vessels while allowing flexibility.

In a further embodiment, each stretchable member 20, 32 has a minimum resting width (W3) of at least twice the width of the adjustable side panels (W2) and may range from 3 to 6 inches (76 to 152 mm) wide, ensuring sufficient elasticity to accommodate larger vessels without overstretching.

In yet another embodiment, the beverage insulator incorporates detachable fastening mechanisms to provide enhanced adaptability for various beverage vessel sizes. These fastening mechanisms, selected from the group comprising hook-and-loop fasteners, snap buttons, zippers, or other detachable fastening means, are strategically placed along the lateral edges 14, 18, 26, 30 of the central body component 2 and the stretchable members 20, 32. The fastening mechanisms are sized proportionally to the width (W2) of the adjustable side panels 12, 16, 24, 28 and the width (W3) of the stretchable members to ensure a secure and seamless attachment. For instance, each detachable mechanism may have a length ranging from 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) to align with the lateral edges while maintaining durability and ease of use. These mechanisms allow the stretchable members to be easily removed or replaced, providing users with the flexibility to switch between different sizes or materials of stretchable members. This design ensures that the beverage insulator can effectively conform to a wide range of beverage vessel sizes, from small 8-ounce cups to large 32-ounce tumblers, without compromising portability or functionality.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a beverage insulator according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the first upper portion 4 and the bottom portion 8 of the central body component 2, the first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12, and the second expandable section 22 comprising the third adjustable side panel 24.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the second upper portion 6 and the bottom portion 8 of the central body component 2, the first expandable section 10 comprising the secondary adjustable side panel 16, and the second expandable section 22 comprising the fourth adjustable side panel 28.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the central body component 2 that comprises the first upper portion 4, the second upper portion 6 and the bottom portion 8, the first expandable section 10 and the second expandable section 22.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 in a collapsed state according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates the beverage insulator in the collapsed state without the beverage vessel 34 in it. FIG. 4 shows the first upper portion 4, the second upper portion 6, the bottom portion 8 of the central body component 2, the first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12, the secondary adjustable side panel 16 and the first stretchable member 20, the second expandable section 22 comprising the third adjustable side panel 24, the fourth adjustable side panel 28 and the second stretchable member 32. FIG. 4 further highlights W1, the width of the first upper portion 4 and the second upper portion 6 and W2, the width of the adjustable side panels 12, 16, 24, 28.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 in a collapsed state according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates the beverage insulator in the collapsed state without the beverage vessel 34 in it. FIG. 5 shows the bottom portion 8 of the central body component 2, the first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12, the secondary adjustable side panel 16 and the first stretchable member 20, the second expandable section 22 comprising the third adjustable side panel 24, the fourth adjustable side panel 28 and the second stretchable member 32.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded open view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 in a 3-dimensional view according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the central body component 2 that comprises the first upper portion 4, the second upper portion 6 and the bottom portion 8, a first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12 and the secondary adjustable side panel 16, the second expandable section 22 comprising the third adjustable side panel 24 and the fourth adjustable side panel 28, the first lateral edge 14 of the first upper portion 4, the second lateral edge 26 of the first upper portion 4, the third lateral edge 18 of the second upper portion 6 and the fourth lateral edge 30 of the second upper portion 6. When the beverage insulator is opened, the beverage vessel 34 can be inserted from the top.

FIG. 7 illustrates an open view with a slight over-the-head look in an open form of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows the first upper portion 4 and the second upper portion 6 of the central body component 2, the first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12, and the secondary adjustable side panel 16, the second expandable section 22 comprising the third adjustable side panel 24, and the fourth adjustable side panel 28.

FIG. 8 illustrates collapsed right-side view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows the bottom portion 8 of the central body component 2, and the second expandable section 22. FIG. 8 shows the beverage insulator's compact design that makes it incredibly easy to carry, fitting seamlessly into a shirt or pants pocket for ultimate convenience.

FIG. 9 illustrates collapsed left-side view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the bottom portion 8 of the central body component 2, and the first expandable section 10. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 shows the beverage insulator's compact design that makes it incredibly easy to carry, fitting seamlessly into a shirt or pants pocket for ultimate convenience.

FIG. 10 illustrates an open right-side view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 7 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the central body component 2 that comprises the first upper portion 4 and the second upper portion 6, the first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12, the secondary adjustable side panel 16, and the first stretchable member 20, the second expandable section 22 comprising the third adjustable side panel 24 and the fourth adjustable side panel 28. The thickness of all of these materials is very thin to show its portability.

FIG. 11 illustrates an open expanded right-side view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 7 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows the central body component 2 that comprises the first upper portion 4 and the second upper portion 6, the first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12, the secondary adjustable side panel 16 and the first stretchable member 20, the second expandable section 22 comprising the third adjustable side panel 24, the fourth adjustable side panel 28 and the second stretchable member 32. FIGS. 10 and 11 further depict W3, the width of the elastic members 20, 32, in both resting and stretched states, demonstrating the adaptability of the insulator to different vessel sizes.

FIG. 12 illustrates an open right view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 7 with a symmetrical cylinder beverage vessel according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the central body component 2 that comprises the first upper portion 4 and the second upper portion 6, the first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12, the secondary adjustable side panel 16 and the first stretchable member 20. FIG. 12 shows the beverage insulator conforming to the symmetrical cylinder beverage vessel 40 where an equal amount of the first expandable section 10 and the second expandable section 22 are stretched to shape around the symmetrical cylinder beverage vessel 40.

FIG. 13 illustrates an bottom perspective view of the beverage insulator of FIG. 7 and FIG. 12 with a symmetrical cylinder beverage vessel according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the central body component 2 that comprises the first upper portion 4, the first expandable section 10 comprising the primary adjustable side panel 12, the secondary adjustable side panel 16 and the first stretchable member 20. FIG. 13 shows the beverage insulator conforming to the symmetrical cylinder beverage vessel 40 where an equal amount of the first expandable section 10 and the second expandable section 22 are stretched to shape around the symmetrical cylinder beverage vessel 40.

While the present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in both summarized and detailed forms, it is not intended that these descriptions in any way limit its scope to any such embodiments and applications. It will be understood that many substitutions, changes and variations in the described embodiments, applications and details of the method and system illustrated herein and of their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.