ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT BLOCKING COVER FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE JARS AND CONTAINERS

Abstract

The present invention relates to canning jars, bottles and containers having a protective sleeve for blocking ultraviolet (UV) light from reaching the interior of the containers and edible or consumable contents stored therein. The sleeve is designed to retain a jar or container and block out UV light. The cover or sleeve has a multi-layer structure and includes a neoprene outer layer for insulation, a PET middle layer for blocking out UV light and an inner rubber layer for gripping a container. The cover can have a drawstring to help pull the sleeve taut against the container, and alternatively, the cover can have a lid cover as well to protect the UV light from entering through the lid. The cover has a label area for accommodating a label to uniquely identify the sleeve and the covered container.

Claims

1. A cover for a container, the cover comprising: a top edge; a bottom edge; a pair of end edges; a front surface; a back surface; an inner layer; an outer layer having a label area and insulating properties; and a middle layer comprised of a UV blocking material.

2. The cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer layer is comprised of a select one of a neoprene or a polyurethane.

3. The cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the middle layer is comprised of a polyethylene terephthalate.

4. The cover as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one closure strip positioned on the outer layer.

5. The cover as recited in claim 1 further comprising a closure strip positioned adjacent to each of the pair of end edges, wherein a first closure strip is positioned on the front surface and a second closure strip is positioned on the back surface.

6. The cover as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least one closure strip is one of an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener.

7. The cover as recited in claim 6, wherein the adhesive is one of a removable adhesive or a repositionable adhesive.

8. The cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the label area is one of a pocket or a patch.

9. The cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the patch is a film that has a surface that is erasable.

10. The cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the pocket is sized and configured to receive a label.

11. The cover as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one label for removable attachment to the front surface of the cover for identification or personalization.

12. A combination consumable products container and protective sleeve comprising: a container having a shape, a top, a bottom and a side wall; a sleeve sized and configured to receive and conform to the shape of the container, wherein the sleeve is comprised of an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer, and further wherein the middle layer is comprised of a UV blocking material with a thickness of between ¾″ and ½″; and a label area for receiving information about content of the container.

13. The combination consumable products container and protective sleeve as recited in claim 12, wherein the label area is one of a pocket or a film having a writable surface.

14. The combination consumable products container and protective sleeve as recited in claim 12, wherein the pocket is sized and configured to receive a label card.

15. The combination consumable products container and protective sleeve as recited in claim 12, wherein the outer layer is comprised of a neoprene.

16. The combination consumable products container and protective sleeve as recited in claim 13, wherein the film is erasable.

17. The combination consumable products container and protective sleeve as recited in claim 12, wherein the sleeve has a length of about 6 to 12 inches, and a lateral length of about 6 to 15 inches.

18. The combination consumable products container and protective sleeve as recited in claim 12, wherein the outer surface comprises at least one of a thermometer, a UV exposure grid or a gripping assist.

19. A laminate for use as a protective cover, the laminate comprising: an inner layer comprised of a silicone or a rubber material; a middle layer comprised of a UV light ray blocking material; an outer layer comprised of a neoprene; and a label area disposed on the outer layer, wherein the label area is a select one of a patch or a film having a writable surface.

20. The laminate as recited in claim 19, wherein the outer layer is comprised of at least one of a thermometer, a UV exposure grid, a gripping surface, and at least one closure strip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the UV protection sleeve of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 2A illustrates a planar view of the layers of the laminate of the UV protection sleeve of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 2B illustrates a front elevational view of one potential embodiment of the UV protection sleeve of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 2C illustrates a side elevational view of one potential embodiment of the UV protection sleeve of the present invention and showing the closing strips of the laminate in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the UV protection container sleeve holding a cylindrical container in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the UV protection container sleeve of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing yet another potential embodiment of the UV protection container cover in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0036] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0037] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device which enables the individuals to safety store light sensitive products such as fruits, vegetables, cannabis, alcohol, and other consumable products while protecting the stored products from being exposed to harmful UV rays. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents the products from being exposed to UV rays while the container is stored in a bright sunlit area. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a UV protection cover for jars, bottles and containers, that prevent the UV light from passing through the container and therefore prevent the items stored inside the container from being damaged, losing its potency, nutritional value and deteriorating over the storage life. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a protective device that prevents the homegrown products from harmful effects of prolonged UV exposure. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a protective sleeve, wrap or cover for jars that maintains the shelf life of products and ensures that individuals do not have to compromise on the quality of products that have been placed in storage. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a UV protection sleeve for jars that prevents the products from being damaged when stored in canning jars and other storage containers for long periods of time. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a UV protective device that prevents UV light from penetrating the exterior and causing damage to the internal product and can be conveniently stored? with the conventional jars and containers.

[0038] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a mason jar and other canning jars, bottles and containers with a protective covering for blocking ultraviolet light. The covering is in the form of a sleeve, cover or wrap that fits around a container using the walls and an integrated base of the container. The sleeve has a neoprene outer shell for providing insulation and maintaining optimum temperature of the container, a middle mylar shell made from polyethylene terephthalate or other polyester resin for blocking ultraviolet light from reaching the interior of the container, can, bottle or jar, and an inner shell made from natural or synthetic rubber for providing a secure grip to the jar accommodated in the sleeve. The sleeve has a pocket for receiving a label to identify the stored container. Alternatively, a patch of film may be provided on the exterior surface, having an erasable surface such that erasable markers may be used to identify the contents and can be changed as needed such as when the contents change.

[0039] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the ultraviolet rays protecting sleeve 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The ultraviolet (UV) rays protecting sleeve 100 is designed as a protective cover or wrap for mason and canning jars and other shaped containers for protecting edible or consumable contents stored in the jars or containers from UV damage. More specifically, the sleeve 100 has a shaped body 102 which is configured to fit around the shape of the container having a base 104. The body 102 can also be referred to as walls and has an opening 106 at the top, positioned and dimensioned to snugly fit around a jar, or other container. The sleeve 100 snugly fits around a shaped container until the container is removed from the body 102 by pulling out the container with a little force.

[0040] The sleeve 100 has a multi-layer structure that has an inner diameter 108 which is roughly equal to the diameter of conventional containers. The body 102 can be stretched to snugly fit around a container. The sleeve 100 of the present embodiment is designed to cover, for example, the cylindrical body of a container such as a canning jar or bottle, and therefore allow users to access the lid of the container without having to remove the sleeve 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0041] The sleeve 100 has a label area, such as a pocket or patch 110, disposed on the exterior surface 112 for holding a label or for creating a written label such as may be accomplished by erasable markers. The pocket 110 has a top opening 114 for receiving the label which can be used for identification of the container accommodated by the sleeve 100. The label area, pocket or patch 110 can be transparent or translucent and can be sewn, stapled, glued or removably attached, such as with a removable or repositionable adhesive, for creating a cavity to accommodate a label or patch to provide an identifier. The patch is generally made from a material which allows the indicia placed on the surface to be easily erased. The cover 100 may also be provided with one or more removable labels 117 which can be used to identify the contents of the container.

[0042] The sleeve 100 is specifically designed to protect the contents stored in a container covered by the sleeve 100 from UV damage using the multilayer structure. An outer layer 116 provides insulating properties, and may be made from a polyurethane, neoprene or other suitable material and provide shape to the sleeve, and in one exemplary embodiment, is preferably made of a flexible and fabric-like material such as neoprene. The outer layer 116 is about ¼ to % inches thick that provides an easy and ergonomic tactile sensation and grip to a user. The outer surface 112 of outer layer or shell 116 may be textured or have other features to enhance gripping 230 (see FIG. 2B) by a user.

[0043] A middle layer 118 is made of PET or Mylar and blocks UV light from reaching the container covered by the sleeve 100. The middle layer 118 also acts as odor barrier and helps in maintaining the original odor of the contents stored in the container. More specifically, the Mylar material used for making the middle layer 118 is made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The middle layer 118 helps in blocking up to 99.9% UV light and thus protects the contents of the container from UV damage. The middle layer 118 is about ¼ to ½ inches thick for providing an adequate protection from UV light.

[0044] The interior layer 120 is made from either synthetic or natural rubber and helps in establishing a firm grip to the jar or container thereby securing the container or jar. In alternative embodiments, the inner layer may simply be provided as strips of rubberized material near the top and bottom edges or a single strip centrally disposed of the layer to reduce cost of the sleeve while at the same time providing the anti-slip characteristics. The sleeve 100 does not fall even when the container is held by the lid or uncovered portion (portion of the container not covered by the sleeve 100). The middle layer 118 is about ¼ to ½ inches thick. The outer layer 116, the middle layer 118 and the interior layer 120 are of substantially the same size and can be sewn along common seams of the body 102 or can be attached along their surfaces using glue or any other fastening means, such as heat sealing, for making a one-piece structure of the sleeve 100.

[0045] The base 104 of the sleeve 100 is made thicker by, in comparison to the walls, allowing the sleeve 100 to stand on the base 104 even without a container positioned therein. Further, the thick base 104 helps in preventing a container from being broken when the container covered in the sleeve 100 is accidentally placed with force on a surface and also prevents slipping, sliding and falling off shelves.

[0046] The sleeve 100 is flexible, foldable and can be stretched and bent over the contours of the container. Further, the sleeve 100 regains the original shape (shape shown in FIG. 1) allowing the sleeve 100 to be reused easily and effectively.

[0047] FIG. 2A illustrates a planar view of the layers of the UV protection sleeve 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed specification. As illustrated, the three layers of the sleeve 100 are shown in a planar or unfolded manner where the three layers can be folded and sewn to form the sleeve 100 of FIG. 1. The layers 116, 118, 120 are substantially similar in dimensions and have a longitudinal length 202 of about 6 to 12 inches and lateral length of about 6 to 15 inches to accommodate conventional mason jars and other cylindrical containers. Of course, both the longitudinal and lateral lengths may come in different sizes than that which is described above, and the sleeve 100 of the present invention is contemplated to be sized and shaped to operatively fit with whatever container or jar is intended to be protected.

[0048] The layers 116, 118, 120 in the present embodiment are sewn using conventional straight stitching, zigzag stitching and more along all four edges. The base 104 (as described in FIG. 1) can be prepared separately and stitched along the bottom lateral edges of the layers, or alternatively the base 104 can be formed by folding the layers 116, 118, 120 onto themselves.

[0049] FIG. 2B shows a view of the cover 200, having a front surface 201, a back surface 203 (see FIG. 2C) a top edge 205 and a bottom edge 206, and first and second end edges 208 and 210. The cover 200 is shown with a closing strip 212 disposed along one edge such that when the cover 200 is wrapped around a container, the closing strip 212 will seal the cover 200 around the container. The closing strip may be adhesive, such as a removable or repositionable adhesive or another suitable closure such as hook and loop-type fasteners. As shown in FIG. 2C, which is a side view of the cover 200, closing strips 212 and 214 are disposed on each end edge of the cover and on opposite surfaces from one another to form cooperating closing strips. The front surface 201 of the cover 200 may also be provided with a temperature gauge 220 so that an individual may see the temperature at which the container is stored. The temperature gauge may also display the high and low temperatures so that an individual can see if the desired temperature range was ever exceeded. In addition, the cover 200 may also be provided with a UV exposure grid 222 which shows the amount of UV light the cover has received and whether the user needs to move the container to a different location. The cover 200 may also have gripping assists 230 to help in grabbing and moving the container. The gripping assist 230 may be areas which are recessed into the laminate or may be a coating of silicone or other rubberized material.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the UV protection container sleeve 100 holding a cylindrical container in accordance with the disclosed specification. The sleeve 100 envelopes the container 300 that has been inserted into the sleeve 100 and preferably, the lid 302 of the container 300 is not covered and remains accessible for accessing contents stored in the container 300 without removing the sleeve 100. The sleeve 100 also allows a user to access and drink a beverage by opening the lid 302 without removing the sleeve 100.

[0051] The interior layer 120 touches and engages with the container 300 and allows a strong grip for protecting the container 300 even from physical damage. The exterior surface 112 of the outer layer 116 is visually exposed of the sleeve 100 from outside. As stated earlier, the inner diameter of the sleeve 100 (formed by the interior layer 120) is substantially the same or slightly larger than the diameter of the container 300 allowing the container 300 to be easily stored inside the sleeve 100. The sleeve 100 may be provided with removable labels 311 to help in identifying the contents or other personalization that the user wishes to add to the container.

[0052] The sleeve 100 holds the container 300 such that the container 300 does not fall when the container 300 covered by the sleeve 100 is turned upside down. The rubber layer 120 is configured to provide a high coefficient of friction in the range of about 0.4-0.6 for secure insertion and removal of the container 300 from the sleeve 100.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the UV protection container sleeve of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the sleeve 400 has a drawstring 402 routed in a channel along the top edge 404 thereof. The drawstring 402 helps in making the cover 400 taut against a jar or container accommodated inside the sleeve 400. The sleeve 400 has three layers made of materials as described in FIG. 1. All other specifications of the sleeve 400 are the same as of FIG. 1, and the sleeve 400 also protects contents of a container from harmful UV radiations.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the UV protection container cover in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the cover 500 has a body cover 502 and a lid cover 504 for blocking UV light from entering a container covered by the cover 500. Both the body cover 502 and the lid cover 504 are made of the same materials and specifically have three-layered structure as described in other embodiments of the present invention, and provide protection from UV light and also provide insulation for maintaining optimum temperature of the container (and contents stored therein) covered by the cover 100. More specifically, the body cover 502 is cylindrical or has any other shape to fit to a container and has a zipper 506 sewn along the top edge 508 to releasably fasten to the lid cover 504. The lid cover 504 is dimensioned to fasten to the top edge 508 of the body cover 502 and has a zipper 510 wherein the zippers 506, 510 have interlocking teeth to releasably fasten to each other for providing a complete protection from UV light to the container and the contents stored therein.

[0055] The lid cover 504 is coupled to the body cover 502 through a sewn hinge 512 thereby allowing the cover 500 to provide protection from ultraviolet light even when the lid cover 504 is unfastened.

[0056] It should be noted that the cover/sleeve of various embodiments of the present invention allow users to store their food items in bright light/sunlight without fear of damage due to harmful UV light. The cover/sleeve increases the shelf life of the products and also allows users to easily carry containers and contents during commute and more.

[0057] Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the dimensions of the various components of the sleeves/covers described can be modified to adapt to work with cans, containers, and jars of varying sizes.

[0058] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “beverage ultraviolet (UV) light protection system,” “ultraviolet light protective covering for jars and containers,” “ultraviolet light protecting sleeve,” “sleeve,” and “cover” are interchangeable and refer to the ultraviolet light protecting sleeve 100,400,500 of the present invention for jars and containers.

[0059] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ultraviolet light protecting sleeve 100,400,500 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ultraviolet light protecting sleeve 100,400,500 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the ultraviolet light protecting sleeve 100,400,500 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the ultraviolet light protecting sleeve 100,400,500 are important design parameters for user convenience, the ultraviolet light protecting sleeve 100,400,500 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0060] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0061] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.