Multifunctional Beverage Container Sleeve Device

Abstract

A multipurpose beverage container enclosure device is disclosed. The device is designed to enclose or cover a beverage container providing insulation and convenience. The koozie device comprises a base and a continuous sidewall extending upward from the base, with an open top end adapted to receive a beverage container. The sidewall is designed to conform to the shape of conventional beverage bottles. In one embodiment, the device includes a zipper, facilitating easy insertion and accommodation of the beverage container within the device. Additionally, the koozie features one or more transparent windows or cut-outs, enabling users to monitor the beverage level in the enclosed beverage container without removing the koozie. The windows can be clear plastic sheets or cut-outs. The koozie device is manufactured from insulating materials like neoprene, rubber, polyester, foam, or fabric, using processes such as die-cutting, laser cutting, or manual cutting.

Claims

1. A beverage container enclosure device comprising: a sleeve having a base and a sidewall; and a fastener for selectively expanding and closing an open top end of said sidewall; wherein said sidewall extending upward from said base; wherein said open top end of said sleeve adapted for receiving a beverage container; wherein said base and said sidewall conform to a shape of said beverage container; and further wherein said sleeve having a plurality of windows for viewing a beverage level within said beverage container secured in said sleeve.

2. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of windows include two windows positioned on opposing sides of said sleeve.

3. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 2, wherein said two windows are cut-outs in said sidewall of said sleeve.

4. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 3, wherein said fastener is a zipper.

5. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 4, wherein said zipper extends vertically from said open top end downward along a portion of a length of said sidewall.

6. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 5, wherein said zipper in said expanded position enables removal and insertion of said beverage container.

7. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 6, wherein said beverage container is a bottle.

8. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 7, wherein said sleeve including a material selected from the group consisting of a neoprene, a rubber, a polyester, a foam, and a fabric.

9. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of windows are transparent windows.

10. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 9, wherein said transparent windows include a material of transparent plastic sheet.

11. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 10, wherein said fastener is a zipper.

12. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 11, wherein said zipper extends vertically from said open top end downward along a portion of a length of said sidewall.

13. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 12, wherein said zipper in said expanded position enables removal and insertion of said beverage container.

14. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 13, wherein said beverage container is a bottle.

15. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 14, wherein said sleeve including a material selected from the group consisting of a neoprene, a rubber, a polyester, a foam, and a fabric.

16. A beverage container enclosure device comprising: a sleeve having a base and a sidewall; and a fastener for selectively expanding and closing an open top end of said sidewall; wherein said sidewall extending upward from said base; wherein said open top end of said sleeve adapted for receiving a beverage container; wherein said base and said sidewall conform to a shape of said beverage container; wherein said sleeve having a plurality of windows for viewing a beverage level within said beverage container secured in said sleeve; wherein said plurality of windows are transparent windows positioned on opposing sides of said sleeve; and further wherein said transparent windows include a material of transparent plastic sheet.

17. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 16, wherein said fastener is a zipper.

18. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 17, wherein said zipper extends vertically from said open top end downward along a portion of a length of said sidewall.

19. A beverage container enclosure device comprising: a sleeve having a base and a sidewall; and a fastener for selectively expanding and closing an open top end of said sidewall; wherein said sidewall extending upward from said base; wherein said open top end of said sleeve adapted for receiving a beverage container; wherein said base and said sidewall conform to a shape of said beverage container; wherein said sleeve having a plurality of windows for viewing a beverage level within said beverage container secured in said sleeve; wherein said plurality of windows are transparent windows positioned on opposing sides of said sleeve; wherein said transparent windows include a material of plastic sheet; and further wherein said plastic sheet having temperature responsiveness for transitioning from a first color to a second color in response to a temperature change in said beverage container.

20. The beverage container enclosure device of claim 19, wherein said plastic sheet including a material selected from the group consisting of a PVC, a PET, a vinyl, and a silicone.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multipurpose beverage container enclosure device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the clear window koozie device of the present invention installed on a beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the beverage container sleeve device of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process of manufacturing of the multipurpose beverage container enclosure device of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a user monitoring beverage level in an enclosed container without removing the koozie in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0028] 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.

[0029] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container enclosure device that provides a transparent viewing window. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose beverage container enclosure koozie that enhances the convenience for users by enabling them to monitor their beverage level without removing the koozie. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container koozie that has one or more transparent viewing windows or cut-outs to help in determining the beverage level in the enclosed container. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a koozie to cover a beverage container that enables bartenders to easily determine the level of beverage in the container for a refill. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a koozie that maintains the beverage at an optimum temperature and provides a firm grip of the container. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multifunctional koozie that eliminates repeated installation and removal of a beverage container from a koozie to check the beverage level in the container. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container koozie that combines the traditional functionality of a beverage sleeve with a practical and innovative feature of a transparent viewing window enabling users to monitor their beverage level without sacrificing the temperature maintenance feature of a standard koozie.

[0030] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a multifunctional koozie device for a beverage container. The koozie device is designed to insulate the beverage stored in the beverage container enclosed by the koozie device and enable a user to view the beverage level in the container without removing the koozie device. The koozie device is flexible and conforms to the shape of the container. The koozie device includes at least one transparent window that enables users to monitor the beverage level in the container without removing the koozie device.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multipurpose beverage container enclosure device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The multipurpose beverage container enclosure device 100 of the present invention is designed to enclose or cover a beverage container such as a bottle or can. In the present embodiment, the beverage container sleeve device 100 is adapted to enclose a bottle and includes a base 102 and a continuous sidewall 104 extending upward from the base 102. The open top end 106 is adapted to receive a beverage container and the sidewall 104 is designed to conform to the shape of conventional beverage bottles.

[0032] A zipper 108 extends downward from the top periphery 110 of the sidewall 104 and a zip member 112 is used for fastening and unfastening the zipper 108. The zipper 108 is unfastened to loosen or expand the top end 106 of the sleeve device 100 for easy accommodation of a beverage container in the sleeve device 100. In one embodiment, the sleeve device 100 includes a plurality of transparent windows 114, 116 which enable a user to see therethrough. The transparent windows 114, 116 can be designed at any positions along the sidewall 104 and do not include the opaque sleeve material, but rather is covered by transparent plastic sheet 118. In some embodiments, the transparent windows 114, 116 do not include any transparent sheet but are in the form of cut-outs in the koozie device 100.

[0033] The koozie device 100 can be made of neoprene, rubber, polyester, foam, fabric, or any other insulating material. The plastic sheet 118 is transparent, waterproof and provides a clear view of the beverage level inside a container on which the koozie device 100 is installed. The plastic sheet 118 can be sewn, glued, or heat-sealed along the periphery 120 of the corresponding window. Further, the plastic sheet 118 can be cleared to remove any scratches or when it becomes cloudy or condensed.

[0034] A logo or indicia 122 is disposed on the exterior surface 124 of the sleeve device 100 for marketing and branding purposes. In some embodiments, the logo 122 can be dynamic and may display the type of the beverage or the brand of a beverage. The koozie device 100 can have a thickness from about 0.2 to about 1.0 for insulating different types of beverages and can come in different colors and designs. The zipper 108 transitions the koozie 100 between a closed state when the zip member 112 coincides with the top periphery 110, and an open state when the zipper 108 is unfastened by pulling the zip member tab 112 downward from the top periphery 110.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the clear window koozie device of the present invention installed on a beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. For installing the koozie device 100, the zip member 112 is unfastened and the beverage container 202 is inserted from the top end 110 of device 100. The koozie device 100 is flexible and conforms to the shape of the container 202 and the zip member 112 is fastened to secure the container 202 in the koozie device 100.

[0036] The transparent window 114 (and the other window 116) enables users, and other observers, to monitor the beverage level in the container 202 at opposing angles without removing the koozie device 100. Accordingly, the koozie device 100 improves the convenience of conventional koozie devices while insulating the beverage. The transparent windows 114, 116 are positioned at a starting location about 0.5 above the base 102 and extend upward therefrom to enable users and observers to monitor the beverage level inside the container 202.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the beverage container sleeve device of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the sleeve device 100 includes the transparent windows 114, 116 for enabling monitoring of the beverage level in the container 202. The windows 114, 116 can be of different sizes and shapes and do not interfere with the insulating functionality of the sleeve device 100. Preferably, the viewing windows 114, 116 are located near the base 102 of the koozie device 100 for enabling users to know when the beverage is almost empty without removing the koozie from the container 202.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process of manufacturing of the multipurpose beverage container enclosure device of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, in step 402, koozie material and window clear sheet materials are chosen. A material having insulation properties, durability, flexibility, ease of manufacturing, and aesthetic appeal is selected as the Koozie material. Clear plastics (PVC or PET), vinyl, or transparent silicone can be chosen as the window clear sheet material. In one embodiment, the plastic material of the windows can be temperature sensitive and responsive to the temperature of the beverage container.

[0039] In the next step 404, the koozie device 100 is manufactured using die-cutting, laser cutting, or manual cutting, depending on the material and the complexity of the design. The koozie device 100 is manufactured as per a template design with specific positions of the cut-out windows. Finally, selectively in step 406, the clear sheet is sewn, glued or hot-sealed along the window to create a waterproof and durable bond.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a user monitoring beverage level in an enclosed container without removing the koozie in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the user 502 can view the beverage level 504 in the container 202 from the transparent window 114 without removing the koozie 100. Another observer can view the beverage level 504 in the container 202 from the transparent window 116 without removing the koozie 100. The transparent windows 114, 116 are positioned strategically to enable the user 502 to easily hold the container 202 and view the beverage level 504 while enabling another user or observer to view the beverage level 504 through another window. The windows 114, 116 provide additional convenience to users/observers in addition to insulating the beverage stored in the container 202.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The sleeve device 600 in the present embodiment includes a pair of vertical or longitudinal transparent windows or cut-outs 602, 604 for easy viewing of the beverage level in a container enclosed by the sleeve or koozie 600. Depending on the size and shape of the container, the koozie can include transparent windows or cut-outs of different shapes and sizes.

[0042] The koozie device 600 can include a QR code 606 which can be either a static QR code or dynamic QR code. The QR code 606 can be scanned by a user for paying for the beverage in the enclosed container or can also be used for ordering another beverage. Further, the periphery 608 of one or more windows illuminates in one or more colors to indicate temperature of the beverage contained in the enclosed container. In one example, the periphery can illuminate in blue color when temperature of the beverage is below 5 degrees centigrade and illuminate in red color when temperature of the beverage is above 5 degrees centigrade.

[0043] The multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device of the present invention can be designed for different types of bottles, cans, mugs, and more. Further, the sleeve device can be used for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. In some embodiments, a bottle opener can be attached to the zip member 112 for opening the cap/lid of the bottle or container.

[0044] 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 container sleeve device, koozie device, multipurpose beverage container enclosure device, clear window koozie device, clear window beverage container sleeve device and device are interchangeable and refer to the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 of the present invention.

[0045] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 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 multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.