WO2017095498A1

WO2017095498A1 - Jacket for containers

Info

Publication number: WO2017095498A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/051578
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen J. Peter
Original assignee: Outdor Recreation Co Of America LLC
Current assignee: Outdor Recreation Co Of America LLC
Priority date: 2015-12-01
Filing date: 2016-09-14
Publication date: 2017-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-01

Abstract

An apparatus includes an upper section configured to fit around and hold a top, neck, and shoulders of a longneck bottle, and a lower section fits around and holds a main body of the bottle. A fastener secures the upper section to the lower section, such that the apparatus surrounds the bottle. The upper section includes a cap that fits over the top of the bottle, and a neck section fits around the neck section of the bottle and is attached to the cap. A shoulder section fits over the shoulders of the bottle and is connected to the top of a collar, which may be considered part of the lower section. The collar is connected to the top of a main body section, and a lower compartment is formed in the main body section and includes threads that will receive and secure the upper end of the shoulder section. The cap and the neck section may be stored in the shoulder section, and the shoulder section may be secured to the threads in the lower compartment of the main body section. In this configuration, the shoulder section forms a decorative pedestal for the apparatus when it is configured to hold the can. A closure is also provided that will fit the lower end of both the main body section and the shoulder section of the apparatus.

Description

JACKET FOR CONTAINERS

FIELD

[0001] This application claims benefit and priority on prior pending United States provisional patent application serial number 62350015 filed 2016.06.14 and prior pending United States design patent application serial number 29547114 filed 2015.12.01. This invention relates to the field of containers and particularly relates to the field of containers for holding bottles and cans.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] Beverage containers, such as bottles and cans, have evolved as a result of several different design goals. However, maintaining a desired temperature of the beverage that they contain - be it hot or cold - has not been one of those goals. The predominant materials of beverage container construction are relatively thin glass, plastic, and aluminum, all of which permit relatively rapid thermal acclimation of the contained beverage with the surrounding environment. Thus, heated beverages rapidly cool during consumption, and chilled beverages rapidly warm.

[0003] Because of this, there has arisen an after-market of products that are designed to more constantly maintain a desired temperature of the beverage, after warming or chilling, and prior to or during consumption. For example, a wide variety of insulated containers are available, into which a beverage can be poured, and which tend to better insulate the beverage from thermal flux than the original container. Further, a wide variety of foam jackets are available, which act as thermal insulation on the outside of the original container.

[0004] However, these products tend to suffer from a variety of shortcomings. For example, the foam products conveniently work with the original container, but lose their shape, become easily soiled, are unattractive, and so forth. The insulated containers tend to be more resilient, but require the beverage to be opened and dispensed to be of any benefit - often prior to the time of desired consumption.

[0005] What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus that reduces issues such as those described above, at least in part.

SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus (also referred to as a jacket) is designed for holding a container, such as a longneck bottle or beverage can. The apparatus includes an upper section configured to fit around and hold the top, neck, and shoulders of the bottle and a lower section configured to fit around and hold the main body of the bottle or the can. A fastener is used to secure the upper section to the lower section, such that the upper and lower sections form a container that surrounds and insulates the bottle.

[0007] The upper section of the apparatus may include a removable cap configured to fit over the top of the bottle. The cap may be removed to expose the top of the bottle while it is contained within the apparatus. In addition, the cap may include a flip top that engages the top of the bottle and may be flipped open around a hinge to expose the top of the bottle. Thus, the flip top may be used to access the beverage within the container without removing the cap.

[0008] The lower section is configured to fit around and hold both a standard beverage can and a standard longneck bottle, such as a beer bottle. The fasteners between the upper and lower sections may be mating threads formed on the lower end of the upper section and the upper end of the lower section, and each of the sections may be made of a double-walled, vacuum insulated, stainless steel material. Alternately, one of the sections may be constructed of double-walled, vacuum insulated, stainless steel, and the other section may be constructed of a rigid plastic foam material that provides excellent insulating characteristics. Even if some sections are composed of materials that have relatively low insulating characteristics, the sections will still provide thermal insulation to some degree and the air spaces created between the sections and the bottle (or can) will provide good insulation compared to exposure of the container to its environment.

[0009] The lower section may include a collar on the upper end of the lower section and a compartment on the lower end of the lower section. The collar may be removed to allow the insertion of a can within the lower compartment, and a flexible annular seal is formed on the upper end of the collar to retain a can within the lower section. The annular seal is also dimensioned and is sufficiently flexible to allow the insertion of a bottle into the lower section. The annular seal helps retain the bottle within the lower section when the lower section is used alone to insulate a bottle. On the other hand, when the upper section is attached to the lower section with a bottle within the container, the annular seal will engage the bottle and stabilize its position within the container. Because the diameters of bottles may vary from one to the next, the flexibility of the annular seal allows different sizes of bottles to be used within the container.

[0010] The container may be constructed of multiple pieces that can be disassembled and reassembled to convert the container from a bottle container to a can container. In the bottle configuration, the upper and lower sections are connected together with a bottle contained within. To place the container in a configuration for holding a can, the upper section may be disassembled into three pieces - a cap that is threaded and secured to a neck section, which is likewise secured by threads to a shoulder section of the apparatus. The cap may be fitted within and stored within the neck section, and the neck section may be fitted within and stored within the shoulder section. The upper end of the neck section may be secured to the lower end of the lower section, such as by threads, and a closure may be secured to the lower end of the shoulder section, such as by threads, so the closure will contain the cap and the neck section within the shoulder section. Thus, the entire upper section of the container may be nested together and used as a base underneath the lower section. In this configuration, the lower section may be used to insulate a can, such as a can of beer or soda.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention there is described an apparatus for holding a longneck bottle having a top, neck, shoulders, and main body. An upper section fits around the top, neck, and shoulders of the longneck bottle. A cap fits over the top of the bottle, a neck section fits around the neck of the bottle, and a shoulder section fits over the shoulders of the bottle. A second fastener connects a lower end of the cap to an upper end of the neck section. A third fastener connects a lower end of the neck section to an upper end of the shoulder section.

[0012] A lower section fits around the main body of the longneck bottle. A collar fits around an upper portion of the main body of the bottle. A main body section fits around a lower portion of the main body of the bottle. A fourth fastener connects a lower end of the collar to an upper end of the main body section. A first fastener secures the upper section to the lower section, such that the upper section and the lower section form a container that substantially conforms to and completely encloses the bottle. A compartment is disposed on a lower end of the main body section. A disk-shaped closure fits across and closes a lower end of the compartment. A fifth fastener connects the closure to the lower end of the main body section. [0013] According to yet another aspect of the invention there is described an apparatus for selectively holding one of a longneck bottle and a beverage can. A lower section fits around the selected one of the bottle and the can. A main body section fits around the selected one of the bottle and the can, and selectively insulates a lower portion of the bottle and substantially all of the can. A first threaded fastener is disposed on an upper end of the main body section, and a second threaded fastener is disposed on a lower end of the main body section, A shoulder section has a third threaded fastener on an upper end, for selectively engaging the second threaded fastener and thereby providing a stand for the apparatus. A fourth threaded fastener on a lower end of the shoulder section selectively engages the first threaded fastener and thereby selectively insulates an upper portion of the bottle.

DRAWINGS

[0014] Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured for holding a longneck bottle.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured for holding a longneck bottle.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured for holding a can.

[0018] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured for holding a longneck bottle.

[0019] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured for holding a can.

[0020] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured for removing a closure from a longneck bottle.

[0021] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured for removing a closure from a longneck bottle.

DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring now to the figures, there is shown in Fig. 1 a perspective view of an apparatus 10 for containing both a longneck bottle, such as a beer bottle, and a beverage can, such as a beer can. The apparatus 10 in the embodiment depicted includes an upper section 50 and a lower section 52. A cap 24 forms the uppermost portion of the upper section 50 and includes a flip top 20 and a hinge 22. The flip top 20 rotates about the hinge 22 and exposes the upper end of a bottle contained within the apparatus 10, as depicted in Fig. 2. In addition, the cap 24 is secured to a neck section 30 by fastener 28, and thus the cap 24 may be unfastened from the neck section 30 and removed to more fully expose the upper end of a bottle 60 contained within the apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the fastener 28 is formed by threads on the lower end of the cap 24 that mate with threads formed on the upper end of the neck section 30. In some embodiments a decorative imprint 26 is formed on the lower portion of the cap 24 to provide the appearance of a paper or foil seal, or to provide a grip for removing the cap 24 from the neck section 30.

[0023] The neck section 30 is configured to contain the neck of the bottle 60, and in some embodiments is fastened to a shoulder section 34 by a fastener 32. The fastener 32 in some embodiments is a threaded fastener that is formed by threads on the lower end of the neck section 30 and the upper end of the shoulder section 34. In some embodiments the configuration of the shoulder section 34 mimics that of the shoulders on a longneck bottle 60, such as a beer bottle.

[0024] In some embodiments, a fastener 36 connects the shoulder section 34 to a collar 38, and the collar 38 is connected to a main body section 42 of the apparatus 10 by a fastener 40. In some embodiments, the fasteners 36 and 40 are threaded fasteners with threads formed on the shoulder section 34, the collar 38, and the main body section 42.

[0025] In some embodiments the main body section 42 includes a lower compartment 44 (as depicted in Fig. 2) that is closed off by a closure 46, using fastener 66. The fastener 66 in some embodiments is a threaded fastener that is formed by mating threads within the compartment 44 and around the closure 46. Any of the fasteners or connections referenced above may be other types of fasteners, such as resilient snaps, bayonet style fasteners, friction connections, or other suitable fasteners. [0026] A cross-sectional side view of the apparatus 10 is shown in Fig. 2 to illustrate the relative proportions, elements, fasteners, and interiors of the upper section 50 and lower section 52 more precisely than the perspective view of Fig. 1. The apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 2 is rotated from that as depicted in Fig. 1. The fasteners 28, 32, 36, 40 and 66 are shown as threads formed on the cap 24, the neck section 30, the shoulder section 34, the main body section 42, the lower compartment 44, and the closure 46. In various embodiments the threads 66 of the closure 46 can engage the thread 40 of the collar 38, or the threads 36 of the shoulder section 34.

[0027] A representative bottle 60 is depicted within the apparatus 10. The proportions of the apparatus 10 in the embodiment as depicted are generous compared to the standard size of a beer bottle. Thus, the cap 24 and neck section 30 very generously contain the top and neck of the beer bottle 60 with room to spare. Likewise, the bottle 60 fits easily within the main body section 42 of the apparatus 10. To maintain the stability of the bottle 60 within the apparatus 10, an annular seal 62 is provided in some embodiments within the collar 38, and extends annularly inward toward the bottle 60. Because of its flexibility, the annular seal 62 accommodates many different sizes of bottles 60. The annular seal 62 is in some embodiments constructed of a soft rubber or thermoplastic resin.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bottle 60 rests on a cushion 43 provided in the bottom of the main body section 42. The cushion 43 is in some embodiments is constructed of a soft rubber or thermoplastic resin, such that it prohibits the bottle 60 from rattling within the main body section 42, and stabilizes the position of the bottle 60. In addition, the cushion 43 allows for a slight vertical movement of the bottle 60 due to the compressibility of the cushion 43.

[0029] Likewise, the shoulder section 34 mimics the shape of the shoulders of the bottle 60, but the shoulders of the bottle 60 are not, in all embodiments, provided at the same vertical level as the shoulders formed by shoulder section 34. However, because of the generous allowances provided by the design of the apparatus 10, the shoulders of the bottle 60 still fit within the shoulder section 34 of the apparatus 10.

[0030] In this cross-sectional view, the functionality of the compartment 44 may be better understood. The compartment 44 includes a cylindrical section 64 with threads 65 formed along a surface of the cylindrical section 64. Likewise, threads 68 are formed along the interior cylindrical surface of the compartment 44 and along the cylindrical circumference of the closure 46 to form the fastener 66. Thus, the closure 46 may be secured to the compartment 44 by the fastener 66, namely the threads 68. In the center of the closure 46, a bottle opener 70 is provided in some embodiments (as depicted in Figs. 6 and 7), for convenience of the user. The bottle opener 70 is in some embodiments reinforced with a high-strength stainless steel rim.

[0031] In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 is constructed of highly insulating material. For example, the apparatus 10 may be entirely constructed of double wall, vacuum insulated, stainless steel. Alternately, one or more of the sections may be constructed of a different material, such as a rigid thermoplastic foam. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2, the main body section 42 is constructed of double wall, vacuum insulated, stainless steel, and the collar 38, shoulder section 34, neck section 30, and cap 24 are constructed of a solid material such as stainless steel or a highly durable, rigid, thermoplastic foam.

[0032] To put a bottle 60 within the apparatus 10, the apparatus 10 is opened by undoing at least one of the fastener 36 and fastener 40, which will either separate the shoulder section 34 from the collar 38, or the collar 38 from the main body section 42, respectively. The bottle 60 is then placed within the apparatus 10, and the fastener 36 or 40, which was opened, is then reclosed, such as by engaging the threadings of the appropriate pieces back together, as in the embodiment depicted. Fig. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of how the various components of the apparatus 10 fit together to contain a bottle 60.

[0033] In Fig. 3 there is depicted a perspective view of the apparatus 10 in an alternate configuration for containing a can 72. Fig. 5 depicts an exploded perspective view of how the various components of the apparatus 10 fit together to contain a can 72. To hold a can 72 instead of a bottle 60, the apparatus 10 is opened by separating the collar 38 from the main body section 42, and inserting the can 72. Then, just the collar 38 is replaced onto the main body section 42, thereby retaining the can 72 within the main body section 42. In some embodiments the cap 24, neck section 30, shoulder section 34, and closure 46 are all disassembled, and then reassembled as follows to create a stand for the main body section 42. The cap 24 is placed within the neck section 30, which is then placed within the shoulder section 34, the bottom of which is then fastened to the closure 46, such as by engaging the threadings. The top of the neck section 30 is then fastened to the bottom of the main body section 42, such as by engaging the threadings. [0034] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate the use of the closure 46 as a bottle opener. In Fig. 6, the closure 46 has been removed and is being used as a bottle opener. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, which depicts the inside of the closure 46, the bottle opener 70 is configured to engage the pleats of the bottle cap, and removes the bottle cap such as by enabling a user to twist the bottle cap off of the bottle 60.

[0035] In Fig. 7, the closure 46 is fastened to the bottom the main body section 42 and is again being used as a bottle opener. In the embodiment of Fig. 7, which depicts the outside of the closure 46, the bottle opener 70 is configured to engage the edge of the bottle cap, and removes the bottle cap such as by enabling a user to pry the bottle cap off of the bottle 60.

[0036] Although the invention has been described at times herein with respect to beer cans and bottles, it is also appropriate for use with other containers such as beverage cans and bottles, wine bottles, and similar containers. For example, white wines and blush wines are often served cool, and they are often stored on ice while being consumed. The process of storing a bottle of wine on ice is cumbersome and the process of serving wine from a dripping wet bottle is also inconvenient. The j acket of the present invention may be configured to accommodate various wine bottles and the use of a jacket is typically more convenient than storing a bottle in ice water and eliminates the dripping problem.

[0037] Having described this example, it will be understood that the invention is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

An apparatus for holding a longneck bottle having a top, neck, shoulders, and main body, the apparatus comprising:

an upper section configured to fit around the top, neck, and shoulders of the longneck bottle,

a lower section configured to fit around the main body of the longneck bottle, and a first fastener for securing the upper section to the lower section, such that the upper section and the lower section form a container that substantially conforms to and completely encloses the longneck bottle.

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least the lower section is constructed of double walled steel having an outer wall, an inner wall, and a space between the outer wall and the inner wall.

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein thermal insulation is disposed in the space.

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the space is sealed and a vacuum exists within the space.

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper section and the lower section are constructed at least in part from stainless steel and the lower section is constructed of double walled steel having an outer wall and an inner wall, with a space between the outer wall and the inner wall, and a vacuum in the space to provide thermal insulation.

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper section further comprises a removable cap configured to fit over the top of the bottle such that the cap is selectively removable to expose the top of the bottle while it is enclosed within the apparatus.

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lower section is configured to fit around and hold both a standard beverage can and a standard longneck bottle.

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first fastener comprises threads on an upper end of the lower section and mating threads on a lower end of the upper section.

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper section includes:

a cap configured to fit over the top of the bottle, a neck section configured to fit around the neck of the bottle,

a shoulder section configured to fit over the shoulders of the bottle,

a second fastener for connecting a lower end of the cap to an upper end of the neck section, and

a third fastener for connecting a lower end of the neck section to an upper end of the shoulder section.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first, second, and third fasteners are threaded fasteners.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cap is dimensioned to fit within the neck section, and the neck section is dimensioned to fit within the shoulder section, such that the cap is selectively storable within the neck section, and the neck section is selectively storable within the shoulder section.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the lower section includes:

a collar configured to fit around an upper portion of the main body of the bottle, a main body section configured to fit around a lower portion of the main body of the bottle, and

a fourth fastener for connecting a lower end of the collar to an upper end of the main body section.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the fourth fastener is a threaded fastener.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising:

a compartment on a lower end of the main body section,

a disk-shaped closure configured to fit across and close a lower end of the compartment, and

a fifth fastener for connecting the closure to the lower end of the main body section.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the closure is also configured to attach to the lower end of the upper section using the first fastener.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the cap is dimensioned to fit within the neck section, and the neck section is dimensioned to fit within the shoulder section, such that the cap is selectively storable within the neck section, and the neck section is selectively storable within the shoulder section, the closure is configured to attach to the lower end of the shoulder section, thereby enclosing the neck section and cap within the shoulder section, and the upper end of the shoulder section is configured to connect to a sixth fastener disposed within the compartment of the main body section to form a pedestal on which the main body section may rest.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lower section is configured to fit around and hold both a standard beverage can and a standard longneck bottle, and wherein a flexible annular seal is disposed within the lower section to surround, resiliently engage, and hold both a standard beverage can and a standard longneck bottle.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lower section is configured to fit around and hold a longneck bottle, and wherein a flexible annular seal is disposed within the lower section to surround, resiliently engage, and hold a longneck bottle.

19. An apparatus for holding a longneck bottle having a top, neck, shoulders, and main body, the apparatus comprising:

an upper section configured to fit around the top, neck, and shoulders of the longneck bottle, wherein the upper section includes:

a cap configured to fit over the top of the bottle,

a neck section configured to fit around the neck of the bottle,

a shoulder section configured to fit over the shoulders of the bottle, a second fastener for connecting a lower end of the cap to an upper end of the neck section, and

a third fastener for connecting a lower end of the neck section to an upper end of the shoulder section,

a lower section configured to fit around the main body of the longneck bottle, wherein the lower section includes:

a fourth fastener for connecting a lower end of the collar to an upper end of the main body section, a first fastener for securing the upper section to the lower section, such that the upper section and the lower section form a container that substantially conforms to and completely encloses the bottle,

a compartment on a lower end of the main body section,

An apparatus for selectively holding one of a longneck bottle and a beverage can, the apparatus comprising:

a lower section configured to fit around the selected one of the bottle and the can, wherein the lower section comprises:

a main body section configured to fit around the selected one of the bottle and the can, and selectively insulate a lower portion of the bottle and substantially all of the can,

a first threaded fastener on an upper end of the main body section, and a second threaded fastener on a lower end of the main body section, and a shoulder section having,

a third threaded fastener on an upper end of the shoulder section, for selectively engaging the second threaded fastener and thereby providing a stand for the apparatus, and

a fourth threaded fastener on a lower end of the shoulder section, for selectively engaging the first threaded fastener and thereby selectively insulating an upper portion of the bottle.