Container sleeve

Abstract

A sleeve for a container, such as a water bottle, is configured by securing the container, or the sleeve can be positioned for side placement such that the sleeve itself functions as a container, such as a bowl.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to sleeves and covers for containers such as liquid dispensing containers. BACKGROUND

[0002] Liquid dispensing containers, such as water bottles, come in a wide variety of types. While many liquid dispensing containers are cylindrical in shape, the manner in which the bottle is constructed (e.g., the manner in which the bottle is opened and closed, the manner in which the bottle is carried, and the manner in which the bottle is typically used) can vary greatly. Additionally, the materials from which the bottle is made can vary, with some containers being made of, for example, a substantially plastic material, while other containers have, for example, a double-walled stainless steel design.

[0003] These types of containers are also used in a wide variety of settings (e.g., by adults working in an office, school children, athletes, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts, among others).

[0004] Most such containers are made of a rigid material, which is comprised of the aforementioned plastic, steel, or other similar suitable material. While these materials are well suited for containing liquids and are durable, these materials also have drawbacks. For example, the containers can be easily damaged if dropped, the containers can be slippery when placed on a smooth surface, and the containers can be uncomfortable to the user if the container springs off of the user (e.g., if a person carrying such a water bottle in a bag or backpack while walking or hiking).

[0005] Container sleeves and / or covers, often made of silicone or other similar materials, have been designed to alleviate many of the aforementioned problems. However, the utility of the sleeves themselves is limited, often serving only as an external barrier and lacking any other utility or functionality.

[0006] For example, it is common for pet owners (e.g., dog owners) to carry a water bottle while walking or hiking with their dog. The dog can also need water during long walks or on hot days. Additionally, most people who walk their dogs also carry a bag to collect trash while walking or hiking.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a sleeve for a liquid dispensing container that incorporates additional utilitarian forms and features. SUMMARY

[0008] The present invention provides a sleeve that fits over a water bottle and can also serve as a dog's drinking bowl. The sleeve features a strap and slit at the bottom for holding a pet trash bag. More specifically, the sleeve can be removed from the container, the built-in stand is popped out, and the sleeve is used as a dog's drinking bowl. In general, the sleeve is suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities with a pet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The application is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like or functionally similar elements. The drawings are not to scale.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sleeve according to the present application, showing the side, front and top.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a sleeve, showing the back, side and bottom.

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve, showing the front, side and bottom.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a sleeve, showing the side and back of the device, with the strap pulled out of the device and away from the device, and the device on a container.

[0014] Figure 5 is a side view of a sleeve on a container.

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sleeve containing a bottle when the support stand is deployed.

[0016] Figure 7 is a rear view of a sleeve.

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a device in a water bowl configuration.

[0018] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a device containing water.

[0019] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a support stand. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which the preferred embodiment of the application is shown. The application should not, however, be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided for the purpose of illustration of the application and to convey a full understanding of the scope thereof to those skilled in the art.

[0021] Figures 1 to 10 A container sleeve 100 according to the present application is shown. The sleeve is primarily designed to function in two separate configurations. In a first configuration, the sleeve 100 is configured to contain a container B (e.g. a water bottle), however, in a second configuration, the sleeve 100 can also be used as a bowl (e.g. a dog's water bowl).

[0022] The sleeve has a body 10 that is configured in shape and size to encircle at least a portion of the body of the container B. In the embodiment shown in the illustration, the body 10 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is configured to fit around a conventional water bottle. The body 10 generally has a closed side wall with an open front region 12 in which the container B can be inserted.

[0023] The body 12 also has a back side 18 to which the stand 24 is configured to be attached. For example, in the embodiment shown, the stand 24 is attached to the back side 18 in a pivotable and foldable manner so that the stand 24 can be folded and stowed on the sleeve when not in use and extended at an approximate 90 degree angle relative to the back side when the user wishes to use the stand 24. The stand 24 can also be provided in other structural manners, for example, the stand 24 can be configured to be completely detachable. The stand can also be made as an integral part of the body 18 rather than a separate component.

[0024] More particularly, the foldable stand 24 is pivotably coupled to an upper portion of the body 10 that has a first end 27A and a second end 27B that are each inserted into openings 19A and 19B that are formed as an integral part of the body 10. When in the folded position, the stand 24 fits closely to the body 10 so as not to be an obstruction. When the stand 24 is pivoted to its extended position, the stand 24 will support the body 10 when the sleeve 100 is laid on its side with the upper end portion slightly elevated relative to the lower end portion.

[0025] In this configuration, the sleeve 100 acts as a bowl, for example, from which a pet can drink water. To illustrate this, Figure 9 The cup C is shown dispensing liquid L into the body 10.

[0026] The bottom portion of the front region 12 has a lip 14 that extends upwardly from the bottom 16 of the sleeve 100 and secures the lower portion of the container B in the sleeve 100.

[0027] The back side 18 of the main body 10 also includes an upper insertion slot 19A and a lower insertion slot 19B for securing straps 22. In the embodiment shown, the insertion slots 19A, 19B are formed as integral parts of the main body 10. When the straps 22 are attached to the bottle, the straps 22 can assist the user in holding and carrying the bottle, especially when hiking or running, the straps 22 will reduce the burden of the user's grip. The straps 22 can be constructed of many materials, such as canvas or rubber materials (e.g., polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride). The straps 22 can be configured to be adjustable in length using conventional means, and / or the straps 22 can be made of elastic material to have a certain degree of adjustability while maintaining a fixed or near fixed length. In the case of elastic straps, the elastic straps can be attached to fit closely along the spine so that when the device 100 is in its bowl configuration and placed on a surface, the elastic straps do not interfere. Conventional securing means (e.g., securing patches that can be inserted into the insertion slots) are provided on the upper and lower ends of the straps 22.

[0028] The lower extension section 40 is attached to the main body 10 below the bottom 16. The lower section 40 has a number of slits 42 that can be used to hold other items, such as pet waste bags. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 1, the slits are in the form of a cross or plus sign, and in such form, a pet waste bag can be tied in a knot and the knot inserted into the open area between the bottom 16 and the lower section 40 where it can be removably secured in the middle of the cross until the user has an opportunity to dispose of the knot. Figure 2

[0029] The attachment mechanism 26 secures the upper end of the container B in the sleeve 100. The attachment mechanism 26 can be configured in a variety of ways. In the embodiment shown in the figures, two openings are provided in the upper end of the main body 10 through which the ties 28 or straps 28 are inserted and secured in a conventional manner (e.g., using a rope lock or release grommet 32).

[0030] It should be understood that the embodiments set forth herein are merely exemplary of the application. Those skilled in the art can envision variations of the sleeve construction without limiting the intended scope of the application disclosed herein.​

Claims

1. A sleeve for a container, characterized in that The sleeve comprises: a body configured to fit around at least a portion of the container, the body having a closed bottom region and an open top region, the body further having a liquid-tight back wall and side walls forming a semi-enclosed shape, a front side of the body being open; a stand configured to couple to the body, the stand configured to elevate an upper end of the body when deployed and to conform to the body when stowed; the body is configured to selectively secure the container or to serve as a bowl when the stand is deployed and the sleeve is positioned in an approximately horizontal orientation, the sleeve and body configured to allow liquid to be held within the body and accessible to a user through the open front side.

2. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein, the stand is connected to the body, the stand configured to pivot between a position along a back side of the body or a deployed position supporting an upper end of the body when the body is in the approximately horizontal orientation.

3. The sleeve of claim 2, wherein, the body further comprises a lip on a lower end of the front side.

4. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein, a strap coupled to a back side of the body is further included.

5. The sleeve of claim 4, wherein, wherein the strap is an elastic strap that fits snugly to the back side.

6. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein a lower section under the body is further included, the lower section connected to the body, the lower section including one or more slits, an open area provided between the lower section and the body, an opening provided between the body and the lower section.

7. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein, an attachment device configured to couple to an upper end of the body to further secure the container in the body is further included.

8. The sleeve of claim 6, wherein, one or more of the slits form an opening in the form of a cross or plus sign.

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