Beverage container carrier

Abstract

A beverage container carrier includes a frustoconical ring which includes an open upper rim and an open lower rim narrower than the upper rim. A closable sleeve secured to the upper rim includes an overlapping portion and a closure mechanism at last partially disposed on the overlapping portion. The closure mechanism is configured to releasably secure the closable sleeve in a closed position. A strap is connected to the closable sleeve. At least one pocket is secured to the closeable sleeve.

Description

BEVERAGE CONTAINER CARRIERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 601,787, filed November 22, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Drinking containers of various types are used to contain a liquid or beverage for drinking as needed. Some containers may include a drinking opening in a lid through which a beverage may be consumed, for example, by tilting the drinking container or by consuming the beverage through a straw. Different types of drinking containers having different form factors are known. An increasing number of consumers are carrying beverages to ensure hydration throughout the day. Despite the growing popularity of reusable beverage containers, however, these beverage containers can often be cumbersome to carry, especially if a person is engaged in activities such as hiking, vigorous walking, or traveling. Beverage containers may be carried in a backpack or similar article, but this limits their accessibility for regular beverage consumption, and may also risk spillage if the container tips over, e.g., while in a backpack or bag.SUMMARY

[0003] In an aspect, the technology relates to a beverage container carrier including: a frustoconical ring includes an open upper rim and an open lower rim narrower than the upper rim; a closable sleeve secured to the upper rim, wherein the closable sleeve includes an overlapping portion and a closure mechanism at last partially disposed on the overlapping portion, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to releasably secure the closable sleeve in a closed position; a strap connected to the closable sleeve; and at least one pocket secured to the closeable sleeve. In an example, when the closable sleeve is in the closed position, a gap is formed between the overlapping portion and the frustoconical ring. In another example, the closure mechanism includesa snap-type fastener. In yet another example, the closure mechanism includes a hook and loop fastener. In still another example, wherein the at least one pocket is a closed pocket.

[0004] In another example of the above aspect, the at least one pocket is an open pocket. In an example, the at least one pocket includes a plurality of pockets. In another example, the plurality of pockets are stacked. In yet another example, the beverage container carrier further includes a pair of loops secured to an upper portion of the closable sleeve, and wherein the strap includes a pair of hooks engaged with the pair of loops. In still another example, the pair of hooks are releasably engaged with the pair of loops.

[0005] In another example of the above aspect, the closable sleeve and the frustoconical ring are both configured to removably receive a beverage container.

[0006] In another aspect, the technology relates to a portable drinking system including: a beverage container includes a body including a frustoconical waist and a handle secured to the body; a carrier including: a frustoconical ring including an open upper rim and an open lower rim narrower than the upper rim; and a closable sleeve secured to the frustoconical ring, wherein the closable sleeve includes an overlapping portion and a closure mechanism at last partially disposed on the overlapping portion, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to releasably secure the closable sleeve in a closed position; wherein when the beverage container is received within the carrier: the frustoconical ring is engaged with the frustoconical waist, an upper portion of the body extends above the open upper rim and is surrounded by the closable sleeve, the overlapping portion passes through a space defined by the handle and the body, and a lower portion of the body extends below the open lower rim. In an example, the carrier includes a pair of loops secured to the closeable sleeve, and wherein the portable drinking system further includes a strap which includes a pair of hooks engaged with the pair of loops. In another example, the portable drinking system further includes at least one pocket secured to the closeable sleeve. In yet another example, the at least one pocket includes a plurality of pockets. In still another example, the plurality of pockets are stacked.

[0007] In another example of the above aspect, the plurality of pockets includes at least one open pocket and at least one closed pocket. In an example, the closure mechanism includes at least one of a snap-type fastener and a hook and loop fastener. In anotherexample, the pair of hooks are releasable. In yet another example, the strap is adjustable.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following Figures.

[0010] FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of an example portable drinking system having a beverage container and a container carrier.

[0011] FIG. IB depicts a rear perspective view of an example portable drinking system having a beverage container and a container carrier.

[0012] FIG. 1C depicts an exploded perspective view of an example portable drinking system having a beverage container and a container carrier.

[0013] FIG. 2A depicts a front perspective view of an example container carrier in a closed position.

[0014] FIG. 2B depicts a rear perspective view of an example container carrier in a closed position.

[0015] FIG. 3A depicts an operation of a method of securing a beverage container into a container carrier, according to an example.

[0016] FIG. 3B depicts an operation, subsequent to the operation of FIG. 3A, of a method of securing a beverage container into a container carrier, according to an example.

[0017] FIG. 3C depicts an operation, subsequent to the operation of FIG. 3B, of a method of securing a beverage container into a container carrier, according to an example.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations specific embodiments or examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects maybe utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Examples may be practiced as methods, systems, or devices. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] An increasing number of consumers are carrying beverages to ensure hydration throughout the day. Many of these consumers do not wish to utilize wasteful, singleuse, disposable containers. As such, reusable beverage containers are becoming more and more desirable. Despite the growing popularity of such products, however, they can often be cumbersome to carry, especially if a person is engaged in activities such as hiking, vigorous walking, or traveling. Beverage containers may be carried in a backpack or similar article, but this limits their accessibility for regular beverage consumption, and may also risk spillage if the container tips over, e.g., while in a backpack or bag.

[0020] A beverage container (examples of which may be described as a reusable or disposable vessel, canteen, mug, or the like) is described herein. The beverage container may be in any one of a number of form factors and may include components such as lids, straws, drinking spouts (which may be closable or fixed), handles, surface textures, caps, etc. The beverage container may be sold separately or may be sold in conjunction with a mating container carrier. The carrier is designed to free a user’s hands during transport of the beverage container in the carrier. In addition, the carrier may include a number of features that increase the utility thereof, allowing the user to potentially replace a purse or wallet with the carrier. Such features may include one or more pockets, hooks, or hangers for carrying a smartphone, credit cards, eye or sunglasses, keys, lip balm, sunscreen, etc. In an example, a carry strap may be secured to the carrier to allow the drinking system to be worn over the arm or shoulder, or wrapped around the waist like a belt. The carrier may be designed to expose a portion of the body of the beverage container. This may be for aesthetic purposes, but also allows the beverage container to rest on its own stable base, or be inserted into car drink holders without the need to remove the beverage container from the carrier itself.

[0021] FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of an example portable drinking system 10 having a beverage container 100 and a container carrier 200. FIG. IB depicts a rear perspective view of example portable drinking system 10. FIG. 1C depicts an exploded perspective view of example portable drinking system 10. FIGS.1A-1C are described concurrently. The container 100 may be an insulated, durable, oversized mug manufactured and sold by PMI of Seattle, Washington, under the brand name STANLEY, and referred to as the Quencher or Quencher 2.0. Other configurations are contemplated and should not be considered limiting. In this form factor, the container 100 includes a body 102 having an upper portion 104, a lower portion 106, and a frustoconical waist 108. The frustoconical waist 108 joins the larger diameter upper portion 104 with the relatively smaller diameter lower portion 106 and provides a feature with which to engage the carrier 200, as described in more detail below. The upper portion 104 may include secured thereto a lid 110, cap, or other container sealing structure and is largely surrounded by and contained within the carrier 200. A handle 112, which may be D-shaped, C-shaped, or of some other form factor, may project from the body 102, for example, from the upper portion 104.

[0022] One example of the carrier 200 is described in more detail below, but in general, a carrier for a beverage container may include a carrier body 202 that includes a closeable sleeve 204. The body 202 and the closeable sleeve 204 may include a form factor that enables mating engagement with a suitable container. In the case of carrier 200, the carrier also includes a frustoconical ring 206 that is sized to mate with the frustoconical waist 108 of the container 100. This mating engagement helps prevent the container 100 from being pulled through the carrier 200 from below. In examples, the frustoconical ring 206 may be a lower gathered portion integral with the closeable sleeve 204, or may be a separate component secured thereto, e.g., via stitching, robust adhesive, etc. The closeable sleeve 204 includes an overlapping portion 208 that includes one or more fasteners 210 (examples of which are discussed below) to secure the closeable sleeve 204 around the upper portion 104 of the container 100. In this example, the carrier 200 also includes at least one pocket 212 and other features to increase the usability thereof. Finally, a strap 214 may be secured to the carrier 200, for example as discussed below. The strap 214 is depicted broken in FIGS. 2B and 2C, and may be secured to the carrier body 202 via one or more openable hooks 214a.

[0023] FIG. 2A depicts a front perspective view of example container carrier 200 in a closed position. FIG. 2B depicts a rear perspective view of example container carrier 200 in a closed position. FIGS. 2A-2B are described concurrently. The carrier 200, as noted above, may include a carrier body 202 including at least a closable sleeve 204 and a frustoconical ring 206. The carrier body 202 may be manufactured from robustfabric to prevent ripping or tearing. In examples, the material for the carrier body 202 (including either or both of the closable sleeve 204 and the frustoconical ring 206) may be manufactured in whole or in part from polyester, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other materials. For example, different types of TPU coatings may be used for an outer wall 216 versus an inner wall 218 of the carrier body 202, either or both of which may be printed or stitched with various decorative designs, colors, etc., for aesthetic, visibility, or other purposes. Nylon or other material may be used to form an edge binding 220 around one or more of the edges of the carrier body 202. The edge binding 220 may include a different color than, e.g., the outer wall 216 or the inner wall 218, may display reflective properties, or other visual features. Stitching may secure the edge binding 220 to the material of the carrier body 202 and / or a robust adhesive may be utilized. The edge binding 220 may reduce friction at the edges of the walls 216, 218, thus preventing fraying or other damage thereto.

[0024] The overlapping portion 208 may have a dimension less than a corresponding overall dimension of the closeable sleeve 204. This enables the overlapping portion 208 to pass within a space defined by a handle and body of a beverage container, as described elsewhere herein. Unlike a lower edge 204a of the closeable sleeve 204, the overlapping portion 208 is not connected to the frustoconical ring 206. As such, when in the closed position, a lower gap 222 is formed between the overlapping portion 208 and the frustoconical ring 206, which allows for passage of a lower portion of the handle of the beverage container. The smaller dimension also forms an upper gap 224, which allows for passage of an upper portion of the handle. In the example carrier 200 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fastener 210 may be one or more snap-type fasteners or mating pads of hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO™. Zippers, strong magnets, or other closure elements are also contemplated.

[0025] The useability of the carrier 200 is increased by the inclusion of one or more exterior pockets 212. In this example, a plurality of pockets 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d in a stacked configuration are depicted; “stacked” in this context means two or more pockets 212 secured to or upon each other. Although any of the pockets 212 may be sized as required or desired for a particular application, certain examples are provided herein for illustrative purposes. Pocket 212a for example, may be sized and dimensioned to receive a smartphone, while pocket 212b may be sized and dimensioned to receive one or more cards, such as business cards, debit or credit cards,identification cards, keycards, etc. Pocket 212c may be sized and dimensioned to receive a tube of lip balm, mascara, eyeliner, a pen, or other elongate items. Each of pockets 212a, 212b, and 212c may be defined as “closed” pockets, in that the each include a bottom wall 226 that closes the bottom of each pocket 212a, 212b, and 212c, thereby preventing objects from sliding therethrough. Pocket 212d is another stacked pocket. Pocket 212d, however, may be defined as an “open” pocket in that a bottom portion 228 thereof is open. The open bottom portion 228 enables long items, such as the armature of a pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses, for example, to pass entirely through the pocket 212d, thereby hanging therefrom. Open or closed pockets of other sizes and dimensions, so as to hold other items, are also contemplated. The pockets 212 may be made from the same material (or a different material), as the carrier body 202, and may be secured thereto or separated from adjacent pockets with stitching, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0026] Another pocket, in this case a stretch mesh pocket 212e having a closed bottom is also depicted and may be used for various accessories, as required or desired. In this case, the stretch mesh pocket 212e is disposed adjacent and below a hook 230, which may be used to secure a keyring to the carrier 200. If desired, the keys on the keyring may be fed into the stretch mesh pocket 212e, so as to reduce jostling thereof. The strap 214 may be secured via the hooks 214a to one or more loops 232, which may be made from a webbing material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other material. The loops 232 may be secured to the carrier body 202 with stitching, adhesives, or both.

[0027] FIG. 3A depicts an operation of an example method of securing a beverage container 100 into a container carrier 200. FIG. 3B depicts an operation, subsequent to the operation of FIG. 3 A, of the example method of securing a beverage container 100 into a container carrier 200. FIG. 3C depicts an operation, subsequent to the operation of FIG. 3B, of the example method of securing a beverage container 100 into a container carrier 200. The carrier 200 may be configured so as to receive an appropriately-configured container 100. Considerations for such a configuration may include, but not be limited to, having a minimum diameter of the frustoconical ring 206 that is sufficiently less than the diameter of the upper portion 104 (e.g., here, the widest portion of the beverage container 100), which prevents the container 100 from being pulled through the carrier 200. Further considerations for such a configuration includehaving an overlapping portion 208 sized so as to pass within a space defined by the handle 112 and body 102 of the beverage container 100. Other considerations for an appropriate configuration are contemplated and may include, compatible material selections, other dimensional aspects of the carrier 200 (e.g., total height), compatible fasteners, etc.

[0028] In FIG. 3 A, the carrier 200 is in an open position, where the fastener 210 disposed on the overlapping portion 208 is not engaged with a corresponding fastener 210a on the closeable sleeve 204. For illustrative purposes, the beverage container 100 may be defined by a beverage container axis AB, and the carrier 200 may be defined by a carrier axis Ac. To insert the beverage container 100 into the carrier 200, the lower portion 106 of the beverage container 100 is first inserted generally into the carrier body 100, and passes through the open lower part of the frustoconical ring 206. Upon full insertion, the frustoconical waist 108 engages with the frustoconical ring 206 and the two axes AB, AC are substantially aligned. At full insertion, such as depicted in FIG. 3B, the overlapping portion 208 is substantially aligned with the opening between the container body 102 and the handle 112. Thereafter, the overlapping portion 208 may be bent or deformed slightly and passed through this handle 112 opening, as depicted in FIG. 3C. Once therethrough, the fastener 210 on the overlapping portion 208 may be engaged with the corresponding fastener 210a on the carrier body 202, thereby securing the carrier 200 around the container 100.

[0029] This disclosure describes some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible examples were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible examples to those skilled in the art. Any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. Further, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one of element A, element B, or element C” is intended to convey any of: element A, element B, element C, elements A and B, elements A and C, elements B and C, and elements A, B, and C. It is to be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is notintended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurement techniques utilized herein. To the extent such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by one having skill in the art, the terms such as “about” or “substantially” shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

[0030] Similarly, where operations of a process are disclosed, those operations are described for purposes of illustrating the present technology and are not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of operations. For example, the operations can be performed in differing order, two or more operations can be performed concurrently, additional operations can be performed, and disclosed operations can be excluded without departing from the present disclosure. Further, each operation can be accomplished via one or more sub-operations. The disclosed processes can be repeated.

[0031] Although specific aspects were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific aspects. One skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or operations are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein. Examples of the disclosure may be described according to the following aspects.

[0032] Aspect 1. A beverage container carrier comprising: a frustoconical ring comprising an open upper rim and an open lower rim narrower than the upper rim; a closable sleeve secured to the upper rim, wherein the closable sleeve comprises an overlapping portion and a closure mechanism at last partially disposed on the overlapping portion, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to releasably secure the closable sleeve in a closed position; a strap connected to the closable sleeve; and at least one pocket secured to the closeable sleeve.

[0033] Aspect 2. The beverage container carrier of aspect 1 , wherein when the closable sleeve is in the closed position, a gap is formed between the overlapping portion and the frustoconical ring.

[0034] Aspect 3. The beverage container carrier of any of aspects 1-2, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a snap-type fastener.

[0035] Aspect 4. The beverage container carrier of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

[0036] Aspect 5. The beverage container carrier of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the at least one pocket is a closed pocket.

[0037] Aspect 6. The beverage container carrier of any of aspects 1-5, wherein the at least one pocket is an open pocket.

[0038] Aspect 7. The beverage container carrier of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the at least one pocket comprises a plurality of pockets.

[0039] Aspect 8. The beverage container carrier of aspect 7, wherein the plurality of pockets are stacked.

[0040] Aspect 9. The beverage container carrier of any of aspects 1-8, further comprising a pair of loops secured to an upper portion of the closable sleeve, and wherein the strap comprises a pair of hooks engaged with the pair of loops.

[0041] Aspect 10. The beverage container carrier of aspect 9, wherein the pair of hooks are releasably engaged with the pair of loops.

[0042] Aspect 11. The beverage container carrier of any of aspects 1-10, wherein the closable sleeve and the frustoconical ring are both configured to removably receive a beverage container.

[0043] Aspect 12. A portable drinking system comprising: a beverage container comprising a body comprising a frustoconical waist and a handle secured to the body; a carrier comprising: a frustoconical ring comprising an open upper rim and an open lower rim narrower than the upper rim; and a closable sleeve secured to the frustoconical ring, wherein the closable sleeve comprises an overlapping portion and a closure mechanism at last partially disposed on the overlapping portion, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to releasably secure the closable sleeve in a closed position; wherein when the beverage container is received within the carrier: the frustoconical ring is engaged with the frustoconical waist, an upper portion of the body extends above the open upper rim and is surrounded by the closable sleeve, the overlapping portion passes through a space defined by the handle and the body, and a lower portion of the body extends below the open lower rim.

[0044] Aspect 13. The portable drinking system of aspect 12, wherein the carrier comprises a pair of loops secured to the closeable sleeve, and wherein the portabledrinking system further comprises a strap comprising a pair of hooks engaged with the pair of loops.

[0045] Aspect 14. The portable drinking system of aspect 13, wherein the pair of hooks are releasable.

[0046] Aspect 15. The portable drinking system of any of aspects 13-14, wherein the strap is adjustable.

[0047] Aspect 16. The portable drinking system of any of aspects 12-13, further comprising at least one pocket secured to the closeable sleeve.

[0048] Aspect 17. The portable drinking system of aspect 16, wherein the at least one pocket comprises a plurality of pockets.

[0049] Aspect 18. The portable drinking system of aspect 17, wherein the plurality of pockets are stacked.

[0050] Aspect 19. The portable drinking system of aspect 16, wherein the plurality of pockets comprises at least one open pocket and at least one closed pocket.

[0051] Aspect 20. The portable drinking system of any of aspects 12-19, wherein the closure mechanism comprises at least one of a snap-type fastener and a hook and loop fastener.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A beverage container carrier comprising: a frustoconical ring comprising an open upper rim and an open lower rim narrower than the upper rim; a closable sleeve secured to the upper rim, wherein the closable sleeve comprises an overlapping portion and a closure mechanism at last partially disposed on the overlapping portion, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to releasably secure the closable sleeve in a closed position; a strap connected to the closable sleeve; and at least one pocket secured to the closeable sleeve.

2. The beverage container carrier of claim 1 , wherein when the closable sleeve is in the closed position, a gap is formed between the overlapping portion and the frustoconical ring.

3. The beverage container carrier of any of claims 1-2, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a snap-type fastener.

4. The beverage container carrier of any of claims 1-3, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

5. The beverage container carrier of any of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one pocket is a closed pocket.

6. The beverage container carrier of any of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one pocket is an open pocket.

7. The beverage container carrier of any of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one pocket comprises a plurality of pockets.

8. The beverage container carrier of claim 7, wherein the plurality of pockets are stacked.

9. The beverage container carrier of any of claims 1-8, further comprising a pair of loops secured to an upper portion of the closable sleeve, and wherein the strap comprises a pair of hooks engaged with the pair of loops.

10. The beverage container carrier of claim 9, wherein the pair of hooks are releasably engaged with the pair of loops.

11. The beverage container carrier of any of claims 1-10, wherein the closable sleeve and the frustoconical ring are both configured to removably receive a beverage container.

12. A portable drinking system comprising: a beverage container comprising a body comprising a frustoconical waist and a handle secured to the body; a carrier comprising: a frustoconical ring comprising an open upper rim and an open lower rim narrower than the upper rim; and a closable sleeve secured to the frustoconical ring, wherein the closable sleeve comprises an overlapping portion and a closure mechanism at last partially disposed on the overlapping portion, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to releasably secure the closable sleeve in a closed position; wherein when the beverage container is received within the carrier: the frustoconical ring is engaged with the frustoconical waist, an upper portion of the body extends above the open upper rim and is surrounded by the closable sleeve, the overlapping portion passes through a space defined by the handle and the body, and a lower portion of the body extends below the open lower rim.

13. The portable drinking system of claim 12, wherein the carrier comprises a pair of loops secured to the closeable sleeve, and wherein the portable drinking system further comprises a strap comprising a pair of hooks engaged with the pair of loops.

14. The portable drinking system of claim 13, wherein the pair of hooks are releasable.

15. The portable drinking system of any of claims 13-14, wherein the strap is adjustable.

16. The portable drinking system of any of claims 12-13, further comprising at least one pocket secured to the closeable sleeve.

17. The portable drinking system of claim 16, wherein the at least one pocket comprises a plurality of pockets.

18. The portable drinking system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of pockets are stacked.

19. The portable drinking system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of pockets comprises at least one open pocket and at least one closed pocket.

20. The portable drinking system of any of claims 12-19, wherein the closure mechanism comprises at least one of a snap-type fastener and a hook and loop fastener.

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