BEVERAGE JUG COVER WITH ENHANCED SPIGOT PROTECTION AND ACCESS

Abstract

A cover for a beverage jug having a spigot. The cover includes a side panel that curves back upon itself so that two vertical side edges of the side panel can be joined together by a seam. A top panel is joined to the top edge of the side panel by a seam that extends around the top panel. A zipper extends from the bottom edge and into the side panel to form at least one flap when opened that provides access to the spigot of the beverage jug. The beverage jug and cooler cover effectively covers and protects beverage jugs and beverage coolers, and provides additional insulation to help extend the time that the beverage remains cold, protects the plastic of the jug or cooler from exposure to ultraviolet rays, while also protecting the spigot of the beverage jug or cooler from attracting and collecting insects, dust, and/or dirt.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to beverage jugs and beverage coolers, and more particularly to covers for beverage jugs and beverage coolers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverage jugs and beverage coolers are widely used to provide beverages, such as water, juice, and ice tea to people who enjoy sporting events, picnics, outdoor barbeques, for example. These jugs and coolers can also be used indoors at parties and other social events where many people gather to consume food and beverages.

Although such jugs and coolers typically have insulation, eventually the temperature of the beverage contained therein reaches equilibrium with the ambient temperature. This is often not long enough if the event extends beyond a few hours.

If the event is outdoors, the plastic of the jug or cooler is exposed to ultraviolet rays, which can discolor and/or weaken the plastic.

Further, as the cooler or jug is used, the beverage splashes back onto the spigot of the cooler or jug, and can therefore attract insects, dust, and/or dirt, resulting in an unsanitary condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The beverage jug and cooler cover of the invention effectively covers and protects beverage jugs and beverage coolers that are commonly used at sporting events, picnics, outdoor barbeques, for example, as well as at indoor parties, and other social events where many people gather to consume food and beverages.

The beverage jug and cooler cover of the invention provides additional insulation help extend the time that the beverage remains cold (or hot).

Moreover, the beverage jug and cooler cover of the invention protects the plastic of the jug or cooler from exposure to ultraviolet rays, which can discolor and/or weaken the plastic.

Additionally, the beverage jug and cooler cover of the invention protects the spigot of the beverage jug or cooler from attracting and collecting insects, dust, and/or dirt, which extends the time that the spigot remains sanitary.

A general aspect of the invention is a beverage jug cover for covering a beverage jug having a spigot. The beverage jug cover includes: a rectangular side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two vertical side edges, the rectangular side panel being curved back upon itself, the two vertical side edges of the side panel being joined together by a seam; a top panel joined to the top edge of the rectangular side panel by a seam that extends peripherally around the top panel; and a zipper extending from the bottom edge and extending into the rectangular side panel, the zipper having a slider and a puller, the zipper configured to provide at least one flap that provides access to the spigot of the beverage jug when the zipper is opened using the slider and the puller.

In some embodiments, the zipper is configured to provide two flaps that together provide access to the spigot of the beverage jug when the zipper is opened using the slider and the puller.

In some embodiments, the beverage jug cover includes a second zipper, the second zipper extending from the bottom edge and extending into the rectangular side panel, the second zipper configured to cooperate with the first zipper so as to provide at least one flap that provides access to the spigot of the beverage jug when the first zipper and the second zipper are opened.

In some embodiments, the top panel is round.

In some embodiments, the top panel is one of: square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or hexagonal, when covering a beverage jug having a horizontal cross-section matching one of those shapes.

In some embodiments, the beverage jug cover is sized so as to fit snugly over a beverage jug of similar shape and size, thereby also covering the spigot. In further embodiments, the size of the beverage jug is one of: 5 gallon, 10 gallon.

In some embodiments, the top panel has a plurality of ventilation holes that ensure that the beverage jug cover does not present a suffocation hazard.

In some embodiments, the rectangular side panel and the top panel each include thermal insulating material, thereby effectively providing additional thermal insulation to the beverage jug.

In some embodiments, the rectangular side panel and the top panel each include solar reflective material, thereby reflecting heat radiation and ultraviolet radiation so as to protect the beverage jug from degradation of the plastic material of the jug.

In some embodiments, the rectangular side panel and the top panel each are made from a material that is “machine washable”.

Another general aspect of the invention is a beverage jug cover for covering a beverage jug having a spigot. This beverage jug cover includes: a rectangular side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two vertical side edges, the rectangular side panel being curved back upon itself, the two vertical side edges of the side panel being joined together by a seam, a pair of cuts extending from the bottom edge into the rectangular side panel so as to provide a flap that is configured to provide access to the spigot of the beverage jug; a top panel joined to the top edge of the rectangular side panel by a seam that extends peripherally around the top panel; and a pair of hook and loop fasteners, each hook and loop fastener securing a respective cut such that the flap can be opened by separating the respective hook and loop fastener, thereby exposing the spigot of the jug for use.

In some embodiments, the top panel is round.

In some embodiments, the top panel is one of: square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or hexagonal, when covering a beverage jug having a horizontal cross-section matching one of those shapes.

In some embodiments, the beverage jug cover is sized so as to fit snugly over a beverage jug of similar shape and size, thereby also covering the spigot.

In some embodiments, the size of the beverage jug is one of: 5 gallon, 10 gallon.

In some embodiments, the top panel has a plurality of ventilation holes that ensure that the beverage jug cover does not present a suffocation hazard.

In some embodiments, the rectangular side panel and the top panel each include thermal insulating material, thereby effectively providing additional thermal insulation to the beverage jug.

In some embodiments, the rectangular side panel and the top panel each include solar reflective material, thereby reflecting heat radiation and ultraviolet radiation so as protect the beverage jug from degradation of the plastic material of the jug.

In some embodiments, the rectangular side panel and the top panel each are made from a material that is “machine washable”.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many additional features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the beverage jug cover, showing a single zipper single flap spigot cover in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the beverage jug cover of FIG. 1, along with a beverage jug that can be covered by the beverage jug cover.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional cutout view of a portion of the side panel of the beverage jug cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the beverage jug cover of FIG. 1 covering the beverage jug of FIG. 2, showing the a single zipper single flap spigot cover in an open configuration so as to reveal the spigot of the beverage jug.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the beverage jug cover, showing a single zipper double flap spigot cover in a closed configuration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the beverage jug cover of FIG. 5, showing the single zipper double flap spigot cover in an open configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the beverage jug cover, showing a double zipper single flap spigot cover in a closed configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the beverage jug cover of FIG. 7, showing the double zipper single flap spigot cover in an open configuration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the beverage jug cover, showing a double cut hook and loop fabric single flap spigot cover in a closed configuration.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the beverage jug cover of FIG. 9, showing the double cut hook and loop fabric single flap spigot cover in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a beverage jug cover 100 is made from a square or rectangular side panel 102 that is curved back upon itself so that two vertical side edges of the panel 102 can be joined together by a seam 116. Likewise, a top panel 104 is joined to the top edge of the square or rectangular side panel 102 by a seam 114 that runs all the way around the periphery of the top panel 104. The top panel 104 in this embodiment is round. Other embodiments of the panel 104 can be of a different shape, such as square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or hexagonal, for example, when covering a beverage jug having a horizontal cross-section matching one of those shapes.

The beverage jug cover can be sized so as to fit snugly over a beverage jug of similar shape and size, such as a 5 gallon size, or a 10 gallon size, for example.

The top panel 104 can have a plurality of ventilation holes 106 that ensure that the beverage jug cover 100 does not present a suffocation hazard.

The side panel 102 has a single-flap spigot cover 107 that can be opened and closed using a single zipper 108, shown in a closed configuration, after having been closed using the slider 110 pulled by the puller 112. When the zipper 108 is opened, the spigot 206 (FIG. 2) of the jug 200 can be accessed.

Referring to FIG. 2, a beverage jug 200 (also called a “beverage cooler”) has a spigot 206 that dispenses the contents of the beverage jug 200 via a spout 210 by pressing a spring loaded valve 208. The beverage jug 200 has an insulated wall 202 and an insulated top 204. The beverage jug cover 100 is sized and shaped so as to fit snugly over the beverage jug 200, thereby also covering the spigot 206 so as to protect it from dust, dirt, and/or insects.

The beverage jug cover 100 can also be insulated by including thermal insulating material within the side panel 102 and the top panel 104, which effectively provides further thermal insulation to the beverage jug 200. The layer of insulation of the cover 100 slows the rate of heat transfer from the surroundings into the beverage jug 200, so it helps any ice inside the beverage jug 200 to last longer. Even if the beverage jug cover 100 is made solely of canvas, covering the beverage jug 200 with the cover 100 will add thermal insulation that will resist hot and/or cold beyond the insulation included in the walls of the beverage jug 200.

The beverage jug cover 100 also protects the beverage jug 200 from degradation of the plastic material of the jug 200 due to extended exposure to ultraviolet light (also called “UV rays”) that is a component of sunlight. For example, the beverage jug cover 100 can include a layer of reflective fabric that will reflect infrared heat radiation, for example.

The beverage jug cover 100 also protects the beverage jug 200 from contamination from dirt, dust, and/or insects.

The beverage jug cover 100 can be advantageously made from a material that is “machine washable”.

Referring to FIG. 3, an enlarged cross-sectional cut-out view is shown of a D-shaped portion of the side panel 102 of the beverage jug cover 100. For illustrative purposes, a D-shaped portion is cut out of the side panel 102 to show the layered structure of an insulated embodiment of the beverage jug cover 100. An insulation layer 304 is sandwiched between an inner fabric layer 302 and an outer fabric layer 306. The insulation layer can be any lightweight insulating material that traps air, such as wool, felt, down feathers, or fleece. The layer 304 can also serve as cushioning or padding, so as to protect the beverage jug from impact damage. The inner fabric layer 302 and the outer fabric layer 306 can also be made from neoprene, or other material with insulating and/or cushioning properties.

Referring to FIG. 4, the beverage jug cover 100 is shown covering the beverage jug 200 of FIG. 2, with the single-flap spigot cover 107 of the side panel 102 in an open configuration. The open configuration results from opening the zipper 108, by pulling the puller 112 and the slider 110 along the zipper 108, thereby providing access to the spigot 206 of the jug 200. Pulling the puller 112 and the slider in the opposite direction along the zipper 108 results in the closed configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of the beverage jug cover 500 is shown, having a single zipper 508 double flap spigot cover in a closed configuration. The beverage jug cover 500 is made from a square or rectangular side panel 502 that is curved back upon itself so that two vertical side edges of the panel 502 can be joined together by a seam 516. Likewise, a top panel 504 is joined to the top edge of the square or rectangular side panel 502 by a seam 514 that runs all the way around the periphery of the top panel 504. The top panel 504 can have a plurality of ventilation holes 506 that ensure that the beverage jug cover 500 does not present a suffocation hazard. The side panel 502 has a double-flap spigot cover 508 that can be opened and closed using a single zipper 508, shown in a closed configuration, after having been closed using the slider 510 pulled by the puller 512. When the zipper 508 is opened, the flaps 514 and 516 separate, allowing access to the spigot 206 (FIG. 2) of the jug 200.

With reference to FIG. 6, the single zipper double flap spigot cover is shown in an open configuration. When the zipper 508 is opened, the flaps 514 and 516 separate, thereby exposing the spigot 206 of the jug 200 for use.

Referring to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of the beverage jug cover is shown, having a double zipper 712, 716 single flap spigot cover 720 in a closed configuration. The beverage jug cover 700 is made from a square or rectangular side panel 702 that is curved back upon itself so that two vertical side edges of the panel 702 can be joined together by a seam 724. Likewise, a top panel 704 is joined to the top edge of the square or rectangular side panel 702 by a seam 722 that runs all the way around the periphery of the top panel 704. The top panel 704 can have a plurality of ventilation holes 706 that ensure that the beverage jug cover 700 does not present a suffocation hazard. The side panel 702 has a single-flap spigot cover 508 that can be opened and closed using the two zippers 708 and 710, shown in a closed configuration, after having been closed using the slider 712 pulled by the puller 714, and by the slider 716 pulled by the puller 718. When the zippers 708 and 710 are opened, the flap 720 can be raised, allowing access to the spigot 206 (FIG. 2) of the jug 200.

With reference to FIG. 8, the double zipper single flap spigot cover is shown in an open configuration. When the zippers 708 and 710 are opened, the flap 720 can be raised, thereby exposing the spigot 206 of the jug 200 for use.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the beverage jug cover, showing a hook and loop fabric single flap spigot cover in a closed configuration.

Referring to FIG. 9, a fourth embodiment of the beverage jug cover is shown, having a double cut 908, 914 single flap spigot cover 920 in a closed configuration. The beverage jug cover 900 is made from a square or rectangular side panel 702 that is curved back upon itself so that two vertical side edges of the panel 902 can be joined together by a seam 924. Likewise, a top panel 904 is joined to the top edge of the square or rectangular side panel 902 by a seam 922 that runs all the way around the periphery of the top panel 904. The top panel 904 can have a plurality of ventilation holes 906 that ensure that the beverage jug cover 900 does not present a suffocation hazard. The side panel 902 has a single-flap spigot cover 920 that can be opened and closed using two hook and loop fasteners 910, 912 and 916, 918 shown in a closed configuration. When the hook and loop fasteners 910, 912 and 916, 918 are opened, the flap 920 can be raised, allowing access to the spigot 206 (FIG. 2) of the jug 200.

With reference to FIG. 10, the double cut 908, 914 single flap spigot cover 920 is shown in an open configuration. When the hook and loop fasteners 910, 912 and 916, 918 are opened, the flap 920 can be raised, thereby exposing the spigot 206 of the jug 200 for use.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.

Claims

1. A beverage jug cover for covering a beverage jug having a spigot, the beverage jug cover comprising: a rectangular side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two vertical side edges, the rectangular side panel being curved back upon itself, the two vertical side edges of the side panel being joined together by a seam;a top panel joined to the top edge of the rectangular side panel by a seam that extends peripherally around the top panel; anda zipper extending from the bottom edge and extending into the rectangular side panel, the zipper having a slider and a puller, the zipper configured to provide at least one flap that provides access to the spigot of the beverage jug when the zipper is opened using the slider and the puller.

2. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the zipper is configured to provide two flaps that together provide access to the spigot of the beverage jug when the zipper is opened using the slider and the puller.

3. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, further including a second zipper, the second zipper extending from the bottom edge and extending into the rectangular side panel, the second zipper configured to cooperate with the first zipper so as to provide at least one flap that provides access to the spigot of the beverage jug when the first zipper and the second zipper are opened.

4. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the top panel is round.

5. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the top panel is one of: square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or hexagonal, when covering a beverage jug having a horizontal cross-section matching one of those shapes.

6. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the beverage jug cover is sized so as to fit snugly over a beverage jug of similar shape and size, thereby also covering the spigot.

7. The beverage jug cover of claim 6, wherein the size of the beverage jug is one of: 5 gallon, 10 gallon.

8. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the top panel has a plurality of ventilation holes that ensure that the beverage jug cover does not present a suffocation hazard.

9. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the rectangular side panel and the top panel each include thermal insulating material, thereby effectively providing additional thermal insulation to the beverage jug.

10. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the rectangular side panel and the top panel each include solar reflective material, thereby reflecting heat radiation and ultraviolet radiation so as to protect the beverage jug from degradation of the plastic material of the jug.

11. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the rectangular side panel and the top panel each are made from a material that is “machine washable”.

12. A beverage jug cover for covering a beverage jug having a spigot, the beverage jug cover comprising: a rectangular side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two vertical side edges,the rectangular side panel being curved back upon itself,the two vertical side edges of the side panel being joined together by a seam,a pair of cuts extending from the bottom edge into the rectangular side panel so as to provide a flap that is configured to provide access to the spigot of the beverage jug;a top panel joined to the top edge of the rectangular side panel by a seam that extends peripherally around the top panel; anda pair of hook and loop fasteners, each hook and loop fastener securing a respective cut such that the flap can be opened by separating the respective hook and loop fastener, thereby exposing the spigot of the jug for use.

13. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the top panel is round.

14. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the top panel is one of: square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or hexagonal, when covering a beverage jug having a horizontal cross-section matching one of those shapes.

15. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the beverage jug cover is sized so as to fit snugly over a beverage jug of similar shape and size, thereby also covering the spigot.

16. The beverage jug cover of claim 15, wherein the size of the beverage jug is one of: 5 gallon, 10 gallon.

17. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the top panel has a plurality of ventilation holes that ensure that the beverage jug cover does not present a suffocation hazard.

18. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the rectangular side panel and the top panel each include thermal insulating material, thereby effectively providing additional thermal insulation to the beverage jug.

19. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the rectangular side panel and the top panel each include solar reflective material, thereby reflecting heat radiation and ultraviolet radiation so as to protect the beverage jug from degradation of the plastic material of the jug.

20. The beverage jug cover of claim 1, wherein the rectangular side panel and the top panel each are made from a material that is “machine washable”.