DISPLAY ACCESSORY FOR BEVERAGE VESSELS

Abstract

An example display accessory for beverage vessels comprises an accessory body; a first portion defined by the accessory body; a second portion defined by the accessory body and contacting the first portion; a display surface defined by the accessory body and disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the display surface having indicia disposed on the display surface; and a loop formed by the second portion contacting the first portion.

Description

FIELD

The disclosure relates to beverage vessels, beverage vessel containers, and methods for manufacturing beverage vessel containers. More particularly, the disclosure relates to display accessories for beverage vessels, beverage vessel containers that include a display accessory for a beverage vessel, and methods for manufacturing beverage vessel containers that include a display accessory. Specific embodiments described herein relate to display accessories for beverage vessel necks, containers that include such display accessories, and methods for manufacturing beverage vessel containers that include a display accessory.

BACKGROUND

Generally, beverage vessels, such as bottles, feature indicia having product information on labels that have been adhered to the vessel body. However, the art has not appreciated improvements that could be made to this configuration. For example, beverage vessels are typically held by the vessel body, which covers up the indicia on the label. Due to the prevalence of including indicia on labels affixed to the vessel body, consumers can also be jaded and less likely to notice advertisements printed on the labels. In addition, in large social gatherings, it can be difficult to determine which beverage vessel belongs to which person. Further, it can be desirable to quickly identify someone's personality or professional traits (team affiliation, status, position, etc.).

A need exists, therefore, for new display accessories for beverage vessels, new beverage vessel containers that include display accessories, and new methods for manufacturing beverage vessel containers that include display accessories.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLES

Various example display accessories for beverage vessels are described.

An example display accessory for beverage vessels comprises an accessory body; a first portion defined by the accessory body; a second portion defined by the accessory body and contacting the first portion; a display surface defined by the accessory body and disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the display surface having indicia disposed on the display surface; and a loop formed by the second portion contacting the first portion.

Various example beverage vessel containers are described.

An example beverage vessel container comprises a container body, the container body including container walls defining a volume in the container; a beverage vessel disposed in the volume; and a display accessory disposed in the volume, the display accessory including an accessory body, a loop formed on the accessory body, and a display surface having indicia disposed on the display surface.

Another example beverage vessel container comprises a container body, the container body including container walls defining a volume in the container; and one of the container walls defining a separable template for a display accessory, the separable template adapted to be removed from the one of the container walls and assembled into the display accessory, the display accessory including an accessory body, a loop formed on the accessory body, and a display surface having indicia disposed on the display surface.

Various example methods for manufacturing beverage vessel containers are described.

An example method of manufacturing a beverage vessel container comprises defining a separable template for a display accessory in one of the container walls of the beverage vessel container.

Additional understanding of the inventive display accessories, beverage vessel containers, and methods of manufacturing beverage vessel containers can be obtained by reviewing the detailed description of selected examples, below, and the referenced drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example display accessory and a beverage vessel.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the display accessory disposed over the vessel neck shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the display accessory shown in FIG. 1 and an attachment member.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an example beverage vessel container.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the beverage vessel container shown in FIG. 4 with the display accessory being removed from the beverage vessel container.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the beverage vessel container shown in FIG. 4. with the display accessory disposed on the vessel neck.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a further example beverage vessel container. One of the container walls defines separable templates.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the beverage vessel container shown in FIG. 7. The separable templates have been removed from the one of the container walls to form display accessories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EXAMPLES

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate various example display accessories, beverage vessel containers, and methods of manufacturing beverage vessel containers. The description and illustration of these examples enable one skilled in the art to make and use examples of the display accessories and the beverage vessel containers. They do not limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate a first example display accessory 100. The display accessory 100 has an accessory body 104, a first portion 106 defined by the accessory body 104, a second portion 108 defined by the accessory body 104, a display surface 110 defined by the accessory body 104, and a loop 112 formed by the second portion 108 contacting the first portion 106. The display accessory 100 is adapted to be disposed on a beverage vessel 102. In the illustrated example, the beverage vessel 102 has a vessel neck 116, a vessel shoulder 118 (or tapered portion), and a vessel body 120. The vessel shoulder 118 is disposed between the vessel neck 116 and the vessel body 120 of the beverage vessel 102. However, the beverage vessel 102 may have a different structure. Non-limiting examples of the beverage vessel 102 include the “longneck” or Industry Standard Bottle (ISB), cans, flasks, growlers, jugs, cartons, etc.

In the illustrated example, the accessory body 104 resembles a kerchief, and more particularly a bandana. However, a skilled artisan can select different shapes for the accessory body 104. In addition, the display accessory 100 may be shaped to resemble other articles of clothing, such as bowties, scarves, collars, neckties, etc. The accessory body 104 can be formed from a variety of different materials, including textiles, fabrics, cloths, wood, cardboard, plastics, vinyl, etc.

The first portion 106 is defined by the accessory body 104 and disposed between the display surface 110 and the second portion 108. The second portion 108 is defined by the accessory body 104 and disposed between the display surface 110 and the first portion 106. The second portion 108 contacts the first portion 106 to form the loop 112. This can be accomplished by binding the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 into a knot. A skilled artisan can employ assorted styles of knots that are sufficient to maintain the connection between the first portion 106 and the second portion 108, as well as looking aesthetically pleasing. For example, the illustrated example in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a knot where the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 are disposed on the same side of the beverage vessel 102 with the first portion 106 disposed above the second portion 108. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 can project away from the vessel neck 116 in substantially the same direction. This can allow both the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 to be substantially viewable from a front of the bottle (the side of the bottle where a front label would be shown). It is believed that these particular configurations are aesthetically pleasing.

Alternatively, the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 can be sewn together. In other embodiments, the second portion 108 is connected to the first portion 106 at an interface. The interface can include attachment members, corresponding receivers, or different technologies for facilitating the connection between the second portion 108 and the first portion 106. Non-limiting examples of technology include buttons, snaps, clasps, stiches, rivets, magnets, zippers, twist ties, hook and loop fasteners, thumb tacks, nails, pins, safety pins, decorative pins, such as an enamel pins, brooches, badges, medals, and lapel pins. In addition, one skilled in the art can employ adhesives and other styles of fasteners for the interface, as desired. In certain embodiments, the display accessory 100 is provided to a consumer with the second portion 108 already contacting the first portion 106. Advantageously, this eliminates a step of putting the second portion 108 into contact with the first portion 106. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the display accessory 100 does not include the first portion 106 and the second portion 108.

The display surface 110 is defined by the accessory body 104 and disposed between the first portion 106 and the second portion 108. The display surface 110 is also disposed below the loop 112. The display surface 110 includes indicia 114 disposed on the display surface 110. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2, the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 can be disposed so that both the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 project away from the vessel neck 116 and are substantially visible with the indicia 114. The indicia 114 can include words, symbols, drawings, advertisements, information associated with the beverage vessel 102, such as the name and ingredients of the content of the beverage vessel 102, and user labels. Non-limiting examples of user labels includes gender labels, e.g., “his” and “hers,” group affiliations, e.g., sport teams and association names, and role affiliations, e.g., “bride” and “groom.” In addition, the display surface 110 can be provided without the indicia 114 or with blank space to enable the user to mark the display surface 110. For example, the user can mark the display surface 110 with their own indicia 114, such as their name or other identifying information. Advantageously, this can be used to keep track of which beverage vessel 102 belongs to which user. Other information can also be provided as the indicia 114, as desired.

The display surface 110 can be sized and shaped to correspond to the dimensions of the particular beverage vessel 102. A standard label is usually wrapped around the vessel body 120 of the beverage vessel 102. It can therefore be desirable to have the display surface 110 of the display accessory 100 hang from the vessel neck 116 of the beverage vessel 102 and drape over the vessel shoulder 118 of the beverage vessel 102 without covering the standard label on the vessel body 120 of the beverage vessel 102. This enables the user to use the display accessory 100 while also still being able to view the standard label on the beverage vessel 102. In addition, this placement enables the user to view the display surface 110 even while holding the vessel body 120 of the beverage vessel 102. Thus, the display surface 110 can be sized and shaped so that the display surface 110 hangs from the vessel neck 116 of the beverage vessel 102 and drapes over the vessel shoulder 118 of the beverage vessel 102 without covering the majority of the vessel body 120 of the beverage vessel 102. For example, in FIG. 2, the display surface 110 does not cover the majority of the vessel body 120 of the beverage vessel 102, so that a standard label could still be disposed on the vessel body 120 of the beverage vessel 102. However, the display surface 110 can be sized and shaped so that the vessel body 120 of the beverage vessel 102 is partially or completely covered, if desired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the display surface 110 can have a triangular shape. However, one skilled in the art can select different shapes. Non-limiting examples of different shapes include circular, rectangular, and frustoconical shapes. The shape of the display surface 110 can be selected based on certain factors, including the desired ornamental appearance and shapes that provide sufficiently wide surface area for the indicia 114.

The illustrated example in FIG. 3 includes an attachment member 136 and a member receiver 138 that can be used to connect the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 at the interface. The attachment member 136 includes a head surface 140 disposed on a shaft portion 142. The head surface 140 may include pin indicia 144. The pin indicia 144 may be identical, similar, or different to the indicia 114 of the display surface 110. This can include the pin indicia 144 sharing the same theme, tone, or concept as the indicia 114 of the display surface 110. As a non-limiting example, if the indicia 114 of the display surface 110 contains references to a sports team, the pin indicia 144 may include the mascot or symbol associated with the sports team. Advantageously, the pin indicia 144 provides another way for self-expression and advertisements.

The member receiver 138 can receive the shaft portion 142 of the attachment member 136 to connect the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 at the interface. In certain embodiments, the shaft portion 142 of the attachment member 136 is preassembled with the member receiver 138. In other embodiments, a user assembles the shaft portion 142 of the attachment member 136 with the member receiver 138. Non-limiting examples of the member receiver 138 includes butterfly clutches, magnets, rubber clutches, jewelry clutches, and pin backs, including, but not limited to, rubber pin backs, metal pin backs, plastic pin backs, and locking pin backs. One skilled in the art can employ different styles of fasteners for the member receiver 138, within the scope of this disclosure. In the illustrated example, the member receiver 138 is a butterfly clutch that has defines a hole 146 and has two prongs 148. The hole 146 can receive the shaft portion 142 of the attachment member 136. The two prongs 148 can press against the shaft portion 142 of the attachment member 136 to hold the attachment member 136 into position and connect the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 at the interface. The two prongs 148 can be squeezed to release the shaft portion 142 of the attachment member 136 to disconnect the first portion 106 and the second portion 108.

The loop 112 is formed by the second portion 108 contacting the first portion 106. The loop 112 is formed above the display surface 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the loop 112 surrounds the vessel neck 116 of the beverage vessel 102 when the display accessory 100 is disposed on the beverage vessel 102. However, in embodiments where the beverage vessel 102 does not have a vessel neck 116, a skilled artisan can change the dimensions of the loop to correspond to different structural elements of the beverage vessel 102, e.g., having the loop 112 surround the vessel body 120.

In certain embodiments, the loop 112 is defined by an aperture formed in the accessory body 104, instead of the second portion 108 contacting the first portion 106. The loop 112 may also be formed around a wire that is affixed or sewn into the accessory body 104 to provide structural stability and to maintain the shape of the loop 112. This can enable the loop 112 to more easily receive the vessel neck 116 of the beverage vessel 102 when the display accessory 100 is disposed on the beverage vessel 102. The diameter of the loop 112 can be sized to correspond to the diameter of the vessel neck 116 of the beverage vessel 102. In particular, it can be beneficial to have the diameter of the loop 112 be narrow enough to facilitate a snug connection, while also being wide enough to allow the loop 112 to be slipped on and off the vessel neck 116 of the beverage vessel 102. Advantageously, this enables the display accessory 100 to be more easily disposed on the beverage vessel 102 and taken off to be reused for another beverage vessel 102. However, the diameter of the loop 112 can be changed to facilitate tighter or looser connections, as desired.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, illustrate an example beverage vessel container 200. The beverage vessel container 200 includes a display accessory 206. The beverage vessel container 200 has a container body 208. The container body 208 includes container walls 210 that define a volume 212 in the beverage vessel container 200. In the illustrated example, the container walls 210 form a carrier with an exposed volume 212. However, it should be appreciated that the container walls 210 can form a completely enclosed volume. This can be particularly beneficial to facilitate stacking multiple containers 202 together during shipping or storage.

The display accessory 206 can be similar to the display accessories described above. Thus, the display accessory 206 has an accessory body 220, a display surface 222 defined by the accessory body 220, and a loop 224. The display surface 222 includes indicia 226 disposed on the display surface 222. In the illustrated example the display surface 222 has a pentagon-like shape. A skilled artisan can select other shapes, as desired. The display accessory 206 can also have a first portion defined by the accessory body 220 and a second portion defined by the accessory body 220, as discussed in the embodiments above. However, the illustrated example does not include the first portion and the second portion, and the loop 224 is defined by an aperture 228 formed in the accessory body 220. The display accessory 206 is disposed in the volume 212.

The beverage vessel container 200 can also include a beverage vessel 204. The beverage vessel 204 has a vessel neck 214, a vessel shoulder 216, and a vessel body 218. The vessel shoulder 216 is disposed between the vessel neck 214 and the vessel body 218. However, the beverage vessel 204 may have a different structure. Non-limiting examples of the beverage vessel 204 include the “longneck” or Industry Standard Bottle (ISB), cans, flasks, growlers, jugs, cartons, etc. The beverage vessel 204 is disposed in the volume 212 of the beverage vessel container 200. In addition, beverage vessel container 200 can include a plurality of beverage vessels 204, e.g., six beverage vessels 204 or twelve beverage vessels 204.

The beverage vessel container 200 can also include multiple display accessories 206. In some embodiments, the amount of display accessories 206 is equal to the number of beverage vessels 204. However, it should be appreciated that the amount of display accessories 206 does not need to correspond to the number of beverage vessels 204, since the display accessories 206 can be reused.

The display accessory 206 can also have a structural purpose within the beverage vessel container 200. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the display accessory 206 initially functions as one of the container walls 210. However, one skilled in the art can position the display accessory 206 in different configurations. For example, the display accessory 206 can be disposed in the volume adjacent and perpendicular to beverage vessel 204. In other examples, the display accessory 206 can be disposed in the volume adjacent and parallel to the beverage vessel 204. In yet further examples, display accessory 206 can be disposed in a separate volume formed in the beverage vessel container 200.

As shown in FIG. 5, the display accessory 206 can be removed from the volume 212 of the beverage vessel container 200. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the display accessory 206 can be disposed over the vessel neck 214 of the beverage vessel 204. The display accessory 206 may need to be assembled before being disposed over the vessel neck 214 of the beverage vessel 204. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown across FIGS. 5 and 6, the accessory body 220 is folded along a folding line 230 so that the display surface 222 hangs from the remaining portion of the accessory body 220. In other embodiments where the display accessory 206 has the first portion and the second portion, the second portion needs to be put in contact with the first portion to form the loop 224. Advantageously, the beverage vessel container 200 provides a convenient container for selling the beverage vessels 204 with the display accessories 206.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another example beverage vessel container 300. The example beverage vessel container 300 is similar the beverage vessel container 200, except as described below. Thus, the beverage vessel container 300 has a container body 306. The container body 306 includes container walls 308 that define a volume 310 in the beverage vessel container 300.

In this embodiment, one of the container walls 308 defines a separable template 318 for a display accessory 320. The separable template 318 is an outline for the display accessory 320. The separable template 318 is adapted to be removed from the one of the container walls 308 by a manual action and assembled into display accessory 320. The display accessory 320 is similar to the display accessory 100, except as described below. Thus, the display accessory 320 has an accessory body 322, a loop 324 formed on the accessory body 322, and a display surface 326 having indicia 328 disposed on the display surface 326. In the illustrated example, the accessory body 322 has a first portion 330 and a second portion 332. The first portion 330 contacts the second portion 332 to define the loop 324. However, in other embodiments, the accessory body does not include the first portion 330 and the second portion 332, and the loop 324 is defined by an aperture formed in the accessory body 322.

The manual action can include tearing or cutting the separable template 318 from the one of the container walls 308. In certain embodiments, a perimeter 334 of the separable template 318 can be perforated to enable the separable template 318 to be more easily torn off from the one of the container walls 308. The perforations can also militate against excess portions of the one of the container walls 308 from accidentally being torn off along with the separable template 318. A skilled artisan can employ other methods and techniques to facilitate removing the separable template 318 from the beverage vessel container 300.

Once the separable template 318 is removed from the one of the container walls 308, the separable template 318 can be assembled into the display accessory 320. This may be accomplished by contacting the first portion with the second portion or folding the separable template 318 into the display accessory 320. In certain embodiments, the separable template 318 does not require assembly into the display accessory 320, instead all it requires is the separable template 318 to be removed from the one of the container walls 308.

The beverage vessel container 300 can also include a beverage vessel 304. The beverage vessel 304 includes a vessel neck 312, a vessel shoulder 314, and a vessel body 316. The vessel shoulder 314 is disposed between the vessel neck 312 and the vessel body 316 of the beverage vessel 304. However, the beverage vessel 304 may have a different structure. Non-limiting examples of the beverage vessel 304 include the “longneck” or Industry Standard Bottle (ISB), cans, flasks, growlers, jugs, cartons, etc. The beverage vessel 304 is disposed in the volume 310 of the beverage vessel container 300. In addition, beverage vessel container 300 can include a plurality of beverage vessels 304, e.g., six beverage vessels 304 or twelve beverage vessels 304. The one of the container walls 308 can include multiple separable templates 318. In addition, more than one of the container walls 308 can include separable templates 318, if desired. In some embodiments, the number of separable templates 318 is equal to the number of beverage vessels 304. However, it should be appreciated that the number of separable templates 318 does not need to correspond to the number of beverage vessels 304, since the display accessories 320 can be reused.

Advantageously, the beverage vessel container 300 repurposes portions of the container walls 308 to provide the display accessory 320 via the separable template 318. Repurposing the portions of the container walls 308 to become the display accessory 320 reduces the number of materials used, as a display accessory 320 separate from the separable template 318 is not required.

A method of manufacturing a beverage vessel container can include a step of defining a separable template for a display accessory in one of the container walls of the beverage vessel container. This can be accomplished by perforating the perimeter of the separable template. However, other methods can also be employed, such as marking the perimeter of the separable template with indicia.

Advantageously, the display accessories 100, 206, 320 beverage vessel containers 200, 300, and methods enable adding the indicia 114, 226, 328 to beverage vessels for advertisements or customization purposes. In addition, the beverage vessel container 300 provides a convenient way to provide the display accessory 320 by repurposing one of the container walls 308.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives for the described and illustrated examples can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure, and that the various elements and features of one example described and illustrated herein can be combined with various elements and features of another example without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the particular examples disclosed herein have been selected by the inventors simply to describe and illustrate examples of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or its protection, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A display accessory for beverage vessels, comprising an accessory body;a first portion defined by the accessory body;a second portion defined by the accessory body and contacting the first portion;a display surface defined by the accessory body and disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the display surface having indicia disposed on the display surface; anda loop formed by the second portion contacting the first portion,wherein when the display accessory is disposed on the beverage vessel, the first portion and the second portion are bound together in a knot so that the first portion and the second portion are disposed on the same side of the beverage vessel and the first portion is disposed above the second portion.

2. The display accessory of claim 1, wherein when the display accessory is disposed on the beverage vessel, the first portion and the second portion project away from a vessel neck of the beverage vessel in substantially the same direction.

3. The display accessory of claim 1, wherein display accessory resembles a bandana.

4. A beverage vessel container, comprising: a container body, the container body including container walls defining a volume in the container;a beverage vessel disposed in the volume; anda display accessory disposed in the volume, the display accessory including an accessory body, a loop formed on the accessory body, and a display surface having indicia disposed on the display surface.

5. The beverage vessel container of claim 4, wherein the accessory body includes a first portion and a second portion, and the loop is formed by the second portion contacting the first portion.

6. The beverage vessel container of claim 5, wherein the first portion and the second portion are bound together into a knot.

7. The beverage vessel container of claim 5, wherein the first portion and the second portion are sewn together.

8. The beverage vessel container of claim 5, wherein the second portion contacts the first portion at an interface.

9. The beverage vessel container of claim 8, wherein the interface includes a button, a snap, a clasp, a stich, a rivet, a magnet, a zipper, a twist tie, a hook and loop fastener, a thumb tack, a nail, a pin, a safety pin, a decorative pin, an enamel pin, a brooch, a badge, a medal, a lapel pin, or an adhesive.

10. The beverage vessel container of claim 8, wherein the interface includes an attachment member and a receiver, the attachment member includes a head surface disposed on a shaft portion, the head surface has pin indicia, and the member receiver is a butterfly clutch defining a hole and having two prongs.

11. The beverage vessel container of claim 4, wherein the loop is defined by an aperture formed in the accessory body.

12. The beverage vessel container of claim 4, wherein display accessory functions as one of the container walls while disposed in the volume.

13. The beverage vessel container of claim 4, wherein the beverage vessel container includes a plurality of beverage vessels, or a plurality of display accessories, or a combination thereof.

14. A beverage vessel container, comprising: a container body, the container body including container walls defining a volume in the container; andone of the container walls defining a separable template for a display accessory, the separable template adapted to be removed from the one of the container walls and assembled into the display accessory, the display accessory including an accessory body, a loop formed on the accessory body, and a display surface having indicia disposed on the display surface.

15. The beverage vessel container of claim 14, wherein a perimeter of the separable template is perforated.

16. The beverage vessel container of claim 14, wherein the accessory body includes a first portion and a second portion, and the loop is formed by the second portion contacting the first portion.

17. The beverage vessel container of claim 14, wherein the loop is defined by an aperture formed in the accessory body.

18. The beverage vessel container of claim 16, wherein the beverage vessel container includes one or more beverage vessels.

19. The beverage vessel container of claim 16, wherein the beverage vessel container includes a plurality of separable templates.

20. The beverage vessel container of claim 19, wherein more than one of the container walls defines one of the separable templates.