Patent Application
20250214748
The present invention generally relates to the field of koozie devices for beverage containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel beverage sleeve with at least one horizontal and/or vertical transparent viewing window. The sleeve covers a beverage container and insulates the beverage stored therein. The transparent windows allow users to see the beverage level in the container without repeatedly removing the sleeve or koozie device. The koozie can be available in numerous colors, sizes, and styles. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, a koozie is a functional and popular accessory designed for beverage containers, such as cans or bottles. The primary purpose of a koozie is to insulate a beverage container by enclosing the container and acting as a barrier against external heat sources. Koozies help maintain the cold temperature of a beverage stored in the enclosed container for a longer period compared to an uncovered beverage container. Koozies are useful in warm environments or during outdoor activities where drinks can warm up quickly.
Additionally, a koozie absorbs the condensation formed on the exterior surface of a beverage container. This helps in keeping hands dry and preventing the formation of water rings on furniture or other surfaces. Further, the koozie helps in providing a stable grip of the container preventing slipping of the container from the hand.
However, a standard koozie covers most of the beverage container, making it difficult for a user to determine how much liquid or beverage is left inside the container. As a result of non-visible beverage level in the container, users often repeatedly lift the bottle or can out of the koozie to check the remaining beverage level. The repeated installation and removing of the koozie becomes frustrating over time, especially in social settings where people are engaged in conversations or activities and prefer not to constantly check their drink level.
In a bar setting, when the beverage containers are covered by koozies, it becomes challenging for bartenders to know about the status of customers drink and they are unable to determine if customers need a refill or another beverage. This leads to slower service and missed opportunities to offer refills. People desire an improved koozie which not only provides the advantages of the conventional koozies but also enables users to monitor the beverage level in their beverage container.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container enclosure device that provides a transparent viewing window. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose beverage container enclosure koozie that enhances the convenience for users by enabling them to monitor their beverage level without removing the koozie. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container koozie that has one or more transparent viewing windows to help in determining the beverage level in the enclosed container. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a koozie to cover the beverage container that enables bartenders to easily determine the level of beverage in the container for a refill. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a koozie that maintains the beverage at an optimum temperature and provides a firm grip of the container. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multifunctional koozie that eliminates repeated installation and removal of a beverage container from a koozie to check beverage level in the container. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container koozie that combines the traditional functionality of a beverage sleeve with a practical and innovative feature of a transparent viewing window enabling users to monitor their beverage level without sacrificing the temperature maintenance feature of a standard koozie.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multifunctional koozie device for a beverage container. The koozie device is made of an insulating material and includes one or more transparent viewing windows for enabling users to monitor the beverage level in the beverage container without removing the koozie device. The koozie device includes a base, a continuous sidewall extending upward from the base and an open top end adapted to receive a beverage container. A fastener such as a zipper, extends downward from the top periphery of the sidewall and has a zip member used for fastening and unfastening the zipper to enclose the beverage container. A plurality of transparent windows are disposed in the sidewall and are used for viewing the beverage level in the container without removing the enclosure device. In one embodiment, each window is covered by a transparent plastic sheet wherein plastic sheet is sewn, glued, or heat-sealed along the periphery of the corresponding window. The window includes a temperature indicator illumination for indicating temperature of the beverage stored in the enclosed beverage container. In another embodiment, each window includes a cut-out in the sidewall of the koozie.
In this manner, the multifunctional beverage container enclosure device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a koozie designed for beverage bottles featuring a transparent viewing window. The transparent window can be placed or oriented either horizontally or vertically on the koozie and enables users to see inside the enclosed container, making it easy to check the level of the remaining beverage without removing the container from the koozie. The enclosure device keeps the beverage at an ideal temperature for drinking and combines the traditional functionality of a beverage sleeve with a practical and innovative feature of a transparent viewing window.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose beverage container enclosure device. The enclosure device functions like an insulating sleeve for a beverage container and further comprises a base, a continuous sidewall extending upward from the base, and an open top end adapted to receive a beverage container. A zipper extends downward from the top periphery of the sidewall, with a zip member used for fastening and unfastening the zipper. A plurality of transparent windows are disposed in the sidewall and are used for viewing the beverage level in the container without removing the enclosure device. Each window can be covered by a transparent plastic sheet wherein plastic sheet is sewn, glued, or heat-sealed along the periphery of the corresponding window. Alternatively, each window can be a cut-out in the sidewall.
In another aspect, the device is made from a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, rubber, polyester, foam, and fabric.
In yet another embodiment, the beverage container enclosure device comprises a logo or indicia which is disposed on the exterior surface of the device, wherein the logo is dynamic and capable of displaying information related to the type or brand of beverage contained in the enclosed container.
In a further embodiment, a multifunctional koozie device for a beverage container is disclosed. The koozie device is designed to insulate the beverage stored in the beverage container enclosed by the koozie device and enables a user to view the beverage level in the container without removing the koozie device. The koozie device is flexible and conforms to the shape of the container. The koozie device includes at least one transparent window or cut-out that enables users to monitor the beverage level in the container without removing the koozie device.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a multifunctional koozie device for a beverage container is described. The koozie device includes one or more transparent viewing windows or cut-outs for enabling users to monitor the beverage level in the beverage container without removing the koozie device. The method includes the steps of selecting a material for the koozie device and clear sheet, fabricating the koozie device using a method selected from the group consisting of die cutting, laser cutting, and manual cutting, and attaching the clear sheet to the koozie device along the cut-out windows using a method selected from the group consisting of sewing, gluing, or hot-sealing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more transparent windows are positioned or oriented beginning about 0.5″ above the base of the koozie device and extend upwards therefrom.
In another aspect of the present invention, the koozie device includes a QR code which can be either a static QR code or dynamic QR code.
In yet another aspect, the periphery of one or more windows illuminates in one or more colors to indicate the temperature of the beverage contained in the enclosed container.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container enclosure device that provides a transparent viewing window. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose beverage container enclosure koozie that enhances the convenience for users by enabling them to monitor their beverage level without removing the koozie. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container koozie that has one or more transparent viewing windows or cut-outs to help in determining the beverage level in the enclosed container. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a koozie to cover a beverage container that enables bartenders to easily determine the level of beverage in the container for a refill. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a koozie that maintains the beverage at an optimum temperature and provides a firm grip of the container. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multifunctional koozie that eliminates repeated installation and removal of a beverage container from a koozie to check the beverage level in the container. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved beverage container koozie that combines the traditional functionality of a beverage sleeve with a practical and innovative feature of a transparent viewing window enabling users to monitor their beverage level without sacrificing the temperature maintenance feature of a standard koozie.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a multifunctional koozie device for a beverage container. The koozie device is designed to insulate the beverage stored in the beverage container enclosed by the koozie device and enable a user to view the beverage level in the container without removing the koozie device. The koozie device is flexible and conforms to the shape of the container. The koozie device includes at least one transparent window that enables users to monitor the beverage level in the container without removing the koozie device.
Referring initially to the drawings,
A zipper 108 extends downward from the top periphery 110 of the sidewall 104 and a zip member 112 is used for fastening and unfastening the zipper 108. The zipper 108 is unfastened to loosen or expand the top end 106 of the sleeve device 100 for easy accommodation of a beverage container in the sleeve device 100. In one embodiment, the sleeve device 100 includes a plurality of transparent windows 114, 116 which enable a user to see therethrough. The transparent windows 114, 116 can be designed at any positions along the sidewall 104 and do not include the opaque sleeve material, but rather is covered by transparent plastic sheet 118. In some embodiments, the transparent windows 114, 116 do not include any transparent sheet but are in the form of cut-outs in the koozie device 100.
The koozie device 100 can be made of neoprene, rubber, polyester, foam, fabric, or any other insulating material. The plastic sheet 118 is transparent, waterproof and provides a clear view of the beverage level inside a container on which the koozie device 100 is installed. The plastic sheet 118 can be sewn, glued, or heat-sealed along the periphery 120 of the corresponding window. Further, the plastic sheet 118 can be cleared to remove any scratches or when it becomes cloudy or condensed.
A logo or indicia 122 is disposed on the exterior surface 124 of the sleeve device 100 for marketing and branding purposes. In some embodiments, the logo 122 can be dynamic and may display the type of the beverage or the brand of a beverage. The koozie device 100 can have a thickness from about 0.2″ to about 1.0″ for insulating different types of beverages and can come in different colors and designs. The zipper 108 transitions the koozie 100 between a closed state when the zip member 112 coincides with the top periphery 110, and an open state when the zipper 108 is unfastened by pulling the zip member tab 112 downward from the top periphery 110.
The transparent window 114 (and the other window 116) enables users, and other observers, to monitor the beverage level in the container 202 at opposing angles without removing the koozie device 100. Accordingly, the koozie device 100 improves the convenience of conventional koozie devices while insulating the beverage. The transparent windows 114, 116 are positioned at a starting location about 0.5″ above the base 102 and extend upward therefrom to enable users and observers to monitor the beverage level inside the container 202.
In the next step 404, the koozie device 100 is manufactured using die-cutting, laser cutting, or manual cutting, depending on the material and the complexity of the design. The koozie device 100 is manufactured as per a template design with specific positions of the cut-out windows. Finally, selectively in step 406, the clear sheet is sewn, glued or hot-sealed along the window to create a waterproof and durable bond.
The koozie device 600 can include a QR code 606 which can be either a static QR code or dynamic QR code. The QR code 606 can be scanned by a user for paying for the beverage in the enclosed container or can also be used for ordering another beverage. Further, the periphery 608 of one or more windows illuminates in one or more colors to indicate temperature of the beverage contained in the enclosed container. In one example, the periphery can illuminate in blue color when temperature of the beverage is below 5 degrees centigrade and illuminate in red color when temperature of the beverage is above 5 degrees centigrade.
The multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device of the present invention can be designed for different types of bottles, cans, mugs, and more. Further, the sleeve device can be used for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. In some embodiments, a bottle opener can be attached to the zip member 112 for opening the cap/lid of the bottle or container.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “beverage container sleeve device”, “koozie device”, “multipurpose beverage container enclosure device”, “clear window koozie device”, “clear window beverage container sleeve device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multifunctional clear window beverage container sleeve device 100, 600 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/615,526, which was filed on Dec. 28, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63615526 | Dec 2023 | US |
