U.S. patent application number 12/887868 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-24 for beverage sock.
Invention is credited to Nicole Sloan.
Application Number | 20110067361 12/887868 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43755401 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110067361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sloan; Nicole |
March 24, 2011 |
BEVERAGE SOCK
Abstract
A beverage sock is disclosed and includes: a tube of material
comprising two opposing ends, wherein one of the ends is open, and
a handle coupled to the tube at or near the open end of the tube.
Methods of using a beverage sock are also disclosed that includes:
providing a beverage sock comprising a tube of fabric or material
comprising two opposing ends, wherein one of the ends is open, and
a handle coupled to the tube at or near the open end of the tube;
providing at least one beverage; inserting the at least one
beverage into the beverage sock such that the at least one beverage
is inserted and kept in an upright position.
Inventors: |
Sloan; Nicole; (Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA) |
Family ID: |
43755401 |
Appl. No.: |
12/887868 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61244739 |
Sep 22, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/473 ;
220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0208 20130101;
B65B 5/10 20130101; B65D 29/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/473 ;
220/737 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04; B65D 25/00 20060101 B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A beverage sock, comprising: a tube of material comprising two
opposing ends, wherein one of the ends is open, and at least one
handle coupled to the tube at least in part at or near the open end
of the tube.
2. The beverage sock of claim 1, further comprising at least one
pocket coupled to the tube of material.
3. The beverage sock of claim 1, wherein the handle is removably
attached to the tube at or near the open end of the tube.
4. The beverage sock of claim 1, wherein the tube can securely hold
at least one beverage container.
5. The beverage sock of claim 4, wherein the beverage container
comprises coffee cups, tea cups, soda cans, water bottles or a
combination thereof.
6. The beverage sock of claim 1, wherein the tube of material
comprises NEOPRENE, a polymer-based material, a natural material,
TYVEK or a combination thereof.
7. The beverage sock of claim 6, wherein a natural material
comprises cotton, hemp, paper or a combination thereof.
8. The beverage sock of claim 1, wherein the sock is contractably
storable.
9. The beverage sock of claim 8, wherein in the handle comprises a
storage unit.
10. The beverage sock of claim 9, wherein the storage unit can
store the tube of material, money, paper, receipts or a combination
thereof.
11. The beverage sock of claim 1, wherein the sock comprises at
least one additional tube of material.
12. The beverage sock of claim 11, wherein the at least one
additional tube of material is coupled to the first tube of
material.
13. The beverage sock of claim 12, wherein the at least one
additional tube of material is further coupled to the handle.
14. The beverage sock of claim 1, wherein the handle is also
coupled at or near the closed end of the tube of material.
15. The beverage sock of claim 1, wherein the sock comprises two
handles.
16. A method of using a beverage sock, comprising: providing a
beverage sock comprising a tube of fabric or material comprising
two opposing ends, wherein one of the ends is open, and a handle
coupled to the tube at or near the open end of the tube; providing
at least one beverage; and inserting the at least one beverage into
the beverage sock such that the at least one beverage is inserted
and kept in an upright position.
Description
[0001] This United States Utility Application claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/244739 filed on Sep. 22,
2009, which is commonly-owned and incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are many devices and methods that are currently used
to carry one or more hot and cold beverages, such as coffee, tea,
soda, water and hot chocolate. For example, a hot beverage is
usually carried by hand with the aid of a sleeve that is designed
to protect the consumer's hand from overheating or getting burned.
When a consumer or delivery person wants to carry more than one
beverage, whether they are hot, cold or a combination thereof, a
cardboard carrying tray is used that is partitioned to hold two,
four or more drinks.
[0003] In the case of the cardboard carrying tray, it is usually
folded up and stored until needed. When in use, the tray opens out
into a rectangle or square shape, depending on the number of
beverages it is designed to carry. The handle is placed in the
center of the tray, in order to allow the beverages to balance the
load of the tray. The beverage holders on the tray are designed
like cup holders in a vehicle, where the cup slides down into a
receptacle that may or may not have a solid bottom to hold the cup
in place. In some beverage trays, the cup slides through a holder
where the bottom of the cup is exposed. Regardless of the number of
cups the beverage tray is designed to hold or whether the bottom of
the tray is solid or open, it is clear that the tray is bulky. The
consumer or delivery person can only carry one tray in each hand,
and if the tray is designed to hold more than two beverages, then
the tray must be held out from the body in order to ensure that the
tray does not bump in to the user during transport.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for the consumer or delivery
person to carry multiple beverages--both hot and cold--in a manner
that efficiently and safely allows that person to carry these
beverages without spillage, while keeping the beverages insulated.
As will be described herein, such a beverage delivery
system--herein referred to as a "beverage sock"--has been developed
that meets all of the mentioned goals, along with having other
benefits.
SUMMARY
[0005] A beverage sock is disclosed and includes: a tube of fabric
or material comprising two opposing ends, wherein one of the ends
is open, and a handle coupled to the tube at or near the open end
of the tube.
[0006] A method of using a beverage sock, comprising: providing a
beverage sock comprising a tube of fabric or material comprising
two opposing ends, wherein one of the ends is open, and a handle
coupled to the tube at or near the open end of the tube; providing
at least one beverage; inserting the at least one beverage into the
beverage sock such that the at least one beverage is inserted and
kept in an upright position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a contemplated embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a contemplated embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a contemplated embodiment as used in an
automobile or vehicle.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a contemplated embodiment as used on a bicycle,
scooter or motorcycle.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a contemplated embodiment as used on a stroller
or shopping cart.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a contemplated embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows a contemplated embodiment that is condensed for
storage.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a contemplated embodiment that is flat-folded
for storage.
[0015] FIG. 9 shows a contemplated embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 10 shows a contemplated embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] A contemplated embodiment of a beverage sock comprises a
tube of material that is designed to securely hold a plurality of
coffee or tea paper cups, soft drink or iced tea plastic cups or a
combination thereof in a vertical fashion, such that the cups are
stacked on top of one another. The tube of fabric and/or material
is designed to hold the cups in the vertical orientation--one on
top of another--while at the same time designed to insulate the
cups. The top of the tube comprises a handle or grip formation,
such that the user can carry a contemplated beverage sock with one
hand. Contemplated embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1-9.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a contemplated embodiment of a beverage sock
100. This beverage sock 100 is shown comprising a tube of material
150 with two opposing ends 110 and 120. End 110 is an open end used
for inserting and stacking cups and drinks 130. End 120 is closed
and used to support the stacked cups and drinks 130. This beverage
sock 100 also includes a handle 140 that is coupled at or near the
open end 110 of the tube 150. It is contemplated that end 120 may
be reinforced for durability by providing additional material, a
hard or solid insert and/or reinforced stitching (not shown). Also,
in these Figures, the cups and drinks 130 are shown for
illustrative purposes, but it is not necessarily meant to suggest
that one can see them through the fabric or material. There may be
instances where the tube of fabric or material is see-through, mesh
or clear, but that is not always the case or is always
contemplated.
[0019] As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to components
being permanently or removably attached. Coupling items together
may mean that the components are attached through a continuous
woven, knitted or preformed area, may mean that the components are
attached by stitching and/or adhesives, and/or may mean that the
components are removably attached through a material such as VELCRO
or hardware such as snaps, zippers, buttons and the like.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows another contemplated embodiment of a beverage
sock 200. This beverage sock 200 is shown comprising a tube of
material 250 with two opposing ends 210 and 220. End 210 is an open
end used for inserting and stacking cups 230 and canned drinks 235.
End 220 is closed and used to support the stacked cups 230 and
canned drinks 235. This beverage sock 200 also includes a handle
240 that is coupled at or near the open end 210 of the tube
250.
[0021] A contemplated embodiment may comprise any material, as long
as the material is suitable for use with hot drinks, cold drinks,
cans, water bottles, tea cups, coffee cups and/or combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, a contemplated beverage sock may
comprise NEOPRENE (or the insulating material used for scuba
suits), a polymer-based material, a natural material, such as
cotton or hemp, paper, TYVEK or another similar product or a
combination thereof. Contemplated embodiments may comprise any
suitable thickness, as long as the functionality of the embodiment
remains in tact.
[0022] In one embodiment, a contemplated beverage sock may be
designed to hold bottles, cans or combinations thereof, in that the
sock is thinner/more narrow, such that the bottles and/or cans are
easily stackable in the beverage sock and do not move around within
the sock, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6.
[0023] In some contemplated embodiments, a beverage sock may
contain pockets on the outside of the sock that is designed to hold
cookies, biscotti, straws, utensils and/or other small food
items.
[0024] In some embodiments, a delivery van or car may be equipped
with a bar or hook, such that a plurality of full beverage socks
can be stored and dropped off at various locations without spillage
and/or loss of cold or heat from the appropriate drinks, as shown
in FIGS. 3-5, where a car hook, bicycle hook or stroller bag hook
or bar can be used.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows another contemplated embodiment of a beverage
sock 300 as it is being used in a vehicle and/or automobile. This
beverage sock 300 is shown comprising a tube of material 350 with
two opposing ends 310 and 320. End 310 is an open end used for
inserting and stacking cups 330. End 320 is closed and used to
support the stacked cups 330. In this embodiment, end 320 is
reinforced with a hard disk 325 designed to provide additional
support for the stacked cups 330. This beverage sock 300 also
includes a handle 340 that is coupled at or near the open end 310
of the tube 350. In this embodiment, the beverage sock 300 is shown
hanging on a hook 380 or 385 from the handle 370 normally found
next to a window 375 in a vehicle and/or automobile (not
shown).
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a contemplated beverage sock 400 hanging on a
handle bar 490 of a bike, scooter or motorcycle (not shown). FIG. 5
shows a contemplated beverage sock 500 hanging on a handle bar 590
of a stroller (not shown).
[0027] FIG. 6 shows another contemplated embodiment of a beverage
sock 600. This beverage sock 600 is shown comprising a tube of
material 650 with two opposing ends 610 and 620. End 610 is an open
end used for inserting and stacking cups 630. End 620 is closed and
used to support the stacked cups 630. This beverage sock 600 also
includes a handle 640 that is coupled at or near the open end 610
of the tube 650. This embodiment also includes a side pocket 660 or
pocket 660 that can be used to hold receipts, biscotti, money and
other small items.
[0028] In some embodiments, a consumer and/or delivery person may
want to carry more than one beverage sock. For example, one
beverage sock may contain all of the hot drinks and the other
beverage sock may contain all of the cold drinks. The beverage
socks are designed such that multiple socks can be carried with one
hand, thus carrying 8 or 10 drinks safely with one hand. In some
embodiments, additional tubes of material may be utilized with one
handle in order to better control multiple drinks.
[0029] In some embodiments, a contemplated beverage sock will fold
up so that it can be easily stored, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In
these embodiments, contemplated beverage socks are contractably
storable. For example, a beverage sock 700 or 800 may be designed
so that it will fold up like an accordion 785, fold lengthwise 885
or roll up with a tie to secure it closed (not shown). Two beverage
socks can be stored together like a regular pair of socks. It
should be understood from these embodiments that contemplated
beverage socks are designed to be easily stored when not in use in
a drawer, pocket, glove compartment, laptop or computer bag, purse
or another suitable storage area. In some embodiments, the handle
may be opened up or stretched out to be able to store the tube of
material of the beverage sock.
[0030] In some embodiments, the handle may also be able to hold
receipts and currency. In these embodiments, the handle may have a
VELCRO opening slot or be closed lengthwise by a zipper, buttons or
other closure. It is contemplated that the handle may also be
coupled with a gripping or comfort material designed to help the
user carry multiple beverage socks or heavy drinks comfortably. In
another embodiment, the handle may comprise at least one shoulder
strap that is coupled to both the top end and bottom end of the
beverage sock. In this embodiment, the beverage sock would be
carried on the shoulder or on the back similar to a backpack or
shoulder bag. This embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is considered a
"hands free" embodiment that would enable the user to carry other
items or operate a vehicle (such as a bike or scooter).
[0031] FIG. 9 shows a contemplated embodiment of a beverage sock
900. This beverage sock 900 is shown comprising a tube of material
950 with two opposing ends 910 and 920. End 910 is an open end used
for inserting and stacking cups and drinks (not shown). End 920 is
closed and used to support the stacked cups and drinks. This
beverage sock 900 also includes two handles 940 that are coupled at
or near the open end 910 and bottom end 920 of the tube 950. These
handles can be removable and then reattached at the top of the
beverage sock for additional flexibility. Note that if there are
two beverage socks that need to be transported, the handles can be
attached in a cross fashion (as shown in FIG. 10) in order to carry
both with increased stability.
[0032] FIG. 10 shows a contemplated embodiment 1000 of two beverage
socks 1055 and 1065. These beverage socks are shown each comprising
a tube of material 1050 with two opposing ends 1010 and 1020. End
1010 is an open end used for inserting and stacking cups and drinks
(not shown). End 1020 is closed and used to support the stacked
cups and drinks. This embodiment 1000 also includes two handles
1040 that are coupled at or near the open ends 1010 of the tubes
1050.
[0033] A method of using a beverage sock comprises: providing a
beverage sock, such as any of the ones disclosed herein, the
beverage sock comprising a tube of fabric or material comprising
two opposing ends, wherein one of the ends is open, and a handle
coupled to the tube at or near the open end of the tube; providing
at least one beverage; inserting the at least one beverage into the
beverage sock such that the at least one beverage is inserted and
kept in an upright position.
[0034] Thus, specific embodiments and applications of beverage
socks and their methods of production have been disclosed. It
should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications besides those already described are possible
without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive
subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the
spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure,
all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner
consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises"
and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements,
components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the
referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or
utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps
that are not expressly referenced.
* * * * *