U.S. patent number 3,779,298 [Application Number 05/252,658] was granted by the patent office on 1973-12-18 for light weight decorative insulated bottle container.
Invention is credited to Francis J. Piccirilli, Joseph M. Sabo.
United States Patent |
3,779,298 |
Piccirilli , et al. |
December 18, 1973 |
LIGHT WEIGHT DECORATIVE INSULATED BOTTLE CONTAINER
Abstract
An inexpensive bottle container adapted for wine and like
bottles of varying size comprising upper and lower open-ended
matching enclosures of a light weight insulating material such as
closed cell polyurethane, which enclosures are retained on the
bottle by means of decorative upper and lower sleeves having
elastic means disposed at the open ends of the respective
enclosures, these elastic means circumscribing an opening of
smaller area than that circumscribed by the open ends of the
enclosures whereby the contact of the elastic means of the sleeves
with the bottle is functional in retaining the insulated enclosure
in position over the bottles, as well as in inverted position for
packing and storage purposes.
Inventors: |
Piccirilli; Francis J.
(Bethlehem, PA), Sabo; Joseph M. (Allentown, PA) |
Family
ID: |
22956965 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/252,658 |
Filed: |
May 12, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/4.21;
428/36.5; 206/499; 215/12.1; 428/35.8; 220/62.12; D7/608; 206/523;
220/903 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B44C
1/18 (20130101); B65D 81/3886 (20130101); B65D
23/0885 (20130101); B44C 3/00 (20130101); Y10T
428/1355 (20150115); Y10S 220/903 (20130101); Y10T
428/1376 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B44C
1/18 (20060101); B44C 3/00 (20060101); B44C
1/00 (20060101); B65D 81/38 (20060101); B65D
23/00 (20060101); B65D 23/08 (20060101); B65d
023/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;215/12A,13R
;220/4E,4B,9F ;150/52R ;206/46FC |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Norton; Donald F.
Claims
We claim:
1. A bottle container comprising:
a. an upper enclosure of solid, light weight insulating material
having an interior substantially conforming to the shape of the
upper portion of a bottle, said upper enclosure having an open end
suitable for receiving the upper portion of the bottle,
b. a lower enclosure of solid, light weight insulating material
having an interior substantially conforming to the shape of the
lower portion of a bottle, said lower enclosure having an open end
suitable for receiving the lower portion of the bottle,
c. an upper sleeve with a lower open end covering the upper
enclosure and having an elastic means at said upper open end
thereof, said elastic means thereof circumscribing an opening of a
smaller area than circumscribed by the open end of the upper
enclosure,
d. a lower sleeve with an upper open end covering the lower
enclosure and having an elastic means at said upper open end
thereof, said elastic means thereof circumscribing an opening of a
smaller area than circumscribed by said upper open end, the open
ends of said upper and lower enclosure being of about complementary
diameter, whereby said bottle is substantially enclosed by the
placement of said upper and lower enclosures over the respective
upper and lower portions of said bottle.
2. The bottle container of claim 1 further characterized in that
the upper and lower sleeves are made of a fabric of stretchable
materials and stretchably fitted over the respective upper and
lower enclosures.
3. The bottle container of claim 2 further characterized in that
the stretchable material of the fabric of the upper and lower
sleeves is composed of a stretch polymer interwoven with metallic
thread.
4. The bottle container of claim 1 further characterized in that
the solid light weight insulating material is a foamed polymeric
material.
5. The bottle container of claim 4 further characterized in that
the foamed polymeric material is polyurethane.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an insulated bottle cover. The structure
of the bottle cover allows the cover to accommodate bottles which
may vary in size, such as wine bottles and other containers of
irregular configuration.
The art is replete with different structural arrangements for
sleeve-enclosed insulating containers; see for example U.S. Pat.
Nos. 535,550; 747,025; 995,700; 1,939,777; 2,325,955; 2,759,617 and
2,974,814. Each of the containers therein disclosed practical
drawbacks in that the sleeve and insulating material arrangement
often leaves the bottle partially exposed and the mode of
attachment is by means of mechanical clasps or snaps and therefore
expensive to manufacture as well as cumbersome to use. Moreover,
any of the previous bottle covers are not readily adaptable for use
with bottles of different sizes. This is particularly true where no
suitable elastic sleeve arrangement is incorporated into the
structure of the bottle cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one of the objects of the invention is to provide an
insulating container for bottles which is extremely simple in
structure and hence very inexpensive to manufacture; also, the
device is versatile enough to be adapted for use with bottles of
varying size.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a container that
functions not only to insulate the bottle and its contents but also
protects the bottle from breakage during transport.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an insulating
container which when not in use can be stored within a minimal
space.
A further objective of the invention is to provide a bottle
container which not only achieves the functions of protection and
insulation but moreover, is readily adaptable to marketing with
bottles containing wines and liquors, since the bottle container
also serves a highly decorative function.
An additional objective is to provide a unique decorative
container, the structure of which permits the decorative part of
the container to be readily changed.
A yet further objective is to provide an insulating container which
need not be totally removed when the contents of the bottles are
being served, thereby providing a decorative effect for the bottom
portion of the bottle and partial insulation thereof clinging to
the bottle during pouring, to thus present dribbling down the side
of the bottle onto a tablecloth or other stain susceptible
surface.
Also and as briefly indicated above, the invention has the added
feature of lessening the accidental shattering of bottles
containing beverages under pressure, e.g., containers for champagne
and sparkling wines. Shattering is an ever present problem and may
result from imperfections in the bottle, temperature change, and/or
mishandling. This invention lessens the possibility of accidental
shattering due to mishandling and temperature variation, and
ameliorates as well the hazards of shattering where the bottle is
defective. Such provides an added inducement for use of the
container, either via shipment or home consumption.
The bottle container of this invention comprises an upper enclosure
of solid, light weight insulating material having an interior
substantially conforming to the shape of the upper portion of a
bottle, this upper enclosure having a lower open end suitable for
receiving the upper portion of the bottle. The lower enclosure of
the unit is also of solid, light weight insulating material. It
similarly has an interior substantially conforming to the shape of
the lower portion of a bottle. Such lower enclosure is provided
with an upper open end suitable for receiving the lower portion of
the bottle. An upper sleeve covers the upper enclosure. This has an
elastic open end disposed at the lower open end of the upper
enclosure, such circumscribing an opening of a smaller area than
circumscribed by the open end of the upper enclosure. The lower
sleeve covering the lower enclosure also has an upper elastic means
disposed at the open end of the lower enclosure which circumscribes
an opening of a smaller area than circumscribed by the open end of
the lower enclosure. The open ends of said upper and lower
enclosures are approximately complementary in diameter, whereby the
bottle is substantially enclosed by the placement of said upper and
lower enclosures over the respective upper and lower portions of
said bottle. The respective elastic ends of said enclosures, in
facing contact with each other, tend to maintain said portions in
juxtaposed position, thus to firmly encase the bottle or
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The present invention may be more clearly understood by reference
to the accompanying drawing wherein one preferred embodiment is
illustrated.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the bottle container with the
upper half thereof in inverted and storage position, and
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the invention as shown in FIG.
1 illustrating the two-part container in position for storage
and/or immediate use of the container.
Referring first more particularly to FIG. 1, the bottle container
there shown is disposed in a manner suitable for storage, shipment,
and/or sale. The upper enclosure 1 is inverted and placed within
the lower enclosure 2 in such inverted position. It is retained in
the position illustrated in FIG. 1, in large part, by contact of
the elastic 9 surrounding the open end of the lower enclosure 2.
The upper sleeve 3 covers the upper enclosure 1. The contact
between the covered enclosures 10 is along the line of contact
depicted by line 8.
In FIG. 2 the two-part bottle container is appropriately positioned
around a champagne bottle -- this in a manner contemplated for
storage, shipment and/or immediate use.
In the latter FIGURE, the upper enclosure 1 is made of
polyurethane, preferably the closed cell type, or like synthetic
material. The upper sleeve 3, covering the upper enclosure 1, is
made of stretch nylon or equivalent elastic material and is also
preferably interwoven with decorative metallic thread. This
material also facilitates handling and adherence to the bottle. The
lower enclosure 2, similarly to upper enclosure 1, is also
preferably fabricated of polyurethane. The lower sleeve 4, covering
lower enclosure 2, is generally and for aesthetic reasons, made of
the same type of material as the upper sleeve 3. The elastic means
of the upper enclosure is identified by numeral 5.
The elastic open end of the lower enclosure is identified by
numeral 9. Line 8 indicates the line or contact area of the outer
sleeves 3 and 4 of the upper and lower portions which, as so
positioned, entirely encase the bottle. The upper body portion 10
of the bottle extends from line 8 upwardly and is inclusive of the
foil covering the bottle stopper. The lower body portion 12 of the
bottle extends downwardly from dotted line 8 to the bottle bottom.
Dotted lines 15 and 16 demarcate the primary area of frictional
contact of the elastic 5 provided at the open end of the upper
sleeve with the bottle. Dotted lines 18 and 20 demarcate the
primary area of frictional contact of the elastic 9 provided at the
open end of the lower sleeve of the bottom portion 12 of the
bottle.
The contacting areas of these lower and upper sleeves (through
elastic means 5 and 9) tend to retain the lower and upper
enclosures 3 and 4 respectively in the required position. The
tenacity of retention of contact between the elastic open end and
bottle is a function of the elasticity, area of contact and
coefficient of friction of the elastic material employed as well as
the referred to elastic means 5 and 9 surrounding their respective
openings.
In the embodiment illustrated, the bottom portion 12 of the bottle
has been placed within the sleeve-covered lower enclosure 2. In the
process of inserting the bottle, it firmly contacts the elastic 9
of the open end of the lower sleeve covering the lower enclosure.
The elastic means 9 is displaced into the interior of the lower
enclosure 2 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2. The area of
contact between the elastic open end of the lower enclosure and the
bottle is demarcated by dotted lines 18 and 20, and is maximized
where the entire elastic open end of the lower sleeve extends
within the open area circumscribed by the open end of the lower
enclosure. It is essential that the elastic open end of the lower
sleeve covering circumscribe an opening of a smaller area than that
circumscribed by the open end of the lower enclosure because, as
stated, the elastic open end operates to maintain the lower
enclosure in position over the champagne bottle.
The elastic portion of the lower sleeve covering is preferably
located entirely within the opening circumscribed by the open end
of the lower enclosure. This is best illustrated by reference to
FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the opening circumscribed by the elastic means 9
around the lower enclosure is defined by line 22. When the lower
portion of the bottle is inserted, the elastic 9 of the open end of
the lower sleeve is drawn inwardly and contact is established along
this entire elastic area which forms a part of the outer surface of
the lower sleeve. Accordingly, the tenacity of frictional adherence
between the elastic 9 and the bottle is increased relative to the
contact area available.
By utilizing elastic 9 as a means of attaching the lower enclosure
to the bottle, it is also apparent that the lower enclosure 2 is
adapted for use with bottles, the dimensions of which may vary
because of different bottle configurations.
With further reference to the embodiment illustrated, the upper
portion 10 of the bottle has been covered by the sleeve 3. In the
process of covering the bottle, the bottle contacts the elastic
means 5 of the open end of the upper sleeve. The resultant area of
contact between the elastic 5 of the open end of the upper
enclosure 1 and the bottle (demarcated by lines 15 and 16) is again
increased where the entire elastic 5 of such upper sleeve 3 extends
into facing contact with the open area circumscribed by the
elastic, open end of the lower sleeve.
In any event, the elastic portion 5 of the upper sleeve covering is
again preferably located entirely within the opening circumscribed
by the open end of the upper enclosure 3. Also, this is best
illustrated by reference to FIG. 1. Here it is further noted that
the opening circumscribed by the open end of the upper enclosure is
defined by dotted line 25. The elastic 5 is located entirely within
such opening as circumscribed by line 25.
There is a further functional advantage in the use of this two-part
structure which is again accentuated by reference to FIG. 1. Here
it is seen that the upper enclosure, together with its outer
covering 3, may be inverted with the narrow neck of that structure
inserted into the open end of the lower enclosure 2. By reason of
the use of the elastic means 9 as an inner "gasket" surrounding the
inner circumference of the upper opening of the lower enclosure 2,
inversion of the cover as so depicted in FIG. 1, will cause this
elastic means to tightly grasp the outer surface 3 representing the
rather rough material of which that outer covering is made. The
frictional contact between this covering and the elastic means 9
will maintain the two segments in the relative position shown in
FIG. 1 for use during storing, shipment, etc., and of course prior
to the positioning of these two parts around the usual container
and in a manner illustrated in FIG. 2, as above described in
detail.
It is to be noted that different types of light weight insulating
materials, as well as various types of sleeve fabrics may be
employed. Thus the invention is not limited to the precise
insulating or fabric materials of the invention herein particularly
disclosed, but is deemed to include other alternates of equivalent
functionality within the skill of the art.
In the latter regards, the solid light weight insulating material
is one which is able to provide the requisite insulation as well as
the rigidity required for handling and protecting the bottle.
Preferred materials of this type are the foamed polymers, and such
of the closed cell or rather rigid type. Examples of suitable
foamed polymers are the polyesters, polyolefins, polystyrenes and
polyurethanes. Especially preferred polymeric materials are the
closed cell polyurethanes.
The upper and lower sleeve coverings may be made of a fabric which
is selected on the basis of durability, texture and appearance.
Materials such as cotton, wool, other synthetic fabrics, rayon
nylon, etc., are all suitable materials. Especially preferred
however are stretchable materials which, in conforming to the shape
of the enclosures, also are held thereto by being stretchably
fitted over such coverings. An especially preferred material is
stretch nylon interwoven with metallic threads. It is decorative,
easy to handle, affords a rough-type surface facilitating handling
as well as adherence, and also exhibits a "stretchability"
particularly well suited for secure attachment to the preferred
foamed polymer enclosures.
The elastic material circumventing the open ends may be of any
appropriate elastic material. Such would include synthetic, as well
as natural, elastic polymeric materials, as rubber. The elastic
elements 5 and 9 are formed integral with the sleeve covering and
operate, in addition to retaining the enclosures positioned over
the bottle, to facilitate unitary storage of the container when not
in use, as well as to retain the sleeve coverings over the
enclosures.
As described in the foregoing and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
upper and lower enclosures are stored by inverting the upper
enclosure and inserting it within the lower enclosure. The elastic
open end of the upper enclosure holds both enclosures together as a
unit of manageable size, and thereby prevents inadvertent
separation and/or loss before use.
* * * * *