US20040182870A1

US20040182870A1 - Foldable beverage insulative garment device and method of using

Info

Publication number: US20040182870A1
Application number: US10/392,753
Authority: US
Inventors: Georganna Rodgers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-20
Filing date: 2003-03-20
Publication date: 2004-09-23

Abstract

A foldable beverage insulative garment device and associated method of using the device for use in thermally insulating a beverage container the device are disclosed. The device comprises: a jacket, a fastener, and a strap. The jacket has a generally circular base; a cylindrical side wall attached around the perimeter of the base; and a flap attached to the cylindrical side wall, in which the flap having a first and second edges. The jacket comprises: an outer cover; an interior layer attached to the outer cover; and an inner cover attached to the interior layer. The fastener is attached to the jacket, in which the fastener has a first and second components. The first component of the fastener is attached to the first edge of the flap, and the second component of the fastener is attached to the second edge of the flap so that the first and second components of the fastener are interconnectable together. When the first and second components are connected together then the fastener is in a locked position. When the first and second components are not connected together then the fastener is in an open position. The strap having a first and second ends, the first and second ends of the strap are attached to the jacket The method of using the device comprises the steps of connecting, getting, grasping, inserting, lifting, obtaining, placing, portaging, retrieving, sipping, and wrapping.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates insulation devices, more particularly, to a foldable beverage insulative garment device, such as a jacket, and a method of using the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The best known device for maintaining the temperature of the contents of a bottle or a soda can is the ice bucket. More commonly, a chilled bottle of wine or soda can is inserted into a bucket filled with ice cubes, placed alongside a table of diners and removed from the bucket to fill and replenish the glasses during the course of the dinner. Although the presence of a fanciful ice bucket adds a certain charm to a dining room, there are disadvantages. Unless the bottle or can is wiped each time it is removed from the bucket, water from the melting ice cubes will drip onto the table and utensils thereon to the annoyance of the diners. Further, after the bottle or can is removed, the water and ice cubes will fill the void so that the bottle must be worked back into the bucket. Sometimes the ice bucket must be positioned away from the table making it awkward for the diners to retrieve and replace the bottle. Another disadvantage is that the water and remaining ice cubes are wasted after serving their purpose, a waste unacceptable in places and times of drought.

In the related art, there are other types of coolers or containers for keeping items cool. Existing coolers do not have the combination of features which constitute this invention. Existing coolers are either fixed into a solid inflexible form, not suited to folding; are designed to fit around a particular shaped container and thus not reconfigurable; or they are not a complete device for use as a stand alone cooler

A wide variety of beverage garment devices is currently available on the commercial market and an even larger number of these types of devices are known in the art of beverage garment devices, for example, the refrigerator for cooling contents of bottles, cans &c disclosed by Moebius in U.S. Pat. No. 296,432; the insulating jacket for bottles disclosed by Simako in U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,890; the portable beverage cooler disclosed by Thomas in U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,481; the thermal device disclosed by Magaro in U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,877; the foldable adjustable cooling pack disclosed by Rilling and Collard in U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,028; the beverage container disclosed by Gianatiempo in U.S. Pat. No. D395,95 1; and the bottle carrier disclosed by Rausch in U.S. Pat. No. D414,930.

While all of the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a foldable beverage insulative garment device having a jacket, a fastener, and a strap, in which the fastener has a first component attached to a first edge of a flap of the jacket, and the fastener also has a second component attached to a second edge of the flap so that the first and second components of the fastener are interconnectable together. This combination of elements would specifically match the user's particular individual needs of making it possible to insulate a securely restricted beverage container within the confines of the device. The above-described patents make no provision for a foldable beverage insulative garment device having a jacket, a fastener, and a strap, in which the fastener has a first component attached to a first edge of a flap of the jacket, and the fastener has a second component attached to a second edge of the flap so that the first and second components of the fastener are interconnectable together.

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved foldable beverage insulative garment device having a jacket, a fastener, and a strap, in which the fastener has a first component attached to a first edge of a flap of the jacket, and the fastener has a second component attached to a second edge of the flap so that the first and second components of the fastener are interconnectable together. In this respect, the foldable beverage insulative garment device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a means for making it possible to insulate a securely restricted beverage container within the confines of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present device and method of using, according to the principles of the present invention, overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a foldable beverage insulative garment device and method of using are disclosed. The device comprises: a jacket, a fastener, and a strap. The jacket has a generally circular base; a cylindrical side wall attached around the perimeter of the base; and a flap attached to the cylindrical side wall, in which the flap having a first and second edges. The jacket comprises: an outer cover; an interior layer attached to the outer cover; and an inner cover attached to the interior layer. The fastener is attached to the jacket, in which the fastener has a first and second components. The first component of the fastener is attached to the first edge of the flap, and the second component of the fastener is attached to the second edge of the flap so that the first and second components of the fastener are interconnectable together. When the first and second components are connected together then the fastener is in a locked position. When the first and second components are not connected together then the fastener is in an open position. The strap having a first and second ends, the first and second ends of the strap are attached to the jacket The method of using the device comprises the steps of connecting, getting, grasping, inserting, lifting, obtaining, placing, portaging, retrieving, sipping, and wrapping.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known type beverage garment devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved foldable beverage insulative garment device, which will be described subsequently in great detail, is to provide a new and improved foldable beverage insulative garment device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a jacket, a fastener, and a strap. The jacket has a generally circular base; a cylindrical side wall attached around the perimeter of the base; and a flap attached to the cylindrical side wall, in which the flap having a first and second edges. The jacket comprises: an outer cover; an interior layer attached to the outer cover; and an inner cover attached to the interior layer. The fastener is attached to the jacket, in which the fastener has a first and second components. The first component of the fastener is attached to the first edge of the flap, and the second component of the fastener is attached to the second edge of the flap so that the first and second components of the fastener are interconnectable together.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution of the art may be better appreciated.

The invention may also include an elastic fabric piece may be added to the device. There are of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved foldable beverage insulative garment device that has all the advantages of the prior art foldable beverage insulative garment device and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved foldable beverage insulative garment device that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved foldable beverage insulative garment device that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such multipurpose storage unit and system economically available to the buying public.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new foldable beverage insulative garment device that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thererof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable beverage insulative garment device having a jacket, a fastener, and a strap, in which the fastener has a first component attached to a first edge of a flap of the jacket, and the fastener has a second component attached to a second edge of the flap so that the first and second components of the fastener are interconnectable together. This combination of elements makes it possible to insulate a securely restricted beverage container within the confines of the device.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of using comprising the steps of connecting, getting, grasping, inserting, lifting, obtaining, placing, portaging, retrieving, sipping, and wrapping.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and description matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: [0022]
FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage insulative garment device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; [0023]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage insulative garment device of the present invention; [0024]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage insulative garment device of the present invention; and [0025]
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional front view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage insulative garment device of the present invention. [0026]
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. [0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1 to [0028] 4 thereof, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. One preferred embodiment of a foldable beverage insulative garment device 10 for use in thermally insulating a beverage container the device 10 comprising: a jacket 12, a fastener 28, and a strap 30. The jacket 12 has a generally circular base 14; a cylindrical side wall 16 attached around the perimeter of the base 14; and a flap 18 attached to the cylindrical side wall 16, in which the flap 18 having a first and second edges 20. The jacket 12 comprises: an outer cover 22; an interior layer 24 attached to the outer cover 22; and an inner cover 26 attached to the interior layer 24. The fastener 28 is attached to the jacket 12, in which the fastener 28 has a first and second components. The first component of the fastener 28 is attached to the first edge 20 of the flap 18, and the second component of the fastener 28 is attached to the second edge 20 of the flap 18 so that the first and second components of the fastener 28 are interconnectable together. When the first and second components are connected together then the fastener 28 is in a locked position. When the first and second components are not connected together then the fastener 28 is in an open position. The strap 30 having a first and second ends, the first and second ends of the strap 30 are attached to the jacket 12.
An optional [0029] elastic fabric piece 32 may be added to the device 10 in which the elastic fabric piece 32 is attached around the flap 18 of the jacket 12.
The [0030] fastener 28 may be constructed from any commercially available material known to attach together. One preferred configuration of the fastener 28 is that the first component of the fastener 28 comprises a first swath having a first exposed contact surface, the second component of the fastener 28 comprises a second swath having a second exposed contact surface, wherein the first exposed contact surface of the first swath and second exposed contact surface of the second swath are interconnectable together, so that when the first exposed contact surface of the first swath touches the second exposed contact surface of the second swath then the fastener 28 is in the locked position, and so that when the first exposed contact surface of the first swath is not touching the second exposed contact surface of the second swath then the fastener 28 is in the open position. One perturbation of this preferred configuration is that the first contact surface of the first swath may comprise a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from the first contact surface of the first swath; and wherein the second contact surface of the second swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from the second contact surface of the second swath. Another perturbation of this preferred configuration is that the first contact surface of the first swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from the first contact surface of the first swath; and wherein the second contact surface of the second swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from the second contact surface of the second swath. Another preferred configuration of the fastener 28 comprises a zipper. Yet another preferred configuration of the fastener 28 is a clasp fastener 28, in which the first component comprises a latch and the second component comprises a pin insertable within the latch, so that when the pin is inserted within the latch then the fastener 28 is in a locked position, when the pin is not inserted within the latch then the fastener 28 is in an open position The outer cover 22 of the jacket 12 may be made of any type of material. One preferred configuration of the outer cover 22 of the jacket 12 is that it is made of plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryls mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof. Another preferred configuration of the outer cover 22 of the jacket 12 is that it is made of fabric selected from the group cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, and nylon.
The [0031] inner cover 26 of the jacket 12 may be made of any type of material. One preferred configuration of the inner cover 26 of the jacket 12 is that it is made of plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof. Another preferred configuration of the inner cover 26 of the jacket is that it is made of fabric selected from the group cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, and nylon.
The [0032] strap 30 of the device 10 may be made of any type of material. One preferred configuration of the is that the strap 30 of the device 10 is made of plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof.
The [0033] interior layer 24 of the device 10 may be made of any type of material. One preferred configuration of the interior layer 24 is made of thermally insulation material such as aluminized polyester or thermally insulation material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures. silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof.
Another preferred configuration of the device [0034] 10 consisting essentially of: a jacket 12 having a generally circular base 14; a cylindrical side wall 16 attached around the perimeter of the base 14; and a flap 18 attached to the cylindrical side wall 16, the flap 18 having a first and second edges 20; the jacket 12 comprising: an outer cover 22; an interior layer 24 attached to the outer cover 22, the interior layer 24 comprising a thermal insulation material made from aluminized polyester; and an inner cover 26 attached to the interior layer 24; a fastener 28 attached to the jacket 12, the fastener 28 having a first and second components, the first component of the fastener 28 is attached to the first edge 20 of the flap 18, the first component of the fastener 28 comprises a first swath having a first exposed contact surface wherein the first contact surface of the first swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from the first contact surface of the first swath, the second component of the fastener 28 is attached to the second edge 20 of the flap 18, the second component of the fastener 28 comprises a second swath having a second exposed contact surface wherein the second contact surface of the second swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from the second contact surface of the second swath, wherein the first exposed contact surface of the first swath and second exposed contact surface of the second swath are interconnectable together, when the first exposed contact surface of the first swath touches the second exposed contact surface of the second swath then the fastener 28 is in a locked position, when the first exposed contact surface of the first swath is not touching the second exposed contact surface of the second swath then the fastener 28 is in an open position; a strap 30 having a first and second ends, the first and second ends of the strap 30 are attached to the jacket 12; and an elastic fabric piece 32 is attached around the flap 18 of the jacket 12.
One preferred embodiment of a method of using a foldable beverage [0035] insulative garment device 10 for use in thermally insulating a beverage container, the method comprising the steps of: connecting, getting, grasping, inserting, lifting, obtaining, placing, portaging, retrieving, sipping, and wrapping. The obtaining step comprises obtaining the device 10 comprising: a jacket 12 having a generally circular base 14; a cylindrical side wall 16 attached around the perimeter of the base 14; and a flap 18 attached to the cylindrical side wall 16, the flap 18 having a first and second edges 20; the jacket 12 comprising: an outer cover 22; an interior layer 24 attached to the outer cover 22; and an inner cover 26 attached to the interior layer 24; a fastener 28 attached to the jacket 12, the fastener 28 having a first and second components, the first component of the fastener 28 is attached to the first edge 20 of the flap 18, the first component of the fastener 28 comprises a first swath having a first exposed contact surface wherein the first contact surface of the first swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from the first contact surface of the first swath, the second component of the fastener 28 is attached to the second edge 20 of the flap 18, the second component of the fastener 28 comprises a second swath having a second exposed contact surface wherein the second contact surface of the second swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from the second contact surface of the second swath, wherein the first exposed contact surface of the first swath and second exposed contact surface of the second swath are interconnectable together, when the first exposed contact surface of the first swath touches the second exposed contact surface of the second swath then the fastener 28 is in a locked position, when the first exposed contact surface of the first swath is not touching the second exposed contact surface of the second swath then the fastener 28 is in an open position; a strap 30 having a first and second ends, the first and second ends of the strap 30 are attached to the jacket 12; and an elastic fabric piece 32 is attached around the flap 18 of the jacket 12. The getting step comprises getting a soda can 34 having a pop-top lid 36. The placing step comprises placing the soda can 34 in a refrigerator for at least four hours in order to cool the soda can 34. The retrieving step comprises retrieving the cooled soda can 34 from the refrigerator. The inserting step comprises inserting a bottom portion of the cooled soda can 34 into the device 10 when the device 10 is in the open position. The wrapping step comprises wrapping a portion of the flap 18 around a top portion of the cooled soda can 34 when the cooled soda can 34 is inserted in the device 10 and when the device 10 is in the open position. The connecting step comprises connecting together the first and second contact surfaces of the respective first and second swaths to place the device 10 in the locked position when the bottom portion of the cooled soda can 34 is inserted into the device 10 and when the portion of the flap 18 is wrapped around the top portion of the cooled soda can 34 wherein enveloping the cooled soda can 34 with the device 10. The grasping step comprises grasping onto the handle of the device 10 enveloping the cooled soda can 34. The portaging step comprises portaging the device 10 enveloping the cooled soda can 34 from one location to another location. The lifting step comprises lifting onto the pop-top lid 36 of the cooled soda can 34 enveloped by the device 10 to open the cooled soda can 34. The sipping step comprises sipping from the opened cooled soda can 34 enveloped by the device 10.
An additional optional set of steps may be added to the method further comprising the steps of discarding, disconnecting, removing, and unwrapping. The disconnecting step comprises disconnecting apart the first and second contact surfaces of the respective first and second swaths to place the [0036] device 10 in the open position when the bottom portion of the cooled soda can 34 is inserted into the device 10. The unwrapping step comprises unwrapping the portion of the flap 18 from around the top portion of the cooled soda can 34. The removing step comprises removing the bottom portion of the cooled soda can 34 from the device 10. The discarding step comprises discarding the removed cooled soda can 34 into a trash receptacle.
Another optional set of steps may be further added to the above method wherein this optional set of steps further comprising the steps of adjoining, carrying, chilling, encircling, grabbing, opening, pouring, and sliding. The chilling step comprises chilling down a [0037] wine bottle 38 in the refrigerator for at least four hours. The sliding step comprises sliding a bottom portion of the chilled wine bottle 38 into the device 10 when the device 10 is in the open position. The encircling step comprises encircling a portion of the flap 18 around a top portion of the chilled wine bottle 38 when the chilled wine bottle 38 is slid in the device 10 and when the device 10 is in the open position. The adjoining step comprises adjoining together the first and second contact surfaces of the respective first and second swaths to place the device 10 in the locked position when the bottom portion of the chilled wine bottle 38 is slid into the device 10 and when the portion of the flap 18 is encircled around the top portion of the chilled wine bottle 38 wherein encasing the chilled wine bottle 38 with the device 10. The grabbing step comprises grabbing hold of the handle of the device 10 encasing the chilled wine bottle 38. The carrying step comprises carrying the device 10 encasing the chilled wine bottle 38 from one location to another location. The opening step comprises opening up the chilled wine bottle 38 encased by the device 10. The pouring step comprises pouring an aliquot of wine from the encased chilled wine bottle 38 into a wine goblet.
Another preferred embodiment of the method consisting essentially of the steps of: connecting, getting, grasping, inserting, lifting, obtaining, placing, portaging, retrieving, sipping, and wrapping. [0038]
Yet another preferred embodiment of the method consisting essentially of the steps of: connecting, getting, grasping, inserting, lifting, obtaining, placing, portaging, retrieving, sipping, wrapping, discarding, disconnecting, removing, and unwrapping. [0039]
Still another preferred embodiment of the method consisting essentially of the steps of: connecting, getting, grasping, inserting, lifting, obtaining, placing, portaging, retrieving, sipping, wrapping, discarding, disconnecting, removing, unwrapping, adjoining, carrying, chilling, encircling, grabbing, opening, pouring, and sliding. [0040]
Referring now to FIG. 1, which depicts a front plan view of an preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage [0041] insulative garment device 10 showing a jacket 12, a fastener 28, and a strap 30. The jacket 12 is shown having a generally circular base 14; a cylindrical side wall 16 attached around the perimeter of the base 14; and a flap 18 attached to the cylindrical side wall 16, in which the flap 18 is shown having a first and second edges 20. The fastener 28 is shown to be attached to the jacket 12, in which the fastener 28 is shown to have a first and second components. The first component of the fastener 28 is shown attached to the first edge 20 of the flap 18, and the second component of the fastener 28 is shown attached to the second edge 20 of the flap 18 so that the first and second components of the fastener 28 are interconnectable together. The strap 30 is shown having a first and second ends, in which the first and second ends of the strap 30 are shown attached to the jacket 12.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage [0042] insulative garment device 10 the device 10 encasing a chilled wine bottle 38 with the device 10 in the locked position.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage [0043] insulative garment device 10 enveloping the cooled soda can 34 having a pop-top lid 36 with the device in the open position.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional front view of a preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage [0044] insulative garment device 10 showing a jacket 12, a fastener 28, a strap 30 and a elastic fabric piece 32. The jacket 12 is shown having a generally circular base 14; a cylindrical side wall 16 attached around the perimeter of the base 14; and a flap 18 attached to the cylindrical side wall 16, in which the flap 18 is shown having a first and second edges 20. The jacket 12 is shown to comprise: an outer cover 22; an interior layer 24 attached to the outer cover 22; and an inner cover 26 attached to the interior layer 24. The fastener 28 is shown to be attached to the jacket 12, in which the fastener 28 is shown to have a first and second components. The first component of the fastener 28 is shown attached to the first edge 20 of the flap 18, and the second component of the fastener 28 is shown attached to the second edge 20 of the flap 18 so that the first and second components of the fastener 28 are interconnectable together. The strap 30 is shown having a first and second ends, in which the first and second ends of the strap 30 are shown attached to the jacket 12. The elastic fabric piece 32 is shown attached around the flap 18 of the jacket 12.
As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. [0045]
While a preferred embodiment of the foldable beverage insulative garment device has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. [0046]
Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or the term “includes” or variations, thereof, or the term “having” or variations, thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In this regard, in construing the claim scope, an embodiment where one or more features is added to any of the claims is to be regarded as within the scope of the invention given that the essential features of the invention as claimed are included in such an embodiment. [0047]
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within its spirit and scope. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. [0048]
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. [0049]

Claims

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. A foldable beverage insulative garment device for use in thermally insulating a beverage container said device comprising:

a jacket having a generally circular base; a cylindrical side wall attached around the perimeter of said base; and a flap attached to said cylindrical side wall, said flap having a first and second edges; said jacket comprising:

an outer cover;

an interior layer attached to said outer cover; and

an inner cover attached to said interior layer;

a fastener attached to said jacket, said fastener having a first and second components, wherein

said first component of said fastener is attached to said first edge of said flap,

said second component of said fastener is attached to said second edge of said flap,

wherein said first and second components of said fastener are interconnectable together,

when said first and second components are connected together then said fastener is in a locked position,

when said first and second components are not connected together then said fastener is in an open position; and

a strap having a first and second ends, said first and second ends of said strap are attached to said jacket.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising an elastic fabric piece is attached around said flap of said jacket.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein

said first component of said fastener comprises a first swath having a first exposed contact surface,

said second component of said fastener comprises a second swath having a second exposed contact surface,

wherein said first exposed contact surface of said first swath and second exposed contact surface of said second swath are interconnectable together,

when said first exposed contact surface of said first swath touches said second exposed contact surface of said second swath then said fastener is in the locked position,

when said first exposed contact surface of said first swath is not touching said second exposed contact surface of said second swath then said fastener is in the open position.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said first contact surface of said first swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from said first contact surface of said first swath; and wherein said second contact surface of said second swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from said second contact surface of said second swath.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein said first contact surface of said first swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from said first contact surface of said first swath; and wherein said second contact surface of said second swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from said second contact surface of said second swath.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said fastener is a zipper.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said fastener is a clasp fastener, said first component comprises a latch and said second component comprises a pin insertable within said latch, when said pin is inserted within said latch then said fastener is in a locked position, when said pin is not inserted within said latch then said fastener is in an open position.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said outer cover is made of plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said outer cover is made of fabric selected from the group cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, and nylon.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein said inner cover is made of plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein said inner cover is made of fabric selected from the group cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, and nylon.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein said strap is made of plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof.

13. The device of claim I wherein said interior layer is made of thermally insulation material.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein said thermally insulation material comprises aluminized polyester.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein said thermally insulation material is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof.

16. A foldable beverage insulative garment device for use in thermally insulating a beverage container said device consisting essentially of:

an outer cover;

an interior layer attached to said outer cover, said interior layer comprising a thermal insulation material made from aluminized polyester; and

an inner cover attached to said interior layer;

a fastener attached to said jacket, said fastener having a first and second components,

said first component of said fastener is attached to said first edge of said flap, said first component of said fastener comprises a first swath having a first exposed contact surface wherein said first contact surface of said first swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from said first contact surface of said first swath,

said second component of said fastener is attached to said second edge of said flap, said second component of said fastener comprises a second swath having a second exposed contact surface wherein said second contact surface of said second swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from said second contact surface of said second swath,

when said first exposed contact surface of said first swath touches said second exposed contact surface of said second swath then said fastener is in a locked position,

when said first exposed contact surface of said first swath is not touching said second exposed contact surface of said second swath then said fastener is in an open position;

a strap having a first and second ends, said first and second ends of said strap are attached to said jacket; and

an elastic fabric piece is attached around said flap of said jacket.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein said outer cover is made of fabric selected from the group cotton, hemp, silk, rayon, and nylon.

18. A method of using a foldable beverage insulative garment device for use in thermally insulating a beverage container, said method comprising the steps of:

obtaining the device comprising:

an outer cover;

an interior layer attached to said outer cover; and

an inner cover attached to said interior layer;

an elastic fabric piece is attached around said flap of said jacket;

getting a soda can having a pop-top lid;

placing the soda can in a refrigerator for at least four hours in order to cool the soda can;

retrieving the cooled soda can from the refrigerator;

inserting a bottom portion of the cooled soda can into the device when the device is in the open position;

wrapping a portion of the flap around a top portion of the cooled soda can when the cooled soda can is inserted in the device and when the device is in the open position;

connecting together the first and second contact surfaces of the respective first and second swaths to place the device in the locked position when the bottom portion of the cooled soda can is inserted into the device and when the portion of the flap is wrapped around the top portion of the cooled soda can wherein enveloping the cooled soda can with the device;

grasping onto the handle of the device enveloping the cooled soda can;

portaging the device enveloping the cooled soda can from one location to another location;

lifting onto the pop-top lid of the cooled soda can enveloped by the device to open the cooled soda can; and

sipping from the opened cooled soda can enveloped by the device.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

disconnecting apart the first and second contact surfaces of the respective first and second swaths to place the device in the open position when the bottom portion of the cooled soda can is inserted into the device;

unwrapping the portion of the flap from around the top portion of the cooled soda can;

removing the bottom portion of the cooled soda can from the device; and

discarding the removed cooled soda can into a trash receptacle;

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

chilling down a wine bottle in the refrigerator for at least four hours;

sliding a bottom portion of the chilled wine bottle into the device when the device is in the open position;

encircling a portion of the flap around a top portion of the chilled wine bottle when the chilled wine bottle is slid in the device and when the device is in the open position;

adjoining together the first and second contact surfaces of the respective first and second swaths to place the device in the locked position when the bottom portion of the chilled wine bottle is slid into the device and when the portion of the flap is encircled around the top portion of the chilled wine bottle wherein encasing the chilled wine bottle with the device;

grabbing hold of the handle of the device encasing the chilled wine bottle;

carrying the device encasing the chilled wine bottle from one location to another location;

opening up the chilled wine bottle encased by the device; and

pouring an aliquot of wine from the encased chilled wine bottle into a wine goblet.