Multi-Purpose Insulating And Protective Cover For Containers

Abstract

A unique one piece container cover ( 20 ) made from a single blank of flexible insulating material ( 36 ) and constructed so the tubular container cover ( 20 ) is closed at the bottom and open at the top with a flap ( 28 ) that when pulled over the enclosed container ( 39 ), integrally forms a complete seal ( 38 ) with the cover body ( 22 ) thus encapsulating the container ( 39 ) providing insulation to keep the container ( 39 ) contents either hot or cold while also protecting container ( 39 ) from outside contamination. The container cover ( 20 ) works with various sizes and shapes of bottles, containers or cans. The multipurpose cover ( 20 ) can be used without attachments for use in a bike cage, diaper bag, travel bag or the like. The cover ( 20 ) can also be fitted with various attachments for hiking, running, backpacking, golf, carrying baby bottles or the like. The cover ( 20 ) is efficient, cost effective, lightweight, durable, easy to use and clean, and can be produced in many colors with graphics.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A multi-purpose insulating and protective cover wherein said cover is formed of a single uniquely cut blank of flexible insulating material, said cover comprising:
 a) a single blank for forming said cover comprising a generally planar web of said insulating material including a main elongated rectangular body portion defined by and contiguous with opposed top edges and bottom edges and opposed lengthwise edges of a length sufficient to encircle the beverage container when the end edges are abutted with one another, and said bottom edge of predetermined serially cut angles or similar configuration which would effectively enclose said bottom and with said top edge comprising identically configured unique and novel predetermined arcuate edges being final and contiguous to an elongated locking cover flap,   b) wherein as the bottom angles of the cover blank are abutted and attached with one another and said lengthwise edges are abutted and attached with one another form a tubular receptacle defining an interior area of a shape and dimension for receiving said beverage container through an upper opening formed of the top arcuate edges and contiguous said cover flap,   c) said cover flap secured to said main body of said cover for pivotal movement relative thereto, said flap including an inner face and an outer face,   d) at least one fastener with a predetermined position attached to said inner face of said cover flap,   e) at least one mating fastener with a predetermined position attached to front of said cover to receive said cover flap fastener,   f) the cover flap being pivoted relative to said main body cover bringing said cover flap over and across the top of said bottle, container or can to bring said fasteners into an easy to use engagement to said cover.   g) two specifically placed slits at junction of flap and body allows flap to fully pivot relative to main body cover thus forming a flush fit seal at said junction of flap and body providing an insulative and sanitary encapsulation of said bottle, container or can.   
     
     
         2 . A blank according to  claim 1  wherein said blank is formed of a unitary planar web of flexible insulative material. 
     
     
         3 . A blank according to  claim 2  wherein said material comprises a foamed synthetic material. 
     
     
         4 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein said flexible material allows said cover to accommodate containers, bottles and cans of close but varying dimensions. 
     
     
         5 . A cover according to  claim 4  that when fitted with bottles commonly used in bicycle water bottle cages or automobile and truck drink holders, will still fit in said cages and holders. 
     
     
         6 . A cover according to  claim 4  wherein said flexible material allows for graphics. 
     
     
         7 . A cover according to  claim 4  wherein attachment means for said edges and said fasteners is stitching, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or hook-and-loop fasteners. 
     
     
         8 . A cover according to  claim 2  further including a front pocket having a complementary pocket flap both being formed of flexible insulating material, and having attachment means for securing the pocket and flap to said cover, with said flap including an inner face and an outer face with at least one fastener in a predetermined position secured to said inner face of said pocket flap and at least one mating fastener on outer face of pocket to secure pocket and flap. 
     
     
         9 . A cover pocket of  claim 8  wherein attachment means of said pocket, flap and fasteners are of stitching, heat welding. ultrasonic welding or adhesives. 
     
     
         10 . A cover pocket according to  claim 9  wherein the pocket and flap have an area for graphics. 
     
     
         11 . A cover according to  claim 2  further including a ventilated hand strap formed of a flexible synthetic mesh material, attached to the back of said cover by attachment means. 
     
     
         12 . The cover of  claim 11  wherein attachment means of said strap is of stitching, heat welding, ultrasonic welding or adhesives. 
     
     
         13 . The cover of  claim 2 , further including securing means comprising a strip of strapping material attached to one side of said cover, with the strip containing an upper and lower loop, with each loop having an attached keeper and attachment means, and a carrying strap having a loop at each end with each loop having an attached keeper and clip. 
     
     
         14 . The cover of  claim 13 , wherein the upper and lower loop contains a D-shaped ring, O-ring, triangle or other similar attachment means. 
     
     
         15 . The cover of  claim 14  wherein the keeper for the upper loop contains a standard snap hook, swivel hook, retainer, bolt snap, carabiner or other similar attachment means for retention. 
     
     
         16 . The cover of  claim 15  wherein said strap is adjustable for adjusting the length of said strap. 
     
     
         17 . The cover of  claim 16  wherein the carrying strap may be attached or detached from the cover.