Sleeve device for beverage containers

Abstract

The present invention is a sleeve device for beverage containers. It can be transparent or decorative and made of any suitable material such as plastic or metal. The current prototypes are made of transparent PET plastic. The sleeve is applied from the top of the beverage can. It adheres snugly and stably to the surface of the beverage can and can easily be applied and removed as desired. It has an opening at each end and is essentially cylindrical in shape while fitting the contours of the beverage can. The top end is flush with the top of the beverage can. The bottom end is flush right at or slightly below the bottom of the label of the beverage can. Although variable, the wall thickness is generally no more than 0.5 mm. This construction is essential to ensure that the general appearance of the beverage can is maintained. The sleeve can serve multiple functions. If the correct insulating material is used in the sleeve's construction, it can keep itself and its contents cool. If artwork is applied into, onto, or under the sleeve, it can make the beverage can appear as an art piece or made as if from another beverage can label. Research in this area is ongoing. For now, the sleeve has the proven quality of protecting, duplicating, resembling, enhancing and/or concealing the exterior surface of beverage-cans.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A sleeve device, comprising:
 a. A cylindrical body, open at either end, having the contours of a beverage can, with the top end flush with the top of the beverage can, and the bottom end flush right at or slightly below the bottom of the beverage can label.