Elastic beverage fluid absorption band

Abstract

A method of capturing liquid on an exterior surface of a container includes obtaining an elastic fluid absorbent band having a first end and a second end, wherein each end is coupled together to form a cylindrical shape. The band has a defined width. The band is located on an exterior surface of the container. The container has a bottom rim and an upper rim which define a height. The band width is less than the height of the container. The band is translated along the length of the exterior surface to induce absorption of a liquid on the exterior surface. The band is flexible and contains an absorbent material.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of covering a container for liquid, comprising:
 obtaining an elastic fluid absorbent band having a first end and a second end, each end coupled together to form a cylindrical shape, the band having a width;   locating the band on an exterior surface of a container, the container having a bottom rim and an upper rim which define a height, the band width being less than the height of the container; and   translating the band along the length of the exterior surface to induce absorption of a liquid on the exterior surface;   wherein the band is flexible and contains an absorbent material.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the location of the band is adjusted on the container as the volume liquid within the container changes. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the band includes a polyester weave pattern. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the cylindrical shape is non uniform along the width of the band. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the band absorbs liquid falling from the upper rim. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the band insulates a consumer’s hand from the exterior surface of the container. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the container includes a lid and the band is located below the lid. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end are releasably coupled. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end are stitched together. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the band stretches along its width. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 flipping the band inside out.   
     
     
         12 . A band for a beverage container, comprising:
 a band configured to include an elastic to allow stretching along a length and a width of the band, the band including a first end and a second end selectively coupled together to form a cylindrical shape; and   an absorbent material incorporated into the band to absorb moisture;   wherein an inner diameter of the cylindrical shape of the band can vary along its width.   
     
     
         13 . The band of  claim 12 , wherein the band includes multiple layers of absorbent material. 
     
     
         14 . The band of  claim 13 , wherein the multiple layers are isolated from one another to prevent the passage of moisture from one to the other. 
     
     
         15 . The band of  claim 12 , wherein the first end and the second end can be selectively detached.