Abstract:
A coaster for use in conjunction with a beverage container so as to absorb associated moisture or heat, and that is foldable into multiple sections and attachable to an attachment device so that the coaster may be carried compactly from one location to another.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The preset invention relates to structures for absorbing and/or preventing liquid or associated heat from coming into contact with an adjacent surface, and more specifically, to a beverage coaster that is attachable to a keychain or the like so as to protect furniture or the like from liquid and/or from heat from a beverage container being placed on the furniture. 
         [0002]    Ordinarily, beverage coasters enabling the absorption and prevention of contact of moisture or heat that are used in conjunction with a beverage container are sold in packages, in which a particular one of the coasters is intended for repeated usage in a household or eatery. That is, the coaster is intended to be used and reused in the same location so as to be uses within the confines of only that location. As such, the coaster, as will be understood, remains the property of the homeowner or the owner of the establishment, typically a restaurant or a bar. 
         [0003]    As will also be understood, it is within the discretion of the homeowner or eatery owner to provide such a coaster. Thus, a beverage consumer wishing to obtain the moisture or heat absorbing advantage of a coaster needs to ordinarily ask to obtain such a coaster, if not already provided. A homeowner may not have a coaster and without one there is a danger of harm to the furniture of the homeowner. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, an opportunity exists to provide a coaster that can be easily carried by a consumer and is therefore available to the consumer no matter the location and ability of a provider to supply such a coaster. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]    As described hereinbelow, there is provided a coaster that is easily transportable with the user thereof within or between one or more locations. With such portability, a user is able to obtain the advantages of preventing moisture or heat contact with an adjacent surface, such as a tabletop, without concern as to whether such a coaster will be provided by another or otherwise available. 
         [0006]    Further the coaster is sufficiently small and inexpensive that it could be a give away item carrying advertisement for a beverage supplier or the like. 
         [0007]    In order to provide such portability, the coaster of the present invention is foldable into sections and attachable to an attachment device such as a keychain or the like to so as to be easily carried by the user. In providing such foldability and attachment, the coaster is easily transportable and containable on a user&#39;s person. In particular, the coaster may be carried within a purse, satchel or even a pants or coat pocket, similarly to other items as may be carried on a keychain. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there is provided a coaster enabling a user to easily and independently provide the above-discussed advantages at any location where such coaster is to be used. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the coaster of the present invention showing a first coaster configuration relative to a first side of the coaster. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the coaster of  FIG. 1  relative to a second side of the coaster. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the coaster of the present configuration showing a second coaster configuration relative to a first side of the coaster thereof. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the coaster of  FIG. 3  relative to a second side of the coaster. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]    In looking to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a coaster according to the invention from first and second sides of the coaster, respectively. 
         [0014]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the coaster  10  is shown in its non-folded state and comprises a coaster body  12 . The coaster  10  is optionally provided in a circular configuration that is foldable along fold line  14  so as to collapse the coaster  10  in half into its folded state. Once folded in half, the coaster  10  is configured into a substantially half-moon shape whereby one half  16  of the coaster  10  is folded onto the remaining coaster half  18 . Solid line  20 , as shown in each of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , represents a non-foldability of the coaster  10  once folded into its the half-moon shape so that such shape is maintained. 
         [0015]    Coaster  10  further includes holes  22  defined therein that extend through each of the halves  16 ,  18  and align with each other so that a keychain ring (not shown) may be inserted and attached in order to enable safekeeping and transportability of the coaster  10 . Thus, the coaster  10  may be attached to the key chain ring and an associated keychain in its folded, and non-folded states. 
         [0016]    As seen in  FIG. 3 , the coaster of the present invention is also optionally provided in a square configuration with similar foldability and transportability like that of the coaster  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In particular, the coaster  24  of  FIGS. 3 and 4  defines a coaster body  25  and is foldable along line  26  so as to also be collapsible into half portions  28 ,  30  that fold onto each other. Solid line  32  represents a non-foldability of each of the halves  28 ,  30  after the coaster  24  has been folded along line  26 . Holes  34 , similar to holes  22  of the coaster  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , are likewise provided. 
         [0017]    Thus, there is provided a coaster that is foldable into multiple sections and which is attachable to a keychain ring, and thus to a keychain, in order to enable compact sizing and transportability of the coaster. Other attachments which are passable through the holes of the coaster are also contemplated, and include, for example, a string or chain, so as to allow linkage of the coaster to an item that is carryable on a user&#39;s person. Such item or items may include, for example, a purse or satchel. 
         [0018]    The coaster of the present invention may be constructed of, optionally, paper, plastic, cork, or any combination thereof including lamination of one or more of the same, together with any layered combination of the same. 
         [0019]    Alternative embodiments are also contemplated, wherein the description appearing hereinabove is not to be limited by the claims appearing below. For example, it is contemplated that the coaster may be configured in a non-circular or non-square configuration. Further, it is also contemplated that the coaster of the present invention may be foldable into multiple other configurations than those discussed herein so as to be suitable to varying sizing requirements and/or desires.