Patent Publication Number: US-11045029-B2

Title: Fitted coaster for a beverage container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending design application Ser. No. 29/654,131 filed Jun. 21, 2018, and entitled Fitted Coaster, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to coasters for beverage containers. More specifically, the present disclosure generally relates to a fitted coaster for beverage containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Flat coasters help capture moisture, such as condensation, from beverage containers set on top of the coaster. Flat coasters are typically set on a surface, such as a table, and the beverage container, such as a glass, is set on top of the flat coaster. Flat coasters do not reliably adhere to beverage containers such that the coasters travel with the beverage container as the container is moved. Flat coasters also do not continuously prevent condensation from dripping off the beverage container while the beverage container is lifted from a surface. For example, when a user lifts a beverage container to take a sip, the flat coaster does not continuously prevent condensation from dripping off the beverage container. In another example, when a user takes a beverage container from one location, such as a home, to another location, such as a vehicle, the flat coaster does not continuously prevent condensation from dripping off the beverage container during travel. Flat coasters also serve as an advertisement piece. However, when the beverage container is on top of the flat coaster, the product or event being advertised is covered up and therefore rendered useless as an advertisement. 
     There is a need in the art for a system and method that addresses the shortcomings discussed above. 
     SUMMARY 
     A fitted coaster for a beverage container is disclosed. The fitted coaster solves the problems discussed above by receiving bottom and side surfaces of beverage containers. The fitted coaster works with a variety of beverage containers. For example, the fitted coaster works with cups, glasses, cans, bottles, and tumblers, etc. The fitted coaster has sidewalls and a base that receives the bottom and side surfaces of beverage containers in a manner that captures moisture, including condensation forming on the outer surfaces of the beverage container. A plurality of notches can also help the fitted coaster grip the surface of a beverage container as well as allow the base to be folded inward without obstruction of the side walls. The side walls also serve as advertisement space that will not be covered up when used with a beverage container. The bottom or base of a fitted beverage coaster also serves as advertisement space to be seen when an individual tips the beverage container to take a sip, making the bottom side of the fitted beverage coaster visible to the surrounding environment. Further, the base may be easily removed and, therefore, may be used as a promotional piece. 
     The present disclosure is directed to a fitted coaster for a beverage container. The coaster may include a base and a first sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base, the first sidewall, comprising: a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge; and a first top edge and a first bottom edge opposite the first top edge. The coaster may also include a second sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base, the second sidewall, comprising: a third lateral edge and a fourth lateral edge opposite the third lateral edge; and a second top edge and a second bottom edge opposite the second top edge, wherein the first lateral edge is attached to the third lateral edge and wherein the second lateral edge is attached to the fourth lateral edge. The coaster may further include a first notch disposed along the first bottom edge. 
     In addition, the present disclosure is directed to a fitted coaster for a beverage container including a circular base and a first sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base, the first sidewall, comprising: a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge; and a first top edge and a first bottom edge opposite the first top edge. The coaster may also include a second sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base, the second sidewall, comprising: a third lateral edge and a fourth lateral edge opposite the third lateral edge; and a second top edge and a second bottom edge opposite the second top edge, wherein the first lateral edge is attached to the third lateral edge and wherein the second lateral edge is attached to the fourth lateral edge. 
     In addition, the present disclosure is directed to a fitted coaster for a beverage container including a circular base and a first sidewall extending from the circular base, the first sidewall, comprising: a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge; and a first top edge and a first bottom edge opposite the first top edge, wherein the first top edge is curved, the first bottom edge is straight, and the first bottom edge is connected to the circular base. The coaster may also include a second sidewall extending from the circular base, the second sidewall, comprising: a third lateral edge and a fourth lateral edge opposite the third lateral edge; and a second top edge and a second bottom edge opposite the second top edge, wherein the second top edge is curved, the second bottom edge is straight, and the second bottom edge is connected to the circular base. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. 
     While various embodiments are described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature or element of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. 
     This disclosure includes and contemplates combinations with features and elements known to the average artisan in the art. The embodiments, features and elements that have been disclosed may also be combined with any conventional features or elements to form a distinct invention as defined by the claims. Any feature or element of any embodiment may also be combined with features or elements from other inventions to form another distinct invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented singularly or in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a blank for a fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the assembled fitted coaster from  FIG. 1  in combination with a beverage container; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevation of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom elevation view of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the assembled fitted in combination with a beverage container; 
         FIG. 9  is a view of a circular base of the assembled fitted coaster in a folded configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is another embodiment of a blank for a fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the fitted coaster from  FIG. 10  assembled and in combination with a tapered beverage container; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear elevation view of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of one side of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the opposite side of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom elevation view of the assembled fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the assembled fitted coaster in combination with a tapered beverage container; 
         FIG. 18  is another embodiment of a blank of a fitted coaster in which a surface of the fitted coaster includes corrugation; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the assembled fitted coaster from  FIG. 18  in combination with a beverage container; 
         FIG. 20  is another embodiment of a fitted coaster; 
         FIG. 21  is another embodiment of a fitted coaster; and 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the fitted coaster from  FIG. 21  assembled and in combination with a tapered beverage container. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A fitted coaster for a beverage container is disclosed. The fitted coaster may include a flat blank that is assembled to have a shape corresponding to a beverage container. For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a blank for a fitted coaster  100  and  FIG. 2  shows fitted coaster  100  in an assembled condition. In another example,  FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a blank for a fitted coaster  1000  and  FIG. 11  shows fitted coaster  1000  in an assembled condition. The view in  FIG. 1  shows the part of the blank that will become an outer surface  170  of fitted coaster  100  when fitted coaster  100  is assembled. Similarly, the view in  FIG. 10  shows the part of the blank that will become an outer surface  1070  of fitted coaster  1000  when fitted coaster  1000  is assembled. 
     The fitted coaster may include a base. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , fitted coaster  100  includes a base  156 . In another example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , fitted coaster  1000  includes a base  1056 . The fitted coaster may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall that is opposite the first sidewall. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , fitted coaster  100  includes a first sidewall  102  and a second sidewall  104  that is opposite first sidewall  102 . In another example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , fitted coaster  1000  includes a first sidewall  1002  and a second sidewall  1004  that is opposite first sidewall  1002 . The first sidewall may extend from the base. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , first sidewall  102  extends from base  156 . The second sidewall may extend from the base. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , second sidewall  104  extends from base  156  in a position opposite first sidewall  102 . In another example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , second sidewall  1004  extends from base  1056  in a position opposite first sidewall  1002 . In some embodiments, the sidewalls may provide a surface for advertisements or designs. 
     In some embodiments, the blank for the fitted coaster is all one, monolithic piece of material. In such embodiments, the base and sidewalls are formed from a single piece of material. This one-piece structure simplifies assembly by preventing the need to attach multiple parts together. In other embodiments, the base and sidewalls are formed from various materials secured together. 
     In some embodiments, when assembled, the first sidewall and second sidewall may both extend perpendicularly from the base. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , first sidewall  102  and second sidewall  104  both extend perpendicularly from base  156 . In other embodiments, when assembled, the first sidewall and second sidewall may both extend substantially perpendicularly from the base. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , first sidewall  1002  and second sidewall  1004  both extend substantially perpendicularly from base  1056 . 
     The first sidewall may include a first top edge and a first bottom edge that is opposite the first top edge. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , first sidewall  102  includes a first top edge  106  and a first bottom edge  108  that is opposite top edge  106 . In another example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , first sidewall  1002  includes a first top edge  1006  and a first bottom edge  1008  that is opposite top edge  1006 . The second sidewall may include a second top edge and a second bottom edge that is opposite the first top edge. For example, second sidewall  104  includes a second top edge  110  and a second bottom edge  112 . In another example, second sidewall  1004  includes a second top edge  1010  and a second bottom edge  1012 . It is understood that the terms “top” and “bottom” here are used to help in understanding where parts of the fitted coaster are located when the fitted coaster is assembled and situated right-side-up with the base on a surface and an opening of the fitted coaster facing upward. For example,  FIG. 2  shows fitted coaster  100  of  FIG. 1  assembled and receiving a beverage container  202  having a rim  204  that is right-side-up. 
     The first bottom edge may connect to the base along a first connection zone. For example, first bottom edge  108  connects to base  156  along a first connection zone  152 . In another example, first bottom edge  1008  connects to base  1056  along a first connection zone  1052 . In some cases, the first bottom edge directly connects to the base along the first connection zone. For example, first bottom edge  108  directly connects to base  156  along first connection zone  152  without a flange or other component spacing first bottom edge  108  from base  156 . Rather, first bottom edge  108  directly contacts base  156  such that first bottom edge  108  and base  156  share first connection zone  152 . 
     The second bottom edge may connect to the base along a second connection zone. For example, second bottom edge  112  directly connects to base  156  along a second connection zone  154 . In another example, second bottom edge  1012  directly connects to base  1056  along a second connection zone  1054 . In some cases, the second bottom edge directly connects to the base along the second connection zone. For example, second bottom edge  112  directly connects to base  156  along second connection zone  154  without a flange or other component spacing second bottom edge  114  from base  156 . Rather, second bottom edge  114  directly contacts base  156  such that second bottom edge  114  and base  156  share second connection zone  154 . 
     The base of fitted coaster may have a circular shape. For example, base  156  has a circular shape. In another example, base  1056  has a circular shape. In some embodiments, the base may have a substantially circular shape. In the context of this disclosure, substantially circular means more circular than not. For example, an oval may be substantially circular. In another example, the base may have a straight first connection zone and a straight second connection zone that gives the base two straight sides. In such an embodiment, the curved edges connecting the straight first connection zone and straight second connection zone make up more of the base than the straight first connection zone and straight second connection zone such that the base is substantially circular. 
     In some embodiments, the first bottom edge and the second bottom edge may be straight. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , first bottom edge  108  and second bottom edge  112  are straight. In another example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , first bottom edge  1008  and second bottom edge  1012  are straight. A straight first bottom edge and a straight second bottom edge cause the bottom edges to be in contact with the base when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , first bottom edge  108  and second bottom edge  112  are in contact with base  156 . In another example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , first bottom edge  1008  and second bottom edge  1012  are in contact with base  1056 . The contact between the first and second bottom edges with the base is discussed in more detail below. 
     When assembled, the first top edge and the second top edge form a lip of the fitted coaster when in the assembled condition. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , first top edge  106  and second top edge  110  form a lip of fitted coaster  100 . In another example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , first top edge  1006  and second top edge  1010  form a lip of fitted coaster  1000 . In some embodiments, the first top edge and the second top edge may both be straight. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , first top edge  106  and second top edge  110  are both straight. A straight first top edge and a straight second top edge cause the lip to have the same diameter as the base, such that the assembled fitted coaster has a cylindrical shape. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , fitted coaster  100  has a cylindrical shape. Such a cylindrically shaped fitted coaster may receive cylindrical shapes. For example, beverage container  202  has a cylindrical base that is received by fitted coaster  100 . 
     In other embodiments, the first top edge and the second top edge may both be curved. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , first top edge  1006  and second top edge  1010  are both curved. A curved first top edge and a curved second top edge cause the lip to have a larger diameter than the base, such that the assembled fitted coaster has a frustoconical shape. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , fitted coaster  1000  has a frustoconical shape. In some embodiments, the top edges may be larger than the bottom edges. Having larger top edges than bottom edges also contributes to a frustoconical shape. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , first top edge  1006  is wider than first bottom edge  1008 , and second top edge  1010  is wider than second bottom edge  1012 . The larger the difference in width between the top edges and the bottom edges, the more the dramatically frustoconical shape tapers. 
     In some embodiments, the first bottom edge may be parallel to the first top edge. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , first top edge  106  is parallel to first bottom edge  108 . In some embodiments, the second bottom edge may be parallel to the second top edge. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , second top edge  106  is parallel to second bottom edge  112 . 
     The first sidewall may include a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. For example, first sidewall  102  includes a first lateral edge  114  and a second lateral edge  116  that is opposite first lateral edge  114 . In another example, first sidewall  1002  includes a first lateral edge  1014  and a second lateral edge  1016  that is opposite first lateral edge  1014 . In some embodiments, the first lateral edge is parallel to the second lateral edge. For example, first lateral edge  114  is parallel to second lateral edge  116 . The first lateral edge may include a first slanted edge and a second slanted edge. For example, first lateral edge  114  includes a first slanted edge  126  and a second slanted edge  128  that is opposite first slanted edge  126 . In another example, first lateral edge  1014  includes a first slanted edge  1026  and a second slanted edge  1028  that is opposite first slanted edge  1026 . In some embodiments, the first slanted edge may be a mirror image of the second slanted edge. In some embodiments, the first slanted edge may have the same length and shape as the second slanted edge. 
     The second lateral edge may include a third slanted edge and a fourth slanted edge. For example, second lateral edge  116  includes a third slanted edge  130  and a fourth slanted edge  132  that is opposite third slanted edge  130 . In another example, second lateral edge  1016  includes a third slanted edge  1030  and a fourth slanted edge  1032  that is opposite third slanted edge  1030 . In some embodiments, the third slanted edge may be a mirror image of the fourth slanted edge. In some embodiments, the third slanted edge may have the same length and shape as the fourth slanted edge. 
     The second sidewall may include a third lateral edge and a fourth lateral edge. For example, second sidewall  104  includes a third lateral edge  122  and a fourth lateral edge  124  that is opposite third lateral edge  122 . In another example, second sidewall  1004  includes a third lateral edge  1022  and a fourth lateral edge  1024  that is opposite third lateral edge  1022 . The third lateral edge may include a fifth slanted edge and a sixth slanted edge. For example, third lateral edge  122  includes a fifth slanted edge  134  and a sixth slanted edge  136  that is opposite fifth slanted edge  134 . In another example, third lateral edge  1022  includes a fifth slanted edge  1034  and a sixth slanted edge  1036  that is opposite fifth slanted edge  1034 . In some embodiments, the fifth slanted edge may be a mirror image of the sixth slanted edge. The fifth slanted edge may have the same length and shape as the sixth slanted edge. 
     The fourth lateral edge may include a seventh slanted edge and an eighth slanted edge. For example, fourth lateral edge  124  includes a seventh slanted edge  138  and an eighth slanted edge  140  that is opposite seventh slanted edge  138 . In another example, fourth lateral edge  1024  includes a seventh slanted edge  1038  and an eighth slanted edge  1040  that is opposite seventh slanted edge  1038 . In some embodiments, the seventh slanted edge may be a mirror image of eighth slanted edge. In some embodiments, the seventh slanted edge may have the same length and shape as the eighth slanted edge. 
     The first slanted edge and the sixth slanted edge may together form a first notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , first slanted edge  126  and sixth slanted edge  136  together form a first notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. In another example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , first slanted edge  1026  and sixth slanted edge  1036  together form a first notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. The first notch may be formed along the first top edge. The first notch may be formed along the second top edge. 
     The second slanted edge and the fifth slanted edge may together form a second notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , second slanted edge  128  and fifth slanted edge  134  together form a second notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. In another example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , second slanted edge  1028  and fifth slanted edge  1034  together form a second notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. The second notch may be formed along the first bottom edge. The second notch may be formed along the second bottom edge. In some embodiments, the second notch may be disposed opposite the first notch. 
     The third slanted edge and the eighth slanted edge may together form a third notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , third slanted edge  130  and eighth slanted edge  140  together form a third notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. In another example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , third slanted edge  1030  and eighth slanted edge  1040  together form a third notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. The third notch may be formed along the first top edge. The third notch may be formed along the second top edge. In some embodiments, the third notch may be disposed opposite the first notch. 
     The fourth slanted edge and the seventh slanted edge may together form a fourth notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , fourth slanted edge  132  and seventh slanted edge  138  together form a fourth notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. In another example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , fourth slanted edge  1032  and seventh slanted edge  1038  together form a fourth notch when the fitted coaster is in the assembled condition. The fourth notch may be formed along the first bottom edge. The fourth notch may be formed along the second bottom edge. In some embodiments the fourth notch may be disposed opposite the third notch. In some embodiments, the fourth notch may be disposed opposite the first notch. 
     As discussed below, providing one or more notches can help with folding and unfolding the fitted coaster. Additionally, one or more notches can make the fitted coaster have a better grip on a beverage container. This better grip prevents a beverage container from slipping out of the fitted container. 
     The notches shown in the drawings are v-shaped. However, it is understood that the notches may have other shapes in other embodiments. The shape of the notches may depend on the shape of the slanted edges that form the notches. For example, if the slanted edges are curved instead of straight, then the notches would be u-shaped. 
     The first sidewall may be unattached from the base at a first unattached region disposed between the first connection zone and the second notch formed on the bottom edge. For example, first sidewall  102  may be unattached from base  156  at a first unattached region disposed between first connection zone  152  and the second notch formed by second slanted edge  128  and fifth slanted edge  134 . In another example, first sidewall  1002  may be unattached from base  1056  at a first unattached region disposed between first connection zone  1052  and the second notch formed by second slanted edge  1028  and fifth slanted edge  1034 . The first sidewall may contact the base along the first unattached region. This contact is caused by the bottom edges being straight and the base being directly connected to first sidewall without any spacing. A tight fit between the bottom edges and the base helps trap moisture/condensation within the fitted coaster. 
     The first sidewall may be unattached from the base at the second unattached region disposed between the first connection zone and a fourth notch formed on the bottom edge. For example, first sidewall  102  may be unattached from base  156  at a second unattached region disposed between first connection zone  152  and the fourth notch formed by fourth slanted edge  132  and seventh slanted edge  138 . In another example, first sidewall  1002  may be unattached from base  1056  at a second unattached region disposed between first connection zone  1052  and the fourth notch formed by fourth slanted edge  1032  and seventh slanted edge  1038 . The first sidewall may contact the base along the second unattached region. This contact is caused by the bottom edges being straight and the base being directly connected to first sidewall without any spacing. A tight fit creating contact between the bottom edges and the base helps trap moisture/condensation within the fitted coaster. 
     The second sidewall may be unattached from the base at a third unattached region disposed between the second connection zone and the second notch formed on the bottom edge. For example, second sidewall  104  may be unattached from base  156  at a second unattached region disposed between second connection zone  154  and the second notch formed by second slanted edge  128  and fifth slanted edge  134 . In another example, second sidewall  1004  may be unattached from base  1056  at a second unattached region disposed between second connection zone  1054  and the second notch formed by second slanted edge  1028  and fifth slanted edge  1034 . The second sidewall may contact the base along the third unattached region. This contact is caused by the bottom edges being straight and the base being directly connected to first sidewall without any spacing. A tight fit creating contact between the bottom edges and the base helps trap moisture/condensation within the fitted coaster. 
     The second sidewall may be unattached from the base at a fourth unattached region disposed between the second connection zone and the fourth notch formed on the bottom edge. For example, second sidewall  104  may be unattached from base  156  at a fourth unattached region disposed between second connection zone  154  and the fourth notch formed by fourth slanted edge  132  and seventh slanted edge  138 . In another example, second sidewall  1004  may be unattached from base  1056  at a fourth unattached region disposed between second connection zone  1054  and the fourth notch formed by fourth slanted edge  1032  and seventh slanted edge  1038 . The first sidewall may contact the base along the second unattached region. This contact is caused by the bottom edges being straight and the base being directly connected to first sidewall without any spacing. A tight fit creating contact between the bottom edges and the base helps trap moisture/condensation within the fitted coaster. 
     In some embodiments, the fitted coaster includes tabs. For example, first lateral edge  114  includes a first tab  118 . First tab  118  extends from first lateral edge  114 . In some embodiments, the first tab is an extension of the first lateral edge. In such embodiments, the blank for the fitted coaster may be all one, monolithic piece of material. In other embodiments, the first tab is made from a different piece of material from the rest of the blank for the fitted coaster. In such an embodiment, the first tab is attached to the first lateral edge. 
     Second lateral edge  116  includes a second tab  120 . Second tab  120  extends from second lateral edge  116 . In some embodiments, the second tab is an extension of the second lateral edge. In such embodiments, the blank for the fitted coaster may be all one, monolithic piece of material. In other embodiments, the second tab is made from a different piece of material from the rest of the blank for the fitted coaster. In such an embodiment, the second tab is attached to the second lateral edge. 
       FIGS. 2-9  show fitted coaster  100  in an assembled configuration. During assembly, first sidewall  102  is folded at first connection zone  152  and second sidewall  104  is folded at second connection zone  154 . First sidewall  102  and second sidewall  104  are folded toward each other such that first sidewall  102  and second sidewall  104  are perpendicular to base  156 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , during assembly, first sidewall  102  and second sidewall  104  are folded toward each other in a direction that is away from the view in  FIG. 1 . First lateral edge  114  is brought into contact with third lateral edge  122 . Second lateral edge  116  is brought into contact with fourth lateral edge  124 . As previously mentioned,  FIG. 1  shows the part of the blank that will become outer surface  170  of fitted coaster  100  when fitted coaster  100  is assembled. In the assembled condition, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the part of fitted coaster  100  not shown in  FIG. 1  becomes the inner surface  270  in the assembled configuration. The blank shown in  FIG. 10  can be assembled in the same way as the blank in  FIG. 1 . When assembled, fitted coaster  1000  has an inner surface  1170 . 
     In some embodiments, the first and second tabs may be attached to the inner surface. For example, the first and second tabs may be adhered to the inner surface by an adhesive. In another example, the first and second tabs may be attached to the inner surface by mechanical connection, such as hook and loop fasteners. In some embodiments, the tabs may be attached to an outer surface of the fitted coaster. 
       FIGS. 1-9  illustrate an example of the first and second tabs being attached to the inner surface in the assembled configuration.  FIG. 2  shows first tab  118  attached to inner surface  270  on second sidewall  104  at a region adjacent to third lateral edge  122 . Second tab  120  is attached to inner surface  270  on second sidewall  104  at a region adjacent to fourth lateral edge  124 . 
       FIGS. 10-17  illustrate another example of the first and second tabs being attached to the inner surface in the assembled configuration.  FIG. 11  shows first tab  1018  attached to inner surface  1170  on second sidewall  1004  at a region adjacent to third lateral edge  1022 . Second tab  1020  is attached to inner surface  1170  on second sidewall  1004  at a region adjacent to fourth lateral edge  1024 . 
     In some embodiments, the fitted coaster may have one or more volume indicators. For example, fitted coaster  100  includes a first volume indicator  142  on first sidewall  102  and a second volume indicator  150  on second sidewall  104 . The volume indicators can provide a view of a beverage container inserted within the fitted coaster. This way, a user or other person can see the level of fluid contained within the beverage container without removing the beverage container from the fitted coaster. For example, a server at a restaurant could see the level of fluid within a beverage container and can know when it is appropriate to offer a refill. As shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , the volume indicator may have an elongate shape with a longitudinal axis extending along a direction parallel with a lateral axis of the sidewalls. This shape and position makes the volume indicator show the level of fluid within a beverage container while remaining minimal so as not to interfere with the fit of the fitted coaster on the beverage container. 
     It is understood that the volume indicator may have a different shape or position. For example, a volume indicator may have a curved shape, such as an oval or s-shape. In some embodiments, the number of volume indicators may vary. For example, instead of having two volume indicators, as shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , a fitted coaster may have only one volume indicator. In another example, a fitted coaster may have three volume indicators. In some embodiments, a volume indicator may be made up of multiple windows stacked vertically one on top of the other on a sidewall of a fitted coaster. 
     The fitted coaster may be folded for storage and/or shipping, etc. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates fitted coaster  100  going into a folded position. In a folded position, the fitted coaster can be in the assembled or unassembled condition.  FIG. 9  shows fitted coaster  100  folded while in the assembled condition. The base may fold inwardly to make the footprint of the base smaller during storage and/or shipping than if the base folded outwardly. For example,  FIG. 9  shows how base  156  folds inwardly with respect to fitted coaster  100 . The base may be perforated, have a slit, have a partial thickness cut, or be indented to facilitate folding the base inwardly. For example, base  156  has a perforation  172  that helps base  156  fold such that base  156  lies flat in a folded position. The third and fourth notches prevent the base from catching on the joint between the lateral edges when the base is folded inwardly and when the base is unfolded. Additionally, the first, second, third, and fourth notches help reduce bulk such that multiple folded fitted coasters can be neatly stacked. The notches further make the fitted coaster have a smaller footprint for shipping, storage, or placement on a work area, such as a bar counter. 
     The fitted coaster may be made from any suitable material. For example, the fitted coaster may be made of cardboard. The type of material used may depend on a variety of factors. For example, in some embodiments, cardboard may be selected to provide an absorbent material that is also recyclable and/or disposable. In another example, the type material may be selected based on the ability of the material to insulate against heat or cold, so that the user&#39;s hand stays comfortable holding a beverage container inserted within the fitted coaster. The inner and/or outer surface of the fitted coaster may be smooth, textured, embossed, or corrugated. For example,  FIG. 18  shows a blank for a fitted coaster  1800 . The surface showing in  FIG. 18  is corrugated. As shown in  FIG. 19 , fitted coaster  1800  is assembled with the corrugated surface disposed on an inner surface  1802  of the assembled fitted coaster. In this embodiment, an outer surface  1804  of fitted coaster  1800  is smooth. In some embodiments, the fitted coaster may be assembled such that the corrugated surface is disposed on the outer surface of the assembled fitted coaster. In some embodiments, both sides of an assembled fitted coaster have the same texture. For example, the fitted coasters shown in  FIGS. 1-9 and 10-17  include smooth inner and outer surfaces. In some embodiments, the fitted coaster may be made of multiple layers of material. For example, the fitted coaster may include a first layer of smooth cardboard forming an inner surface, a second layer of smooth cardboard forming an outer surface, and a corrugated cardboard layer sandwiched between the first smooth cardboard and the second smooth cardboard. For example,  FIGS. 21-22  show a fitted coaster  2100  having a first smooth cardboard layer  2204  forming an inner surface, a second smooth cardboard layer  2202  forming an outer surface, and a corrugated cardboard layer  2206  sandwiched between the first smooth cardboard and the second smooth cardboard.  FIG. 21  shows fitted coaster  2100  as a blank.  FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the fitted coaster from  FIG. 21  assembled and in combination with a tapered beverage container  2214  having a lip  2210 . Zoomed in view  2212  shows the way outer surface  2202  and inner surface  2202  sandwich corrugated cardboard layer  2206  therebetween. 
     In some embodiments, the fitted coaster may have perforation holes for allowing air, moisture, and/or heat to escape from between a beverage container and the fitted coaster. In such embodiments, the fitted coaster may be made of multiple layers, and the perforation holes may only penetrate a single layer or multiple layers (e.g., all layers). For example,  FIGS. 21-22  show an embodiment in which first smooth cardboard layer  2204  includes perforation holes  2208 . Zoomed in view  2212  shows how perforation holes  2208  extend through first smooth cardboard layer  2204 . 
     The size of the fitted coaster may vary with the beverage container it is meant to hold and/or for how much of the beverage container the fitted coaster is meant to cover. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the fitted coaster covers less than half of the beverage container. In other embodiments, the fitted coaster may cover more than half of a beverage container. The dimensions of the sidewalls and base may be adjusted to adjust the size of the fitted coaster. 
     In some embodiments, the connection zones may be perforated. For example,  FIG. 20  shows an embodiment of a fitted coaster  2000  having a first connection zone  2052  and a second connection zone  2054 . In this embodiment, first connection zone  2052  and second connection zone  2054  are perforated. These perforations make it easy for a first sidewall  2002  and a second sidewall  2004  to be removed from a base  2056 . For example, a user may want to use only the sidewalls around a beverage container. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.