Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and carry device for carrying alcoholic miniature bottles (mini-bottles or miniatures). More specifically, the present invention relates to a strap for wearing under garments that allows the user to transport a plurality of miniatures without being observed.

Description:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a method and carry device for carrying alcoholic miniature bottles (mini-bottles or miniatures). More specifically, the present invention relates to a strap for wearing under garments that allows the user to transport a plurality of miniatures without being observed. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Alcoholic beverages come in a dizzying array of bottle shapes and sizes. Because it is illegal to transport open liquor containers, the development of the alcoholic miniature bottle occurred more than 100 years ago. These miniatures contain approximately 50 ml of alcohol and usually hard alcohol with a proof of at least 20% alcohol. Miniatures contain hard liquor such as whisky, gin, vodka, and the like and 50 ml is enough for one or two mixed drinks. 
         [0006]    While miniatures are the favorite for airlines and places where single serving bottles must be utilized, an individual transporting multiple bottles can have difficulty in a number of areas. It&#39;s difficult to transport a plurality of these bottles without using both hands and placement in a bag or other satchel type device runs the risk of breaking the bottles as they bang into one another not to mention the fact that they make noise as they hit. Further, where carrying of alcoholic bottles may be frowned on, or the carrier otherwise does not want to be seen carrying alcohol, these bottles carried in the open draw attention to the user very quickly. While transferring the alcohol to unmarked containers allows for concealing the identity of the liquid, alcohol so transferred is in open containers and therefore cannot legally be carried in a car or other location prohibiting open containers. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention relates to a device comprising a strap for attaching to the body with a plurality of expandable fabric (elastic, for example) sleeves attached to the strap. The strap is attached to the body under the clothing, for example, around the waist or over the shoulder, under a shirt or blouse, on the bicep or forearm under a shirt sleeve, on the thigh under a skirt, the leg under pants, or the like. The loops are of a size and strechability that alcoholic miniatures will fit in and be held by the stretchable fabric. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention there is a method for a user to transport alcoholic miniatures comprising:
       a) selecting an alcoholic miniatures carrying device comprising:
           i. a strap comprising a first and a second end and having an outside face, an opposing inside face, a selected width, a selected length and a fastening device for attaching the two ends together; and   ii. a rectangular piece of elastomeric fabric having a first end and a second end attached flat to the strap outside face; the elastomeric fabric having a selected width and length essentially equal to or less than the strap width and length; and wherein the elastomeric fabric is vertically attached flat to the strap at one or more intervals sufficient to create a plurality of sleeves between the fabric and strap such that each sleeve is capable of holding and retaining an alcoholic miniature;   
           b) attaching the strap to a limb or the torso of the user by wrapping the inside face of the strap around the limb or torso and engaging the fastening device;   c) positioning at least one alcoholic miniature in the at least one of the plurality of sleeves so that it is held by the elastomeric fabric; and   d) positioning a piece of clothing that is being worn by the user such that the strap and the at least one miniature are covered from view.       
 
         [0015]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is a carrying device for transporting a plurality of alcoholic miniatures underneath a user&#39;s clothing comprising:
       a) a strap comprising a first and a second end, and having an outside face, an opposing inside face, a selected width, a selected length and a fastening device for attaching the two ends together;   b) a rectangular piece of elastomeric fabric having a first end and a second end attached flat to the strap outside face; the elastomeric fabric having a selected width and length essentially equal to or less than the strap width and length; and wherein the elastomeric fabric is vertically attached flat to the strap at one or more intervals sufficient to create a plurality of sleeves between the fabric and strap such that each sleeve is capable of holding and retaining an alcoholic miniature; and   c) at least one alcoholic miniature positioned and held in one of the plurality of sleeves.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1   a  is a waist or shoulder strap of the invention for holding 12 miniatures. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1   b  is a smaller strap for holding 3 bottles for the thigh, or bicep or the like. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2   a  shows the method of the invention with a strap of the invention on the user&#39;s waist. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2   b  shows the method of the invention with the strap of  FIG. 2   a  on the waist with the user&#39;s shirt pulled down over the strap. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows the shorter device around a user&#39;s thigh. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the art to practice the invention. 
       DEFINITIONS 
       [0025]    The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
         [0026]    Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation. 
         [0027]    The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. 
         [0028]    The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. Term “means” preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the term “means” is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0029]    As used herein, the term “user” refers to an individual of sufficient age that is legal to possess alcoholic beverages under the law. The user is also someone who is wearing a piece of clothing sufficiently baggy or loose enough that the device of the present invention will fit underneath the clothing during use. 
         [0030]    As used herein, the term “transport” refers to the carrying of an alcoholic miniature on the body. It does not in the classic sense mean one must go from one point to another though that is certainly included in the definition. It refers to the alcoholic miniatures being on the body of the user as the user moves about whether from point to point or just on the person. 
         [0031]    As used herein the term “alcoholic miniatures” refers to hard alcoholic sealed bottles of about 50 mL that are typically sold in liquor stores or the like. They do not include bottles to which a liquid has been added to or to larger size sealed alcoholic beverage containing bottles. 
         [0032]    As used herein, the term “strap” is meant to encompass any elongate member, including cross-sectionally flat, rectangular, or round members formed of wire, rubber, leather, webbing material, polymeric, synthetic and non-synthetic fabrics, hook and loop fastening material, elastic and resilient materials, and any other material which may act as a surface to wrap around the torso or limb and attached a stretchable material to. It will need to be of sufficient selected width to hold the bottles tightly without slippage. The strap is at least half an inch in width but could be at least an inch, two, three or more in width. In one embodiment, the width of the strap is about 1.5 inches. 
         [0033]    The strap comprises a first end and a second end, an outside face, an opposing against the body inside face, and is sized of a selected length sufficient for the ends to be attached together when wrapped around the desired limb or torso area. The first and second end are attached to each other by means of a fastening device. The fastening device can be part of the strap, the strap material itself, or be separate from the strap. For example, the “fastening device” could be hook and loop fastener, a belt buckle, side release buckles, cam buckle, cord lock, double rings, ladder lock, or the like for fastening two ends of a strap together. One skilled in the art in view of this disclosure can determine how to select a fastening device for use under clothing and attach the strap ends together. 
         [0034]    The terms “elastic” and “elastomeric” are used herein to mean any material which, upon application of a biasing force, is stretchable, that is, elongatable, to a stretched, biased length which is at least about 125 percent of its relaxed unbiased length, and which, will recover at least 40-65 percent of its elongation upon release of the stretching, elongating force. 
         [0035]    As used herein, the term “elastomeric fabric” refers to a flat fabric which can be a woven textile fabric, knit textile fabric, nonwoven fabric, or web, and which includes a sufficient amount of elastomeric fibers, filaments, threads, strands and/or binders (i.e., fibers, filaments, threads, strands and/or binders which are made of an elastomeric material and which have stretch and recovery properties), so that the fabric itself is “elastic” as defined above. 
         [0036]    The elastomeric fabric is formed into a rectangular piece of fabric. In one embodiment it is of similar shape and dimensions to the strap, that is, a strap of elastomeric fabric. The elastomeric fabric is essentially the same or less width and length as the strap of the present invention. The elastomeric rectangular piece of fabric is attached to the outside face of the strap such that the elastomeric fabric is essentially entirely on the outside face of the strap. It is positioned to lay flat on the strap with little or no bias on the elastomeric properties of the elastomeric fabric. 
         [0037]    The elastomeric fabric is attached to the outside face of the strap by a series of one or more vertical attachments that are spaced apart at intervals to form a plurality of sleeves. The vertical attachment is a stitching, glue, or the like. By spacing out the attachments of the fabric to the strap at intervals, a plurality of sleeves are created. The internals to hold a 50 mL alcoholic miniature will depend on the actual shape of the bottle and the strength of the elastomeric fabric since various bottle designs are available but in general, the interval is about 1 inch to about 2 inches. In one embodiment the interval is 1.5 inches. By stretching out the fabric from the strap at this point, the fabric is biased and placing the miniature in the sleeve and then releasing the fabric causes the elastomeric fabric to attempt to return to its unbiased state, thus creating a holding pressure. Clearly, the amount of stretch of the fabric must be sufficient to hold the bottle and its 50 mL of liquid. One skilled in the art can so select in view of this embodiment and could clearly select embodiments in which the invention would consist or essentially consist of. 
         [0038]    The device of the present invention is attached to the limb or torso of the user by wrapping the device inside face of the strap against the body, and engaging the fastening device such that it is held in place. In one embodiment the strap can be adjustable in length in order to tighten the strap against the user&#39;s body. As used herein, “limb” refers to the user&#39;s arms or the legs and more specifically the upper arm or forearm, the thigh or lower leg, ankle, chest, shoulder, waist or the like. 
         [0039]    At this point, the user can take an alcoholic miniature and while stretching the fabric of one of the sleeves, place the bottle underneath the fabric and release the fabric. The pressure created by the elastomeric fabric trying to relax and regain an unbiased configuration against the strap will create sufficient pressure and friction to hold the bottle in place without having a bottom on the sleeve (though one certainly could be used in one optional embodiment). In fact, the bottle can stick out the bottom of the sleeve as seen in the drawings. 
         [0040]    At the point the sleeves have miniatures in them sufficient for the user&#39;s desires, the user puts on a piece of clothing over the device of the invention. The clothing needs to be sufficiently baggy or loose enough such that it can fit over the device without bulging too much or otherwise causing damage. In view of the present invention, the user can decide what clothing, shirt, pants, skirt, or the like, to be used with the present device. Once the clothing is in place, the device and miniatures are hidden from view and the user can go about their business (i.e. transport the miniatures) as desired. 
         [0041]    Other additions may also be included in the present invention. For example, an additional support strap for going around the shoulder, or other part of the body could be added in addition to the invention consisting of just the strap invention. In addition, pockets, logos, and the like could also be added. 
         [0042]    Now referring to the drawings.  FIG. 1   a  is a view of the outside face of an embodiment of the present invention. Carry device  1  consists of a strap  2  manufactured of polymeric webbing material with hook and loop ends  3 . A strip of an elastomeric fabric  4  is attached to strap  2 . The attachment of fabric  4  to strap  2  is by a series of sewn stitching  6  which create sleeves  7 . In this embodiment, the stitchings  6  are about 1.5 inches apart. The strap  2  has a width  10  and a length  11 . In this embodiment, the width  10  is 1.5 inches and the length about 53 inches. This particular embodiment is designed for a waste, chest, or shoulder of the user. In this view a manufacturer logo  8  is stitched to the strap  1 . 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 1   b  there is a shorter version of the present invention wherein there is a side release buckle  12  instead of the hook and loop of  FIG. 1   a . This version is shorter only having three sleeves instead of the dozen in  FIG. 1   a  as well. This could be utilized on the arm or the leg of the user. The width  10  of the elastomeric fabric  4  is essentially the same width  10  as the strap  2 , whereas in the  FIG. 1   a , the width of the elastomeric fabric  4  is less than the width  10  of the strap. In both embodiments, the length of the elastomeric fabric is less than the length  11  of the strap but one skilled in the art could easily make the elastomeric fabric longer. 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 2   a  a user  17  is shown from the back wearing a device  1  of the present invention. The user  17  is wearing shirt  16  pulled up to reveal the device around user&#39;s  17  waist. In this embodiment, the sleeve  7  has a series of alcoholic miniatures  15  placed in the sleeves.  FIG. 2   b  shows the user  17  with shirt  16  down and in place, thus hiding the device  1  of the present invention along with miniatures  15 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  shows a user  17  with a device  1  of the present invention on the upper thigh  20  of user  17 . The device of the present invention is the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   b . Other attachments and body locations are clear on the torso or limbs in view of the disclosure and drawings shown herein. 
         [0046]    Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiments employing principles of the present invention without departing from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, modifications of structure, sequence, materials and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of the invention as claimed by the applicant.