Replaceable tactile bucket wrap and system for same

Abstract

A wrap system for a bucket or other vessel that is comprised of a pliant sheet of material that encases all or part of the outer surface of said bucket or vessel and is textured to resemble a desired article. The wrap can be removed but is fitted tight enough as not to fall off during normal use. The textures can include but not be limited to sports balls, (i.e. basketballs, footballs, or baseballs) or company logos, insignias, or a combination of the two.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wrap for a bucket, the bucket having an outer surface, the wrap comprising a pliant sheet of material sized and shaped to encase at least in part the outer surface of the bucket, the wrap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface of the wrap defines a structure that simulates the appearance of a desired article when the wrap is positioned on the bucket. 
     
     
         2 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the wrap is textured in a manner to further simulate the appearance of the desired article. 
     
     
         3 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the wrap is colored in a manner to further simulate the appearance of the desired article. 
     
     
         4 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the wrap defines a formation that replicates a specific feature of the article. 
     
     
         5 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the wrap simulates the appearance of a sporting goods article. 
     
     
         6 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the wrap defines a contact surface, the contact surface being capable of accepting a patch. 
     
     
         7 . The wrap of  claim 6 , further comprising a patch. 
     
     
         8 . The wrap of  claim 7 , wherein the patch is removable from the contact surface. 
     
     
         9 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises one or more of the following:
 rubber;   plastic; and   vinyl.   
     
     
         10 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the wrap is removable from the bucket. 
     
     
         11 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the wrap comprises a thermal insulating material. 
     
     
         12 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the wrap comprises an elastic material. 
     
     
         13 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the wrap is penannular. 
     
     
         14 . The wrap of  claim 1 , wherein the wrap comprises a sleeve. 
     
     
         15 . A wrap for a bucket, the bucket having an outer surface, the wrap comprising a pliant sheet of material sized and shaped to encase at least in part the outer surface of the bucket, the wrap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface of the wrap defines a structure that simulates the appearance of a desired theme when the wrap is positioned on the bucket. 
     
     
         16 . The wrap of  claim 15 , wherein the theme comprises a specific event. 
     
     
         17 . The wrap of  claim 15 , wherein the theme comprises a specific marketing promotion. 
     
     
         18 . A wrap for a bucket in combination with a marketing promotion activity, the bucket having an outer surface, the wrap comprising a pliant sheet of material sized and shaped to encase at least in part the outer surface of the bucket, the wrap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface of the wrap defines a structure that simulates the appearance of a desired theme when the wrap is positioned on the bucket. 
     
     
         19 . A method of serving beverages, the method comprising the steps of:
 a. selecting a bucket of sufficient size to hold one or more containers of beverages, the bucket having an outer surface;   b. constructing a wrap, the wrap comprising a sheet of material sized and shaped to encase at least in part the outer surface of the bucket, the wrap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface of the wrap defines a structure that simulates the appearance of a desired article when the wrap is positioned on the bucket;   c. positioning the wrap on the bucket;   d. selecting one or more containers of beverages;   e. placing said one or more containers of beverages into the bucket; and   f. serving the beverages in the bucket to one or more persons.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of adhering the wrap to the bucket. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of designing the outer surface of the wrap to be associated with a desired marketing promotion. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the article comprises a sporting goods product. 
     
     
         23 . A system of interchangeable wraps for decoration of buckets comprising:
 a plurality of buckets of similar size and shape;   a plurality of bucket wraps, each of said plurality of bucket wraps sized and shaped to encase at least in part the outer surface of all of said plurality of buckets;   wherein the outer surface of the wrap is configured/structured to simulate the appearance of a desired theme when the wrap is positioned on the bucket.