Container Protector

Abstract

In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for preventing a material within a container from exiting said container, said method comprising the steps of:
 a. positioning a container protector on said container; and,   b. adjusting said container protector such that said container protector creates a hermetic seal around the peripheral opening of said container, wherein said container protector includes an interior lip extending upward from said peripheral opening of said container.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said container protector further comprises:
 a. two opposing side skirts; 
 b. two opposing end skirts, wherein said opposing end skirts are positioned between and affixed to said opposing side skirts such that said opposing end skirts and said opposing side skirts substantially form a rectangle; and, 
 c. an interior lip, wherein said interior lip is positioned around the interior periphery of said rectangle formed by said opposing end skirts and said opposing side skirts. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said container protector is further defined as being configured to have a bottom portion affixed between said opposing side skirts and said opposing end skirts. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said container protector is further defined as being configured to be securedly engaged with the periphery of a rectangular-shaped container having a side wall length of thirteen inches and an end wall length of nine inches. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said container protector is further defined as being configured to be securedly engaged with the periphery of a rectangular-shaped container having a side wall length of eleven inches and an end wall length of seven inches. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said container protector is further defined as having a side skirt that is between 0.25 and 2.5 inches in height. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said container protector is further defined as being configured to be securedly engaged with the periphery of a square-shaped container having a side wall length of nine inches and an end wall length of nine inches. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said container protector is further defined as being configured to be securedly engaged with the periphery of a square-shaped container having a side wall length of eight inches and an end wall length of eight inches. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said two opposing side skirts further comprise a ridge extending along the length thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said container protector is further defined as being configured with two handle extensions, wherein each said handle extension is positioned in either said end skirt. 
     
     
         11 . A container protector comprising:
 a. a side skirt, wherein said side skirt is substantially circular in shape; and   b. an interior lip, wherein said interior lip is positioned around the interior periphery of said side skirt.   
     
     
         12 . The container protector according to  claim 11  wherein said container protector is further defined as being configured to have a bottom portion affixed to an edge of said side skirt to form a vessel. 
     
     
         13 . The container protector according to  claim 11  wherein said container protector is further defined as being configured to be securedly engaged with the periphery of a circular container having a diameter of eight inches. 
     
     
         14 . The container protector according to  claim 11  wherein said container protector is further defined as being constructed of a rubber silicone material. 
     
     
         15 . The container protector according to  claim 11  wherein said side skirt further comprises a ridge formed therein.