U.S. patent application number 10/982709 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for container wrap.
Invention is credited to Wilson, Charles, Wilson, Robert.
Application Number | 20050121457 10/982709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34636619 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050121457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson, Charles ; et
al. |
June 9, 2005 |
Container wrap
Abstract
A container wrap absorbs and/or collects condensation from the
outside of a beverage container carrying a cold beverage, thereby
reducing the inconvenience of the condensation. The wrap may
include a sleeve and a base, with the base including an absorbent
material. The wrap may be foldable into a flat configuration such
that it is easily stored yet easily opened for placement on a
container. The sleeve may have a frusto-conical shape so that the
wrap fits on a similarly shaped container. The sleeve and/or base
of a wrap may comprise a pulp material.
Inventors: |
Wilson, Charles; (Allston,
MA) ; Wilson, Robert; (Canton, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Eric L. Amundsen
Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.
600 Atlantic Avenue
Boston
MA
02210
US
|
Family ID: |
34636619 |
Appl. No.: |
10/982709 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60527341 |
Dec 5, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/739 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/36 20130101;
A47G 23/0216 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/739 |
International
Class: |
B65D 075/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising: a sleeve portion
having a top end and a bottom end; and a base portion disposed at
the bottom end of the sleeve, the base portion comprising an
absorbent material selected from the group consisting of:
single-faced microflute cardboard; cotton; a starch-based material;
and a water-soluble polymer.
2. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises
single-faced microflute cardboard.
3. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises
cotton.
4. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a
starch-based material.
5. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a
water-soluble polymer.
6. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion has a shape
adapted to conform to the shape of a portion of the beverage
container.
7. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a
frusto-conical shape.
8. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion comprises an
absorbent material.
9. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion and the base
portion comprise the same absorbent material.
10. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises the
absorbent material on a side adapted to face a bottom of the
beverage container.
11. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion is integral with
the sleeve portion.
12. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion is attached to
the sleeve portion at at least two locations.
13. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion is integral with
the sleeve portion at a first location and the base portion is
attached to the sleeve portion at a second location.
14. A wrap as in claim 13, wherein the base portion is attached to
the sleeve portion at the second location with adhesive.
15. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises at
least two pieces attached together.
16. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion is creased
such that the sleeve portion can be pressed into a substantially
flat configuration.
17. A wrap as in claim 16, wherein the base portion is creased such
that the sleeve portion can be pressed into a substantially flat
configuration.
18. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising: a first portion
forming a frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of
the side of the beverage container, the first portion comprising a
first absorbent material; and a second portion forming a base
disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve, the second portion
comprising a second absorbent material.
19. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first and second absorbent
materials are the same.
20. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises the
absorbent material on a side adapted to face a bottom of the
beverage container.
21. A wrap as in claim 20, wherein the first portion comprises the
absorbent material on a side adapted to face a side of the beverage
container.
22. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise single-faced microflute cardboard.
23. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise a cellulosic material.
24. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise double face corrugated cardboard.
25. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise absorbent foam.
26. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion is integral
with the second portion.
27. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion is attached
to the first portion at at least two locations.
28. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion is integral
with the first portion at a first location and the second portion
is attached to the first portion at a second location.
29. A wrap as in claim 28, wherein the second portion is attached
to the first portion at the second location with adhesive.
30. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises at
least two pieces attached together.
31. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion is creased
such that the first portion can be pressed into a substantially
flat configuration.
32. A wrap as in claim 31, wherein the second portion is creased
such that the second portion can be pressed into a substantially
flat configuration.
33. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the frusto-conical sleeve
comprises the entire sleeve.
34. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising: a first portion
forming a frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of
the side of the beverage container; and a second portion forming a
base disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve, the sleeve being
integral with the base, and at least one of the sleeve and the base
comprising an absorbent material.
35. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise a same absorbent material.
36. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion comprises the
absorbent material on a side adapted to face a bottom of the
beverage container.
37. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise single-faced microflute cardboard.
38. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise a cellulosic material.
39. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise double-faced corrugated cardboard.
40. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise absorbent foam.
41. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion is attached
to the first portion at at least two locations.
42. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion is integral
with the first portion at a first location and the second portion
is attached to the first portion at a second location.
43. A wrap as in claim 42, wherein the second portion is attached
to the first portion at the second location with adhesive.
44. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion comprises at
least two pieces attached together.
45. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion is creased
such that the first portion can be pressed into a substantially
flat configuration.
46. A wrap as in claim 45, wherein the second portion is creased
such that the second portion can be pressed into a substantially
flat configuration.
47. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise pulp.
48. A wrap as in claim 47, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise a steeping fiber.
49. A wrap as in claim 47, wherein the first portion and the second
portion comprise a reinforced fiber.
50. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the frusto-conical sleeve
comprises the entire sleeve.
51. A blank for forming a wrap for a beverage container,
comprising: an arcuate strip having a lower end, with a first
curved edge, for forming at least a portion of a bottom end of a
sleeve, and further having an upper end, with a second curved edge
for forming at least a portion of a top end of the sleeve, such
that when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage
container, the arcuate strip forms at least a portion of a
frusto-conical sleeve; a first base portion extending from the
lower end of the arcuate strip such that when the blank is
assembled into the wrap for the beverage container, the first base
portion is located at or near the bottom end of the sleeve; wherein
at least one of the base portion and the arcuate strip comprises an
absorbent material that is exposed on a side that faces inwardly
when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage
container.
52. A blank as in claim 51, wherein the arcuate strip forms
substantially the entire frusto-conical sleeve.
53. A blank as in claim 52, wherein first base portion forms
substantially the entire base.
54. A blank as in claim 51, wherein first base portion forms
substantially the entire base.
55. A blank as in claim 51, further comprising a second base
portion that extends from the lower end of the arcuate strip.
56. A blank as in claim 55, wherein the first and second base
portions are adapted to be connected together during assembly.
57. A blank as in claim 51, further comprising a plurality of base
portions that extend from the lower end of the arcuate strip and
are adapted to be connected together during assembly to form a base
of the wrap for the beverage container.
58. A blank as in claim 51, further comprising a second arcuate
strip having a second lower end, with a third curved edge, for
forming at least a portion of the bottom end of the sleeve, and
further having a second upper end, with a fourth curved edge that
is longer than the third curved edge, for forming at least a
portion of the top end of the sleeve, such that when the blank is
assembled into the wrap for the beverage container, the second
arcuate strip forms at least a portion of the frusto-conical
sleeve; wherein the first base portion extends between the lower
end of the first and second arcuate strips.
59. A blank as in claim 58, wherein the first and second arcuate
strips are constructed and arranged to be connected together to
form substantially the entire frusto-conical sleeve.
60. A blank as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion
comprises an absorbent material that is exposed on a side that
faces inwardly when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the
beverage container.
61. A blank as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the
arcuate strip each comprise an absorbent material that is exposed
on a side that faces inwardly when the blank is assembled into the
wrap for the beverage container.
62. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the
arcuate strip comprise single-faced microflute cardboard.
63. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the
arcuate strip comprise a cellulosic material.
64. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the
arcuate strip comprise double-faced corrugated cardboard.
65. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the
arcuate strip comprise absorbent foam.
66. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion is
attached to the arcuate strip at at least two locations.
67. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion is
integral with the arcuate strip at a first location and the first
base portion is attached to the arcuate strip at a second
location.
68. A wrap as in claim 67, wherein the first base portion is
attached to the arcuate strip at the second location with
adhesive.
69. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion comprises
at least two pieces attached together.
70. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the arcuate strip is scored to
aid in folding the arcuate strip into a substantially flat
configuration.
71. A wrap as in claim 70, wherein the first base portion is scored
to aid in folding the first base portion into a substantially flat
configuration.
72. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the second curved edge is longer
than the first curved edge.
73. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the frusto-conical sleeve
comprises the entire sleeve.
74. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising: an outer layer
including at least one of a cardboard material, a paper material,
and a paperboard material; and an inner layer attached to the outer
layer, the inner layer including a material that is not any of a
cardboard material, a paper material, and a paperboard
material.
75. A wrap as in claim 74, wherein the inner layer includes a
starch-based material.
76. A wrap as in claim 74, wherein the inner layer includes a
sponge material.
77. A wrap as in claim 74, wherein the wrap comprises a sleeve and
a base attached to the sleeve.
78. A wrap for a beverage container comprising: a sleeve adapted to
wrap the beverage container, the sleeve comprising a pulp
material.
79. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein an outer surface of the sleeve
comprises a moisture-resistant layer.
80. A wrap as in claim 79, wherein the moisture-resistant layer is
a coating.
81. A wrap as in claim 78, further including a base attached to the
sleeve, the base formed of a pulp material.
82. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises fluff
pulp.
83. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises softwood
pulp.
84. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises hardwood
pulp.
85. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises market
pulp.
86. A wrap for a beverage container comprising: a sleeve adapted to
wrap the beverage container, the sleeve comprising a starch-based
material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/527,341,
entitled "Beverage Container Holder", filed on Dec. 5, 2003, which
is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to wraps for beverage
containers, and more specifically to wraps that absorb and/or
contain condensation that develops on the outside of beverage
containers.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0005] A beverage container carrying a cold beverage can form
condensation on the outside of the container. This condensation may
be uncomfortable to some as they hold the container. When the
container is set down on a surface, condensation can damage the
surface or water puddles can damage articles present on the
surface.
[0006] Many beverage container wraps are known which are designed
to absorb condensation that forms on beverage containers. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,036 to Orr, et al. is directed to a
container wrap that includes an outer layer of bendable kraft
board, and further includes corrugated paper on its inner surface
that wraps around the sides of a beverage container and absorbs
condensation.
[0007] While various beverage container wraps are available, a need
exists for beverage container wraps which provide improved
absorption and/or containment of excess condensation.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment, a wrap for a beverage container includes
a sleeve portion having a top end and a bottom end, and a base
portion disposed at the bottom end of the sleeve. The base portion
includes an absorbent material selected from the group consisting
of: single-faced microflute cardboard; cotton; a starch-based
material; and a water-soluble polymer.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a
beverage container includes a first portion forming a
frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of the side
of the beverage container, the first portion comprising a first
absorbent material. The wrap also includes a second portion forming
a base disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve, the second
portion comprising a second absorbent material.
[0010] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap
for a beverage container includes a first portion forming a
frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of the side
of the beverage container, and a second portion forming a base
disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve. The sleeve is integral
with the base, and at least one of the sleeve and the base
comprises an absorbent material.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, a blank
for forming a wrap for a beverage container includes an arcuate
strip having a lower end, with a first curved edge, for forming at
least a portion of a bottom end of a sleeve, and further having an
upper end, with a second curved edge for forming at least a portion
of a top end of the sleeve, such that when the blank is assembled
into the wrap for the beverage container, the arcuate strip forms
at least a portion of a frusto-conical sleeve. The blank further
includes a first base portion extending from the lower end of the
arcuate strip such that when the blank is assembled into the wrap
for the beverage container, the first base portion is located at or
near the bottom end of the sleeve. At least one of the base portion
and the arcuate strip comprises an absorbent material that is
exposed on a side that faces inwardly when the blank is assembled
into the wrap for the beverage container.
[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a
beverage container includes an outer layer including at least one
of a cardboard material, a paper material, and a paperboard
material. The wrap further includes an inner layer attached to the
outer layer, the inner layer including a material that is not any
of a cardboard material, a paper material, and a paperboard
material.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for
a beverage container includes a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage
container, the sleeve comprising a pulp material.
[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a
beverage container includes a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage
container, the sleeve comprising a starch-based material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in
every drawing. In the drawings:
[0016] FIGS. 1a and 1b show a beverage container being placed into
a container wrap according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a container wrap
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a blank which may be assembled into a container
wrap according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a container wrap that has been
assembled and folded into a flat configuration, according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of single-faced
microflute cardboard that may be used in some embodiments of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5b shows a cross-sectional view of corrugated material
which may be used in some embodiments of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 5c shows a cross-sectional view of a support material
with an absorbent material attached thereon, which may be used in
some embodiments of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 5d shows a cross-sectional view of an absorbent
material having a sinusoidal surface, which may be used in some
embodiments of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 5e shows a cross-sectional view of a pulp material
which may be used in some embodiments of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a container wrap
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a container wrap
according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a blank according to an
alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a blank having two arcuate
strips according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a blank having two base
portions according to an alternative embodiment of the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a blank according to an
alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a blank having an alternative
structure for attachments according to an alternative embodiment of
the invention; and
[0032] FIG. 13 shows a plan view of a blank that is designed for
assembly into a container wrap for a cylindrical container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] As described above, beverage containers carrying cold drinks
can form condensation that may be uncomfortable and/or damaging.
Embodiments of the invention described herein include a container
wrap that helps deal with condensation by absorbing and/or
containing excess condensation. In some embodiments of the
invention, a wrap has a base provided with an absorbent material to
catch condensation whether the container is held by a user or
placed on a surface. The base may catch condensation that runs down
the side of the container and/or the wrap, and/or the base may
absorb or collect condensation formed on the bottom of the
container.
[0034] In some embodiments of the invention, a wrap is shaped to
conform to the shape of the container for ease of use and/or
effective absorption. For example, cold drinks are sometimes served
in cups which have a frusto-conical shape. A wrap may be
constructed and arranged such that insertion of the frusto-conical
cup into the wrap urges the wrap into a similar shape. In some
embodiments, the wrap may be pre-shaped to match the shape of the
container before the container is inserted.
[0035] In some embodiments, a wrap with a frusto-conical sleeve may
have a one-piece construction so that it is easily manufactured and
assembled. The wrap may include a sleeve portion integral with a
base portion, with at least one of the two portions including an
absorbent material. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion and/or
the base portion may comprise multiple portions that are attached
together.
[0036] In some embodiments of the invention, a blank is provided,
for example a die-cut blank, that is easily assembled into a wrap
and optionally foldable. The blank may include an arcuate strip
having a base portion that extends from a bottom end of the strip.
The blank may be constructed and arranged such that when the blank
is assembled into a wrap for a container, the arcuate strip forms
at least a portion of a frusto-conical sleeve. The base portion
and/or the arcuate strip may include an absorbent material that
faces inwardly when the blank is assembled to accommodate excess
condensation.
[0037] In some embodiments, the beverage container wrap is (1) easy
to manufacture, (2) easy to transport, (3) easy to use, and/or (4)
easy to recycle. For example, in embodiments of the beverage
container wrap which are used in fast food establishments or other
high throughput establishments, it may be desirable to provide
wraps which are quick and easy to convert from a flat, "storage"
configuration to an opened, "use" configuration.
[0038] In some embodiments, a wrap for a beverage container may be
constructed with two or more different materials--one material to
provide structural support, and one material to provide absorptive
properties. For example, a wrap may have an outer layer formed of a
cardboard material, a paper material, a paperboard material, or
other suitable material or combinations thereof. The wrap also may
have an inner layer attached to the outer layer, the inner layer
including a material that is not a cardboard material, a paper
material, a paperboard material, or similar type of material.
[0039] It may be desirable to provide a wrap that tends to grip the
container upon wetting. In some embodiments, a starch-based
material may be used as an absorbent material in a container wrap.
As the starch-based material absorbs condensation, it may become
tacky and grip the container to reduce the possibility that the
wrap dislodges from the container.
[0040] FIGS. 1a and 1b show a container 20 being inserted into a
container wrap 22 according to one embodiment of the invention. A
sleeve 24 of wrap 22 encircles a lower portion 26 of container 20
to absorb condensation that forms at least on lower portion 26.
Condensation that forms on an upper portion 28 of container 20 and
falls to lower portion 26 also may be absorbed by wrap 22. To
absorb condensation that forms on a bottom of container 22 or
condensation that sleeve 24 fails to absorb, wrap 22 optionally may
include a base (not shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b).
[0041] In one embodiment, wrap 22 completely encircles container
20. However, the present invention is not limited in this respect
as wrap 22 need not necessarily completely encircle container 20 as
it may wrap less than the entire circumference of container 20.
Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 1b, wrap 22 is configured to
wrap only lower portion 26 of container 20; however, the present
invention is not limited in this respect as wrap 22 may cover all
or part of upper portion 28 of container 20.
[0042] To provide absorptive properties, sleeve 24 and the base of
the wrap may include an absorbent material 40 on their inside
surfaces. As shown in FIG. 2, a microflute cardboard material may
be used to absorb condensation. In some embodiments, sleeve 24 and
the base include the same absorbent material, while in other
embodiments, the two portions include different absorbent
materials, as the present invention is not limited in this
respect.
[0043] To limit the bulk or cost of the sleeve of wrap 22, in some
embodiments the inside surface of sleeve 24 does not include an
absorbent material, and, in fact, may include a water-repellant
surface to hasten the movement of condensation down the side of the
wrap toward the base. In such an embodiment, the base may be
provided with a material that is able to absorb a greater amount of
condensation.
[0044] To allow for high volume production, easy assembly, and/or
easy transport, a wrap 22 may be formed using a blank, such as a
die-cut blank. One embodiment of a blank 60 is illustrated in FIG.
3. Blank 60 comprises an arcuate strip 62 and an attached base
portion 64. Arcuate strip 62 has an upper edge 66 and a lower edge
68. To assemble a wrap using blank 60, a first side edge 70 is
attached to a second side edge 72 to form a frusto-conical sleeve.
Base portion 64 may be folded at an approximately right angle to
arcuate strip 62 and a tab 74 may be attached to arcuate strip 62
to form a base of the wrap. Tab 74 may be attached to arcuate strip
62 with adhesive 75 or by any other suitable method. Assembly of a
wrap from blank 60 may be automated or may be performed by a manual
worker.
[0045] If blank 60 is not cut from an absorbent material, an
absorbent material, such as those described below with reference to
FIGS. 5a-5e, or others, may be attached to form blank 60. In some
embodiments, an absorbent material is attached to a large piece of
support material before a blank is cut or otherwise produced. It
should be noted that absorbent material need not be present at all
locations on one side of the blank or on the inside of an assembled
wrap, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.
[0046] Score lines (including curved score lines, creases, or
perforations) may be provided at various locations to improve the
folding characteristics of the assembled wrap and/or to improve the
ease of assembly of a wrap from blank 60. For example, in one
embodiment, a first score line 67a may be provided approximately
halfway along the length of arcuate strip 62, a second score line
67b may be provided near side edge 72, and a third score line 67c
may be provided on base portion 64. When a wrap is assembled from
blank 60 (for instance, by attaching tab 74 to lower edge 66 and
attaching first side edge 70 to second side edge 72) the wrap may
be folded into a flat configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, along the
fold lines. The flat configuration may be desirable for storage or
transport. It should be noted that the present invention is not
limited in this respect as additional or fewer or even no scores
need be provided.
[0047] In the flat configuration shown in FIG. 4, wrap 22 may be
easier to store and/or easier to transport than a wrap in an open
configuration. Additionally, in the particular flat configuration
of FIG. 4, a user may squeeze the folded sides of sleeve 24 (at
score lines 67a, 67b) toward each other to open sleeve 24 and
simultaneously open base 42 into a horizontal circle. Base 42 is
shown in this particular flat configuration to be exterior to
sleeve 24. It should be noted that in some embodiments base 42 may
be folded such that it is contained partially or wholly within
sleeve 24. The present invention is not limited to wraps that can
be folded.
[0048] Many of the wrap embodiments disclosed herein may be
provided with absorptive capacity through the use of one or more of
many different types of absorbent materials. FIGS. 5a-5e show
cross-sectional views of several materials which may be used in
base 42 according to various embodiments. The materials shown and
described for base 42 may be alternatively or additionally be used
in sleeve 24 or other portions of wrap 22.
[0049] FIG. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of single-faced
microflute cardboard which includes a cardboard face 82 and flute
material 84 adhered to one another. Flute material 84 is configured
to face inwardly toward the container base or container sides. The
increased surface area of the flute material 84 as compared to flat
cardboard may provide improved absorption properties.
[0050] For a more flexible and lighter wrap, flute material 84
without any cardboard face may be used as shown in FIG. 5b. In some
embodiments, portions of wrap 22 may include flute material 84
alone while other portions may include single-faced microflute or
double-faced microflute (not shown). In some embodiments, material
such as corrugated cardboard, which can have larger flutes than
microflute material, may be used.
[0051] FIG. 5c shows an absorbent material 86 attached to a support
material 88. For example, compressed cellulose (which is an example
of absorbent material) may be attached to paperboard (which is an
example of support material) to provide material for base 42 and/or
sleeve 24. Alternative absorbent materials may be used to provide
support and/or absorption properties, such as kraft board, chip
board, paper laminate, bogus kraft laminate, laminated bogus paper,
or kraft board laminate. Further examples of absorbent substances
that may be used include water soluble polymers, absorbent foam,
woven or non-woven material, European pulp board, starch-based
products, cotton, and sponge material. Various combinations of the
above-listed materials may be used together within a single
wrap.
[0052] In some embodiments, support material 88 may be a
paper-based or cardboard-based material, and absorbent material 86
may be a non-paper-based and non-cardboard-based material that has
absorptive properties, such a starch-based material or a cellulose
material.
[0053] To provide increased surface area, a material 85, as
illustrated in FIG. 5d, having one side with a shape similar to
that of single-faced microflute cardboard may be employed. Unlike
single-faced microflute cardboard, however, no interior air gaps
are present within the material. Instead, material 45 may be a
one-piece construction formed with foam material, sponge material,
starch-based material, paper-based material, or other suitable
material. The additional absorptive material may provide additional
absorption capacity for excess condensation.
[0054] In some embodiments, no outer support material is used, and
the wrap may be formed with a single material, which may allow for
easier manufacturing and/or better recyclability. For example, as
shown in FIG. 5e, the base and/or sleeve may be formed with a pulp
material 83. Pulp material 83 may be a market pulp, meaning pulp
that has been substantially dried into sheets. Examples of
different pulps include: fluff pulp; northern bleached softwood
kraft (NBSK) pulp; southern bleached softwood kraft (SBSK) pulp;
northern bleached hardwood kraft (NBHK) pulp; southern bleached
hardwood kraft (SBHK) pulp; and eucalyptus pulp, each of which can
readily absorb water. Pulp is conventionally used as an input for
paper or paperboard production, and typically is produced as a
sheet material. Pulp may be a chemical pulp, a chemi-thermo
mechanical pulp (CTMP), or in some cases a mechanical pulp or a
thermo mechanical pulp (CTP). Pulp is available from various
suppliers, including the International Paper Company, NorskeCanada,
and Weyerhaeuser.
[0055] In one embodiment, pulp having a thickness of {fraction
(1/32)}" may be used, and in other embodiments, a thickness of
{fraction (1/64)}", {fraction (1/16)}", 1/8" or 1/4", or any other
suitable thickness may be used. It should be noted that pulp may be
used in combination with an outer support material such as paper or
cardboard. In some embodiments, wraps that include pulp also may
have a moisture-resistant or water-resistant outer layer or outer
coating on part or all of the wrap.
[0056] As mentioned above, it may be desirable to provide a wrap
that tends to grip the container upon wetting. FIG. 6 shows wrap 22
including sleeve 24 formed substantially of a starch-based
material, according to another embodiment of the invention. Certain
starch-based materials may start dissolving upon wetting and
provide a tacky or sticky surface that helps the wrap grip the
container. Examples of starch-based materials include, corn starch,
rice starch, wheat starch, and so on. Green Cell.TM. foam,
available from KTM Industries, Inc. of Lansing, Mich., is one
example of a starch-based material that may be used as an absorbent
material. Another example of a starch-based material that may be
used in some embodiments is a combination of starch and waste
paper, for example the material used to make flupis.RTM. brand
packaging peanuts, made by PSP Papierschaum A G, Achim,
Germany.
[0057] Wrap 22 is shown in FIG. 6 as not having a base, however, in
some embodiments wrap 22 may include a base made of the same or
different material as sleeve 24.
[0058] A table is provided below of absorption rate testing results
for several materials that may be used with wraps disclosed herein
(Table 1). For each material, one milliliter of water was placed on
the material. For materials which absorbed the water nearly
instantaneously or within one second, "<1 second" was recorded.
For materials which did not absorb all of the water within two
minutes, ">120 seconds" was recorded.
1TABLE 1 Time to Absorb for Various Materials Absorbing Material
Time to Absorb Dissolved Pulp (Reinforced Fiber) <1 second
Dissolved Pulp (Steeping Fiber) <1 second Wet Polyvinyl Alcohol
(PVA) Sponge <1 second Cotton <1 second Paper Towels (folded
to form 16 layers) <1 second 1/4 inch Cellulose Pad (Spontex
.RTM.) <1 second 1/4 inch Cellulose Pad (Nylonge .RTM.) <1
second 1/8 inch Compressed Cellulose 2 seconds Coated Crafiboard
from Kramer Carton Co., top 45 seconds layer removed and resulting
top surface roughed with sharp knife Single-Faced E-Flute
(microflute) 90 seconds, 75% Absorption Coated Craftboard from
Kramer Carton Co. >120 seconds, 50% Absorption Molded Pulp
>120 seconds {fraction (1/20)} inch Double Layer Corn Starch
Sheet >120 seconds 1/4 inch Corrugated Starch Sheet >120
seconds 1/4 inch Non-Corrugated Starch Sheet >120 seconds 3
Stacked Layers of 70 Pound Indented Bogus >120 seconds Kraft
Paper 6 Stacked Layers of 70 Pound Indented Bogus >120 seconds
Kraft Paper Corrugated Double-Faced Cardboard >120 seconds Thin
Craftboard >120 seconds Dry Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Sponge
>120 seconds
[0059] For some of the embodiments of wraps disclosed herein, an
outer layer that provides structural support may be desirable. FIG.
7 shows a wrap 22 comprising a sleeve 24 that is formed with at
least two different materials. A first, inner material 87 is formed
with a material that is capable of absorbing condensation. A
second, outer material 91 is formed with a material that is
resistant to water or moisture. For example, outer material 91 may
be a foam-based or plastic-based material that resists moisture, is
hydrophobic or allows for the application of graphics to sleeve 24.
In some embodiments of the invention, the moisture barrier may be
formed with a coating, such as polyurethane, or a thin film of
water-resistant material that is provided on the exterior surface
of the wrap.
[0060] Various wrap embodiments disclosed herein may be adapted to
absorb condensation that moves down from an area of a container
that is not wrapped. An upper edge 93 of sleeve 24 may have a
surface area that absorbs condensation as it moves down the outside
wall of the container. In some embodiments, upper edge 93 may be
thicker than the remainder of sleeve 24 to provide additional
absorption area. For example, in one embodiment of a wrap, upper
edge 93 may have a thickness of {fraction (1/4)}", {fraction
(3/8)}", or 1/2". The remainder of sleeve 24 may have a thickness
that is 25%, 50% or 75% of the upper edge thickness.
[0061] In some embodiments, instead of being a flat horizontal
material, upper edge 93 may have features that provide additional
surface area, such as ridges or vertical pieces of material that
are arranged adjacent to one another.
[0062] Referring back to FIG. 3, the location of base portion 64
relative to a bottom portion 89 of arcuate strip 62 is illustrated
according to one embodiment. Extensions 90, 92 are provided between
base portion 64 and arcuate strip 62 and between base portion 64
and tab 74. When assembled, this configuration may provide a wrap
where the base is not directly adjacent to the sleeve. Unlike the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, extension 92 may be narrower than
tab 74.
[0063] In some embodiments, base portion 64 may be constructed and
arranged such that the assembled wrap has a base that is close to
lower edge 68, or a base that is positioned above lower edge 68 of
the sleeve (i.e., within the sleeve). For example, as illustrated
in FIG. 8, no extensions are provided between arcuate strip 62 and
base portion 64, instead, base portion 64 is directly attached to
arcuate strip 62. Similarly, tab 74 is directly attached to base
portion 64 without an extension.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a unitary blank
102 that can be assembled into a container wrap. Blank 102 includes
two arcuate strips 104, 106 integrally attached to a base portion
64. Side edges 110, 112 of arcuate strip 104 may be attached to
opposed edges 114, 116 of arcuate strip 106 using adhesive, hook
and loop fasteners or other suitable method. Arcuate strips 104,
106 each may have a fold portion 105, 107 located at one or both
side edges. Fold portions 105, 107 may be folded around the
exterior of the opposing arcuate strip to provide an area for
attachment, for example with adhesive 75. In alternative
embodiments, fold areas 105, 107 may be folded within the interior
of the opposing arcuate strip.
[0065] After attachment, the wrap may be folded along score lines
67b, 67c, or elsewhere, into a flat configuration for transport
and/or storage. Base portion 64 does not need to be integrally
attached to arcuate strips 104, 106. Base portion 64 may be
attached with adhesive, a tab and slot arrangement, or by any other
suitable method to either or both of the arcuate strips. The
illustrated embodiment includes extensions 90, 92, but as with each
of the embodiments disclosed herein, the extensions may be omitted
and base portion 64 may be attached directly to the arcuate
strips.
[0066] FIG. 10 shows a unitary blank which may reduce material use
during die-cutting operations. Blank 115 has two base portions 65a,
65b rather than one base portion, resulting in a blank that fits
into a smaller bounding rectangle than some other embodiments. Such
a design may allow for a higher number of blanks to be cut from a
large piece of material as compared to some other embodiments.
[0067] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the two base portions 65a, 65b
are each integrally attached to arcuate strip 62 and arranged to be
attached to one another along a diameter of the resulting base.
Such an arrangement may have the additional advantage of a larger
attachment area 77 than, for example, the attachment area between
tab portion 74 and arcuate strip 62 of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 3.
[0068] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a blank 120 that
can be assembled into a container wrap. A plurality of triangular
segments 122 may be attached to arcuate strip 62 such that when
folded inwardly, triangular segments 122 form a base for a wrap.
Triangular segments 122 and/or arcuate strip 62 may include an
absorbent material to absorb condensation.
[0069] FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment for attaching base
portion 64 to arcuate strip 62 that may eliminate the use of an
adhesive, or provide a stronger attachment when used in conjunction
with an adhesive. An insertion tab 79 may be inserted into a slot
96 to attach base portion 64 to arcuate strip 62. Somewhat
similarly, arcuate strip 62 may have a tab 97 and a slot 98 for
assembling the sleeve portion of the wrap. In alternative
embodiments, slits (not shown) may be provided near side edges 70,
72 such that one slit extends to lower edge 68 and the opposed slit
extends to upper edge 66 and they may be used to attach side edges
70, 72 together to form the sleeve portion.
[0070] FIG. 13 shows an alternative shape for a blank 130
configured to form a wrap for a cylindrical container such as an
aluminum can. Upper edge 132 and lower edge 134 are straight so
that a cylindrical tube is formed when a side edge 136 is attached
to a side edge 138.
[0071] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a blank may
include a central base portion having elongated trapezoids or
triangles extending therefrom. The elongated trapezoids or
triangles, attached to the center base portion along their shorter
parallel side, may be folded upwardly to form a frusto-conical
shape for receiving a container. A thin cardboard band or a ring
may be used to bring the plurality of trapezoids toward a central
access. In other embodiments, shapes other than triangles or
trapezoids may be used.
[0072] In another embodiment of the invention, a method of
manufacturing a beverage container wrap is provided. The method
includes providing a blank having a sleeve portion and a base
portion. The base portion may include an absorbent material. The
sleeve portion may be shaped such that upon assembly, the sleeve
has a frusto-conical shape. Side edges of the sleeve portion are
attached to one another to form a sleeve, and the base portion, or
an element extending from the base portion, is attached to the
sleeve to form a base of the wrap.
[0073] Various manufacturing processes may be used during the
manufacture of a wrap or a blank for assembly into a wrap. Blanks
may be die-cut from sheets of material, portions of the wraps may
be injection molded, thermoformed, or extruded. Foam expansion in a
mold is another option, as is pulp molding.
[0074] It should be noted that embodiments of the wraps disclosed
herein may be affixed or adhered to a cup or other container such
that the container and wrap become one assembly. In other
embodiments, a wrap may be formed on the exterior of the container
during container production.
[0075] In some embodiments, a junction of the base and sleeve may
be made to be relatively watertight in some embodiments. To produce
such a wrap, the base may be attached to the sleeve around the
entire perimeter of the base. For example, a wrap having the same
general shape as the wrap shown in FIG. 2 may be made of molded
plastic, molded paper, or molded pulp and may include an absorbent
material on the inside surface. In other embodiments, a wrap may be
constructed solely with molded pulp or molded paper.
[0076] While in many of the embodiments described herein, a wrap
having a base and a sleeve is shaped and configured such that the
sleeve directly contacts an outer surface of a container, the
sleeve may be sized such that it is larger than the outer surface
of the container and does not contact the container unless the
sleeve is squeezed by a user (for instance, while the user is
holding the sleeve). In such an embodiment, the base may be
configured to adhere or otherwise attach to the container.
Alternatively, the wrap having an oversized sleeve may be designed
for use as a coaster wherein the container is lifted out of and
placed back into the wrap while the wrap remains on a surface.
[0077] For purposes herein, a "blank" is defined as a piece or
pieces of material that are not finally assembled, but rather
require at least one further operation. Multiple pieces, including
different materials, may constitute a blank if the pieces are
attached together into one article. A "unitary blank" is defined as
a blank that is formed of a single piece of material.
[0078] For purposes herein, the term "attached" refers to separate
pieces connected together by adhesive, a tab and slot arrangement,
or any other attaching arrangement. The term "attached" also refers
to pieces or portions that are integrally connected.
[0079] As used herein, the term "frusto-conical" shall be
understood to not require absolute conformance to a mathematical
definition of this term, but rather shall be understood to indicate
a general shape as would be understood by one skilled in the art
most closely related to the subject matter herein. As used herein,
a frusto-conical sleeve means a sleeve that has a substantial
portion which is frusto-conically shaped. For example, a
frusto-conical sleeve is considered to include a sleeve which has
both a frusto-conical portion and a cylindrical portion.
[0080] Any of the embodiments of wraps disclosed herein may include
materials and/or surface features on the inner or outer surface of
the wrap which provide an enhanced grip between the wrap and a
container or between a user's hand and the wrap. Additionally, the
exterior of the wrap may have a surface or a coating that allows
for the printing of information and/or advertisements on the
exterior of the wrap.
[0081] This invention is not limited in its application to the
details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth
in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being
carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology
used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or
"having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof herein,
is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents
thereof as well as additional items.
[0082] Having thus described several aspects of at least one
embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various
alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to
those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and
improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are
intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of
example only.
* * * * *