U.S. patent application number 11/353635 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for reusable sleeve for a beverage container.
Invention is credited to Elena G. Allnutt, Erica J. Conlan.
Application Number | 20060186129 11/353635 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36911587 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060186129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allnutt; Elena G. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Reusable sleeve for a beverage container
Abstract
A storable, reusable-insulating sleeve for a beverage container
that provides insulation to the user from hot or cold beverages.
The improved sleeve maintains insulation of hot temperatures
approximately five and ten degrees higher for a thirty-minute
interval, than, for example, cardboard counterpart sleeves. The
improved sleeve comprises an integral storage-securing mechanism
for storing the sleeve in a compact form. The compact form can
easily fit into a pocket, purse, car glove compartment or desk
drawer. The sleeve is made of various fabrics and is therefore
reusable. Further, a pocket contained in the sleeve will
accommodate a prepaid card or a key, for storage, transport and
gift giving.
Inventors: |
Allnutt; Elena G.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Conlan; Erica J.; (Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE
SUITE 6300
SEATTLE
WA
98104-7092
US
|
Family ID: |
36911587 |
Appl. No.: |
11/353635 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60655807 |
Feb 23, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3876 20130101;
Y02W 30/807 20150501; Y02W 30/80 20150501; B65D 81/3865
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/737 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A holder for a beverage container, comprising: a multi-layer
cloth sleeve comprising a first layer, a second layer and a third
layer, the layers are substantially a curved u shape comprising a
first and second vertical edge and a first and second horizontal
edge, the second horizontal edge comprising a length less than the
first horizontal edge, the second layer positionally sandwiched
between the first and second layers, the sleeve comprising an
exterior surface and an interior surface; a seam connecting the
first and second vertical edges of the first, second and third
layers; and a storage-securing mechanism affixed to the exterior
surface of the sleeve to restrain the sleeve in a compacted
form.
2. The holder of claim 1, further comprising: an integral pocket
formed between the second layer and at least one of the first layer
and the third layer, the integral pocket comprising an access
opening on at least one of the interior surface and the exterior
surface of the sleeve for removably receiving an object.
3. The holder of claim 2 wherein the pocket is sized to receive a
gift card.
4. The holder of claim 2 wherein the pocket is sized to receive a
key.
5. The holder of claim 2, further comprising: a fastener for
securably closing the access opening of the pocket.
6. The holder of claim 5 wherein the fastener is a zipper.
7. The holder of claim 1, further comprising: an integral pocket
affixed to the exterior surface of the sleeve, the integral pocket
comprising an access opening for removably receiving an object.
8. The holder of claim 1 wherein the second layer is a material of
known insulation value to provide thermal insulation to the
beverage container.
9. The holder of claim 1 wherein the storage-securing mechanism
comprises a grommet affixed to at least the first layer, the
grommet comprising an elastic loop extending there through, wherein
the elastic loop retains the sleeve in a rolled compact form for
storage.
10. The holder of claim 1 wherein the storage-securing mechanism
comprises first and second elongated ties, the elongated ties
comprising a first and second end, the second ends affixed to the
exterior surface, and the first ends free to restrain the sleeve in
a compacted form for storage.
11. The holder of claim 1 wherein the storage-securing mechanism
comprises a button affixed to the exterior surface of the sleeve
and a loop spaced apart from the button being at least
substantially diametrically opposed to the button and affixed to
the exterior surface of the sleeve, the loop sized to securably
retain the button when the sleeve is in a compacted form for
storage.
12. The holder of claim 1 wherein the storage-securing mechanism
comprises a first tab extending beyond the vertical seam and
comprising an inward facing surface containing either small hooks
or small loops, and a second tab diametrically opposed to the first
tab adjacent to the seam and comprising an outwardly facing surface
containing the other of small hooks or small loops.
13. The holder of claim 1 wherein the storage-securing mechanism
comprises a snap comprising a receiving portion positioned on the
exterior surface of the sleeve and an inserting portion positioned
diametrically opposite on an exterior portion of the sleeve for
restraining the sleeve in a compacted form for storage.
14. The holder of claim 1, further comprising: a seam binding
material affixed to the first and second horizontal edges of the
connected first, second and third layers.
15. The holder of claim 14 wherein the seam binding material is
fur.
16. The holder of claim 14 wherein the seam binding material is
fringe.
17. The holder of claim 14 wherein the seam binding material is
feathers.
18. The holder of claim 1 wherein the sleeve has a frusto-conical
shape.
19. The holder of claim 2 wherein the integral pocket has an access
opening at the first horizontal seam edge.
20. The holder of claim 1, further comprising: a seam piping
material integrated into the seams of the first and second
horizontal edges, located between either the first and second layer
or the second and third layer.
21. The holder of claim 1 wherein the sleeve has a cylindrical
shape.
22. The holder of claim 2 wherein the pocket is sized to receive a
portable device.
23. The holder of claim 1, further comprising a pocket formed on a
surface of the holder and comprising at least one edge secured by
at least a portion of the seam.
24. The holder of claim 1, further comprising a pocket formed on a
surface of the holder and adapted to receive a portable device.
25. The holder of claim 24 wherein the pocket comprises at least
one window to provide at least one of visibility and access to at
least one of a control panel and a display portion of the portable
device.
26. The holder of claim 24 wherein the pocket comprises at least
one side portion operable to project the pocket, providing a space
between an outer surface of the pocket and an outer surface of the
holder.
27. The holder of claim 26, further comprising a band secured to at
least a portion of the sleeve toward a first end of the band and
operable to secure to a member on the outer surface of the pocket
toward a second end of the band, securing at least one of the
pocket and a content therein.
28. The holder of claim 27 wherein the at least one side portion
and the band are fabricated from an elastic material.
29. The holder of claim 1, further comprising an integrated device
and means for fastening the integrated device to the holder.
30. The holder of claim 29 wherein the integrated device is a
time-keeping device.
31. The holder of claim 29 wherein the integrated device is
removably fastened to the holder.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/655,807 filed
Feb. 23, 2005, where this provisional application is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure is directed toward devices and
systems for insulating beverage cups.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The prepared beverage market is a booming phenomenon.
Leading the market in the prepared beverages is prepared coffee
sales. During the past 14 years the number of coffee shops has
grown 7,900 percent in the United States alone, and is a $7.22
billion market. One of the leading coffee providers serves up
30,000,000 beverages weekly. More than half of the United States
population purchases specialty coffee products on an occasional
basis, with 16 percent purchasing every day. This phenomenon has
created a new "coffee-cup-carrying-culture."
[0006] The vast majority of this coffee to go is served in paper
cups with a disposable paper sleeve and/or an additional cup for
insulation. The disposable paper cups are convenient, but provide
inadequate insulation for the beverage within to protect the
drinker in the case of a hot beverage. These disposable hot
beverage containers have traditionally been constructed of two
materials: polystyrene and a wax-coated paper. The wax-coated paper
container is the preferred material in part because of the
environmental concerns regarding disposal of polystyrene, and in
part due to customer preference. Although in widespread use,
neither product provides sufficient insulation to keep the
container from becoming too hot to hold. The serving temperature of
prepared coffee products is typically between 150 and 170 degrees
with the average being 160 degrees. These high temperatures have
necessitated additional thermal protection while holding the
cup.
[0007] Several thermal protection solutions have been proposed,
each with its own limitations. For example, 1) a variety of
disposable paper and Styrofoam sleeves that incorporate an
assortment of quilting, corrugating and weaving processes; 2)
bulky, cumbersome appliance-type gadgets; 3) insulated thermal
carafes or mugs that are reusable but are bulky and not possible to
carry in a pocket or wallet, making it a highly impractical option
for on-the-go and impromptu usage; and 4) using two cups together
(i.e., double cupping), sometimes with an additional paper
sleeve.
[0008] The disposable paper sleeves that have been used
historically are inferior in function (i.e., they fall off, move
around on the cup and are uncomfortable to hold) and insufficient
in thermal insulating capacity. Users therefore frequently resort
to double cupping practices. Double cupping, or double cupping with
a disposable sleeve, creates yet more waste. Additionally, while
the sleeves may be made of recycled paper, they themselves have to
be disposed of. The cups are a significant issue, since more than
113 billion disposable cups end up in land fills in the United
States every year and a large portion of those cups are generated
from the prepared coffee market.
[0009] Another industry that has gained widespread acceptance in
the past few years is the prepaid or gift card industry, especially
prepaid cards redeemable at prepared coffee retailers. One of the
leading prepared coffee retailers has issued 35 million prepaid
cards and the total transactions from those cards are nearly $100
million to date. While typically given as gifts, some prepaid cards
are intended for the purchaser's own personal use. When purchased,
the prepaid card is typically supplied with a paper card envelope,
enclosure or greeting card in case the prepaid card will be given
as a gift. Upon receipt, the recipient removes the prepaid "gift"
card from the envelope, disposes the envelope, and finds a safe
place to store the prepaid card between uses. Hopefully, the
recipient remembers to take the prepaid card with them on their
next trip to the coffee shop. These trips frequently happen during
the workday as an impromptu break. It is not uncommon for women who
usually carry a purse, to merely grab some cash or a prepaid card
and "go for coffee," leaving their purse behind.
[0010] Due to the changing habits of consumers (i.e., impromptu
coffee at work, after a workout, at sporting events, while
shopping, on the go, etc.) the prepaid card may have been left
behind and consequently unavailable when needed. Additionally, when
a prepaid card is given as a gift, it is encased in a paper
envelope or greeting card that also requires the use of more paper
and generates more waste.
[0011] In short, the prepared coffee phenomenon has impacted the
actual living habits of people on a global scale. For more than
half of us, prepared coffee, tea, and other beverages has become an
integral part of our day, consumed in a disposable paper cup,
double cupped, or placed in a cup with a paper insulating sleeve.
Moreover, these prepared beverages are frequently paid for with a
prepaid card.
[0012] Although reusable accessories are ecologically sound, they
must be practical and easy to use--as well as appealing--for them
to be adopted by the masses. Clunky, bulky thermal mugs and
appliances are impractical and unappealing, and thus will not serve
their intended function in practical terms.
[0013] The sleeve that beverage drinkers currently use is made of
cardboard, is designed for one-time use and is inadequate at
insulating the user from the hot or cold of the beverage container.
These sleeves are cumbersome (i.e., they fall off, move around the
cup and are uncomfortable to hold). Further, for many people the
sleeve does an inadequate job of insulating, and they are therefore
forced to double cup their beverage. The disposable sleeves'
single-use nature creates more waste and utilizes more natural
resources--especially when combined with the double-cupping
practice.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In one aspect, a storable, reusable sleeve is a more
ecological and fashionable alternative to disposable cup sleeves.
The sleeve grips the cup more comfortably and effectively, while
providing measurably more insulation. The improved insulation
allows the beverage to maintain its hot temperature between five
and ten degrees higher for a thirty-minute interval than, for
example, the cardboard counterparts. An alternative embodiment
provides a card pocket, enabling the user to store and carry cards
such as a prepaid card, credit card, debit card, and/or identity
card conveniently together with the sleeve. This becomes a natural
packaging extension for gifts and promotion of prepaid cards.
[0015] In another aspect, the storable insulating sleeve has
several advantages over the prior approaches. The sleeve provides a
more effective insulator for heat or cold. The sleeve comprises an
integral storage-securing mechanism for storing the sleeve in a
compact form. The compact form can easily fit into a pocket, purse,
car glove compartment or desk drawer. The sleeve is reusable; and
will accommodate a prepaid card or a key, for storage, transport
and/or gift giving.
[0016] The sleeve may be made from a variety of fashionable
patterns and colors, and may incorporate various styles including
fake fur trim, leather, buttons broaches, lace and the like. No
other known frusto-conical shaped sleeve performs all of these
functions and no other cup sleeve incorporates personalized fashion
into the consumer experience. The storable, reusable-insulating
sleeve takes the disposable prepared coffee experience to a
completely new and unprecedented level. The storable, reusable
sleeve may be made of fashionable fabrics and in some cases may be
adorned with decorative trim and accessories (e.g., fake fur,
leather, buttons, broaches, lace, etc.). The sleeve may include
reversible coordinating fabrics.
[0017] In a further aspect, the sleeve further comprises a sewn-in
elastic loop on the vertical seam. The elastic loop can be used on
either side of the sleeve and enables the product to be rolled up,
making it more compact for storage between uses. An alternative use
for the elastic loop is to attach the sleeve to the consumer, such
as a ponytail holder, bracelet or anklet.
[0018] The sleeve may also incorporate a pocket made of matching,
coordinating, or sheer fabric, designed to hold and store a prepaid
card (e.g., coffee gift card), portable device or key.
Additionally, the sleeve may also be imprinted with various
company, organizational or institution names/logos.
[0019] The storable, reusable sleeve's fashion appeal motivates
consumers to "want" to use them, and their thermal function serves
a consumer's "need"--as do the card pockets and roll-up features.
The end result is measurably less paper waste going into the
landfills.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front, top isometric view of a sleeve according
to one illustrated embodiment, in use on a beverage container.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of the sleeve of FIG. 1, in an
unfolded configuration according to one illustrated embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of the sleeve of FIG. 2 showing a
number of layers of a sleeve, according to one illustrated
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 4 is an illustrated front view of the sleeve in a flat,
unfolded configuration, the sleeve comprising a first
storage-securing mechanism according to another illustrated
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of the insulating sleeve in a flat,
unfolded configuration, the sleeve comprising a storage-securing
mechanism according to yet another illustrated embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a front view of the sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a storage-securing mechanism
according to still another illustrated embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a front view of the sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a storage-securing mechanism
according to still another illustrated embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a front view of the sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a storage-securing mechanism
according to still another illustrated embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a front view of the sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a storage-securing mechanism
according to still another illustrated embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a front view of a sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a pocket according to still
another illustrated embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a front view of the sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a pocket according to another
illustrated embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a front view of a sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a pocket according to another
illustrated embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a front view of a sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a pocket formed with an
opening at a seam according to another illustrated embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a front view of the sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a pocket according to yet
another illustrated embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a front view of the sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising a card retaining mechanism
according to still another illustrated embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a partial, isometric view of the sleeve according
to one illustrated embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a front view of the sleeve in a flat, unfolded
configuration, the sleeve comprising ornamentation according to one
illustrated embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 18A is a front view of a sleeve according to another
illustrated embodiment, in use on a beverage container.
[0038] FIG. 18B is a bottom view of the sleeve of FIG. 18A.
[0039] FIG. 19 is a front view of a sleeve according to yet another
illustrated embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 20 is a front view of a sleeve according to still
another illustrated embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a sleeve according to
a further illustrated embodiment.
[0042] FIGS. 22A-22C are a table showing comparisons of time versus
temperature for various sleeves and materials for the sleeves.
[0043] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify
similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of
elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For
example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to
scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and
positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular
shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any
information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements,
and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] The present detailed description is directed toward devices
and systems for providing a storable, reusable insulating sleeve
for a beverage container. In particular, at least some, illustrated
embodiments can provide insulation to the user from the heat or
cold of the beverage contained in a disposable cup or other
container. According to one embodiment, a storable, reusable sleeve
is a reusable insulating beverage sleeve for use with a conical
shaped disposable cup that does not have handles. Alternative
embodiments include a window in the sleeve for accommodating a
handle. Various embodiments of a storage-securing mechanism are
described in detail herein. Several details of certain embodiments
are set forth in the following description and illustrated in FIGS.
1-18 to provide a thorough understanding of those embodiments. One
skilled in the art, however, will understand that the teachings
herein will make apparent additional embodiments or features, and
may be practiced without several of the details described in the
following description and illustrated in the figures.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates the insulating sleeve 10 positioned on a
frusto-conical beverage container 20 such as a disposable cup. The
frusto-conical shape of the sleeve 10 accommodates beverage
containers of varying heights and widths. The sleeve 10 slides
easily into a secure position on the container 20. According one
embodiment, the sleeve 10 may measure 5 1/8 inches wide (at the
longest width) by 3 5/8 inches high and 3/8 inch deep to fit a
variety of standard disposable cup sizes. The sleeve 400 according
to another embodiment, may also comprise a mated straight seam
construction 402 as shown in FIG. 4, whereby the raw edges are
sandwiched together.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the sleeve 10 may include a French or
surged seam construction 202 as is known in the sewing arts. A
French seam is a two-sided seam that closes all raw edges within
it. A surged seam is a single sided seam that may include a raw
edge. The seam construction 202 may be covered by an optional
decorative covering such as a ribbon (not shown), for example in
embodiments in which the sleeve 200 is reversible. The sleeve 400
may also include a mated straight seam construction 402, such as
shown in FIG. 4, whereby the raw edges are sandwiched together.
Alternative constructions are discussed further below.
[0047] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a layered construction of the
sleeve 10. One embodiment of the sleeve 10 comprises a first layer
310 of fabric. Fabric for the first layer 310 may include cotton,
silks, velvet, wool, fleece or any other suitable fabric. The
fabric may be patterned, plain or textured. A second layer 320 is
sandwiched between the first layer 310 and a third layer 330, and
is preferably a thermally insulative layer to provide additional
insulation to the user. Thus, the second layer 320 forms an
insulating core when sandwiched between the first and third layers
310, 330. The second layer 320 may include 3M THINSULATE.TM. 150,
cotton, silks, velvet, wool, fleece, neoprene, or other suitable
insulating fabric. The second layer 320 provides additional
insulation and maintains the beverage serving temperature
approximately +/-10 degrees higher than conventional disposable
cardboard sleeves. The third layer 330 may be a fabric as noted
above, and may further include a complementary or coordinating
color scheme to the first layer 310. Alternative embodiments
include more or less than the three layers 310, 320, 330
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0048] FIGS. 4-9 illustrate alternative embodiments of the
storage-securing mechanism. The storage-securing mechanisms shown
in the alternative embodiments described herein, include aspects
that are substantially similar to previously described embodiments,
and the same reference numbers identify common acts and structures.
Only significant differences in operation and structure are
described below.
[0049] In some embodiments, the sleeve 10 can be compactly rolled
or folded for storage into a compact configuration (e.g., rolled or
folded). FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the storage-securing
mechanism 408, comprising a grommet 410 with an elastic loop 420
extending there through. The loop 420 provides a securing mechanism
for wrapping around the rolled or folded sleeve 400 when storing
the sleeve 400. Alternatively, the sleeve 400 may employ a
buttonhole or eyelets in place of the grommet 410. An alternative
use for the loop 420 of this embodiment is to attach the sleeve 400
to the consumer, for example, as a ponytail holder, bracelet or
anklet. Another use for the loop 420 and/or the storage-securing
mechanism 408 is to secure and/or size the sleeve 400 to the
beverage container 20 (FIG. 1).
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative storage-securing mechanism
508. The sleeve 500 comprises a first tie, ribbon, cord or band 510
and a second tie, ribbon, cord or band 520. A first end of the
first and second tie 510, 520 is securely affixed to the sleeve 500
at a desired location. When the sleeve 500 is rolled or folded for
storage, the first 510 and second 520 ribbons are tied to secure
the sleeve 500 in a stored compact configuration (not shown).
Alternatively, the sleeve may include only a single tie. A portion
of the tie between the ends of the tie may be securely affixed to
the sleeve, and the two ends tied together to retain the sleeve 500
in a compact configuration.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the
storage-securing mechanism 608. The storage-securing mechanism 608
of the sleeve 600 comprises a fastener 610 shown as a button and a
corresponding loop 620 for securing the fastener 610 when the
sleeve 600 is in a stored configuration (not shown).
[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the
storage-securing mechanism 708. The sleeve 700 shown in this
embodiment comprises a window 709 for allowing a handle (not shown)
to extend there through. A tab 710 containing small hooks extends
from a first side 715 of the sleeve 700, attaches to a pad 720 of
small loops on a second side 725 of the sleeve 700 and mateably
interconnects. The embodiment facilitates ease of placement of the
sleeve on the beverage container 20 (FIG. 1) and accommodates a
protruding handle of the beverage container (not shown).
[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the
storage-securing mechanism 808. The sleeve 800 comprises a fastener
such as a snap comprising a receiving portion 810 and an inserting
portion 820. The sleeve 800 may be folded in half and secured in
place by securing the two portions 810, 820 of the snap.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the
storage-securing mechanism 908. The sleeve 900 comprises a strip
910 of small hooks and a corresponding strip 920 of small loops
that mateably interconnect along an edge 930.
[0055] As will be understood by those skilled in the arts, a
variety of fasteners may be used to secure the sleeve in a compact
configuration, including those described above. Additionally, for
ease of illustration, the securing mechanism is positioned at a
center seam of the sleeve; those skilled in the arts will
understand that the securing mechanism can be effectively
positioned at alternative locations on the sleeve. The integral
storage-securing mechanism provides the ability to self-compact the
sleeve into a compact form for storage in a purse, pocket or other
small space.
[0056] FIG. 10 illustrates a storage pocket 1010 carried by an
exterior surface of the insulating sleeve 1000. FIG. 11 illustrates
an alternative storage pocket 1110 affixed to the exterior surface
of the insulating sleeve 1100. The storage pockets 1010, 1110 are
sized to removably hold a card 1020. The storage pockets 1010, 1110
may, for example, be used to hold a prepaid card such as a coffee
gift card within for transport, storage and/or gift giving.
Alternatively, business cards can be placed in the pockets 1010,
1110. The card 1020 may take a variety of forms including but not
limited to credit cards, debit cards, prepaid and/or gift cards,
identification cards such as drivers licenses, and/or business
cards. Thus, in FIGS. 10 and 11, the pockets 1010, 1110 are
illustrated as being sewn or affixed onto the exterior surface of
the sleeves 1000, 1100.
[0057] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate more embodiments of a pocket
integrated into the sleeve. In particular, FIG. 12 shows a pocket
1210 is contained within the sleeve 1200. The pocket 1210 is thus
placed between the outside layers 310 and 330 (FIG. 3) and the
second layer 320 of the sleeve 1200. The pocket 1210 of this
embodiment is sized to accommodate a gift or credit card 1020 and
is provided with a buttonhole type opening 1220 on each side. FIG.
13 shows an integral pocket 1310 that is accessed through an
opening 1320 at a top seam 1330, between the second layer 320 (FIG.
3) and the first layer 310 and/or the third layer 330 of the sleeve
1300.
[0058] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative storage embodiment of a
pocket 1410 contained within the sleeve 1400. The pocket 1410 of
this embodiment is sized to accommodate an object such as a key
1430 and is provided with a zipper enclosure 1420. The pocket 1410
could alternatively be used to retain small items such as jewelry
and/or coins or paper currency. As will be understood by those
skilled in the arts, alternative fastening devices may be used,
such as, for example, buttons, snaps and VELCRO.TM..
[0059] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment for gift card
storage, in which the sleeve 1500 comprises an elastic band 1510,
which is secured to the sleeve 1500. The gift or credit card 1020
may be inserted between the elastic band 1510 and the sleeve 1500
where it will be held securely.
[0060] FIG. 16 illustrates yet another storage and carrying
configuration for the sleeve 1400. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the
sleeve 1400 may be folded along a fold line 1405 to provide a
bracelet-type configuration, illustrated in FIG. 16, which the
consumer can carry on his or her wrist when not using the sleeve
1400 on a beverage container.
[0061] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative decorative embodiment of
the present insulating sleeve 1700. The sleeve 1700 may be adorned
with trim 1710, for example, fur, leather, fringe, frayed fabric,
boa feathers, and the like. Additionally, the sleeve 1700 may
include an accessory 1720, for example a broach, button, silk
flower, and the like. The sleeve 1700 may further include
additional fashion items 1730, for example, buttons, rhinestones,
embroidery, and the like.
[0062] FIG. 18A illustrates a further embodiment in which the
sleeve 1800 comprises a pocket 1810 that is sized and/or adapted to
receive a portable device 1820 including, but not limited to, an
MP3 player such as an I-POD.TM., a handheld device such as a cell
phone or a BLACKBERRY.TM., a personal digital assistant (PDA) such
as PALM.TM. devices, a calculator, or any other portable device.
The pocket 1810 may include an optional window 1825 to provide
visibility and/or access to a control panel 1830 of the portable
device 1820. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 18, the portable
device 1820 is an I-POD.TM. and the control panel 1830 comprises
means for manipulating data within the I-POD.TM. such as a play
button for playing MP3 format music. However, one of skill in the
arts will appreciate that the control panel 1830 can be any other
feature, ready access to which is desired, such as a compact
keyboard, for example for operating a BLACKBERRY.TM. device or any
other suitable control panel depending on the portable device
1820.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 18A, a display portion 1835 of the
portable device 1820 can protrude beyond an end 1840 of the pocket
1810 to provide visibility to the display portion 1835.
Alternatively, the pocket 1810 may include a sufficient height to
encompass a height of the portable device 1820 and have at least
one window, providing visibility to both the display portion 1835
and the control panel 1830. Such an embodiment may also be
selectively enclosed, for example using fastening means such as,
but not limited to, a zipper or hook and loop fasteners (e.g.,
VELCRO.TM.), similar to that discussed in conjunction with FIG. 14.
Such an enclosure will protect the portable device 1820 from
exposure, for example to liquids that may spill from the beverage
container 20.
[0064] FIG. 18B illustrates a bottom view of the sleeve 1800
comprising the pocket 1810. As illustrated in FIG. 18B, in some
embodiments, the pocket 1810 of the sleeve 1800 may include an
optional opening 1845 to provide access to an interface 1850 of the
portable device 1820. The interface 1850 may include a headphone
output connector, a USB input/output connector, a charging
interface connector, a synchronizing interface connector, a speaker
output connector, or any other suitable interface connector. The
opening 1845 allows connecting to, or disconnecting from, the
interfaces 1850 of the portable device 1820 without having to
remove the device 1820 from the pocket 1810.
[0065] Additionally, or alternatively, the window 1825 illustrated
in FIG. 18A can be used as a display for example for pictures,
logos, mementos, advertisements, political statements, and/or any
other indicia and/or indicia medium visibility to which may be
desired. The window 1825 can simply be an opening in the pocket
1810 or it may comprise a transparent or translucent material that
is attached, sewn and/or fastened to a periphery of the window 1825
in the pocket 1810, such as glass, plastic, crystal, acrylic,
silicone, or any other transparent or translucent material.
Furthermore, the window 1825 can be attached using any of the means
described herein, such as sewing, adhering, snapping or using hook
and loop fasteners or any other method that permanently or
removably secures the window 1825 to the pocket 1810.
[0066] FIG. 19 illustrates yet a further embodiment, in which the
sleeve 1900 comprises an integrated device 1920. The integrated
device 1920 in the embodiment of FIG. 19 is a watch; however, the
integrated device 1920 can be any device, ready access to which may
be desired such as, but not limited to, a compass, a thermometer, a
reflective device, a jewel, an emblem, a container for example for
carrying specialty sugars or medication, a compact radio, an image
revealing device that responds to temperature, a compact
self-defense device such as a mace container and/or a remote
emergency signaling device. The integrated device 1920 can be
permanently or removably fastened to the sleeve 1900 using means
such as, but not limited to, VELCRO.TM. hook and loop fasteners,
adhesives, sewing or stitching, or any other suitable fastening
means.
[0067] Additionally, or alternatively, the integrated device 1920
can be designed for the sleeve 1900 or be an existing device that
is fastened to the sleeve 1900, such as a watch, the band for which
is removed and the watch portion is sewn to the sleeve 1900. One of
ordinary skill in the art having reviewed this disclosure will
appreciate these and other variations that can be made to the
sleeve without deviating from the spirit of this disclosure.
[0068] FIG. 20 illustrates still a further embodiment, in which a
sleeve 2000 comprises a pocket 2010, the pocket 2010 comprising
side portions 2015 that project out from the surface of the sleeve
2000 to allow more space to store items in the pocket 2010. The
side portions 2015 can be any member such as a gusset, a plurality
of bands, or a single band, and can be fabricated from any material
such as fabrics, including cotton and silk, and/or elastics, firmly
securing items in the pocket 2010. In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 20, the side portions 2015 extend an entire length of the
pocket. Alternatively, the side portions 2015 can be at least one
band, elastic or non-elastic, that extends from at least a portion
of the sleeve 2000 to at least a portion of a surface 2017 of the
pocket 2010, toward at least a portion of an edge of the surface
2017.
[0069] The sleeve 2000 may include an optional securing mechanism
2007, for example, a band 2020, secured toward a first end 2021 of
the band 2020, to at least a portion of the upper seam 2030. In
other embodiments, the first end 2021 can be secured to any portion
of the sleeve 2000. The band 2020 can couple to the surface 2017 of
the pocket 2010, by connecting toward a second end 2022 of the band
2020, to a member 2023 on the surface 2017, for example a button,
by looping around the member 2023, to secure the item in the pocket
or to compact the pocket when not in use. One of ordinary skill in
the art can appreciate that the securing mechanism 2007 can
comprise any of the securing mechanisms discussed herein, such as,
but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners with
inserting and receiving portions, two bands tied together by the
user, a band extending about the pocket 2010 and/or the sleeve 2000
and securing to a fastener on an opposing side of the sleeve 2000,
or any other securing means operable to secure at least a portion
of the pocket 2010 toward an opening therein, to a portion of the
sleeve 2000. However, one or more bands may be particularly
advantageous since such can be used to secure the sleeve 2000 to
the beverage container, as well as retain the sleeve 2000 in a
rolled or folded configuration for convenient storage.
[0070] The band 2020 can be made from plastics, elastics, fabrics,
flexible metallics, silicone, composites, nylon, or any other
material operable to add security to the pocket 2010. In
embodiments in which the band 2020 is an elastic material, the band
2020 may be sized such that the band 2020 stretches to reach the
coupling member 2023 to bias the pocket 2010 toward the sleeve 2000
and better secure the pocket 2010 and/or a content therein.
[0071] Additionally, or alternatively, in another embodiment, a
sleeve 2100 comprises a pocket 2110 that comprises at least a
portion 2111 secured adjacent or proximate at least one seam 2102
of the sleeve 2100. Securing the portion 2111 of the pocket 2110
using the seam 2102 may advantageously eliminate a step in
constructing the sleeve 2100 and the pocket 2110, allowing the seam
2102 and portion 2111 to be attached in the same operation (e.g.,
sewn). This feature can also serve as an aesthetic and/or a
fashionable feature.
[0072] It is understood that the teachings herein will make
apparent additional embodiments or features, and may be practiced
without several of the details described in the foregoing and
following descriptions and illustrated in the figures. For example,
in any of the described embodiments the pocket can be on an inner
surface of the sleeve. Additionally, or alternatively, the pocket
can be subdivided, for example by an additional seam, into two or
more pockets. Additionally, or alternatively, the sleeve may
comprise an additional transparent or translucent layer, such as
vinyl, operable to receive and display pictures or mementos.
Additionally, or alternatively, the sleeve may comprise of less
than three layers or more than three layers, depending on the
material used and insulation and/or size properties desired. One of
ordinary skill in the art having reviewed this disclosure can
appreciate these and other modifications that can be made to the
insulating sleeve without deviating from the spirit and scope of
this disclosure.
Construction:
[0073] According to one exemplary manner of construction, a single
sleeve may be constructed using conventional sewing techniques. Two
pieces of coordinating fabric are cut into identically shaped
curved pieces, along with a single matching piece made of
insulating material. The three pieces are separated into two
portions: 1) the top and middle insulating layer are put with the
interior sides together, forming one portion, and 2) the bottom
layer stands alone as the second portion. Pockets may be sewn onto
the right sides of each portion, or alternately, pockets may be
sewn-in by stitching the layers together in the shape of a pocket,
channel, or other receptacle. The top portion, which now consists
of the top layer of fabric, the middle insulating layer and a
pocket, are now sewn together at the vertical ends to form a cone
cylindrical shape. A piece of elastic is sewn into the vertical
seam of this piece at this time. The bottom portion is then also
sewn together to form an identical cone shape. These two cone
shaped pieces are fit together with the insulating layer in the
middle and the right sides out. Finally, the unfinished horizontal
edges of the cone, consisting of all three layers, are sewn
together and bound with coordinating seam binding. The coordinating
seam binding may be a coordinating cotton fabric or a trim such as
fur, leather, fringe, frayed fabric, boa feathers, and the
like.
First Alternative Construction:
[0074] The flat pieces may be layered together after the pockets
are attached, or sewn-in, with the insulating layer in the middle
against the interior sides of each outer layer, and a French seam
may be used on the vertical seam which connects the pieces together
to form a cone shape. This would then be bound as indicated
above.
Second Alternative Construction
[0075] The unfinished horizontal edges of the cone, consisting of
all three layers, may be sewn together while incorporating a piping
or seam-inserted decorative trim.
Pocket Opening at Top Seam--Alternative Constriction
[0076] As outlined in "Construction" above, the two portions are
each sewn together separately at the vertical ends, right sides
together. The elastic is incorporated into the two-layered portion.
The two identical shaped cones are then positioned within each
other--right sides together. They are straight-stitched together at
the top. The seam stops and starts again to allow a 3 inch opening
at the midway point of the circle. The bottom horizontal seam is
sewn together in one continuous circle. The sleeve is then put
right-sides out by feeding it through the 3 inch opening at the
top. This would be understood by those skilled in the arts as being
similar to pillow construction. The raw edges of fabric at the 3
inch unsewn opening are then folded down and affixed to the body
with adhesive or a similar type application. Next, a pocket is
created by stitching two vertical parallel seams through all three
layers, beginning at the top and going the full length of the
sleeve to the bottom. The pocket channel is positioned at the
stopping points of the top horizontal seam, to allow an opening for
the pocket. Finally, the horizontal edges of the sleeve top and
bottom are finished with a top stitch 1/4 inch from the outside
edge, being mindful not to stitch the card pocket opening closed.
Alternately, decorative trim may be applied to the outside
horizontal edges.
Non-Reversible Alternative Construction:
[0077] A non-reversible version may be made in the same way as the
alternative constructions outlined above, except that the curved
pieces would be bound while flat and the vertical seam could be
surged and sewn-down with a straight stitch rather than employing a
French seam.
Alternative Materials:
[0078] The storable, reusable sleeve can be made with a variety of
insulating materials such as POLAR FLEECE.TM., TEFLON.TM.-lined
polyester batting, THINSULATE.TM. 150, plain polyester batting,
cotton table felt, cotton batting, and the like. As shown in FIGS.
18A-18C, the THINSULATE.TM. 150 out-performs the other options by
approximately +/-5 degrees. The POLAR FLEECE.TM. 100 and 200 (and
related off-brand versions) are less bulky, lie smoother and
perform better than the cardboard sleeves by approximately +/-5
degrees.
Temperature Testing:
[0079] FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate tables of time and temperature
testing. These time and temperature tests show that the storable,
reusable sleeve described above keeps hot beverages between
approximately 5 and 10 degrees warmer for a thirty-minute interval
than typical cardboard sleeves.
Additional Features:
[0080] The elastic loop, which may be sewn into the vertical seam
at the seam's mid-point location, enables the sleeve to be rolled
and wrapped when not in use. This procedure compacts a standard
sized sleeve to a 1.5 inch rolled diameter. When the sleeve is in
use, the elastic can be positioned on the inside of the sleeve,
keeping the appearance neat and the elastic out of the way. This is
accomplished by feeding the elastic loop through a grommeted hole
located near the seam or by turning the sleeve inside out so that
the elastic loop is hidden inside the sleeve adjacent to the
beverage container.
[0081] The pocket located on either side of the sleeve enables the
user to hold a credit card, money, key, business card or a coffee
gift card for storage, transport and gift giving.
[0082] The storable, reusable sleeve is a break-through concept for
personalizing the prepared coffee experience at the most basic
level--just as you personalize the way you dress and look everyday.
Not only do the sleeves come in a variety of fashionable patterns
and colors, they also come in various styles incorporating fake fur
trim, leather, buttons broaches, lace, etc. This is an important
and unique development in the way paper cups are used and the way
in which we see and treat our coffee experience.
[0083] The outer fabric represents current clothing fashion trends
and may in the future, utilize custom designed patterns. In
alternative embodiments upgraded fabrics such as velvet, silk,
wool, brocades, and the like are used, and a variety of trim such
as fake fur, leather, buttons, broaches, lace, and the like, is
incorporated to make a more dramatic fashion statement.
[0084] For marketing and sales appeal, each storable, reusable
sleeve design will be given a name and marketed as a
personality.
[0085] The storable, reusable sleeve can be made with most any
fabric, for example, silk fabrics such as brocade, canton crepe,
charmeuse, chiffon, china silk, doupioni, faille, georgette,
matelasse, noil, organza, peau de sole, pongee, poult de siue, silk
shantung, silk broadcloth, silk linen, silk satin, and tussah silk;
cotton fabrics such as diaper cloth, dimity, drill, duck, flannel,
flannelette, gauze, gingham, lawn, muslin, organdy, outing flannel,
oxford, percale, poplin, sailcloth, sateen, seersucker, swiss,
terry cloth, pima cotton, polished cotton, velveteen, and whipcord;
linen fabrics such as butcher's linen, damask, and venise; wool
fabrics such as beaver cloth, botany/merino wool, broadcloth,
challis, cheviot, chinchilla cloth, donegal, felt, flannel,
gabardine, glen checks, harris tweed, heather mixture, herringbone
wool, homespun, hound's-tooth check, jersey, laine, lambsdown,
linsey-woolsey, loden fabric, mackinaw fabric, melton, merino wool,
oatmeal cloth, panama cloth, petersham, pilot cloth, poodle cloth,
rabbit hair, sharkskin, tartan, tweed, and virgin wool;
manufactured or man made fabrics such as acetate, acrylic, lastex,
nylon, polyester, rayon, and spandex; and natural plant fiber
fabrics such as hemp, ramie, and jute.
[0086] The sleeve can be reversible or not, and can have trim or
not. It may also incorporate a variety of logos or customized names
and words. The top and bottom horizontal seams can be bound with
any type of binding material (e.g., matching or coordinating
fabric, off-the-shelf seam binding, any other type of fabric,
leather, ribbon, etc.). The binding may be double or single
needle-stitched. Conversely, the top and bottom horizontal seams do
not have to be bound. They can be folded over and double or
single-needle straight-stitched down, they can be surged, or they
can be sewn right sides together and turned back, right sides
out--using simple pillow construction. The layers of fabric can be
glued (or laminated) together negating the need for top and bottom
horizontal seam stitching. The sleeve's vertical ends can be laced
together, zipped together, velcroed together, glued together,
surged together, straight-stitched together or French-seamed
together. Also, a strip of elastic could be sewn between the two
vertical edges to form a gusseted elastic seam or the length of
layered fabric may be simply tied onto the cup like a ribbon.
[0087] The fabrics may be (but are not required to be) stain
treated using a variety of product bases, including silicone,
Teflon and wax. Insulation can be B400 insulation material or any
thermal product such as Thinsulate. The insulation layer acts as an
insulation core and maintains the beverage serving temperature
approximately +/-10 degrees higher than conventional disposable
cardboard sleeves.
[0088] In the foregoing description, certain specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will
recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more
of these specific details, or with other methods, components,
materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures
associated with sleeve and storage-securing mechanism have not been
shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring
descriptions of the embodiments.
[0089] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as "including, but
not limited to."
[0090] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Further more, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments.
[0091] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do
not interpret the scope or meaning of this disclosure.
[0092] The above description of illustrated embodiments, including
what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed.
Although specific embodiments of and examples are described herein
for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of this
disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant
art. The teachings provided herein can be applied to any beverage
container, not necessarily the exemplary disposable paper cup
generally described above.
[0093] The various embodiments described above can be combined to
provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent
application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign
patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications
referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application
Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their
entirety. Aspects of this disclosure can be modified, if necessary,
to employ fasteners, fabrics and concepts of the various patents,
applications and publications to provide yet further
embodiments.
[0094] These and other changes can be made in light of the
above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims,
the terms used should not be construed to limit this disclosure to
the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the
claims, but should be construed to include all storable, insulating
sleeves that operate in accordance with the claims. Accordingly,
the embodiments are not limited by this disclosure, but instead
their scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims
and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *