BRPI0411320B1 - FOLDING AIR INSULATION GLOVE - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable air insulating sleeve (20) for insulating beverage and food containers. The sleeve (20) secures a cup (60) in a manner that leaves a pocket of air (68) surrounding the cup. This provides for improved temperature regulation and sufficient thermal insulation to assist the user in firmly grasping and handling the cup despite excess heat or condensation caused by the temperature of the cup's contents. A lid (108) further improves thermal insulation.

Description

(54) Title: FOLDING AIR INSULATION GLOVE (51) Int.CI .: B65D 25/20 (30) Unionist Priority: 9/10/2003 US 60 / 501,683, 6/11/2003 US 10 / 459,337 (73 ) Holder (s): LAURENT HECHMATI (72) Inventor (s): LAURENT HECHMATI

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FOLDING AIR INSULATION GLOVE

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to insulating devices for beverage containers and, more particularly, to insulating drinks and food by the use of air as the insulator.

2. Background and Related Technique

Disposable cups are routinely used in fast food and roadside restaurants to contain hot and cold drinks. Due to the fact that these cups have relatively thin walls, the insulation is poor. As a result, the cups in which hot drinks are served are often too hot to be comfortably held, and the outer surface of the cups in which the cold drinks are served often accumulate moisture, also making the glasses difficult to hold, thereby making the hand of the person holding it and the table become damp. In addition, cold drinks heat up quickly and hot drinks lose heat quickly.

In response to the need for a better beverage insulator, several types of disposable paper and cardboard gloves were used. Gloves are sized to slide over the outside of a drink glass, and are held in place by friction. The wide diameter end of the typical drink cup prevents the glove from sliding out of the cup while the cup is being held. However, such devices are poor insulators, because they are usually thin. Furthermore, close contact with the cup causes an additional heat transfer to the

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2/15 exterior of the insulator. Additional insulation is required at the bottom of the drinking glasses, because the fluid has been there for a longer period of time. Also, such typically, exterior devices, printed on the missed opportunity cover any material in the cup, resulting in an advertising. Although some transparent insulators have been created, they also lose effectiveness as insulators, because of close contact with the cups and the conductive material from which they are typically made. Some of the most effective insulators are too bulky and take up too much storage space in small convenience stores, thereby making disposable cups too big to fit on most cup holders. Another problem with most disposable cups is that since typical cups have narrow bases, they are unstable. Thus, there is a great need in the glass beverage industry for better insulation and general improvement.

To solve the problem of difficulty in holding hot drinks or cold drinks that accumulate moisture on the outside of the cup, some disposable cups include handles. Unfortunately, the problem with handles is that they are typically made of paper or other sheet-like material, and they lack sufficient strength to hold the cup in an upright position when the user is holding the cup by the handle. In other words, the weight of the glass can cause the handle to flex or tear, so that the glass tilts, spilling the drink.

US 6 412 686 discloses an insulation sleeve

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3/15 thermal for content that is easily converted from a general planar configuration during periods of non-use and to an open or expanded configuration to receive content during periods of use.

US 3 337 109 discloses a support for disposable content including a cup and a disposable support for the cup. The stand provides an attractive stand that protects and insulates a user's hand. Additionally, the supports provide compact storage and shipping as they are flattened and stacked.

6 164 487 provides an insulated jacket for a beverage content formed from an initial piece of flexible insulating material. The jacket is readily flattened when not in use so that the jacket can be easily stored and carried.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an air insulation system is provided, the air insulation system comprising: a cup; and a foldable air insulation sleeve configured to isolate said cup through at least a first air pocket, said first air pocket being substantially completely surrounded by said cup and said foldable air insulation sleeve, said sleeve foldable air insulation comprising: a substantially tubular outer housing; a ferrule; an internal base; and an outer base, wherein said inner base and outer base are separated by an air gap when the foldable air insulation sleeve (20) is in an unfolded insulation position; and in which said

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4/15 tubular outer housing is foldable over at least two longitudinal folds, and wherein said inner base and said outer base are foldable so that said inner base and said outer base are parallel to said ferrule when folded and perpendicular to said ferrule when opened, and wherein said tubular outer housing is foldable in a flat condition.

Said ferrule of said folding air insulation sleeve 10 can be coupled to a top ferrule of said cup, and said inner base of said folding insulation sleeve supports a bottom edge of said cup.

Said internal base and said external base are connected by at least one base connection strip.

Said internal base of the folding air insulation sleeve may have an opening through which said cup enters, until said cup is too wide to be prevented from passing further, or until said cup meets said outer base of the said foldable air insulation sleeve.

Said bottom edge of said cup is narrower than said top ferrule, so that, when coupled to said foldable air insulation sleeve, the area of said first air pocket is larger, close to said edge of bottom of said cup than in said top ferrule.

Said first air pocket exists between said outer tubular housing of said foldable air insulation sleeve and said cup.

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Preferably a second air pocket exists between said internal base and said external base of said foldable air insulation sleeve.

Said foldable air insulation sleeve is made substantially of at least one of the following materials:

i) plastic; and ii) paper.

Said inner base may have an inner base fold, wherein the longitudinal fold parent and said inner base are located in a single plane when the folding air insulation sleeve is in a folded position and when the foldable air is in an unfolded position.

Said external base can have an external base fold, in which said internal base and said external base are connected by at least one base connection strip, and in which said external base fold is located in the same plane of the inner base fold and said longitudinal folds in both said folded and unfolded insulation portions.

Said first air pocket may be a continuous circumferential air pocket.

The present invention relates to insulation devices for beverage containers and, more particularly, to the insulation of drinks and food, such as by the use of air as the insulator.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a foldable air insulation sleeve configured to slide and hold a drink glass. The folding air isolation sleeve secures the cup to a

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6/15 way that allows a pocket of air to surround the glass. This pocket of air isolates the drink. The user can hold the cup by holding the outer surface of the folding air insulation sleeve, thereby avoiding contact with a hot or wet cup surface. Due to the fact that the bases of most disposable cups are narrower than their respective ferrules, more air and thus greater insulation is possible, especially towards the bottom of the cups held by the folding air insulation sleeve. The wider base also gives the cup greater stability. Furthermore, the material from which the folding air insulation sleeve is made allows advertisements or other printable material to be affixed to its outer surface. The foldable air insulation sleeve can be made of many materials, including plastic or paper. The foldable air insulation sleeve is also foldable to a substantially flat position.

In this mode, the base of the cup rests on an internal base of the folding air insulation sleeve. The inner base is connected to an outer base, which is in contact with the outer surface and supports the entire cup - sleeve configuration. The space between the inner and outer base is filled with air and still acts to isolate the contents of the cup.

In another embodiment, the outer folding air glove base is in contact with the outer surface and supports the entire glove - cup configuration.

In yet another modality, the internal base of the folding air insulation sleeve has an opening through which the glass enters, until the glass is too wide and is

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7/15 prevented from passing further or until the cup meets the external base of the folding air insulation sleeve and is supported by it.

In yet another embodiment, the outer base of the folding air insulation sleeve, although wider than the cup it supports, is narrow enough to fit on most cup holders.

In an additional embodiment, the folding air isolation sleeve includes a cap that attaches to the cup's top ferrule. The lid is substantially hollow, providing an air chamber, which further isolates the contents of the cup. When the folding air insulation sleeve is used with a food item, the cover has no openings. When used with a cold drink, the lid has an opening through which a straw is placed. Finally, when used with a hot drink, the cap has a rounded mouthpiece in a cap.

Although the methods and processes of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in association with beverage containers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods and processes can be used in a variety of different applications for isolating a variety of different types of sensitive substances at temperature (for example, soups and other foods).

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be established or will become more fully evident in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The resources and advantages can be realized and obtained through the instruments and combinations particularly highlighted in the claims

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8/15 attached. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention can be learned by practicing the invention, or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the features and advantages recited above and others of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be made by reference to specific modalities thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that the drawings describe only typical modalities of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and details, through the use of the attached drawings, in which :

Figure 1 provides an illustration of a representative embodiment of the present invention, where the foldable air insulation sleeve comprises a ferrule, an internal base and an external base, where the internal base and the external base are connected.

Figure 2 provides an illustration of a representative embodiment of the present invention that houses a glass.

Figure 3 provides an illustration of a representative foldable air insulation sleeve in a folded position.

Figure 4 provides an illustration of another representative folding air insulation sleeve with a cup, where the folding air insulation sleeve includes an inner base, but not an outer base.

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Figure 5 shows an alternative illustration of the folding air insulation sleeve in a folded position, without an external base.

Figure 6 provides an illustration of another representative folding air insulation glove, with a cup that

includes THE a modified internal base. isolation Figure 7 provides an illustration gives glove in air folding with an internal base modified in position Tripe. THE Figure 8 provides an illustration gives glove in isolation

air hinge with a hollow food container lid.

Figure 9 provides an illustration of the foldable air isolation sleeve with a hollow cold drink cap.

THE Figure 10 provides an illustration of the insulation glove 15 air folding with a hollow hot drink cap and a plug. THE Figure 11 provides an illustration in cross section

of the foldable air isolation sleeve with a hollow hot drink cap and a plug.

Figure 12 provides a cross-sectional illustration of a cup with a hollow food container lid, where the air chamber is positioned above the lid.

Figure 13 provides a cross-sectional illustration of a glass with a hollow cold drink cap, where the air chamber is positioned above the cap.

Figure 14 provides a cross-sectional illustration of a glass with a hollow hemispherical cold drink cap. Figure 15 provides a cross-sectional illustration of a glass with a hollow cold drink cap and a cap, where the air chamber is positioned above the cap.

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Figure 16 provides a cross-sectional illustration of a glass with an alternative hollow cold drink cap and cap, where the air chamber is positioned above the cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to insulation devices for beverage containers and, more particularly, to the insulation of drinks and food by the use of air as the insulator.

In the exhibition and in the claims, the term cup must refer to any container used for storing consumable liquids and solids. Examples of cups include disposable cups, small soup bowls and any other similarly shaped container from which someone drinks or eats what is in need of isolation.

Figure 1 illustrates a transparent view of a foldable air insulation sleeve 20 that includes a substantially tubular outer housing 30, a ferrule 32, an inner base 34, an outer base 36, a first base connecting strip 38 and a second base connection strip 40. The substantially tubular outer housing 30 has a first longitudinal fold 42 and a second longitudinal fold 44. The first base connection strip 38 has a first base connection strip fold 46 and the second base connection 40 has a second base connection strip fold 48. Finally, the inner base 34 has an inner base fold 50.

Figure 2 illustrates a transparent view of the foldable air insulation sleeve 20 with a cup 60, where the cup 60

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11/15 has a top ferrule 62, a bottom rim 64 and a support wall 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the ferrule 32 of the foldable air insulation sleeve 20 connects to the top ferrule 62 of the cup 60. The rim bottom 64 of cup 60 is supported by the inner base 34 of the foldable air insulation sleeve 20. Once the cup 60 is connected to the foldable air insulation sleeve 20, a first air pocket 68 is created, which , together with a second air pocket 70, isolates the contents of cup 60. Once connected, a user can carry cup 60 by picking up the substantially tubular outer housing 30.

Figure 3 illustrates a transparent view of a folding air insulation sleeve in folded position 80. In this embodiment, the inner base 34 is folded along the inner base fold 50, the first base connection strip 38 is folded along of the first base connection strip fold 46, the second base connection strip 40 is folded along the second base connection strip fold 48, and the substantially tubular outer housing 30 is folded along the first longitudinal fold 42 and the second longitudinal fold 44, so that the foldable air insulating sleeve folded in position 80 is in a substantially flat condition. When folded, the inner base fold 50 is parallel to the ferrule 32 and, when opened, the inner base fold 50 is perpendicular to the ferrule 32.

Referring now to Figure 4, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as the foldable air insulation sleeve 20 with cup 60, where the foldable air insulation sleeve 20 includes the inner base 34, but does not include the base external 36. In this modality, the base

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12/15 inner 34 supports the cup 60 and the folding air insulation sleeve 20. The inner base 34 also folds along the inner base fold 50, the first base connection strip fold 46 and the second fold of base connection strip 48.

Figure 5 shows an alternative illustration of folding air insulation sleeve in folded position 80 without outer base 36. In this embodiment, the inner base 34 is folded along the inner base fold 50, the first base connection strip 38 is folded along a first base connection strip work line 52, the second base connection strip 40 is folded along a second base connection strip work line 54 and the substantially tubular outer housing 30 it is folded along the first longitudinal fold 42 and the second longitudinal fold 44, so that the foldable air insulating sleeve in folded position 80 is in a substantially flat condition. When folded, the inner base fold 50 is parallel to the ferrule 32 and, when opened, the inner base fold 50 is perpendicular to the ferrule 32.

Referring now to Figure 6, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as the foldable air insulation sleeve 20 with the cup 60, where the foldable air insulation sleeve 20 includes a modified inner base 90. The inner base modified 90 comprises a base portion 92 and an opening 94. In this embodiment, the cup 60 projects through the opening 94 until the support wall 66 of the cup 60 prevents further travel or until the bottom edge 64 of the cup 60 reaches the external base 36.

Figure 7 shows the foldable air insulation sleeve

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13/15 with the modified inner base 90 in a folded position. The modified inner base 90 folds along the first modified inner base fold 96, the second modified inner base fold 98, the first base connecting strip fold 46 and the second base connecting strip fold 48. When folded, the first modified inner base fold 96 and the second modified inner base fold 98 are parallel to the ferrule 32 and, when open, the first modified inner base fold 96 and the second modified inner base fold 98 are perpendicular to the ferrule 32.

Figure 8 shows the foldable air isolation sleeve with a hollow food container lid 100 that attaches to the top ferrule 62 of cup 60 and includes an air isolation chamber 101.

Figure 9 is a foldable air isolation sleeve 20 with a hollow cold drink cap 102 that attaches to the top ferrule 62 of cup 60 and has a straw opening 104 through which a straw 106 is placed. The hollow cold drink lid 102 also includes an air isolation chamber 101 that isolates the contents of the cup 60.

Figure 10 illustrates the foldable air isolation sleeve 20 with a hollow hot drink cap 108, a rounded mouthpiece piece 110, a hollow hot drink cap opening 112 and a cap 114. The hollow hot drink cap 108 sits attaches to the top ferrule 62 of cup 60. The cap 114 covers the opening of the hollow hot drink cap 112, isolating the contents of cup 60.

Figure 11 illustrates a transparent view of the foldable air insulation sleeve 20 with hollow hot drink cap

108, where the first air pocket 68, the

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14/15 air isolation 101 and a third air pocket 116 isolate the contents of cup 60. In this illustration, the cap 114 is coupled to the rounded mouthpiece piece 110, covering the hollow hot drink lid opening 112 and additionally insulating the 60 cup contents.

Figure 12 illustrates a cup with a hollow food container lid that attaches to the cup top ferrule and includes an insulating air chamber positioned above the lid.

Figure 13 shows a cup with a hollow iced drink cap that attaches to the top cap of the cup and has a straw opening through which a straw is placed, where the insulating air chamber is positioned above the cap.

Figure 14 illustrates a cup with a hollow hemispherical cold drink cap that attaches to the cup top ferrule and has a straw opening through which a straw is placed and an insulating air chamber.

Figure 15 illustrates a cup with a hollow hot drink cap, a rounded mouthpiece and a cap. The hollow hot drink cap attaches to the cup top ferrule and the cap covers the hollow hot drink cap opening. The insulating air chamber is positioned above the cover.

Figure 16 shows a cup with an alternative hollow hot drink cap, a rounded mouthpiece and a stopper. The hot drink cap attaches to the cup top ferrule and the cap covers the hollow hot drink cap opening. The insulating air chamber is positioned above the cover.

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Thus, as discussed here, the embodiments of the present invention involve the field of insulating devices for beverage containers. In particular, the present invention relates to the isolation of disposable cups by the use of air as the insulator. The present invention can be realized in other specific ways, without deviating from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described modalities should be considered in all aspects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention, therefore, is indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the preceding description. All changes that come in the meaning and the equivalence range of the claims must be included in its scope

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Claims (2)

1/16 HG.1 1. Foldable air insulation system, the foldable air insulation system comprising: a glass (60); and 5 a foldable air isolation sleeve (20) configured to isolate said cup (60) through at least one first circumferential air pocket (68), said first air pocket (68) being completely surrounded by said cup (60) and said glove 10 foldable air insulation (20), said foldable air insulation sleeve (20) comprising: an external tubular housing (30); a ferrule (32); and an internal base (34); 15 said system being characterized by the fact that the sleeve (20) comprises an external base (36), in which said internal base (34) and the external base (36) are connected by at least one base connection strip ( 38) and are separated by an air gap when the 20 foldable air insulation (20) is in an unfolded insulation position, in which said tubular outer housing (30) is foldable over at least two longitudinal folds (41, 44), and in which said internal base ( 34) and the Said external base (36) are foldable so that said internal base (34) and said external base (36) are parallel to said ferrule (32) when folded and perpendicular to said ferrule (32) when opened, and in that said external tubular housing (30) is foldable in 30 a flat condition. Petition 870170052102, of 7/24/2017, p. 24/26 2/3 Foldable air insulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that said ferrule (32) of said foldable air insulation sleeve (20) is coupled to a top ferrule (62) of said cup ( 60), and 5 of said inner base (34) of said folding insulation sleeve (20) supports a bottom edge (64) of said cup (60). 3. Foldable air insulation system, according to the claim 1, featured fur fact gives said base 10 internal (34) gives insulation glove in foldable air present a opening through gives which one O said cup (60) enters, until O said cup (60) stay too much wide to the point of being prevented from passing further, or until said cup (60) meets said external base 15 (36) of said foldable air insulation sleeve (20). 4. Foldable air insulation system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said edge background (64) of said cup (60) be closer than said top ferrule (62), making with that, When 20 coupled to said glove air insulation folding (20), the area of referred first pocket of air ( 68) is bigger, closer to said bottom edge (64) of said cup (60) than to said top ferrule (62). 5. Foldable air insulation system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said first air pocket (68) exists between said external tubular housing (30) of said foldable air insulation sleeve. (20) and said cup (60). 6. Foldable air isolation system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a second Petition 870170052102, of 7/24/2017, p. 25/26 3/3 air pocket (70) exists between said internal base (34) and said external base (36) of said foldable air insulation sleeve (20). Foldable air insulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that said foldable air insulation sleeve (20) is made of at least one of the following materials: i) plastic; and ii) paper. 10 8. Foldable air insulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that said internal base (34) has an internal base fold (50). 9. Foldable air insulation system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises 15 also a hollow food cover (100) having an air isolation chamber (101) without openings. 10. Foldable air isolation system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a hollow cold drink cap (102) having a chamber 20 air (101) with a straw opening (104). 11. Foldable air isolation system according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a hollow hot drink cap (108), rounded mouthpiece (110), an opening (112) and a Buffer (114). Petition 870170052102, of 7/24/2017, p. 26/26 2/16