MX2009002016A - Insulation sleeve for beverage containers. - Google Patents

Abstract

An insulating sleeve for a beverage container includes a flexible shell member that is collapsible into a flat panel configuration when not in use. The shell member includes a foam layer, and a liquid permeable skin layer applied to the foam layer at an inner circumferential surface thereof. The shell member is relatively thin yet provides the thermal insulating efficiency of heavier and thicker beverage container sleeves through the provision of open passages in the foam layer when the sleeve is extended over tine beverage container.

Description

INSULATING CASE FOR DRINK CONTAINERS Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermal insulation sleeve configured for beverage containers.

Various types of conventional insulating covers are known in the art for thermally insulating a beverage container to keep the liquid in the container at a cool temperature. These devices also serve to protect the user's hand from discomfort when holding extremely cold containers. Typically, conventional isolating sleeves incorporate one or more layers of insulating material, such as a foam material, which dictates the efficiency of thermal insulation of the sheath.

Relatively thick and bulky covers of beverage containers are known to provide a significant insulating benefit. These devices are typically molded or otherwise formed into open ended cylindrical devices for receiving a beverage container therein. These devices maintain their three-dimensional shape when the container is removed and, therefore, requires significant space to transport and store. However, in means of recreation and others where such devices are typically desired, space is an invaluable convenience.

The beverage container covers are also known to be relatively thin and capable of collapsing. These devices are readily stored and transported, but do not offer the thermal insulation efficiency of larger, more substantial devices.

Accordingly, the art needs an isolating sleeve for beverage containers that offer the portability and convenience of a thin sleeve, capable of collapsing with the thermal efficiency of a much larger device that has substantially more insulation. The present invention relates to just such a device.

Synthesis of the Invention The objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through the practice of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a sleeve for isolating specifically is provided designed for a beverage container. The case includes a flexible cover member that collapses in a flat panel configuration when not in use. The cover member is opened in a tubular or cylindrical configuration to receive a beverage container inserted in the sheath. The cover member in this particular embodiment includes a foam insulating layer having a basis weight of, for example, less than about 180 grams per square meter. Other basis weights are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. A liner layer can be applied to the foam layer on the inner circumferential surface that rests adjacent to the beverage container. This liner layer can be, for example, a non-woven material, particularly a hydrophobic non-woven fabric. The cover member comprises a total basis weight of less than about 400.0 grams per square meter and a thermal efficiency factor "A" which is determined as a function of the basis weight. This thermal efficiency factor is at least around 0.050. In particular additions, the thermal efficiency factor "A" is at least about 0.075, and is at least about 0.090 in still other additions. As described in more detail here, the thermal efficiency factor "A" is determined from a change in the temperature of a liquid inside a beverage container over a specific period of time divided by the total basis weight of the insulation sleeve .

In certain embodiments, the insulation sleeve may comprise a total basis weight of less than about 200.0 grams per square meter and have a thermal efficiency factor "A" of at least about 0.090.

The insulating sheath of the present invention is particularly unique in that it provides significant insulation while maintaining a relatively thin profile, particularly in the folded flat panel configuration of the sheath. For example, the sheath may have a volume measurement in the flat panel configuration of less than about 7.0 millimeters, and particularly less than about 5.0 millimeters, or less than about 4.0 millimeters in alternative configurations. The sheath member may have a single layer thickness of less than about 4.0 millimeters, and more particularly less than about 3.0 millimeters.

In embodiments of the insulating sheath particularly configured for conventionally sized beverage cans, the sheath can have a total weight of less than about 6.0 grams, and more particularly less than about 5.0 grams, or less than about 4.0 grams in alternative configurations. The sheath may have an additional thermal efficiency factor "B" which is determined as a function of the total weight of the sheath. This efficiency factor thermal "B" is desirably at least about 2.50. In certain embodiments, the sheath has a total weight of less than about 4.5 grams and a thermal efficiency factor "B" of at least about 3.50. In still other embodiments, the sheath has a total weight of less than about 5.5 grams and a thermal efficiency factor "B" of less than about 3.00. As described in more detail below, the thermal efficiency factor "B" is determined by dividing the temperature change of a beverage within a container over a specific period of time by the total weight of the sleeve. The thermal efficiency factor "B" therefore gives a measure of efficiency for products by size specifically for beverage containers of a particular configuration and size.

The insulating sheath may be extensible in order to expand and receive a beverage container of a particular diameter. For example, in one embodiment of a sleeve designed for standard size beverage cans, the sleeve has an inner diameter in its relaxed state of less than about 210 millimeters, and particularly less than about 204 millimeters. To use the sleeve, a user expands the sleeve to encircle the beverage can that has a diameter of less than about 204 millimeters. The. sheath may have a circumference extension of less than about 10%, and less than about 5% in certain configurations.

To allow the expansion of the cover, any combination of foam and lining layers is extensible. In certain embodiments, one or more of the layers may be elastomeric. In certain embodiments, the foam layer is made extensible by ducts, such as openings or slots, completely defined through the foam layer. By placing the sheath on a beverage container, the openings are opened in cells to accommodate expansion. The inner liner layer is extensible to at least one degree necessary to also accommodate expansion. In this regard, the liner layer can comprise a liquid permeable elastomeric nonwoven material.

The insulating sheath may include a second layer of outer sheath applied to the outer circumferential surface of the foam layer. In one configuration, this second liner layer can be of a hydrophobic nonwoven material. This material may also include a textured surface to provide a surface that highlights the grip for the user. In embodiments where the sleeve member is extensible, the outer shell layer is also extensible.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an insulating cover is provided for a beverage container. The The sheath includes an expandable cover member that expands in the circumferential direction to accommodate a beverage container inserted in the sheath. The cover member includes a foam layer having a duct pattern, such as cuts, defined in it. A liner layer is applied to the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the cover member such that the foam layer is sandwiched between the liner layers. The inner and outer liner layers are formed of an extensible material to accommodate the expansion of the sheath member, and in a particular embodiment may comprise liquid permeable nonwoven materials. The liner layers can be elastomeric. With the expansion of the cover member, the conduits in the foam layer open to define the expanded cells in the foam layer. These cells defined by the walls of the ducts are closed at opposite ends thereof by the liner layers such that the expanded cells and the liner layers define a network of relatively large closed cells in the foam layer. The foam material is, in turn, defined by smaller open cells, closed cells, or a combination of open and closed cells. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the foam material and the closed expanded cell system provide the sheath with a total thermal insulation efficiency above all.

The isolating sleeve having the expanded closed cell configuration may also include any one or a combination of thermal or physical characteristics set above. For example, the foam layer may have a basis weight of less than about 180 grams per square meter, with the cover member comprising a total basis weight of less than about 400.0 grams per square meter. The sheath may have a volume thickness in its flat panel configuration of less than about 7.0 millimeters, and more particularly less than about 5.0 millimeters or 4.0 millimeters. The sheath can have a single layer thickness of less than about 4.0 millimeters, and more particularly less than about 3.0 millimeters.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, an isolating sleeve for a beverage container is provided with an expandable cover member that is capable of collapsing in a flat panel configuration. The cover member expands in a circumferential direction to accommodate a beverage container inserted in the sleeve. The cover member includes a foam layer with a pattern of conduits, such as cutouts, defined therein. An inner liner layer is applied to the inner circumferential surface of the cover member, while the surface of the outer circumference of the foam layer remains exposed. In other words, a Liner layer is not applied to the outer circumference surface of the foam. In use of the device, the cover member expands in the circumferential direction to accommodate a beverage container inserted in the sleeve. The ducts in the foam layer open to accommodate this expansion and provide an improved grip surface, textured for a user on the outer circumferential surface of the foam layer. Depending on the length, shape, and configuration of the conduits, the outer surface of the foam layer can be provided with a "crocodile skin lining" surface. This type of improved grip surface may be particularly desired in certain recreational environments, such as a marine environment.

Other features and aspects of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to particular embodiments illustrated in the figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings A complete and authoritative description of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, addressed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is pointed out more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which refers to the figures attached in the drawings. which: Figures 1A, IB and 1C are perspective views of an embodiment of an insulating cover for a beverage container according to the invention.

Figure ID is a cross-sectional view of a part of the sheath shown in Figure 1C taken along the indicated lines.

Figure 1E is a cross section view of a single panel of an alternative embodiment of a sheath incorporating inner and outer sheath members.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an insulating sheath according to the invention.

Figure 2B is a partial cut-away view of a part of the sheath indicated in Figure 2A.

Figure 3 is a partial cut-away view of a part of an alternative embodiment of a sheath member in accordance with the invention.

Detailed Description of Representative Incorporations Definitions "Elastic" and "elastomeric" refer to materials that have elastomeric or elastic properties. Elastomeric materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers, are generally capable of recovering their shape after deformation when the deformation force is removed. Specifically, as used herein, elastomeric is meant to be that property of any material that, with the application of an elongation force, allows the material to stretch to a stretched length that is at least about 20 percent greater than its length relaxed, and that will cause the material to recover at least 30 percent of its elongation with the release of the stretching force.

"Extensible" or "extensibility" generally refers to being stretched or extending in the direction of a force applied by at least about 200% of its relaxed length or width. An extensible material does not necessarily have recovery properties. For example, an elastomeric material is an extensible material having recovery properties. A meltblown fabric can be extensible, but not have recovery properties, and therefore, be an extensible, non-elastic material.

As used herein, the term "carded and bonded fabric" refers to fabrics that are made of basic fibers that are sent through a combing or carding unit, which separates or breaks and aligns the basic fibers in the direction of the machine to form a fibrous non-woven fabric oriented generally in the machine direction. Such fibers are usually obtained in bales and placed in a mixer / opener or ginner, which separates the fibers before the carding unit. Once formed, the tissue can then be joined by one or more known methods.

"Non-woven" and "non-woven fabric" means a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or strands that are between placed, but not in an identifiable manner, repeatedly as a woven fabric. Fabrics or non-woven fabrics have been formed by many processes such as, for example, meltblown, hydroentanglement, air-laid processes, spin-linked processes and carded and bonded weaving processes, etc.

"Cell" refers to a cavity defined in a foam. A cell is closed when the membrane of the cell that surrounds the cavity or the enclosed opening is not perforated and has all membranes intact. A cell is opened when cell membrane is perforated or not intact.

Test Methods Caliber Test Method (Volume) The caliber or thickness of a material, in millimeters, is measured at 0.05 pounds per square inch (psi) (0.345 KPa) using a # 326 compressometer volume tester, Frazier spring model with a 2-inch diameter circular foot or foot (50.8 mm) (from Frazier Precision Instrument Corporation, 925 Sweeney Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740). Each type of sample is subjected to three test repetitions and the results are averaged to produce a single value.

Thermal Efficiency Factor "A" The efficiency factor of thermal insulation "A" of the sheaths according to the invention is a factor dependent on the total basis weight of the sheath materials. For any sheath, the total basis weight of the sheath material includes the weight of the foam layer, any sheath layers, or any adhesives. An environmental chamber of brand "ets" model # 506C-6117 is set for 80% relative humidity and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A beverage container with a liquid drink is submerged in ice for a specific period of time to reduce the temperature of the drink. The container is removed and the initial temperature of the beverage is recorded with a digital thermometer. The thermometer is attached to the container through the top opening and secured with a snap, paraffin film or other suitable media, taking care not to contact the bottom or sides of the can with the thermometer. The container is placed inside the chamber as soon as possible after removing it from the ice and placing the thermometer. The temperature is followed as a function of time, for example over a period of time of 30 minutes, or until the liquid beverage reaches a temperature equilibrium. The change in temperature over the specific time is divided by the total basis weight of the sheath to determine the thermal efficiency factor "A" as a function of the basis weight.

Thermal Efficiency Factor "B" The efficiency factor of thermal insulation "B" of the sheaths according to the invention is a factor dependent on the total weight of the sheath. For any sheath, the total weight includes the weight of the foam layer, any lining layer, and any adhesives. The factor is determined as indicated above in the description of the Thermal Efficiency Factor "A", except that the change in temperature over the specific time is divided by the total weight of the sheath. materials Non-limiting examples of suitable materials that can be used in the isolating sleeves made in accordance with the invention are presented below.

Any of the liner layers that are laminated or otherwise bonded to the foam insulating layer may include a material capable of wetting (hydrophilic) or a material incapable of wetting (hydrophobic). A material unable to be moistened can be desired in that the condensation will be removed from the lining layers and absorbed in the foam layer. Suitable materials include a spunbonded fabric, a coform fabric, a tissue tissue, a meltblown fabric, a bonded and bonded fabric, film layers, and laminates thereof. A nonwoven material can be made of various fibers, such as synthetic or natural fibers. For example, in one embodiment, synthetic fibers, such as fibers made of thermoplastic polymers, can be used to build the liner layer of the present invention. For example, suitable fibers can include spunbond filaments, basic fibers, spunbond filament filaments, and the like. These fibers or synthetic filaments used in making the nonwoven material can have any suitable morphology and can include hollow or solid fibers, filaments or erect, crimped, single-component, conjugated or biconstituted, and mixtures or mixtures of such fibers and / or filaments, as they are well known in the art.

The synthetic fibers added to the non-woven fabric can also include basic fibers that can be added to increase the strength, volume, softness and smoothness of the base sheet. The basic fibers can include, for example, various polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, nylon fibers, polyvinyl acetate fibers, cotton fibers, rayon fibers, non-milky plant fibers, and mixtures thereof.

A particularly useful material for use as an inner and outer liner layer is a hydrophobic bonded carded and bound fabric 336D of the BBA Nonwovens, Inc. of Simpsonville, South Carolina, United States of America, having a basis weight of 31 grams per square meter.

The liner layers may comprise a laminate containing two or more fabrics. For example, the fabric may comprise a laminate bonded with melt / spin yarn / bonded with spinning, a laminate joined with spinning / blowing "with melting, and the like.

The outer lining layer can define a textured surface that presents a surface of improved grip to the user. The manner in which a textured surface is formed on a non-woven fabric can vary depending on the particular application of the desired result. The outer skin layer can be made of a non-woven fabric that has been thermally bonded to form a plurality of tufts. As used herein, a substrate that has been "thermal point disunited" refers to a substrate that includes raised disconnected areas or slightly joined areas that form protuberances or tufts surrounded by joined regions.

In addition to point-separated materials, there are many other methods for creating textured surfaces on base fabrics and many other textured materials that can be used. Examples of known texturized, nonwoven materials include fast transfer materials, grouped materials, nonwovens formed by wire, creped nonwovens, and the like. In addition, fibers bonded through air, such as bicomponent air-bound materials bonded with spinning, or knitted disbonded, such as fibers joined with spinning disbonded per point, they can be incorporated into a base fabric to provide texture to the fabric.

In an embodiment, the textured material can be a terry material. How it is used here, a terry material refers to a material having a surface that is at least partially covered by crimped bristles that can vary in height and hardness depending on the particular application. In addition, the curly bristles may be sparsely spaced apart or they may be densely packed together. The curl material can be made in a number of different ways. For example, the curl can be a woven fabric or a woven fabric. In one embodiment, the curl material is made by curls pierced by a needle on a substrate. In other embodiments, the terry material may be formed through a hydroentanglement process or may be molded, such as through an injection molding process. Of course, any other suitable technique known in the art for producing curly bristles can also be used.

In certain embodiments of the sheath to be insulated, the outer sheath layer may be impermeable to the liquid. These liquid impervious layers can be made of liquid impervious chatter films, such as polyethylene and polypropylene films. Generally, such plastic films are impervious to gases and water vapor, as well as to liquids. As used herein, the thermal "capable of breathing" means that the barrier or film is permeable to water vapor and gases. In other words, "barriers capable of breathing" and "films capable of breathing" allow water vapor and gases to pass through, but not necessarily liquids. Various liquid impervious materials capable of breathing are well known to those skilled in the art.

The liner layers can be elastomeric such as to accommodate the expansion of the insulation liner, and to provide a positive gripping force against the sides of the beverage container. In this regard, the liner layers may contain elastic yarns or sections uniformly or randomly distributed throughout the material. Alternatively, the elastic component may be an elastic film or an elastic nonwoven fabric. In general, any material known in the art to possess elastomeric characteristics can be used in the present invention as an elastomeric component. Useful elastomeric materials may include, but are not limited to, films, foams, non-woven materials, etc. An elastomeric component can form an elastic laminate with one or more other layers, such as foams, films, open films, and / or non-woven fabrics. The elastic laminate generally contains layers that can be joined together such that at least one of the layers has the characteristic of an elastic polymer. Examples of Elastic laminates include, but are not limited to, laminates joined with stretch, and laminates joined with narrowing. In one embodiment, the elastic member may be a narrow-stretched joined laminate. As used herein, a bonded-stretched laminate is defined as a laminate made from the combination of a bonded laminate and a stretch bonded laminate. Examples of narrow-drawn bonded laminates are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,114,781 and 5,116,662, which are incorporated herein by reference. Of particular advantage, a narrow-stretched attached laminate is capable of stretching in the machine direction and in a direction transverse to the machine. In addition, a narrow-stretched bonded laminate can be made with a non-woven base that is textured. In particular, the stretched-bonded laminate can be made to include a non-woven view that folds and becomes gathered so as to form a textured surface.

Various foam materials can be used as the foam layer to be insulated in the sleeves according to the invention. A particularly suitable foam is an open-cell, low density, styrene-based foam made with balanced amounts of one or more surfactants and a plasticizer in a foam polymer formula. Thermoplastic elastomers can be added to the foam polymer formula to improve the softness, flexibility, elasticity, and strength of the foam layer. The open cell content of the foam is controlled by adjusting the amount of surfactant and / or plasticizer included in the foam polymer formula, and in particular embodiments suitable for the present invention, the open cell content can be of around 80% or greater. The density of the foam is less than about 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter, and desirably less than about 0.07 grams per cubic centimeter (before any compression is applied for packaging or the requirements for use). This particular type of foam is described in detail in the patent application of the United States of America publication number 10/729881 (Publication number 20050124709) and the patent application of the United States of America publication number 11/218825 ( Publication number 20060030632), both of which are incorporated here for all purposes.

Another commercially available foam that is believed to be suitable for use in the sleeves in accordance with the present invention is a closed-cell polyethylene-based foam from Sealed Air Corp., of Saddle Brook, New Jersey, United States of America, identified by the product codes "CA 90" and "CA 125". The code CA 90 has a thickness of 3/32 inches (2.38 millimeters), and the CA 125 code has a thickness of 1/8 of an inch (.18 millimeters).

In particular embodiments, the foam layer includes a plurality of ducts defined completely through the layer. These ducts can be defined by a pattern of cut openings. A detailed description of a cutting opening process is provided, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,714,107, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The ducts or openings provide the foam layer with a desired degree of extensibility. Also, when sealed by the liner layers, the openings define relatively large closed cell formations within the foam layer that provide additional beneficial features of thermal insulation.

Detailed description Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are noted below. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation to the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

For example, features illustrated as part of an embodiment may be used in another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is the intention that the present invention cover such modifications and variations.

With reference to Figures 1A to 1C in general, an embodiment of an insulating cover 10 is illustrated. The cover 10 is specifically designed to surround a beverage container, for example, the beverage can 20. It should be noted that the shells 10 in accordance with the invention are not limited by the type, size, or configuration of the beverage container, and can be designed to accommodate a wide variety of conventional beverage containers. The sheath 10 includes a flexible cover member 12 with a side wall 18 that collapses in a flat panel configuration illustrated in Figure 1A when not in use. The side wall 18 opens in a generally tubular or cylindrical configuration for receiving a beverage container inserted into an opening 14 defined by the side wall 18, as illustrated in Figure 1C.

The cover member 10 may include an integrally formed bottom panel 16 defining a bottom wall when the cover 10 is opened in the configuration of Figure 1C. This bottom wall 16 serves to isolate the bottom of the beverage container, and also functions as a glass holder to protect the surface on which the container is placed, or to prevent the container from sliding off the surface. The construction of the isolating sleeves capable of collapsing with the bottom wall configuration illustrated in Figure 1A is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/300791, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes The cover member 12 includes a foam insulating layer 22. This foam layer can be an open cell material, a closed cell, or a combination of open and closed cells, and is desirably one of the types of foams described above. In particular embodiments, the foam layer 22 has a basis weight of less than about 150 grams per square meter.

An inner liner layer 24 is applied to the foam layer 22 on the inner circumferential surface of the foam layer resting adjacent to the beverage container 20. In the illustrated embodiment, this liner layer 24 is a non-woven material. fabric, particularly a non-woven hydrophobic fabric. A hydrophobic fabric may be desired in relatively humid environments where it tends to poor condensation of the can in the relatively absorbent foam layer 22. In alternative embodiments, the liner layer 24 may be any or a combination of materials described above. The liner layer 24 can be applied to the foam layer 22 by any suitable means. For example, the liner layer 24 can be laminated to the foam layer 22, or joined to the foam layer 22 by conventional bonding techniques.

As described above, the cover member 12 comprises a total basis weight of less than about 400.0 grams per square meter and a thermal efficiency factor "A" which is a function of the basis weight and is derived as noted above. The thermal efficiency factor "A" is at least about 0.050. In particular additions, the thermal efficiency factor "A" is at least about 0.075, and is at least about 0.090 in still other additions. In certain embodiments, the insulation sleeve may comprise a total basis weight of less than about 200.0 grams per square meter and have a thermal efficiency factor "A" of at least about 0.090. Examples of sleeves 10 having the desired thermal efficiency factor "A" and a combination of total basis weight are indicated below.

With reference to Figure 1A, the insulation sleeve 10 is in its folded flat panel configuration, as it could be for packaging, storage, etc. In this configuration, the sleeve 10 can have a volume measurement of less than about 7.0 millimeters, and particularly less than about 5.0 millimeters in certain additions, or less than about 4.0 millimeters in certain other additions. The sheath 10 may have a single layer thickness (one layer of the cover member 12) of less than about 4.0 millimeters, and more particularly of less than about 3.0 millimeters.

In embodiments of the insulating sheath 10 particularly configured for conventional sizes of beverage cans 20, the sheath may have a total weight of less than about 6.0 grams, and more particularly less than about 5.0 grams, or less than around 4.0 grams in alternative configurations.

As described, the sheath 10 may have additional thermal efficiency factor "B" which is determined as a function of the total weight of the sheath. This thermal efficiency factor "B" is desirably at least about 2.50. In certain embodiments, the sheath 10 has a total weight of less than about 4.5 grams and a thermal efficiency factor "B" of at least about 3.50. In still other embodiments, the sleeve 10 has a total weight of less than about 5.5 grams and a thermal efficiency factor "B" of at least about 3.00. The thermal efficiency factor "B" provides means of Comparison of different covers that are specifically designed for the same type of beverage container.

The insulating sheath 10 may be extensible in order to expand and receive a beverage container of a particular diameter. In the illustrated embodiments of the sheath 10, the opening 14 in the sheath can have an inner diameter in its relaxed state (Figure IB) that is smaller than the diameter of the can 20. For example, conventional 12-ounce beverage cans They can have a diameter of around 204 millimeters. The sheath 10 can have an opening 14 with a relaxed diameter of less than 204 millimeters such that the sheath can expand around the circumference to be placed on the can 20. This relationship can be desired in that it ensures a relatively tight friction fit between the can 20 and sheath 10. The sheath may have an extension of the circumference of less than about 10 percent, and less than about 5 percent in certain configurations.

To allow the expansion of the sheath 10, the combination of the foam layer 22 and the lining layer 24 are extensible. In certain embodiments, and in any one or combination of the foam layer and liner layers, the materials may be elastic and formed by one or a combination of elastomeric materials described above. In others In addition, the materials may be inherently extensible to the extent that the sleeve 10 needs to be placed around the container 20 without tearing or otherwise compromising the integrity of the materials.

As noted above, an elastic material or device is one capable of stretching and recovery; that is, at a minimum an elastic material or device is capable of extending or lengthening with the application of force to an extended length of at least about 20 percent greater than its original, relaxed length, and is also capable of recovery at least 30 percent of its elongation with the release of the stretched and elongated force. However, it may be desired to provide higher levels of stretch capacity and / or recovery. As an example, it may be desired to provide an isolating sleeve as a "one size fits all" or "one size fits majority" device, where a single size sleeve is capable of stretching and / or recovery to such an extent that a variety of shapes and / or sizes of beverage containers can be accommodated by the isolating sleeve. In terms of stretchability and stretchability, an elastic material or device may have a greater ability to stretch or elongate without rupture, such as being able to stretch to an extended length, with pressure that is at least about 50 percent greater. that his length relaxed, without stretching. For some uses or applications, it may be desirable for an elastic material or device to be able to stretch without breaking at a pressed length that is at least about 100 percent greater than its length or dimension without stretching, and for other uses it may It is desirable for the elastic material to be able to be stretched without breaking at a length with pressure that is at least 150 percent greater, or even 200 percent (or even more) than its length or dimension without stretching.

In terms of the level of elastic recovery, an elastic material may additionally be able to recover at least about 50 percent or more of the extension length. Depending on the desired use or application, an elastic material may desirably be able to recover about 75 percent, or even about 85 percent or more of the extension length, and for still other uses an elastic material may desirably be capable of recover substantially all the length extension. As a particular numerical example to help understand the above. For an elastic material capable of stretching to a pressed length that is 100 percent longer than its original length and having a recovery of 75 percent, if the material has a length without stretching, relaxed by 10 centimeters, the material can stretch to minus 20 centimeters by a stretching force, and with the release of the stretching force will be recovered to a length of no more than 12.5 centimeters.

In the illustrated embodiments, the foam layer 22 is made extensible by ducts 28, such as openings or slits, completely defined through the foam material 30. With reference to Figures 1C to 1E, with the insertion of the cover 10 on a beverage container, the openings 28 open in relatively large cells 32, 34 to accommodate expansion. The inner liner layer 24 defines a wall of the expanded cells 32, 34, and is extensible to at least one degree necessary to accommodate this expansion. For example, the lining layer 24 can be a stretchable bonded and carded fabric.

In the embodiment of Figures 1A to the ID, the sheath 10 does not include an outer skin layer, and the foam layer 22 is exposed around the outer circumferential surface of the sheath 10. Thus, with reference to the Figure ID, the expanded cells 32 are open to the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 10. This configuration is unique in that the open cells 32 define a particularly effective grip surface for a user. The tested samples of the sheath 10 having only one inner liner layer 24 present a "crocodile skin" texture to the foam layer 22. This feature may be desired in particular incorporations, such as a marine or other recreational environment, wherein the cover 10 is subjected to moisture or other elements that may tend to make it a slippery smooth surface.

In other embodiments of the sheaths 10, a second layer of sheath 26 can be applied to the outer circumferential surface of the foam layer 22 such that the foam layer is sandwiched between the sheath layers 24, 26. This second Liner layer 26 can be a hydrophobic nonwoven material, as illustrated in Figure 2B. A layer of hydrophobic liner 26 may be desired in that it tends to prevent condensation of migration away from the absorbent foam layer to the outer surface of the sheath. The outer skin layer 26 may be any one or a combination of materials described above, and may be the same material as the inner lining layer 24, or a different material. In embodiments where the sheath member 10 is extensible, the outer skin layer 26 is also extensible to accommodate expansion of the foam layer 22.

The outer skin layer 26 can be provided with a textured surface to provide an improved grip surface for the wearer. Either one or one The combination of textured materials described above can be used for this purpose.

Referring to Figure 1E, the presence of the outer skin layer 26 results in the expanded cells 34 in the foam material 30 becoming closed cells. These relatively large closed cells 34 provide an improved thermal insulation benefit to the sheath 10.

The present invention can be better understood with reference to the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Several samples of the insulating sheaths according to the invention were produced and compared with the insulating shells of conventional beverage can. The covers of the invention and the comparative covers had the following characteristics: Table 1 Comparative Examples A to C were several foldable and commercially available neoprene beverage can covers.

Samples 1 to 3 were shells according to the invention having the configuration of Figure 1A, and with a perforated foam layer. This foam was the low density open cell styrene-based film described in the United States of America Patent Applications Nos. 10/729881 and 11/218825 cited above, with the basis weight of about 160 grams per square meter. , a cell content open of at least 80%, and a thickness between 2,032 and 2.54 millimeters. The openings were of ¼ inch slots having an opening density of 3.6 per square centimeter. Samples 1 to 3 included a hydrophobic bonded carded fabric of 31 grams per square meter as an inner skin layer laminated to the foam layer with an aggregate level of adhesive from 2 grams per square meter to 5 grams per square meter. Samples 1 to 3 did not include an outer skin layer.

Samples 4 to 6 were identical to samples 1 to 3, but included an outer skin layer of the same bonded and carded fabric material and aggregate levels of adhesive.

The comparative examples and sample specimens were tested to determine the thermal efficiency factors "A" and "B" as established in the test method described above. The beverage containers (and beverage) used in the tests were 12-ounce Coke® cans. Once the boats were removed from the ice bath and applied with the insulating sleeves, the temperature of the drink was recorded every 3-4 minutes in a period of 30 minutes. The control samples from the non-isolated boats were also tested. The results are stated below: Table 2 Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to the specific embodiments thereof it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, upon achieving an understanding of the foregoing, that alterations, variations and equivalents of these embodiments can be easily conceived. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be evaluated as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims (20)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An insulating sleeve for a beverage container comprising a cover member, said cover member being foldable in a flat panel configuration when not in use; said cover member comprises a foam layer, a skin layer applied to said foam layer on an inner circumferential surface; said cover member comprises a total basis weight of less than about 400.0 grams per square meter and a thermal efficiency factor A determined as a function of said basis weight of at least about 0.05.

2. The insulating sheath as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said sheath has a volume in its flat panel configuration of less than about 7.0 millimeters.

3. The insulating sheath as claimed in clauses 1 or 2, characterized in that said sheath has a single layer thickness of less than about 4.0 millimeters.

4. The insulating sheath as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 3, characterized in that said sheath has a total weight of less than about 6.0 grams.

5. The insulating sheath as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that said sheath has a thermal efficiency factor B determined as a total weight function of less than at least about 2.50.

6. The insulating sheath as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 3, characterized in that said sheath has a total weight of less than about 4.5 grams and a thermal efficiency factor B of at least about 3.50.

7. The insulating sheath as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 3, characterized in that said sheath has a total weight of less than about 5.5 grams and a thermal efficiency factor B of at least about 3.00.

8. The insulating sheath as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 7, characterized in that said foam layer comprises a perforated foam having a pattern of openings defined therethrough.

9. The insulating sheath as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that it also comprises a second layer of skin applied to an outer circumferential surface of said foam layer.

10. The insulating sheath as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that said outer circumferential surface of said foam layer is exposed such that as said sheath extends around the beverage container, said openings are opened and provided to said sheath with an grip improvement surface.

11. An insulating sleeve for a beverage container, comprising an expandable cover member, said cover member being folded into a flat panel configuration when not in use, said cover member extending in a circumferential direction to accommodate a container drink inserted inside said cover; said cover member further comprises a foam layer, and further comprises a pattern of conduits defined therethrough; the skin layers applied to the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of said cover member so that said foam layer is sandwiched between said foam layers; Y wherein when the cover member extends, said conduits open to define expanded cells in said foam layer closed at the opposite ends thereof by said skin layers, said closed expanded cells and the layer of foam provide said sheath with total thermal insulation efficiency.

12. The insulating sheath as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said foam layer comprises a perforated foam in the form of a slit with a pattern of slits defined therethrough.

13. The insulating sheath as claimed in clauses 11 or 12, characterized in that said inner skin layer comprises a material permeable to extensible liquid.

14. The insulating sheath as claimed in any one of clauses 11 to 13, characterized in that the outer skin layer comprises a material impermeable to extensible liquid.

15. The insulating sheath as claimed in any one of clauses 11 to 14, characterized in that said foam layer has a basis weight of less than about 180 grams per square meter, and said cover member comprises a total basis weight of less than about 400.0 grams per square meter.

16. The insulating sheath as claimed in any one of clauses 11 to 15, characterized in that said sheath has a total weight of less than about 6.0 grams.

17. An insulating sheath for a beverage container comprising: 5 an extendable cover member, said cover member being folded into a flat panel configuration when not in use, said cover member extending in a circumferential direction to accommodate a beverage container inserted into said cover; Said cover member further comprises a foam layer with a pattern of conduits defined therethrough; 15 an inner skin layer applied to an inner circumferential surface of said cover member, an outer circumferential surface of said foam layer being exposed; Y 20 wherein with the cover member extending, said conduits open and provide an improved gripping surface to a user on said outer circumferential surface of said foam layer.

18. The insulating sheath as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that said foam layer comprises a foam perforated with slits with a groove pattern defined therethrough.

19. The insulating sheath as claimed in clauses 17 or 18, characterized in that said inner skin layer comprises a material permeable to extensible liquid.

20. The insulating sheath as claimed in any one of clauses 17 to 18, characterized in that said foam layer has a basis weight of less than about 180 grams per square meter, and said cover member comprises a total basis weight of less than about 400.0 grams per square meter. SUMMARY An insulating sleeve for a beverage container includes a flexible cover member that is folded into a flat panel configuration when not in use. The cover member includes a foam layer, and a liquid permeable skin layer applied to the foam layer on an inner circumferential surface thereof. The cover member is relatively thin but provides a thermal insulating efficiency of thicker and heavier beverage container covers through the provision of open conduits in the foam layer when the cover is extended over the beverage container.