US20050121457A1

US20050121457A1 - Container wrap

Info

Publication number: US20050121457A1
Application number: US10/982,709
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Wilson; Robert Wilson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-05
Filing date: 2004-11-05
Publication date: 2005-06-09
Also published as: WO2005056403A1

Abstract

A container wrap absorbs and/or collects condensation from the outside of a beverage container carrying a cold beverage, thereby reducing the inconvenience of the condensation. The wrap may include a sleeve and a base, with the base including an absorbent material. The wrap may be foldable into a flat configuration such that it is easily stored yet easily opened for placement on a container. The sleeve may have a frusto-conical shape so that the wrap fits on a similarly shaped container. The sleeve and/or base of a wrap may comprise a pulp material.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/527,341, entitled “Beverage Container Holder”, filed on Dec. 5, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The invention relates generally to wraps for beverage containers, and more specifically to wraps that absorb and/or contain condensation that develops on the outside of beverage containers.
2. Discussion of Related Art
A beverage container carrying a cold beverage can form condensation on the outside of the container. This condensation may be uncomfortable to some as they hold the container. When the container is set down on a surface, condensation can damage the surface or water puddles can damage articles present on the surface.
Many beverage container wraps are known which are designed to absorb condensation that forms on beverage containers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,036 to Orr, et al. is directed to a container wrap that includes an outer layer of bendable kraft board, and further includes corrugated paper on its inner surface that wraps around the sides of a beverage container and absorbs condensation.
While various beverage container wraps are available, a need exists for beverage container wraps which provide improved absorption and/or containment of excess condensation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, a wrap for a beverage container includes a sleeve portion having a top end and a bottom end, and a base portion disposed at the bottom end of the sleeve. The base portion includes an absorbent material selected from the group consisting of: single-faced microflute cardboard; cotton; a starch-based material; and a water-soluble polymer.
In another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beverage container includes a first portion forming a frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of the side of the beverage container, the first portion comprising a first absorbent material. The wrap also includes a second portion forming a base disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve, the second portion comprising a second absorbent material.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beverage container includes a first portion forming a frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of the side of the beverage container, and a second portion forming a base disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve. The sleeve is integral with the base, and at least one of the sleeve and the base comprises an absorbent material.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a blank for forming a wrap for a beverage container includes an arcuate strip having a lower end, with a first curved edge, for forming at least a portion of a bottom end of a sleeve, and further having an upper end, with a second curved edge for forming at least a portion of a top end of the sleeve, such that when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container, the arcuate strip forms at least a portion of a frusto-conical sleeve. The blank further includes a first base portion extending from the lower end of the arcuate strip such that when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container, the first base portion is located at or near the bottom end of the sleeve. At least one of the base portion and the arcuate strip comprises an absorbent material that is exposed on a side that faces inwardly when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beverage container includes an outer layer including at least one of a cardboard material, a paper material, and a paperboard material. The wrap further includes an inner layer attached to the outer layer, the inner layer including a material that is not any of a cardboard material, a paper material, and a paperboard material.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beverage container includes a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage container, the sleeve comprising a pulp material.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beverage container includes a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage container, the sleeve comprising a starch-based material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show a beverage container being placed into a container wrap according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a container wrap according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 shows a blank which may be assembled into a container wrap according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a container wrap that has been assembled and folded into a flat configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 a shows a cross-sectional view of single-faced microflute cardboard that may be used in some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 5 b shows a cross-sectional view of corrugated material which may be used in some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 5 c shows a cross-sectional view of a support material with an absorbent material attached thereon, which may be used in some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 5 d shows a cross-sectional view of an absorbent material having a sinusoidal surface, which may be used in some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 5 e shows a cross-sectional view of a pulp material which may be used in some embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a container wrap according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a container wrap according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a blank according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a blank having two arcuate strips according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a blank having two base portions according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a blank according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a blank having an alternative structure for attachments according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 13 shows a plan view of a blank that is designed for assembly into a container wrap for a cylindrical container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, beverage containers carrying cold drinks can form condensation that may be uncomfortable and/or damaging. Embodiments of the invention described herein include a container wrap that helps deal with condensation by absorbing and/or containing excess condensation. In some embodiments of the invention, a wrap has a base provided with an absorbent material to catch condensation whether the container is held by a user or placed on a surface. The base may catch condensation that runs down the side of the container and/or the wrap, and/or the base may absorb or collect condensation formed on the bottom of the container.
In some embodiments of the invention, a wrap is shaped to conform to the shape of the container for ease of use and/or effective absorption. For example, cold drinks are sometimes served in cups which have a frusto-conical shape. A wrap may be constructed and arranged such that insertion of the frusto-conical cup into the wrap urges the wrap into a similar shape. In some embodiments, the wrap may be pre-shaped to match the shape of the container before the container is inserted.
In some embodiments, a wrap with a frusto-conical sleeve may have a one-piece construction so that it is easily manufactured and assembled. The wrap may include a sleeve portion integral with a base portion, with at least one of the two portions including an absorbent material. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion and/or the base portion may comprise multiple portions that are attached together.
In some embodiments of the invention, a blank is provided, for example a die-cut blank, that is easily assembled into a wrap and optionally foldable. The blank may include an arcuate strip having a base portion that extends from a bottom end of the strip. The blank may be constructed and arranged such that when the blank is assembled into a wrap for a container, the arcuate strip forms at least a portion of a frusto-conical sleeve. The base portion and/or the arcuate strip may include an absorbent material that faces inwardly when the blank is assembled to accommodate excess condensation.
In some embodiments, the beverage container wrap is (1) easy to manufacture, (2) easy to transport, (3) easy to use, and/or (4) easy to recycle. For example, in embodiments of the beverage container wrap which are used in fast food establishments or other high throughput establishments, it may be desirable to provide wraps which are quick and easy to convert from a flat, “storage” configuration to an opened, “use” configuration.
In some embodiments, a wrap for a beverage container may be constructed with two or more different materials—one material to provide structural support, and one material to provide absorptive properties. For example, a wrap may have an outer layer formed of a cardboard material, a paper material, a paperboard material, or other suitable material or combinations thereof. The wrap also may have an inner layer attached to the outer layer, the inner layer including a material that is not a cardboard material, a paper material, a paperboard material, or similar type of material.
It may be desirable to provide a wrap that tends to grip the container upon wetting. In some embodiments, a starch-based material may be used as an absorbent material in a container wrap. As the starch-based material absorbs condensation, it may become tacky and grip the container to reduce the possibility that the wrap dislodges from the container.
FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show a container 20 being inserted into a container wrap 22 according to one embodiment of the invention. A sleeve 24 of wrap 22 encircles a lower portion 26 of container 20 to absorb condensation that forms at least on lower portion 26. Condensation that forms on an upper portion 28 of container 20 and falls to lower portion 26 also may be absorbed by wrap 22. To absorb condensation that forms on a bottom of container 22 or condensation that sleeve 24 fails to absorb, wrap 22 optionally may include a base (not shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b).
In one embodiment, wrap 22 completely encircles container 20. However, the present invention is not limited in this respect as wrap 22 need not necessarily completely encircle container 20 as it may wrap less than the entire circumference of container 20. Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 b, wrap 22 is configured to wrap only lower portion 26 of container 20; however, the present invention is not limited in this respect as wrap 22 may cover all or part of upper portion 28 of container 20.
To provide absorptive properties, sleeve 24 and the base of the wrap may include an absorbent material 40 on their inside surfaces. As shown in FIG. 2, a microflute cardboard material may be used to absorb condensation. In some embodiments, sleeve 24 and the base include the same absorbent material, while in other embodiments, the two portions include different absorbent materials, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.
To limit the bulk or cost of the sleeve of wrap 22, in some embodiments the inside surface of sleeve 24 does not include an absorbent material, and, in fact, may include a water-repellant surface to hasten the movement of condensation down the side of the wrap toward the base. In such an embodiment, the base may be provided with a material that is able to absorb a greater amount of condensation.
To allow for high volume production, easy assembly, and/or easy transport, a wrap 22 may be formed using a blank, such as a die-cut blank. One embodiment of a blank 60 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Blank 60 comprises an arcuate strip 62 and an attached base portion 64. Arcuate strip 62 has an upper edge 66 and a lower edge 68. To assemble a wrap using blank 60, a first side edge 70 is attached to a second side edge 72 to form a frusto-conical sleeve. Base portion 64 may be folded at an approximately right angle to arcuate strip 62 and a tab 74 may be attached to arcuate strip 62 to form a base of the wrap. Tab 74 may be attached to arcuate strip 62 with adhesive 75 or by any other suitable method. Assembly of a wrap from blank 60 may be automated or may be performed by a manual worker.
If blank 60 is not cut from an absorbent material, an absorbent material, such as those described below with reference to FIGS. 5 a-5 e, or others, may be attached to form blank 60. In some embodiments, an absorbent material is attached to a large piece of support material before a blank is cut or otherwise produced. It should be noted that absorbent material need not be present at all locations on one side of the blank or on the inside of an assembled wrap, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.
Score lines (including curved score lines, creases, or perforations) may be provided at various locations to improve the folding characteristics of the assembled wrap and/or to improve the ease of assembly of a wrap from blank 60. For example, in one embodiment, a first score line 67 a may be provided approximately halfway along the length of arcuate strip 62, a second score line 67 b may be provided near side edge 72, and a third score line 67 c may be provided on base portion 64. When a wrap is assembled from blank 60 (for instance, by attaching tab 74 to lower edge 66 and attaching first side edge 70 to second side edge 72) the wrap may be folded into a flat configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, along the fold lines. The flat configuration may be desirable for storage or transport. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited in this respect as additional or fewer or even no scores need be provided.
In the flat configuration shown in FIG. 4, wrap 22 may be easier to store and/or easier to transport than a wrap in an open configuration. Additionally, in the particular flat configuration of FIG. 4, a user may squeeze the folded sides of sleeve 24 (at score lines 67 a, 67 b) toward each other to open sleeve 24 and simultaneously open base 42 into a horizontal circle. Base 42 is shown in this particular flat configuration to be exterior to sleeve 24. It should be noted that in some embodiments base 42 may be folded such that it is contained partially or wholly within sleeve 24. The present invention is not limited to wraps that can be folded.
Many of the wrap embodiments disclosed herein may be provided with absorptive capacity through the use of one or more of many different types of absorbent materials. FIGS. 5 a-5 e show cross-sectional views of several materials which may be used in base 42 according to various embodiments. The materials shown and described for base 42 may be alternatively or additionally be used in sleeve 24 or other portions of wrap 22.
FIG. 5 a shows a cross-sectional view of single-faced microflute cardboard which includes a cardboard face 82 and flute material 84 adhered to one another. Flute material 84 is configured to face inwardly toward the container base or container sides. The increased surface area of the flute material 84 as compared to flat cardboard may provide improved absorption properties.
For a more flexible and lighter wrap, flute material 84 without any cardboard face may be used as shown in FIG. 5 b. In some embodiments, portions of wrap 22 may include flute material 84 alone while other portions may include single-faced microflute or double-faced microflute (not shown). In some embodiments, material such as corrugated cardboard, which can have larger flutes than microflute material, may be used.
FIG. 5 c shows an absorbent material 86 attached to a support material 88. For example, compressed cellulose (which is an example of absorbent material) may be attached to paperboard (which is an example of support material) to provide material for base 42 and/or sleeve 24. Alternative absorbent materials may be used to provide support and/or absorption properties, such as kraft board, chip board, paper laminate, bogus kraft laminate, laminated bogus paper, or kraft board laminate. Further examples of absorbent substances that may be used include water soluble polymers, absorbent foam, woven or non-woven material, European pulp board, starch-based products, cotton, and sponge material. Various combinations of the above-listed materials may be used together within a single wrap.
In some embodiments, support material 88 may be a paper-based or cardboard-based material, and absorbent material 86 may be a non-paper-based and non-cardboard-based material that has absorptive properties, such a starch-based material or a cellulose material.
To provide increased surface area, a material 85, as illustrated in FIG. 5 d, having one side with a shape similar to that of single-faced microflute cardboard may be employed. Unlike single-faced microflute cardboard, however, no interior air gaps are present within the material. Instead, material 45 may be a one-piece construction formed with foam material, sponge material, starch-based material, paper-based material, or other suitable material. The additional absorptive material may provide additional absorption capacity for excess condensation.
In some embodiments, no outer support material is used, and the wrap may be formed with a single material, which may allow for easier manufacturing and/or better recyclability. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 e, the base and/or sleeve may be formed with a pulp material 83. Pulp material 83 may be a market pulp, meaning pulp that has been substantially dried into sheets. Examples of different pulps include: fluff pulp; northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp; southern bleached softwood kraft (SBSK) pulp; northern bleached hardwood kraft (NBHK) pulp; southern bleached hardwood kraft (SBHK) pulp; and eucalyptus pulp, each of which can readily absorb water. Pulp is conventionally used as an input for paper or paperboard production, and typically is produced as a sheet material. Pulp may be a chemical pulp, a chemi-thermo mechanical pulp (CTMP), or in some cases a mechanical pulp or a thermo mechanical pulp (CTP). Pulp is available from various suppliers, including the International Paper Company, NorskeCanada, and Weyerhaeuser.
In one embodiment, pulp having a thickness of {fraction (1/32)}″ may be used, and in other embodiments, a thickness of {fraction (1/64)}″, {fraction (1/16)}″, ⅛″ or ¼″, or any other suitable thickness may be used. It should be noted that pulp may be used in combination with an outer support material such as paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, wraps that include pulp also may have a moisture-resistant or water-resistant outer layer or outer coating on part or all of the wrap.
As mentioned above, it may be desirable to provide a wrap that tends to grip the container upon wetting. FIG. 6 shows wrap 22 including sleeve 24 formed substantially of a starch-based material, according to another embodiment of the invention. Certain starch-based materials may start dissolving upon wetting and provide a tacky or sticky surface that helps the wrap grip the container. Examples of starch-based materials include, corn starch, rice starch, wheat starch, and so on. Green Cell™ foam, available from KTM Industries, Inc. of Lansing, Mich., is one example of a starch-based material that may be used as an absorbent material. Another example of a starch-based material that may be used in some embodiments is a combination of starch and waste paper, for example the material used to make flupis® brand packaging peanuts, made by PSP Papierschaum A G, Achim, Germany.
Wrap 22 is shown in FIG. 6 as not having a base, however, in some embodiments wrap 22 may include a base made of the same or different material as sleeve 24.

A table is provided below of absorption rate testing results for several materials that may be used with wraps disclosed herein (Table 1). For each material, one milliliter of water was placed on the material. For materials which absorbed the water nearly instantaneously or within one second, “<1 second” was recorded. For materials which did not absorb all of the water within two minutes, “>120 seconds” was recorded.

TABLE 1


Time to Absorb for Various Materials

Absorbing Material	Time to Absorb

Dissolved Pulp (Reinforced Fiber)	<1	second
Dissolved Pulp (Steeping Fiber)	<1	second
Wet Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Sponge	<1	second
Cotton	<1	second
Paper Towels (folded to form 16 layers)	<1	second
¼ inch Cellulose Pad (Spontex ®)	<1	second
¼ inch Cellulose Pad (Nylonge ®)	<1	second
⅛ inch Compressed Cellulose	2	seconds
Coated Crafiboard from Kramer Carton Co., top	45	seconds
layer removed and resulting top surface roughed
with sharp knife
Single-Faced E-Flute (microflute)	90	seconds,

75% Absorption

Coated Craftboard from Kramer Carton Co.

>120

seconds,

50% Absorption

Molded Pulp	>120	seconds
{fraction (1/20)} inch Double Layer Corn Starch Sheet	>120	seconds
¼ inch Corrugated Starch Sheet	>120	seconds
¼ inch Non-Corrugated Starch Sheet	>120	seconds
3 Stacked Layers of 70 Pound Indented Bogus	>120	seconds
Kraft Paper
6 Stacked Layers of 70 Pound Indented Bogus	>120	seconds
Kraft Paper
Corrugated Double-Faced Cardboard	>120	seconds
Thin Craftboard	>120	seconds
Dry Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Sponge	>120	seconds

For some of the embodiments of wraps disclosed herein, an outer layer that provides structural support may be desirable. FIG. 7 shows a wrap 22 comprising a sleeve 24 that is formed with at least two different materials. A first, inner material 87 is formed with a material that is capable of absorbing condensation. A second, outer material 91 is formed with a material that is resistant to water or moisture. For example, outer material 91 may be a foam-based or plastic-based material that resists moisture, is hydrophobic or allows for the application of graphics to sleeve 24. In some embodiments of the invention, the moisture barrier may be formed with a coating, such as polyurethane, or a thin film of water-resistant material that is provided on the exterior surface of the wrap.
Various wrap embodiments disclosed herein may be adapted to absorb condensation that moves down from an area of a container that is not wrapped. An upper edge 93 of sleeve 24 may have a surface area that absorbs condensation as it moves down the outside wall of the container. In some embodiments, upper edge 93 may be thicker than the remainder of sleeve 24 to provide additional absorption area. For example, in one embodiment of a wrap, upper edge 93 may have a thickness of {fraction (1/4)}″, {fraction (3/8)}″, or ½″. The remainder of sleeve 24 may have a thickness that is 25%, 50% or 75% of the upper edge thickness.
In some embodiments, instead of being a flat horizontal material, upper edge 93 may have features that provide additional surface area, such as ridges or vertical pieces of material that are arranged adjacent to one another.
Referring back to FIG. 3, the location of base portion 64 relative to a bottom portion 89 of arcuate strip 62 is illustrated according to one embodiment. Extensions 90, 92 are provided between base portion 64 and arcuate strip 62 and between base portion 64 and tab 74. When assembled, this configuration may provide a wrap where the base is not directly adjacent to the sleeve. Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, extension 92 may be narrower than tab 74.
In some embodiments, base portion 64 may be constructed and arranged such that the assembled wrap has a base that is close to lower edge 68, or a base that is positioned above lower edge 68 of the sleeve (i.e., within the sleeve). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, no extensions are provided between arcuate strip 62 and base portion 64, instead, base portion 64 is directly attached to arcuate strip 62. Similarly, tab 74 is directly attached to base portion 64 without an extension.
FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a unitary blank 102 that can be assembled into a container wrap. Blank 102 includes two arcuate strips 104, 106 integrally attached to a base portion 64. Side edges 110, 112 of arcuate strip 104 may be attached to opposed edges 114, 116 of arcuate strip 106 using adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or other suitable method. Arcuate strips 104, 106 each may have a fold portion 105, 107 located at one or both side edges. Fold portions 105, 107 may be folded around the exterior of the opposing arcuate strip to provide an area for attachment, for example with adhesive 75. In alternative embodiments, fold areas 105, 107 may be folded within the interior of the opposing arcuate strip.
After attachment, the wrap may be folded along score lines 67 b, 67 c, or elsewhere, into a flat configuration for transport and/or storage. Base portion 64 does not need to be integrally attached to arcuate strips 104, 106. Base portion 64 may be attached with adhesive, a tab and slot arrangement, or by any other suitable method to either or both of the arcuate strips. The illustrated embodiment includes extensions 90, 92, but as with each of the embodiments disclosed herein, the extensions may be omitted and base portion 64 may be attached directly to the arcuate strips.
FIG. 10 shows a unitary blank which may reduce material use during die-cutting operations. Blank 115 has two base portions 65 a, 65 b rather than one base portion, resulting in a blank that fits into a smaller bounding rectangle than some other embodiments. Such a design may allow for a higher number of blanks to be cut from a large piece of material as compared to some other embodiments.
In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the two base portions 65 a, 65 b are each integrally attached to arcuate strip 62 and arranged to be attached to one another along a diameter of the resulting base. Such an arrangement may have the additional advantage of a larger attachment area 77 than, for example, the attachment area between tab portion 74 and arcuate strip 62 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.
FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a blank 120 that can be assembled into a container wrap. A plurality of triangular segments 122 may be attached to arcuate strip 62 such that when folded inwardly, triangular segments 122 form a base for a wrap. Triangular segments 122 and/or arcuate strip 62 may include an absorbent material to absorb condensation.
FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment for attaching base portion 64 to arcuate strip 62 that may eliminate the use of an adhesive, or provide a stronger attachment when used in conjunction with an adhesive. An insertion tab 79 may be inserted into a slot 96 to attach base portion 64 to arcuate strip 62. Somewhat similarly, arcuate strip 62 may have a tab 97 and a slot 98 for assembling the sleeve portion of the wrap. In alternative embodiments, slits (not shown) may be provided near side edges 70, 72 such that one slit extends to lower edge 68 and the opposed slit extends to upper edge 66 and they may be used to attach side edges 70, 72 together to form the sleeve portion.
FIG. 13 shows an alternative shape for a blank 130 configured to form a wrap for a cylindrical container such as an aluminum can. Upper edge 132 and lower edge 134 are straight so that a cylindrical tube is formed when a side edge 136 is attached to a side edge 138.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a blank may include a central base portion having elongated trapezoids or triangles extending therefrom. The elongated trapezoids or triangles, attached to the center base portion along their shorter parallel side, may be folded upwardly to form a frusto-conical shape for receiving a container. A thin cardboard band or a ring may be used to bring the plurality of trapezoids toward a central access. In other embodiments, shapes other than triangles or trapezoids may be used.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a beverage container wrap is provided. The method includes providing a blank having a sleeve portion and a base portion. The base portion may include an absorbent material. The sleeve portion may be shaped such that upon assembly, the sleeve has a frusto-conical shape. Side edges of the sleeve portion are attached to one another to form a sleeve, and the base portion, or an element extending from the base portion, is attached to the sleeve to form a base of the wrap.
Various manufacturing processes may be used during the manufacture of a wrap or a blank for assembly into a wrap. Blanks may be die-cut from sheets of material, portions of the wraps may be injection molded, thermoformed, or extruded. Foam expansion in a mold is another option, as is pulp molding.
It should be noted that embodiments of the wraps disclosed herein may be affixed or adhered to a cup or other container such that the container and wrap become one assembly. In other embodiments, a wrap may be formed on the exterior of the container during container production.
In some embodiments, a junction of the base and sleeve may be made to be relatively watertight in some embodiments. To produce such a wrap, the base may be attached to the sleeve around the entire perimeter of the base. For example, a wrap having the same general shape as the wrap shown in FIG. 2 may be made of molded plastic, molded paper, or molded pulp and may include an absorbent material on the inside surface. In other embodiments, a wrap may be constructed solely with molded pulp or molded paper.
While in many of the embodiments described herein, a wrap having a base and a sleeve is shaped and configured such that the sleeve directly contacts an outer surface of a container, the sleeve may be sized such that it is larger than the outer surface of the container and does not contact the container unless the sleeve is squeezed by a user (for instance, while the user is holding the sleeve). In such an embodiment, the base may be configured to adhere or otherwise attach to the container. Alternatively, the wrap having an oversized sleeve may be designed for use as a coaster wherein the container is lifted out of and placed back into the wrap while the wrap remains on a surface.
For purposes herein, a “blank” is defined as a piece or pieces of material that are not finally assembled, but rather require at least one further operation. Multiple pieces, including different materials, may constitute a blank if the pieces are attached together into one article. A “unitary blank” is defined as a blank that is formed of a single piece of material.
For purposes herein, the term “attached” refers to separate pieces connected together by adhesive, a tab and slot arrangement, or any other attaching arrangement. The term “attached” also refers to pieces or portions that are integrally connected.
As used herein, the term “frusto-conical” shall be understood to not require absolute conformance to a mathematical definition of this term, but rather shall be understood to indicate a general shape as would be understood by one skilled in the art most closely related to the subject matter herein. As used herein, a frusto-conical sleeve means a sleeve that has a substantial portion which is frusto-conically shaped. For example, a frusto-conical sleeve is considered to include a sleeve which has both a frusto-conical portion and a cylindrical portion.
Any of the embodiments of wraps disclosed herein may include materials and/or surface features on the inner or outer surface of the wrap which provide an enhanced grip between the wrap and a container or between a user's hand and the wrap. Additionally, the exterior of the wrap may have a surface or a coating that allows for the printing of information and/or advertisements on the exterior of the wrap.
This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising:

a sleeve portion having a top end and a bottom end; and

a base portion disposed at the bottom end of the sleeve, the base portion comprising an absorbent material selected from the group consisting of: single-faced microflute cardboard; cotton; a starch-based material; and a water-soluble polymer.

2. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises single-faced microflute cardboard.

3. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises cotton.

4. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a starch-based material.

5. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a water-soluble polymer.

6. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion has a shape adapted to conform to the shape of a portion of the beverage container.

7. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion comprises a frusto-conical shape.

8. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion comprises an absorbent material.

9. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion and the base portion comprise the same absorbent material.

10. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises the absorbent material on a side adapted to face a bottom of the beverage container.

11. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion is integral with the sleeve portion.

12. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion is attached to the sleeve portion at at least two locations.

13. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion is integral with the sleeve portion at a first location and the base portion is attached to the sleeve portion at a second location.

14. A wrap as in claim 13, wherein the base portion is attached to the sleeve portion at the second location with adhesive.

15. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises at least two pieces attached together.

16. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion is creased such that the sleeve portion can be pressed into a substantially flat configuration.

17. A wrap as in claim 16, wherein the base portion is creased such that the sleeve portion can be pressed into a substantially flat configuration.

18. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising:

a first portion forming a frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of the side of the beverage container, the first portion comprising a first absorbent material; and

a second portion forming a base disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve, the second portion comprising a second absorbent material.

19. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first and second absorbent materials are the same.

20. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises the absorbent material on a side adapted to face a bottom of the beverage container.

21. A wrap as in claim 20, wherein the first portion comprises the absorbent material on a side adapted to face a side of the beverage container.

22. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise single-faced microflute cardboard.

23. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a cellulosic material.

24. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise double face corrugated cardboard.

25. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise absorbent foam.

26. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion is integral with the second portion.

27. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion is attached to the first portion at at least two locations.

28. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion is integral with the first portion at a first location and the second portion is attached to the first portion at a second location.

29. A wrap as in claim 28, wherein the second portion is attached to the first portion at the second location with adhesive.

30. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises at least two pieces attached together.

31. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion is creased such that the first portion can be pressed into a substantially flat configuration.

32. A wrap as in claim 31, wherein the second portion is creased such that the second portion can be pressed into a substantially flat configuration.

33. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the frusto-conical sleeve comprises the entire sleeve.

34. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising:

a first portion forming a frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of the side of the beverage container; and

a second portion forming a base disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve, the sleeve being integral with the base, and at least one of the sleeve and the base comprising an absorbent material.

35. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a same absorbent material.

36. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion comprises the absorbent material on a side adapted to face a bottom of the beverage container.

37. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise single-faced microflute cardboard.

38. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a cellulosic material.

39. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise double-faced corrugated cardboard.

40. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise absorbent foam.

41. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion is attached to the first portion at at least two locations.

42. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion is integral with the first portion at a first location and the second portion is attached to the first portion at a second location.

43. A wrap as in claim 42, wherein the second portion is attached to the first portion at the second location with adhesive.

44. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion comprises at least two pieces attached together.

45. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion is creased such that the first portion can be pressed into a substantially flat configuration.

46. A wrap as in claim 45, wherein the second portion is creased such that the second portion can be pressed into a substantially flat configuration.

47. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise pulp.

48. A wrap as in claim 47, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a steeping fiber.

49. A wrap as in claim 47, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a reinforced fiber.

50. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the frusto-conical sleeve comprises the entire sleeve.

51. A blank for forming a wrap for a beverage container, comprising:

an arcuate strip having a lower end, with a first curved edge, for forming at least a portion of a bottom end of a sleeve, and further having an upper end, with a second curved edge for forming at least a portion of a top end of the sleeve, such that when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container, the arcuate strip forms at least a portion of a frusto-conical sleeve;

a first base portion extending from the lower end of the arcuate strip such that when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container, the first base portion is located at or near the bottom end of the sleeve;

wherein at least one of the base portion and the arcuate strip comprises an absorbent material that is exposed on a side that faces inwardly when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container.

52. A blank as in claim 51, wherein the arcuate strip forms substantially the entire frusto-conical sleeve.

53. A blank as in claim 52, wherein first base portion forms substantially the entire base.

54. A blank as in claim 51, wherein first base portion forms substantially the entire base.

55. A blank as in claim 51, further comprising a second base portion that extends from the lower end of the arcuate strip.

56. A blank as in claim 55, wherein the first and second base portions are adapted to be connected together during assembly.

57. A blank as in claim 51, further comprising a plurality of base portions that extend from the lower end of the arcuate strip and are adapted to be connected together during assembly to form a base of the wrap for the beverage container.

58. A blank as in claim 51, further comprising a second arcuate strip having a second lower end, with a third curved edge, for forming at least a portion of the bottom end of the sleeve, and further having a second upper end, with a fourth curved edge that is longer than the third curved edge, for forming at least a portion of the top end of the sleeve, such that when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container, the second arcuate strip forms at least a portion of the frusto-conical sleeve;

wherein the first base portion extends between the lower end of the first and second arcuate strips.

59. A blank as in claim 58, wherein the first and second arcuate strips are constructed and arranged to be connected together to form substantially the entire frusto-conical sleeve.

60. A blank as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion comprises an absorbent material that is exposed on a side that faces inwardly when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container.

61. A blank as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the arcuate strip each comprise an absorbent material that is exposed on a side that faces inwardly when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container.

62. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the arcuate strip comprise single-faced microflute cardboard.

63. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the arcuate strip comprise a cellulosic material.

64. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the arcuate strip comprise double-faced corrugated cardboard.

65. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the arcuate strip comprise absorbent foam.

66. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion is attached to the arcuate strip at at least two locations.

67. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion is integral with the arcuate strip at a first location and the first base portion is attached to the arcuate strip at a second location.

68. A wrap as in claim 67, wherein the first base portion is attached to the arcuate strip at the second location with adhesive.

69. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion comprises at least two pieces attached together.

70. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the arcuate strip is scored to aid in folding the arcuate strip into a substantially flat configuration.

71. A wrap as in claim 70, wherein the first base portion is scored to aid in folding the first base portion into a substantially flat configuration.

72. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the second curved edge is longer than the first curved edge.

73. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the frusto-conical sleeve comprises the entire sleeve.

74. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising:

an outer layer including at least one of a cardboard material, a paper material, and a paperboard material; and

an inner layer attached to the outer layer, the inner layer including a material that is not any of a cardboard material, a paper material, and a paperboard material.

75. A wrap as in claim 74, wherein the inner layer includes a starch-based material.

76. A wrap as in claim 74, wherein the inner layer includes a sponge material.

77. A wrap as in claim 74, wherein the wrap comprises a sleeve and a base attached to the sleeve.

78. A wrap for a beverage container comprising:

a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage container, the sleeve comprising a pulp material.

79. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein an outer surface of the sleeve comprises a moisture-resistant layer.

80. A wrap as in claim 79, wherein the moisture-resistant layer is a coating.

81. A wrap as in claim 78, further including a base attached to the sleeve, the base formed of a pulp material.

82. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises fluff pulp.

83. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises softwood pulp.

84. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises hardwood pulp.

85. A wrap as in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises market pulp.

86. A wrap for a beverage container comprising:

a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage container, the sleeve comprising a starch-based material.