US20180361707A1 - Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material - Google Patents
Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material Download PDFInfo
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- US20180361707A1 US20180361707A1 US16/108,648 US201816108648A US2018361707A1 US 20180361707 A1 US20180361707 A1 US 20180361707A1 US 201816108648 A US201816108648 A US 201816108648A US 2018361707 A1 US2018361707 A1 US 2018361707A1
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- Prior art keywords
- layer
- sheet material
- adhesive
- shape
- shape retaining
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 57
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 claims 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 abstract description 9
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 87
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 6
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- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 5
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- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012171 hot beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
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Definitions
- This present disclosure relates to devices for absorbing moisture from a drinking vessel, especially condensation that commonly forms on a cold drink on a humid day. Condensation can accumulate on the cold outer surface of glass where it can run down onto the surface the glass is sitting. This can cause damage to many surfaces, stain clothing, and at the very least, leave a wet area or mark. Coasters and other drink insulators exist for both hot and cold drinks, but they either require a resilient portion to grip the vessel, or are a standalone coaster that does not travel with the drink, leaving the user to sit the glass down elsewhere, and without a coaster. Other drink covers do nothing to manage and contain condensation as it forms. Further, drink covers and coasters are ill adapted to be used with a variety of vessels, as they frequently fail to absorb any condensation that forms. An improved drink cover is needed.
- the present disclosure describes a formable drink cover having a flexible absorbent layer, a formable layer that holds its formed shape, and an optional decorative layer.
- the three layers are bonded together, with the formable layer located and sandwiched between the absorbent and decorative layer.
- the cover is applied by the user molding the cover around the outside shape of the drinking vessel, where it retains the molded shape. This puts the absorbent layer in direct contact with the outside surface of the vessel.
- the formable layer is impermeable, so that even a fully saturated absorbent layer does not result in any moisture on the decorative layer.
- the absorbent layer may be adapted to be decorative and insulative; the decorative and insulative layer may be adapted to be absorbent, allowing the drink cover to be reversible.
- FIG. 1 is the material as installed on a drinking cup
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the material
- FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view showing the layers of the material
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the material
- FIG. 5 a side view of the material having an adhesive sheet
- FIG. 6 is the material as installed on a drinking vessel having a stem
- FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the material as adapted for use with the drinking vessel in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is an alternate embodiment of the material as installed on a drinking cup
- FIG. 9 is a side view of the alternate embodiment
- FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of the alternate embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the alternate embodiment.
- the material 10 as shown in FIG. 1 is installed on a drinking cup 12 .
- the cup 12 has an outer surface 14 and contains a liquid 16 .
- the cup 12 and outer surface 14 can be colder than the environment, forming condensation 18 . As condensation 18 accumulates, it can then run down the outer surface 14 , toward the resting surface 20 .
- the material 10 forms an absorbent barrier between the outer surface 14 and the resting surface 20 .
- the material 10 is comprised of layers. Each layer serves a specific purpose.
- the absorbent layer 22 is made from a sheet of absorbent material with an exposed absorbing side 24 and an inner attaching side 26 .
- the absorbent layer 22 is porous and capable of absorbing and retaining moisture. It is flexible and can be formed into various shapes. When water or other liquids contact the absorbent layer 22 , it wicks the liquid into the layer.
- the material can be formed from a randomly oriented pulp, woven fabric, or other material that will readily absorb liquid.
- the distance between the absorbing side 24 and attaching side 26 define the thickness of the absorbent layer 22 . As is known in the art, a thicker absorbent layer will hold more moisture.
- the absorbent layer 22 can also contain additives or fillers that are specifically designed to absorb and retain moisture.
- the absorbing side 24 will readily receive any liquid, pulling it into the thickness of the absorbent layer 22 .
- the absorbent layer 22 is contemplated to be a single layer or be made from several individual layers of absorbent material.
- the decorative layer 40 is made from a sheet of material having insulative properties. It has an inside surface 42 and an exposed decorative surface 44 .
- the decorative layer can have printing, embossing, or include other designs to add a specific look to the material 10 .
- the decorative layer 40 is flexible and can be formed into various shapes.
- the decorative layer 40 has a thickness defined by the distance between the inside surface 42 and the decorative surface 44 .
- the decorative layer 40 may be made from a single layer or be made from several individual layers of decorative and/or insulative materials.
- the shape retaining layer 30 is made from a sheet of material with formable properties.
- the shape retaining layer 30 may start out as a flat sheet, but once it is formed into a different shape, it retains most, if not all, of the formed shape.
- the shape retaining layer 30 has a first side 32 and a second side 34 .
- the shape retaining layer 30 specifically the first side 32 overlays the attaching side 26 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the first side 32 is adhered to and directly contacts attaching side 26 .
- the second side 34 is adhered to and directly contacts the inside surface 42 .
- the distance between the first side 32 and second side 34 define the thickness of the shape retaining layer 30 .
- the shape retaining layer is also made from a material that is impervious to fluid transfer from the first side 32 to the second side 34 . It is further contemplated that the shape retaining layer 30 allows a small portion of fluid to transfer from the first side 32 to the second side. Examples of shape retaining material include but are not limited to metallic foil, polymers, formable mesh, and various combinations of those materials. It is also possible that the shape retaining layer 30 allows fluid transfer but has an additional layer in direct contact that is impervious or substantially impervious to fluid transfer through the shape retaining layer 30 and additional layer.
- the material 10 can be formed and adapted to work with a variety of drinking vessels.
- a wine glass 36 having a stem 38 requires a different shape.
- the stem 38 creates a technical challenge that is overcome by adding a hole 48 in the center with a slit 50 that extends between the hole 48 to an outside perimeter 52 .
- the decorative layer 40 can further include apertures 46 that reveal portions of the second side 34 of the shape retaining layer 30 .
- the three layers 22 , 30 , 40 overlay each other as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , with the absorbent layer 22 on one side, the shape retaining layer 30 directly overlaying it, and the decorative layer 40 overlaying the shape retaining layer 30 .
- the three layers are affixed on their respective overlaying surfaces, either through adhesive 28 or mechanical interlocking.
- Mechanical interlocking can be through stippling, similar to the method that is frequently used with existing multi-layer absorbent materials. Mechanical interlocking is well known in the art.
- the adhesive 28 When the layers are secured with adhesive 28 , the adhesive 28 is located between adjacent layers.
- the adhesive 28 can be applied in sheet form, sprayed, rolled, or other means.
- FIG. 5 the adhesive 28 is shown as a sheet located between the shape retaining layer 30 and the absorbent layer 22 and the decorative layer 40 .
- the adhesive 28 maintains the bond of the shape retaining layer 30 and the layer that directly contacts it. As the shape retaining layer 30 is deformed, the adhesive 28 keeps the contacting layer from separating away from the shape retaining layer 30 .
- the adhesive When the adhesive is located between the first side 32 and the attaching side 26 of the absorbent layer 22 , it can penetrate through the attaching side 26 and into the absorbent layer 22 , but it cannot significantly degrade the absorbent qualities of the absorbent layer 22 .
- the adhesive 28 When the adhesive 28 is located between the second side 34 and the inside surface 42 of the decorative layer 40 , it can penetrate partially into the decorative layer 40 , but it cannot significantly degrade the insulative properties of the decorative layer 40 .
- the adhesive is a continuous layer but it is contemplated that the adhesive is selectively applied to attach adjacent layers. If mechanical interlocking is used to adheredly secure the layers, the shape retaining layer 30 retains its ability to be fluid impervious.
- FIGS. 8-11 An alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8-11 is a reversible material 60 .
- the reversible material 60 has the same layers as the first embodiment, but includes an extra layer on each side of the shape retaining layer 66 .
- the upper decorative layer 62 has an upper surface 72 and a lower surface 74 .
- the upper surface 72 can be decorative with a printed pattern or a coating.
- the upper decorative layer is fluid transmissive.
- the shape retaining layer 66 has the same shape retaining and impervious properties as shape retaining layer 30 .
- an activating adhesive is applied to the exposed decorative surface 44 , the upper surface 72 , or the outer surface of the lower decorative layer 70 .
- an activating adhesive is applied to the exposed decorative surface 44 , the upper surface 72 , or the outer surface of the lower decorative layer 70 .
- the layers are attached and then typically rolled for storage or transportation. Later in the process, the layers are then stamped into the final flat shape and packed for transportation to the final user.
Abstract
Description
- This present disclosure relates to devices for absorbing moisture from a drinking vessel, especially condensation that commonly forms on a cold drink on a humid day. Condensation can accumulate on the cold outer surface of glass where it can run down onto the surface the glass is sitting. This can cause damage to many surfaces, stain clothing, and at the very least, leave a wet area or mark. Coasters and other drink insulators exist for both hot and cold drinks, but they either require a resilient portion to grip the vessel, or are a standalone coaster that does not travel with the drink, leaving the user to sit the glass down elsewhere, and without a coaster. Other drink covers do nothing to manage and contain condensation as it forms. Further, drink covers and coasters are ill adapted to be used with a variety of vessels, as they frequently fail to absorb any condensation that forms. An improved drink cover is needed.
- The present disclosure describes a formable drink cover having a flexible absorbent layer, a formable layer that holds its formed shape, and an optional decorative layer. The three layers are bonded together, with the formable layer located and sandwiched between the absorbent and decorative layer. The cover is applied by the user molding the cover around the outside shape of the drinking vessel, where it retains the molded shape. This puts the absorbent layer in direct contact with the outside surface of the vessel. The formable layer is impermeable, so that even a fully saturated absorbent layer does not result in any moisture on the decorative layer. The absorbent layer may be adapted to be decorative and insulative; the decorative and insulative layer may be adapted to be absorbent, allowing the drink cover to be reversible.
- A preferred embodiment of this invention has been chosen wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is the material as installed on a drinking cup; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the material; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view showing the layers of the material; -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the material; -
FIG. 5 a side view of the material having an adhesive sheet; -
FIG. 6 is the material as installed on a drinking vessel having a stem; -
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the material as adapted for use with the drinking vessel inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is an alternate embodiment of the material as installed on a drinking cup; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of the alternate embodiment; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of the alternate embodiment; and -
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the alternate embodiment. - The
material 10 as shown inFIG. 1 is installed on adrinking cup 12. Thecup 12 has anouter surface 14 and contains aliquid 16. Thecup 12 andouter surface 14 can be colder than the environment, formingcondensation 18. Ascondensation 18 accumulates, it can then run down theouter surface 14, toward theresting surface 20. Thematerial 10 forms an absorbent barrier between theouter surface 14 and theresting surface 20. As shown inFIGS. 2 through 4 , thematerial 10 is comprised of layers. Each layer serves a specific purpose. - As is shown in
FIG. 3 , theabsorbent layer 22 is made from a sheet of absorbent material with an exposed absorbingside 24 and an inner attachingside 26. Theabsorbent layer 22 is porous and capable of absorbing and retaining moisture. It is flexible and can be formed into various shapes. When water or other liquids contact theabsorbent layer 22, it wicks the liquid into the layer. The material can be formed from a randomly oriented pulp, woven fabric, or other material that will readily absorb liquid. The distance between the absorbingside 24 and attachingside 26 define the thickness of theabsorbent layer 22. As is known in the art, a thicker absorbent layer will hold more moisture. Theabsorbent layer 22 can also contain additives or fillers that are specifically designed to absorb and retain moisture. The absorbingside 24 will readily receive any liquid, pulling it into the thickness of theabsorbent layer 22. Theabsorbent layer 22 is contemplated to be a single layer or be made from several individual layers of absorbent material. - The
decorative layer 40 is made from a sheet of material having insulative properties. It has aninside surface 42 and an exposeddecorative surface 44. The decorative layer can have printing, embossing, or include other designs to add a specific look to thematerial 10. As with theabsorbent layer 22, thedecorative layer 40 is flexible and can be formed into various shapes. Thedecorative layer 40 has a thickness defined by the distance between theinside surface 42 and thedecorative surface 44. Thedecorative layer 40 may be made from a single layer or be made from several individual layers of decorative and/or insulative materials. - The
shape retaining layer 30 is made from a sheet of material with formable properties. Theshape retaining layer 30 may start out as a flat sheet, but once it is formed into a different shape, it retains most, if not all, of the formed shape. Theshape retaining layer 30 has afirst side 32 and asecond side 34. Theshape retaining layer 30, specifically thefirst side 32 overlays the attachingside 26. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 , thefirst side 32 is adhered to and directlycontacts attaching side 26. Thesecond side 34 is adhered to and directly contacts theinside surface 42. The distance between thefirst side 32 andsecond side 34 define the thickness of theshape retaining layer 30. The shape retaining layer is also made from a material that is impervious to fluid transfer from thefirst side 32 to thesecond side 34. It is further contemplated that theshape retaining layer 30 allows a small portion of fluid to transfer from thefirst side 32 to the second side. Examples of shape retaining material include but are not limited to metallic foil, polymers, formable mesh, and various combinations of those materials. It is also possible that theshape retaining layer 30 allows fluid transfer but has an additional layer in direct contact that is impervious or substantially impervious to fluid transfer through theshape retaining layer 30 and additional layer. - The
material 10 can be formed and adapted to work with a variety of drinking vessels. As is shown inFIG. 6 , awine glass 36 having astem 38 requires a different shape. For thewine glass 36, thestem 38 creates a technical challenge that is overcome by adding ahole 48 in the center with aslit 50 that extends between thehole 48 to anoutside perimeter 52. As is shown inFIG. 7 , thedecorative layer 40 can further includeapertures 46 that reveal portions of thesecond side 34 of theshape retaining layer 30. - The three
layers FIGS. 2 and 3 , with theabsorbent layer 22 on one side, theshape retaining layer 30 directly overlaying it, and thedecorative layer 40 overlaying theshape retaining layer 30. The three layers are affixed on their respective overlaying surfaces, either through adhesive 28 or mechanical interlocking. Mechanical interlocking can be through stippling, similar to the method that is frequently used with existing multi-layer absorbent materials. Mechanical interlocking is well known in the art. - When the layers are secured with adhesive 28, the adhesive 28 is located between adjacent layers. The adhesive 28 can be applied in sheet form, sprayed, rolled, or other means. In
FIG. 5 , the adhesive 28 is shown as a sheet located between theshape retaining layer 30 and theabsorbent layer 22 and thedecorative layer 40. The adhesive 28 maintains the bond of theshape retaining layer 30 and the layer that directly contacts it. As theshape retaining layer 30 is deformed, the adhesive 28 keeps the contacting layer from separating away from theshape retaining layer 30. When the adhesive is located between thefirst side 32 and the attachingside 26 of theabsorbent layer 22, it can penetrate through the attachingside 26 and into theabsorbent layer 22, but it cannot significantly degrade the absorbent qualities of theabsorbent layer 22. When the adhesive 28 is located between thesecond side 34 and theinside surface 42 of thedecorative layer 40, it can penetrate partially into thedecorative layer 40, but it cannot significantly degrade the insulative properties of thedecorative layer 40. As described, the adhesive is a continuous layer but it is contemplated that the adhesive is selectively applied to attach adjacent layers. If mechanical interlocking is used to adheredly secure the layers, theshape retaining layer 30 retains its ability to be fluid impervious. - An alternative embodiment as shown in
FIGS. 8-11 is areversible material 60. Thereversible material 60 has the same layers as the first embodiment, but includes an extra layer on each side of theshape retaining layer 66. There is an upperdecorative layer 62, an upperabsorbent layer 64, ashape retaining layer 66, a lowerabsorbent layer 68, and a lowerdecorative layer 70. - The upper
decorative layer 62 has anupper surface 72 and alower surface 74. Theupper surface 72 can be decorative with a printed pattern or a coating. The upper decorative layer is fluid transmissive. Theshape retaining layer 66 has the same shape retaining and impervious properties asshape retaining layer 30. - Further it is contemplated that an activating adhesive is applied to the exposed
decorative surface 44, theupper surface 72, or the outer surface of the lowerdecorative layer 70. When the material 10 orreversible material 60 is folded around acup 12, portions of the material will overlap and be folded over. In the event thecup 12 is tapered as is shown inFIGS. 1 and 8 , it is possible for the material to fall away from thecup 12. The adhesive allows the material 10 orreversible material 60 to stick to itself in any areas where the material would overlap itself. - To make the material 10 as shown in
FIGS. 4, 7, and 11 , the layers are attached and then typically rolled for storage or transportation. Later in the process, the layers are then stamped into the final flat shape and packed for transportation to the final user. - It is understood that while certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. No specific limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. Modifications may be made to the disclosed subject matter as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
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US16/108,648 US20180361707A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2018-08-22 | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US14/925,236 US10081160B2 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2015-10-28 | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
US16/108,648 US20180361707A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2018-08-22 | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US14/925,236 Continuation US10081160B2 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2015-10-28 | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
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US20180361707A1 true US20180361707A1 (en) | 2018-12-20 |
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US14/925,236 Active 2036-09-16 US10081160B2 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2015-10-28 | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
US16/108,648 Abandoned US20180361707A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2018-08-22 | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
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US14/925,236 Active 2036-09-16 US10081160B2 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2015-10-28 | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
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US10081160B2 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2018-09-25 | Outtadaway, Inc. | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5922455A (en) * | 1996-06-04 | 1999-07-13 | Hampshire Holographic Manufacturing Corp. | Holographically enhanced wrapping elements |
US20100221562A1 (en) * | 2009-02-27 | 2010-09-02 | Veronica Hawkins-Garcia | Multi-layered food wrapping material |
US10081160B2 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2018-09-25 | Outtadaway, Inc. | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2568623A (en) | 1946-08-10 | 1951-09-18 | Homer A Hamm | Absorbent glass container |
US2641402A (en) | 1947-01-28 | 1953-06-09 | Bruun Otto Johannes | Cup-shaped foil capsule |
US7238403B2 (en) | 1997-03-07 | 2007-07-03 | Kx Industries, Lp | Composite for removing moisture, liquid and odors with anti-microbial capability |
US6425494B1 (en) | 2001-01-03 | 2002-07-30 | Global Products, Inc. | Insulator wrap for beverage container |
US20150329270A1 (en) * | 2014-05-19 | 2015-11-19 | Yeh-Fei Chu | Insulator apparatus for a beverage container |
US20160286994A1 (en) * | 2015-04-01 | 2016-10-06 | Preston Keith Felty | Disposable sleeve for a container |
-
2015
- 2015-10-28 US US14/925,236 patent/US10081160B2/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-08-22 US US16/108,648 patent/US20180361707A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5922455A (en) * | 1996-06-04 | 1999-07-13 | Hampshire Holographic Manufacturing Corp. | Holographically enhanced wrapping elements |
US20100221562A1 (en) * | 2009-02-27 | 2010-09-02 | Veronica Hawkins-Garcia | Multi-layered food wrapping material |
US10081160B2 (en) * | 2015-10-28 | 2018-09-25 | Outtadaway, Inc. | Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material |
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US10081160B2 (en) | 2018-09-25 |
US20170120559A1 (en) | 2017-05-04 |
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