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WO2007146026A2 - Enveloppe pour récipient - Google Patents

Enveloppe pour récipient Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007146026A2
WO2007146026A2 PCT/US2007/013367 US2007013367W WO2007146026A2 WO 2007146026 A2 WO2007146026 A2 WO 2007146026A2 US 2007013367 W US2007013367 W US 2007013367W WO 2007146026 A2 WO2007146026 A2 WO 2007146026A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sleeve
wrap
base portion
base
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2007/013367
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2007146026A3 (fr
Inventor
Charles Wilson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
DSI PRODUCTS LLC
Original Assignee
DSI PRODUCTS LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DSI PRODUCTS LLC filed Critical DSI PRODUCTS LLC
Priority to US12/308,154 priority Critical patent/US20100001012A1/en
Publication of WO2007146026A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007146026A2/fr
Publication of WO2007146026A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007146026A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G23/00—Other table equipment
    • A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
    • A47G23/0208—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
    • A47G23/0216—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • U.S. Patent 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.
  • beverage container wraps While various beverage container wraps are available, a need exists for beverage container wraps which provide improved absorption and/or containment of excess condensation while allowing for ease of placement into a use configuration and/or versatility in use with beverage containers of different sizes.
  • a wrap for a beverage container includes a sleeve having a top end and a bottom end, and a first base portion disposed at or near the bottom end of the sleeve.
  • the sleeve and the first base portion are foldable such that the first base portion is contained within the sleeve in a storage configuration.
  • the sleeve portion and the first base portion are configured such that when the first base portion is put into a use configuration, a perimeter section of the first base portion forms an interference engagement with the sleeve.
  • a wrap for a beverage container includes a sleeve having a top end and a bottom end and no more than two substantially longitudinal fold lines, the top end of the sleeve having an absorbent upper surface.
  • the wrap also includes a first base portion disposed at or near the bottom end of the sleeve, and a second base portion attached to the first base portion.
  • the sleeve and the first and second base portions are foldable such that the first and second base portions are contained within the sleeve in a storage configuration.
  • sleeve portion and the first base portion are configured such that when the first base portion is put into a use configuration, a perimeter section of the first base portion forms an interference engagement with the sleeve, and the sleeve forms a substantially frusto-conical shape.
  • the interference engagement maintains the wrap in the use configuration by impeding the folding of the first base portion.
  • a wrap is combined with a beverage container, the beverage container having a base and a substantially frusto- conical section.
  • the wrap includes a substantially frusto-conical sleeve having an upwardly-facing absorbent surface and a base foldably attached to the sleeve at or near a bottom of the sleeve.
  • the wrap is collapsible into a substantially flat storage configuration.
  • the sleeve and an outer surface of the beverage container contact each other around substantially the entire perimeter of the beverage container at an upper end of the sleeve, and the sleeve and the outer surface of the beverage container do not contact each other at a lower end of the sleeve.
  • a dual-use wrap for a beverage container includes a sleeve for wrapping sides of a beverage container, the sleeve having an upwardly-facing top edge with exposed absorbent fibers.
  • the sleeve is configured to establish a close fit with the container near the top edge of the sleeve, and the sleeve having no more than two fold lines for substantially flattening the wrap.
  • a base is attached to the sleeve along at least two score lines, wherein the wrap is configured to permit removal of the base by a user to convert the wrap into a sleeve only.
  • a wrap for a beverage container in another embodiment, includes a sleeve having a top end and a bottom end.
  • the wrap also includes a base portion disposed at or near the bottom end of the sleeve, the sleeve and the base portion being foldable such that the base portion is contained within the sleeve in a storage configuration, the sleeve portion and the base portion being configured such that when the base portion is put into a use configuration, a perimeter section of the base portion forms an interference engagement with the sleeve.
  • the base portion is configured to be removable by a user to form a sleeve only.
  • a method of converting a beverage container wrap to a beverage container sleeve without a base includes placing a wrap into a use configuration, the wrap having a sleeve and a base attached to the sleeve, and removing the base from the sleeve.
  • a method of forming a beverage container wrap includes forming an arcuate strip including absorbent material, the arcuate strip including trapezoidal-shaped flaps along at least a portion of one edge of the arcuate strip. The method further includes forming a base portion attached to the arcuate strip, and manipulating the arcuate strip and the base portion to form a beverage container wrap having a sleeve and a base.
  • a method of forming a beverage container wrap includes forming an arcuate strip including an edge with exposed absorbent fibers, the arcuate strip constructed and arranged to form a sleeve with an upwardly-facing edge having exposed absorbent fibers.
  • the sleeve is also configured to establish a close fit with the container near the top edge of the sleeve.
  • the method further includes forming a base portion attached to the arcuate strip, and manipulating the arcuate strip and the base portion to form a beverage container wrap having a sleeve and a base.
  • FIGS. Ia and Ib show a beverage container being placed into a container wrap according to one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. Ic shows a cross-sectional view of a beverage container inserted in 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. 4a shows a cross-sectional side view of the container wrap of Fig. 3 in a partially folded configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 4b shows a cross-sectional side view of the container wrap of Fig. 3 in an open configuration
  • FIG. 4c shows a cross-sectional side view of a container wrap in a partially folded configuration, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 4d shows a cross-sectional side view of the container wrap of Fig. 4c in an open configuration
  • FIG. 5a shows a cross-sectional view of single-faced microflute cardboard that may be used in some embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 5b 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. 5d shows a cross-sectional view of an absorbent material having a sinusoidal surface, which may be used in some embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 5e 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 having two arcuate strips according to an alternative embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a blank according to an alternative embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a blank having two base portions attached upwardly from a bottom end of the sleeve 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
  • FIG. 13 shows a plan view of a blank that is designed for assembly into a container wrap for a cylindrical container
  • FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of a wrap according to an alternative embodiment
  • FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional side view of an upper edge of a sleeve according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • 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.
  • a wrap is shaped to conform to the shape of the container for ease of use and/or effective absorption.
  • 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.
  • the wrap may be pre-shaped to match the shape of the container before the container is inserted.
  • a wrap is shaped to conform or establish a close fit with a container along a top portion of the wrap, but shaped to be spaced from the container along other portions of the wrap.
  • 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 one or more of the two portions including an absorbent material.
  • the sleeve portion and/or the base portion may comprise multiple portions that are attached together.
  • a blank for example a die-cut blank, that is easily assembled into a wrap and optionally foldable.
  • the blank may include an arcuate strip having one or more base portions that extend 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 portions and/or the arcuate strip may include an absorbent material that faces inwardly when the blank is assembled to accommodate excess condensation.
  • the beverage container wrap is (1) easy to manufacture. (2) easy to transport, (3) easy to use, and/or (4) easy to recycle.
  • 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 be foldable such that the wrap may be placed in a storage configuration and then easily opened into a use configuration.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a wrap for a beverage container may include a base that is foldable relative to the sleeve and forms an interference engagement with an interior surface of the sleeve when the base is place in a use configuration.
  • the base may include one or more sections with a greater radius as compared to other sections of the base such that one or more perimeter sections engage with the interior surface of the sleeve when the base is placed into a use configuration.
  • the base is pushed into the interference engagement by placing a beverage container in the wrap.
  • a wrap for a beverage container includes a sleeve with flaps at or near a top opening of the wrap.
  • the flaps may bend outwardly to accommodate a larger diameter of the container.
  • some plastic cups include a wall portion that includes a change in wall slope (for example, see Fig. Ia).
  • the flaps may be configured to bend outwardly in response to this wall portion being inserted into the top opening of the wrap.
  • Figs. Ia and Ib show a container 20 being inserted into a top opening 25 of 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 on lower portion 26. Condensation that forms on an upper portion 28 of container 20 and travels to lower portion 26 also may be absorbed by wrap 22.
  • wrap 22 optionally may include a base (not shown in Figs. Ia and Ib).
  • wrap 22, including sleeve 24, may formed with a recycled, uncoated paperboard.
  • the recycled paperboard may be a partially recycled paperboard.
  • the paperboard (or other material) may be coated on interior surfaces and/or exterior surfaces. Of course other suitable materials may be used to form sleeve 24 and/or the base of wrap 22, as described in more detail further below.
  • sleeve 24 may include an upper edge 23 which has exposed absorptive material.
  • Sleeve 24 may be formed such that upper edge 23 conforms closely to the outer surface of the container. In this regard, a substantial amount (and in some embodiments, substantially all) of the condensation traveling down the outside of the container may be absorbed through the upper edge 23 of sleeve 24.
  • the initial diameter of top opening 25 of sleeve 24 may be equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of container that is to be surrounded by sleeve 24 when the container is placed in wrap 22 to establish a close fit of upper edge 23 with container 20.
  • substantially all of the condensation traveling down the sides of the container may be absorbed, at least initially, through the upper edge 23 of sleeve 24.
  • the beverage container may expand the top opening as the container is pushed into the sleeve.
  • the upper edge 23 may form a close fit around substantially the entire circumference of a container. The combination of some or all of the above- described features may facilitate absorption of condensation.
  • a wrap 22 may be constructed and arranged such that the upper end 27 of the sleeve near upper edge 23 contacts a beverage container 20 around the perimeter of upper portion 28 of the container, yet another portion of sleeve 22, such as a lower portion 21, is separated from lower portion 26 of the container.
  • a base 18 of container 20 may be spaced from a base 19 of wrap 22.
  • the wrap may be configured such that in cases where the sleeve has portions which are separated from the container and/or the base of the beverage container is suspended above the base of the wrap, the wrap maintains its ability to hold the container upright.
  • this ability is facilitated by the base of the wrap being resistant to folding out of the use configuration toward a storage configuration, as discussed herein further below.
  • the ability to hold the container upright is facilitated by the lower end of the sleeve extending below the base portion of the wrap such that the wrap is supported by the lower end of the sleeve.
  • the wrap may be used with beverage containers that do not generally match the shape of the wrap. This feature may permit the use of a variety of beverage container sizes and/ ⁇ r types with a particular wrap. The inventor has recognized that in many prior art products wraps having bases, a container has to generally match the shape of the wrap for the wrap to maintain its shape and/or stability.
  • previous attempts to provide a foldable wrap and base combination that is self-supporting in the use configuration include features that are time consuming when placing the wrap into a use configuration.
  • a close fit between the wrap and the beverage container at or near the top of the wrap for example by limiting the number of longitudinal fold lines and/or using a frusto-conical beverage container with the wrap, the presence of a separation between the inside of the wrap and the exterior of the beverage container lower down does not have as detrimental an effect on condensation absorption.
  • condensation manages to pass by the top edge of the wrap along the exterior of the beverage container contact between the wrap and the container at lower levels may be needed to catch the condensation.
  • a tight fit at the upper end of the wrap permits the presence of a separation between the beverage container and the wrap at the lower levels.
  • sleeve 24 and/or upper edge 23 may be selected to balance absorptive capacity with flexibility.
  • sleeve 24 is formed with a multiply paperboard having a thickness 0.035 inches.
  • sleeve 24 is formed with paperboard or other suitable material with a thickness of between and including 0.015 inches and 0.040 inches.
  • upper edge 23 may have a greater thickness than the rest of the sleeve 24.
  • sleeve 24 and the base of the wrap may include an additional absorbent material on their inside surfaces. As shown in Fig. 2, a microflute cardboard material 40 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.
  • the interior surface of sleeve 24 may 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.
  • the base may be provided with a material that is able to absorb a greater amount of condensation.
  • a water repellant coating may be present on the interior and/or the exterior of the sleeve and/or the base to help prevent absorbed liquid from penetrating through the sleeve and/or the base.
  • wrap 22 completely encircles container 20.
  • wrap 22 need not necessarily completely encircle container 20 as it may wrap less than the entire circumference of container 20.
  • 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.
  • a wrap 22 may be formed using a blank, such as a die-cut blank.
  • Blank 60 comprises an arcuate strip 62 and attached base portions 64a, 64b.
  • Arcuate strip 62 has a generally curved upper edge 66 and a generally curved lower edge 68.
  • first side edge 70 may be attached to a second side edge 72 to form a frusto-conical sleeve without using a tab.
  • a tab may be used to attach the two side edges to one another.
  • Base portions 64a, 64b may be folded at approximately right angles to arcuate strip 62. Score lines 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, first and second score lines 67a, 67b may be provided on arcuate strip 62 to facilitate folding of the wrap when the wrap is assembled.
  • Additional score lines may be provided on arcuate strip 62 to facilitate folding and/or unfolding of the wrap when the wrap is assembled.
  • Third and fourth score lines 67c, 67d may be provided on base portions 64a, 64b respectively.
  • a fifth score line 67e may be provided on base portion 64b to divide base portion 64b into a proximal section 65a and a distal section 65b.
  • score lines is intended to encompass any modification to the material forming the wrap that tends to facilitate folding of the material.
  • the score lines may include perforations, creases, cuts or other suitable modifications to the wrap material.
  • fold lines is intended to encompass any modification to the material forming the wrap that tends to facilitate folding of the material and/or a line where the material is actually folded. Score lines and fold lines also may include curved score lines.
  • the terms “longitudinal score line” and “longitudinal fold line” mean score lines and fold lines, respectively, which extend in a generally up-down direction on the sleeve of the wrap in the use configuration.
  • the frusto-conical shape of the wrap results in longitudinal score or fold lines which are not strictly vertical, but nonetheless extend generally upwardly from the bottom of the sleeve toward the top of the sleeve.
  • score lines 67c, 67d may be configured such that base portions 64a, 64b are removable from the remainder of the wrap. Score lines 67c, 67d may be perforations that allow a user to tear the base portions off of the wrap.
  • cup wraps disclosed herein may be dual-use in that they may be used as an absorbent wrap with a base, or, optionally, as only a sleeve.
  • the wrap may be constructed and arranged to allow an end-use customer to remove the base portion and/or may be constructed and arranged to allow the person who converts the wrap from a storage configuration to a use configuration to remove the base portion.
  • a method of converting a beverage container wrap to only a beverage container sleeve is provided.
  • the method includes a step of removing a base portion of a beverage container wrap by separating a base portion from the wrap along one or more score lines.
  • the base portion may be removed by tearing (or otherwise separating) the base portion from the sleeve along two score lines.
  • the act of separating along score lines may include separating along perforations. Separating the base portion may comprise inserting one's fingers through top opening 25 of wrap 22 and pushing on the base portions from the inside of wrap 22.
  • the methods and wraps described above regarding removing a base from a sleeve may be implemented with any suitable wrap disclosed herein, or with any other suitable wrap.
  • the described methods of removing a base from a container wrap disclosed herein may be combined with one or more features of wraps disclosed herein and/or acts of assembling the wraps. Additional components may be added to the wraps to facilitate removal of the base. In some embodiments, directions or indications of how to remove the base may printed or otherwise displayed on the wrap itself.
  • distal section 65b of base portion 64b is attached to base portion 64a.
  • a bottom side of distal section 65b is attached (e.g., with an adhesive) to a bottom side of a portion of base portion 64a along a distal section 76b of base portion 64a to form a base 42.
  • sleeve 24 is compressed (e.g., folded along score lines 67a, 67b)
  • base 42 moves into sleeve 24 and is substantially flat.
  • Wrap 22 is shown in a partially folded configuration in Fig. 4a. It should be noted that in some embodiments base portions 64a, 64b may be folded such that they extend externally from sleeve 24.
  • Fig. 4b shows wrap 22 in an open, or "use” configuration.
  • Wrap 22 may be opened by simultaneously pushing inwardly on both folds of sleeve 24 (e.g., at score lines 67a, 67b). This motion pulls base portions 64a and 64b in opposite directions such that base portion 64b folds over itself. Base portion 64a extends over a substantial portion of the bottom opening of wrap 22.
  • base portion 64a may be constructed and arranged such that a perimeter section 51 (see Fig. 3) of base portion 64a engages with sleeve 24 when the wrap is placed in a use configuration.
  • perimeter section 51 is pulled into an interference engagement with an interior surface 73 of sleeve 24 as the wrap is opened.
  • base portion 64a may "lock" wrap 22 in a use configuration by preventing or at least inhibiting wrap 22 from being folded once base portion 64a engages with sleeve 24.
  • a beverage container may be pushed into the wrap to push down on base portion 64a to fully place wrap 22 into a use configuration. In this manner, transforming the wrap from a storage configuration to a use configuration may ' be performed with one hand.
  • base portions 64a, 64b While substantial sections of the perimeters of base portions 64a, 64b have a substantially circular curvature, some sections of base portion 64a have a curvature other than circular, and one perimeter section 53 is straight.
  • This configuration is one embodiment of a base portion 64a which includes a perimeter section that extends far enough from the attached side of base portion 64a to enter into an interference engagement with sleeve 24, as discussed further below with reference to Fig. 14. Of course other configurations are possible.
  • perimeter section 51 is the only part of either base portion 64a or base portion 64b that enters into an interference engagement with sleeve 24.
  • a distal end 71 of base portion 64a and/or one or more other parts of base portion 64a and/or base portion 64b may enter into an interference engagement with sleeve 24.
  • a perimeter section 52 may be configured to engage with interior surface 73 of sleeve 24.
  • a perimeter section 55 of base portion 64b may configured to engage with interior surface 73 of sleeve 24.
  • a top side of distal section 65b of base portion 64b may be attached to base portion 64a, as shown in Figs. 4c and 4d.
  • the top side of distal section 65b is attached to a proximal portion 76a of base portion 64a.
  • the base portions of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4c and 4d may be configured such that one or more perimeter sections of the base portions enter into an interference engagement with sleeve 24 when the wrap is put into an open configuration.
  • a tab may be provided on base portion 64a and a slot may be provided within arcuate strip 68 such that a tab/slot arrangement facilitates support and/or "locking" of the base portions when the wrap is put into a use configuration.
  • neither tabs nor interference engagements are used.
  • the only engagement between each base portion and the sidewall is at the fold line where the base portion is attached to the sidewall.
  • one or both of base portions 64a, 64b may be pulled inwardly from sleeve 24 while the two base portions are being attached to one another.
  • the fold lines formed between the base portions and sleeve 24 may be formed slightly higher than score lines 67c, 67d.
  • lower edge 68 may form a bottom rim by being positioned lower than the fold lines between the base portions and sleeve 24, and in some embodiments, by being positioned lower than bottom surface of the base portions.
  • other configurations may be used to form a bottom rim with lower edge 68.
  • Upper edge 23 of blank 60 may include, in some embodiments, features which increase the surface area available for absorbing condensation.
  • upper edge 23 may include triangular cutouts 27 which form trapezoidal flaps 29.
  • other shapes, including irregular shapes may form flaps along upper edge 23.
  • Blank 60 may include, in some embodiments, score lines 81 at or near a base of trapezoidal flaps 29 or other upper edge flap shapes.
  • the score lines which may be cuts through the material, increase the ability of the flaps 29 to bend.
  • flaps 29 may extend in the same direction as sleeve 24 and form a top wrap opening with a first diameter. When a container having a diameter greater than the first diameter is inserted into the wrap, flaps 29 may bend outwardly, thereby allowing the container to fit within the wrap while maintaining a close fit between upper edge 23 and the container.
  • Figs. 5a-5e 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.
  • 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.
  • Fig. 5a-5e 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.
  • 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
  • FIG. 5a 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 may be configured to face inwardly toward the container base or container sides, or, in some embodiments, the flute material 84 may be configured to face outwardly and the cardboard face 82 may be configured to face inwardly.
  • the increased surface area of the flute material 84 as compared to flat cardboard may provide improved absorption properties.
  • flute material 84 not having any cardboard face may be used as shown in Fig. 5b.
  • portions of wrap 22 may include flute material 84 alone while other portions may include single-faced microflute or double-faced microflute (not shown).
  • material such as corrugated cardboard, which can have larger flutes than microflute material, may be used.
  • Fig. 5c shows an absorbent material 86 attached to a support material 88.
  • compressed cellulose which is an example of absorbent material
  • paperboard which is an example of support material in this embodiment
  • 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, kraft board laminate, or bamboo paper.
  • absorbent substances include water soluble polymers, absorbent foam, woven or non-woven material, European pulp board, starch-based products, cotton or other textile materials, steeping fibers, reinforced fibers, plastic material, cellulosic material, and compressed or uncompressed sponge material.
  • water soluble polymers include water soluble polymers, absorbent foam, woven or non-woven material, European pulp board, starch-based products, cotton or other textile materials, steeping fibers, reinforced fibers, plastic material, cellulosic material, and compressed or uncompressed sponge material.
  • Various combinations of the above-listed materials may be used together within a single wrap.
  • support material 88 may be a paper-based or cardboard- based material
  • 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.
  • a material 85 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. 5e, 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; raw 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; bamboo 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) 5 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.
  • CTMP chemi-thermo mechanical pulp
  • CTP thermo mechanical pulp
  • pulp having a thickness of 1/32" may be used, and in other embodiments, a thickness of 1/64", 1/16", 1/8" or 1/4", 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.
  • FIG. 6 shows wrap 22 including a sleeve 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.
  • starch-based materials include, corn starch, rice starch, wheat starch, and so on.
  • Green CellTM foam available from KTM Industries, Inc. of Lansing, Michigan, 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 Toiletschaum AG, 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the moisture barrier may be formed with a coating, such as polyurethane for example, or a thin film of water-resistant material that is provided on the exterior surface of the wrap.
  • Fig. 8 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.
  • the wrap may be folded along score lines 67b, 67e, 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.
  • base portions 64a, 64b 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).
  • no extensions are provided between arcuate strip 62 and base portion 64, instead, base portion 64 is directly attached to arcuate strip 62.
  • tab 74 is directly attached to base portion 64 without an extension.
  • Fig. 10 shows a blank 60 in which base portions 64a, 64b are attached to arcuate strip 62 along score lines 67c, 67d that are positioned upwardly from lower edge 68.
  • 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.
  • arcuate strip 62 may have a tab 97 and a slot 98 for assembling the sleeve portion of the wrap.
  • 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 embodiment including a blank 130 having a shape 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.
  • wrap 22 may include a slanted upper edge. As shown in Fig. 14, an inwardly slanting upper edge 23' may be provided. Upper edge 23' may form an angle A with the outer surface of sleeve 24. Angle A may be between and including 1 ° and 89°, in some embodiments between 30° and 60°, and in some embodiments angle A may be approximately 45°.
  • Fig. 14 also illustrates an embodiment in which distal end 71 of base portion 64a forms an interference engagement with sleeve 24.
  • distal end 71 may be curved such that base portion 64a engages with sleeve 24 in an area diametrically opposed to the center of score line 67c.
  • 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 23 of sleeve 24 may have a surface area that absorbs condensation as it moves down the outside wall of the container. In some embodiments, one example of which is shown in Fig.
  • upper edge 23" may be thicker than the remainder of sleeve 24 to provide additional absorption area.
  • upper edge 23 may have a thickness of 1/8", 1/4", 3/8" or any other suitable thickness.
  • the remainder of sleeve 24 may have a thickness that is 25%, 50% or 75% or other suitable percentage of the upper edge thickness.
  • a container 20 may be attached to
  • base 42 may include absorbent material to absorb water that reaches base 42.
  • a method of manufacturing a beverage container wrap includes providing a blank having a sleeve portion and one or more base portions.
  • the base portions 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 portions are attached to one other in various configurations, including the configurations described herein, to form a base of the wrap.
  • an act 142 includes forming an arcuate strip including absorbent material.
  • a base portion which is attached to the arcuate strip is formed in an act 144.
  • the arcuate strip and the base portion are manipulated to form a beverage container wrap having a sleeve and a base.
  • the base is completely separated from the sleeve.
  • 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, and portions of the wraps may be injection molded, thermoformed, or extruded. Foam expansion in a mold is another option, as is pulp molding.
  • the blade used to make the cut that results in an upwardly-facing absorbent surface i.e., the top edge of the sleeve
  • the blade used to make the cut that results in an upwardly-facing absorbent surface may be a rough blade such that more fibers of the absorbent material are exposed.
  • additional step may be performed on the upwardly-facing surface to expose additional fibers.
  • 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.
  • a junction of the base and sleeve may be made to be relatively watertight.
  • the base may be attached to the sleeve around the entire perimeter of the base.
  • 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.
  • a wrap may be constructed solely with molded pulp or molded paper.
  • 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).
  • the base may be configured to adhere or otherwise attach to the container.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the term “attached” refers to separate pieces connected together by adhesive, a tab and slot arrangement, or any other attaching arrangement, whether direct or indirect.
  • the term “attached” also refers to pieces or portions that are integrally connected.
  • 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.
  • a frusto-conical sleeve means a sleeve that has a substantial portion which is frusto-conically shaped.
  • a frusto-conical sleeve is considered to include a sleeve which has both a frusto-conical portion and a cylindrical portion.
  • 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.

Landscapes

  • Packages (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une enveloppe pour récipient qui absorbe et/ou recueille la condensation sur l'extérieur d'un récipient de boisson contenant une boisson froide, réduisant de ce fait l'inconvénient de la condensation. Selon l'invention, l'enveloppe peut comprendre un manchon et une base et peut être pliée dans une configuration plate de façon à pouvoir être facilement rangée tout en pouvant être facilement réouverte pour la placer sur un récipient. Quand elle est ouverte, la base peut être sécurisée dans une configuration d'utilisation avec un contact serré entre la base et une surface interne du manchon. Le manchon peut avoir une forme frustoconique de sorte qu'un récipient de forme analogue peut être inséré dans l'enveloppe. Une extrémité supérieure du manchon peut être configurée de façon à pouvoir être ajustée de manière serrée sur le récipient sensiblement sur tout le pourtour du récipient de boisson. De plus, une extrémité inférieure du manchon peut être configurée de façon à être séparée du pourtour du récipient de boisson.
PCT/US2007/013367 2006-06-08 2007-06-06 Enveloppe pour récipient Ceased WO2007146026A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/308,154 US20100001012A1 (en) 2006-06-08 2007-06-06 Container Wrap

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US81188506P 2006-06-08 2006-06-08
US60/811,885 2006-06-08
US85760206P 2006-11-08 2006-11-08
US60/857,602 2006-11-08

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WO2007146026A2 true WO2007146026A2 (fr) 2007-12-21
WO2007146026A3 WO2007146026A3 (fr) 2008-11-13

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US (1) US20100001012A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007146026A2 (fr)

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US20100001012A1 (en) 2010-01-07

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