Envelopes – wrappers – and paperboard boxes – Paper or paperboard cup – Insulated
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-16
2001-07-03
Elkins, Gary E. (Department: 3727)
Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
Paper or paperboard cup
Insulated
C229S004500, C229S198200, C229S939000, C229S940000, C493S152000, C493S903000, C493S906000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253995
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to insulated containers, and more particularly to insulated containers having an intermediate fluted layer, sidewalls for forming such containers, and methods therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Insulated disposable cups for holding hot and cold beverages and other items have long been fabricated from inexpensive, light-weight materials such as expanded polystyrene. However, polystyrene is not biodegradable and therefore causes an environmental concern. Paper cups are also common, and are considered more environmentally sensitive, but are often undesirable since they readily transfer heat. A consumer may handle an uninsulated paper container with a napkin, another cup or other insulating sleeve. However, requiring a separate sleeve, cup or holder is expensive, cumbersome and may result in losing control of the container and unfortunate spillage of its contents.
FIG. 1
depicts a conventional insulated paper container
100
of the type substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,653. The container
100
has an upstanding wall
112
defining a volume
114
and is composed of a corrugated paperboard material having an inner paper layer
122
, an insulating fluted layer
126
having vertically extending flutes
128
, and an outer paper layer
124
. However, when the upper edge of the upstanding wall
112
is rolled to form a lip
118
, undesirable tearing or cracking
119
can result owing to the fiber orientation of the inner layer. Accordingly, this type of container does not consistently provide a desirable substitute for polystyrene containers and a need continues for environmentally friendly insulating containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to obviate problems and shortcomings of conventional containers. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an insulated container having improved structural characteristics.
Another object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly disposable insulated container.
Another object of the invention is to provide an insulated container of unitary construction.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an insulated container which may be formed with a smooth rim.
A further object of the invention is to provide an insulated container having an outer layer capable of receiving and displaying high quality print.
Another object of the invention is to simplify the fabrication of such insulated containers.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the present invention insulating containers are provided with a sidewall formed with an outer layer, an inner layer, and a fluted layer located between the outer and inner layers. The fluted layer includes elongated flutes extending in a substantially lateral direction around the container. The inner layer comprises a paper layer arranged with its machine direction extending substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the flutes extend. The outer layer comprises paper that is capable of stretching sufficiently to accommodate an outer circumference of the container.
To further achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the present invention insulating containers are provided including a sidewall defining an interior area. The sidewall comprises a paper inner layer, a paper outer layer, and a paper fluted layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The fluted layer includes elongated flutes extending in a substantially lateral direction around the container with the inner layer arranged with its machine direction extending substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the flutes extend. The outer layer may comprise extensible kraft paper.
To further achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the present invention sidewalls are provided including a first seam portion and a second seam portion. The sidewall comprises an inner layer including a surface provided with a water resistant coating, an outer layer, and a fluted layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer. A portion of the inner layer extends beyond both a portion of the fluted layer and a portion of the outer layer at the first seam portion.
To further achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the present invention methods of making insulated containers are provided. A sidewall is provided including an upper edge, a first seam portion, and a second seam portion. The sidewall includes an inner paper layer, an outer paper layer of stretchable paper, and a fluted layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the fluted layer includes elongated flutes. The sidewall is curved along a circumferential direction, with the flutes extending substantially along the circumferential direction and a machine direction of the inner layer extending substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the flutes extend, until the first seam portion is adjacent the second seam portion. The second seam portion is attached to the first seam portion to form a shape including an interior area.
To further achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the present invention methods of making water resistant seams are provided. A sidewall is provided including a first seam portion and a second seam portion. The sidewall includes an inner layer provided with a coating of water resistant material, an outer layer, and a fluted layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer. A portion of the inner layer extends beyond a portion of the fluted layer and a portion of the outer layer at the first seam portion. The inner surface of the inner layer of the second seam portion is attached to the outer surface of the inner layer of the first seam portion, thereby forming the water resistant seam.
Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description wherein there are shown and described alternative exemplary embodiments of this invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different, obvious aspects and embodiments, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
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“Handbook For Pulp & Paper Technologists”, by G.A. Smook © 1982 pp. 208, 291, 296, & 297.
Blok Johannes
Carr, Jr. William H.
Burrows Paper Corporation
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Elkins Gary E.
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