Receptacles – Container attachment or adjunct – Container holder
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-09
2001-09-11
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Container attachment or adjunct
Container holder
C220S903000, C229S403000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286709
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the field of insulating devices for beverage containers. More specifically, the invention relates to a fabric insulating sleeve for a beverage container, and a method for manufacturing the insulating sleeve.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A common problem experienced by purchasers of hot beverages such as coffee and espresso is that the disposable cup in which the beverage is served is often too hot to hold comfortably. To address this problem, various solutions have been attempted. The simplest and most obvious solution has been to wrap one or more paper napkins around the cup to avoid burns or discomfort to the hand. However, this primitive solution is inadequate. Although the napkins will insulate the beverage cup while the cup is being held, they will not stay in place if the cup is put down. It is necessary to reposition the napkins each time the cup is picked up, which can result in accidental burns and spillage. It would therefore be desirable to have a beverage cup insulating sleeve that is comfortable to hold and easily positionable on a beverage cup, and that will remain in position without adjustment.
In response to the recognized need for a better beverage insulator, various types of disposable cardboard and paper sleeves have been used with some degree of success. The sleeves are sized to slide onto the outside of a beverage cup, and are held in place by friction. The upwardly widening diameter of the typical beverage cup prevents the sleeve from sliding off the cup while the cup is being held. However, while cardboard and paper sleeves are minimally functional as beverage cup insulation devices, they are generally only used once, and then discarded. Because the unnecessary use of paper products is environmentally unwise, especially with insulating materials like foam or plastic that are not bio-degradeable and considered environmentally unfriendly when discarded. It would therefore be desirable to have an insulating sleeve that is not disposable, but instead can be used repeatedly. Relatedly, it would be desirable to have an insulating sleeve that is more esthetically pleasing and pleasing to the touch as compared to paper or cardboard.
Cold beverages also require insulation, in that holding a cold beverage is uncomfortable and quickly warms the beverage. There are various types of reusable beverage container insulating devices made especially for cold beverages, many of which are fabricated from molded or pliable foam products. These devices are generally bulky, and impractical for storing in a purse or pocket when not in use. An additional drawback of these devices is that they are usually fitted to a specific size of beverage container, such as a twelve-ounce beverage can, and cannot be used with other sizes or shapes of containers. It would therefore be desirable to have an insulating sleeve, which can adapt itself to fit a variety of container shapes, and can be folded compactly for storage when not in use.
It is a common practice among beverage vendors to provide a “punch card” to their customers. The punch card is presented to the vendor for validation at the time a beverage is purchased. When the customer has obtained a predetermined number of validations, he is entitled to a premium, such as a free beverage. Alternatively, a customer may prepurchase a quantity of beverages for convenience. The vendor then gives the customer a punch card, which verifies the prepurchased beverages, and can be redeemed anytime. No matter how the punch card is used, it represents monetary value and it is used every time a beverage is purchased. Having a way of keeping a punchcard and an insulating device together would therefore be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention meets the above described needs and others by providing an insulating sleeve for beverage containers. The sleeve is constructed from at least two layers of fabric, and has an integral pocket incorporated between the two layers.
According to an aspect of the invention, two elasticized fleece fabric panels, each having a rectangular body area and a pocket extension, are joined at their edges and then attached at their ends to form a sleeve. The pocket extensions are folded down between the two elasticized fleece fabric panels to form the integral pocket.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the insulating sleeve has indicia affixed to its outer surface.
An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a beverage cup insulating sleeve that is easily positionable on a beverage cup, and that will remain in position without adjustment.
An additional advantage of the present invention is that it provides an insulating sleeve that can be machine washed and used repeatedly, instead of thrown away after use.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an insulating sleeve made of a fabric, which is pleasing to the touch and has insulating properties.
Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an insulating sleeve, which can adapt itself to fit a variety of container shapes, and can be folded compactly for storage when not in use.
An additional advantage of the present invention is that it provides a way of keeping a punch card and an insulating device together.
These and other advantages will become evident in the description and drawings, which follow.
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Brystie, Inc. Brochure for Turtle Fur, Dec. 1992.*
Photocopy of Java Jacket® cup sleeve.
Merek Joe
Shoap Allan N.
Stratton Ballew PLLC
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