KR101314024B1 - Foldable air insulating system, insulating cup lid, and method for insulating a cup in said system - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable air insulating sleeve (20) for insulating beverage and food containers. The sleeve (20) secures a cup (60) in a manner that leaves a pocket of air (68) surrounding the cup. This provides for improved temperature regulation and sufficient thermal insulation to assist the user in firmly grasping and handling the cup despite excess heat or condensation caused by the temperature of the cup's contents. A lid (108) further improves thermal insulation.

Description

Foldable AIR INSULATING SYSTEM, INSULATING CUP LID, AND METHOD FOR INSULATING A CUP IN SAID SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to insulating devices for beverage containers and in particular to insulating beverages and foods by using air as the insulator.

Disposable cups are routinely used in fireside restaurants and fast food stores to hold hot and cold beverages. Since such cups have relatively thin walls, they have poor insulation. As a result, cups provided with hot beverages are often too hot to comfortably grip, and the outer surface of the cups provided with cold beverages also accumulate moisture, which makes it difficult to grip the cups, thus making the user's hands and table wet. In addition, cold drinks heat up quickly and hot drinks lose heat quickly.

In response to the need for better beverage insulation, various types of disposable cardboard and paper sleeves have been used. The sleeve is sized to slide out of the beverage cup and is held in place by friction. The wide diameter end of a typical beverage cup prevents the sleeve from sliding the cup while the cup is held. However, such a device is generally not a good insulating material because it is thin. In addition, hermetic contact with the cup causes additional heat transfer to the outside of the insulator. Additional insulation is required at the bottom of the beverage cup because the fluid must be there for a longer period of time. In addition, such devices typically cover any printable material on the outside of the cup, thus losing the opportunity for advertising. Some transparent insulators have been produced, but they also lose their effectiveness as insulators because of the intimate contact with the cup and the conductive material that is typically produced. Some more effective insulators take up a lot of storage space at too bulky and small convenience stores, and consumable cups are too large to fit in most cup holders. Another problem with most consumer cups is that they are unstable because typical cups have narrow bases. Therefore, there is a great need in the beverage industry for cups with better insulation and overall improvement.

Some consumable cups include handles to solve the difficult problem of holding hot or cold beverages that accumulate moisture on the outside of the cup. Unfortunately, the problem with handles is that they are typically made of paper or other sheet-like material and lack sufficient strength to hold the cup in an upright position when the user holds the cup by the handle. In other words, the weight of the cup can cause the handle to bend or rupture, causing the cup to twist and spill the beverage.

The present invention relates to an insulation device for a beverage container, and in particular to insulate beverages and food by using air as the insulator.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a collapsible air insulating sleeve configured to slidably receive and secure a beverage cup. The foldable air insulation sleeve secures the cup in such a way that a pocket of air surrounds the cup. This pocket of air insulates the drink. The user can hold the cup by gripping the outer surface of the foldable air insulation sleeve, preventing contact with hot or wet cup surfaces. Since the base of most consumable cups is narrower than their respective rims, more air and thus larger insulation is possible towards the bottom of the cup, which is in particular fixed to the collapsible air insulation sleeve. The wider base also gives the cup greater stability. Moreover, the material from which the collapsible air insulation sleeve is made allows the advertisement or other printable material to be attached on its outer surface. Foldable air insulation sleeves can be made from many materials, including plastic or paper. The collapsible air insulation sleeve is also foldable into a substantially flat position.

In this embodiment, the base of the cup lies on the inner base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve. The inner base is connected to an outer base that supports the entire sleeve-cup configuration and contacts the outside. The space between the inner and outer bases is filled with air and further acts to insulate the contents of the cup.

In another embodiment, the outer base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve contacts the outer surface and supports the entire sleeve-cup configuration.

In another embodiment, the inner base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve is an opening through which the cup enters until the cup is too wide and stopped from another passageway or until the cup meets and is supported by the outer base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve. It is provided.

In yet another embodiment, the outer base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve is wider than the supporting cup but narrow enough to fit into most cup holders.

In a further embodiment, the collapsible air insulation sleeve includes a lid attached to the upper rim of the cup. The lid is substantially hollow while providing an air chamber that further insulates the contents of the cup. When a collapsible air insulation sleeve is used for food, the lid has no opening. When cold drinks are used, the lid has an opening in which a straw is located. Finally, when the hot beverage is used, the lid has a round mouthpiece and a cap.

Although the methods and treatments of the present invention have proved to be particularly useful in connection with beverage containers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods and treatments insulate various different kinds of temperature sensitive materials (eg, soups and other foods). It is understood that the present invention can be used in a variety of different applications.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from or elucidated in the following detailed description and the appended claims. These features and advantages can be achieved and realized by combinations and instructions particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Moreover, the features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned by practice of the invention, as described hereinafter.

For the foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention, specific details of the invention are considered with reference to the specific embodiments described in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention is further illustrated and illustrated in further detail and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

1 provides a diagram of a representative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the collapsible air insulation sleeve comprises a rim, an inner base and an outer base, where the inner and outer bases are connected.

2 provides a diagram of a representative embodiment of the present invention housing a cup.

3 provides a view of a representative foldable air insulation sleeve in a folded position.

4 provides a view of another representative collapsible air insulation sleeve wherein the collapsible air insulation sleeve includes an inner base but does not include an outer base.

5 shows an alternative of an air insulating sleeve that is foldable in a folded position without an outer base.

6 provides a view of another representative collapsible air insulation sleeve including a modified inner base.

7 provides a view of a foldable air insulation sleeve with an inner base deformed in the folded position.

8 provides a view of a foldable air insulation sleeve with a hollow food container lid.

9 provides a view of a foldable air insulation sleeve with a hollow cold beverage lid.

FIG. 10 shows a view of a foldable air insulation sleeve with a hollow hot beverage lid and cap.

Figure 11 provides a short shaving of a foldable air insulation sleeve with a hollow hot beverage lid and cap.

Figure 12 provides a cross-sectional view of a cup with a hollow food container lid with an air chamber positioned over the lid.

Figure 13 provides a cross sectional view of a cup with a hollow cold beverage lid in which an air chamber is positioned over the lid.

Figure 14 provides a cross-sectional view of a cup with a hemispherical hollow cold beverage lid.

Figure 15 provides a cross-sectional view of a cup with a hollow warm beverage lid and cap with an air chamber positioned over the lid.

Figure 16 provides a cross-sectional view of a cup with an alternate hollow hot beverage lid and cap with an air chamber positioned over the lid.

The present invention relates to an insulation device for a beverage container, and more particularly, to insulation of beverages and foods by using air as an insulator.

In the present specification and claims, the term “cup” refers to any container used to house consumable liquids and solids. Examples of cups include consumable cups, small soup bowls and containers of any other similar shape for drinking or eating where there is a need for insulation.

1 is a collapsible, in fact comprising a tubular outer shell 30, a rim 32, an inner base 34, an outer base 36, a first base connecting strip 38 and a second base connecting strip 40. A transparent view of the air insulation sleeve 20 is shown. In fact, the tubular outer shell 30 has a first longitudinal fold 42 and a second longitudinal fold 44. The first base connection strip 38 has a first base connection strip fold 46, and the second base connection strip 40 has a second base connection strip fold 48. Finally, the inner base 34 has an inner base fold 50.

FIG. 2 shows a transparent view of the collapsible air insulation sleeve 20 with the cup 60, which has a top rim 62, a bottom rim 64 and a support wall 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the rim 32 of the collapsible air insulation sleeve 20 is connected to the upper rim 62 of the cup 60. The bottom edge 64 of the cup 60 is supported by the inner base 34 of the collapsible air insulation sleeve 20. When the cup 60 is connected to the collapsible air insulation sleeve 20, a first pocket of air 68 is created with the second pocket 70 of air and insulates the contents of the cup 60. Once connected, the user can transport the cup 60 by actually gripping the tubular outer shell 30.

3 shows a transparent view of the air insulating sleeve foldable in the folded position 80. In this embodiment, the inner base 34 is folded along the inner base fold 50, the first base connecting strip 38 is folded along the first base connecting strip fold 46, and the second base. The connecting strip 40 is folded along the second base connecting strip fold 48, and in effect the tubular outer shell 30 is folded along the first longitudinal fold 42 and the second longitudinal fold 44. In the folded position 80 the foldable air insulation sleeve is in a substantially flat condition. When folded, the inner base fold 50 is parallel to the rim 32, and when opened, the inner base fold 50 is perpendicular to the rim 32.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention is shown as a foldable air insulation sleeve 20 with a cup 60, which foldable air insulation sleeve 20 includes an inner base 34. External base 36 is not included. In this embodiment, the inner base 34 includes a cup 60 and a collapsible air insulating sleeve 20. The inner base 34 is also folded along the inner base fold 50, the first base connecting strip fold 46 and the second base connecting strip fold 48.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative to the air insulation sleeve foldable in the folded position 80 without the outer base 36. In this embodiment, the inner base 34 is folded along the inner base fold 50, the first base connecting strip 38 is folded along the first base connecting strip fold line 52, and the second The base connecting strip 40 is folded along the second base connecting strip fold line 54 and the tubular outer shell 30 is substantially along the first longitudinal fold 42 and the second longitudinal fold 44. In the folded and folded position 80 the foldable air insulation sleeve is in a substantially flat condition. When folded, the inner base fold 50 is parallel to the rim 32, and when opened, the inner base fold 50 is perpendicular to the rim 32.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention is shown as a collapsible air insulation sleeve 20 with a cup 60, which includes a deformable inner base 90. do. Deformed inner base 90 includes base portion 92 and opening 94. In this embodiment, the cup 60 prohibits further propagation of the support wall 66 of the cup 60 or until the bottom edge 64 of the cup 60 reaches the outer base 36. It protrudes through the opening 94.

FIG. 7 shows a collapsible air insulation sleeve 20 having an inner base 90 deformed in the folded position. The deformed inner base 90 includes a first deformed inner base fold 96, a second deformed base base fold 98, a first base connecting strip fold 46 and a second base connecting strip fold. It is folded along 48. When folded, the first deformed inner base fold 96 and the second deformed inner base fold 98 are parallel to the rim 32 and, when opened, the first deformed inner base fold 96 ) And the second deformed inner base fold 98 are perpendicular to the rim 32.

8 shows a collapsible air insulation sleeve 20 having a hollow food container lid 100 that includes an air insulation chamber 101 and is attached to the upper rim 62 of the cup 60.

9 shows a collapsible air insulation sleeve 20 having a hollow cold beverage lid 102 having a straw opening 104 where a straw 106 is located and attached to the upper rim 62 of the cup 60. do. The hollow cold beverage lid 102 also includes an air insulation chamber 101 that insulates the contents of the cup 60.

10 shows a foldable air insulation sleeve 20 having a hollow hot beverage lid 108, a round mouthpiece 110, a hollow hot beverage lid opening 112 and a cap 114. The hollow hot beverage lid 108 is attached to the upper rim 62 of the cup 60. Cap 114 covers a hollow hot beverage lid opening 112 that insulates the contents of cup 60.

11 shows a collapsible air insulation with a hollow diaphragm lid 108 in which a first pocket 68 of air, an insulated air chamber 101 and a third pocket 116 of air insulate the contents of the cup 60. A transparent view of the sleeve 20 is shown. In this embodiment, the cap 114 is connected to a round mouthpiece 110 that covers the hollow hot beverage lid opening 112 and further insulates the contents of the cup 60.

Figure 12 shows a cup with a hollow food container lid attached to the upper rim of the cup and including an insulated air chamber positioned over the lid.

Figure 13 shows a cup with a hollow cold beverage lid attached to the upper rim of the cup with a straw opening with a straw positioned where the insulated air chamber is positioned over the lid.

Fig. 14 shows a cup with a hemispherical hollow cold beverage lid attached to the upper rim of the cup with a straw opening and an insulated air chamber in which the straw is placed.

Figure 15 shows a cup with a hollow hot beverage lid, a round mouthpiece and a cap. The hollow hot beverage lid is attached to the upper rim of the cup and the cap covers the hollow hot beverage lid opening. An insulated air chamber is located above the lid.

Figure 16 illustrates an alternative hollow cup of hot beverage lid, round mouthpiece and cap. The hot beverage lid is attached to the upper rim of the cup and the cap covers the hollow hot beverage lid opening. An insulated air chamber is located above the lid.

Thus, as described herein, embodiments of the present invention include field insulation devices for beverage containers. In particular, the present invention relates to insulating a consumable cup by using air as the insulator. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms within the spirit and essential characteristics thereof. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (24)

Collapsible air insulation system, Cup, A collapsible air insulation sleeve configured to insulate the cup through at least a first air pocket, The collapsible air insulation sleeve, Tubular outer shell, Including the rim, The collapsible air insulation sleeve may further (i) include internal donations, or (Ii) include external contributions, or (iii) a collapsible air insulation system including both an inner base and an outer base, wherein the inner base and the outer base are connected by at least one base connecting strip. delete 2. The tubular outer shell of claim 1, wherein the tubular outer shell is foldable along at least two longitudinal folds, the inner base and the outer base being parallel to the rim when folded and perpendicular to the rim when opened. A foldable, tubular outer shell can be folded flat. The collapsible air insulation system of claim 1, wherein the rim of the collapsible air insulation sleeve is coupled to an upper rim of the cup, and the inner base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve supports a lower edge of the cup. 2. The inner base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve has an opening and is provided with an opening and until the cup is so wide that no further passage occurs or when the cup meets the outer base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve. Until the cup enters through the opening. The lower edge of the cup of claim 4, wherein the lower edge of the cup is narrower than the upper rim, and when coupled to the collapsible air insulating sleeve, the area of the first pocket of air is lower than the upper rim of the cup. Collapsible air insulation system that grows larger in the vicinity. The foldable air insulation system of claim 1, wherein the first air pocket is provided between the cup and the tubular outer shell of the foldable air insulation sleeve. The foldable air insulation system of claim 1, wherein a second air pocket is provided between the inner base and the outer base of the foldable air insulation sleeve. The method of claim 1, wherein the collapsible air insulation sleeve, i) plastics, Ii) a collapsible air insulation system made of at least one material of paper. The collapsible air insulation system of claim 1, further comprising a hollow lid with no opening. The foldable air insulation system of claim 1, further comprising a hollow lid having a straw opening. 11. The collapsible air insulation system of claim 10, further comprising a round mouthpiece, a hollow warm beverage lid opening and a cap. delete delete delete delete A method for insulating a cup in a system comprising a collapsible air insulation sleeve and a cup, Providing a foldable air insulation sleeve, Insulating the cup using one or more air pockets, The collapsible air insulating sleeve is coupled to the cup, The collapsible air insulation sleeve, Tubular outer shell, Including the rim, The collapsible air insulation sleeve may further (i) include internal donations, or (Ii) include external contributions, or (iii) the inner base and the outer base are connected by at least one base connecting strip, including both the inner and outer bases. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming one or more air pockets between the cup and the collapsible air insulation sleeve. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a second air pocket and a third air pocket are formed below the cup. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising coupling the collapsible air insulation sleeve to the cup by placing the cup on an inner base of the collapsible air insulation sleeve. 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising attaching a printable material to the foldable air insulation sleeve. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising increasing the stability of the cup by coupling the cup to the collapsible air insulation sleeve such that the collapsible air insulation sleeve is wider than the cup. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising gripping the collapsible air insulation sleeve when coupled to the cup by contacting only the collapsible air insulation sleeve. The method of claim 17, wherein the system further comprises a cup holder, the method further comprising disposing the collapsible air insulation sleeve in a cup holder.

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