Insulated label

Abstract

The invention is an insulated label for maintaining the temperature of the contents of a package, formed from a polymeric thermoplastic closed cell foam having from about 5,000 to about 250,000 closed cells per cubic inch.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 554,537, filed on Mar. 19, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention is directed to insulated labels for packages. In particular, the present invention is directed to insulated labels that decrease the rate of warming or cooling of the contents of a package that has a temperature less than or greater than ambient. [0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art [0005] Soft drinks consumed by the public are served chilled in a variety of packaging materials of choice for a majority of beverage applications. The chilled nature of the beverage is important to the quality of the beverage and the ultimate consumer experience. As chilled beverage packages are removed from the icebox or a refrigerator, and exposed to warmer temperatures in the process of consumption, the package and, hence, the beverage tends to a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The present invention is directed to an insulated label for maintaining the temperature of the contents of a package. The insulated label comprises a polymeric thermoplastic closed cell foam, preferably a polypropylene microfoam, typically having from about 5,000 to about 250,000 closed cells per cubic inch. Preferably, the foam is a solution process polymeric closed cell microfoam, most preferably formed from polypropylene. Moreover, the foam preferably has from about 25,000 to about 100,000 closed cells per cubic inch (in3), more preferably, from about 25,000 to about 75,000 closed cells per in3, an

Problems solved by technology

As chilled beverage packages are removed from the icebox or a refrigerator, and exposed to warmer temperatures in the process of consumption, the package and, hence, the beverage tends to absorb heat, resulting in an increase in temperature, which can reduce the quality of the taste of the beverage, possibly resulting in a negative consumer experience.

Additionally, in the case of carbonated beverages, the beverage will go “flat” due to an increased loss in the carbon dioxide from the beverage once an opened package is exposed to the warmer temperatures.

Similarly, certain foods and beverages are preferably served at a temperature warmer than ambient, and undergo an unacceptable cooling when exposed to a sufficiently low temperature.

However, based on the disclosure of the patent, it is not believed that the label disclosed in the Benim applications provide the desired degree of insulation.

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