Drink sleeve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drink sleeve that includes a first layer, a second layer and a tab. The first layer includes a top end, a bottom end and lateral edges. The second layer also includes a top end, a bottom end and lateral edges. The lateral edges of the first layer are bonded to the lateral edges of the second layer such that a pocket is formed between the first and second layers. The pocket is adapted to receive a beverage container that is inserted between the top ends of the first and second layers. The tab extends between the bottom end of the first layer and the bottom end of the second layer. The tab includes a fold which unfolds as the beverage container is inserted into the pocket. Once the beverage container is fully inserted into the pocket, the tab forms a coaster.

Description

FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a drink sleeve for a beverage container, and in particular to a drink sleeve that provides thermal insulation to a beverage container. BACKGROUND [0002] Drink sleeves are commonly used to thermally insulate a beverage container. In addition, many drink sleeves provide protection against discomfort or burning that can occur when an individual holds a beverage container which is too hot or cold due to the temperature of the liquid inside the beverage container. [0003] One example of when a container may be too hot relates to when a person attempts to hold a hot cup of coffee. Depending on the temperature of the coffee, the cup may get too hot for someone to comfortably hold the cup. [0004] Many individuals typically try to form a crude beverage holder by wrapping a napkin around a hot beverage container. Napkins typically provide inadequate thermal insulation unless so many napkins are used that the container becomes difficult to handle. I...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention relates to a drink sleeve that is able to provide thermal insulation to a variety of different types of beverage containers. The configuration of the drink sleeve allows many types of beverage containers to be readily inserted into the drink sleeve and easily removed from the drink sleeve. In addition, the drink sleeve may be semi-durable but still manufactured relatively cheaply so that the drink sleeve may be reused if desired or readily replaced if the drink sleeve becomes dirty or is lost.

[0017] One or more of the first layer, the second layer and the tab may be formed of an elastic material that is able to stretch to greater than 20 percent of an original length in every direction and then be able to recover at least 50 percent of the elastic deformation. Forming one or more of the first layer, the second layer and the tab of an elastic material may facilitate placing the drink sleeve onto a variety of types of beverage containers.

[0023] In some embodiments, forming a plurality of openings in the first and second layers may be done simultaneously with cutting the first and second layers to form a plurality of drink sleeves. Simultaneously forming the openings and cutting the first and second layers may promote efficient fabrication of the drink sleeves.

Problems solved by technology

Depending on the temperature of the coffee, the cup may get too hot for someone to comfortably hold the cup.

Napkins typically provide inadequate thermal insulation unless so many napkins are used that the container becomes difficult to handle.

In addition, napkins will not usually stay in place when the container is set down such the napkins must be manipulated each time the container is picked up.

Condensation is undesirable because it will often times drip or flow onto hands, clothes and / or surfaces.

In addition, cold beverages are often subject to rapid warming (e.g., on a hot summer day) such that the beverage quickly becomes less refreshing.

One drawback with coasters is that they provide limited thermal insulation to a beverage container.

One drawback with many insulating drink sleeves is that it is often difficult to fit them over containers which have different sizes and / or shapes.

Another drawback with many drink sleeves is that they are relatively bulky in size such that it can be difficult to store the drink sleeves when they are not in use.

In addition, it is often difficult to place such drink sleeves into cup holders.

The size of many drink sleeves typically makes it impractical to carry the drink sleeves from one location to another (e.g., in a bag or purse).

In addition, the cost of many drink sleeves and coasters is often high enough such that it is hard to justify throwing the device away if it becomes dirty or difficult to store.

When drink sleeves and coasters are made cheap enough to be readily disposable, they typically lack sufficient desirable qualities.

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