Beverage container holder

Abstract

A holder for a coated paper cup is provided. The holder is made from a stretch material that has good insulating properties, such as neoprene. The holder has an open top end and an open bottom end and is tapered to fit a cup.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to holders for coated paper cups. More particularly, the invention relates to an insulating holder for a coated paper cup, such as a coffee cup. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In recent years, the trend has been to get away from using polystyrene cups and moved towards coated paper cups for hot beverages. While paper cups are more environmentally friendly than polystyrene cups, they have poor insulating properties. Once the cup is filled with a hot beverage, it is often uncomfortably hot to hold in the hand. [0003] Several strategies have been tried to address the problem of heat transfer through a paper cup. [0004] One way to address this problem is to double cup. However, double cupping not only increases costs, it also increases the amount of waste that is produced. Another approach to the problem of heat transfer through a paper cup has been the introduction of tubular members made from recycled cardboard fibe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] The holder is preferably made of a flexible material such as neoprene. Neoprene has excellent insulating qualities and it is also very flexible so that the holder can easily be folded for storage in a pocket or purse. The holder is formed when the two side edges of the blank are sewn together. The size of the blank can be adjusted according to the size of the cup that it is designed to fit. For example, different holders can be provided for small, medium, large or extra large cups.

[0015] The present invention provides several advantages. The holder is 100% reusable and machine washable. It has excellent insulating properties for hot or cold. The cut out for the mouth provides a natural feel when drinking from the cup. The holder is reversible, can be printed on for marketing and advertising purposes and its four way stretch material provides a snug fit that won't easily slip.

Problems solved by technology

While paper cups are more environmentally friendly than polystyrene cups, they have poor insulating properties.

Once the cup is filled with a hot beverage, it is often uncomfortably hot to hold in the hand.

However, double cupping not only increases costs, it also increases the amount of waste that is produced.

However, they are intended for single use only and thus (do) contribute significantly to the amount of paper that is wasted.

It is not adapted for use with hot beverages.

The attempts of the prior art to provide an effective insulator for a hot beverage cup have drawbacks.

Double cupping and cardboard sleeves are not reusable and cause significant litter and waste.

The neoprene type of insulators are designed to fit snuggly over a hard container such as a bottle or a can and are not feasible for use with a flexible container such as a coffee cup especially one containing hot liquid.

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