SLEEVES FOR CUPS AND OTHER CONTAINERS, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAME

Sleeves for containers (e.g., cups), and methods of manufacturing such sleeves, are disclosed. The sleeves are configured to be utilized as a thermal protective and liquid absorbent container/cup sleeve, or as a napkin, towel or the like. The sleeves are selectively manually configurable between the container/cup sleeve and napkin configurations. When configured as a container/cup sleeve, the sleeve is formed of at least one sheet of material that is freely folded into an annular shape with an inner cavity adapted to receive a cup container/cup therein, and to engage with an outer periphery of the container/cup. The sheet of material is adapted to provide thermal protection, and is liquid absorbent. In the sleeve configuration, one end portion of the sheet of material is folded over the other end portion such that the sleeve arrangement is maintained and the sleeve includes at least three layers of the material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to sleeves for containers, and more particularly to a sleeves adapted to extend about cups or other like containers that is configured to allow a person to hold the cup/container while providing thermal insulation between the person's hand and the cup/container, and has an absorbency sufficient to absorb liquids that may condense on and/or leave the cup/container.

BACKGROUND

Sleeves for containers that are typically held or handled, such as cups, mugs and the like, and are commonly used in coffee shops and restaurants around the world. Most disposable cups are too thin to provide adequate heat protection. Therefore, a cup sleeve is placed around a cup holding a hot beverage therein to make more comfortable for a user to hold the cup. U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,497 to Jay Sorensen illustrates a typical current hot beverage or coffee sleeve.

Existing cup sleeves are single-use products with no other functions, and accordingly are typically discarded after use (e.g., with a cup). Current cup sleeves are typically made of paperboard or similar material. Many existing cup sleeves are manufactured or made from materials that have poor insulating properties, which cause users to use double-walled cups or two cups combined (known as “double-cupping”), which is wasteful and costly. Most existing cup sleeves also have a symmetrical shape that fails to provide insulation protection to the natural finger placement of the entire human hand when holding a cup or like container.

Many people, while holding or using a cup or like container that holds a liquid (or a partially liquid or wet substance), separately utilize a napkin (i.e., a liquid absorbent, flexible sheet of material) to absorb drips from the cup and/or to soak up spills from the cup. A napkin may be utilized around iced cups to absorb condensation or act as a coaster. Occasionally, with drink cups that include a lid that defines a dinking aperture or spout, a lid plugs is used to block the aperture, and thereby prevent unintended spills or splashes of liquid from inside the cup. However, the use of these multiple single-use products (e.g., cup sleeves, napkins and lid plugs) creates additional waste and expense (e.g., to an environment and/or food service provider).

To overcome one or more deficiencies of current drink/container sleeves and accessories, advantageous sleeves for containers (e.g., cups) that advantageously provide for both effective thermal insulation, and are liquid absorbent to serve as napkins, are disclosed. Further, the sleeves may also be advantageously configured to be readily removed from a container to be utilized as typical napkin.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of Applicant's invention(s), the Applicant in no way disclaims these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the invention(s) may encompass one or more conventional technical aspects.

In this disclosure, an act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of current thermal insulative cup sleeves. However, it is contemplated that the inventions may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claimed invention(s) should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid absorbent thermal insulating sleeve configured for use with a container or cup is disclosed. The cup sleeve includes a material folded into a shape adapted to receive a cup and to engage with an outer circumference of the cup. The material is adapted to provide thermal protection. The cup sleeve includes a first section having a selected number of overlapping layers of the material, and a second section having three times the selected number of overlapping layers of the material.

In one embodiment, the cup sleeve includes no adhesive material (and thereby void of an adhesive that bonds overlapping layers of the material together). The foldable material has absorbent properties (i.e., is substantially absorbent to liquid, such as water). The cup sleeve has an assembled initial folded position that retains its shape for distribution to users. The cup sleeve is adapted to retain its the shape while engaged with the outer surface (e.g., circumference) of the cup, and the sleeve is further adapted to be unfolded into a third shape adapted to function as an absorbent napkin or towel.

In some embodiments, the cup sleeve has an upper edge having a first point/portion and a second point/portion, the second point/portion being higher than the first point/portion when the cup sleeve is engaged with the outer circumference of the cup or otherwise in an open configuration (i.e., arranged such that the sleeve defines an open inner opening, cavity or gap) (and potentially in second folded position). The cup sleeve may further include a section/portion proximate to the second point that, when the cup sleeve is engaged with the outer circumference of the cup otherwise in an open configuration, is positioned higher than the first point.

In some embodiments, the material forming the sleeve is a substantially liquid absorbent sheet of material. In some such embodiments, the material is a textured sheet of material. In some embodiments, the substantially liquid absorbent sheet of material is a napkin.

In some embodiments, the cup sleeve is formed from/by an elongate sheet of liquid absorbent material having a total length between about 12 and about 14 inches, and/or a total width between about 8 and about 11 inches. For example, the cup sleeve may be formed from a sheet of material having a length of 13 inches and a width of about 10 inches. The sheet of material may be folded or otherwise layers, for example, to form an elongate strip with a total length between about 10 and about 16 inches (e.g., about 12 and about 14 inches), and a total width between about 1 and about 5 inches (e.g., between about 1½ and 3½ inches, or between about 2 and 3 inches). Other dimensions may be used such as any dimension resulting in a sheet or sheet-like material with two long sides and two short sides (e.g., a generally rectangular shape).

It is noted that the sheet of liquid absorbent material may be folded upon itself one or more times to form the elongate shape, and thereby include a plurality of overlapping layers. In such embodiments, the sheet of liquid absorbent material may be freely folded over upon itself such that the layers are not adhered or coupled together such that the sheet can be freely manually unfolded (e.g., along a height direction) from the elongate shape that forms the sleeve construct into a larger (e.g., larger along the width, length and/or height directions to define a relatively larger surface area). In this way, the sheet of liquid absorbent material may be freely selectively manually unfolded or reconfigured from the sleeve configuration or arrangement into a larger napkin configuration or arrangement.

In some embodiments, the elongate sheet of material forming the sleeve (e.g., a folded sheet of liquid absorbent material) may have a total length L (of a unit of measurement) of approximately 2 (W(Radical(3)))+2(W), where W is the total width of the sheet of folded material in the unit of measurement. Stated differently, in some embodiments, the total length L (of a unit of measurement) of the elongate sheet of material forming the sleeve (e.g., a folded sheet of liquid absorbent material) may be equal to 2(W√3)+2W, where L is total length (in a unit of measurement) and W is the total width of the folded material (in the unit of measurement). In some embodiments, the elongate sheet of absorbent material forming the sleeve may define/have a total length ratio of 1 short side unit to about 5.5 long side units (or about 0.18 short side to long side units).

In some embodiments, the sleeve has a first folded position, arrangement or configuration that defines an annular sleeve shape with an inner opening configured to accept a container (e.g., a cup, such as a cup with a conically-shaped outer wall) therein such that the sleeve extends about the exterior side wall of the container, and a second open position wherein the sleeve does not define the annular sleeve shape and serves as a napkin In the first container/cut sleeve configuration, the sleeve is adapted to receive a cup and engage with the outer circumference of the cup.

In some embodiments, in the first arrangement, the sleeve defines a first portion that extends annularly (e.g., ring shaped (of any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, elliptical or other shape)) about the inner opening (i.e., and thereby a container positioned thereon), and a second portion that is folded/extended over a portion of the first portion (e.g., the top or bottom edge thereof that defines the width) such that the first portion is positioned between inner and outer portions of the second portion (e.g., in the thickness direction). As such, an inner portion of the second portion may be positioned between the inner cavity/container and the first portion, and the second portion may be positioned between the inner portion and an outer portion of the second portion. The sleeve, in the first arrangement, may thereby comprise at least three overlapped layers of the sheet of absorbent material along a portion thereof. Further, as disclosed above and in further detail below, the sheet of material may be folded or otherwise comprise multiple overlapping layers. In such embodiments, each of the three overlapped layers of the sheet of absorbent material may comprise one or more layers of the sheet of absorbent material, and thereby the overlapped portions of the sleeve in the first arrangement may comprise three, six, nine, etc. total overlapped layers of the absorbent material.

In some embodiments, the first portion of the sleeve may comprise a first portion of the sleeve extending along the length thereof from a first longitudinal end, and the second portion of the sleeve may comprise a second portion of the sleeve extending along the length thereof from a second longitudinal end to the first portion. In some such embodiments, the second portion of the sleeve may be folded over the top (or bottom) edge of a portion of the first portion that is proximate to the first end (e.g., a portion extending longitudinally from the first end toward the second end).

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method for manufacturing or making a liquid absorbent thermal insulating container/cup sleeve is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises layering, such as by folding, a sheet of absorbent material, a selected number of times to produce a multi-layer sheet of material having two long sides and two short sides.

The method then comprises defining a triangular section of the layered sheet of material at one end along the length thereof (i.e., at portion the sheet of material proximate to/extending from one the short side edges). The triangular section may comprise a triangular corner portion of the sheet of material that includes a short side edge and portion of the top or bottom long side edge. The method comprises folding/layering the triangular section over an inner face of the sheet of material from the hypotenuse of the triangular section (the hypotenuse thereby being a fold or folded edge). The folded-over triangular section may have a first side having a total length W formed from the short side of the layered/folded material, and a second diagonal side formed from a portion of the top or bottom end of the long side of the layered/folded material (depending on if the hypotenuse/fold line extends from the bottom or top corner of the end of the material, respectively).

In some embodiments, the second diagonal side of the folded-over triangular section may comprise a length of W√3, and the hypotenuse may comprise a length 2W, where W is the width of the material along the short side (and the short side defines the first side of the triangular section (which is a shortest side), for example). The intersection of the first side and the hypotenuse may form an angle which may be, in some exemplary embodiments, about 50-70 degrees (e.g., about 60 degrees), and the intersection of the second diagonal side and the hypotenuse forms an angle which may be, in some exemplary embodiments, about 10-40 degrees (e.g., about 30 degrees). These angles are exemplary and not disclosed in a limiting sense, as the method may utilize other differing angles.

In some embodiments, the folding over of the triangular section about/along the hypotenuse thereof forms first folded-over overlapping sections with the diagonal edge of the triangular section extending from the top (or bottom) long side edge of the sheet of material toward the second short side end edge and the bottom (or top) long side edge thereof. In some such embodiments, the fold/hypotenuse of the triangular section may extend between and intersect with the top and bottom long side edges of the sheet of material, and/or the diagonal edge of the first folded-over section extends past the bottom (or top) long side edge. For example, in some embodiments, the hypotenuse may extend from the top long side edge to the corner/junction of the respective short side edge and the bottom long side edge, and the diagonal edge of the first folded-over triangular section may extend to and past the bottom long side edge. In such an embodiment, the first side (W) of the triangular section (i.e., the respective short side of the sheet of material) extends downwardly past the bottom long side edge and toward the other short end side of the material.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise folding the first folded-over overlapping sections of the sheet of material (i.e., the triangular section and the portion of the sheet of material extending beneath/under or overlapped with the triangular section) over the inner face of an adjacent medial portion of the sheet of material such that the hypotenuse edge of the triangular section (i.e., the first fold line) is substantially aligned with and extend along the top (or bottom) long side edge of the material (depending on if the hypotenuse/fold line extends from the bottom or top corner of the end of the material, respectively), to form second folded-over overlapping sections. The second folded-over overlapping sections thereby may comprise the first folded-over overlapping sections as a set of outer layers formed of the sheet of material, and the medial portion of the sheet of material as at least one inner layer formed of the sheet of material.

In some embodiments, the first folded-over overlapping sections are folded over the inner face of the adjacent medial portion of the sheet of material toward the first short side of the sheet of material to form the second folded-over overlapping sections. For example, the first folded-over overlapping sections may be folded over the inner face of the adjacent medial portion of the sheet of material toward the first short side of the sheet of material via a second fold line that extends from the junction/intersection of the second diagonal side of the triangular section and the top long side edge (or bottom long side edge). In such an embodiment, the second folded-over overlapping sections may thereby comprise the entirety of the triangular section of the first folded-over overlapping sections overlapped with the medial section/portion of the sheet of material. Further, the second fold line may thereby be non-perpendicular to the top and bottom long sides of the sheet of material. For example, in such a configuration, the second fold line will be angled toward the first short side end of the sheet of material as it extends across the width of the sheet away from the junction/intersection of the second diagonal side of the triangular section and the respective long side edge extending therefrom and the opposing long side edge (e.g., as it extends from the top long side edge to the bottom long side edge).

The method further comprises folding over a first end section of the sheet of material extending from the first short end of the sheet of material over the inner face of the adjacent medial portion of the sheet and inserting/positioning the end section between the second folded-over overlapping sections, to form an annular or ring shaped sleeve member from/by the sheet of material that defines an inner cavity that is configured to receive a cup/container therein such that the sleeve member extends about the cup/container. For example, the first end section may be folded over the medial portion via/at a third fold line that extends perpendicularly between the top and bottom long sides of the sheet of material, and that may extend from at or adjacent to the tip/corner of the third side (W) and the hypotenuse of the triangular portion. Further, the top (or bottom) long side edge of the first end section may abut and extend along (e.g., parallel with) the interior of the first fold line (the hypotenuse of the triangular portion).

The inner face of the medial portion, and portions of the inner faces of the first end section and the triangular section, may thereby cooperatively form the inner cavity and engage the cup/container when positioned therein. Further, the inner cavity may define an axis, and the inner cavity (and thereby the faces of the sleeve material forming the cavity) may form a conical shape that extends outwardly away from the axis as it extends from the bottom side to the top side of the sheet of material/sleeve.

As noted above, the sheet of material is preferably a sheet of liquid absorbent material, such as paper towel, napkin or like material. The liquid (e.g., water) absorbency of the sheet of material may be markedly greater than that of cardboard or paperboard. The sheet of material may thereby form, and be able to be utilized as, a napkin or like device for absorbing liquid (e.g., spill or drips from the container/cup), during transport and when the sleeve is removed from the container/cup and manually disassembled or unfolded (at least partially). The sleeve may also absorb condensation from ice drink containers.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing aspects and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter and to achieve the advantages disclosed herein.

These and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Approximating language, as used herein throughout disclosure, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” or “substantially,” is not limited to the precise value specified. For example, these terms can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Any examples of operating or configuration parameters are not exclusive of other parameters of the disclosed embodiments.

Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, references to “one example” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the terms “comprising” (and any form of “comprise,” such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of “have,” such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of “include,” such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of “contain,” such as “contains” and “containing”) are used as open-ended linking verbs. As a result, any examples that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more step or element possesses such one or more step or element, but is not limited to possessing only such one or more step or element.

The term “coupled” and like terms are used herein to refer to both direct and indirect connections. As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “entirety” (and any other form of “entire”) means at least a substantial portion, such as at least 95% or at least 99%. The term “entirety” (and any other form of “entire”), as used herein, is thereby not limited to 100%, unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, the term “layer”

The terms “cup” and “container” are used synonymously herein to refer to a device that includes a cavity configured to contain material therein, such as but not limited to a liquid (e.g., aqueous) or partially-liquid substance therein, that is at a temperature above at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiment, the cup/container is specifically configured to contain a liquid beverage or other food product, such as but not limited to a beverage. While the exemplary cups/containers discussed and illustrated herein for reference are disclosed as having an outer wall of a circular cross-section, e.g., of a truncated cone shape, the sleeves of the present disclosure may be configured to extend about the outer wall of a cup/container of any shape (e.g., with a non-circular cross-section and/or non-conic shape) and size/dimensions. In some embodiment, a cup/container may include a wall portion that defines the outer shape of the cup/container, and the inner cavity, that define a vertical axis when a bottom side/surface of cup/container is positioned on a horizontal support surface (i.e., extends/oriented horizontally).

Components, aspects, features, configurations, arrangements, uses and the like described, illustrated or otherwise disclosed herein with respect to any particular embodiment may similarly be applied to any other embodiment disclosed herein.

In accordance with the present disclosure, an exemplary pliable cup sleeve100formed by at least one sheet of material folded into an annular (i.e., ring-shaped) shape within an inner opening/cavity that is open at top and bottom sides of the sleeve and is adapted to receive a cup/container therein such that an inner side/face of the sleeve100engages with an outer circumference of a cup, as shown inFIGS.1-9. The inner open cavity, and thereby the sleeve itself (e.g., the annular wall thereof) may define an axis X-X that extends through the top and bottom openings of the sleeve100, as shown inFIGS.2,3and7A. The material is adapted to provide thermal protection and liquid absorbency of that of a napkin, towel or the like. As discussed in more detailed below, the sheet of material is folded in such a manner/configuration to form the annular shape with a first section thereof having a first number of layers of the material, and a second section thereof having a second number of layers of the material that is three times the first number of layers.

FIG.1shows a side view of a cup sleeve100in accordance with an embodiment. The sleeve100may be formed of at least one sheet of material. For example, cup sleeve100may be formed from at least one thermally insulative and high liquid absorbency sheet, such as a napkin, towel, tissue or like material. In some embodiments, the sheet of material may be a soft, thin, pliable, and absorbent paper sheet, such as a paper towel or airlaid paper napkin. For example, the absorbent sheet may comprise cellulose, and/or comprise a non-linting and/or non-static non-woven fabric. In some such embodiment, the sheet of material may also comprise a resin or other binder material configured to retain the structure of the sheet of material when is it wet. In some other embodiments, the sheet of material may comprise a woven fabric.

The sleeve100may be configured such that it can be readily selectively manually disassembled or reconfigured from the sleeve configuration to an “open” configuration such that the sheet of material can be used as a traditional napkin or towel. Further, in the sleeve configuration, the sleeve100may be configured to absorb drips/spills from the cup, and/or condensation that formed on the outside of the cup. The sleeve100can also be removed from the cup, and utilized as a napkin or towel without opening or disassembling the sleeve configuration.

The at least one sheet of material forming the sleeve100may thereby be configured such that it readily absorbs water and other liquids. The at least one sheet of material may thereby be a high liquid absorbency sheet, such as but not limited to a highly water absorbent paper sheet of material (i.e., a paper towel or napkin). In some embodiments, the sheet of material (per single layer of the sheet of material, or for the material as folded for the sleeve configuration (as discussed below)) has a water absorbency rate of at least 0.1 g/sec, or at least 0.125 g/sec, or at least 0.15 g/sec, or at least 0.175 g/sec, or at least 0.2 g/sec, or at least 0.225 g/sec, or at least 0.25 g/sec, or at least 0.275 g/sec, or at least 0.3 g/sec, or at least 0.325 g/sec, or at least 0.35 g/sec for at least the first 2 seconds of water contact. In some embodiments, the sheet of material (per single layer of the sheet of material, or for the material as folded for the sleeve configuration (as discussed below)) has a water absorbency rate of at least 0.025 g/sec, or at least 0.05 g/sec, or at least 0.075 g/sec, 0.1 g/sec, or at least 0.125 g/sec, or at least 0.15 g/sec, or at least 0.175 g/sec, or at least 0.2 g/sec, or at least 0.225 g/sec, or at least 0.25 g/sec, or at least 0.275 g/sec, or at least 0.3 g/sec, or at least 0.325 g/sec, or at least 0.35 g/sec for at least the first 5 seconds of water contact. The water capacity of the sheet of material (per single layer of the sheet of material, or for the material as folded for the sleeve configuration (as discussed below)) may be determined based on a sample circular sample with a 3.375 inch diameter and a Capacity and Rate Tester device as is known in the art (see, e.g.,Paper Towel Absorptive Properties and Measurement Using Horizontal Gravimetric Device, David Loebker and Jeffrey Sheehan, 2011 PaperCon Conference, pages 1210-1218). In some embodiments, the sheet of material (per single layer of the sheet of material, or for the material as folded for the sleeve configuration (as discussed below)) has a detached water capacity of at least 0.01 g/in2, or at least 0.0175 g/in2, or at least 0.02 g/in2, or at least 0.0225 g/in2, or at least 0.025 g/in2, or at least 0.0275 g/in2, or at least 0.03 g/in2, or at least 0.0325 g/in2, or at least 0.035 g/in2, or at least 0.0375 g/in2, or at least 0.04 g/in2.

When arranged/configured as the cup sleeve100, as shown inFIGS.1and2, the sleeve100may be in a first folded (closed) position. In the first folded position the sleeve100may be substantially flat and thin (e.g., collapsed) with the inner cavity being substantially closed as shown inFIG.1, as opposed to a second unfolded (open) position with the sleeve100defining an enlarged or open configuration (e.g., of a generally circular or conic shape) with the inner cavity being open as shown inFIG.2. The sleeve100may comprise a flattened/compressed annular shape with about half of the sleeve100folded/compressed over the other about half of the sleeve100such that the two portions are stacked or overlaid (e.g., adjacent and abutting or close to each other) on each other, as shown inFIG.2. The sleeve100may be arranged in the first folded position prior to (and/or after) use thereof, for example.

In the first folded position, cup sleeve100includes a first lateral side/side edge120, a first corner or point125between the first lateral side120and a top side/side edge, a second lateral side/side edge110, and a second corner or point115between the second lateral side110and the top side, as shown inFIG.1. In the first folded position, the first and second points115and125form corners. In some such embodiments, the first point115may define a substantially right angle, and the second point115may form an acute angle, in the first folded position, as shown inFIG.1. The top and bottom sides of the sleeve may be substantially linear and extend parallel to each other in the first folded position, as shown inFIG.1.

It is noted that in the first folded position, the sleeve110may be arranged in a closed annular shape such that the inner cavity is substantially closed. None-the-less, the sleeve110is annular in that it forms an annular wall. It is also noted that as the sleeve100is pliable, it can be readily manually deformed or rearranged into the second open position, or another different closed position as discussed below.

FIGS.4-6illustrate a third folded (closed) position/arrangement of the sleeve100. As shown inFIGS.4-6, the pliable sleeve100may be closed or folded flat such that the first and second points125,115are substantially aligned and the corresponding portions of the sleeve100are overlapping. In the third folded position, the sleeve100may be substantially flat and thin (e.g., collapsed) with the inner cavity being substantially closed, as shown inFIG.5. The sleeve100may comprise a flattened/compressed annular shape with about half of the sleeve100folded/compressed over the other about half of the sleeve100such that the two portions are stacked or overlaid (e.g., adjacent and abutting or close to each other) on each other, as shown inFIG.5. The sleeve100may be arranged in the third folded position prior to (and/or after) use thereof, for example.

As shown inFIGS.4and6, in the third folded arrangement, and with the axis X-X of the cavity/wall oriented vertically, the point115of the upper/top edge/side is positioned higher (i.e., above) the other portions of the sleeve100(e.g., the other portions of the top edge), including point125. Also, as shown inFIG.4, in such an arrangement and orientation, the front side portion of the sleeve100may include a substantially linear bottom side/edge (potentially arranged horizontally), and/or a substantially linear top side/edge (potentially arranged horizontally). AsFIGS.4and6, the top edge of the sleeve100may extend downwardly (e.g., on a straight angle or arcuately, for example) high point115to lateral side edges or corners132,134, and/or the remaining portion of the top edge of the sleeve100may extend laterally between the lateral side edges or corners132,134(and comprise the point125). In some such embodiments, the portion of the top edge of the sleeve100may extend substantially horizontally laterally between the lateral side edges or corners132,134in the third folded arrangement and orientation, as shown inFIG.4. As also shown inFIG.4, the portions of the top side and bottom side of the sleeve100at the front of the sleeve100, in the third folded arrangement, may extend substantially parallel to each other. As shown inFIG.6, the portions of the top side and bottom side of the sleeve100at the back of the sleeve100, in the third folded arrangement, may extend parallel to each other.

As shown inFIG.1, in some embodiment, an angled or slanted edge475may be visible at the outer side of the sleeve100, which may extend along a portion of the sleeve100between (e.g., completely between) the top and bottom sides thereof. The edge475may comprise one edge formed by a single layer of the sheet of material forming the sleeve100, or a plurality of edges formed by a plurality of layers of the sheet of material forming the sleeve100. For example, as shown in the exemplary illustrative embodiment inFIG.1, the edge475may comprise three edges of the sheet of material forming the sleeve100. In some other embodiments, the edge475may or may not be visible at the outer side of the sleeve100in the first folded position.

The sleeve100may be transformed from the first or third folded position into the second open position, for example, by pressing on the lateral sides of the sleeve100, or pulling/pushing the adjacent portions away from each other to expand the area/size of the inner cavity. In the second open position, the sleeve100may define a substantially circular cross-section (e.g., the outer and inner faces thereof may define a substantially circular cross-section, and/or the inner cavity may have a substantially circular cross-section), as shown inFIGS.3and7A-7C. It is noted that in some embodiments, in the second open position, the sleeve100may define a top opening (to the inner cavity) with a larger size (e.g., circumference) than the bottom opening. For example, in accordance with some common cups, the outer and inner faces, and thereby the inner cavity, may define a conic shape with the top portion thereof being larger than the bottom portion thereof). In use, a cup may be inserted through the inner cavity from the top opening and then through the bottom opening. As explained further below, in the open position with the axis of the cavity oriented vertically, the top end, side or edge of the cup sleeve100may include or define a high point115, a low point125, and side portions132,134extending therebetween. It is also noted that the sleeve100may be formed/deformed into other open positions such that the inner and outer face, and the inner cavity, take on other shapes with the inner cavity being enlarged as compared to the first folded position, such as to accommodate or engage cups of other cross-sectional shapes and/or sizes.

The sleeve100may be configured to advantageously receive and engage with cups of various sizes and shapes.FIGS.7A-7Cshow several views of the sleeve100engaged with the outer wall of an exemplary conical cup700about the circumference thereof. As shown inFIGS.7A-7C, the cup700may have a lid725with a spout, drink opening or designated drinking spot792.FIGS.7-9illustrate the construction and shape of the sleeve100when the cup sleeve is fitted around a cup.

As shown inFIGS.7A-7C, the sleeve100is configured such that when engaged with a cup700positioned within the inner cavity, the cup sleeve100has a bottom/lower side/edge733and a top/upper side/edge731that extend substantially parallel to each other. Lower edge733and upper edge731are configured such that they do not extend horizontally when the axis X-X is oriented vertically (e.g., when the axis of the cup700is oriented vertically, such as when it rests on a horizontal surface). In one embodiment, the cup700has a conical frustrum shape. Cups and containers having other shapes and sizes may equally be used with the sleeve100.

As shown inFIG.7A, the sleeve100includes a portion/section/region798which includes more layers of the at least one sheet of material, and therefore is thicker, than other portions of the sleeve.100Advantageously, when the cup700is held by a user, the extra thickness of region798can provide added thermal insulative protection to a portion of the user's palm, as shown inFIG.9.

The sleeve100is configured such that the top edge931extends upwardly as it extends from the low point125to the high point115about each side of the sleeve100(and cup700) when in the second open arrangement (and potentially engaged with cup700). The bottom edge933may extend substantially parallel to the top edge931such that that is extends upwardly from a low point on one side of the sleeve100(and cup700) to a high point on an other side of the sleeve100(and cup700). In some embodiments, the low point125to the high point115may be on opposing sides of the sleeve100(and cup700). In some such embodiments, in the second open arrangement and with the axis X-X oriented vertically (e.g., when engaged with a cup700such that the axis X-X is aligned with a vertically-oriented axis of the cup700), the sleeve100may comprise a first portion117that extends horizontally (e.g., perpendicular to the axis X-X) continuously about the circumference of the sleeve100and cup700, and a second portion118that extends upwardly from the first portion117to the high point115that decreases in height as it extends away from the high point115about both sides of the sleeve100and cup700, as shown inFIG.7C. Similarly, in such a configuration and orientation, the sleeve100may include a third portion that extends downwardly from the first portion117to a low point (e.g., at an opposing side of the sleeve100as the high point115) that decreases in height as it extends away from the low point about both sides of the sleeve100and cup700, as shown inFIG.7C.

The sleeve100, as a whole, may thereby extend upwardly as it extends from one side of the sleeve100(and cup700) to the other side of the sleeve100(and cup700). As shown inFIGS.8and9, the angled or non-horizontal orientation or shape of the sleeve100may be advantageous as the “low” portion of the sleeve100may be engaged with a “low” portion of user's hand930, and the “high” portion of the sleeve100may be engaged with a “high” portion of user's hand930that engage a cup700in the natural grip of a user's hand when holding a cup700, as shown inFIGS.8and9.

It has been observed that many people hold a cup700in such a way that portions of the palm and/or thumb of the user's hand932contact the cup700at a location on the cup700that is lower than the point(s) where the other four fingers contact the cup700, as shown inFIGS.8and9. The non-horizontal shape or profile of the sleeve100in the second open configuration, such as when engaged with a cup70-, thereby provides advantageous thermal and moisture insulation protection for the user's hand932that results in a comfortable and natural hand placement in the cup700. For example, as shown inFIGS.8and9, when the cup700with the sleeve100is held by a user's hand820utilizing a natural grip of the user's hand, the “low” portion of the sleeve100may be engaged with the thumb and adjacent portion of the palm of the user932, and the “high” portion of the sleeve100may be engaged with the user's second, third, fourth and/or fifth fingers and adjacent portion of the palm of the user932. In this way, the sleeve100may be configured to extend over the cup700along a profile or pathway that corresponds to the profile or shape of the hand932of a user that would engage the cup700in a natural or typical grip of the cup700. The sleeve100may thereby be effective in providing thermal and moisture insulation between the portions of the user's hand820that would normally contact the cup700by being positioned between such portion of the user's hand820and the cup700(and thereby engage with the user's hand820and be positioned between the user's hand820and the cup700). It is noted that in the natural grip of the cup700by a user's hand820, the drinking spout or spot is typically substantially aligned with the thumb of the user, as shown inFIG.9.

FIG.8illustrates the cup sleeve100fitted onto a cup700and held by a user's hand820. As shown inFIG.8, in some embodiments, the cup700may include a seam830, which may tend to leak liquid/fluid845from inside the cup700to outside the cup700. For example, the seam830may cause a gap or other opening for liquid845to pass therethrough or between the lid725and the top edge/side of the cup700, as shown inFIG.8. As shown inFIG.8, such leaked liquid845would tend to move downwardly (via gravity) along the outer surface of the cup700toward sleeve100and the user's hand820, and upon contact with the sleeve100, be absorbed by the sleeve100. Advantageously, the sleeve100extends above the user's hand820(e.g., the portion including point115), as shown inFIG.8, and consequently the liquid845would become absorbed by the sleeve100before it reaches the user's hand820and is absorbed by a portion of the sleeve100that is spaced from the user's hand820. Further, as shown inFIG.9, liquid925that travels outside of the cup700via the spout or drinking spot792would tend to move downwardly (via gravity) along the outer surface of the cup700toward sleeve100and the user's hand820, and upon contact with the sleeve100, be absorbed by the sleeve100. Advantageously, the sleeve100extends above the thumb of the user's thumb, as shown inFIG.9, and consequently the liquid925would become absorbed by the sleeve100before it reaches the user's thumb and is absorbed by a portion of the sleeve100that is spaced from the user's thumb.

In some embodiments, the sleeve100thereby advantageously provides not only natural finger placement for comfort and better grip, but has a portion with triple the amount of layers of the sheet of material in the section (for example, section798shown inFIG.9) that is in direct contact with the palm of the user's hand820. In some embodiments, the sleeve100is configured via folding of the sheet of material into the annular shape. In some embodiments, the portion798with at least three layers of the material, and/or three times the amount of layers of the material as other portions of the sleeve100, is formed via a first end portion of the sheet of material being folded over the top or bottom edge of a second end portion of the sheet of material. In this way, the first end portion may extend along/over a front/outer face/side of the second end portion, over the top or bottom edge thereof, and along/over a back/inner face/side of the second end portion that opposes the front/outer face/side thereof. The second end portion may thereby be positioned between a back portion and a front portion of first end portion, and thereby include three overlapping layers of the sheet of material. In some embodiments, the front and back portions of first end portion may be triangular shaped.

In some embodiments, the second end portion may be retained within/between the back portion and the front portion of first end portion via friction, such that the second end portion can be freely (e.g., manually) pulled out/removed from between the front and back portions of first end portion to disassemble the annular configuration of the sleeve100. In some such embodiments, the overlapping first and second end portions may be retained together, and the sleeve100thereby retained in the annular configuration, via only friction fit of the second end portion within/between the front and back portions of first end portion. In some other embodiments, the first and second end portions may be coupled together (fixedly or removable) via an adhesive (e.g., a glue) and/or a mechanical fastening mechanism (e.g., a staple, pin or the like). It is noted that pressure exerted from within the inner/interior cavity acting outwardly (i.e., away from the axis X-X) would act on the back portion of the first end portion, and thereby act to further engage/clamp the second end portion within/between the front and back portions of first end portion (i.e., increase the friction therebetween). Engagement of the sleeve100on a cup700via sliding of the sleeve700up a conical-shaped cut700would thereby not tend to force the second end portion out from within/between the front and back portions of first end portion, and thereby the annular shape of the sleeve700would be retained and engage the outer sides/surfaces of the cup700.

FIGS.10A-10Bdepicts an exemplary method of manufacturing a liquid absorbent and/or thermally insulative cup/container sleeve, such as a sleeve100as disclosed above with respect toFIGS.1-9. The method ofFIGS.10A-10Bare herein discussed below with reference toFIGS.11A-11L.

At step1010, at least one sheet material is prepared. In one embodiment, the sheet of material is relatively-highly liquid absorbent material, such as a paper towel, napkin or the like. In one exemplary embodiments, the sheet of material1000is a paper sheet of material formed from a flexible, soft paper pulp. In one embodiment, the sheet material includes at least one textured surface or face. For example, in some such embodiments, the sheet of material1000may comprise a sheet of paper towel with raised grooves, which may provide enhanced gripability and thermal protection as compared to a smooth face for example. The sheet of material1000may be prepared in any suitable manner. For example, the sheet of material1000may be placed on a surface. Other methods of preparation may be used.

As shown inFIG.11A, the sheet of material1000may be a thin, pliable sheet of material defining a length between two opposing lateral sides/side edges, and a width extending between top and bottom sides/edges. The top and bottom sides extend between the lateral sides. In some embodiments, the lateral sides/edges and/or the top and bottom sides/edges, may be linear/straight. In some embodiments, the lateral sides/edges may be shorter than the top and bottom sides/edges. In some embodiments, the lateral sides/edges and the top and bottom sides/edges may be oriented perpendicular with respect to each other, as shown inFIG.11A. In some embodiments, the sheet of material1000may thereby be rectangular or square. The sheet of material1000also comprises or defines a front face or side, and a back face or side, each comprising an area defined by the lateral, top and bottom sides.

In one embodiment, the sheet of material1000defines a total length between about 12 and about 14 inches, and/or a total width between 8 and 11 inches. In one such embodiment, the sheet of material1000may define a total length of about 13 inches, and/or a total width of about inches. However, in other embodiments the sheet of material1000may define other dimensions and/or shapes.

In some optional embodiments, at step1015ofFIG.10, and shown inFIGS.11B-11E, the single sheet of material comprised of a single layer may be folded over a selected number of times to produce a folded sheet material. In some embodiments, after (and/or prior to) the folding1015, the lateral sides of the sheet of material1000may be shorter than the top and bottom sides of the sheet of material1000. Further, the folding1015may create multiple overlapping layers of the material such that sheet of material1000comprises at least twice the amount of overlapping layers as the un- or pre-folded sheet of material1000. The folding of the sheet of material1000is described herein below with respect to a sheet of material1000initially comprising a single layer. However, such an initial sheet of material1000may comprise multiple layers, and thus the description of folding the sheet of material1000to create multiple overlapping layers may be adjusted respectively according to the number of layers of the initial sheet of material1000.

In an illustrative example, the sheet of material1000may initially be folded, such as in half, as shown inFIGS.11B and11Cto produce a sheet of material1000with two overlapping layers of the material, as shown in by the edge1022inFIG.11C. The sheet of material1000may thereby have at least two layers and a thickness equal to twice the thickness of the original sheet (referred to as two-ply). As shown inFIGS.11D and11E, in some embodiments, the sheet of material1000may be folded again, such as in half, to produce a sheet of material1000with four overlapping layers of the material, as shown in by the edge1032inFIG.11E. The sheet of material1000may thereby have at least four layers and a thickness equal to four times the thickness of the original sheet (referred to as four-ply).

In other embodiments, the sheet of material1000may be folded a different number of times and may be folded using a different method. A sheet material may be folded a selected number of times to produce a folded sheet of material having more or fewer than four layers of material. For example, a sheet of material may be folded to produce a folded sheet of material having three layers of the material, and a thickness equal to three times the thickness of the original sheet of material (referred to as three-ply).

As shown inFIG.11E, after the folding1025(and/or prior to the folding1015), the sheet of material1000may comprise two lateral sides1102,1106, a top side1108extending between the top ends of the lateral sides1102,1106, and a bottom side1104extending between the bottom ends of the lateral sides1102,1106. The total length of each of the lateral sides1102,1106may be less/shorter (e.g., less than half) the total length of each of the top and bottom sides1108,1104. In some embodiments, the sheet of material may be rectangular shaped, with the lateral sides1102,1106extending parallel to each other, the top and bottom sides1108,1104extending parallel to each other, and the lateral sides1102,1106and the top and bottom sides1108,1104being oriented perpendicular to each other, as shown inFIG.11E.

At step1025inFIG.10, the method of manufacturing the sleeve100may comprise defining a triangular section/portion113of a first lateral end portion of the sheet of material1000that extends from a first lateral side1102, as shown inFIG.11F. As shown inFIG.11F, the triangular section may have a first side1102of a length W formed of at least a portion of the lateral side1102of the sheet of material1000, a second side1118formed from a portion of a top side1108of the sheet of material1000having length W√3, and a hypotenuse fold line1116having length 2W. In some the intersection of the first side1102and hypotenuse fold line1116of the triangular section113forms an angle of about 60 degrees, and the intersection of the second side1118and the hypotenuse fold line1116of the triangular section113forms an angle of about 30 degrees. The angles described herein are examples and are not meant in a limiting sense, as other angles may be utilized.

At step1030inFIG.10, the defined triangular section1113may be folded over along the hypotenuse fold line116toward/onto/over the front face of the sheet of material1000, to form a first folded-over portion/section1160, as shown inFIG.11G. As shown inFIG.11G, the triangular section1113is thereby folded over along the fold line1116to form first folded-over portion1160comprising the triangular section1113overlapping an adjacent portion of the first end portion of the sheet of material1000. The first folded-over portion1160may have a first side edge1165(congruent with hypotenuse1116) formed by the fold line1116, which forms a diagonal edge of the sheet of material1000, and a second edge1102comprising the first lateral side of the sheet of material1000. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.11G, the diagonal edge1165intersects/extends from the corner/junction between the bottom side1104(or top side1108) and the first lateral side1102of the sheet of material1000, and extends between the top side1108(or bottom side1104) and the end/corner of the bottom side1104(or top side1108).

At step1035inFIG.10, the first folded-over portion1160may be folded toward/onto/over the front face of a medial portion of the sheet of material1000extending laterally from the first end portion (toward the second lateral end1106) to form a second folded-over portion1180as shown inFIGS.11H and11I. The folded-over portion1160may be folded over the front face of the medial portion laterally toward the second lateral end1106of the sheet of material1000, as shown inFIG.11H. As shown inFIG.11I, the folded-over portion1160may be folded over the front face of the medial portion such that the diagonal edge1165is substantially aligned with the top edge1108of the medial portion (i.e., extends parallel to, and overlaps with, the top edge1108of the medial portion). In some embodiments, the first folded-over portion1160may be folded over the front face of the medial portion via a fold line that extends from the top side1108at a point or vertex A that is at, or substantially near but laterally spaced toward the second lateral side1106, the intersection of the second side1118of the first folded-over portion1160and the top edge1108. In some embodiments, the fold line may extend between the top and bottom sides1108,1104such that the fold line forms an acute angle between the fold line and the top side1108at point A (and an obtuse angle between the fold line and the bottom side1104), as shown inFIG.11I. In the second folded arrangement, the vertex C between the first side edge116and the second edge1102of the triangular section1113may thereby be positioned on/aligned with the top edge1108of the medial portion of the sheet of material1000on the front face thereof, as shown inFIG.11I.

As also shown inFIG.11I, the second folded-over section1180may thereby comprise a first inner portion1181and a second outer portion1182. The first inner portion1181includes at least one layer of the sheet of material1000, and the second outer portion1182includes at least one layer of the sheet of material1000. The number of layers of the first inner and second outer portions1181,1182of the second folded-over section1180depends on the initial number of layers of the sheet of material1000. For example, if the sheet of material1000includes four set of layers as shown inFIG.11G(which may be formed via folding, as disclosed), the first inner portion1181and the second outer portion1182would each include four layers of the material. In other embodiments, the inner set of layers1181and the outer set of layers1182may include more or fewer than four layers of material.

At step1040inFIG.10, a second lateral end portion of the sheet of material1000extending laterally toward the second folded-over section1180from the second lateral end1106may be folded over the front face of the medial portion of the sheet of material1000, and inserted between the first inner and second outer portions1181,1182of the second folded-over section1180as shown inFIG.11J-11L. In some embodiments, the second lateral end portion may be folded over the front face of the medial portion via a fold line that extends from at, or substantially near but laterally spaced toward the second lateral side1106, the vertex C at the top side1108, as shown inFIG.11J. The second folded-over section1180may thereby be folded over the top edge1108(or bottom side1104) of the second lateral end portion of the sheet of material1000(and thereby form a portion with three layers of the sheet of material1000). In some embodiments, the fold line may extend between the top and bottom sides1108,1104at a right angle, or such that the fold line forms an acute angle between the fold line and the top side1108of the second lateral end portion, as shown inFIG.11J.

FIG.11Lillustrates the sheet of material1000after the second lateral end portion is inserted between the between the first inner and second outer portions1181,1182of the second folded-over section1180to form an annular sleeve, such as the annular sleeve100ofFIGS.1-9as described above. It is noted that the dotted lines1106aillustrate the outline of the second lateral end1106of the sheet of material1000, and thereby the lateral end of the second lateral end portion. As shown inFIG.11L, after the second lateral end portion is inserted between the between the first inner and second outer portions1181,1182of the second folded-over section1180, the sleeve100is manufactured and ready to utilize with a cup. Further, it is noted that, as described above, an adhesive or mechanical fastener may not be utilized to form the sleeve100from the sheet of material1000.

It is noted that the above method of manufacturing the cup sleeve100may be formed using the same or similar method steps but mirrored across the lateral direction and/or width/height direction. For example, a sleeve100may be formed using a mirror image of the steps described herein starting from second lateral side portion and/or determining/folding the triangular section113with the second side1118formed from a portion of the bottom side1104of the sheet of material1000. In other embodiments, other methods of folding material to form a cup sleeve similar to that described herein may be used.

Advantageously, the inventive sleeve100is pre-assembled as a cup sleeve but can be easily unfolded and used as a napkin, paper towel or the like. This feature allows the sleeve100to be used to clean spills or to be used as a coaster to soak up condensation from iced drinks. This feature offers advantages relating to convenience and ease-of-use as well as environmental benefits.

Advantageously, the sleeve100comprises an increased thickness under the user's open palm, providing improved insulation properties. For example, referring toFIGS.11I-11L, a substantial portion of triangular section1180in the illustrative cup sleeve has 12 layers (twelve-ply), including the four outer layers of portion1180, the four layers associated with the second lateral end portion, and the four inner layers of portion1181. In other embodiments, portions of section1180may have a different thickness and/or a different number of layers of material.

The sleeve offers additional benefits. Advantageously, as noted above, in some embodiments, the sleeve does not use glue or any other adhesive. This includes no use of tabs, clips, elastic bands, snaps, staples or any other method of securing. Advantageously, the sleeve provides a self-locking feature. Because a second lateral end portion of the sheet of pliable material is sandwiched between the first inner and second outer portions1181,1182of the second folded-over section1180, when the cup is placed snugly around a cup, the second lateral end portion is compressed/squeezed between the first inner and second outer portions1181,1182, locking the lateral end portions of the sheet of material together in the annular arrangement/shape. For example, tension strength increases as the sleeve is slid up a tapered container preventing the two ends from coming apart while affixed to a food container.

Friction may also prevent the sleeve from coming apart. This also ensures a snug fit around a cup, preventing the sleeve from sliding down without the use of glue or adhesive. When in this position with a cup inserted, it is extremely difficult for the ends to become undone. When the cup is removed, the sleeve can be unfolded effortlessly into a napkin by removing the second lateral end portion from between the first inner and second outer portions1181,1182of the second folded-over section1180. Advantageously, the sleeve100may be removed from a cup, and unfolded and used as a napkin or paper towel. Thus, the sleeve100has multiple uses, unlike other existing cup sleeves, advantageously complementing the need for a napkin with the use of food related items. The sleeve100also does not unfold or come apart on its own when in the closed or open positions, and retains its structure until being unfolded by user.

Advantageously, the sleeve100may be used with iced/cold beverage containers/cups for iced beverages. Most iced beverage containers are constructed out of thin materials such as waxed paper, recyclable PET plastic or compostable PLA making the sidewall of these drinks extremely flexible and flimsy. As the cold liquid inside the cup reacts with the warm air outside, significant condensation is formed making the sidewall slippery and difficult to grip. The absorbent sleeve100is configured to soak up condensation while providing sturdiness and a better gripping surface.

Advantageously, the sleeve100is constructed using less material than most existing cup sleeves or double-walled insulated disposable cups. The sleeve100may be constructed from a paper towel material, which is a lower-density material than paper board used in other cup sleeves. This feature is advantageous because the sleeve100is lighter, thus reducing shipping costs, for example. The lower-density material may also provide further advantages as it is more environmentally friendly with lower environmental costs relating to manufacturing, shipping or waste.

In other embodiments, sleeve100may also be adjusted onto a bowl or other container. For example, by lengthening/pulling partially out the second lateral end portion from the second folded-over section1180, the circumference of the sleeve100can be elongated in order to fit larger sized cups and bowls. Alternatively, the second lateral end portion can be folded over itself and tucked further into the second folded-over section1180in order to decrease the circumference to fit around smaller cups and cones. This adjustable feature is not a feature of alternatives that have a predetermined and fixed circumference.

In some embodiments, a sheet of material1000having textured properties may be used. For example,FIG.12shows a sheet of material1200having a textured pattern with raised grooves in accordance with an embodiment. The sheet of material1200may be a paper towel, for example.

In some alternative embodiments, a sheet of material1300may be folded using other methods to produce a folded sheet of material with two long sides and two short sides to be used for making a sleeve according to the present disclosure, such as cup sleeve100ofFIGS.1-9.FIGS.13A-13Dshow a method of folding a sheet of material1300to produce a folded material having four layers (four-ply) in accordance with an embodiment. Referring toFIG.13A, four sections1321,1322,1323, and1324are defined on a sheet of material1300. Referring toFIG.13B, section1321is folded over section1322, and section1324is folded over section1323. Referring toFIG.13C, sections1321and1322are folded over sections1323and1324.FIG.13Dillustrates the resulting folded sheet of material1300having four layers and a thickness equal to four times the thickness of the original material (four-ply).

FIGS.14A-14Dshow another method of folding a sheet of material1400to produce a folded sheet of material1400having three layers (three-ply) in accordance with an embodiment for making a sleeve according to the present disclosure, such as cup sleeve100ofFIGS.1-9. Referring toFIG.14A, three sections1421,1422, and1423are defined on a sheet of material1400. As shown inFIG.14B, sections1421and1423are folded relative to section1422. Referring toFIG.14C, section1423is folded over section1422, and then section1421is folded over section1423.FIG.14Dillustrates the resulting folded sheet of material1400having three layers and a thickness equal to three times the thickness of the original material (three-ply).

Advantageously, the protection provided by the sleeves described herein has been compared to that of other cup sleeves and shown to be superior to those examples. In particular, the outside wall of the current sleeves100and that of various other cup sleeves were measured using an infrared heat thermometer. The procedure included the following steps. Cups having cup sleeves were filled with water heated to different temperatures. The cups were allowed to sit, allowing the cup sleeves to absorb any heat being transferred. The outside temperature of each cup sleeve was measured from 2 inches away using an infrared thermometer at different water temperatures measured with a digital thermometer inside the cup. The results showed that the sleeve100disclosed herein provides better protection qualities than most other alternative cup sleeves. For example, the sleeve100disclosed herein provided better protection than corrugated sleeves, especially at points near the palm of the user's hand.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples without departing from their scope. While dimensions and types of materials may be described herein, they are intended to define parameters of some of the various examples, and they are by no means limiting to all examples and are merely exemplary. All dimensions and shapes described herein are merely examples. In other embodiments, other dimensions, and other shapes, may be used.

Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used merely as reference labels, and are not intended to impose numerical, structural or other requirements on their objects. Forms of term “based on” herein encompass relationships where an element is partially based on as well as relationships where an element is entirely based on. Forms of the term “defined” encompass relationships where an element is partially defined as well as relationships where an element is entirely defined.

Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function cavity of further structure. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages described above may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the devices, systems and methods described herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

While the disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of examples, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed examples. Rather, this disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various examples have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only one example or some of the described examples. Also, while some disclosure are described as having a certain number of elements, it will be understood that the examples can be practiced with less than or greater than the certain number of elements.