Sleeve member, container assembly kit including same, and associated method of manufacturing a sleeve member

A sleeve member includes a bellows member having a top and a bottom located opposite the top, and an inner liner located internal with respect to the bellows member. The inner liner has a top and a bottom located opposite the top of the inner liner. The top and the bottom of the inner liner are connected to the top and the bottom of the bellows member, respectively, such that a vacuum entrapment is provided between the bellows member and the inner liner. A passage is provided through the top and the bottom of the bellows member, and through the top and the bottom of the inner liner.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosed concept relates to sleeve members. The disclosed concept also relates to container assembly kits including sleeve members. The disclosed concept further relates to methods of manufacturing sleeve members.

Background Information

When individuals consume beverages, such as, for example, cold beer or hot chocolate, it is often desirable to maintain the beverage at a constant temperature. That is, on a hot day, it is often desirable to maintain beer at as cool a temperature as possible, while on a cold day, it is often desirable to maintain hot chocolate at as hot a temperature as possible. A number of products exist in the industry which attempt to address these needs. These products typically attempt to insulate the beverage. One known method of insulating beverages includes providing for a double walled container. Because thermal heat generally travels better through air than through a vacuum, manufacturers will attempt to create a vacuum between the two walls, in order to provide for an “insulative” body to prevent the flow of heat into and out of the beverage. These containers suffer from a number of drawbacks.

More specifically, while achieving a perfect vacuum is impossible, there is significant room for improvement in the amount of vacuum that can be established between the two walls. Furthermore, attempts to create the vacuum commonly involve the placement of a resin wafer over a hole in one of the walls of the container. By employing the resin wafer, heat treatment of the containers typically will not be performed at significantly high temperatures. As a result, significant stresses exist in the walls of the container because the walls are not sufficiently stress relieved. Over time and repeated use, these stresses may compromise the integrity of the container. Additionally, many of these containers are manufactured such that the surfaces of the resulting products have significant amounts of microbes on them, thus presenting sanitation concerns. Moreover, many of these containers and/or beverage holders are often manufactured such that cleaning them in a common household dishwasher results in significant amounts of degradation. That is, the containers are typically not dishwasher safe. Finally, it is often desirable for containers to have different appearances, for example, other than a typical restaurant/kitchen appearance.

SUMMARY

These needs and others are met by embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are directed to a novel sleeve member, container assembly kit including the same, and associated method of manufacturing a sleeve member.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed concept, a sleeve member is provided. The sleeve member includes a bellows member having a top and a bottom located opposite the top, and an inner liner located internal with respect to the bellows member. The inner liner has a top and a bottom located opposite the top of the inner liner. The top and the bottom of the inner liner are connected to the top and the bottom of the bellows member, respectively, such that a vacuum entrapment is provided between the bellows member and the inner liner. A passage is provided through the top and the bottom of the bellows member, and through the top and the bottom of the inner liner.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed concept, a container assembly kit is provided. The container assembly kit includes the aforementioned sleeve member, and a shell member having a body having a tubular wall and a base. The tubular wall has an end located proximate the bottom of the bellows member and the bottom of the inner liner. The base extends across the end of the tubular wall. The tubular wall extends from the base to proximate the top of the bellows member and the top of the inner liner. The tubular wall is concentric with the inner liner and external with respect to the bellows member.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed concept, another container assembly kit is provided. The container assembly kit includes the aforementioned sleeve member, and a cup coupled to the sleeve member. The cup has an open top, a closed bottom, and a tubular wall extending therebetween. The tubular wall is located internal with respect to the sleeve member.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed concept, a method of manufacturing the aforementioned sleeve member is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a bellows member having a top and a bottom located opposite the top, providing an inner liner having a top and a bottom located opposite the top of the inner liner, inserting the inner liner into an interior of the bellows member such that a passage is provided through the top and the bottom of the bellows member, and through the top and the bottom of the inner liner, connecting the top of the inner liner to the top of the bellows member, connecting the bottom of the inner liner to the bottom of the bellows member, and providing a vacuum entrapment between the bellows member and the inner liner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are “connected” or “coupled” together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts.

As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts touch and/or exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

As employed herein, the term “vacuum entrapment” shall mean a space in which the pressure is less than 10−2torr.

FIGS. 1-5are different views of a novel sleeve member2, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The example sleeve member2is used to insulate, for example, beverages, such as beverages in an example beverage can100, shown inFIGS. 7-9, and beverages in an example cup302, shown inFIGS. 12-14. Accordingly, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the sleeve member2significantly minimizes the amount of heat that is able to pass into and out of beverages within the beverage can100and the cup302, provides a different physical appearance for users than traditional containers, and includes a number of additional advantages. For example, the sleeve member2may advantageously be cleaned within typical residential dishwashers without significant concern for corrosion, may be manufactured at significantly higher temperatures than prior art containers (not shown), and may have a surface finish significantly devoid of contaminating microbes.

Continuing to refer toFIGS. 1-5, the sleeve member2includes a bellows member10and an inner liner30connected to the bellows member10. While the inner liner30is generally cylindrical-shaped, the bellows member10is a generally corrugated outer structure which provides for a number of novel advantages, as will be discussed below. It will, however, be appreciated that suitable alternative geometries are contemplated herein. The bellows member10and the inner liner30each have a corresponding top12,32and a corresponding bottom14,34located opposite the top12,32. The inner liner30, which has a relatively shiny (e.g., without limitation, able to reflect light and/or is polished) outer surface, is located internal with respect to the bellows member10. Furthermore, the top32and the bottom34of the inner liner30are connected to the top12and the bottom14of the bellows member10, respectively, such that a vacuum entrapment is provided between the bellows member10and the inner liner30. In one example embodiment, the pressure between the bellows member10and the inner liner30is less than 10−4torr, thus providing for a relatively deep vacuum entrapment. The process of creating the vacuum entrapment between the bellows member10and the inner liner30will be discussed below. In one example embodiment, the top12and the bottom14of the bellows member10are connected to the top32and the bottom34of the inner liner30, respectively, via a respective first weld and a respective second weld. The first and second welds are preferably circumferential welds.

In one example embodiment, each of the bellows member10and the inner liner30is made of metal, and has a corresponding grain extending longitudinally from the corresponding top12,32to the corresponding bottom14,34. As discussed above, the example sleeve member2is preferably manufactured in order to allow consumers to clean it in a common household dishwasher. In order to achieve this benefit, the bellows member10and the inner liner may be made of 316L stainless steel. 316L stainless steel provides significant advantages in terms of protection against chloride degradation. Typical prior art containers (not shown), by way of contrast, are commonly made of food grade 18-8 stainless steel, a material that, while generally less expensive than 316L, is more susceptible to chloride degradation.

As shown inFIG. 3, a passage40is provided through the top12and the bottom14(seeFIGS. 1 and 2) of the bellows member10, and through the top32and the bottom34of the inner liner30. As a result, if a user desires to remove either one of the beverage can100or the cup302from the sleeve member2, the user can relatively easily move (i.e., push or pull) the beverage can100or the cup302with respect to the sleeve member2, as both ends of the sleeve member2are open. Furthermore, by having open ends, a user can insert the beverage can100into either end of the sleeve member2, rather than only one open end, as is the case with many traditional containers. This provides for a more versatile insulating product.

Referring toFIG. 5, the bellows member10includes a plurality of annular-shaped peaks (only three peaks16,18,20are indicated inFIG. 5) and a plurality of annular-shaped recessed portions (only two recessed portions17,19are indicated inFIG. 5) each having a diameter (only the diameter22of the first peak and the diameter23of the first recessed portion17are shown). Each of the recessed portions17,19extends between two of the peaks16,18,20. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the diameter22of each of the peaks16,18,20is greater than the diameter23of each of the recessed portions17,19. Additionally, the inner liner30has a diameter35less than the diameter23of each of the recessed portions17,19. Accordingly, the bellows member10provides the sleeve member2with a corrugated exterior. As such, the bellows member10is similar to bellows members commonly employed in other applications such as in the automotive industry (e.g., without limitation, automotive exhaust-gas-recirculation tubes), in the medical industry (e.g., without limitation, in heat exchangers used in coronary bypass), in the aerospace industry (e.g., without limitation, air frame ducting systems including de-icing structures), and in, for example, expansion joint applications (e.g., without limitation, petrochemical and coke plants to address expansion and contraction in lines due to thermal cycle changes). This provides the sleeve member2with a generally ‘Industrial’ type appearance, which may desirable in the market for insulating products.

The bellows member10also provides a means by which a chamber42between the bellows member10and the inner liner30can be relatively large in terms of volume. This is advantageous in that greater insulation may be provided to beverages contained within the sleeve member2. That is, the increased volume provided by the bellows member10provides a larger barrier for heat that might otherwise enter or exit the interior of the sleeve member2, where beverages are located. Prior art containers (not shown), by way of contrast, typically include two cylindrical-shaped walls wherein the diameter of the outer wall is not significantly greater than the diameter of the inner wall.

As shown inFIG. 4, the inner liner30has a weep hole (i.e., a thru hole)36. As shown in simplified form inFIG. 5, the sleeve member2further has a sealing material41that seals the weep hole36. In one example embodiment, the sealing material41is formed from a brazing material. During manufacturing, a vacuum exhaust treatment is performed through the weep hole36. Because the sealing material41is formed from a brazing material, as opposed to a resin wafer, as is the case in many prior art containers (not shown), heat treatment of the sleeve member is advantageously able to be performed at relatively high temperatures (e.g., without limitation, temperatures greater than 1600 degrees Fahrenheit).

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that a method of manufacturing the sleeve member2includes the steps of providing the bellows member10, providing the inner liner30, inserting the inner liner30into an interior of the bellows member10such that the passage40is provided through the top12and the bottom14of the bellows member10, and through the top32and the bottom34of the inner liner30, connecting the top32of the inner liner30to the top12of the bellows member10, connecting the bottom34of the inner liner30to the bottom14of the bellows member10, and providing a vacuum entrapment between the bellows member10and the inner liner30. The connecting the top32of the inner liner30to the top12of the bellows member10step may further include circumferentially welding the top32of the inner liner30to the top12of the bellows member10. The connecting the bottom34of the inner liner30to the bottom14of the bellows member10step may further include circumferentially welding the bottom34of the inner liner30to the bottom14of the bellows member10.

It will further be appreciated that the method includes the steps of heat treating the inner liner30and the bellows member10at a temperature greater than 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. In a preferred implementation of the disclosed concept, the method further includes heat treating the inner liner30and the bellows member10at a temperature greater than 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. As discussed above, the sleeve member2may be manufactured such that it has a surface finish that is substantially devoid of contaminating microbes. In order to achieve this benefit, the method of manufacturing the sleeve member2may further include bright annealing the inner liner30and the bellows member10with nitrogen gas in order to stress relieve the inner liner30, the bellows member10, and the connections therebetween. Accordingly, the method may further include providing the vacuum entrapment without oxidation between the bellows member10and the inner liner30.

FIG. 6shows a section view of another sleeve member52, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The example sleeve member52is substantially the same as the sleeve member2in that it includes a bellows member60and an inner liner80connected to the bellows member. For purposes of economy of disclosure, only significant differences between the sleeve member2and the sleeve member52will be discussed in detail. The bellows member60has a first peak66, a second peak68and a recessed portion67extending between the peaks66,68. The recessed portion67of the bellows member60has a weep hole (i.e., thru hole)70. As shown, the sleeve member52further includes a sealing material81sealing the weep hole70. In one example embodiment, the sealing material81is formed from a brazing material and functions substantially the same as the sealing material41. That is, a vacuum entrapment is able to be formed between the bellows member60and the inner liner80via the weep hole70and the sealing material81. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that a vacuum entrapment is advantageously able to be achieved by locating a weep hole on either of the bellows member10,60or the inner liner30,80. Furthermore, with respect to the sleeve member52, locating the weep hole70in the recessed portion67may simplify manufacturing in that the sealing material81will have a pocket to settle in, as opposed to being on the peaks66,68, where it might not settle as easily.

FIGS. 7-9show different views of the sleeve member2with the beverage can100. The sleeve member2, or a suitable similarly structured sleeve member (not shown), may be configured to surround any size can and/or container. For example and without limitation, the beverage can100may be a twelve ounce or sixteen ounce beverage can. It will also be appreciated that the sleeve member2, or a similar suitable alternative sleeve member, may be used to insulate alternative containers (e.g., without limitation, multiple gallon coolers for baseball dugouts and/or picnic baskets). With respect to picnic baskets (not shown), the sleeve member may be manufactured in any suitable alternative shape, and may further include an internal divider to allow food to be kept both hot and cold.

FIGS. 10 and 11show different views of a container assembly kit200, shown with the beverage can100, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The container assembly kit200includes the sleeve member2and a shell member202. The shell member202includes a body having a tubular wall204and a base206. The tubular wall204has an end205located proximate the bottom14of the bellows member10and the bottom34of the inner liner30. The base206extends across the end205of the tubular wall204. The tubular wall204extends from the base206to proximate the top12of the bellows member10and the top32of the inner liner30. The tubular wall204is concentric with the inner liner30and external with respect to the bellows member10.

In one example embodiment, the body of the shell member202is substantially transparent (e.g., without limitation, made of a generally transparent thermoplastic material). In this manner, the shell member202advantageously allows users to view the novel geometry of the sleeve member2. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 10, the container assembly kit200may optionally further include a branding means, such as, for example, a sticker220which may include a logo. As such, users can personalize their container assembly kit by, for example, putting unique stickers on the shell member202.

FIGS. 12-14show different views of another container assembly kit300, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The container assembly kit300includes the sleeve member2and the cup302. The cup302has an open top304, a closed bottom306, and a tubular wall308extending therebetween. As shown inFIG. 14, when the cup302is coupled to the sleeve member2, the top304of the cup302is located proximate the top12of the bellows member10and the top32of the inner liner30, and the bottom306of the cup302is located proximate the bottom14of the bellows member10and the bottom34of the inner liner30. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 14, the top304of the cup302has a curl310engaging at least one of the top12of the bellows member10and the top32of the inner liner30in order to maintain the cup302on the sleeve member2.

FIGS. 15 and 16show additional views of the container assembly kit300. As shown, the container assembly kit300may further include a shell member350. The shell member350is similar to the shell member202, discussed above, in that it includes a body, optionally transparent, having a tubular wall352and a base354. However, the shell member350further includes an insulative member (e.g., without limitation, foam member360) affixed to the base354. As shown inFIG. 16, the foam member360engages the sleeve member2and the bottom306of the cup302. In this manner, the container assembly kit300advantageously provides further insulation in that the foam member360will minimize the likelihood that heat will pass through the bottom of the sleeve member2. That is, in addition to providing insulation longitudinally along the length of the sleeve member2, the container assembly kit300provides an additional layer of insulation laterally along the bottom of the sleeve member2. It will also be appreciated that the shell member350could be substituted into the container assembly kit200(FIGS. 10 and 11) in place of the shell member202.

FIGS. 17 and 18show section views of another container assembly kit400, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The container assembly kit400is substantially the same as the container assembly kit300, discussed above. As such, for purposes of economy of disclosure, only significant differences will be discussed in detail. The container assembly kit400includes the sleeve member2, the shell member350, a cup402, and an annular-shaped gasket member450(seeFIG. 18). The cup402has an open top404having a curl410. The gasket member450is preferably made of any suitable elastomeric material. The gasket member450is coupled to the cup402proximate the curl410. In one example embodiment, the top404of the cup402has an annular-shaped grooved region405and the gasket member450is coupled to the grooved region405. It will, however, be appreciated that suitable alternative cups are contemplated herein. For example and without limitation, a cup may have a grooved region that is not annular-shaped, or may not have a grooved region at all.

Continuing to refer toFIGS. 17 and 18, the gasket member450is located between the top32of the inner liner30and the top404of the cup402. In this manner, the gasket member450advantageously assists in maintaining the cup402on the sleeve member2. That is, the friction between the gasket member450and the top32of the inner liner30significantly minimizes the likelihood that the cup402will inadvertently be exited from the sleeve member2.

FIG. 19shows a section view of the sleeve member2with the beverage can100. As shown, the sleeve member2may optionally further include a number of band members44,45,46,47each being located on and concentric with a corresponding one of the recessed portions (only two of the recessed portions17,19are numbered). The band members44,45,46,47are preferably made of an elastomeric material, and are biased toward engagement with the recessed portions17,19. Accordingly, the novel geometry of the sleeve member2(i.e., by virtue of the bellows member10) advantageously allows for a mechanism by which users can self-identify with the sleeve member2. That is, users, such as children, can couple the band members44,45,46,47, which may be any different color, to the recessed portions17,19, thereby providing for a more intimate connection with the sleeve member2.

FIG. 20shows a section view of another sleeve member502, shown with the beverage can100, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The sleeve member502is structured substantially the same as the sleeve member2, discussed above. As such, for purposes of economy of disclosure, only significant differences will be discussed in detail. As shown, the sleeve member502includes a bellows member510and an inner liner530connected to the bellows member510. The bellows member510has a number of peaks516,518,520and a number of recessed portions517,519each extending between a corresponding two of the peaks516,518,520. The peaks516,518,520each have a corresponding diameter522,523,524. The diameter522of the first peak516is greater than the diameter523of the second peak518, and the diameter523of the second peak is greater than the diameter524of the third peak520. Accordingly, the sleeve member502provides for a unique/novel tapered geometry, allowing users to further self-identify with their product, while still providing for the same advantages discussed above in association with the sleeve member2.

It is also within the scope of the disclosed concept for a container assembly kit (not shown) to include the sleeve member502, and also include a novel shell member similar to the shell members202,350, discussed above, but corresponding to the shape/geometry of the sleeve member502. That is, the shell member, which may optionally be transparent, may have a tapered tubular wall corresponding to the tapered nature of the sleeve member502. As such, the container assembly kit provides a novel geometry, and further allows its user to self-identify with it.

FIGS. 21 and 22depict section views of another container assembly kit600, shown with the beverage can100, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The container assembly kit600is structured substantially the same as the container assembly kit200, discussed above. As such, for purposes of economy of disclosure, only significant differences will be discussed in detail. The container assembly kit600includes the sleeve member2, a shell member602, and an annular-shaped coupling member650. The shell member602, which may be transparent, includes a tubular wall604and a base606. The tubular wall604has an end605, and the base606extends from the end605. As shown inFIGS. 21 and 22, the coupling member650is threadably connected to the tubular wall604proximate the top12of the bellows member10and the top32of the inner liner30. It will be appreciated that when the coupling member650is threaded onto the shell member602, a force is imparted to the beverage can100. As a result, the likelihood that the beverage can100will inadvertently exit the sleeve member2through the top of the sleeve member2is significantly minimized.

It will be appreciated that the bodies of the shell members202,350may be made of any suitable material known in the art. For example and without limitation, the bodies of the shell members202,350may be made of a suitable ultraviolet resistant plastic material (e.g., Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and/or plastics blended with ultraviolet stabilizers).

FIG. 23is a section view of another sleeve member702, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The sleeve member702includes an exterior member in the form of a bellows member710, and an inner liner730located internal with respect to the bellows member710. It will be appreciated that the bellows member710and the inner liner730are structured and configured similar to the bellows member10and inner liner30of the sleeve member2, discussed above. As such, like numbers will be used to described like features. Accordingly, the top732and the bottom734of the inner liner730are connected to the top712and the bottom714of the bellows member710, respectively, such that a vacuum entrapment is provided between bellows member710and the inner liner730. However, in accordance with the disclosed concept, the top732and bottom734of the inner liner730are secured to the top712and bottom714of the bellows member710, respectively, via a respective first brazing material741and a respective second brazing material742in order to provide for the vacuum entrapment. As such, advantages associated with the sleeve member2are likewise associated with the sleeve member702.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 23, the top732and the bottom734of the inner liner730each have a corresponding annular-shaped curl extending over and around a respective one of the top712and the bottom714of the bellows member710. It will be appreciated that such structure provides users with a relatively smooth surface to engage during use. Continuing to refer toFIG. 23, the bellows member710is provided with a tapered region to facilitate gripping in cup-holders (e.g., cup-holders in automobiles). More specifically, as shown, the bellows member710has a plurality of peaks716,718,720,722each having a corresponding diameter717,719,721,723. The diameter717is greater than the diameter719, which is greater than the diameter721, which is greater than the diameter723. As shown, the peak722is located at or about the bottom714of the bellows member710. It will be appreciated that this narrowing and tapered structure allows the sleeve member702to be more easily received in cup-holders. Specifically, the peaks720,722, being relatively narrow in terms of diameter, can easily rest in the cup-holder, while the peaks716,718, being relatively wide in terms of diameter, can be pressed into the walls of the cup-holder, thus being maintained therein via a strong friction fit, one that might not otherwise be achievable with a sleeve member having a constant external diameter.

FIG. 24is a section view of another sleeve member802, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The sleeve member802includes an exterior member in the form of a bellows member810, and an inner liner830located internal with respect to the bellows member810. It will be appreciated that the bellows member810and the inner liner830are structured and configured similar to the bellows member710and inner liner730of the sleeve member702, discussed above. As such, like numbers will be used to described like features. Accordingly, the top and the bottom of the inner liner830are connected to the top and the bottom of the bellows member810, respectively, such that a vacuum entrapment is provided between bellows member810and the inner liner830. In accordance with the disclosed concept, the top and bottom of the inner liner830are secured to the top and bottom of the bellows member810, respectively, via a respective first brazing material841and a respective second brazing material842in order to provide for the vacuum entrapment. As such, advantages associated with the sleeve members2,702are likewise associated with the sleeve member802. Additionally, the sleeve member802further includes a tubular-shaped radiant shield850located between the bellows member810and the inner liner830. The radiant shield850is encapsulated between the bellows member810and the inner liner830, is movably disposed between the bellows member810and the inner liner830, and extends from proximate the top of the bellows member810and the inner liner830to the bottom of the bellows member810and the inner liner830. In one example embodiment, the radiant shield850is made of 316L stainless steel, and functions to provide an additional insulative barrier between the interior of the inner liner830and the exterior of the bellows member810, thus providing for a relatively superior insulating product.

FIG. 25shows a container assembly kit900, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The container assembly kit900includes the sleeve member702, and a cup902located internal with respect to the sleeve member702. As shown, a top of the cup902extends upwardly and radially inwardly with respect to a central axis of the sleeve member702.

FIG. 26shows the container assembly kit900with a shell member950and an insulative member960coupled to the shell member.FIG. 26Ashows an isometric view of the insulative member960. As shown inFIG. 26A, the insulative member960includes a first base member (e.g., without limitation, neoprene member962) and a second base member (e.g., without limitation, neoprene member964) coupled to the first neoprene member962. The first and second neoprene members962,964each have a corresponding wicking layer (e.g., without limitation, silicone layer963,965) bonded to a perimeter of the neoprene members962,964. By incorporating the silicone layers963,965with the insulative member960, moisture is advantageously able to be wicked away from the neoprene members962,964. It will thus be appreciated that the silicone layers963,965are not structured to engage the cup902or the sleeve member702.

FIGS. 27A, 27B, and 28are different section views of another container assembly kit1000,FIG. 27Abeing shown as employed with the cup902, andFIG. 27Bbeing shown as employed with the can100, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. As shown inFIGS. 27A and 27B, the container assembly kit1000includes the sleeve member802, an annular-shaped coupling member1040, a shell member1050coupled to the coupling member1040, and an insulative member1060coupled to the shell member1050. The coupling member1040has an inwardly extending flange portion1042engaging the bellows member810in order to maintain the sleeve member802in the container assembly kit1000. The shell member1050includes a top1052, a base1054, and a middle region1056located between the top1052and the base1054. As shown, the shell member1050narrows, or tapers, from the middle region1056to the base1054. In this manner, the sleeve member802is advantageously able to be well maintained in the shell member1050. See for example, the tapered region of the bellows member810and its close fitting relationship with the tapered portion of the shell member1050. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the base1054of the shell member1050further has an annular-shaped grooved region, and the container assembly kit1000further has an O-ring1070having a rectangular-shaped cross section press-fit into the grooved region of the base1054of the shell member1050. The O-ring1070is partially located in the grooved region in order to be retained therein, and partially located external with respect to the grooved region to provide beneficial friction when a user places the container assembly kit1000onto a surface (e.g., the container assembly kit1000will be less likely to slide due to the O-ring1070).

FIG. 28shows another section view of a portion of the container assembly kit1000, without the sleeve member802and the can100. As shown, the base1054of the shell member1050further has a recessed portion1055. It will be appreciated that the recessed portion1055coincides with the grooved region in which the O-ring1070rests in order to provide access thereto. The recessed portion1055thus provides a region in which a user can insert a finger and readily remove the O-ring1070when desired. Furthermore, although only one recessed portion1055is shown inFIG. 28, the disclosed concept contemplates that any suitable alternative number of recessed portions may be provided on the base1054.

FIG. 29shows a top view of the insulative member1060. As shown, the insulative member1060has a base member (e.g., without limitation, neoprene member1062) and a wicking layer (e.g., without limitation, silicone layer1063) bonded to a perimeter of the neoprene member1062. It will be appreciated that the insulative member1062thus functions similar to the insulative member960, discussed above.

While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof. Furthermore, while weep holes36,70and sealing materials41,81have only been illustrated in certain of the figures, it will be appreciated that these figures are exemplary, and that although not illustrated, the sleeve members in each of the other figures likewise have a weep hole and a corresponding sealing material sealing the weep hole.