Abstract:
A container and a sleeve for a container are disclosed that employ unique air channels to divert heat from a hot beverage via hot air escaping upward and downward. The surface of the container and sleeve include raised images, depressed images, or a combination of both which are generally aligned in substantially vertical columns. The space between the columns defines the air channels. The air channels are substantially uninterrupted and facilitate the upward and downward escape of hot air. The images are applied, such as by embossing and/or debossing, which facilitates manufacturing material efficiency and therefore reduces material costs and environmental waste. A blank for a container or sleeve and a method of making a sleeve are also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Hot and cold beverages or foods (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks, soup, and the like) may present a handling problem to consumers when dispensed into containers such as drinking cups. For example, single-wall paper, and plastic drinking cups often do not provide sufficient thermal insulating properties when filled with hot or cold beverages. As a result, handling of such containers may be uncomfortable to the consumer. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0002]    A container and a protective sleeve for encircling a container are disclosed. The container and the sleeve include a body having a first edge and a second edge and a surface between the edges. Uniquely designed raised and/or depressed images are applied to the surface in a pattern which may be ordered or random. The pattern of raised and/or depressed images generally creates substantially uninterrupted air channels from the first edge to the second edge. 
         [0003]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sleeve assembled with a cup. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2A  is a view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of an assembled sleeve. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a graph illustrating an exemplary image. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4A  is a view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of an assembled sleeve. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5A  is a view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5B  is a top view of an assembled sleeve. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6A  is a view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6B  is a top view of an assembled sleeve. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary view of unassembled sleeves. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is an exemplary view of an unassembled sleeve. 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary container. 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  is a flow diagram of a method of making a protective sleeve. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    A container and a protective sleeve for use with a container are disclosed. The sleeve may be used with a container, such as a cup, including the container disclosed herein. When placed on a container, such as a cup, the sleeve may provide a thermal barrier between the container and a hand of a user. The width of the sleeve from top to bottom may approximate the width, for example, of at least two fingers of an adult human hand, and the shape may accommodate placing a thumb and at least three fingers on the sleeve. 
         [0028]    The container may be used alone or with a sleeve, for example, but not limited to, the sleeve disclosed herein. The container may be, for example, a cup, a soup container, or another container for retaining liquids such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, soup, and the like. The container may be manufactured applying the same principles as disclosed herein for the sleeve, for example, by slight size and shape modifications to the sleeve blank and the addition of a container bottom and optional container lip. 
         [0029]    The present disclosure relates to the application to a sleeve blank or container blank of uniquely designed raised and/or depressed images. The images may be applied to a surface of the blank in a pattern which may be ordered or random. For example, the images may be applied as columns of images. The columns may be arranged such that air gaps remain between them. The air gaps may provide air channels which may provide horizontal insulation. The channels may be continuous and substantially uninterrupted. The thermal properties of the sleeve or container may be enhanced by the presence of the disclosed channels, for example, by reducing the rate of heat transfer between a container and a hand gripping the container. 
         [0030]    The images may be applied to a surface of the sleeve and/or container blank by a process of embossing, debossing or both (e.g., in-line or off-line rotary or platter die). The use of embossing, debossing, or both to apply substantially uninterrupted air channels to the container or sleeve may reduce the amount of sheet material used as compared to containers or sleeves that use other methods of creating air channels, such as corrugating. For example, embossing, debossing, or both may be used to create air channels on a single sheet of material thereby approximating the thermal barrier of a multiple sheet sleeve. Reducing the amount of sheet material used in manufacturing protective sleeves may cause waste reduction, which may be better for the environment. The present disclosure illustrates many different image arrangements and shapes, all of which are illustrative and non-limiting. 
         [0031]    A protective sleeve  10  may be positioned in combination with a container  12  as in  FIG. 1 . The container  12  may be tapered and may have a base  14  and a rim  16 . The container  12  may be manufactured of plastic, foam, paper, or any other material, and may be adapted to hold hot or cold food or beverages. 
         [0032]    The sleeve  10  may be combined with the container  12  such that the sleeve  10  fully encircles the circumference of the container  12 . The sleeve  10  may be attached to the container  12 , such as by friction or by fugitive or non-fugitive glue. Alternatively, the sleeve may be integral with the container. The sleeve  10  may be manufactured of, for example, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, foam, cellulosic fiber, white virgin paper, brown recycled paper, or other materials and may be recyclable or compostable. 
         [0033]    The sleeve  10  may include a first edge  18  and a second edge  20 , which may be the top and bottom of the sleeve, or vice versa. The first edge  18  and the second edge  20  may be sized to fit a container  12 , including a tapered or untapered container. 
         [0034]    The protective sleeve  10  may be formed by fastening the ends of the elongate blank of the sleeve  10  together to form a continuous circle. The joined ends of the sleeve may be fastened by, for example, glue, a notch and slot arrangement, or other methods. The sleeve  10  may be affixed to the container by inserting the container into an assembled sleeve, or alternatively, wrapping the elongate blank of the sleeve  10  around the container. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an exemplary sleeve  10  in an unassembled state. The blank  10  in this and the following examples,  FIGS. 2A ,  4 - 17  (shown as a sleeve blank), may, with slight modifications (e.g., in size or shape), be useful as a blank for either a container,  FIG. 18 ,  1800  or a sleeve  FIG. 1 ,  10 . The sleeve  10  may include a first edge  18  and a second edge  20 , which may be the top and bottom of the sleeve  10 , or vice versa. The sleeve  10  may further include a first surface  21  and a second surface  23  extended between the first edge  18  and the second edge  20 . The first surface  21  and the second surface  23  may be the inside surface and the outside surface of the sleeve or container, or vice versa. For example, the first surface  FIG. 2B ,  21  may be the outside surface, which may contact the user&#39;s hand and the second surface  23  may be the inside surface which may contact the container  FIG. 1 ,  12 . 
         [0036]    In this example, the sleeve  10  includes raised images  22 . The images  22  of this example may be applied to the sleeve  10  by the process of embossing and/or debossing (e.g., rotary or in line die) and may be arranged in columns  26  that begin at the top  18  of the sleeve or container blank  10  and terminate at the bottom  20  of the sleeve or container blank  10 . The images  22  may be positioned to form a pattern on the sleeve  10  as in this example, and/or the images  22  may be randomly placed on the sleeve  10  as in other examples disclosed herein. Additionally, the images  22  may be positioned such that the columns  26  follow the arc of the sleeve, or they may be positioned such that they are horizontal with the plane of the sheet material. 
         [0037]    Each image  22  may have a shape. This example illustrates a generally rectangular image  22  with curved ends. However, the image  22  may be of any shape, for example but not limited to, square, polygon, triangle, circle, diamond, or any combination of these. The image  22  of this example may have a depth of, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm. However, other depths may be used. 
         [0038]    The images  22  of this example may be applied to the sleeve  10  in columns  26 , such as from the first edge  18  to the second edge  20  of the sleeve  10 . The images  22  may be spaced one from another or may be continuous. If spaced one from another, the images  22  may have a gap from the closest gap feasibly possible based on manufacturing capabilities, to several millimeters, or, more specifically, approximately 2 mm to approximately 5 mm. The images  22  of the sleeve  10  may be arranged to define an air gap or air channel, for example, the images  22  may be arranged in columns  26  which are spaced to define air channels. The air channel between the columns  26  may be, for example but not limited to 1 mm to 5 mm. The air channel may be continuous or substantially uninterrupted such that air may flow freely through the channel (as opposed to being maintained in discrete pockets between the images  22 ). 
         [0039]    The air channels may have vertical pitch of, specifically but not limited to, approximately Θ=0° to approximately Θ=60°, preferably to approximately Θ=45° with reference to the vertical axis from the top to the bottom of the sleeve  10 . The air channels  24  may contribute to diversion of heat from the hot beverage via hot air escaping upward or downward away from a user&#39;s hands or fingers, and consequently, may contribute to the horizontal thermal insulation. The diversion of heat may increase the user&#39;s holding comfort. Additionally, the channels may add rigidity to the sleeve without using extra material. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2B  is a cross sectional view of an assembled sleeve or container blank  10 . This view illustrates a cross sectional view air channels which may be created by the application of images  FIG. 2A ,  22 , for example, in columns  26  of recessed or raised images  FIG. 2A ,  22 . (With minor modifications, a cross section of a container  FIG. 18 ,  1800  would appear similar.) The sleeve  10  blank may contain fold lines,  32  and  34 , such that, when removed from a cup, the sleeve  10  can be collapsed into a flat plane. Collapsing into a flat plane may permit the sleeves to be efficiently packed in ready-to-use form. The flat-plane form of the sleeve  10  may also provide efficiencies for storing, for example, on counter tops, in storage containers, in boxes, on shelves, and etc. 
         [0041]    The sleeve  10  may be converted from collapsed form to uncollapsed form by, for example, pushing inward on the fold lines  32  and  34 . The uncollapsed form of the sleeve  10  may define an opening through which a container  FIG. 1 ,  12  may be inserted. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  illustrates a three dimensional rendering of an exemplary isolated image  22 . In this example, the image  22  is a truncated semi-cylindrical shape. As illustrated, if viewed in an X-Y-Z plane, the image may have a generally polygonal planar shape, for example, if viewed in an x-y plane. Additionally, the thermal channels may have a curvilinear vertical or z-directional shape. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a blank of an exemplary sleeve  10 . The blank  10  may, with slight modifications (e.g., in size or shape), also be useful as a blank for a container,  FIG. 18 ,  1800 . In this example, the sleeve or container blank  10  has a pattern made up of individual images  52  which may be depressed images. The images  52  may be applied to the sleeve  10  by the process of embossing and/or debossing and may be arranged in columns  56  that begin at the top  18  of the sleeve  10  and terminate at the bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . 
         [0044]    Each image  52  may have a shape. This example illustrates and generally rectangular image  52  with curved ends. However, the image  52  may be of any shape, for example but not limited to, square, polygon, triangle, circle, oval, diamond, or any combination of these. The image  52  of this example may have a depth of, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm. However, other depths may be used. 
         [0045]    In this example, the sleeve includes depressed images  52 . The images  52  of this example may be applied to the sleeve  10  by the process of embossing and/or debossing (e.g., in-line or off-line rotary or platter die) in columns  56  that begin at the top  18  of the sleeve  10  and terminate at or near the bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The depressed images  52  may be positioned to form a pattern on the sleeve  10  as in this example, and/or the images  52  may be randomly placed on the sleeve  10 . The images  52  may be spaced one from another or may be continuous. If spaced one from another, the images  52  may have a gap from the closest gap feasibly possible based on manufacturing capabilities to several millimeters, or more specifically to, for example but not limited, to approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm. The columns  56  of images  52  may also be spaced one from another. The gap between the columns  56  may be, for example but not limited to 1 mm to 5 mm. 
         [0046]    The gap between the columns  56  may define or create air channels. The air channels may have a vertical pitch of approximately Θ=0° to approximately Θ=60°, preferably to approximately Θ=45° with reference to the vertical axis from top  18  to bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The air channels may be continuous or substantially uninterrupted such that air may flow freely through the channel. The air channels may contribute to heat diversion from, for example, a hot beverage via air escaping upward and/or downward away from a user&#39;s hands or fingers. The diversion of heat may increase the horizontal thermal insulation of the sleeve; hence the user&#39;s holding comfort. Additionally, the channels may add rigidity to the sleeve or container without using extra material. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of a sleeve  FIG. 1 ,  10  (and with minor modifications may also approximate the appearance of a container  FIG. 18 ,  1800  in cross section). This view illustrates the air channels which may be created by the application of images, for example, in columns  56  of depressed images  FIG. 4A ,  52  that may begin at or near the top  18  of the sleeve  10  and terminate at the bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a blank of an exemplary sleeve  10 . The blank  10  in this example may, with slight modifications (e.g., in size or shape), be useful as a blank for a container,  FIG. 18 ,  1800 . In this example, the surface of the sleeve  10  includes a pattern made up of individual images  62 ,  68  some of which may be depressed images  62  and some of which may be raised images  68 . The images  62 ,  68  of this example may be arranged in columns  66 ,  69  that begin at or near the top  18  of the sleeve  10  and terminate at or near the bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The columns may consist uniformly of depressed images  62  as in  66 , raised images  68  as in  69 , or a combination of these. 
         [0049]    Each image  62 ,  68  may have a shape. The shape of the images  62 ,  68  may be the same or may differ one from the other. This example illustrates a generally rectangular image  62 ,  68  with curved ends. However, the images  62 ,  68  may be of any shape, for example but not limited to, square, polygon, triangle, circle, oval, diamond, or any combination of these. The images  62 ,  68  of this example may have a depth of, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm. However, other depths may be used. 
         [0050]    As discussed above, the images  62 ,  68  of this example may be applied to the sleeve  10  in columns  66 ,  69  that may begin at or near the top  18  of the sleeve and may terminate at or near the bottom  20  of the sleeve. The images  62 ,  68  may be spaced one from another or may be continuous within its respective column  66 ,  69 . If spaced one from another, the images  62 ,  68  may have a gap from the closest gap feasibly possible based on manufacturing capabilities, to several millimeters, or more specifically to for example but not limited to approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm. The columns  66 ,  69  of images  62 ,  68  may also be spaced one from another. The gap between the columns  66 ,  69  may be, for example but not limited to approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm. 
         [0051]    The sleeve may also contain air channels, which may be the result of the gaps between the columns  66 ,  69 . The air channels may have a vertical pitch of, for example but not limited to, approximately Θ=0° to approximately Θ=60°, preferably to approximately Θ=45° with reference to the vertical axis from top  18  to bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The air channels may be substantially uninterrupted and may contribute to heat diversion from, for example, a hot beverage via air escaping upward or downward away from a user&#39;s hands or fingers. The diversion of heat may contribute to horizontal thermal insulation and may increase the user&#39;s holding comfort. Additionally, the channels may add rigidity to the sleeve without using extra material. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5B  is a cross sectional view of a sleeve  FIG. 1 ,  10 . (With minor modifications, it demonstrates the appearance of the cross section of a container  FIG. 18 ,  1800 .) This view illustrates the air channels which may be created by the application of images  62 ,  68 , for example, in depressed columns  66 , or raised columns  69 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a blank of an exemplary sleeve  10 . The sleeve  10  blank in this example may, with slight modifications (e.g., in size or shape), be useful as a blank for a container,  FIG. 18 ,  1800 . In this example, the sleeve  10  has a pattern made up of individual images  72 ,  78  some of which may be depressed images  72  and some of which may be raised images  78 . The images  72 ,  78  of this example may be arranged, for example, in mixed pairs  76  of depressed images  72  and raised images  78 . Alternatively, the images  72 ,  78 , may be arranged in pairs  76  of depressed images  72  only and raised images  78  only, or further, in triplets, quadruplets, or otherwise. Additionally or alternatively, the images  72 ,  78  may be arranged so that they alternate in repeating or random patters such as: depressed image  72 , depressed image  72 , raised image  78 ; raised image  78 , raised image  78 , depressed image  72 ; and others. The images  72 ,  78  may alternate (e.g., depressed image  72 , raised image  78 ) across rows (as illustrated by the row marked by line  77 ) or the images  72 ,  78  may alternate (e.g., depressed image  72 , raised image  78 ) down columns  79 . For example, the images  72 ,  78  may alternate across both rows  77  and also alternate down columns  79 . In another example, the images  72 ,  78  may alternate across rows  77  but not columns  79 . Other examples of arrangements are also contemplated. 
         [0054]    Each image  72 ,  78  may have a shape. The shape of the images  72 ,  78  may be the same or may differ one from the other. This example illustrates a generally rectangular image  72 ,  78  with curved ends. However, the images  72 ,  78  may be of any shape, for example but not limited to, square, polygon, triangle, circle, or any combination of these. The images  72 ,  78  of this example may have a depth of, for example, approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm. However, other depths may be used. 
         [0055]    As discussed above, the images  72 ,  78  of this example may be applied to the sleeve  10  in pairs  76  or otherwise. The pairs  76  of images  72 ,  78  may be arranged in an offset arrangement as shown and may be spaced one from another or may be continuous within the pair  76 . If spaced one from another, the images  72 ,  78  may have a gap from the closest gap feasibly possible based on manufacturing capabilities, to several millimeters, or for example but not limited to approximately 2 mm to approximately 5 mm. The pairs  76  may also be spaced one from another and, for example, off set. The gap between the pairs  76  in any direction may be, for example but not limited to approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm. 
         [0056]    The images  72 ,  78  may be arranged to define and air channel. For example, the gaps between the columns  79  of the sleeve  10  may define air channels. The air channels may have a vertical pitch of, for example but not limited to, approximately Θ=60°. Preferably to approximately Θ=45° to approximately Θ=30° with reference to the vertical axis from top  18  to bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The air channels may be substantially uninterrupted and may contribute to heat diversion from, for example, a hot beverage via hot air escaping upward or downward away from a user&#39;s hands or fingers. The diversion of heat may contribute to horizontal thermal insulation and may increase the user&#39;s holding comfort. Additionally, the channels may add rigidity to the sleeve without using extra material. 
         [0057]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve  10  and may also approximate the appearance of the cross section of a container  FIG. 18 ,  1800 . This view illustrates the air channels which may be created or defined by columns  79  of depressed images  72  alternating with raised images  78 , which may be, for example, embossed and/or debossed. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 7-18  illustrate several contemplated variations image shapes, image application, and column arrangement. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  illustrates an arrangement of sleeve  10  blanks, for example, as cut lines  85  on sheet material  84 . The sheet material  84  may contain one or more blanks of a sleeve  10 , although not illustrated, the sheet material may also contain one or more blanks of a container  FIG. 18 ,  1800 . The blank  10  in this example may, with slight modifications (e.g., in size or shape), be useful as a blank for a container,  FIG. 18 ,  1800 . The sleeve  10  blanks may be positioned on the sheet material  84  in a repeating pattern. 
         [0060]    As in this example, the images  82 , which may be raised images or depressed images, may be applied to the entire sheet material  84 . After applying the images  82  the sleeves may be isolated from the sheet material by releasing the sleeve  10  blanks along their cut lines  85 . This example also illustrates how images  82  may be created in different shapes. In this example, the images  82  are shown as generally triangular. The images  82  of this example may be applied to the sleeve  10  blank by the process of embossing and/or debossing (e.g., in-line or off-line rotary or platen die) and may be arranged in columns  83  that begin at the top  18  of the sleeve  10  and terminate at or near the bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The images  82  may be positioned to form a pattern on the sleeve  10  as in this example, or the images  82  may be randomly placed on the sleeve as in the other examples disclosed herein. Additionally, the images  82  may be arranged horizontal with the plane of the sheet material as shown or may follow the arc of the sleeve  10 , as in the illustrations above (e.g.,  FIG. 2A ). 
         [0061]      FIG. 8  illustrates a blank containing another exemplary sleeve  10  and illustrating the variation of possible shapes and designs of applied images  87 ,  88 . In this example, the images  87 ,  88  are shown as generally triangular. The images  87 ,  88  of this example may be applied to the sleeve  10  as raised images  87  or as depressed images  88  by the process of embossing and/or debossing (e.g., in-line or off-line rotary or platen die) and may be arranged in columns  85 ,  86  that begin at the top  18  of the sleeve  10  and terminate at or near the bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . In this example, the images  87 ,  88  are arranged in alternating raised image columns  85  and depressed image columns  86 . The images  87 ,  88  may be positioned to form a pattern on the sleeve or container blank  11  as in this example, or the images  87 ,  88  may be randomly placed on the sleeve as in the examples above. Alternatively, the patterns may be alternated in other ways, such as repeating patters of: embossed image column  85 , raised image column  85 , depressed image column  86 ; raised image column  86 , depressed image column  86 , raised image column  85 ; and others. 
         [0062]    The gap between the columns  85 ,  86  may be air channels which may have a vertical pitch of, for example but not limited to, approximately Θ=0° to approximately Θ=60°, preferably to approximately Θ=45° with reference to the vertical axis from top  18  to bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The air channels may facilitate heat via hot air flow up or down away from a users hand. 
         [0063]      FIG. 9  illustrates a variation in the image shapes, image application, and column arrangement. In this example, the image  94  may be oblong and may be applied to the sleeve  10  in various sizes. Any number of sizes may be applied. As discussed above, the images  94  may be raised, depressed, or a combination of these and may be applied by, for example, embossing and/or debossing. The images  94  may be applied in columns from the top  18  of the sleeve  10  to the bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The images  94  may be arranged on above each other within a column  96 . Each column  96 , may be made up of images  94  of the same size, or of various sizes. As discussed above, the images  94  within a column  96  may be continuous, or may be spaced one from another. The columns  96  may be spaced one from another, the spaces between the columns defining air channels. The columns  96  and/or air channels may be arranged such that they follow the arc of the sleeve, or alternatively, the columns  96  and/or air channels may be arranged horizontal to the plane of the sheet material as in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative pattern of images  112  which may be oblong and may be applied to the sleeve or container blank  11  in a uniform size. As discussed above, the images  112  may be raised, depressed, or a combination of these and may be applied by, for example, embossing and/or debossing. The images  112  may be applied in columns  114  from the top  18  of the sleeve  10  to the bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . The images  112  may be arranged one above each other within a column  114 . Each column  114  may be made up of images  112  of the same size. Each column  114  may be spaced one from another, for example, approximately 1 mm to 5 mm apart and further, each column  114  may be offset from the neighboring column  114 . The spaces between the columns may define air channels which may have a vertical pitch of for example but not limited to approximately Θ=60°, preferably to approximately Θ=45° to approximately Θ=30° with reference to the vertical axis from the top  18  to bottom  20  of the sleeve or container blank  10 . As discussed above, the images  112  within a column  114  may be continuous, or may be spaced one from another. The columns  114  may be arranged horizontal to the plane of the sheet material as shown, or alternatively, the columns  114  may be arranged such that they follow the arc of the sleeve. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate an alternative pattern of images  120 ,  130  which may be oblong and may be applied to the sleeve  10  in a uniform size as shown or in varying sizes. As discussed above, the images  120 ,  130  may be raised, depressed, or a combination of these and may be applied by, for example, embossing and/or debossing. The images  120 ,  130  may be applied in columns  122 ,  132  from the top  18  of the sleeve or container blank  11  to the bottom  20  of the sleeve or container blank. The images  120 ,  130  may be arranged on above each other within a column  122 ,  132 . Each column  122 ,  132  may be spaced one from another, for example, approximately 1 mm to 5 mm apart and additionally, each column  122 ,  132  may be offset from the neighboring column. The spaces between the columns may define air channels which may have a vertical pitch of for example but not limited to approximately Θ=0° to approximately Θ=60°, preferably to approximately Θ=45° with reference to the vertical axis from top  18  to bottom  20  of the sleeve  10 . As discussed above, the images  120 ,  130  within a column  124 ,  134  may be continuous, or may be spaced one from another.  FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate images  120 ,  130  which are placed closely together relative to the placement of the images in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The columns  132  may be arranged horizontal to the plan of the sheet material as shown in  FIG. 13 , or alternatively, the columns  122 ,  132  may be arranged such that they follow the arc of the sleeve or container blank as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate a surface on which the images  140 ,  150  are moved increasingly close together in rows  142 ,  152  while still maintaining air channels which may permit horizontal and near vertical heat flows. The images  140 ,  150  may be aligned horizontal with the plane of the sheet material as shown in  FIG. 14 , or may be aligned with the arc of the sleeve or container blank as in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate further variations of image shape, placement, and column arrangement which may facilitate multidirectional heat or hotair flow up or down away from a users hand.  FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate images  160 ,  170  which are generally trapezoidal. The images are aligned in columns which are offset from neighboring columns and create horizontal and other directional air channels as discussed above. 
         [0068]    While the disclosure above primarily references the sleeve, a container embodiment is described in  FIG. 18 , which illustrates a cut away view of a container imprinted with images as described above. Any of the sleeve blanks illustrated in  FIGS. 1-17  may be easily modified to form a container with the same features. The container  1800  may include a lip  1810 , images  1802  arranged in columns  1804  defining air channels, a bottom, and an optional exterior liner or outer wrap  1808 . The images  1802  imprinted on the container  1800  (for example, by embossing or debossing) may be of any of the patterns disclosed or described above. The air channels are substantially uninterrupted and facilitate horizontal insulation. 
         [0069]      FIG. 19  shows an exemplary method for forming a sleeve  FIG. 1 ,  10  or container  FIG. 18 ,  1800 . Box  90  may contain a step of applying images to a sheet material by embossing and/or debossing (e.g., in-line or off-line rotary or platen die), box  91  may contain a step of cutting a sleeve  10  or container blank  FIG. 18 ,  1800  to a sheet material, for example, with cut lines; and box  92  may contain the step of releasing the sleeves from the sheet material at their cut lines. The sequence of the steps may be altered and additional steps may be added. 
         [0070]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention.