Patent Publication Number: US-11046501-B1

Title: Insulation sleeve for beverage container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/550,716, filed on Aug. 28, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Insulation sleeves that are slid over cold beverage containers, such as 12 ounce aluminum cans, have been in common use for a considerable period. The prior designs include many beverage holders, but none just like this presentation. While other variations exist, the above-mentioned designs for beverage sleeves and coasters are typical of those encountered. 
     It would be beneficial to provide a thin cold beverage sleeve adaptable to the standard U.S. 12 ounce aluminum can. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of an insulation sleeve for beverage container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of an exemplary beverage can for use with the sleeve shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the sleeve of  FIG. 1  being slid onto the container of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a fabric sheet used to make the sleeve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of seams sewn into the fabric of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view showing a seam sewn into the fabric of  FIG. 5  for a chamfer; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of chamfers having been cut from the fabric of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a lip cutout being cut in the fabric; and 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a cut sleeve prior to sewing according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The embodiments illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. These embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principle of the invention and its application and practical use and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. 
     Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.” 
     As used in this application, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. 
     Additionally, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. 
     The present invention provides a thin beverage sleeve that will insulate an aluminum can and protect the user from cold and moisture. The inventive sleeve can be easily attached to the aluminum can by slipping the sleeve over the top of the can. The sleeve fits tightly over the can, is form fitting, covers the entire can label, and is aesthetically pleasing. The sleeve does not cover the bottom of the can. In other words, it would be difficult to notice that the can has a sleeve on it from a distance. 
     Optionally, the sleeve is capable of displaying advertising or can be personalized with screen printing. It is desired that the sleeve is washable and reusable. Further, the sleeve is absorbent and will keep sweating aluminum cans from dripping on a user&#39;s hands, clothing or surface that the can is setting on. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is a thin beverage can insulating sleeve  100  (“sleeve  100 ”) that is used to cover cold beverages in standard U.S. 12 ounce aluminum cans. An exemplary can  50  is shown in  FIG. 2  and the application of sleeve  100  over can  50  is shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , sleeve  100  is a tubular band formed from one unitary, single piece of fabric  102  having an opening on both a top end  110  and a bottom end  112 , with a taper at top end  110 , allowing the user to cover a standard U.S. 12 ounce aluminum can  50 . Sleeve  100  can be constructed from an expandable material, such as, for example, a 1.5 mm thick neoprene rubber with polyester or nylon fabric on both sides, or any similar material that will insulate and easily stretch over can  50  and fit snugly covering can  50  from the top lip  52  of can  50  to the bottom portion  54  of can  50 . Sleeve  100  is sweat absorbing such that condensation on can  50  will be absorbed and reduce dripping on any other surfaces. 
     Logos or other indicia  120  can be printed on the exterior of sleeve  100 . Indicia  120  that can be applied with screen printing. An ink used for elastic fabrics can be used to help prevent cracking. In lieu of screen printing, textile printed fabrics can be used to create designs on fabric  102 . 
     Many different fabrics can be used to manufacture sleeve  100 , as long as the material is insulating, stretchy, thin, and absorbing. The above-mentioned materials can be satisfactory materials due to their insulating capabilities, thinness, shiny appearance, elasticity, and absorptive properties. 
       FIG. 3  shows how sleeve  100  is slid over a standard U.S. 12 ounce aluminum can  50  in the direction of arrows “A”. The material is stretchy enough to be slid on from the top or bottom of can  50 , but to reduce wear on sleeve  100 , it is suggested to slide sleeve  100  over the top lip  52  of can  50 . Sleeve  100  is pulled down to where the top end  110  of sleeve  100  is just below the lip  52  at the top of can  50 . Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a lip cutout  130  can be cut out of top end  110  of sleeve  100 . When placing sleeve  100  over can  50 , lip cutout  130  can be aligned with the opening in can  50  such that, when the user places can  50  against his/her lips to drink from can  50 , the user&#39;s lips do not engage sleeve  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , to make sleeve  100 , start off with a unitary, single piece of fabric  102 , composed of neoprene rubber with polyester or nylon fabric on both sides or similar material, that is approximately 8″ wide by 4.5″ tall. In step  202 , ( FIG. 4 ) fold the fabric in half along crease  150 . In step  204 , ( FIG. 5 ), sew a seam  152  along the left edge  154  and first chamfer  156 , which is offset 0.5″ down from the top and 0.5″ over from the vertical seam  152 . A curve with an approximate radius of 1″ connects the vertical seam  152  and diagonal seam  154 . In step  208  ( FIG. 6 ), sew seam  158  along second top chamfer  159 , which is offset 0.5″ down from the top and 0.5″ over from the crease  150 . The seam  158  is curved with approximate radius of 1″ tangent to the top end  110  of fabric  102 . 
     In step  210  ( FIG. 7 ), cut fabric close (about 1/16″) to the seams  152 ,  154 , and  158 . In step  214 , turn the fabric inside out so that the seams  152 ,  154 ,  158  are on the inside. The completed sleeve  100  is approximately 4.5″ tall by 3.75″ wide with 0.5″ curved chamfers on the top right and left sides. Optionally, in step  216  ( FIG. 8 ), lip cutout  130  can be cut out in an elliptical arc having a long side of about 1.5 inches and a short side of between about 0.25 inches and about 0.375 inches. 
     After completion, sleeve  100  has a generally tubular band with a generally frusto-conical top having a lip cutout in the top. 
     In relation to the prior art can insulator known as the KOOZIE®, sleeve  100  uses 22% less fabric, having fabric dimensions of 4.5″×8″ (36 in 2 ), vs. KOOZIE® fabric dimensions of 4.5″×10.25″ (46.13 in 2 ). Additionally, sleeve  100  has a shorter seam length of 5.5″, compared to an 8″ seam length for KOOZIE®. Further, 
     In relation to the KOOZIE®, sleeve  100  wastes 90% less fabric during the manufacturing process.
         sleeve  100  wasted fabric: 0.5 in 2      KOOZIE® wasted fabric: 5.21 in 2      0.5/5.21=10%       

     In relation to the KOOZIE®, sleeve  100  does not cover the bottom of a can, resulting in the can being more stable when placed on a flat surface. 
     In relation to the KOOZIE®, sleeve  100  uses a thinner neoprene material, allowing a can to fit into cup holders that are more narrow. 
     The below chart illustrates a comparison in the change in temperature of a can of beverage (soda) over a 45 minute period in a room with the temperature ranging between 100-110 degrees F., with a “Control” can being non-insulated, a can insulated by sleeve  100 , and a can insulated by a KOOZIE® sleeve. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Control  
                   
                 Sleeve  
                   
                 KOOZIE 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Temp. 
                   
                 100 
                   
                 Temp. 
                   
               
               
                 Time 
                 (degrees  
                 Δ 
                 Temp. 
                 Δ 
                 (degrees 
                 Δ 
               
               
                 (min) 
                 F) 
                 Temp. 
                 (degrees F) 
                 Temp. 
                 F) 
                 Temp. 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                  0 
                 36.2 
                   
                 37.5 
                   
                 36.2 
                   
               
               
                  5 
                 41.6 
                 5.4 
                 40.4 
                 2.9 
                 38.4 
                 2.2 
               
               
                 10 
                 45.4 
                 9.2 
                 43.2 
                 5.7 
                 41.4 
                 5.2 
               
               
                 15 
                 49.3 
                 13.1 
                 46.5 
                 9 
                 43.5 
                 7.3 
               
               
                 20 
                 52.2 
                 16 
                 48.4 
                 10.9 
                 46.5 
                 10.3 
               
               
                 25 
                 55.4 
                 19.2 
                 51.2 
                 13.7 
                 48.4 
                 12.2 
               
               
                 30 
                 58.1 
                 21.9 
                 53.6 
                 16.1 
                 50.3 
                 14.1 
               
               
                 35 
                 60.4 
                 24.2 
                 54.4 
                 16.9 
                 52.7 
                 16.5 
               
               
                 40 
                 62.3 
                 26.1 
                 56.4 
                 18.9 
                 54.2 
                 18 
               
               
                 45 
                 64.5 
                 28.3 
                 58.4 
                 20.9 
                 55.4 
                 19.2 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Throughout the 45 minute test period, at 5 minute intervals, the A Temp. of the beverage insulated by sleeve  100  was only slightly higher than the A Temp. of the beverage insulate by the KOOZIE® sleeve. Applicant believes that cost savings in material and manufacturing offset the slight temperature losses of sleeve  100  compared to the KOOZIE® sleeve. 
     Alternatively, instead of folding the fabric and sewing the fabric in steps  202 - 208  prior to cutting the fabric in step  210 , a sleeve  300  can be formed by cutting a fabric  302  to a shape as shown in  FIG. 9  (or similar) prior to sewing or otherwise connecting the sides of the fabric with each other. 
     Vertical, parallel sides  352 ,  354  and are connected to each other along a bottom side  312 . A centerline  356  running parallel to sides  352 ,  354  is also provided. A lip cutout  330  is formed along a top side  310  between side  352  and centerline  356 . 
     Curved chamfers  362 ,  364 ,  366 ,  368  are formed along the top side  310 . Chamfer  362  is formed between side  352  and top side  310 ; chamfer  364  is formed between side  354  and top side  310 ; chamfer  366  is formed between centerline  356  and top side  310  toward lip cutout  330 ; and chamfer  368  is formed between centerline  356  and top side  310  away from lip cutout  330 . 
     To form completed sleeve  300 , sides  352 ,  354  are brought together and connected to each other along their respective lengths, such as by sewing. Chamfer  362  is connected to chamfer  364  and chamfer  366  is connected to chamfer  368 . Sides  352 ,  354  and chamfers  362 ,  364  can be connected by a single unitary seam. The connected chamfers  362 / 364 ,  366 / 368  eliminate any “bulge” at the chamfer seams and allow sleeve  300  to “hug” the top corner of a standard beverage can. 
     While the sizes used and described above are for use with a standard 12 ounce beverage can, those skilled in the art will recognize that this same process can be used to make different size sleeves for different size cans, but using different dimensions for the sleeve material. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.