Patent Publication Number: US-11661263-B2

Title: Unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosed Subject Matter 
     The present disclosed subject matter relates to a cup sleeve. Particularly, the present disclosed subject matter is directed to a thermally insulating sleeve for a cup containing a hot or cold beverage. For example, when the sleeve is used around a cup containing a hot beverage, the sleeve provides insulation from the heat. 
     Description of Related Art 
     A variety of hot or cold beverages, such as coffee and tea, are often contained in paper or plastic cups. Such cups may not be good insulators from heat or cold, and thus, such cups may not be comfortable to hold. 
     Various attempts have been made to address this problem by providing sleeves for cups containing hot beverages, such as cup sleeves made of fluted and corrugated fiberboard. As an alternative, paperboard cup sleeves would be less expensive than fluted corrugated options, but standard single-ply paperboard does not provide thermally insulating characteristic as efficient or effective as fluted corrugated options. 
     Various two-ply sleeve configurations made of paperboard have been developed, but with limited success due to complicated construction techniques or limited thermal insulation improvement. As such, there remains a need for a thermally-insulating cup sleeve made of paperboard but with enhanced thermally-insulating characteristics and simplified construction. 
     SUMMARY 
     The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings. 
     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve including a central body portion, a first side body portion, and a second side body portion. The central body portion has a first side edge, a second side edge, and a central top edge. The first side edge is at least partially defined by a first side fold line, the second side edge is at least partially defined by a second side fold line, and the central top edge is at least partially defined by a central top fold line. The first side body portion extends from the central body portion at the first side fold line, and the first side body portion has a first side top edge at least partially defined by a first side top fold line. The second side body portion extends from the central body portion at the second side fold line, and the second side body portion has a top edge at least partially defined by a second side top fold line. A central flap extends from the central body portion at the central top fold line. A first flap extends from the first side body portion at the first side top fold line. A second flap extends from the second side body portion at the second side top fold line. 
     Furthermore, the unitary blank includes at least a selected surface area of the blank having a pattern of raised features. The central flap, the first flap, and the second flap are each configured to be folded about the central top fold line, the first side top fold line and the second side top fold line, respectively, to form a multi-layer intermediate article with the pattern of raised features defining a plurality of air pockets. The multi-layer intermediate article is curled to form a multi-layer cup sleeve. 
     The first flap can include a first tab extending from a first tab edge of the first flap, and the second flap can include a first tab extending from a second tab edge of the second flap. The unitary blank can include a first-tab-body-cut-out defined proximate the first side fold line of the central body portion and a second-tab-body-cut-out defined proximate the second side fold line of the central body portion. The first tab can be configured to extend through the first-tab-body-cut-out and the second tab can be configured to extend through the second-tab-body-cut-out. 
     The unitary blank can include a first-tab-flap-cut-out defined proximate a first-tab-flap-cut-out-edge of the central flap and a second-tab-flap-cut-out defined proximate a second-tab-flap-cut-out-edge of the central flap. The first-tab-flap-cut-out can be configured to engage with the first tab and the second-tab-flap-cut-out can be configured to engage with the second tab. 
     The unitary blank can include a third flap extending from the first side body portion at a third flap edge. The unitary blank can further include a third tab extending from a third tab edge of the second side body portion. The unitary blank can further include a third-tab-body-cut-out defined proximate the third flap edge of the first side body portion. The third tab can be configured to extend through the third-tab-body-cut-out. The unitary blank can further include a third-tab-first-flap-cut-out defined proximate a third-tab-first-flap-cut-out-edge of the first flap. The third-tab-first-flap-cut-out can be configured to engage with the third tab. The unitary blank can further include a third-tab-second-flap-cut-out defined proximate a third-tab-second-flap-cut-out-edge of the second flap. The third-tab-second-flap-cut-out can be configured to engage with the third tab. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the unitary blank can further include a first middle flap extending between the first-tab-flap-cut-out-edge of the central flap and the first tab edge of the first flap, and a second middle flap extending between the second-tab-flap-cut-out-edge of the central flap and the second tab edge of the second flap, wherein the first-tab-flap-cut-out-edge is defined proximate a first-tab-flap-cut-out-edge-fold-line and the second-tab-flap-cut-out-edge is defined proximate a second-tab-flap-cut-out-edge-fold-line. In this manner the central flap, the first flap, the second flap, the first middle flap, and the second middle flap each can be folded about the central top fold line, the first side top fold line and the second side top fold line, respectively, partially forming a multi-layer intermediate article with the pattern of raised features defining a plurality of air pockets. The raised pattern areas of inner flaps can overlay corresponding raised pattern areas of sleeve outer body panels thereby increasing the volume of air pockets created between inner flaps and outer body panels. 
     The first flap, central flap, and second flap can be joined to the first side body portion, central side body portion, and the second side body portion, such as by glue or thermal adhesive or the like. Furthermore, with the intermediate article curled to define a frustoconical shape, the first side body portion can be joined to the second side body portion, or if provided, the third flap can be joined to the second side body portion, such as by glue or thermal adhesive or the like. 
     The first flap, central flap, and second flap can each further have a top edge defining a top edge radius. The first side body portion, central body portion, and second side body portion can each further have a bottom edge defining a bottom edge radius. The first flap can be folded along the first side top fold line at a first angle, and further wherein the second flap is folded along the second side top fold line at a second angle. The pattern can have a thickness in a range from 0.012 inches to 0.018 inches. 
     The disclosed subject matter also includes a multi-layer cup sleeve including a central side body portion, a first side body portion, and a second side body portion. The central body portion has a first side edge, a second side edge, and a central top edge. The first side edge is at least partially defined by a first side fold line, the second side edge is at least partially defined by a second side fold line, and the central top edge is at least partially defined by a central top fold line. The first side body portion extends from the central body portion at the first side fold line, and the first side body portion has a first side top edge at least partially defined by a first side top fold line. The second side body portion extends from the central body portion at the second side fold line, and the second side body portion has a top edge at least partially defined by a second side top fold line. The central body portion includes a central flap moveable between an open position and a closed position, the central top fold line to fold the central flap in the closed position, which is substantially parallel to the central body portion. The first side body portion includes a first flap moveable between an open position and a closed position, the first side top fold line to fold the first flap in the closed position, which is substantially parallel to the first side body portion. The second side body portion includes a second flap moveable between an open position and a closed position, the second side top fold line to fold the second flap in the closed position, which is substantially parallel to the second side body portion. The multi-layer cup sleeve also includes at least a selected surface area of the sleeve having a pattern of raised features. The central flap, the first flap, and the second flap of the sleeve are each in the closed position with the pattern of raised features defining a plurality of air pockets between the body portions and flaps, and the various portions of the sleeve curled define a frustoconical shape. 
     The disclosed subject matter also includes a method of forming a cup sleeve including providing a blank including a central body portion, a first side body portion, and a second side body portion. The central body portion has a first side edge, a second side edge, and a central top edge. The first side edge is at least partially defined by a first side fold line, the second side edge is at least partially defined by a second side fold line, and the central top edge is at least partially defined by a central top fold line. The first side body portion extends from the central body portion at the first side fold line, and the first side body portion has a first side top edge at least partially defined by a first side top fold line. The second side body portion extends from the central body portion at the second side fold line, and the second side body portion has a top edge at least partially defined by a second side top fold line. The central body portion includes a central flap extending from the central body portion at the central top fold line. The first side body portion includes a first flap extending from the first side body portion at the first side top fold line. The second side body portion includes a second flap extending from the second side body portion at the second side top fold line. The blank also includes at least a selected surface area of the blank having a pattern of raised features. The method of forming a cup sleeve further includes folding the central flap, the first flap, and the second flap about the central top fold line, the first side top fold line and the second side top fold line, respectively, to form a multi-layer intermediate article with the pattern of raised features defining a plurality of air pockets. The method of forming a cup sleeve further includes curling the multi-layer intermediate article to define a frustoconical shape. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view of an exemplary unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    is a plan view of an exemplary unitary blank including a pattern of raised features having an “x” configuration in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  3    is a plan view of an exemplary unitary blank including a pattern of raised features having an “o” configuration in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a plan view of an exemplary unitary blank including tabs with c-shaped configurations in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a plan view of an exemplary unitary blank including tabs with c-shaped configurations and a pattern of raised features having an “o” configuration in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  5    is a plan view of an exemplary unitary blank including a third tab in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a plan view of an exemplary unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve including additional flaps in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a plan view of an exemplary unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve including additional flaps and a pattern of raised features having an “o” configuration in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a side view of an exemplary multi-layer intermediate article in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a side view of an exemplary multi-layer intermediate article in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  7 C  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary multi-layer intermediate article in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of an exemplary cup sleeve in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of an exemplary cup sleeve having additional flaps in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system. 
     The apparatus and methods presented herein can be used for a cup sleeve or a unitary blank forming a cup sleeve. The disclosed subject matter is particularly suited for forming a unitary blank or cup sleeve for a cup containing a beverage, wherein the blank or sleeve provides thermally-insulating characteristics when the cup contains a hot or cold beverage. 
     In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a blank is provided including a unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve including a central body portion, a first side body portion, and a second side body portion. The central body portion has a first side edge, a second side edge, and a central top edge. The first side edge is at least partially defined by a first side fold line, the second side edge is at least partially defined by a second side fold line, and the central top edge is at least partially defined by a central top fold line. The first side body portion extends from the central body portion at the first side fold line, and the first side body portion has a first side top edge at least partially defined by a first side top fold line. The second side body portion extends from the central body portion at the second side fold line, and the second side body portion has a top edge at least partially defined by a second side top fold line. The central body portion includes a central flap extending from the central body portion at the central top fold line. The first side body portion includes a first flap extending from the first side body portion at the first side top fold line. The second side body portion includes a second flap extending from the second side body portion at the second side top fold line. Furthermore, the unitary blank includes at least a selected surface area of the blank having a pattern of raised features. The central flap, the first flap, and the second flap are each configured to be folded about the central top fold line, the first side top fold line and the second side top fold line, respectively, to form a multi-layer intermediate article with the pattern of raised features defining a plurality of air pockets. 
     The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary unitary blank forming a cup sleeve in accordance with the disclosed subject matter is shown in  FIG.  1   . Additionally, for purpose of understanding, reference is made in conjunction to the sleeve  800  of  FIG.  8   , which is formed by the blank  100  of  FIG.  1   . For purpose of illustration, and not limitation, reference will made herein to a unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve intended to contain a cup holding beverages, however, the disclosed unitary blank can be used for forming a sleeve intended to contain a cup (or other similar implement) holding a variety of substances that can be hot (e.g., soup, French fries) or cold (e.g., ice cream, flavored ices). Additionally, as used herein, the terms “front,” “rear,” “side,” “top,” and “bottom” are used for the purpose of illustration only, and not limitation. That is, it is recognized that the terms “front,” “rear,” “side,” “top,” and “bottom” are interchangeable and are merely used herein as a point of reference. 
     As embodied herein for purpose of illustration and not limitation,  FIG.  1    illustrates a unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the unitary blank  100 , which can be used to form the sleeve  800  of  FIG.  8   , includes a central body portion  102 , a first side body portion  104 , and a second side body portion  106 . The central body portion  102  has a first side edge  108 , a central top edge  110 , and a second side edge  112 . The first side edge  108  is at least partially defined by a first side fold line  114 . The central top edge  110  is at least partially defined by a central top fold line  116 . The second side edge  112  is at least partially defined by a second side fold line  118 . The first side body portion  104  extends from the central body portion  102  at the first side fold line  114 , and the first side body portion  104  has a first side top edge  120  at least partially defined by a first side top fold line  122 . The second side body portion  106  extends from the central body portion  102  at the second side fold line  118 , and the second side body portion  106  has a top edge  124  at least partially defined by a second side top fold line  126 . The central body portion  102  includes a central flap  128  extending from the central body portion  102  at the central top fold line  118 . The first side body portion  104  includes a first flap  130  extending from the first side body portion  104  at the first side top fold line  122 . The second side body portion  106  includes a second flap  132  extending from the second side body portion  106  at the second side top fold line  126 . 
     To form the sleeve of the disclosed subject matter, the method includes forming a multi-layer intermediate article using the blank as disclosed by folding the central flap  128 , the first flap  130  and the second flap  132  about the central top fold line  118 , the first side top fold line  122  and the second side top fold line  126 , respectively. A multi-layer cup sleeve  800 , as shown in  FIG.  8   , can be formed by curling the multi-layer intermediate article into a frustoconical shape. The first side body portion and the second side body portion can then be joined together using conventional techniques, such as by glue or thermal adhesive or the like. 
     As embodied herein, the unitary blank  100  can further include a first tab  134  extending from a first tab edge  136  of the first flap  130  and a second tab  138  extending from a second tab edge  140  of the second flap  132 . The unitary blank  100  can further include a first-tab-body-cut-out  142  defined proximate the first side fold line  114  of the central body portion  102  and a second-tab-body-cut-out  144  defined proximate the second side fold line  118  of the central body portion  102 . When the multi-layer cup sleeve  800  is formed, the first tab  134  can extend through the first-tab-body-cut-out  142  and the second tab  138  can extend through the second-tab-body-cut-out  144 . When tabs  134 ,  138  extend though cut-outs  142 ,  144 , tabs  134 ,  138  can provide additional distance and insulation from a cup held in the sleeve. The first and second tab-body-cut-outs  142 ,  144  and tabs  134 ,  138  can have any suitable shapes and dimensions for forming the multi-layer cup sleeve  800 . Although first and second tab-body-cut-outs  142 ,  144  and tabs  134 ,  138  are illustrated, any suitable number of cut outs and tabs can be used. 
     The unitary blank  100  can further include a first-tab-flap-cut-out  146  defined proximate a first-tab-flap-cut-out-edge  148  of the central flap  128  and a second-tab-flap-cut-out  150  defined proximate a second-tab-flap-cut-out-edge  152  of the central flap  128 . The first-tab-flap-cut-out  146  can engage with the first tab  134  and the second-tab-flap-cut-out  150  can engage with the second tab  138 . First and second tab-flap-cut-outs  146 ,  150  can have any suitable shapes and dimensions for forming the multi-layer cup sleeve  800 . Although only first and second tab-flap-cut-outs  146 ,  150  are illustrated, any suitable number can be used. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the unitary blank  100  can include a third flap  154  extending from the first side body portion  104  at a third flap edge  156 . The third flap  154  can be joined to the second side body portion  106  when the multi-layer intermediate article is curled to form the multi-layer cup sleeve  800 . For example, the third flap  154  can be joined to the second side body portion  106  using conventional techniques, such as by glue or thermal adhesive or the like.  FIGS.  2  and  3    can have one or more features as included in blank  100 , for example, central flap  228 ,  328 , first flap  230 ,  330 , second flap  232 ,  332 , central body portion  202 ,  302 , first side body portion  204 ,  304 , second side body portion  206 ,  306 , and third flap  254 ,  354 . 
     For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the tabs  134 ,  138 , first and second tab-flap-cut-outs  146 ,  150 , and first and second tab-body-cut-outs  142 ,  144  can be of any suitable shape, including but not limited to u-shaped and radius cut-outs, and any other male cut-out shape that can protrude through a corresponding female slot. As shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the blank  400  can include tabs  434 ,  438  located on the central flap  428  and the first and second tab-flap-cut-outs  446 ,  450  can be located on the first and second flaps  430 ,  432 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the cut-outs  142 ,  144  can face towards the central body portion  102 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , the cut-outs  442 ,  444  can face away from the central body portion  402 .  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  can also have one or more features as included in blank  100 , for example, central body portion  402 , first side body portion  404 , and second side body portion  406 , and third flap  454 . 
     For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the unitary blank  100  can have a width “w 1 ” of about 10 to 12 inches. The height of the unitary blank  100  can have a height “h 1 ” of about 5.0 to 7.0 inches and a height “h 2 ” of about 6.0 to 8.0 inches. The central body portion  102  can have a height “h 3 ” of about 2.25 to 4.0 inches. The central flap can have a height “h 4 ” of about 2.25 to 4.0 inches. The central body portion  102  can have a width “w 2 ” of about 4.0 to 5.0 and a width “w 3 ” of about 4.75 to 6.25 inches. 
     A selected surface area of the unitary blank  100  can include a pattern of raised features  101 . The pattern  101  preferably has a thickness dimension in a range from 0.006 to 0.018 inches. The pattern  101  on the flaps  128 ,  130 ,  132  can be designed to with respect to the pattern  101  on body portions  102 ,  104 ,  106 , such that the patterns engage when flaps  128 ,  130 ,  132  are folded against body portions  102 ,  104 ,  106 , thus creating a plurality of air pockets in the multi-layer intermediate article. When the pattern of raised features  101  on flaps  128 ,  130 ,  132  are engaged with the corresponding raised pattern  101  of body portions  102 ,  104 ,  106 , the size, e.g., volume, of air pockets created between flaps  128 ,  130 ,  132  and body portions  102 ,  104 ,  106  can be increased. For example and without limitation, a single ply air pocket of 0.010 inches would approximately double to 0.020 inches when inner flaps and outer body panels are combined. Increased air pockets can be formed by allowing central flap  128  and inner flaps  130  and  132  to move freely when sleeve is curled. Sleeve side body panels  104  and  106  can be joined by adhesive connection of their overlap panel portions whose combined folded dimension is greater than dimension of panel  102 . Likewise, flaps  128 ,  130 ,  134  can be joined to body portions  102 ,  104 ,  106  using conventional techniques, such as by glue or thermal adhesive or the like. The pattern  101  can be on both a top surface of the blank  100  and a bottom surface of the blank  100 . The pattern can be of any suitable shape and dimensions, including but not limited to stripes, crosses, or dots. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 A,  5 , and  6 A , the blank  100 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  can include patterns of raised features  101 ,  401 ,  501 ,  601  having a striped configuration. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the blank  200  can include a pattern of raised features  201  having an “x” configuration. As shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  4 B, and  6 B , the blanks  300 ,  400 ,  600  can include patterns of raised features  301 ,  401 ,  601  having an “o” configuration. 
     As further embodied herein, and as shown in  FIG.  5    for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the unitary blank  500  can include a third tab  558  extending from a third tab edge  560  of the second side body portion  506 . The unitary blank  500  can further include a third-tab-body-cut-out  562  defined proximate the third flap edge  556  of the first side body portion  504 . The third tab  558  can extend through the third-tab-body-cut-out  562 . The unitary blank  500  can further include a third-tab-first-flap-cut-out  564  defined proximate a third-tab-first-flap-cut-out-edge  566  of the first flap  530 . The third-tab-first-flap-cut-out  564  can engage with the third tab  558 . The unitary blank  500  can further include a third-tab-second-flap-cut-out  568  defined proximate a third-tab-second-flap-cut-out-edge  570  of the second flap  532 . The third-tab-second-flap-cut-out  568  can engage with the third tab  558 . The tab-flap-cut-outs  546 ,  550 ,  564 ,  568 , tab-body-cut-outs  542 ,  544 ,  562  and tabs  542 ,  544 ,  558  can have any suitable shapes and dimensions for forming the multi-layer cup sleeve  800 , and any suitable number of cut-outs and tabs can be used. 
     In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, and as shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , the unitary blank  600  can include a first middle flap  684  and a second middle flap  686 . The first middle flap  684  can extend from the first tab edge  648  of the central flap  628  toward the first-tab-flap-cut-out-edge  636  of the first flap  630 . The second middle flap  686  can extend from the second tab edge  652  of the central flap  628  toward the second-tab-flap-cut-out-edge  640  of the second flap  632 . The first tab edge  648  is at least partially defined by a first-tab-edge-fold-line  688 . The second tab edge  652  is at least partially defined by a second-tab-edge-fold-line  690 . When the central flap  628 , the first flap  630  and the second flap  632  are folded about the central top fold line  616 , the first side top fold line  622  and the second side top fold line  626 , respectively, the first middle flap  684  and the second middle flap  686  are also folded with the central flap  628 , the first flap  630  and the second flap  632 , partially forming a multi-layer intermediate article  700 , as shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C , with the pattern of raised features  601  defining a plurality of air pockets. As shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , when the pattern of raised features  601  on inner flaps  628 ,  630 ,  632  are engaged with the corresponding raised pattern  601  of body portions  602 ,  604 ,  606 , the size or volume of air pockets created between inner flaps  628 ,  630 ,  632  and body portions  602 ,  604 ,  606  can be increased. For example, and without limitation, a 0.010 in. single-ply air pocket would double to 0.020 in when the raised pattern  601  of inner flaps  628 ,  630 ,  632  engage the raised pattern  601  of body portions  602 ,  604 ,  606 , respectively. Additionally or alternatively, unitary blank  600  can further include a third tab  658  extending from a third tab edge  660  of the second side body portion  606 . Alternatively, the first middle flap  684  and the second middle flap  686  can extend from the first flap  630  and the second flap  632 , respectively, and toward the central flap  628 . The first side body portion  604  can be joined to the second side body portion  606  and the multi-layer intermediate article  700 , as shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C , can be curled to form a multi-layer cup sleeve  900 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . The tab-flap-cut-outs  646 ,  650 , tab-body-cut-outs  642 ,  644  and tabs  634 ,  638 ,  658  can have any suitable shapes and dimensions for forming the multi-layer cup sleeve  900 , and any suitable number of cut-outs and tabs can be used. Alternatively, the third flap  654  can be joined to the second side body portion  606  and the multi-layer intermediate article  700 , as shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C , can be curled to form multi-layer cup sleeve  900 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . For example and without limitation, as shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C , the third flap  754  can be joined to the second side body portion  706  and the multi-layer intermediate article  700  can be curled to form multi-layer cup sleeve  900 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . In  FIG.  9   , the multi-layer cup sleeve  900  is formed with three layers in approximately half of the total sleeve surface. 
     The first flap  630  and second flap  632  can be adhesively joined to the first side body portion  604  and the second side body portion  606 . Additionally or alternatively, the central flap  628  can be adhesively joined to the central body portion  602 , and the third flap  654  can be adhesively joined to the second side body portion  606 . The adhesive can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to hot melt adhesive, water based glue, solvent based glue, radiation curable glue, and/or suitable foams. The adhesive can be coated on some or all of the sides of flaps  628 ,  630 ,  632  that fold against body portions  602 ,  604 ,  606 , such when the flap  628 ,  630 ,  632  are folded about the fold lines  616 ,  622 ,  626 , to form a multi-layer intermediate article  700 , the flaps  628 ,  630 ,  632  are adhesively joined to the body portions  602 ,  604 ,  606 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the first flap  130 , central flap  128 , and second flap  132 , and middle flaps if provided, can each further have a top edge  172  defining a top edge radius r 1 . The first side body portion  104 , central body portion  102 , and second side body portion  106  can each further have a bottom edge  176  defining a bottom edge radius r 2 . The top edge radius r 1  and the bottom edge radius r 2  preferably have a radius preferably in the range of 16 to 17 degrees. 
     The first flap  130  can be folded along the first side top fold line  122  at a first angle “a 1 ”, and further wherein the second flap  132  is folded along the second side top fold line  126  at a second angle “a 2 ”. The first angle “a 1 ” preferably has an angle of around 15 degrees from a horizontal axis defined at the central top fold line  116 . The second angle “a 2 ” preferably has an angle of around 105 degrees from a horizontal axis defined at the central top fold line  116 . 
     The containers disclosed herein are preferably disposable, but it is contemplated that they can be reused at a future time. Also, the blanks and sleeves described herein can be manufactured from any suitable material, including but not limited to paper, paper laminated on at least one side, multiple-walled paper, paperboard, resin, plastic and other polymers, suitable composite materials, and/or suitable foams. 
     In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.