Abstract:
A multi-layer absorptive coaster includes a bottom layer comprising a waterproof, resilient, slip-resistant material, such as neoprene. Intermediate and top layers comprise fabric with a blend of polyester and cotton. A multi-layer insulative beverage container includes a base having a bottom layer comprising a waterproof material, such as neoprene, and a jacket having a middle layer comprising a waterproof material such as neoprene. The jacket inner and outer layers comprise a fabric with a blend of cotton and polyester. Printing can be applied to the top layer of the base, and the inner and outer layer of the jacket. The material layers are bonded together.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority in, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/743,294, filed May 2, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to coasters, and in particular to a multi-layer coaster comprising one or more materials with liquid-absorptive properties. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Drinking vessels, such as bottles, cans, glasses, cups and the like are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and materials. However, in uninsulated vessels, chilled beverages and other contents typically cause condensation from exposure to the ambient atmosphere. Among the factors affecting surface condensation are the ambient humidity level and the temperature of the liquid contents. Generally speaking, higher ambient humidity levels and colder liquid content temperatures tend to increase condensation volume. 
         [0006]    Drink coasters are commonly used for absorbing condensation and protecting furniture on which they are placed. Coasters have previously been made of various materials, including cellulose compositions (e.g., paper and fibreboard), plastic, cork, wood and leather. In addition to absorbing moisture, coasters are commonly imprinted with various graphic indicia, including text, designs, logos and commercial material. Commercial printing processes are in common use for mass producing such printed materials. 
         [0007]    Another functional criteria for drink coasters relates to resisting sliding on hard surfaces, such as countertops, tabletops, etc. Spillage and other mishaps can thus be minimized. Still further, coasters can provide impact-absorbing protection for furniture pieces on which they are placed. 
         [0008]    Heretofore there has not been available a multi-layered absorptive coaster with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In the practice of the present invention, a multi-layer coaster is provided for absorbing moisture and placing a vessel on a hard surface in an anti-slip, protective relationship. The coaster comprises a bottom layer of a waterproof, anti-slip material, such as neoprene, and at least one upper layer of fabric, such as a polyester and cotton blend all bonded together. An alternative embodiment coaster includes a middle layer of waterproof material, such as neoprene, disposed between, and bonded to, an inner and outer layer of fabric, such as a polyester and cotton blend. An additional alternative embodiment coaster includes a multi-layer sleeve attached to the aforementioned multi-layer coaster for absorbing moisture and providing insulative properties for a vessel. The sleeve comprises a middle layer of waterproof material, such as neoprene, disposed between, and bonded to, a layer of cotton and polyester blend fabric. Printing can be applied to the top layer of the base, and the inner and outer layers of the sleeve. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded, perspective view of a coaster embodying an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a vertical cross-sectional view thereof. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment coaster. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment coaster. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view of an alternative embodiment coaster and sleeve. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view thereof, taking generally along line  6  in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view of an alternative securing arrangement for the coaster and sleeve. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0017]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0018]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
       II. Preferred Embodiment Coaster  2   
       [0019]    Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral  2  generally designates a coaster embodying an aspect of the present invention. Without limitation on the generality of useful constructions, the coaster  2  is shown with a neoprene bottom layer  4 , an intermediate cotton and polyester blend layer  6  and a top layer  8 , also comprising a blend of cotton and polyester. The specific ratio of cotton and polyester in the intermediate and top layers  6 ,  8  is preferably chosen for its suitability for the particular applications of the coaster  2 . For example, a 50%-50% blend is generally suitable for providing moisture absorption and entrapment, in addition to providing a printable surface material adapted for various printing processes, such as screen printing. Various subject matter  10  can be printed on the top layer  8 , including digital images provided by individual customers for customized sets of coasters and logos for commercial establishments. 
         [0020]    The bottom layer  4  is preferably waterproof in order to avoid saturation and to minimize the possibility of water damage to the underlying structure from liquids soaking through the bottom layer  4 . The bottom layer  4  is also preferably resilient and impact resistant, with a certain thickness (e.g. in the range of about ⅛″ to ⅜″) in order to protect the underlying surface. Still further, the bottom layer  4  preferably as a relatively high coefficient of friction in order to avoid sliding on hard, smooth surfaces, such as tabletops and countertops. In addition to the functional features described above, the coaster  2  is preferably capable of being washed in an automatic dishwasher for reuse indefinitely. 
         [0021]    It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above and shown in the drawings. Other materials and components can be utilized. For example, it will be appreciated that a wide range of compatible materials may be utilized. Moreover, they can be bonded together using various suitable techniques, such as adhesives, pressure bonding, stitching, mechanical fasteners and the like. Still further, the coaster  2  can be formed in various configurations, such as basic geometrical shapes and fanciful configurations. 
       III. Alternative Embodiment Coaster  102   
       [0022]      FIG. 3  shows an alternative embodiment coaster  102  embodying an aspect of the present invention. Without limitation on the generality of useful constructions of the coaster  102 , the embodiment is shown with a neoprene bottom layer  104 , and at least one cotton and polyester blend top layer  106 . The material in the top layer  106  is composed of a ratio of cotton and polyester blend chosen for the ability to provide moisture absorption and entrapment, durability of wear, and adaptability for various printing processes, such as screen printing or garment printing. For example, a 70% cotton, 30% polyester blend generally provides a suitable moisture absorption and durability profile for use with beverage containers. 
         [0023]    The bottom layer  104  consists of neoprene with a thickness in the range of about ⅛″ to ⅜″. The material comprising the bottom layer  104  is preferably: durable and impact resistant to provide cushioning for a vessel disposed thereon, and to protect the object in contact with the bottom surface  110 ; waterproof to avoid transmission of moisture from the top layer  106  to the object in contact with the bottom surface  110 ; and has a high coefficient of friction to limit sliding of the coaster  103  on smooth surfaces. The bottom layer  104  and top layer  106  are secured together using various suitable techniques, such as adhesives, pressure bonding, stitching, etc. The coaster  103  is formed by a circular die-cut process. 
       IV. Alternative Embodiment Coaster  120   
       [0024]      FIG. 4  shows another alternative embodiment coaster  120  consisting of an inner layer  124 , a middle layer  122 , and outer layer  126 . The middle layer  122  consists of a waterproof material, preferably neoprene, with a thickness in the range of about ⅛″ to ⅜″, to avoid migration of moisture between the inner and outer layers  124 ,  126 . The inner and outer layers  124 ,  126  consist of a moisture absorbing and wear resistant material, such as 70% cotton, and 30% polyester that is adapted for various printing processes, such as screen printing or garment printing. The middle layer  122  is secured to the inner layer  124  and outer layer  126  by a suitable technique such as adhesives, pressure bonding, etc. The coaster  120  is formed by a die-cut process. 
       V. Alternative Embodiment Insulative Beverage Container  202   
       [0025]      FIGS. 5-6  show an alternative embodiment insulative beverage container  202  consisting of a base  204  and a sleeve  220  attached thereto. The base  204  is similar in composition to the coaster  102  described above in that the base  204  is shown with a neoprene bottom layer  206 , and at least one cotton and polyester blend top layer  208 . The material in the top layer  208  is composed of a ratio of cotton and polyester blend chosen for the ability to provide moisture absorption and entrapment, and durability of wear. For example, a 70% cotton, 30% polyester blend generally provides a suitable moisture absorption and durability profile for use with beverage containers. The bottom layer  206  consists of neoprene with a thickness in the range of about ⅛″ to ⅜″. The material comprising the bottom layer  206  is preferably: durable and impact resistant to provide cushioning for the object disposed within the container  202 , and to protect the object in contact with the bottom surface  210 ; waterproof to avoid transmission of moisture from the top layer  208  to the object in contact with the bottom surface  210 ; and has a high coefficient of friction to limit sliding of the base  204  on smooth surfaces. The bottom layer  206  and top layer  208  are secured together using various suitable techniques, such as adhesives, pressure bonding, stitching, etc. 
         [0026]    The sleeve  220  is similar in composition to the coaster  120  described above in that the sleeve  220  is shown with a middle layer  222  secured to an inner and outer layer  224 ,  226  by a suitable technique such as adhesives, pressure bonding, etc. The middle layer  222  consists of a waterproof material, preferably neoprene, to avoid migration of moisture between the inner and outer layers  224 ,  226 . The inner and outer layers  224 ,  226  consist of a moisture absorbing and wear resistant material, such as 70% cotton, 30% polyester that is adapted for various printing processes, such as screen printing or garment printing. The outer layer  226  is represented in  FIG. 5  as having an image  238  thereon. 
         [0027]    The sleeve  220  is formed by a rectangular die-cut process. Opposite ends of the sleeve  220  are joined and secured at a seam  232  creating a cylinder with a top and bottom edge  234 ,  236 . The seam  232  is formed by a suitable technique, such as sewing or adhesive bonding. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the container  202  may be formed by securing the base  204  to the sleeve  220  using a step joint. The diameter of the top layer  208  of the base  204  is approximately the diameter of the sleeve  220  at the inner surface  228  (i.e., the sleeve  220  inside diameter) when the sleeve  220  is formed into an open-ended cylinder. The diameter of the bottom layer  206  is greater than the diameter of the top layer  208  and approximately equal to the outside diameter of the sleeve  220 . The bottom edge  236  of the sleeve  220  is secured to the base  204  by a suitable technique, such as sewing or adhesives, thereby creating an upwardly open-ended container  220  with the inner surface  228  and top layer  208  orientated toward the interior of the container  202 . Referring to  FIG. 6A , the container may alternatively be formed by securing the base  204  to the sleeve  220  without using a step joint described above. Therefore, the diameter of the top layer  208  and bottom layer  206  are approximately equal to the outside diameter of the sleeve  220 . The bottom edge  230  of the sleeve  220  is secured to the top layer  208  of the base  204  by a suitable technique, such as sewing or adhesives. 
         [0029]    It is to be understood that while certain aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.