Insulated container

Abstract

The invention relates a container formed from a blank. The container comprises a cup body having a side wall and a bottom wall cooperate with one another to form an interior space of the container. The side wall includes an inner surface. An insulative layer is bonded to the inner surface of the side wall. The side wall is constructed from a material having a melting temperature such that the insulative layer can be bonded directly thereto when heat is applied to the inner surface of the side wall.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to the production of articles from paper and paperboard and to insulated articles made therefrom, and more particularly, relates to insulated cups made of paper and paperboard. BACKGROUND AND DISCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0002] Insulated cups and containers are widely used for serving hot and cold beverages and other food items. Such articles may be made from a variety of materials including polystyrene foam, double-walled containers, and multi-layered paper-based containers such as paperboard containers containing an outer foamed layer. Paper-based containers are often more desirable than containers made from styrene-based materials because paper-based materials are generally more amenable to recycling, are biodegradable and have a surface more acceptable to printing. However, multi-layered and multi-walled paper-based containers are relatively expensive to manufacture compared to polystyrene foam-based articles and oft...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a low density paperboard material for making insulated containers, such as paper cups. The invention allows for easy modification to existing cup making machines and does not affect the seam, rim, or seal of the cup. The invention includes an insulative layer that is directly affixed to the inner surface of the cup's sidewall, forming a continuous layer that does not affect the cup's integrity. The bottom wall is sealably joined with the sidewall to form the container's interior space. The invention also includes a method for bonding the insulative layer to the cup's sidewall by applying heat to the inner surface of the sidewall and using a blank that is then wound to form the cup body. The technical effects of the invention include improved insulation, simplified production process, and improved cup quality.

Problems solved by technology

However, multi-layered and multi-walled paper-based containers are relatively expensive to manufacture compared to polystyrene foam-based articles and often do not exhibit comparable insulative properties.

Paperboard containers having an outer foam insulation layer are generally less expensive to produce than double-walled containers, but the outer surface is less compatible with printing.

Corrugated and double-walled paperboard containers also generally provide suitable insulative properties, but are more complex and expensive to manufacture than single ply containers.

Images