Beverage cup sleeving system and method

Abstract

A cup insulating system, comprising a layer of elastomer formed into a homogeneous seamless conical sleeve, the conical sleeve having an exterior surface, an interior surface an upper opening and a lower opening, wherein the upper opening is configured for receiving a beverage cup, and the inner surface of the conical sleeve is configured to contact an outer surface of the beverage cup.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 839,259 which was filed Aug. 23, 2008, entitled BEVERAGE CUP SLEEVING SYSTEM AND METHOD, the entirety of which is hereby Incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a conical sleeve to surround a cup containing a hot beverage, more particularly to systems and methods for an improved insulation sleeve having a configuration that facilitates easier handling of hot beverages.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Disposable hot beverage cups are customarily utilized in coffee houses, fast food restaurants, take-out restaurants, concession stands, and the like. These cups typically are manufactured in standard sizes, are conical in shape, have an open top lip adapted to receive various plastic lids, for example. These cups are often made of treated paper, paperboard, polystyrene, styr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Polystyrene, for example is an excellent thermal insulator and yet it has several drawbacks, for example, it is not easily recycled nor is it biodegradable, it can effect the coffee taste and is not seen as trendy by consumers, to name a few.

In contrast, paper and paperboard are easily recyclable and / or biodegradable hut are poor thermal insulators.

Paper based coffee cups are often preferred by the public because they overcome the taste issues mentioned supra, they are trendy, they overcome recycling and biodegradable issues, but when filled with a hot liquid, soup, coffee, and tea they are difficult to handle.

In addition they can be uncomfortable to handle when cold and become slippery due to condensation.

A second cup, a sleeve,, and the like is environmentally unsound, adds additional cost to the product, results In more waste, etc.

These sleeves provide some protection to the user from high temperatures, however that protection is often inadequate If the sleeves get wet, if the beverage is extremely hot, if a cold beverage “sweats”, and the like.

Fabric sleeves exist, however they require relatively long manufacturing times and the sewing of seams, for example.

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