Container With Multiple Surface Depressions for Enhancing Insulative Properties

Abstract

A container is provided with multiple surface depressions for enhancing the insulative properties of the container. The surface depressions are tightly grouped, and a label placed over the surface depressions results in a greater surface area of the label that is suspended over the depressions as compared to a surface area of the label that is in contact with the exterior surface of the container. The air gaps or chambers defining the space between the applied label and the surfaces of the depressions provides an insulating air barrier to better maintain the beverage in the container at a desired temperature. The surface depressions may also be used alone without a label to provide insulative benefits. The surface depressions may be spaced and sized such that, under normal grasping conditions, the consumer's hand does not penetrate the entire depth of the depressions, and an air barrier is still maintained between the consumer's hand and the exterior surface of the container.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a beverage container, and more particularly to a container with multiple surface depressions formed on the outer surface thereof for enhancing insulative properties of the container in keeping the beverage at a desired temperature.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]There are a great number of glass and plastic containers that have been used to hold a beverage. Many beverages such as soda and beer are preferably consumed cold, and are therefore refrigerated. However, these beverages will not remain at the desired chilled temperature once removed from refrigeration, since a number of factors are responsible for heat transfer to the beverages. Generally, glass bottles and plastic bottles do not provide adequate insulation for maintaining a beverage at a desired temperature.[0003]In a common beverage bottle, the mid-portion is cylindrical shaped, and an elongated neck extends above the mid-portion. A consumer typically grabs the con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size and spacing of the surface depressions are provided so as not to substantially alter the overall shape of the container, yet the depressions provide an air barrier between the exterior surface of the container and the applied label, resulting in greatly improved insulation.

[0011]Generally, it is desirable to maximize the volume of air that exists between the exterior surface of the bottle and the label. By maximizing the volume of air, better insulation is provided. Maximizing this volume can be achieved by minimizing the surface contact between the label and the bottle. By providing tightly grouped depressions with little space between the depressions, along with a nested configuration of the depressions by an interlocking pattern of elliptical shaped depressions, the area in contact between the label and surface of the bottle is minimized.

[0012]If no label is used at the location of the depressions, then increasing the size of the depressions may not necessarily improve insulation as depressions of particularly large size may simply allow the consumer's hand to more completely contact the surface of the container. Therefore, with respect to containers not having a label, the depth, size, and spacing of the depressions can be adjusted to minimize contact with the consumer's hand to improve insulation. For example, the depth of the depressions may be increased to improve insulation.

Problems solved by technology

A label placed over the surface of the container at the location of the depressions results in trapped air serving as an insulative barrier between a consumer's hand and the container surface.

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