Insulating storage container

Abstract

The subject application is directed to an insulating product storage container. The container is a double-walled cup, including an inner cup member and an outer cup member, with the inner cup member sized to fit within the outer cup member. A heat-insulating space is formed by the interior surface of the outer cup member and the exterior surface of the inner cup member. The inner and outer cup members further each include a circumferential lip protruding outwardly with respect to the interior of the double-walled cup. The lips of the inner and outer cup members are welded together so as to form a sealed insulating space thereby.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 867,473, filed on Nov. 28, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The subject application is directed to an insulating product storage container that insulates a product from an outside environment as well as insulating an end user from the product inside the container. In particular, the subject application is directed to an insulating food storage container capable of being used for both cold and hot food.[0003]Foods, both hot and cold, typically require storage in a temperature suitable to maintain the nature of the food product. Ice cream generally requires storage at temperatures ranging from −16° C. to −4° C., depending on percentage of water concentration. Hot foods, such as soups and teas, can reach 100° C. In the retail setting, merchants often sell individual servings of food products, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an insulating container for storing various types of food and products. The container is designed to keep the product and the end user warm or cool, depending on the type of food. The container has a double-walled cup with an insulating space between the two cups. The two cups are sealed together to create a tight space that prevents heat from escaping or entering. This results in a more efficient insulating container that can maintain the temperature of the product. The sealed space can be created through welding or adhesive engagement between the two cups. The technical effect of this invention is a more effective insulating container that can maintain the temperature of the product."

Problems solved by technology

This is a time-consuming proposition, requiring the employment of a dedicated server or dispenser at a place of business.

Unfortunately, some products have relatively low melting points, losing product cohesion, such as ice cream.

Merely holding the product results in the transfer of heat from the consumer to the product, increasing the rate at which the product melts.

The inverse is also possible, as when a hot soup transfers heat to the hand of the end user, causing discomfort.

The problems associated with STYROFOAM include low structural integrity and rigidity relative to cost and size, and the material's inability to be effectively integrated into contemporary filling machinery.

Unfortunately, paper products are increasingly expensive and are prone to absorption of the product.

Various coatings may be used to prevent this absorption, but these coatings add to the expense and fail to overcome the heat transfer problems noted above.

Images