INSULATED BEVERAGE SLEEVE

Abstract

An apparatus and methods are provided for an insulated beverage sleeve to maintain the temperature of liquid contents within a beverage container. The sleeve includes an insulative layer between an inner layer and an outer layer that are housed within an outer cylinder. The outer cylinder is configured to withstand impacts and protect the beverage container. The inner and outer layers may be formed of polyethylene or other suitable plastic. The insulative layer is a cylindrical member of fumed silica vacuum insulation that is disposed around the inner layer and surrounded by the outer layer. A disc of fumed silica vacuum insulation is disposed at the bottom of the sleeve to cooperate with the insulative layer to surround the beverage container. Top and bottom cushions are coupled with the outer cylinder to withstand being dropped onto a hard surface such as a floor, or a tennis court.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of beverage containers. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for an insulated beverage sleeve configured to maintain the temperature of liquid contents within a beverage container and provide protection to the container upon being dropped onto a hard surface.

BACKGROUND

Personal beverage bottles have become very popular and thus have moved beyond the common beverage bottle packed with a school lunch or in a lunch box. For example, gym members typically carry their own beverage bottles for keeping hydrated during exercising. Further, hikers, bikers, walkers, commuters, tourists, and many others, carry personal beverage bottles as they go on their way. Many conventional beverage bottles are configured to keep beverages cold during warm weather, as well as prevent dripping or leaking between uses. These conventional beverage bottles generally include some form of insulation to slow down heat transfer through the walls of the bottle. In the case of containers having minimal insultation, such a container may be inserted into an insulated beverage sleeve configured to maintain the temperature of the contents within the container. Given the popularity of personal beverage containers, there is a continuous desire to improve the performance and utility of beverage containers.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and methods are provided for an insulated beverage sleeve to maintain the temperature of liquid contents within a beverage container. The sleeve includes an insulative layer disposed between an inner layer and an outer layer that are housed within an outer cylinder. The outer cylinder may be made of PVC or other similar material capable of withstanding impacts and protecting the beverage container. The inner and outer layers may be formed of polyethylene or other suitable plastic. The insulative layer generally comprises a fumed silica vacuum insulation that is disposed around the inner layer and surrounded by the outer layer. The fumed silica vacuum insulation may be formed as a cylindrical member or may be a flat panel that is rolled into a suitable cylindrical shape. A bottom insulation comprising a disc of fumed silica vacuum insulation may be disposed at the bottom of the sleeve to cooperate with the insulative layer to surround the beverage container. Top and bottom cushions may be coupled with the outer cylinder to withstand being dropped onto a hard surface such as a floor, or a tennis court.

In an exemplary embodiment, an insulated beverage sleeve comprises: an insulative layer disposed between an inner layer and an outer layer; an outer cylinder housing the outer layer; a top cushion coupled to a top portion of the outer cylinder; an opening in the top cushion to receive a beverage container to be inserted into an interior of the inner layer; a bottom insulation disposed at the bottom of the interior; and a bottom cushion coupled to a bottom portion of the outer cylinder.

In another exemplary embodiment, the top cushion and the bottom cushion are configured to withstand being dropped onto a hard surface such as a floor, or a tennis court. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the bottom cushion and the top cushion are made of silicone or other similar impact-absorbing material. In another exemplary embodiment, the outer cylinder is made of PVC or other similar material capable of any one or more of withstanding impacts, suppressing noise, and protecting the beverage container disposed in the interior. In another exemplary embodiment, the outer cylinder is configured to be decorated with any of various designs, logos, diagrams, pictures, text, and the like.

In another exemplary embodiment, any one or more of the insulative layer, the inner layer, and the outer layer comprise a cylindrical member that is suitable for implementation in the insulated beverage sleeve. In another exemplary embodiment, any one or more of the insulative layer, the inner layer, and the outer layer comprise a flat panel that may be rolled into a cylindrical shape to form a cylindrical member that is suitable for implementation in the insulated beverage sleeve. In another exemplary embodiment, any one or more of the inner layer and the outer layer are made of polyethylene or other suitable plastic.

In another exemplary embodiment, the insulative layer comprises a flat panel of fumed silica vacuum insulation that may be rolled into a cylindrical shape and then disposed around the inner layer. In another exemplary embodiment, the insulative layer comprises a cylindrical member of fumed silica vacuum insulation that has an inner diameter configured to receive an exterior diameter of the inner layer. In another exemplary embodiment, the insulative layer may be affixed between an exterior surface of the inner layer and an inner surface of the outer layer. In another exemplary embodiment, an outer surface of the outer layer may be affixed to an inner surface of the outer cylinder.

In another exemplary embodiment, the interior of the inner layer is configured to slidably receive and retain the beverage container. In another exemplary embodiment, the opening is configured to prevent the beverage container from falling out of the interior. In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom insulation comprises a disc-shaped portion of fumed silica vacuum insulation having a diameter that cooperates with an inner diameter of the insulative layer to surround a majority of the exterior of the beverage container within the interior.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for an insulated beverage sleeve comprises: forming an inner layer and an outer layer; disposing an insulative layer between the inner layer and the outer layer; providing an outer cylinder; housing the outer layer by way of the outer cylinder; coupling a top cushion to a top portion of the outer cylinder; forming an opening in the top cushion to receive a beverage container to be inserted into an interior of the inner layer; disposing a bottom insulation at the bottom of the interior; and coupling a bottom cushion to a bottom portion of the outer cylinder.

In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the insulative layer comprises rolling a flat panel of fumed silica vacuum insulation into a cylindrical shape and disposing the cylindrical shape around the inner layer. In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the insulative layer comprises configuring a cylindrical member of fumed silica vacuum insulation to have an inner diameter suitable to receive an exterior diameter of the inner layer. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the inner layer and the outer layer includes forming any one or more of the inner layer and the outer layer of polyethylene or other suitable plastic. In another exemplary embodiment, providing the outer cylinder includes forming the outer cylinder of a material capable of any one or more of withstanding impacts, suppressing noise, and protecting the beverage container disposed in the interior. In another exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises decorating the outer cylinder with any of various designs, logos, diagrams, pictures, text, and the like.

These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an insulated beverage sleeve in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an insulated beverage sleeve, taken along a midline, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an insulated beverage sleeve, according to the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the insulated beverage sleeve and methods disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numeric references such as “first wrap,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first wrap” is different than a “second wrap.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

In general, conventional beverage bottles are configured to be hand carried and maintain the temperature of liquid contents, as well as prevent dripping or leaking between uses. These conventional beverage bottles generally include some form of insulation to slow down heat transfer through the walls of the bottle. In the case of containers having minimal insultation, such a container may be inserted into an insulated beverage sleeve configured to maintain the temperature of the contents within the container. Given the popularity of personal beverage containers, there is a continuous desire to improve the performance and utility of beverage containers as well as insulative materials for beverage containers. Embodiments herein provide an insulated beverage sleeve configured to maintain the temperature of liquid contents within a beverage container and provide protection to the container upon being dropped onto a hard surface.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an insulated beverage sleeve 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The sleeve 100 comprises a bottom cushion 104 that is coupled to an outer cylinder 108. The bottom cushion 104 may be silicone or other similar material capable of withstanding being dropped onto a hard surface such as a floor, or a tennis court. The outer cylinder 108 may be comprised of PVC or other similar material capable of withstanding impacts and protecting components comprising a beverage container disposed within the insulated beverage sleeve 100, as described herein. It is contemplated that the outer cylinder 108 may be decorated with any of various designs, logos, diagrams, pictures, text, and the like, without limitation. As shown in FIG. 1, a top cushion 112 is coupled to a top portion of the outer cylinder 108. The top cushion 112 may be substantially similar to the bottom cushion 104 and thus may be comprised of silicone or a similar impact-absorbing material. Further, the top cushion 112 includes an opening 116 that is configured to allow a beverage container to be inserted into the insulated beverage sleeve 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an insulated beverage sleeve 100, taken along a midline, according to the present disclosure. As described with respect to FIG. 1, the sleeve 100 includes an outer cylinder 108 disposed between a bottom cushion 104 and a top cushion 112. The outer cylinder 108 and the cushions 104, 112 generally are configured to exhibit impact resistance and noise suppression properties. Further, an opening 116 in the top cushion 112 allows a beverage container to be inserted into the insulated beverage sleeve 100.

The outer cylinder 108 houses an insulative layer 120 that is disposed between an inner layer 124 and an outer layer 128. In an embodiment, the insulative layer 120 and the inner and outer layers 124, 128 generally are cylindrical members (see FIG. 3) that may be assembled to form the layered wall structure shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, for example, the insulative layer 120 may be affixed between an exterior surface of the inner layer 124 and an inner surface of the outer layer 128 while an outer surface of the outer layer 128 may be affixed to an inner surface of the outer cylinder 108. It is contemplated that any of various suitable adhesives may be used to assemble the layers 120, 124, 128 and affix the outer layer 128 within the outer cylinder 108. Preferably, the layers 120, 124, 128 and the outer cylinder 108 are placed into contact, as shown in FIG. 2, without any voids or air pockets arising between the layers 120, 124, 128 and the outer cylinder 108.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the inner layer 124 includes an interior 132 configured to slidably receive a beverage container that may be pushed through the opening 116 of the top cushion 112. The interior 132, as well as the top cushion 112, may be configured to retain the beverage container so as to prevent the beverage container from falling out of the sleeve 100. To this end, the inner layer 124 generally contacts an exterior surface of the beverage container. In some embodiments, either or both of the inner and outer layers 124, 128 comprise cylinders made of polyethylene, or some other suitable plastic, without limitation. Further, either or both of the inner and outer layers 124, 128 may comprise a flat panel of polyethylene or other similar material that may be rolled into a cylindrical shape that is suitable for implementation in the insulated beverage sleeve, as shown in FIG. 3.

Moreover, the insulative layer 120 preferably is disposed between the inner layer 124 and the outer layer 128. In some embodiments, the insulative layer 120 comprises a flat panel of fumed silica vacuum insulation that may be rolled into a cylindrical shape and then disposed around the inner layer 124. In some embodiments, the insulative layer 120 comprises a cylinder of fumed silica vacuum insulation that has an inner diameter configured to receive an exterior diameter of the inner layer 124. Similarly, a bottom insulation 136 may be disposed at the bottom of the interior 132 inside the bottom cushion 104. In some embodiments, the bottom insulation 136 may comprise a disc-shaped portion of fumed silica vacuum insulation having a diameter that cooperates with an inner diameter of the insulative layer 120 to surround a majority of the exterior of a beverage container within the interior 132.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an insulated beverage sleeve 100, according to the present disclosure. As described herein, the sleeve 100 includes an outer cylinder 108 disposed between a bottom cushion 104 and a top cushion 112. The outer cylinder 108 and the cushions 104, 112 generally are configured to exhibit impact resistance and noise suppression properties. The top cushion includes an opening 116 configured to allow a beverage container to be inserted into an interior of the insulated beverage sleeve 100.

As described hereinabove, an insulative layer 120 may be disposed between an inner layer 124 and an outer layer 128 that are housed within the outer cylinder 108. As shown in FIG. 3, the insulative layer 120 and the inner and outer layers 124, 128 generally are cylindrical members that may be assembled to form the layered wall structure shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, for example, the insulative layer 120 may be affixed between an exterior surface of the inner layer 124 and an inner surface of the outer layer 128 while an outer surface of the outer layer 128 may be affixed to an inner surface of the outer cylinder 108. It is contemplated that any of various suitable adhesives may be used to assemble the layers 120, 124, 128 and affix the outer layer 128 within the outer cylinder 108. Preferably, the layers 120, 124, 128 and the outer cylinder 108 are placed into contact, as shown in FIG. 2, without any voids or air pockets arising between the layers 120, 124, 128 and the outer cylinder 108.

With continuing reference to FIG. 3, the inner layer 124 includes an interior 132 configured to receive a beverage container that may be pushed through the opening 116 of the top cushion 112. The interior 132, as well as the top cushion 112, may be configured to retain the beverage container so as to prevent the beverage container from falling out of the sleeve 100. As such, the inner layer 124 may be configured to slidably receive and grip an exterior surface of the beverage container, such as by way of friction. In some embodiments, either or both of the inner and outer layers 124, 128 comprise cylinders made of polyethylene, or some other suitable plastic, without limitation. In some embodiments, however, either or both of the inner and outer layers 124, 128 may comprise a flat panel of polyethylene or other similar material that may be rolled into a cylindrical shape that is suitable for implementation in the insulated beverage sleeve, as shown in FIG. 3.

Moreover, the insulative layer 120 preferably is disposed between the inner layer 124 and the outer layer 128. In some embodiments, the insulative layer 120 comprises a flat panel of fumed silica vacuum insulation that may be rolled into a cylindrical shape and then disposed around the inner layer 124. In some embodiments, the insulative layer 120 comprises a cylinder of fumed silica vacuum insulation that has an inner diameter configured to receive an exterior diameter of the inner layer 124. Similarly, a bottom insulation 136 may be disposed at the bottom of the interior 132 inside the bottom cushion 104. In some embodiments, the bottom insulation 136 may comprise a disc-shaped portion of fumed silica vacuum insulation having a diameter that cooperates with an inner diameter of the insulative layer 120 to surround a majority of the exterior of a beverage container within the interior 132.

While the insulated beverage sleeve and methods have been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the insulated beverage sleeve is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the insulated beverage sleeve. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process, when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the insulated beverage sleeve, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the insulated beverage sleeve found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Therefore, the present disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An insulated beverage sleeve, comprising: an insulative layer disposed between an inner layer and an outer layer;an outer cylinder housing the outer layer;a top cushion coupled to a top portion of the outer cylinder;an opening in the top cushion to receive a beverage container to be inserted into an interior of the inner layer;a bottom insulation disposed at the bottom of the interior; anda bottom cushion coupled to a bottom portion of the outer cylinder.

2. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the top cushion and the bottom cushion are configured to withstand being dropped onto a hard surface such as a floor, or a tennis court.

3. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein one or more of the bottom cushion and the top cushion are made of silicone or other similar impact-absorbing material.

4. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the outer cylinder is made of PVC or other similar material capable of any one or more of withstanding impacts, suppressing noise, and protecting the beverage container disposed in the interior.

5. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the outer cylinder is configured to be decorated with any of various designs, logos, diagrams, pictures, text, and the like.

6. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein any one or more of the insulative layer, the inner layer, and the outer layer comprise a cylindrical member that is suitable for implementation in the insulated beverage sleeve.

7. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein any one or more of the insulative layer, the inner layer, and the outer layer comprise a flat panel that may be rolled into a cylindrical shape to form a cylindrical member that is suitable for implementation in the insulated beverage sleeve.

8. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein any one or more of the inner layer and the outer layer are made of polyethylene or other suitable plastic.

9. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the insulative layer comprises a flat panel of fumed silica vacuum insulation that may be rolled into a cylindrical shape and then disposed around the inner layer.

10. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the insulative layer comprises a cylindrical member of fumed silica vacuum insulation that has an inner diameter configured to receive an exterior diameter of the inner layer.

11. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the insulative layer may be affixed between an exterior surface of the inner layer and an inner surface of the outer layer.

12. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 11, wherein an outer surface of the outer layer may be affixed to an inner surface of the outer cylinder.

13. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the interior of the inner layer is configured to slidably receive and retain the beverage container.

14. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the opening is configured to prevent the beverage container from falling out of the interior.

15. The insulated beverage sleeve of claim 1, wherein the bottom insulation comprises a disc-shaped portion of fumed silica vacuum insulation having a diameter that cooperates with an inner diameter of the insulative layer to surround a majority of the exterior of the beverage container within the interior.

16. A method for an insulated beverage sleeve, comprising: forming an inner layer and an outer layer;disposing an insulative layer between the inner layer and the outer layer;providing an outer cylinder;housing the outer layer by way of the outer cylinder;coupling a top cushion to a top portion of the outer cylinder;forming an opening in the top cushion to receive a beverage container to be inserted into an interior of the inner layer;disposing a bottom insulation at the bottom of the interior; andcoupling a bottom cushion to a bottom portion of the outer cylinder.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein disposing the insulative layer comprises rolling a flat panel of fumed silica vacuum insulation into a cylindrical shape and disposing the cylindrical shape around the inner layer.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein disposing the insulative layer comprises configuring a cylindrical member of fumed silica vacuum insulation to have an inner diameter suitable to receive an exterior diameter of the inner layer.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the inner layer and the outer layer includes forming any one or more of the inner layer and the outer layer of polyethylene or other suitable plastic.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the outer cylinder includes forming the outer cylinder of a material capable of any one or more of withstanding impacts, suppressing noise, and protecting the beverage container disposed in the interior.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising decorating the outer cylinder with any of various designs, logos, diagrams, pictures, text, and the like.