Abstract: An insulating sleeve comprising a flat, elongated blank with straight top and bottom edges and end edges which are joined together at a glue flap. The sleeve includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rows of generally longitudinally orientated and off-set slits. The rows of slits (5 to 10) are generally placed adjacent the glue flap and cover only a portion of the sleeve. Preferably at least one of the even or odd numbered slits extend to the top or bottom edge of the sleeve. In use, the sleeve is placed over the frustoconically shaped side wall of the cup which causes the sleeve to expand circumferentially until the desired fit is obtained.

Abstract: An insulating sleeve comprising a flat, elongated blank with straight top and bottom edges and end edges which are joined together at a glue flap. The sleeve includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rows of generally longitudinally orientated and off-set slits. The rows of slits (5 to 10) are generally placed adjacent the glue flap and cover only a portion of the sleeve. Preferably at least one of the even or odd numbered slits extend to the top or bottom edge of the sleeve. In use, the sleeve is placed over the frustoconically shaped side wall of the cup which causes the sleeve to expand circumferentially until the desired fit is obtained.

Abstract: A disposable cup having an applied wrap or sleeve that at least partially covers the circumference and/or depth of the cup body. The disposable cup is made of typical cup making materials and the wrap is made from one of several materials, such as embossed paperboard, corrugated paper, plastic or foam. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wrap is attached to the cup at the time of the cup manufacture. The wrap has a shape that preferably partially covers the basic cup wall and is sufficient to provide thermal protection, and preferably, an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A carton provided with a carrying handle on the top wall. The handle comprises a plastic strip folded back on itself adjacent one end with an accordion pleat. The ends of the strip are affixed to the inner surface of the lower of two overlying flaps forming the top wall. The strip extends through complemental openings in the overlying flaps forming the top wall, and can be extended vertically because of the pleated end to form a hand hold. A pivotable panel is hingedly connected to and cut from the lower of the two overlying flaps adjacent the openings through which the handle extends to close the opening in the top wall to preclude contaminants from entering the interior of the carton through the openings.