Abstract: A beverage cup sleeve configured to provide multiple grip handles and additional layering for thermal buffering through reconfigurable handles. The sleeve includes a first and a second web portion corresponding to a first and a second cavity portion provided at the outer side, respectively, and a first and a second notch provided next the first and the second cavity portions, respectively, thereby providing the additional layering when either the first or the second notch fastens the corresponding web portion selected to fold out. Additionally, the strip includes a third and a fourth web portion corresponding to a third and a fourth cavity portion provided at the outer side, respectively, and a third and a fourth notch provided next to the third and the fourth cavity portions, respectively, thereby providing additional layering when either the third or the fourth notch fastens the corresponding web portion selected to fold out.

Abstract: An insulation sleeve for a heated beverage cup. The sleeve is formed from spathes of a raw husk material, such as corn husk. The spathes are attached such that end portions of the spathes overlap to form a generally circular form sized to fit about and vertically support a typical frustoconical beverage cup. The sleeve may be further formed to have a generally frustoconical shape to fit the corresponding frustoconical shape of the beverage cup. The spathes may be dampened to assist in forming the sleeve into the circular or frustoconical shape.

Abstract: A tray is disclosed herein, for supporting food and/or drink upon the lap of a user. The underside of the tray has a bowed stand, which is contoured to fit between the thighs of a seated user. The bowed stand provides optimal support, and is especially advantageous for use in a moving vehicle, to prevent sliding of the tray and spillage.

Abstract: A storage system includes structure having a surface that at least partially defines a storage compartment. The structure also defines an opening through which the storage compartment is accessible. The storage system further includes a plurality of flexible protuberances extending from the surface into the storage compartment. At least some of the protuberances deform as an object is inserted into the storage compartment through the opening. The deformed protuberances conform to the shape of the object, thereby supporting and restraining the object within the storage compartment.

Abstract: A halo or ring system is described for holding cups for use with a large beverage cooler, such as those commonly used at sporting events. A first large ring has a diameter sized to fit around an upper portion of a beverage cooler, and a second ring is attached to the first ring. The second ring is sized to hold a stack of one or more cups for easy use with the beverage cooler.

Abstract: A sleeve containing an insert forming a cup holder is described. The inserts are placed in the sleeve. The sleeve is customizable by varying the color, writing and bar coding. The individual business may also display their logo on the sleeve or insert. These cup holders are personal to the user and can be repeatedly used. This enables the individual business to save money. The sleeve and insert as cup holder can be made up of recyclable material. The user may use a device implanted on or in a sleeve to pay and/or order the product using the sleeve.

Abstract: An insulating holder for a beverage container has a cylindrical or frusto-conical sleeve having a lower end, an open upper end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The sleeve is made of a resilient elastomer having heat-sensitive tackiness, for example a thermoplastic elastomer such as thermoplastic polyurethane and/or polyurea.

Abstract: An improved cup comprising a top portion and a base sleeve connected to the sidewall of the top portion. The base sleeve is at least partially formed of an insulating material. The base sleeve is formed of a one piece material that eliminates a seam at the bottom of the cup.

Abstract: A cup sleeve includes a planar sheet of material that defines a first support member, a second support member, a third support member, a fourth support member, a first ledge member, and a second ledge member. The first support member is adjacent to the first ledge member and the second ledge member. The second support member is positioned substantially opposite to the first support member and is adjacent to the first ledge member and the second ledge member. The first support member and the second support member are configured to rotate to follow an outer contour of a cup when the cup is inserted into a center region of the sleeve in a direction that is normal to a plane defined by the sleeve in an unassembled configuration. The first ledge member and the second ledge member are configured to stay in substantially the same plane as the plane defined by the unassembled sleeve when the cup is inserted into the center region of the sleeve.

Abstract: A disposable paper container holder in the form of a circular-truncated-cone-shaped casing having open top and bottom ends. The disposable paper container holder comprises a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of dimples distributed throughout the body of the casing. The dimples comprises a plurality of debossed dimples protruding inwardly from the body and a plurality of embossed dimples protruding outwardly from the body to maximize a distance between the inner and outer surface of the body, thereby providing an improved heat-shielding effect. The disposable paper container holder can be integrated with a disposable paper container to provide an integrated disposable paper container.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a first container, a second container, and a connecting unit. The first container has an opening and a rim that defines the opening. The second container has a wall formed with a slit unit. The connecting unit includes an upper hook section hooked removably onto the rim of the first container, a lower hook section extended removably through the slit unit for hooking the wall of the second container onto the lower hook section, and an intermediate section interconnecting the upper hook section and the lower hook section.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a beverage container holder and sealed packet assembly are provided. Each assembly includes a thermal insulating tubular member having inner and outer surfaces, a hole formed in the outer surface, and at least one opening for receiving and retaining a beverage container. Each assembly further includes one or more pieces of edible film. Each assembly still further includes a low profile packet having a shallow, edible film container received and retained within the hole. The edible film container includes a peripheral rim. The packet also has a lid bonded to the rim to form a cavity which encloses the one or more pieces of edible film and forms a bonding area which provides a seal around the cavity. The lid is movable between open and closed positions relative to the rim to permit removal of the at least one piece of edible film from the cavity in the open position.

Abstract: An insulating sleeve combination for a frusto-conical beverage cup having an outer peripheral surface is disclosed, as well as a method of use thereof. The combination includes an opaque frusto-conical inner sleeve and a frusto-conical outer sleeve. At least a portion of the outer sleeve is transparent or translucent, such that indicia on the inner sleeve is visible or at least partially visible therethrough. The outer surface of the outer sleeve may includes a textured gripping surface, facilitating the manual grasping of the combination by the user. As such, a customized inner sleeve may be marked to indicate a favorite drink of the user, for example, with the markings being visible through the outer sleeve. The combination of the present invention is designed for repeated use, rendering prior art disposable sleeves unnecessary.

Abstract: A paper cup holder having a disposable teacup shape for a cup is provided. The paper cup holder includes inner and outer lining portions, finger portions, intermediate supporting portions, first and second half crossing cuts, and fastening portions. The inner lining portion wraps around the cup. The outer lining portion is provided around the inner lining portion, and the outer lining portion is configured to wrap around the inner lining portion so as to shield heat from the cup, and wherein the out lining portion comprises first and second edges. The finger hole portions accept one or two fingers. The intermediate supporting surface is provided between the finger hole portions.

Abstract: The present invention by provides a system for treating the symptoms of a user having a bad breath or taste after drinking a liquid substance. The invention comprises a drink container initially containing the liquid substance consumed by the user. A breath strip assembly forming a strip pouch is carried by the drink container. A single soluble film breath strip is housed in the strip pouch to be accessed by the user and dissolved in the mouth to remove the users bad breath and taste. In one aspect the breath strip assembly comprises a flexible substrate having front and rear surfaces. The rear surface is attached to the drink container using a pressure sensitive rear adhesive between the rear surface and the drink container. A removable film is partially attached to the front surface of the substrate using a pressure sensitive front adhesive on the substrate in a pattern to provide the strip pouch.

Abstract: A condiment holder includes a storage member that provides storage for disposable cups and trash bags. A mounting element connected to the storage member enables it to be removably mounted to a substantially vertical surface. One end has a lid with an opening therein sized to receive a disposable cup inserted into the opening. The lid when opened provides access to the cups. A slit in a sidewall of the storage member is adapted to receive a marginal lip of a condiment package retainer. The holder may be used as an advertising media by displaying marks thereon.

Abstract: A beverage container holder constructed of flexible metal foil.

Abstract: An adjustable sleeve is disclosed that employs a pivot region which allows rotation of the first end of the sleeve relative to the second end of the sleeve. Rotation about the pivot region allows the sleeve size to adapt to many different sizes and tapers of containers. Rotation results in increasing a diameter of the top of the sleeve and decreasing a diameter of the bottom of the sleeve, and vice versa.

Abstract: The packaging unit comprising a receiving chamber for popcorn or the like and a pocket which is arranged on the receiving chamber on the outside and is square in ground plan and is dimensioned such that a beverage cup can be inserted in a clamp seat into the pocket is characterized in that on the lower end portion of the pocket at least one strip-shaped wall section, preferably two strip-shaped wall sections are cut free laterally from the side walls of the pocket, the incisions extending in parallel with the lower edge of the pocket each time at both sides of the corners of the pocket, which are spaced apart from the receiving chamber, the incisions extending at the same height of the pocket, and that at the two ends of the strip-shaped wall sections fold lines are respectively formed extending in a direction perpendicular to said sections, so that the strip-shaped wall sections can be bent around the fold lines into the interior of the pocket.

Abstract: The cup carrier has a generally flat appearance. One end of the cup carrier is opposite a second end. A central portion and two sides connecting the ends. The one end and second end further incorporate supports. At least one hole for inserting a cup is positioned in the central portion.

Abstract: A hot beverage cup and sleeve bring together two modes of heat transfer, conduction and radiation. The sleeve has an inner face with a plurality of high reflectivity surfaces for radiating heat back to the cup. The sleeve also has a plurality of insulating members for containing insulating air. Each of the insulating members is positioned to space the high reflectivity surfaces away from the cup. A low emissivity film can be adhered to the cup without touching the insulating members. The film can also be attached to the sleeve facing but spaced from the high reflectivity surfaces. This cup and sleeve arrangements minimize thermal contact and reduce heat transfer. Thus, the hot beverage cup and sleeve protect a person's hand as well as extend the time of keeping the beverage hot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable educational drinking device for learning such things as the letters of the alphabet or numbers or geometric shapes. The disposable drinking device can be converted to a reusable drinking device. The disposable drinking device also has a mechanical mean to center drinking spout between handles.

Abstract: A disposable paper container holder in the form of a circular-truncated-cone-shaped casing having open top and bottom ends. The disposable paper container holder comprises a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of dimples distributed throughout the body of the casing. The dimples comprises a plurality of debossed dimples protruding inwardly from the body and a plurality of embossed dimples protruding outwardly from the body to maximize a distance between the inner and outer surface of the body, thereby providing an improved heat-shielding effect. The disposable paper container holder can be integrated with a disposable paper container to provide an integrated disposable paper container.

Abstract: A drip collar (10, 110) is provided with a radially outwardly extending absorbent web (30, 114) so as to define a hand-receiving space (50) therebelow when mounted to a sidewall (16) of a cup (5) in which the thumb (52) and finger(s) (54) of a hand (56) can grasp the cup sidewall (16) with the web (30, 114) substantially encircling the cup sidewall (16) and extending over the thumb (52) and finger(s) (54) when the cup (5) is grasped. The absorbent web (20, 114) controls drips (61, 62) from the cup drinking end (12).

Abstract: A paper cup holder having a disposable teacup shape for a cup is provided. The paper cup holder includes inner and outer lining portions, finger portions, intermediate supporting portions, first and second half crossing cuts, and fastening portions. The inner lining portion wraps around the cup. The outer lining portion is provided around the inner lining portion, and the outer lining portion is configured to wrap around the inner lining portion so as to shield heat from the cup, and wherein the out lining portion comprises first and second edges. The finger hole portions accept one or two fingers. The intermediate supporting surface is provided between the finger hole portions.

Abstract: An improved cup comprising a top portion and a base sleeve connected to the sidewall of the top portion. The base sleeve is at least partially formed of an insulating material. The base sleeve is formed of a one piece material that eliminates a seam at the bottom of the cup.

Abstract: A vehicular beverage container holder comprises a receptacle with an elongated compartment and an adjuster assembly mounted to the receptacle to define separate beverage container compartments within the compartment for receiving individual beverage containers. The adjuster assembly comprises a body and a pair of adjusters slidably mounted to and extending from opposite sides of the body. Rotation of a knob and gear assembly of the adjuster assembly effects movement of the adjusters relative to the body to adjust the sizes of openings for the beverage container compartments for accommodating a range of beverage container sizes. Additionally, the knob and gear assembly includes a slip clutch mechanism that enables movement of one of the adjusters while movement of the other of the adjusters is retarded by a beverage container.

Abstract: An improved cup comprising a top portion and a base sleeve connected to the sidewall of the top portion. The base sleeve is at least partially formed of an insulating material. The base sleeve is formed of a one piece material that eliminates a seam at the bottom of the cup.

Abstract: An improved cup comprising a top portion and a base sleeve connected to the sidewall of the top portion. The base sleeve is at least partially formed of an insulating material. The base sleeve is formed of a one piece material that eliminates a seam at the bottom of the cup.

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.

Abstract: A cup holder sleeve comprises an elongated strip including a top edge having a top length, a bottom edge having a bottom length, a first distal edge and a second distal edge. The cup holder sleeve is assembled by attaching the first distal edge to the second distal edge and further includes a fold line extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, wherein the elongated strip is folded along the fold line for storage. In an exemplary embodiment, a cut-out notch is located on the bottom edge of the elongated strip and at the fold line, such that when a beverage container is placed within the assembled cup holder sleeve, an extrusion at the fold line and at the bottom edge of the elongated strip is substantially eliminated by the cut-out notch.

Abstract: A cup holder for a vehicle has a rotation type support structure. The cup holder includes a support member which can rotate horizontally around a rotary shaft of a surrounding portion of a container insertion member and closely contact the outer surface of a beverage container inserted into a container insertion member. A locking member fixes the support member at a predetermined rotation angle on the rotary shaft using a button installed on the support member. The cup holder of the present invention can stably support a beverage container of various sizes. In addition, rattling noise as well as beverage spill that might occur during a shaky movement of a beverage container can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: A novel holder in the form of a structural volume for holding a container and a flexible strap coupled to the structural volume. The structural volume is made form a disposable unitary blank composed of a biodegradable material and having a central base with legs extending therefrom to form a cruciform shape. Fold lines are provided between the base and the legs that enable the blank to be folded into a prism to form the structural volume. A ring is attached to one of the legs remote from the base and has a tab for coupling with the opposite leg to complete the structural volume. A container can be carried in the structural volume and be supported on the base.

Abstract: A disposable fixture for supporting a beverage container and for supporting a food plate having a central hole approximately three inches in diameter, suitable for holding with one hand. In the preferred embodiment the fixture is made entirely of corrugated fiberboard (aka corrugated cardboard) and, except for two rubber bands, requires no fasteners (e.g., glue, tape, or staples). The fixture can support several kinds of beverage containers without needing modifications or additional parts. All unassembled parts can be laid flat so as to take up minimal storage space. The fixture weighs approximately two ounces.

Abstract: A novel holder in the form of a structural volume for holding a container and a flexible strap coupled to the structural volume. The structural volume is made form a disposable unitary blank composed of a biodegradable material and having a central base with legs extending therefrom to form a cruciform shape. Fold lines are provided between the base and the legs that enable the blank to be folded into a prism to form the structural volume. A ring is attached to one of the legs remote from the base and has a tab for coupling with the opposite leg to complete the structural volume. A container can be carried in the structural volume and be supported on the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-stepped accessory holder for an appliance having accessories that have dissimilar inner diameter connections, such as accessories with a male and/or a female ends. The female end of an accessory has a first inner diameter, and the male end of an accessory has a second inner diameter. The accessory holder includes a base having a first perimeter, and an upper portion mounted atop the base that has a second perimeter. The second perimeter of the upper portion is smaller than the first perimeter of the base. When the female end of an accessory is placed upon the accessory holder, the female end engages the first perimeter of the base. If it is desired that an accessory's male end be placed upon the holder, the male end engages the second perimeter of the accessory holder's upper portion.

Abstract: A holder and napkin assembly for a beverage or liquid food cup. The holder is defined by a sleeve mounted on and encircling a beverage cup or liquid food cup. The sleeve has an open top and an open bottom through which the cup extends and an inner surface adjacent the cup. The napkin includes a generally rectangular body portion and a smaller generally rectangular tab portion connected by a line of weakness. The tab portion is adhered to the holder, preferably on the inner surface of the holder. The line of weakness is positioned at the top edge of the holder sleeve. The napkin body and napkin tab are notched on opposite sides at the line of weakness. The inner surface of the holder has a plurality of discreet, spaced apart, hemispherical-shaped protrusions on the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a sleeve, which facilitates the gripping of, and insulates the hand from, a hot or cold container. The sleeve comprises of sheet foam of a thick, opaque, plastic material that is suitable for snuggly fitting over the exterior surface of a container while permitting any pre-printed indicia on the sheet foam to be visible there through. The sleeve is opaque enough to cover any printing on the container itself. The foam is also available in a variety of forms such as anti-static, laminated, expanded and high or low density which provide different degrees of protection. Different density plastic foam and film material is used to achieve the opaque, thick, gripping and insulating effect for use with a variety of containers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector, the grasping portion having opposed lateral side portions, and the ring having at least one perturbation on an interior diametral dimension. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis such that the lateral side portions are approachable one to another, with each side portion on an opposed side of a plane coaxial with the longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.

Abstract: “IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED IN DISPOSABLE CUP”, according to which, the external surface of the side wall (3) of the body (1) of the cup, is provided with solid projections (4), configuring thermal insulation elements, as well as elements of structural reinforcement for the cup (1), these projections (4) may vary as to shape, dimensions, number and position.

Abstract: A food container with an integral loop member for securely holding a condiment container, allowing the two to be transported as one item. The container is formed from a first portion of a blank and has a continuous lip. The loop member is formed from a second portion of the blank and distinct from the first portion of the blank. The loop extends from an exterior surface of the container and no part of the loop member contacts the lip. A method for forming the container from one blank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A general description of aspects of the invention would be a reusable sleeve for use with hot beverage containers comprising: an sheet of insulating material having a length of at least 20 cm; the length defines a distal and a proximal end; at least at a distal end of the sheet is a closure system that will temporarily connect the distal end to the proximal end; the sheet of insulating material being at least either stretchable to conform to a truncated cone shape of a cup or cut in a form that will fit about the surface of a truncated cone shape of a beverage cup. The reusable sleeve preferably has the insulating material comprise a fabric and the closure system comprises a hook-and-loop fastening system. The reusable sleeve may have an opening therein of sufficient size to retain currency.

Abstract: A recyclable beverage container handle is disclosed, fabricated from sheet material, such as cardboard or any other recyclable or biodegradable material. The handle comprises a cylindrical portion for receiving a beverage container and an “A” shaped handle portion. Both of these portions are fabricated from the same single continuous sheet. A method of manufacturing the container handle includes handle members that are continuous with the cylindrical portion which wraps around the outer walls of a container held therein. Thus, the handle is uniquely rigid, providing the user with a sense of firmness. A person using the handle need not have direct contact with the beverage container held therein, thus increasing his or her comfort level. Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing and compacting the handle for easy storage and access of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing an applause is described. The present invention acts as a container for food or beverages and once the food or beverage is consumed may be converted into an apparatus to enhance an applause or boo. One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for holding a beverage container. The apparatus for holding the beverage container has a top, a bottom, and at least two sidewall sections which may be selectively detached and assembled with matching components. The device may be selectively adjustable to accommodate containers of various sizes and shapes. By detaching the sidewall sections in at least one place the sidewall sections may be open and closed. The open and closing motion may be done such that when the sidewall sections are closed upon one another they hit to make an audible sound.

Abstract: A cup holder including a resilient tube having opposed ends with a keyhole slot open at its bottom extending between the opposed ends for engaging a support and the tube also having a bore in its top for receiving a beverage container.

Abstract: A recyclable beverage container handle is disclosed, fabricated from sheet material, preferably rigid, such as corragated cardboard or another recyclable or biodegradable material. The handle comprises a cylindrical portion for receiving a beverage container and an “A” shaped handle portion. Both of these portions are fabricated from the same single continuous sheet. A method of manufacturing the container handle includes handles members that are continuous with the cylindrical portion and which wrap around the outer walls of a container held therein. Thus, the handle is uniquely rigid, providing the user with a sense of firmness. A person using the handle need not have direct contact with the beverage container held therein, thus increasing his or her comfort level. Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing and compacting the handle for easy storage and access of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal insulating sleeve for a container that is easily converted from a generally planar configuration during periods of nonuse and into an expanded or open configuration for receiving a container during periods of use. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulating sleeve comprises a plurality of side panels defining a generally tubular body positioned about an imaginary longitudinal axis having an open first end and a second end forming a central cavity therein. Circumferential positioned about the open first end and equally spaced one from another, is a plurality of fingers that extend generally radially inwardly into the central cavity and are angled generally downwardly with respect to the tubular body and are effective for stabilizing the container within the central cavity and for providing an insulating layer of air between the container and the tubular body.

Abstract: A cup holder for receiving a hot beverage carrying a cup of the type with a rim with an open top and a closed bottom end with a tapered outwardly and upwardly extending side wall between the bottom end and the top rim. The side wall has an outer surface heated by the hot beverage in the cup. The cup holder comprises a single molded piece free of overlapping joints and free of adhesive and having at least three upstanding segments with each segment having upper and lower extremities. Hinges interconnect the three upstanding segments to retain the segments in a circular configuration with the segments being outwardly inclined to form a lower aperture which has a size substantially less than the size of the top rim of the cup and an upper aperture greater in size than the lower aperture permitting the cup holder to be nested before use.