Abstract: A disposable cup comprises a side wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one air pocket formed on the inner surface. The air pockets are formed by shrink film being adhered to the inner surface in at least one pattern and adapted to pull away from the inner surface in accordance with the pattern upon application of heat at a temperature range sufficient to cause the formation of air pockets. The formed air pockets thermally insulate a portion of the outer cup surface located directly behind the air pockets.

Abstract: A disposable cup comprises a side wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one air pocket formed on the inner surface. The air pockets are formed by shrink film being adhered to the inner surface in at least one pattern and adapted to pull away from the inner surface in accordance with the pattern upon application of heat at a temperature range sufficient to cause the formation of air pockets. The formed air pockets thermally insulate a portion of the outer cup surface located directly behind the air pockets.

Abstract: An insulating cup or container (50) and a method of manufacturing it comprises (first embodiment) a sidewall blank (12B) having two sections separated by a fold score (15), and a separate insulating sheet (18)(corrugated, ribbed, embossed, foamed, perforated, etc.) which is adhesively fastened to one of the sections. The blank is folded in half along the fold score, to form a three-layered assembly with the insulating sheet in the middle. To reduce the thickness of the seam, the blank is thinned in the area adjacent a fold score prior to folding. The assembly is wrapped around a mandrel to bring the outer edges together at a side seam (22S) to form a sidewall 12. The side seam is sealed, the bottom is added, and the rim is formed. In a second embodiment, the insulating layer can be a coating on one or both of the sections of the two-section starting blank. In a third embodiment, the insulating section (40) can be integral with, and extend from, one edge of the starting blank.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: A nestable beverage cup is preferably formed of two tapered sections. A lower section is sized to fit a cup holder such as used in a vehicle, while an upper section which is not held in the cup holder is provided with a larger diameter than the lower section, and is more broadly tapered to hold a greater volume of fluid. The lower section has a flattened rim which is ultrasonically sealed to the bottom of the upper section. A recessed bottom of the upper section provides an air gap which will insulate the user from the surface of the lower section. The two stage cup contemplates designs with various sidewalls, angles, shapes and raw materials.

Abstract: An insulating cup or container (50) and a method of manufacturing it comprises (first embodiment) providing a sidewall blank (12B) having two sections separated by a fold score (15), and a separate insulating sheet (18)(corrugated, ribbed, embossed, foamed, perforated, etc.) which is adhesively fastened to one of the sections. The blank is folded in half along the fold score, to form a three-layered assembly with the insulating sheet in the middle. To reduce the thickness of the seam, the blank is thinned in the area adjacent a fold score prior to folding. The assembly is wrapped around a mandrel to bring the outer edges together at a side seam (22S) to form a sidewall 12. The side seam is sealed, the bottom is added, and the rim is formed. In a second embodiment, the insulating layer can be a coating on one or both of the sections of the two-section starting blank. In a third embodiment, the insulating section (40) can be integral with, and extend from, one edge of the starting blank.

Abstract: A self-insulating fluid container having a novel thermally responsive side wall is disclosed. The side wall is constituted of multiple layers that thermally respond to the presence of fluid of at least a predetermined temperature in the fluid container in a coordinated manner. In one embodiment, the coordinated thermal response either creates or increases insulating air space between an innermost and an outermost one of the layers. In another embodiment, the coordinated thermal response increases insulation of an intermediate layer between an innermost and an outermost one of the layers. In one embodiment, the self-insulating container is a cup for holding a hot beverage.

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.

Abstract: An improved sleeve for insulating a user's hand from a hot beverage cup is disclosed that includes first and second wing portions extending outwardly from the container side wall and spaced apart therefrom by spacer elements to form air gaps between the wing portion and the cup. A blank for forming the subject sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup and cup-holder for heated beverages, and in particular, to a cup-holder having an absorbent portion for cleaning up spillage.

Abstract: A blank for a cupholder to facilitate handling of cups containing hot beverages has one or more cuts defining a strip or a flap. The strip or flap can be folded relative to the or each cut to define a pocket or opening for receiving and retaining an accessory for the cup or the beverage, such as a spoon or a sachet of sugar.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup with improved insulation in areas where printed matter exists. The printed matter is applied using a water-based alkyd or epoxy ink. In one embodiment the cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated on its outside surface with a foamed synthetic resin, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed synthetic resin. The bottom panel member is optionally coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed synthetic resin. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a seal at an interface between a portion of inside surface of the body member and a portion of the upper surface of the bottom panel member. The printed matter is applied prior to foaming of the synthetic resin on the outer surface of the cup.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical beverage container holder manufactured from a sheet of recycled pressed paper pulp is provided. The sheet is die cut form a blank having large and small opposing substantially rectangular sides connected by a bottom portion. The large side has a center panel and two glue flaps attached to the center panel by vertical fold lines. The bottom portion is substantially circular to conform to the shape of a beverage can and has fold lines that allow the blank to be folded so that the two rectangular sides are brought together in facing relationship. The large side glue flaps are glued to the small side to form a flat holder having vertical edges. The holder is opened by gently squeezing along the vertical edges, thereby creating an open top end for receiving a beverage container.

Abstract: A paperboard cup holder for use with a hot coffee cup, the cup being tapered as in the form of a cross section of a right circular cone of relatively small taper angle. Such cups are generally of paperboard or plastic and are often used in vending machines and fast food retail outlets for serving hot coffee. The holder is formed from a flat, generally arcuate unitary paperboard blank having a convex outer edge and a concave inner edge. The arcuate length of the blank is substantially the same as the mid circumference of the cup, and the ends of the blank are glued together to form an annular holder. The upper edge of the blank integrally carries a plurality of apertured flaps which bend 180 degrees to as to lie parallel with the main portion of the blank. When the holder is slid onto a cup, the apertured flaps are sandwiched between the outer (hot) surface of the cup and the main portion of the holder.

Abstract: An insulating sleeve for a beverage container is provided. The sleeve is constructed from at least two layers of fabric, and has an integral pocket incorporated between the two layers. Two elasticized fleece fabric panels, each having a rectangular body area and a pocket extension, are joined at their edges and then attached at their ends to form the sleeve. The pocket extensions are folded down between the two elasticized fleece fabric panels to form the integral pocket. The insulating sleeve has indicia affixed to its outer surface. The sleeve provides a beverage cup insulating sleeve that is easily positionable on a beverage cup, and that will remain in position without adjustment. It can be machine washed and used repeatedly, instead of thrown away after use. The sleeve can adapt itself to fit a variety of container shapes, and can be folded compactly for storage when not in use. Additionally the pocket provides a way of keeping a punchcard with the sleeve.

Abstract: A single walled container for storing hot or cold foods or liquids having a layer of insulation comprised of void containing particles held together with a binder applied to the outer part of the sidewall. The insulation layer provides a controlled amount of insulation which is sufficient to prevent pain to the fingers yet it transmits sufficient heat to warn the user of the temperature of the container's contents. The binder may be any thermoplastic or thermoset resin, and other ingredients may be added to the binder to control viscosity, density, or color.

Abstract: An insulating cup or container (50) and a method of manufacturing it comprises (first embodiment) providing a sidewall blank (12B) having two sections separated by a fold score (15), and a separate insulating sheet (18) (corrugated, ribbed, embossed, foamed, perforated, etc.) which is adhesively fastened to one of the sections. The blank is folded in half along the fold score, to form a three-layered assembly with the insulating sheet in the middle. To reduce the thickness of the seam, the blank is thinned in the area adjacent a fold score prior to folding. The assembly is wrapped around a mandrel to bring the outer edges together at a side seam (22S) to form a sidewall 12. The side seam is sealed, the bottom is added, and the rim is formed. In a second embodiment, the insulating layer can be a coating on one or both of the sections of the two-section starting blank. In a third embodiment, the insulating section (40) can be integral with, and extend from, one edge of the starting blank.

Abstract: A combination coaster and cup holder is constructed from a planar panel formed from thin, flexible material. The panel has an upper surface and a lower surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A slit extends from the upper surface to the lower surface between the top edge and the bottom edge, and extends from a point adjacent the first side edge to a point adjacent the second side edge. The slit has an upper edge, a lower edge, a first end and a second end. The slit has a length equal to one half the circumference of a tapered cup measured at a point between the upper rim of the cup and the base. The panel is folded along the slit and the upper edge is separated from the lower edge and the cup is introduced between the edges form a cup holder located about the circumference of the cup. The cup holder will fit frictionally about the cup between the rim and the base, adapting automatically to the taper of the cup.

Abstract: A thermally insulated sleeve is adapted to fit over a cup. The sleeve has a sidewall having an inside surface and an outer surface. The sidewall is adapted to seal the sidewall upon itself and to form a seam. A thin thermally insulating coating having a controlled thickness is supported by the sidewall. The thin thermally insulating coating is comprised of a binder and void containing particles, ranging from 0.1 microns to 200 microns in size, adapted to being restricted by the binder. A heat-activated adhesive is supported by the inside surface of the sidewall. When the sleeve is heated the heat activated adhesive bonds the sleeve to the cup.

Abstract: A heat-insulating container comprises a paper cup body having an inner surface, an upper open end, a shell member and a bottom, the inner surface being coated with polyolefine resin, the upper open end having an outward curled portion and the shell member having a side wall on which at least one rib is formed; and a tubular member being formed of paper and having an inverse truncated conical shape, the tubular member having at a lower end thereof an inward curled portion. The tubular member is combined with an outer periphery of the paper cup body so as to come into contact with the paper cup body in contact portions provided on the at least one rib of the paper cup body and on an outer periphery of an lower end of the side wall of the shell member.

Abstract: An insulating cup or container (50) and a method of manufacturing it comprises (first embodiment) providing a sidewall blank (12B) having two sections separated by a fold score (15), and a separate insulating sheet (18) (corrugated, ribbed, embossed, foamed, perforated, etc.) which is adhesively fastened to one of the sections. The blank is folded in half along the fold score, to form a three-layered assembly with the insulating sheet in the middle. To reduce the thickness of the seam, the blank is thinned in the area adjacent a fold score prior to folding. The assembly is wrapped around a mandrel to bring the outer edges together at a side seam (22S) to form a sidewall 12. The side seam is sealed, the bottom is added, and the rim is formed. In a second embodiment, the insulating layer can be a coating on one or both of the sections of the two-section starting blank. In a third embodiment, the insulating section (40) is integral with, and extends from, one edge of the starting blank.

Abstract: An insulated container comprises a sidewall formed with an outer layer, an inner layer, and a fluted layer located between the outer and inner layers. The fluted layer includes elongated flutes extending in a substantially lateral direction around the container. The inner layer comprises a paper layer arranged with its machine direction extending substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the flutes extend. The outer layer comprises paper that is capable of stretching sufficiently to accommodate an outer circumference of the container. Additional insulated containers and sidewalls having laterally extending flutes and methods therefor are further provided.

Abstract: An insulative sleeve for a hot drink cup made of essentially transparent and preferably clear thermal plastic material having circumferential bands of insulative flutes thermoformed therein.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard container is disclosed including a container body having a side wall and a bottom wall with the one side wall including a base layer and an insulating layer on at least a portion of the base layer, preferably on an inside surface of the side wall. The insulating layer being selectively adhered to at least a portion of the base layer such that the selective adhering of the insulating layer to the base layer creates air pockets between the insulating layer and the base layer with the air pockets being expandable in response to contact with a heated liquid. Such a container is formed from an insulating stock material comprising a paperboard base layer and an insulating layer overlying at least a portion of at least of one surface of the base layer with the insulating layer being selectively adhered to the surface of the base layer forming enclosed regions between the base layer and the insulating layer.

Abstract: An insulating cup or container (50) and a method of manufacturing it comprises (first embodiment) providing a sidewall blank (12B) having two sections separated by a fold score (15), and a separate insulating sheet (18)(corrugated, ribbed, embossed, foamed, perforated, etc.) which is adhesively fastened to one of the sections. The blank is folded in half along the fold score, to form a three-layered assembly with the insulating sheet in the middle. To reduce the thickness of the seam, the blank is thinned in the area adjacent a fold score prior to folding. The assembly is wrapped around a mandrel to bring the outer edges together at a side seam (22S) to form a sidewall 12. The side seam is sealed, the bottom is added, and the rim is formed. In a second embodiment, the insulating layer can be a coating on one or both of the sections of the two-section starting blank. In a third embodiment, the insulating section (40) can be integral with, and extend from, one edge of the starting blank.

Abstract: A heat-insulating container comprises a paper cup body having an inner surface, an upper open end, a shell member and a bottom, the inner surface being coated with polyolefine resin, the upper open end having an outward curled portion and the shell member having a side wall on which at least one rib is formed; and a tubular member being formed of paper and having an inverse truncated conical shape, the tubular member having at a lower end thereof an inward curled portion. The tubular member is combined with an outer periphery of the paper cup body so as to come into contact with the paper cup body in contact portions provided on the at least one rib of the paper cup body and on an outer periphery of an lower end of the side wall of the shell member.

Abstract: Composite paperboard containers formed from a first substantially planar sheet of paperboard material having a content contacting surface and a back surface, a first embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the back surface of the first planar sheet and a second embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the first embossed sheet of paperboard material. Additional planar sheets or embossed sheets may be added as desired in order to achieve the desired flexural stiffness and thermal resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to the construction of sleeves for use with paperboard cups. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a paperboard sleeve backed with hot-melt glue dots which are used to improve the insulating characteristics of a paperboard cup to the same level of common polystyrene cups.

Abstract: A heat-insulating container having an outer surface laminate of foamed thermoplastic synthetic resin such as low density polyethylene is configured to facilitate unwrapping of the container brim so that the container can be used with under-the-brim promotional concepts and the like that require the brim to be unwrapped. The container is fabricated from a body member having an outside surface laminate of foamed polyethylene, and a bottom panel member, with the body member and the bottom panel member being bonded to one another at an interface between a portion of the inside surface of the body member and the upper surface of the bottom panel member. An uppermost region of the body member is curled to form a circumferentially extending brim. A first circumferential portion of the brim being bonded to the outside surface laminate of foamed polyethylene and a second circumferential portion of the brim being unbonded to the outside surface laminate of foamed polyethylene.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup with improved insulation in areas where printed matter exists. The printed matter is applied using a water-based alkyd or epoxy ink. In one embodiment the cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated on its outside surface with a foamed synthetic resin, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed synthetic resin. The bottom panel member is optionally coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed synthetic resin. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a seal at an interface between a portion of inside surface of the body member and a portion of the upper surface of the bottom panel member. The printed matter is applied prior to foaming of the synthetic resin on the outer surface of the cup.

Abstract: A method of forming a paper container uses a three ply corrugated material having at least one inner or outer sheet of paper that may be stretched or compressed circumferentially to permit subsequent rolling of the corrugated material about a mandrel. A flattening of the upper and lower edges of the corrugated material permit rolling and seaming operations to be used to assemble the bottom to the cup and to form a lip in the upper edge.

Abstract: A disposable all-purpose container assembly includes a disposable frustoconical container formed from polymer coated paper and a saddle-like insulation attachment straddling an associated portion of the container sidewall and mounted in fixed position on the sidewall. A raw edge of the sidewall blank is sealed with polymer tape to prevent wicking or migration of liquid from the container into the sidewall. The tape also enhances the bond along the sidewall seam. The insulation attachment has a plurality of spaced apart ribs which engage the outer surface of the sidewall. The ribs, and portions of the outer surface of the sidewall and inner surface of the insulation attachment define air spaces between the container and the insulation attachment. The insulation attachment has a pair of handle sections movable to a holding position for optional use.

Abstract: A heat-insulating cup comprises an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The latter is supported against an upper and a lower area of the inner sleeve. An annular space is located between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, which annular space is free of any additional elements. A joint bottom is arranged to the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. In the upper area, the inner sleeve has a sudden widening, on top of which the outer sleeve is disposed.

Abstract: The present invention provide a collapsible, recyclable, fluid receptacle readily assembled from a either single blank or two substantially identical blanks to form an outer shell and a flexible inner liner attached to said shell having sufficient strength and properties to retain a liquid therein without leaking.

Abstract: An insulating cup or container (50) and a method of manufacturing it comprises (first embodiment) providing a sidewall blank (12B) having two sections separated by a fold score (15), and a separate insulating sheet (18)(corrugated, ribbed, embossed, foamed, perforated, etc.) which is adhesively fastened to one of the sections. Adhesive is applied to an area (21) adjacent the fold score. The blank is folded in half along the fold score, to form a three-layered assembly with the insulating sheet in the middle. The adhesive that was applied adjacent the fold score bonds the two sections together at an area (21) adjacent a fold edge (22) on the inside surfaces of the folded blank. The assembly is wrapped around a mandrel to bring the outer edges together at a sideseam (22S) to form a sidewall 12. The side seam is sealed, the bottom is added, and the rim is formed.

Abstract: A disposable plastic lid with folding side tabs for holding and drinking from hot beverage cups. The lid is applied in the usual fashion to the pre-filled beverage cup. A shorter tab adjacent the drinking spout accommodates the user's thumb. A longer tab opposite the spout accommodates a multi-finger opposing grip. There is a additional top side finger grip in the lid opposite the drinking spout. The side tabs are attached by two point hinge mechanisms with a slit running between the hinge points along the radius of the flange dividing the tab from the flange. The flange retains its full diameter about the circumference of the lid. The tabs are pre-formed with a raised rib pattern and shaped to fit the curvature of the sidewall of the cup. The two point hinge allows the tabs to be folded down and inward below the lid flange into contact with the sidewall of the cup, providing thermal insulation to the user's grip.

Abstract: An insulated container of paper which does not feel hot to the touch even when a user holds a trunk portion thereof in a hot water-containing state. The trunk portion has a doubly-walled structure with an insulating space provided between two wall members thereof. The doubly-walled insulating space-retaining structure is formed, as shown in FIG. 2, by inwardly curling both end portions of a cylindrical member and firmly fitting the resultant cylindrical member around an outer surface of a trunk portion of an inner container body. This structure results in a container capable of being manufactured at a low cost and having a high insulating capability and a high grasping resistance.

Abstract: A hot beverage lid having thermal protective flex-guards or flaps extending from opposite sides of a cover portion of the lid for protecting a consumer's fingers from heat emanating from the side of a cup. A first flap extends a first distance from under a drinking opening having sufficient area for a thumb. A second flap extends a second distance which is greater than the first flap from the opposite side of the lid and has sufficient area for at least two fingers. Each flap is contoured to conform to the curvature or the sidewall of the cup and each flap comprises swirled rib embossing for improved retention against fingers holding the cup. The top of the cover portion is concave with a hole in the center to allow liquid spillage to reenter the cup. Also, a channel surrounding the base of a circular plateau on top of the cover of the lid is provided for collecting fluid spillage.

Abstract: An elongated blank (10) is used to form a thermally insulated cup (30). The blank includes a pair of spaced apart smooth portions (12, 13) connected by a middle portion (11). The blanks may have chamfered or trimmed comers to reduce the amount of waste on the sheet from which they are cut. The smooth portions are folded on opposite sides of the middle portion. The middle portion is corrugated or otherwise distorted or deformed to create air space. The folded sheet is wound around a mandrel to form a cylinder or conoid. The ends of the smooth portions are joined together, and a bottom closure (14) is attached to form the cup. The finished cup includes a smooth outer shell (12S), a smooth inner shell (13S), and a middle layer (11L) sandwiched therebetween. The middle layer forms many air spaces between the shells to thermally insulate the contents of the cup, and also provide structural strength.

Abstract: A single walled container for storing hot or cold foods or liquids having a layer of insulation comprised of void containing particles held together with a binder applied to the outer part of the sidewall. The insulation layer provides a controlled amount of insulation which is sufficient to prevent pain to the fingers yet it transmits sufficient heat to warn the user of the temperature of the container's contents. The binder may be any thermoplastic or thermoset resin, and other ingredients may be added to the binder to control viscosity, density, or color.

Abstract: A dual wall container formed of a laminated blank wrapped about the longitudinal axis of the container to define a inner sidewall and an outer sidewall. The laminated blank comprises an inner sheet affixed to an outer sheet, wherein expansion joints may be provided on the outer sheet to enable the same to increase in circumference as the container is formed. Preferably, scores are provided within the inner sheet so as to form annular air pockets extending circumferentially around the container between the inner and outer sidewalls for uniform insulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved container holder having a unique shape that facilitates efficient manufacturing of the holder and printing of advertising material at a predetermined location on the holder. The container holder comprises an elongate body delimited by top and bottom edges and first and second end edges. The top and bottom edges define straight lines that are parallel to each other. The body further comprises a first tab positioned at the first end edge of the body, and a second tab positioned interiorly of the body, and generally adjacent to the first tab. The tabs are positioned at an acute angle with respect to one of the top and bottom edges, and extend away from each other in opposite directions. The body further comprises a first slot positioned adjacent the second end edge, and a second slot positioned generally adjacent the first slot.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for a frusto-conical beverage cup, configured to fit around the outside of the cup, thus protecting the fingers of the user from excessive temperatures in the case of a hot drink, and to provide a measure of insulation for the contents of the cup. The sleeve is an arcuate band of flexible, single-face corrugated material with curved side walls, oppositely extending slots adjacent the ends of the band and tabs lying alongside the slots, the tabs projecting only part-way across the width of the band, to facilitate the setting up of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of forming a paper container uses a three ply corrugated material having at least one inner or outer sheet of paper that may be stretched or compressed circumferentially to permit subsequent rolling of the corrugated material about a mandrel. A flattening of the upper and lower edges of the corrugated material permit rolling and seaming operations to be used to assemble the bottom to the cup and to form a lip in the upper edge.

Abstract: A cup holder sleeve is formed in pre-assembled, flat-folded form by diecutting a flat, elongated band from blank stock material so as to have top and bottom arcuate edges concentric to and in parallel with each other, fold lines scored into the band at spaced apart positions tapering toward each other, and side edges at opposite ends of the band. The opposite ends are folded flat at the fold lines so that the side edges overlap each other and are glued together at their overlapping surfaces. The flat-folded form allows for compact storage. The pre-assembled sleeve can be readied for use simply by squeezing on the outside surfaces so as to bow out the flat-folded band into an annular tapered sleeve with opened top and bottom ends for inserting a cup therein. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is made of paperboard material and is printed with graphics and embossed with a pattern to provide an insulating layer as well as better gripping of the sides of the cup.

Abstract: A tapered cup having an outwardly rolled lip includes insulating bodies integral with the outer face of the wall of the cup. Thermally conductive channels are among the insulating bodies and have an insulating value that is less then the insulating value of the insulating bodies. The cup can include a groove below the outwardly rolled lip in the inner face of the cup wall. The insulating bodies can be configured as alpha numeric indicia and the outer wall of the bodies or cup can be provided with bumps to aid in stacking of two or more cups. The cup can include a tapered lid with an outwardly flared lip that seats against the inner wall of the cup and does not extend over the lip of the cup. The lid can include a locking ring below the outwardly flared lip of the lid that is adapted for insertion into the groove in the cup. The lid further includes a fluid port.

Abstract: Corrugated cup wraps which are made of recyclable material that are held adhesively to cups without encircling the entire circumference of the cups. The cup wraps are made of a corrugated material that is fluted for air ventilation which facilitates the quality of a thermal barrier between the cup and the hand holding the cup wrap-wrapped cup. These cup wraps are flexible and easy to wrap around paper cups and attach to paper cups when the paper cups have a minimum circumference equal to the length of the cup wraps. To use each cup wrap, simply peel back and remove a paper liner to expose an aggressively adhesive surface and attach the cup wrap to a paper cup. The secure adhesive attachment to the cup allows the cup wrap to be of a single size, but still fit a wide range of cup sizes. The adhesive attachment quality of these cup wraps make these cup wraps better than other cup holders because other cup holders require the user to fully wrap the cups, but do not attach securely to the cups.

Abstract: A disposable insulated container comprises an inner container structure and n outer insulating wrap. The outer insulating wrap comprises a microflute laminated structure having a first corrugated laminate of microflute corrugations which extends substantially circumferentially around the side wall of the inner container and a second, outer sheet laminate of the thin flexible paper which presents a substantially smooth outer surface for engagement by the hand of a user of the container.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an upstanding container having a corrugated sidewall. Flutes in the medium of the corrugated sidewall follow preferably equal and opposite alternating lateral divergences from generally longitudinal upstanding axes. Preferred alternating divergences are waves having gradually changing angles of divergence from the respective upstanding axes. Thus, preferred medium is characterized by a pattern of wavy flutes. The pattern of wavy flutes provides improved strength and rigidity imparted by the horizontal components of the waves. Wavelength of the flutes is generally no greater than the height of the container. Wave amplitude is preferably between about 1/20th and about 1/80th of the circumference of the container. Spacing between flutes may be uniform from top to bottom of the container. In some embodiments, spacing between flutes is greater at or adjacent the top of the container than at or adjacent the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A thermally insulated cup or container (30) includes a smooth outer shell (12S), a smooth inner shell (13S), a corrugated layer (11L) sandwiched therebetween, and a bottom closure (14). The inner shell, corrugated layer, and outer shell are formed by simply winding a continuous elongated paper sheet (10) in a three-layered spiral, then sealing them together. The corrugated layer forms many air pockets between the shells to thermally insulate the contents of the cup, and also provide structural strength. The paper construction of the cup makes it biodegradable and recyclable, and the simple construction method of the cup makes it easy and inexpensive to manufacture.