Abstract: A thermally insulated container is disclosed. The container comprises an inner layer having a bottom portion with a bottom closure attached to the bottom portion. The container further comprises an outer layer wrapped around the inner layer. The container further comprises an insulating middle layer sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer. The middle layer has at least one aperture formed therein.

Abstract: A thermally insulated container is disclosed. The container comprises an inner layer having a bottom portion with a bottom closure attached to the bottom portion. The container further comprises an outer layer wrapped around the inner layer. The container further comprises an insulating middle layer sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer. The middle layer has at least one aperture formed therein.

Abstract: A thermally insulated container is disclosed. The container comprises an inner layer having a bottom portion with a bottom closure attached to the bottom portion. The container further comprises an outer layer wrapped around the inner layer. The container further comprises an insulating middle layer sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer. The container further comprises a side seam including five or less layers. At least one of the layers of the side seam is an end of the middle layer.

Abstract: A lid for use on a cup having a radially outwardly projecting non-helical brim extending around a mouth thereof. The lid is formed of plastic and comprises a center portion, and a flexible skirt extending downwardly from an outer periphery of the center portion. The skirt includes a radially inwardly projecting annular restriction ring adapted to be positioned beneath the cup brim. The skirt includes a plurality of threads spaced apart circumferentially around the skirt. Each thread extends generally helically upwardly from a location disposed between the restriction ring and a bottom edge of the skirt. The threads intersect the restriction ring to form circumferentially spaced caesurae in the restriction ring.

Abstract: A method for forming a leak free container, such as a paper cup, including a sidwall having a lap joint and a bottom wall connected to the sidewall by means of a bottom wall lap joint incorporating a portion of the sidewall lap joint wherein the method includes the step of applying caulking material, at a predetermined location, to one of the blanks forming the bottom and sidewall which location is selected to insure sealing of any void volume formed adjacent the sidewall lap joint within the bottom wall lap joint. Preferably, the caulking material will be a hot melt adhesive and will be employed in a cup making process involving the use of polyethylene coated paper stock. Careful control of the temperature, amount, location and viscosity of the hot melt during the lap joint forming process and of the heat and temperature used in the lap joint forming steps insure that the hot melt material ends up residing in precisely the appropriate location within the void volume.