BEVERAGE CONTAINER HOLDER AND EDIBLE FILM PACKAGE ASSEMBLY

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to beverage container holders and sealed packet assemblies, especially where at least the beverage container holder part of the assembly is recyclable and made of cellulosic materials.

2. Background Art

Hot and cold beverage containers have traditionally been constructed of two materials: wax-coated paper and polystyrene. Although both products have received wide spread implementation by fast food restaurants and consumers, they each have their own drawbacks.

Polystyrene is a good insulator, and became of its unique moldability, can be formed into many different shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, however, polystyrene is neither easily recyclable nor biodegradable, and must be disposed in a sanitary landfill. Landfills have become extremely expensive to use and are rapidly being filled to capacity. Polystyrene can also be incinerated, but this disposal method requires environmental safeguards because of the toxic fumes polystyrene emits while burning.

Wax-covered paper products have been used in hot and cold beverage containers for years, and have increasingly been replacing polystyrene as the material of choice. This material is generally recyclable, and is more readily degraded by environmental exposure than polystyrene. Unfortunately, because of its low insulation qualities, containers made of this material can be uncomfortable to handle.

It is well known to provide a thermally insulative sleeve around a container as disclosed by the following U.S. patent documents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,473; 5,667,135; 5,826,786; 5,842,633; 6,152,363; 6,250,545; 6,814,253; 7,000,801; 7,290,679; 7,537,136; 2003/0116576; 2007/0215626; 2009/0008438; and 2009/0050767. The sleeve insulates a user's hand from the hot or cold contents within the container. The sleeve also aids in maintaining the contents at a more constant temperature.

In many instances the sleeve is removably placed over the exterior diameter of a beverage container. The sleeve enables a consumer to grasp the beverage container even while the contents are at a high temperature. Such sleeves are most commonly used at coffee bars where paper-based containers are used to serve gourmet coffee, tea or cocoa beverages at hot temperatures.

Personal care products can be formulated in a variety of dosage forms, including strips of edible thin film compositions. Edible thin film compositions inserted into one's mouth can be designed to deliver therapeutic agents to the oral mucosa. One such example is Listerine® PocketPaks™ brand oral care strip products made by Pfizer Inc. of New York. Such edible film compositions are effective in delivering therapeutic agents particularly antimicrobial agents in the form of a combination of essential oils.

Orally consumable films and/or their dispensers are disclosed by the following U.S. patent documents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,669,020; 6,726,054; 7,104,419; 7,320,413; 2004/0247648; 2004/0043134; 2006/0169710; 2008/0233055; 2009/0200330; and D423,302.

Rapidly dissolving orally consumable films of the type described above can become viscous and sticky over time when exposed to a predetermined amount of heat or moisture. Such ordinary exposure to heat or moisture can adversely affect the physical stability and composition of the film resulting in undesirable texture and appearance as well as diminished shelf life and product performance.

It is also known to provide a coffee cup and breath freshening combination device for providing a breath freshening tab with a coffee cup as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,873.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a beverage container holder and sealed packet assembly.

In carrying out the above object and other objects of the present invention, a beverage container holder and sealed packet assembly is provided. The 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. The assembly further includes at least one piece of edible film. The 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 at least one piece 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.

The assembly may include a pull tab to facilitate the lid to be peeled off the rim.

The pull tab may include a part of the rim bonded to a portion of the lid.

The hole may extend completely through the tubular member between the inner and outer surfaces.

The hole may extend completely through the tubular member between the inner and outer surfaces adjacent an edge portion of the tubular member.

The tubular member may comprise cellulostic material.

The tubular member may be collapsible to form a flattened structure.

The edible film may be a water-soluble film provided with a breath-freshening agent.

The edible film may be a water-soluble film provided with a flavor agent.

The edible film may be a water-soluble film provided with an oral care agent.

The edible film may be a water-soluble film provided with a pharmaceutically active agent.

The seal may be a moisture-tight, hermetic seal.

The lid may be positioned adjacent an edge portion of the tubular member to facilitate at least partial removal of the lid from the rim.

The pull tab may be positioned adjacent an edge portion of the tubular member to facilitate at least partial removal of the lid from the rim.

The container may be formed of a food-compatible material.

The inner surface of the tubular member may be an insulating surface having alternating raised and depressed areas which contain insulating air.

The container may include a bottom wall having an outer surface which together with the insulating surface form at least one cavity which contains insulating air.

The container may comprise a shallow rectangular box and the at least one piece of edible film may be flat and rectangular to fit within the rectangular box.

The container may include side walls having outer surfaces which together with the insulating surface form at least one cavity which contains insulating air.

Still further in carrying out the above object and other objects of the present invention, a thermal insulating beverage container sleeve and sealed packet assembly is provided. The assembly includes a cellulostic, collapsible container sleeve having an insulating inner surface having alternating raised and depressed areas, an outer surface, a hole which extends completely through the sleeve between the inner and outer surfaces, and a pair of openings for receiving and retaining a beverage container. The assembly further includes at least one piece of edible, water-soluble film with a pharmaceutically active agent. The assembly still further includes a low profile packet having a shallow, edible film container received and retained within the hole. The edible film container has a peripheral rim. The packet also has a lid bonded to the rim to form a cavity which encloses the at least one piece 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, water-soluble film from the cavity in the open position.

The above object and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a beverage container, a holder for the container, at least piece of edible film and a low profile packet which encloses the at least piece of edible film to form an assembly constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view, partially broken away and in cross-section, of the assembly of FIG. 1, taken along lines 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 1 but showing a second embodiment of the assembly; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view, similar to the view of FIG. 2, of the assembly of FIG. 3, taken along lines 4-4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

A beverage container holder and sealed packet assembly constructed in accordance with two embodiments of the invention is disclosed in the drawing figures. FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment and FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment. Parts of the second embodiment which have the same or similar structure or function as parts of the first embodiment have the same reference number but a single prime designation. The assembles, generally indicated at 10 and 10′, includes a thermal insulating tubular member, generally indicated at 12 and 12′, respectively, having inner and outer surfaces 14 and 14′ and 16 and 16′, respectively, a hole 18 and 18′ formed in the outer surfaces 16 and 16′ respectively, and at least one opening 20 and 20′, respectively, for receiving and retaining a beverage container, generally indicated at 22. As illustrated, the container 22 has a lid 24.

Each of the assemblies 10 and 10′ further includes at least one piece of edible film 30 and 30′, respectively. Each of assemblies 10 and 10′ still further includes a low profile packet, generally indicated at 32 and 32, respectively. Each of the packets 32 and 32′, includes a shallow, edible film container 34 and 34′, respectively, received and retained within the holes 18 and 18′ respectively. Each of edible film containers, 34 and 34′ includes a peripheral rim 36 and 36′, respectively. Each of the packets 32 and 32′ also includes a plastic lid 38 and 38′, respectively, bonded to a rim 36 and 36′, respectively, to form cavities 40 and 40′, respectively. Each of the cavities 40 and 40′ encloses the one or more pieces of edible film 30 and 30′, respectively, and forms bonding area 42 and 42′, respectively, which provides seals around the cavities 40 and 40′, respectively. Each of the lids 38 and 38′ is movable between open and closed positions relative to rims 36 and 36′, respectively, to permit removal of the one or more pieces of edible film 30 or 30′, respectively, from the cavities 40 and 40′, respectively, in the open position.

The corrugated beverage container holder and sealed packet assembly 10 is environmentally friendly and provides adequate insulation properties approaching those of polystyrene. The insulating tubular member 12 of the assembly 10 may be fabricated from a material having an organic, cellulosic and cellular structure such as cork (not shown). In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the tubular member 12 has the insulating inner surface 14 which typically contains alternating raised and depressed areas 44 and 46, respectively, such as longitudinally extending flutes 48 and include a generally tapered or conical structure, typical of beverage containers. The corrugation can be made of cellulosic materials including craft paper, sulfite paper, or recycled paper. Ideally, the fluting 48 and the tubular member 12 of the first embodiment are adhered to one another with a recyclable, and preferably, a biodegradable adhesive.

The container 34 also includes bottom and side walls which together with the insulating member 14 form one or more cavities 56 which contains insulating air.

The second embodiment of the assembly 10′ also preferably includes alternating raised and depressed areas 44′ and 46′, respectively, of the insulating inner surface 14′ of the tubular member 12′. The areas 44′ and 46′ may be formed by embossing the tubular member 12′ as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 so that the insulating inner surface 14′ contains insulating air.

The preferred material of at least the first embodiment of the invention, corrugated cardboard, is generally available in rather large widths of about 5 to 7 feet. The corrugated medium, a web of paperboard, or more preferably, virgin kraft or similar easily recycled cellulosic material, is heated and moistened by a steam shower and then fluted by passing it between a pair of rollers. After fluting, the tips of the fluting 14 are glued, preferably employing a recyclable, and more preferably employing a biodegradable adhesive, to the outer liner 13, such as a single face of paperboard or kraft. The inner surface of the fluting 48 that is intended to contact the beverage container 22 may be treated with a water-resisting or water-proofing agent, such as wax or silicone, for minimizing the absorption of condensation and other liquids into the cellulosic material.

The above-described method produces a single face sheet of corrugated cardboard. The cardboard is then folded flat, or scored, along its outer liner 13 and cut into an arcuate shape. The arcuate shape, which is preferably concave at the top and convex at the bottom, permits the tubular member 12 to be opened into a generally conical configuration.

Depending upon the location of the fold line, one or both of the longitudinal sides of the flattened and cut corrugation material are adhered so as to form a tube when the structure is opened. Preferably, the outer liner 12 is adhered or scored to form at least two longitudinally folding axes (one of which is shown at 50) which are preferably located 180° apart on the resulting circumference of the open tube. These axes do not interfere with either the radial expansion or the resulting conical shape formed by the tubular member 12.

Alternatively, the fluting or flutes 48 of the first embodiment can comprise angular fluting adhesively attached to an outer liner 12. Alternative constructions for the corrugated structures of this embodiment of the invention can include circular, square, or rectangular fluting, all of which contain insulating air. This fluting 48 can be sealed at one or both ends to provide more containment of the air, or left open to permit the air to flow through as it is heated or cooled by the contents of the beverage container 22. Finally, the shape of the corrugated “tubular member” of this embodiment can be round, square, rectangular, star-shaped, or any other desirable configuration.

Double-faced corrugation can also be employed. Such corrugation is typically found in cardboard boxes, and includes an inner liner in addition to the outer liner 13. The liners preferably are constructed with paperboard or kraft and are adhered to the tips of the flutes on opposite contacting points. The corrugated board is thereafter preferably coated with a water-proofing agent, cut, scored, and adhesively joined to provide a similar construction as detailed above for the single face sheet.

The normal direction of the flutes 48 of the corrugated materials of this embodiment of the invention is vertical from the top to the bottom of the holder 12 or container 22, but it is expected that the flutes 48 can be disposed horizontally, or in a direction which is oblique to the central axis of the cup 22 or expanded holder 12.

The air spaces created by the combination of the flutes 48, the wall of the container 34 and the liner 13 help to furnish the insulating properties of the holder 12. The substantially contained air in these flutes 48 is an effective insulator and will keep the handling contact outer surface 16 below the temperature of the hot or cold beverage contained in the cup or container 22.

The embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 provides a smooth, aesthetically appealing exterior which facilitates printing of advertising logos, slogans, and the like on the outer surface 16 and the outer surface of the lid 38. This embodiment includes the optional ability to be collapsed at two or more points (including point 50) along its radial surface, to form a flat structure.

In further embodiments of this invention, it is expected that waterproof polyethylene coatings could be used in place of the silicone and wax compositions disclosed above. The industrial application of polyethylene coatings is readily available to known artisans. Finally, although the fluting structure 48 is disclosed as being substantially parallel, a fluting structure which permits the individual flutes 48 to taper to an imaginary vanishing point would also be within the concept of at least one embodiment of the invention.

The assembly 10 also includes at least one piece of edible film 30 as previously mentioned. Edible film products are known in the art. These products are designed to adhere to and rapidly dissolve in the mouth of the consumer. Edible films can provide flavor and/or oral care agents, e.g., breath freshening, to the consumer. Such films typically include a film former and flavor or other ingredient or agent.

Edible film products are typically provided to the consumer in strip form. The strips are usually sized so that they can be placed on the tongue of a consumer. In this regard, the edible film strips 30 typically have a size of a postage stamp or slightly larger in at least one dimension. These strips preferably have a supple texture and are non-self adhering.

One type of edible film product is distributed by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare under the name Listerine® PocketPaks™. Such consumable film, is particularly well adapted to rapidly dissolve in one's mouth. The consumable film 30 of at least one embodiment of the invention is adapted to adhere to and dissolve in one's mouth and comprises a modified starch, a pharmaceutically active agent and, optionally, at least one water soluble polymer such as described in published U.S. patent application 2004/0043134.

As previously mentioned, the assembly 10′ of the second embodiment also includes the low profile packet 32′. The packet 32′ includes the shallow, edible film container 34′, preferably in the form of a rectangular box, which is received and retained within the hole 18′ formed completely through the tubular member 12′ between the insulating inner surface 14′ and the outer surface 16′ adjacent an edge portion 52′ of the tubular member 12′. The container 34′ may be adhesively retained in the hole 18′ (a space 54′ is shown adjacent the hole 18′ for such adhesive) or may be retained in the hole 18′ by an interference fit between side walls of the container 34′ and the side walls of the tubular member 12′ which define the hole 18′ as also provided in the first embodiment of the assembly 10.

It is to be understood that the container 34 may also be adhesively secured in its hole 18 with adhesive. The edible film container 34′ includes the peripheral rim 36′ by which the container 34′ may be bonded by the adhesive to the outer surface 16′ of the member 12′. The container 34′ is formed of a food-compatible material such as a food-compatible plastic.

The container 34′ includes bottom and side walls which together with the insulating surface 14′ form one or more cavities 56′ which contains insulating air.

As previously mentioned, the plastic lid 38′ is bonded to the rim 36′ to form the cavity 40′ which encloses one or more pieces 30′ of edible film and forms the bonding area 42′ which provides a seal around the cavity 40′. The lid 38′ is movable (i.e., peelable) between open and closed positions relative to the rim 36′ to permit removal of the at least one piece 30′ of edible, water-soluble film from the cavity 40′ in the open position of the lid 38′.

Pull tabs 60 and 60′ facilitate the lids 38 and 38′, respectively, to be pulled or peeled off their rims 36 and 36′, respectively. The pull tabs 60 and 60′ may include part of the rim 36 and 36′, respectively, bonded to a portion of their lids 38 and 38′, respectively. The pull tab 60′ is shown positioned adjacent the edge portion 52′ of the tubular member 12′ to facilitate at least a partial removal (i.e., peeling) of the lid 38′ from the rim 36′. While not shown in FIG. 1, it is to be understood that the pull tab 60 (and the hole 18) may also be positioned adjacent an edge portion 52 of its tubular member 12 to facilitate at least a partial removal of the lid 38 from its rim 36.

From the foregoing, it can be realized that these embodiments of the invention provide improved holders for insulating hot and cold liquid containers, which are relatively safe for the environment and which can be produced inexpensively, while at the same time supporting edible films contained within their respective packets. The beverage container holders of the illustrated embodiments of this invention are readily fabricated with existing paper-making equipment, and present adequate solutions to the waste disposal problem associated with polystyrene and the uncomfortable handling normally associated with wax-covered paper cups. Although various embodiments of the invention have been illustrated, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications, which will become apparent to one skilled in the art, are within the scope of this invention described in the attached claims.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Beverage container holder and sealed packet assembly comprising:

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;

at least one piece of edible film; and

a low profile packet including: a shallow, edible film container received and retained within the hole wherein the edible film container includes a peripheral rim; and a lid bonded to the rim to form a cavity which encloses the at least one piece of edible film and forms a bonding area which provides a seal around the cavity, and wherein 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.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pull tab to facilitate the lid to be peeled off the rim.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pull tab includes a part of the rim bonded to a portion of the lid.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hole extends completely through the tubular member between the inner and outer surfaces.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hole extends completely through the tubular member between the inner and outer surfaces adjacent an edge portion of the tubular member.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular member comprises cellulostic material.

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular member is collapsible to form a flattened structure.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edible film is a water-soluble film provided with a breath-freshening agent.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edible film is a water-soluble film provided with a flavor agent.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edible film is a water-soluble film provided with an oral care agent.

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edible film is a water-soluble film provided with a pharmaceutically active agent.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seal is a moisture-tight, hermetic seal.

13. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid is positioned adjacent an edge portion of the tubular member to facilitate at least partial removal of the lid from the rim.

14. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pull tab is positioned adjacent an edge portion of the tubular member to facilitate at least partial removal of the lid from the rim.

15. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container is formed of a food-compatible material.

16. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the tubular member is an insulating surface having alternating raised and depressed areas which contain insulating air.

17. The assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the container includes a bottom wall having an outer surface which together with the insulating surface form at least one cavity which contains insulating air.

18. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container comprises a shallow rectangular box and wherein the at least one piece of edible film is flat and rectangular to fit within the rectangular box.

19. The assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the container includes side walls having outer surfaces which together with the insulating surface form at least one cavity which contains insulating air.

20. Thermal insulating beverage container sleeve and sealed packet assembly comprising:

a cellulostic, collapsible container sleeve having an insulating inner surface having alternating raised and depressed areas, an outer surface, a hole which extends completely through the sleeve between the inner and outer surfaces, and a pair of openings for receiving and retaining a beverage container;

at least one piece of edible, water-soluble film provided with a pharmaceutically active agent; and

a low profile packet including: a shallow, edible film container received and retained within the hole wherein the edible film container has a peripheral rim; and a lid bonded to the rim to form a cavity which encloses the at least one piece of edible film and forms a bonding area which provides a seal around the cavity, and wherein the lid is movable between open and closed positions relative to the rim to permit removal of the at least one piece of edible, water-soluble film from the cavity in the open position.