DISPOSABLE JUICE BOX HOLDER

Abstract

In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a disposable cardboard juice box holder used for holding juice boxes and similar packaged liquid containers to prevent the spillage of the liquid contents of the juice box when opened and liquid contents are consumed. The juice box holder is collapsible into an essentially flat form and can be included with the drink boxes in an efficient manner. When ready to use, the user expands the holder into the intended shape and slides the juice box into the juice box holder. The somewhat rigid juice box holder surrounds the juice box on all sides, with at least the top open, making contact with at least two corners of the juice box.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a beverage or juice box holder. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a disposable beverage or juice box holder which prevents spillage when the juice box is consumed or opened, is inexpensive to manufacture and ship and provides additional marketing and advertising opportunities.

Beverages are packaged in disposable containers of various sizes for consumer convenience. They are frequently of individual-serving size. These disposable containers may be rectangular in shape and may contain juice, milk, punch, wine or other drinkable liquids, but are commonly referred to as juice boxes.

Juice boxes or other similar containers are frequently composed of flexible material and may be packaged with a plastic straw. The consumer may detach and use the straw to puncture a foil-sealed opening in the juice box to drink the beverage.

The consumer, while opening the juice box, may inadvertently apply excessive force to the sides of the juice box while inserting the straw, causing the liquid to spill out through the straw and punctured hole. Since juice boxes are frequently used by children, this accident may occur even more frequently with children without adequate fine motor control to apply sufficient force to insert the straw without excessively squeezing the juice box. Children may also accidentally cause spillage while holding or drinking from the juice box if they squeeze the sides of the box with excessive pressure.

There are many juice box holders known in the art. Most other juice box holders may be non-disposable and designed to be reused. They may be made from plastic or other reusable materials. As such, consumers must prepare in advance to have such juice box holders on hand whenever using a juice box. This may be impractical if the consumer forgets the juice box holder or did not plan on purchasing and/or using a juice box while on the go.

Other juice box holders may be box-like or rectangular in shape to receive the juice box. Although these juice box holders are in the form needed for use, they may be cumbersome and difficult to use, expensive to manufacture, and be difficult to impossible for the provider of the juice to provide with the juice itself.

Additionally, existing juice box holders or beverage sleeves may be inconvenient and often require the consumer to clean them and always have one at hand to prevent spillage of the liquid contents. Therefore, an improved juice box holder, which is convenient, disposable, inexpensive to manufacture, provides marketing and advertising benefits that can change as needed and adequately prevents spillage or leakage is needed. The present disclosure fulfills these needs and provides for further advantages.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a disposable juice box holder. In one embodiment, the juice box holder has two sides; the end of the first side and the end of the second side are joined to create a tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve can be collapsed into an essentially flattened form and opened into a cylindrical or other intended form to hold the juice box. The disposable juice box holder has a first opening to slide in the juice box, and may or may not have a bottom. The disposable juice box holder may surround the juice box from all sides, and may contact at least two corners of the juice box without contacting the sides of the juice box. The juice box holder can be made from any material but in at least one embodiment of the present invention the juice box holder is made of cardboard or other lightweight recyclable or disposable material. The juice box holder may also have images or promotional material printed on it providing an additional ability to market or promote other items or activities.

2 Customer No.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a juice box holder is provided. The juice box holder comprises a first side and a second side where at least the end of the first side and the end of the second side come into contact with each other to create a tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve has a first opening to accept the juice box and is configured to allow the first side and the second side to come together causing the tubular sleeve to collapse into a flat or essentially flat form.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tubular sleeve is configured to come into contact with at least two corners of the juice box. It should be appreciated that it is within the scope of the present invention to have the tubular sleeve come into contact with any portion of the juice box, but in at least one embodiment, it comes into contact with at least two corners of the juice box, which does not cause the liquid in the juice box to spill.

In another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the juice box holder comes into contact with at least four points of a juice box. It should be appreciated that it is within the scope of the present invention to have the tubular sleeve come into contact with any portion of the juice box, but in at least one embodiment, it comes into contact with at least four corners of the juice box, which does not cause the liquid in the juice box to spill.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the juice box holder is made from a disposable material. It should be appreciated that it is within the scope of the present invention to have the juice box holder made of any known disposable material, examples of which include, but are not limited to, cardboard, paper, plastics, composite materials, plant based materials and other materials know to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the inside of the juice box holder is lined with a waterproof or water-resistant material. The material can be any material known to one of ordinary skill in the art, which includes but is not limited to, plastic, composite, paper, wax and commercially available liners.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the juice box holder is lined with a waterproof or water-resistant material. The material can be any material known to one of ordinary skill in the art, which includes but is not limited to plastic, composite, paper, wax, and commercially available liners.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the first side and the end of the second side of the juice box holder are held together by adhesive or clip.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises a fold, which allows the juice box holder to obtain a flat or essentially flat form.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises a bottom support that holds the juice box in place and prevents it from falling out of the bottom of the juice box holder.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises a decorative image on the surface of the juice box holder.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises marketing material on the surface of the juice box holder. The marketing material can be anything that helps sell the juice box holders, the juice boxes or anything that is bundled or associated with the juice box holders (e.g., straws, toys, juice).

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises advertising or other promotional activity on the surface of the juice box holder. The advertising material can be anything that helps sell the juice box holders, the juice boxes or anything that is bundled or associated with the juice box holders (e.g., straws, toys, juice).

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises detachable game pieces, collectible cards, stickers, or other pieces that would entice the purchase of the juice box holder or bundled/associated item.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises a hook and loop fastener.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises a snap closure.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder additionally comprises a loop and button fastener.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juice box holder is packaged and provided with the juice box.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a juice box holder is provided. The juice box holder comprises a tubular sleeve where the tubular sleeve has a first opening to accept the juice box, where the tubular sleeve has at least one fold causing the tubular sleeve to collapse into a flat or essentially flat form.

These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder opened into its intended shape, holding a juice box.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder in a flat and collapsed form, packaged with the juice box.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder, before assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate bottom views of alternative embodiments of the disposable juice box holder.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the disposable juice box holder.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate perspective views of alternative embodiments of the disposable juice box holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments are now discussed. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for a more effective presentation. Conversely, some embodiments may be practiced without all of the details that are disclosed.

Individual serving sized juice box packages are popular for their convenience. They are portable, do not require separate serving cups, immediately consumable, and disposable. Disposable juice boxes are usually packaged in a flexible material, such as waxed paper. One drawback to juice boxes may be their propensity to spill or leak when consumed or opened. Adults and younger consumers alike may have experienced this phenomenon when attempting to hold the juice box while simultaneously inserting the straw to open the juice box. The liquid may squirt out of the opening and out of the straw. Once opened, the user, particularly children, may still cause leakage during consumption by squeezing the sides of the juice box with excessive pressure. Most juice box holders solve this problem by preventing the user from squeezing the juice box. One solution may include a rigid encasing made of plastic or other similar material. However, these types of juice box holders may not be convenient for the user. The user may need to ensure that the juice box holder is at-hand and that there are enough such holders for every user. Another drawback is that these types of drink holders may be bulky in size and inconvenient to transport when needed or to store when not in use.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder holding a juice box. The disposable juice box holder is designated generally as 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the disposable juice box holder 100 is opened to its intended cylindrical or concave form, holding a juice box 102. The disposable juice box holder surrounds the juice box on all sides, with the top and bottom open, making contact only with the corners 104 and 106 of the juice box. In the present embodiment, the juice box has four corners and the juice box holder makes contact with all four corners. It should also be appreciated that the disposable juice box holder 100 may work with a juice box of another shape, for example, a three-sided juice box or an oval juice box. The disposable juice box holder 100 does not contact the flat sides of the juice box; thus, when the user squeezes the juice box holder 100, it eliminates the pressure on the walls of the juice box, preventing spillage. The present embodiment may also insulate the user from the discomfort of handling the cold sides of the juice box when consuming a very cold juice box.

In one embodiment, the disposable juice box holder 100 is made from cardboard. However, any other material, such as, composites, plastics, polyethylene, polystyrene, other fibers, aluminum and/or other materials known in the art or any combination of these materials may be used to make the disposable juice box holder. One of the benefits of the present invention is that the juice box holder can be made of inexpensive materials that are relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and lightweight, which allows the manufacturer to include a juice box holder with every juice box sold.

Juice boxes come in different sizes, and even single-serving juice boxes may have varying dimensions. With a non-disposable rigid juice box holder, a particular juice box may be too large or too small for the holder. A juice box that is too small for a rigid non-disposable juice box holder may fall out. A juice box that is too large for a rigid non-disposable juice box holder may not fit or may be difficult to later remove when crammed into the holder. The disposable juice box holder 100 may be manufactured to accommodate the exact dimensions of the accompanying juice box, securely and perfectly holding the juice box.

The juice box holder 100 may be used one-time and discarded. Non-disposable juice box holders are usually brought home and washed for the next use. Younger users, in particular, may lose or forget to keep the juice box holder when they are finished consuming the beverage. Thus, with the present embodiment, parents and users will not need to monitor the whereabouts of the juice box holder and the juice box holder may be discarded with the juice box. A lightweight juice box holder may also be easier for children to hold and to handle.

Juice boxes are often served cold, and are either refrigerated or placed into coolers. This may cause the exterior of the juice box to become wet with moisture. In one embodiment, the interior lining or the whole disposable juice box holder may be coated with a waterproof or moisture-resistant material so that the disposable juice box holder stays intact and does not lose integrity upon contact with the moisture from the juice box. This waterproof or moisture-resistant lining may also allow the juice box holder to more effectively grip the juice box.

The disposable juice box holder also provides the drink manufacturer the ability to market, advertise, or conduct other promotional activities on the surface of the disposable juice box holder. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the disposable drink box holder 100 depicts a promotional image 108 as demonstrated by the robot image. Although traditional non-disposable juice box holders may also include promotional images, such images likely may not be changed. The manufacturer of the disposable juice box holder 100 may frequently and easily replace the promotional images with each printing. Such promotional images, advertising, or marketing may be more effective in keeping up with current movie characters or popular cartoons. Users may also have the latest designs without having to repurchase a new non-disposable juice box holder. Additionally, the disposable drink box holder may include other features such as game pieces, detachable collectible cards or stickers, or coupons.

The manufacturer may also use the surface of the juice box holder to provide information of a non-promotional nature. The disposable juice box holder may also be decorated to appeal to either gender so that children will want to use the disposable juice box holder. The disposable juice box holder may be customized and personalized for events or children's parties.

Juice boxes frequently come in a bulk package with each juice box of the same logo and design. The disposable juice box holders may be of different designs and colors to help identify the unique juice boxes of different users.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder 100 in a flat and collapsed form, packaged with the juice box 102. In this form, the disposable drink holder is easy to include with every juice box. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the disposable juice box holder 100 is in a flat foldable form, and attached to the juice box 102 until ready to use. When ready, the user detaches the flattened juice box holder and opens the holder into the intended rigid shape. This embodiment may allow for convenient service of the juice box holder with the juice boxes, especially when multiple juice boxes are used, such as at children's parties or events.

The disposable juice box holder in its flattened form may be attached to the juice box by adhesive. However, any other material or method may be used, such as tape, glue, shrink plastic wrapping and/or other materials or any combination of these may be used to attach the disposable juice box holder to the juice box. A bulk package of disposable juice box holders may also be attached to a bulk package of disposable juice boxes.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder 100 in pre-assembly form. The disposable juice box holder may include one or more folds 110 so that the disposable juice box holder may be folded into a flattened form for packaging with the juice box. The disposable juice box holder may have two sides, a first side 112 and a second side 114 which may be joined by adhesive 116 or other material or method. The disposable juice box has a top side 120 and a bottom side 122.

In one embodiment, adhesive 116 may join the end of the first side 112 and the end of the second side 114 of the disposable juice box holder. However, any other material or method may be used, such as tape, glue, sewing, stapling, and/or any combination of these may be used to secure the two ends of the disposable juice box holder.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder 100 in its intended form without a bottom support or floor.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder 100 with a bottom end formed by strips of material 124. The strips of material may include a fold 126. The strip of material extends from opposing portions of the bottom side 122. When a juice box is inserted into the disposable juice box holder, the strip of material 124 unfolds at the fold 126 and supports the juice box. The illustrative embodiment has at least one strip. It should be appreciated that the strip(s) may be of various widths, including, one strip enclosing the entire bottom.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder 100 with a bottom end formed by a net 130. The net 130 extends from opposing sides of the bottom side 122. The net may be made of any material known to one of skill in the art.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the disposable juice box holder 100 with a bottom end formed by flaps 136 and 138. In the example, flap 136 is folded over the bottom while flap 138 is still open. When the user intends to position the disposable juice box holder 100 into its intended shape, the user will fold the flap 136 and flap 138 along the bottom side 122 to form the bottom floor of the holder. The flaps may be extensions of the main body of the juice box holder.

The flaps 136 and 138 are shown as semi-circular in shape. In other embodiments, the flaps may be other shapes to form the bottom of the juice box holder.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the disposable juice box holder 140 in a rectangular form. In further embodiments, the disposable juice box holder may form other shapes.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate alternative embodiments of the means of securing the ends of the disposable juice box holder.

FIG. 9 illustrates a hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) system to secure the disposable juice box holder 100 into its intended tubular shape. In the illustrative embodiment, the hook strip 144 is on the interior of the first side 112 of the disposable juice box holder 100. The loop strip 146 is on the exterior of the second side 114 of the disposable juice box holder 100. When the user detaches the disposable juice box holder from the juice box, the user will match the face of the hook strip 144 to the face of the loop strip 146 and the two pieces will fasten, securing the disposable juice box holder into its intended rigid shape. In the illustrative embodiment, the hook and loop fastener is a rectangular shape strip. It should also be appreciated that the hook and loop fastener may be circular or any other shape. The hook strip may alternatively be placed on the second side, and the loop strip may alternatively be placed on the first side.

FIG. 10 illustrates a snap closure to secure the disposable juice box holder 100 into its intended tubular shape. In the illustrative embodiment, the snap inserting half 148 is on one side and the snap receiving half 150 is on the other side of the disposable juice box holder. When the sleeve is opened and bended into its intended shape, and the two halves are matched, the snap is engaged and the disposable juice box holder is secured into place. The illustrative embodiment has at least one snap. It should be appreciated that the disposable juice box holder may have any number of snap closures.

FIG. 11 illustrates a loop and button closure to secure the disposable juice box holder 100 into its intended tubular shape. In the illustrative embodiment, the loop half 154 is on one side and the button half 156 is on the other side of the disposable juice box holder. When the sleeve is opened and bended into its intended shape, and the loop 154 is placed around the button 156, the disposable juice box holder 100 is secured into place. The illustrative embodiment has at least one loop and button fastener. It should be appreciated that the disposable juice box holder can have any number of loop and button fasteners.

While the apparatus has been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.

Claims

1. A juice box holder comprising:

a first side and a second side, wherein at least the end of the first side and the end of the second side come into contact with each other to create a tubular sleeve; and wherein the tubular sleeve has a first opening to accept the juice box; and wherein the tubular sleeve is configured to allow the first side and the second side to come together causing the tubular sleeve to collapse into a flat or essentially flat form; and wherein the tubular sleeve is configured to come into contact with at least two corners of the juice box.

2. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder comes into contact with at least four points of a juice box.

3. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder is made from a disposable material.

4. The juice box holder of claim 3, wherein the juice box holder is made from cardboard.

5. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein at least a portion the interior surface of the juice box holder is lined with a waterproof or water-resistant material.

6. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein at least a portion the interior surface of the juice box holder is covered with a waterproof or water-resistant material.

7. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the end of the first side and the end of the second side are held together by adhesive, staple, thread or clip.

8. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises a fold, wherein the fold allows the juice box holder to obtain a flat or essentially flat form.

9. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises a bottom support that hold the juice box in place.

10. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises a decorative image on the surface of the juice box holder.

11. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises marketing material on the surface of the juice box holder.

12. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises advertising or other promotional activity on the surface of the juice box holder.

13. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises detachable game pieces, collectible cards, stickers, or other pieces.

14. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises a hook and loop fastener.

15. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises a snap closure.

16. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder additionally comprises a loop and button fastener.

17. The juice box holder of claim 1, wherein the juice box holder is packaged and provided with the juice box.

18. A juice box holder comprising:

a tubular sleeve; wherein the tubular sleeve has a first opening to accept the juice box; and wherein the tubular sleeve has at least one fold causing the tubular sleeve to collapse into a flat or essentially flat form; and wherein the tubular sleeve is configured to come into contact with at least two corners of the juice box.

19. The juice box holder of claim 18, wherein the juice box holder comes into contact with at least four points of a juice box.

20. The juice box holder of claim 18, wherein the juice box holder is made from cardboard.