US20010013537A1 - Insulated cup and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Insulated cup and method of manufacture Download PDFInfo
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- US20010013537A1 US20010013537A1 US09/799,745 US79974501A US2001013537A1 US 20010013537 A1 US20010013537 A1 US 20010013537A1 US 79974501 A US79974501 A US 79974501A US 2001013537 A1 US2001013537 A1 US 2001013537A1
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- sidewall
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D3/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
- B65D3/28—Other details of walls
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D3/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
- B65D3/22—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines with double walls; with walls incorporating air-chambers; with walls made of laminated material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3865—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation drinking cups or like containers
- B65D81/3869—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation drinking cups or like containers formed with double walls, i.e. hollow
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3865—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation drinking cups or like containers
- B65D81/3874—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation drinking cups or like containers formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S229/00—Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
- Y10S229/939—Container made of corrugated paper or corrugated paperboard
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S493/00—Manufacturing container or tube from paper; or other manufacturing from a sheet or web
- Y10S493/901—Rigid container
- Y10S493/906—Rigid container having multilayer wall
- Y10S493/907—Lined
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to disposable containers and specifically to an insulated disposable cup or container and a method of manufacture.
- Polystyrene cups are aesthetically pleasing, but they do not provide much insulation and therefore are only used for holding cold drinks. Further they are not biodegradable or easily recycled. Condensation forms on the outside of these cups when holding a cold drink, making the cup wet, cold, and uncomfortable to use for prolonged periods of time. Also the condensation makes the cup slippery and difficult to hold.
- Cups made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), and sold under the trademark Styrofoam are excellent thermal insulators, so that they can maintain the temperature of a drink, whether hot or cold, for long periods of time. They are inexpensive and comfortable to handle because their exteriors stay close to ambient temperature, regardless of the temperature of the drink. However, they are environmentally unfriendly because they are not biodegradable or easily recyclable. As a result, their use has been banned in some municipalities. Also, in order to print these types of cups, a slow and costly printing process must be used, because the cups must be printed after they have been formed, and their rough surface does not allow high-resolution printing.
- EPS expanded polystyrene
- Styrofoam are excellent thermal insulators, so that they can maintain the temperature of a drink, whether hot or cold, for long periods of time. They are inexpensive and comfortable to handle because their exteriors stay close to ambient temperature, regardless of the temperature of the drink. However, they are environmentally unfriendly because they are not biodegradable or easily recyclable. As
- Standard single-wall paper cups are recyclable and biodegradable and therefore more environmentally sound. However they are poor thermal insulators, so that a beverage in a paper cup quickly warms (if cold) or cools (if hot). They are also uncomfortable to handle because a hot or cold drink can bum or uncomfortably cool a hand. Also, as with the polystyrene cups, a cold drink will cause condensation to appear on the outside, making a paper cup slippery, and difficult to hold. Their single-wall construction makes them fragile, so that large cups filled with liquid may crumble after prolonged handling.
- Paper cups also have a greater propensity to leak at the side seam after prolonged periods of holding liquid. This is due to the fact that once the cup's sidewall blank has been cut from a larger sheet, the cut edges do not have a waterproof barrier on them. Therefore when the cup is formed, the cut edge of the blank at the overlapping side seam-a raw edge-is exposed to the liquid inside the cup. After prolong periods of time, the liquid will wick into the paper through this raw edge. The liquid will then migrate down the side seam and through the bottom of the cup. All existing paper cups have this raw edge and potential leaking problem.
- Multi-layered paper cups have been designed to provide thermal insulation and increased strength.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,908,523 to Shikaya (1975), 5,205,473 to Coffin, Sr. (1993), 5,547,124 to Mueller (1996), 5,769,311 to Noriko et al. (1998), and 5,775,577 to Titus (1998) show multi-layered paper cups with an inner cup body and a multi-layered insulating wrap. The wrap provides air pockets or space for thermal insulation.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,490,631 to Iioka et al. (1996), 5,725,916 to Ishii et al. (1998), and 5,766,709 to Geddes (1998) show paper cups coated with a foam material for insulation. These cups are also expensive to manufacture because the foam material must be coated on the cup's outer layer and then activated in order to expand the foam. The activation process is an extra step that slows and increases the expense of the production process. Another major drawback of these cups is that the textured foam surface is not conducive to printing with sharp and crisp graphics. Yet another drawback is that, although these cups are not EPS foam cups, their foam coated exterior wall still has the “look” and “feel” of foam cups, which has a negative impact on consumer acceptance.
- a thermally insulated cup is formed from a sidewall blank having two panels, connected along a common fold score, and a separate insulating sheet.
- the insulating sheet is adhesively attached to one of the panels of the sidewall blank. Adhesive is applied to an area adjacent to the fold score.
- the sidewall blank is then folded in half along the fold score, such that the insulating sheet is sandwiched between the two panels, thereby creating a three-layered cup blank.
- the adhesive which was applied adjacent the fold score bonds the two panels together at that area.
- the three-layered cup blank is then wrapped or bent around a mandrel and sealed at the overlapping edges. A separate bottom is sealed to the inner layer and the top of the inner layer is rolled radically outward to form a rim. To reduce the thickness of the seam, the blank is thinned in the area adjacent a fold score prior to wrapping.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a cup made according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is a plan view of a cup blank used to make the cup of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2B is a plan view of an insulating layer used in the cup of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2C is a side view of the insulating layer.
- FIG. 2D is a plan view of the bottom blank of the cup.
- FIG. 2E is a sectional view of FIG. 2D taken along the line 2 E- 2 E.
- FIG. 3A is a plan view of a sidewall blank used to make the cup during the application of adhesive.
- FIG. 3B is a plan view of the sidewall blank after folding.
- FIG. 3C is a side or edge view of the sidewall blank after folding.
- FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the blank after wrapping but before sealing.
- FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the blank after wrapping and sealing.
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a plain, unscored blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 6A is a plan view of a foil-laminated blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the foil-laminated blank.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of a foraminous blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 8 is a plan, partly perspective view of a foam blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 9A is a plan view of a fluted paperboard blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the fluted paperboard blank laminated to a linerboard for the middle layer.
- FIG. 10A is a plan view of a foam-coated paperboard sheet blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the foam-coated paperboard blank.
- FIG. 11A is a plan view of an alternative starting blank for the cup.
- FIG. 11B is a plan view of the alternative starting blank after grooves are formed into the insulating section.
- FIG. 12A is a plan view of the blank after folding the insulating section.
- FIG. 12B is a plan view of the blank after folding the insulating section and the left section.
- FIG. 12C is a side or edge view of the blank after folding the insulating section and the left section.
- FIG. 13A is a sectional view of the blank after wrapping but before sealing.
- FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the blank after wrapping and sealing.
- a cup or container (FIG. 1), includes bottom 11 and a sidewall 12 .
- the bottom is formed from a bottom blank 11 B (FIGS. 2D and 2E).
- Sidewall 12 is formed from sidewall blank 12 B (FIG. 2A), which is die cut from a larger sheet or roll (not shown) of paper or other suitable sheet material.
- the blank includes an arc-shaped left section 13 , which will form an outer layer of the sidewall, and an arc-shaped right section 14 , which will form an inner layer of the sidewall.
- the two sections border or share a common fold score 15 . The purpose of this fold score is to assist in folding the blank along a precise line.
- Score 15 is preferably formed into sidewall blank 12 B at the time that the blank is die cut from the larger starting sheet. However, the score can be formed into blank 12 B after the blank is cut, but prior to being folded (operation discussed below).
- Sections 13 and 14 have respective side edges 13 S and 14 S, upper edges 13 U and 14 U, and lower edges 13 L and 14 L. Sections 13 and 14 also have front sides 13 F and 14 F, respectively, and back sides 13 B and 14 B, respectively.
- back side 13 B will form an outside surface 28 of the cup, and back side 14 B will form an inside surface 27 of the cup (FIG. 1).
- section 13 is longer from side edge 13 S to fold score 15 than section 14 is from side edge 14 S to fold score 15 .
- Section 14 is taller from upper edge 14 U to lower edge 14 L than section 13 from upper edge 13 U to lower edge 13 L.
- Section 13 includes a small tab 16 , which extends from lower edge 13 L to fold score 15 , for purposes to be described.
- Sidewall blank 12 B has been coated on at least the back side (sides 13 B and 14 B) with a known waterproof material (not shown), such as plastic.
- Bottom blank 11 B has been coated on at least inner surface 11 I with a similar waterproof material.
- a known waterproof material such as plastic.
- Preferably polyethylene is used (low, medium or high density) because it serves as both an adhesive and a waterproof coating.
- Other types of waterproof and heat sealable coatings can be used in lieu of polyethylene, including polypropylene or polyester.
- biodegradable and/or recyclable waterproof and heat sealable coatings are being developed within the industry. Once available, these types of coatings can also be used.
- the preferable thickness of the polyethylene coating is 0.019 mm (0.75 mil), but can be in a range of 0.013 mm (0.5 mil) to 0.038 mm (1.5 mils).
- the coating can have either a matte or a gloss finish.
- Various methods of applying the coating are well known in the art.
- Sidewall 12 also includes a second component-an insulating sheet 18 (FIGS. 2B and 2C), which will form a middle layer of the sidewall.
- This sheet is die cut from a larger sheet or roll (not shown) of paper or other suitable sheet material.
- the thickness of this material is 0.4 mm (16 mils), but can be in a range of 0.25 to 1 mm (10 to 40 mils).
- It is preferably made from recycled chipboard (plain chip or bending chip) or from recycled liner board, because this material is cost effective and recycled.
- it can be made from virgin paperboard or partially recycled paperboard such as SBS (solid bleach sulfite) or SUS board (solid unbleached sulfite). It has a top edge 18 T, a bottom edge 18 B, and left and right edges 18 L and 18 R, respectively.
- Sheet 18 includes spaced grooves or scores 19 (FIG. 2C) formed into its surface. These provide air space within sidewall 12 .
- the scores run substantially from top edge 18 T to bottom edge 18 B (FIG. 2B).
- the scores are in a range of 3 to 13 mm (1 ⁇ 8′′ to 1 ⁇ 2′′) apart and in a range of 0.13 to 0.76 mm (5 to 30 mils) deep.
- the scores are formed by a known die operation (not shown).
- the scores are placed into the sheet simultaneously while cutting it from a larger starting sheet. However the scores can be formed prior to, or after cutting the sheet. Instead of scores 19 running from top to bottom, they can be positioned to run from side 18 L to side 18 R.
- embossed dimples or any other type of integral deformities can be formed into the sheet.
- the area of the sheet is smaller than the area of either sections 13 or 14 of FIG. 2A for reasons to be described.
- many different types of materials and structures can be used to serve as an insulating middle layer of sidewall 12 . These will be described later.
- sidewall 12 B (FIG. 2A) and layer 18 (FIG. 2B) are cut and formed, they are assembled into sidewall 12 (FIG. 1) as follows: Sheet 18 is attached onto sidewall blank 12 B to provide the assembly of FIG. 3A. First a small amount of adhesive, preferably hot-melt adhesive, is applied near the center of section 13 F at adhesive area 20 . Sheet 18 is then placed in a substantially centered position on section 13 F, where it is held in place by the adhesive. Because sheet 18 is smaller than section 13 , its edges do not extend to the edges of section 13 . Preferably there is a gap or margin of at least 6 mm (1 ⁇ 4′′) between left edges 18 L and 13 S, right edge 18 R and fold score 15 , top edges 18 T and 13 U, and bottom edges 18 B and 13 L.
- adhesive preferably hot-melt adhesive
- a small amount of adhesive preferably cold adhesive, such as a starch-based adhesive or paste, is applied to blank 12 B at or adjacent to fold score 15 , at adhesive area 21 .
- cold adhesive such as a starch-based adhesive or paste
- Section 13 is then folded over section 14 (or vice-versa), to form a flat three-layered arrangement having a fold edge 22 (formerly fold score 15 ) with sections 13 and 14 on opposite sides of insulating sheet 18 (FIGS. 3B and 3C).
- Sections 13 and 14 are glued, bonded or otherwise fastened directly to each other (i.e. directly between the two layers) at bond area 21 adjacent fold edge 22 , on the inside surface of folded blank 12 B (FIGS. 3B and 3C). This bond serves to hold blank 12 B in the folded state.
- the placing and folding operation is preferably performed by a machine (not shown) called a folder-gluer, which is a standard piece of machinery used to make folding cartons and boxes.
- a placing machine (such the machine sold under the trademark Pick 'n Place by MGS Machine Corp. of Maple Grove, Minn., not shown) is attached to the folder gluer.
- Blank 12 B is loaded into the feeding station of the folder-gluer and insulating sheet 18 is loaded into the feeding station of the placing machine.
- Blank 12 B is moved into position under an adhesive applicator (not shown) where adhesive preferably hot-melt adhesive because of the fast tack time required) is applied at area 20 .
- the blank is moved into position under the placing machine, where insulating sheet 18 is placed onto section 13 F and held into place by the adhesive.
- blank 12 B (FIG. 3A) is moved into position under another adhesive applicator where adhesive is applied at area 21 , near score 15 .
- section 13 is folded over section 14 and the two sections are held together at area 21 by the adhesive on the inside surface of folded blank 12 B, thereby forming the flat, three-layered arrangement shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C.
- the adhesive used to attach sections 13 and 14 at area 21 is preferably a cold-glue or paste adhesive, because minimal thickness is desired adjacent fold 22 . Other types of adhesives can be used to bond sections 13 and 14 at area 21 .
- thermoplastic material such as polyethylene
- the thermoplastic material is heat activated and sections 13 and 14 are bonded to each other at area 21 through the application of heat and pressure.
- sheet 18 can be attached to section 14 F (rather than section 13 F) in the same manner as described above. If sheet 18 is attached to section 13 F, it will be attached to the outer layer of sidewall 12 (because section 13 forms the outer layer of the sidewall). Similarly, if sheet 18 is attached to section 14 F, it will be attached to the inner layer of sidewall 12 in finished cup 50 . In either case, sheet 18 still provides an insulating middle layer 25 (FIG. 4B) of sidewall 12 sandwiched between inner and outer layers 24 and 26 .
- FIGS. 3B and 3C are wrapped or bent around a known tapered mandrel (not shown) to form sidewall 12 (FIG. 4A) having inner layer 24 , middle layer 25 , and outer layer 26 .
- the wrapping is done such that fold edge 22 is inside and thus becomes part of inner layer 24 .
- a marginal portion of section 14 adjacent edge 14 S overlaps a marginal portion of section 13 adjacent fold edge 22 .
- Section 13 is longer than section 14 so that edge 13 S overlaps both edge 14 S and a marginal portion of section 13 adjacent folded edge 22 .
- These overlapping layers are heat sealed together through the application of heat and pressure to form a side seam.
- the heat fuses and joins the previously applied layer of polyethylene or other beat sealable and waterproof coating.
- FIG. 4B a sectional view of the wrapped sidewall after sealing, that the overlapping edges form a side seam 22 S.
- Insulating sheet 18 does not extend completely around sidewall 12 , i.e., it covers less than 100% of the circumference of the sidewall. This is clearly shown in FIG. 4B. This is because sheet 18 is not as long as sections 13 or 14 . As such, left and right edges 18 L and 18 R, are not parts of side seam 22 S. This is an advantage because it saves paper, and it reduces the thickness of the side seam (by two layers). Likewise insulating sheet 18 does not cover the entire vertical length of the cup sidewall as shown in FIG. 1. Again this is an advantage because it saves paper without significantly effecting the insulating performance of the cup.
- An important feature of the cup is the location in which sections 13 and 14 are adhesively bonded or otherwise fastened to each other when blank 12 B is folded. Sections 13 and 14 are fastened to each other on the inside surfaces of the folded blank (FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C) so that blank 12 B stays in a flat, three-layered arrangement prior to wrapping. If the sections were not glued, blank 12 B may come unfolded prior to wrapping and sealing. I have found that by fastening sections 13 and 14 , much higher production speeds are possible on standard machinery, thereby providing a less expensive manufacturing process.
- section 13 be bonded or fastened to section 14 at or near fold edge 22 , no further than 5.1 cm (2′′) from fold edge 22 , at bond area 21 , which becomes the inside surfaces of the folded blank. This is necessary in order to wrap the flat three-layered arrangement into sidewall 12 .
- outer layer 26 has a larger circumference than inner and middle layers 24 and 25 , respectively. Because of this larger circumference, section 13 must travel a greater distance relative to section 14 as the blank is wrapped. Because section 13 is attached to section 14 at fold edge 22 , section 13 must compensate for this greater distance of travel by moving or sliding around section 14 , such that the distance between edges 13 S and 14 S shortens as the blank is wrapped. If section 13 were glued or otherwise fastened to section 14 at a location too far from fold edge 22 , it would cause the portion of section 13 which lies between fold edge 22 and the location of fastening to be unable to slide relative to section 14 .
- fold edge 22 would not lie flat and substantially parallel to the other edges as shown in FIG. 4A, as blank 12 B is wrapped around a mandrel, and side seam 22 S would not be sealed properly.
- the fold edge will lie flat and substantially parallel to the other edges as shown in FIG. 4A as blank 12 B is wrapped, thereby allowing side seam 22 S to be sealed properly, as shown in FIG. 4B.
- upper edge 14 U (FIG. 2A) of inner layer 24 , which is extends past upper edge 13 U, is rolled radically outward to form a rim.
- Bottom blank 11 B (FIGS. 2D and 2E), is attached to inner layer 24 and lower edge 14 L, is folded inward and heat sealed to bottom blank 11 B.
- Various methods of forming the rim and sealing the bottom are well known in the art.
- tab 16 (FIG. 2A) on section 13 is to help prevent leaking. This tab extends from the side seam, into the seal between bottom blank 11 B and inner layer 24 .
- insulating sheet 18 As mentioned above, many different types of insulating materials can be substituted for insulating sheet 18 (FIG. 2B).
- a flat unscored paperboard sheet (FIG. 5) instead of insulating sheet 18 for the middle insulating layer.
- a thicker board can be used to offset the insulation efficiency lost by not scoring the sheet.
- the preferable thickness of unscored paperboard, such as chipboard, linerboard, SBS, or SUS board is in a range of 0.25 to 1 mm (10 to 40 mils).
- a sheet (FIG. 6A) that has been laminated with foil or metalized film, instead of insulating sheet 18 , for the middle insulating layer.
- Foil and metalized film act as excellent moisture barriers and also serve to reflect radiant heat, thereby providing added insulation.
- a foil or metalized film 30 F (FIG. 6B) is laminated to at least one side of a paperboard sheet 30 P.
- the preferable thickness of the foil or metalized film is between 0.013 to 0.05 mm (0.5 to 2.0 mils).
- the preferable thickness of the paperboard to which the foil is laminated is in a range of 0.25 mm to 1 mm (10 to 40 mils).
- Metalized film laminated chipboard can be purchased from Jefferson Smurfit Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. Because the sheet is trapped between inner layer 24 and outer layer 26 , a cup made with this type of insulating layer may be used in microwave applications, without the metal causing arcing.
- a foraminous sheet i.e., the sheet has a plurality of holes cut throughout the surface, instead of insulating sheet 18 , for the middle insulating layer.
- the holes 31 (which may be shapes other than circles, such as triangles, squares or rectangles) are cut into a flat sheet of paperboard.
- the preferable thickness of the flat sheet is the same as in FIG. 5.
- the holes have the dual benefit of providing insulating air space between inner and outer layers 24 and 26 , and reducing the weight of the finished cup.
- the holes can be cut into the surface of the sheet with a standard die cutting operation, which is well known in the art.
- a sheet FIG. 8 that is made from foam, preferably expanded polystyrene, instead of insulating sheet 18 , for the middle insulating layer.
- Polystyrene foam is a lightweight and cost effective material with good thermal insulating properties.
- the sheet can be die cut from a larger starting sheet of polystyrene foam, or it can be thermoformed or extruded to the proper finished size.
- the methods of providing sheet from polystyrene foam are well known in the art.
- the preferable thickness of this sheet is the same as the sheet of FIG. 5. Due to its porous structure, this sheet has the dual benefits of providing insulating air space between inner and outer layers 24 and 26 , and reducing the weight of the finished cup.
- FIG. 9 a sheet that is made from fluted paperboard, instead of insulating sheet 18 , for the middle insulating layer.
- the sheet may consist of fluted medium 33 M alone (FIG. 9A), or sheet 33 M in combination with a liner board 33 L (FIG. 9B) which is adhered to sheet 33 M at the tips of the flutes.
- This type of material is often referred to as microflute.
- the methods of making fluted paperboard are well known in the art.
- the preferable thickness of this sheet is similar to the sheets of FIGS. 5 to 8 . Fluted paperboard is readily available from a number of suppliers. This sheet can die cut from a larger starting sheet or roll (not shown) by a standard die cutting operation.
- a sheet (appearance similar to the sheet of FIG. 5) that is made from a water-soluble material, instead of insulating sheet 18 , for the middle insulating layer.
- This sheet is constructed of a water-soluble material, such as a starch-based material. The material is typically extruded into sheet form. It can be die cut from a larger starting sheet (not shown). The thickness of this sheet is preferably the same as the sheet of FIG. 5. Due to its porous structure and water solubility, this sheet has the dual benefits of providing insulating air space between the inner and outer layers and reducing the weight of the cup.
- a sheet (FIG. 10A) that is constructed from a paperboard sheet 35 P with a foamed heat-insulating layer 35 F (FIG. 10B) coated on at least one side, instead of insulating sheet 18 , for the middle insulating layer.
- Layer 35 F is formed from thermoplastic synthetic resin, which is a low-to-medium density polymer and may include (but is not limited to) polyethylene, polyolefin, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, polyester, nylon, and other similar types of material.
- the thermoplastic synthetic resin is extruded onto paperboard sheet 35 P and then heated at a temperature in the range of 93° to 204° C.
- this foam-coated sheet is in a range of 0.3 to 1 mm (12 to 40 mils).
- Various methods of making a foam-coated sheet are well known in the art.
- the foam-coated sheet will provide insulating air space between the inner and outer layers.
- any of the sheets can be provided in more than one piece, in order to cover the same area as sheet 18 .
- sheet 18 can be provided as two or more separate pieces that are each adhesively attached to section 13 F or 14 F to provide insulating layer 25 .
- thermoplastic synthetic resin is a low-to-medium density polymer.
- Such a polymer may include (but is not limited to) polyethylene, polyolefin, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, polyester, nylon and other similar types of materials.
- Blank 12 B can be heat treated in the unfolded state of FIG. 2A or in the folded state of FIG. 3B.
- the foamed layer coated on blank 12 B replaces sheet 18 .
- the foamed layer provides the middle insulating layer, which is sandwiched between inner and outer layers 24 and 26 respectively.
- the cup is made in substantially the same manner as described in the first embodiment.
- the foam layer can also be provided by spraying, extruding, or otherwise applying a foamable or foamed material directly to sections 13 F and/or 14 F of blank 12 B prior to folding. This operation can be accomplished while the blank is positioned upon, and moving along, the folder gluer prior to being folded. Upon folding and wrapping, the foam layer becomes insulating layer 25 , thereby replacing the need for insulating sheet 18 .
- blank 12 B and insulating sheet 18 can be replaced with blank 40 (FIG. 11B) to form cup or container 50 (FIG. 1).
- Blank 40 (FIG. 11A) is die cut as a single sheet from a larger sheet or roll (not shown) of paper or other suitable sheet material.
- the preferable thickness of this material is approximately 0.33 mm (13 mils), but it can be in a range of 0.2 to 0.6 mm (8 to 24 mils).
- Blank 40 is similar to blank 12 B (FIG. 2A), except that it has three sections: left section 13 , right section 14 , and an insulating section 42 .
- Left 13 and right sections 14 share common fold score 15 , and are substantially identical to sections 13 and 14 of FIG. 2A.
- Insulating section 42 (which replaces insulating sheet 18 ) is connected to section 14 at fold score 41 .
- Section 42 includes upper edge 42 U, lower edge 42 L, side edge 42 S, front side 42 F and back side 42 B.
- Sections 13 , 14 and 42 will form respective outer, inner, and insulating middle layers of sidewall 12 ′ (FIGS. 13A and 13B).
- Sidewall blank 40 has been coated on at least the back side (sides 13 B, 14 B and 42 B) with a known waterproof material (not shown), such as polyethylene, as more fully described in the first embodiment.
- a known waterproof material such as polyethylene
- spaced grooves, corrugations, or scores 19 are formed into section 42 for providing insulating air space within sidewall 12 ′.
- the scores are substantially the same as the scores of FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C.
- the scores run substantially from top edge 42 U to lower edge 42 L.
- the scores are in a range of 3 to 13 mm (1 ⁇ 8′′ to 1 ⁇ 2′′) apart and in a range of 0.13 to 0.76 mm (5 to 30 mils) deep.
- a rotary die station (not shown) can be attached to a folding-gluer (not shown).
- blank 40 FIG.
- score 19 can be formed into section 42 at the time the blank is die cut from a larger starting sheet or roll. Instead of scores 19 running from top to bottom, they can be positioned to run horizontally from side 42 S to score 41 . Instead of scores or corrugations, embossed dimples or any other type of integral deformities can be used.
- section 42 is folded over on onto section 14 at fold score 41 (FIG. 12A).
- Adhesive such as paste adhesive, cold glue, or hot melt is applied at area 21 adjacent fold score 15 .
- Section 13 is then folded over section 42 , to form a flat, three-layered arrangement having fold edges 22 and 43 , with sections 13 and 14 on opposite sides of insulating section 42 (FIGS. 12B and 12C).
- Sections 13 and 14 are glued, bonded, or otherwise fastened to each other at bond area 21 adjacent fold edge 22 , on the inside surfaces of folded blank 40 . This bond serves to hold blank 40 in the folded state.
- insulating section 42 may be fastened to section 14 when it is folded, which will increase production speeds. This can be accomplished through the use of a small amount of adhesive applied to either section 14 F or 42 F prior to folding. The adhesive can be applied in a central location on section 14 F or 42 F, or at a location adjacent to fold score 41 . Cup 12 can also be formed without adhering insulating section 42 to section 14 . Section 42 can simply be held in place, in its folded state, between folded section 13 and 14 after they have been bonded at area 21 .
- the scoring and folding operation is preferably performed by a folder-gluer, described above.
- a rotary die station (not shown) is attached to the folding gluer.
- First blank 40 (FIG. 11A) is loaded into the feeding station of the folder-gluer. Blank 40 is carried along the machine and section 42 is passed between rotary dies which form the scores, ribs, grooves, or other type of corrugation into section 42 .
- Next blank 40 (FIG. 11B) is moved into position under an adhesive applicator (not shown) where adhesive is applied either to section 14 or section 42 .
- section 42 is folded onto section 14 and attached (FIG. 12A). (Section 42 may be attached in a central location or at a location adjacent to fold score 41 .
- Fastening section 42 to section 14 with adhesive is an optional step as discussed above.
- blank 40 (FIG. 12A) is moved into position under another adhesive applicator where adhesive is applied at area 21 , adjacent fold score 15 .
- section 13 is folded over section 42 and sections 13 and 14 are held together at area 21 by the adhesive on the inside surface of folded blank 40 , thereby forming the flat, three-layered arrangement shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C.
- the adhesive used to attach sections 13 and 14 at area 21 is preferably a cold-glue or paste adhesive, because minimal thickness is desired adjacent fold edge 22 .
- Other types of adhesives can be used to bond sections 13 and 14 at area 21 .
- thermoplastic material such as polyethylene
- the thermoplastic material is heat activated and sections 13 and 14 are be bonded to each other at area 21 through the application of pressure.
- FIGS. 12B and 12C are wrapped or bent around a known tapered mandrel (not shown) to form sidewall 12 ′ (FIG. 13A) having inner layer 24 , middle layer 25 , and outer layer 26 .
- the wrapping is done such that fold edge 22 is inside and thus becomes part of inner layer 24 .
- a marginal portion of section 14 adjacent fold edge 43 overlaps a marginal portion of section 13 adjacent fold edge 22 .
- Section 13 is longer than section 14 so that edge 13 S overlaps both fold edges 43 and 22 .
- These overlapping layers are heat sealed together through the application of heat and pressure to form a side seam.
- the heat fuses and joins the previously applied layer of polyethylene or other heat sealable and waterproof coating.
- FIG. 13B a sectional view of the wrapped sidewall after sealing, that the overlapping edges form side seam 22 S′.
- Side seam 22 S′ formed by blank 40 includes fold edge 43 (FIG. 13) and the marginal (flat) portion of insulating section 42 adjacent fold edge 43 .
- This extra thickness may be reduced (as indicated by the legend in FIG. 13A) by using a skiving (thinning or shaving) unit to slice or shave a predetermined thickness off of a marginal portion of blank 40 , prior to wrapping, such as in the area adjacent to fold score 15 or 41 , as indicated by the legend in FIG. 11A.
- Insulating section 42 does not extend completely around sidewall 12 ′, i.e., it covers less than 100% of the circumference of the sidewall. This is clearly shown in FIG. 13A. This is because section 42 is not as long as sections 13 or 14 . As such, side edge 42 S is not part of side seam 22 S′. This is an advantage because it saves paper and reduces the thickness of the side seam (by one layer). Likewise, insulating section 42 is not as tall, from upper edge 42 U to lower edge 42 L, as sections 13 or 14 , and therefore does not cover the entire vertical length of the cup sidewall as shown in FIG. 1. Again this is an advantage because it saves paper without significantly effecting the insulating performance of the cup.
- cup 50 is completed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.
- the middle and outer layer can be extended to cover substantially the entire inner layer.
- ribs, an array of dimples, corrugations, scores, etc. can be formed into the outer layer, thereby providing increased insulation and a better surface for gripping.
- a folder-gluer (not shown) in the production process also allows other operations to be accomplished if desired.
- a foamable or foam layer can be applied to unfolded blank 12 B as it is transported along the folder-gluer.
- a coupon applying unit can be used on the folder-gluer to insert labels onto the blank.
- Heat-sealing promoters such as that sold under the trademark Adcote by Morton International, Inc. of Chicago Ill., can be applied to sidewall blanks 12 B or 40 as they are being transported along the folder gluer. These chemicals promote a better seal at the side seam, thus enhancing shelf life.
- Fold scores 15 and 41 can be placed into the sidewall blank, after it has been die cut and is traveling along the folder gluer. This operation can be accomplished by passing the blank between rotary dies. This will allow the flat starting blanks of FIGS. 2A and 11A to be manufactured even more efficiently on standard punch-through die cutters, which do not have the ability to score.
- Fold score 15 and 41 can be used for fold scores 15 and 41 , such as a crease score, cut score, or skip-cut (perforation) score.
- Fold score 15 is preferably a crease score.
- FIGS. 2A to 3 C, and FIGS. 11A to 12 C should be straight, rather than taper-shaped.
- the folded blank can be held or bonded in the folded condition in other ways, such coating the blank with waterproof plastic before folding with the use of heat to fuse the plastic coatings together in area 21 . Also, the folded blank can be staked in this area to hold the sides of the folds together.
Abstract
Description
- This Application is a Division of application Ser. No. 09/588,859, Filed Jun. 6, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,454, Issued Mar. 6, 2001. The latter Application is a Division of Ser. No. 09/201,621, filed Nov. 30, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,970, Issued Jul. 11, 2000. The invention of this Application is an improvement on the inventions in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 35,830 (Jun. 30, 1998) to C. E. Sadlier, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,660,326 (Aug. 26, 1997) and 5,697,550 (Dec. 16, 1997) to R. Varano and C. E. Sadlier.
- 1. Field of Invention
- This invention relates generally to disposable containers and specifically to an insulated disposable cup or container and a method of manufacture.
- 2. Prior Art
- There are three main types of disposable cups now in use: polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, and paper.
- Polystyrene cups are aesthetically pleasing, but they do not provide much insulation and therefore are only used for holding cold drinks. Further they are not biodegradable or easily recycled. Condensation forms on the outside of these cups when holding a cold drink, making the cup wet, cold, and uncomfortable to use for prolonged periods of time. Also the condensation makes the cup slippery and difficult to hold.
- Cups made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), and sold under the trademark Styrofoam, are excellent thermal insulators, so that they can maintain the temperature of a drink, whether hot or cold, for long periods of time. They are inexpensive and comfortable to handle because their exteriors stay close to ambient temperature, regardless of the temperature of the drink. However, they are environmentally unfriendly because they are not biodegradable or easily recyclable. As a result, their use has been banned in some municipalities. Also, in order to print these types of cups, a slow and costly printing process must be used, because the cups must be printed after they have been formed, and their rough surface does not allow high-resolution printing.
- Standard single-wall paper cups are recyclable and biodegradable and therefore more environmentally sound. However they are poor thermal insulators, so that a beverage in a paper cup quickly warms (if cold) or cools (if hot). They are also uncomfortable to handle because a hot or cold drink can bum or uncomfortably cool a hand. Also, as with the polystyrene cups, a cold drink will cause condensation to appear on the outside, making a paper cup slippery, and difficult to hold. Their single-wall construction makes them fragile, so that large cups filled with liquid may crumble after prolonged handling.
- Paper cups also have a greater propensity to leak at the side seam after prolonged periods of holding liquid. This is due to the fact that once the cup's sidewall blank has been cut from a larger sheet, the cut edges do not have a waterproof barrier on them. Therefore when the cup is formed, the cut edge of the blank at the overlapping side seam-a raw edge-is exposed to the liquid inside the cup. After prolong periods of time, the liquid will wick into the paper through this raw edge. The liquid will then migrate down the side seam and through the bottom of the cup. All existing paper cups have this raw edge and potential leaking problem.
- Multi-layered paper cups have been designed to provide thermal insulation and increased strength. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,908,523 to Shikaya (1975), 5,205,473 to Coffin, Sr. (1993), 5,547,124 to Mueller (1996), 5,769,311 to Noriko et al. (1998), and 5,775,577 to Titus (1998) show multi-layered paper cups with an inner cup body and a multi-layered insulating wrap. The wrap provides air pockets or space for thermal insulation.
- Although strong and thermally efficient, these cups are all expensive and impractical to manufacture because the inner cup body and insulating wrap are formed separately, and then must be assembled together. The outer wrap is formed from separate pieces that are laminated together, again adding additional cost. The extra steps slow the production process and prevent the cups from being made with standard cup-forming machinery.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,490,631 to Iioka et al. (1996), 5,725,916 to Ishii et al. (1998), and 5,766,709 to Geddes (1998) show paper cups coated with a foam material for insulation. These cups are also expensive to manufacture because the foam material must be coated on the cup's outer layer and then activated in order to expand the foam. The activation process is an extra step that slows and increases the expense of the production process. Another major drawback of these cups is that the textured foam surface is not conducive to printing with sharp and crisp graphics. Yet another drawback is that, although these cups are not EPS foam cups, their foam coated exterior wall still has the “look” and “feel” of foam cups, which has a negative impact on consumer acceptance.
- Although the cups of the above Sadlier, and Varano and Sadlier patents are a major improvement over existing cups, I have discovered that both the cups and the manufacturing processes by which they are made can be improved.
- Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the invention are to provide a cup which (i) has improved thermal insulating properties, (ii) uses less costly materials, (iii) is leak resistant, (iv) can be formed more easily on existing cup machinery through the placement of adhesive, (v) has a surface that is conducive to printing with sharp and crisp graphics, and (vi) has an exterior wall which does not have the undesirable look and feel of foam cups, thereby providing good consumer acceptance.
- Further objects and advantages will be apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a thermally insulated cup is formed from a sidewall blank having two panels, connected along a common fold score, and a separate insulating sheet. The insulating sheet is adhesively attached to one of the panels of the sidewall blank. Adhesive is applied to an area adjacent to the fold score. The sidewall blank is then folded in half along the fold score, such that the insulating sheet is sandwiched between the two panels, thereby creating a three-layered cup blank. The adhesive which was applied adjacent the fold score bonds the two panels together at that area. The three-layered cup blank is then wrapped or bent around a mandrel and sealed at the overlapping edges. A separate bottom is sealed to the inner layer and the top of the inner layer is rolled radically outward to form a rim. To reduce the thickness of the seam, the blank is thinned in the area adjacent a fold score prior to wrapping.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a cup made according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is a plan view of a cup blank used to make the cup of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2B is a plan view of an insulating layer used in the cup of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2C is a side view of the insulating layer.
- FIG. 2D is a plan view of the bottom blank of the cup.
- FIG. 2E is a sectional view of FIG. 2D taken along the
line 2E-2E. - FIG. 3A is a plan view of a sidewall blank used to make the cup during the application of adhesive.
- FIG. 3B is a plan view of the sidewall blank after folding.
- FIG. 3C is a side or edge view of the sidewall blank after folding.
- FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the blank after wrapping but before sealing.
- FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the blank after wrapping and sealing.
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a plain, unscored blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 6A is a plan view of a foil-laminated blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the foil-laminated blank.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of a foraminous blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 8 is a plan, partly perspective view of a foam blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 9A is a plan view of a fluted paperboard blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the fluted paperboard blank laminated to a linerboard for the middle layer.
- FIG. 10A is a plan view of a foam-coated paperboard sheet blank for the middle layer.
- FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the foam-coated paperboard blank.
- FIG. 11A is a plan view of an alternative starting blank for the cup.
- FIG. 11B is a plan view of the alternative starting blank after grooves are formed into the insulating section.
- FIG. 12A is a plan view of the blank after folding the insulating section.
- FIG. 12B is a plan view of the blank after folding the insulating section and the left section.
- FIG. 12C is a side or edge view of the blank after folding the insulating section and the left section.
- FIG. 13A is a sectional view of the blank after wrapping but before sealing.
- FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the blank after wrapping and sealing.
-
DRAWINGS- Reference Numerals 11 bottom 11B bottom blank 11I inner surface 12 sidewall 12B sidewall blank 13 left section 13B back side 13F front side 13L lower edge 13S side edge 13U upper edge 14 right section 14B back side 14F front side 14L lower edge 14S side edge 14U upper edge 15 fold score 16 tab 18 insulating sheet 18T top edge 18B bottom edge 18L left edge 18R right edge 19 grooves, scores, or corrugations 20 adhesive area 21 adhesive area 22 fold edge 22S side seam 24 inner layer 25 insulating middle layer 26 outer layer 27 inside surface of cup 28 outside surface of cup 30F foil or metalized film 30P paperboard 31 holes 33M fluted medium 33L linerboard 35P paperboard 35F foamed layer 40 blank 41 fold score 42 insulating section 42L lower edge 42S side edge 42U upper edge 42F front side 42B back side 43 fold edge 50 cup 51 top curl - Sheet Blanks—FIGS. 1 and 2A to2E
- In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention a cup or container (FIG. 1), includes bottom11 and a
sidewall 12. The bottom is formed from a bottom blank 11B (FIGS. 2D and 2E). -
Sidewall 12 is formed from sidewall blank 12B (FIG. 2A), which is die cut from a larger sheet or roll (not shown) of paper or other suitable sheet material. The preferable thickness of this material is approximately 0.33 mm (13 mils), but it can be in a range of 0.2 to 0.6 mm (8 to 24 mils). (One mil=0.001 inch.) The blank includes an arc-shapedleft section 13, which will form an outer layer of the sidewall, and an arc-shapedright section 14, which will form an inner layer of the sidewall. The two sections border or share acommon fold score 15. The purpose of this fold score is to assist in folding the blank along a precise line.Score 15 is preferably formed into sidewall blank 12B at the time that the blank is die cut from the larger starting sheet. However, the score can be formed into blank 12B after the blank is cut, but prior to being folded (operation discussed below).Sections respective side edges upper edges lower edges Sections front sides - Once blank12B is formed into sidewall 12 (operation discussed below), back
side 13B will form anoutside surface 28 of the cup, and backside 14B will form aninside surface 27 of the cup (FIG. 1). For reasons to be described,section 13 is longer fromside edge 13S to foldscore 15 thansection 14 is fromside edge 14S to foldscore 15.Section 14 is taller fromupper edge 14U tolower edge 14L thansection 13 fromupper edge 13U tolower edge 13L.Section 13 includes asmall tab 16, which extends fromlower edge 13L to foldscore 15, for purposes to be described. - Sidewall blank12B has been coated on at least the back side (
sides inner surface 11I with a similar waterproof material. Preferably polyethylene is used (low, medium or high density) because it serves as both an adhesive and a waterproof coating. Other types of waterproof and heat sealable coatings can be used in lieu of polyethylene, including polypropylene or polyester. Currently, other types of biodegradable and/or recyclable waterproof and heat sealable coatings are being developed within the industry. Once available, these types of coatings can also be used. The preferable thickness of the polyethylene coating is 0.019 mm (0.75 mil), but can be in a range of 0.013 mm (0.5 mil) to 0.038 mm (1.5 mils). The coating can have either a matte or a gloss finish. Various methods of applying the coating are well known in the art. -
Sidewall 12 also includes a second component-an insulating sheet 18 (FIGS. 2B and 2C), which will form a middle layer of the sidewall. This sheet is die cut from a larger sheet or roll (not shown) of paper or other suitable sheet material. Preferably the thickness of this material is 0.4 mm (16 mils), but can be in a range of 0.25 to 1 mm (10 to 40 mils). It is preferably made from recycled chipboard (plain chip or bending chip) or from recycled liner board, because this material is cost effective and recycled. Alternatively, it can be made from virgin paperboard or partially recycled paperboard such as SBS (solid bleach sulfite) or SUS board (solid unbleached sulfite). It has atop edge 18T, abottom edge 18B, and left andright edges -
Sheet 18 includes spaced grooves or scores 19 (FIG. 2C) formed into its surface. These provide air space withinsidewall 12. The scores run substantially fromtop edge 18T tobottom edge 18B (FIG. 2B). Preferably the scores are in a range of 3 to 13 mm (⅛″ to ½″) apart and in a range of 0.13 to 0.76 mm (5 to 30 mils) deep. The scores are formed by a known die operation (not shown). Preferably the scores are placed into the sheet simultaneously while cutting it from a larger starting sheet. However the scores can be formed prior to, or after cutting the sheet. Instead ofscores 19 running from top to bottom, they can be positioned to run fromside 18L toside 18R. Instead of scores or corrugations embossed dimples or any other type of integral deformities can be formed into the sheet. The area of the sheet is smaller than the area of eithersections sidewall 12. These will be described later. - Placing and Folding—FIGS. 3A to3C
- After
sidewall 12B (FIG. 2A) and layer 18 (FIG. 2B) are cut and formed, they are assembled into sidewall 12 (FIG. 1) as follows:Sheet 18 is attached onto sidewall blank 12B to provide the assembly of FIG. 3A. First a small amount of adhesive, preferably hot-melt adhesive, is applied near the center ofsection 13F atadhesive area 20.Sheet 18 is then placed in a substantially centered position onsection 13F, where it is held in place by the adhesive. Becausesheet 18 is smaller thansection 13, its edges do not extend to the edges ofsection 13. Preferably there is a gap or margin of at least 6 mm (¼″) betweenleft edges right edge 18R and foldscore 15,top edges bottom edges - Next a small amount of adhesive, preferably cold adhesive, such as a starch-based adhesive or paste, is applied to blank12B at or adjacent to fold
score 15, atadhesive area 21. -
Section 13 is then folded over section 14 (or vice-versa), to form a flat three-layered arrangement having a fold edge 22 (formerly fold score 15) withsections Sections bond area 21adjacent fold edge 22, on the inside surface of folded blank 12B (FIGS. 3B and 3C). This bond serves to hold blank 12B in the folded state. As will be described later, it is important to the forming of the sidewall thatsections near fold edge 22, preferably at a distance not to exceed 5.1 cm (2″) fromfold edge 22. - The placing and folding operation is preferably performed by a machine (not shown) called a folder-gluer, which is a standard piece of machinery used to make folding cartons and boxes. A placing machine (such the machine sold under the trademark Pick 'n Place by MGS Machine Corp. of Maple Grove, Minn., not shown) is attached to the folder gluer.
Blank 12B is loaded into the feeding station of the folder-gluer and insulatingsheet 18 is loaded into the feeding station of the placing machine. First, blank 12B is moved into position under an adhesive applicator (not shown) where adhesive preferably hot-melt adhesive because of the fast tack time required) is applied atarea 20. Next, the blank is moved into position under the placing machine, where insulatingsheet 18 is placed ontosection 13F and held into place by the adhesive. Next, blank 12B (FIG. 3A) is moved into position under another adhesive applicator where adhesive is applied atarea 21, nearscore 15. Finally,section 13 is folded oversection 14 and the two sections are held together atarea 21 by the adhesive on the inside surface of folded blank 12B, thereby forming the flat, three-layered arrangement shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. The adhesive used to attachsections area 21 is preferably a cold-glue or paste adhesive, because minimal thickness is desiredadjacent fold 22. Other types of adhesives can be used tobond sections area 21. For example hot-melt adhesive can be applied, or a preapplied layer of thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene, can be used. In the latter example the thermoplastic material is heat activated andsections area 21 through the application of heat and pressure. - Obviously to make the cup,
sheet 18 can be attached tosection 14F (rather thansection 13F) in the same manner as described above. Ifsheet 18 is attached tosection 13F, it will be attached to the outer layer of sidewall 12 (becausesection 13 forms the outer layer of the sidewall). Similarly, ifsheet 18 is attached tosection 14F, it will be attached to the inner layer ofsidewall 12 infinished cup 50. In either case,sheet 18 still provides an insulating middle layer 25 (FIG. 4B) ofsidewall 12 sandwiched between inner andouter layers - Wrapping and Forming—FIGS. 4A and 4B
- Next, the three-layered arrangement shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C is wrapped or bent around a known tapered mandrel (not shown) to form sidewall12 (FIG. 4A) having
inner layer 24,middle layer 25, andouter layer 26. The wrapping is done such thatfold edge 22 is inside and thus becomes part ofinner layer 24. A marginal portion ofsection 14adjacent edge 14S overlaps a marginal portion ofsection 13adjacent fold edge 22.Section 13 is longer thansection 14 so thatedge 13S overlaps bothedge 14S and a marginal portion ofsection 13 adjacent foldededge 22. These overlapping layers are heat sealed together through the application of heat and pressure to form a side seam. The heat fuses and joins the previously applied layer of polyethylene or other beat sealable and waterproof coating. Note from FIG. 4B, a sectional view of the wrapped sidewall after sealing, that the overlapping edges form aside seam 22S. - Insulating
sheet 18 does not extend completely aroundsidewall 12, i.e., it covers less than 100% of the circumference of the sidewall. This is clearly shown in FIG. 4B. This is becausesheet 18 is not as long assections right edges side seam 22S. This is an advantage because it saves paper, and it reduces the thickness of the side seam (by two layers). Likewise insulatingsheet 18 does not cover the entire vertical length of the cup sidewall as shown in FIG. 1. Again this is an advantage because it saves paper without significantly effecting the insulating performance of the cup. - An important feature of the cup is the location in which
sections Sections sections section 13 be bonded or fastened tosection 14 at ornear fold edge 22, no further than 5.1 cm (2″) fromfold edge 22, atbond area 21, which becomes the inside surfaces of the folded blank. This is necessary in order to wrap the flat three-layered arrangement intosidewall 12. - As shown in FIG. 4A,
outer layer 26 has a larger circumference than inner andmiddle layers section 13 must travel a greater distance relative tosection 14 as the blank is wrapped. Becausesection 13 is attached tosection 14 atfold edge 22,section 13 must compensate for this greater distance of travel by moving or sliding aroundsection 14, such that the distance betweenedges section 13 were glued or otherwise fastened tosection 14 at a location too far fromfold edge 22, it would cause the portion ofsection 13 which lies betweenfold edge 22 and the location of fastening to be unable to slide relative tosection 14. If this were to occurfold edge 22 would not lie flat and substantially parallel to the other edges as shown in FIG. 4A, as blank 12B is wrapped around a mandrel, andside seam 22S would not be sealed properly. However, I have found that byfastening section 13 tosection 14 at or adjacent fold edge 22 (at bond area 21) this negative effect is mitigated andsection 13 is allowed to slide relative tosection 14 as it is wrapped. Bybonding section 13 tosection 14adjacent fold edge 22, the fold edge will lie flat and substantially parallel to the other edges as shown in FIG. 4A as blank 12B is wrapped, thereby allowingside seam 22S to be sealed properly, as shown in FIG. 4B. - In order to finish cup50 (FIG. 1),
upper edge 14U (FIG. 2A) ofinner layer 24, which is extends pastupper edge 13U, is rolled radically outward to form a rim. Bottom blank 11B (FIGS. 2D and 2E), is attached toinner layer 24 andlower edge 14L, is folded inward and heat sealed to bottom blank 11B. Various methods of forming the rim and sealing the bottom are well known in the art. - The purpose of tab16 (FIG. 2A) on
section 13 is to help prevent leaking. This tab extends from the side seam, into the seal between bottom blank 11B andinner layer 24. - In this cup a problem that has plagued all paper cups is eliminated. That is the problem, discussed above, associated with having a cut edge along the side seam on the inside of the cup. Because there is no waterproof coating on the cut edge, moisture migrates, wicks, or seeps into the paper over time, and may cause leaking. In the current cup there is no raw edge inside the cup. Rather fold
edge 22, which is coated with a waterproof material, is on the inside layer of the cup. Cup 10 is therefore more resistant to moisture migration and leaking than a standard paper cup, and therefore provides a longer shelf life. - Many standard paper cups are coated with polyethylene on both sides of the cup blank in order to waterproof the inside, and provide a coated printable surface on the outside. Coating both sides of the blank costs more than coating only one side and it is more detrimental to the environment. As discussed above, if blank12B is coated on at least back sides 13B and 14B, the coating will end up on both inside
surface 27, foldedge 22, and outsidesurface 28 of sidewall 12 (FIGS. 1 and 4A). This saves costs because coating both sides of blank 12B is not necessary to waterproof both the inside and outside surfaces of the cup. - I have found it useful to use a suction cup with vacuum, in combination with a PTFE-coated lower clamp pad, on the cup machine at the blank wrapping station in order to hold a central portion of
section 14L (which extends pastsection 13L) stationary as the blank is wrapped around the mandrel. This allowssection 13, which formsouter layer 26, to slide along the PTFE lower clamp pad, relative to stationaryinner layer 24, which is held in place by the vacuum cup whensidewall 12 is formed. - Alternative Insulating Materials
- As mentioned above, many different types of insulating materials can be substituted for insulating sheet18 (FIG. 2B).
- Flat, Unscored Insulating Sheet—FIG. 5
- For some applications it is more suitable to use a flat unscored paperboard sheet (FIG. 5) instead of insulating
sheet 18 for the middle insulating layer. In this case a thicker board can be used to offset the insulation efficiency lost by not scoring the sheet. The preferable thickness of unscored paperboard, such as chipboard, linerboard, SBS, or SUS board is in a range of 0.25 to 1 mm (10 to 40 mils). - Foil Or Metalized Film Laminated Insulating Sheet—FIG. 6
- For some applications it is desirable to use a sheet (FIG. 6A) that has been laminated with foil or metalized film, instead of insulating
sheet 18, for the middle insulating layer. Foil and metalized film act as excellent moisture barriers and also serve to reflect radiant heat, thereby providing added insulation. I have found that both flat and scored foil or metalized film laminated paperboard will provide effective insulation and serve as moisture barriers. A foil or metalizedfilm 30F (FIG. 6B) is laminated to at least one side of apaperboard sheet 30P. The preferable thickness of the foil or metalized film is between 0.013 to 0.05 mm (0.5 to 2.0 mils). The preferable thickness of the paperboard to which the foil is laminated is in a range of 0.25 mm to 1 mm (10 to 40 mils). Metalized film laminated chipboard can be purchased from Jefferson Smurfit Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. Because the sheet is trapped betweeninner layer 24 andouter layer 26, a cup made with this type of insulating layer may be used in microwave applications, without the metal causing arcing. - Foraminous Flat Insulating Sheet—FIG. 7
- For some applications it is desirable to use a foraminous sheet (FIG. 7), i.e., the sheet has a plurality of holes cut throughout the surface, instead of insulating
sheet 18, for the middle insulating layer. The holes 31 (which may be shapes other than circles, such as triangles, squares or rectangles) are cut into a flat sheet of paperboard. The preferable thickness of the flat sheet is the same as in FIG. 5. The holes have the dual benefit of providing insulating air space between inner andouter layers - Foam Insulated Sheet—FIG. 8
- For some applications it is desirable to use a sheet FIG. 8 that is made from foam, preferably expanded polystyrene, instead of insulating
sheet 18, for the middle insulating layer. Polystyrene foam is a lightweight and cost effective material with good thermal insulating properties. The sheet can be die cut from a larger starting sheet of polystyrene foam, or it can be thermoformed or extruded to the proper finished size. The methods of providing sheet from polystyrene foam are well known in the art. The preferable thickness of this sheet is the same as the sheet of FIG. 5. Due to its porous structure, this sheet has the dual benefits of providing insulating air space between inner andouter layers - Fluted Paperboard Insulating Sheet—FIG. 9
- For some applications it is desirable to use a sheet (FIG. 9) that is made from fluted paperboard, instead of insulating
sheet 18, for the middle insulating layer. The sheet may consist of fluted medium 33M alone (FIG. 9A), orsheet 33M in combination with aliner board 33L (FIG. 9B) which is adhered tosheet 33M at the tips of the flutes. This type of material is often referred to as microflute. The methods of making fluted paperboard are well known in the art. The preferable thickness of this sheet is similar to the sheets of FIGS. 5 to 8. Fluted paperboard is readily available from a number of suppliers. This sheet can die cut from a larger starting sheet or roll (not shown) by a standard die cutting operation. - Water-Soluble Insulating Sheet
- For some applications it is desirable to use a sheet (appearance similar to the sheet of FIG. 5) that is made from a water-soluble material, instead of insulating
sheet 18, for the middle insulating layer. This sheet is constructed of a water-soluble material, such as a starch-based material. The material is typically extruded into sheet form. It can be die cut from a larger starting sheet (not shown). The thickness of this sheet is preferably the same as the sheet of FIG. 5. Due to its porous structure and water solubility, this sheet has the dual benefits of providing insulating air space between the inner and outer layers and reducing the weight of the cup. - Foam-Coated Insulating Sheet—FIG. 10
- For some applications it is desirable to use a sheet (FIG. 10A) that is constructed from a
paperboard sheet 35P with a foamed heat-insulatinglayer 35F (FIG. 10B) coated on at least one side, instead of insulatingsheet 18, for the middle insulating layer.Layer 35F is formed from thermoplastic synthetic resin, which is a low-to-medium density polymer and may include (but is not limited to) polyethylene, polyolefin, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, polyester, nylon, and other similar types of material. The thermoplastic synthetic resin is extruded ontopaperboard sheet 35P and then heated at a temperature in the range of 93° to 204° C. (200° to 400° F.) for between 30 seconds to 2.5 minutes. Upon the application of heat, the polymer will foam. The preferable thickness of this foam-coated sheet is in a range of 0.3 to 1 mm (12 to 40 mils). Various methods of making a foam-coated sheet are well known in the art. The foam-coated sheet will provide insulating air space between the inner and outer layers. - Finally, for all of the above alternative embodiments of
sheet 18, any of the sheets can be provided in more than one piece, in order to cover the same area assheet 18. Forexample sheet 18 can be provided as two or more separate pieces that are each adhesively attached tosection layer 25. - In a second embodiment, the use of a separate insulating sheet is eliminated entirely. It is replaced with a layer of foam which is coated on
sections 13F and/or 14F of blank 12B (FIG. 2A) to produce a paper and foam-coated structure similar to that shown in FIG. 10B. In order to provide the layer of foam,section 13F (and/orsection 14F) of blank 12B is first coated with a layer of thermoplastic synthetic resin film. The thermoplastic synthetic resin is a low-to-medium density polymer. Such a polymer may include (but is not limited to) polyethylene, polyolefin, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, polyester, nylon and other similar types of materials. I prefer to use a low-density polyethylene. Opposingsections Blank 12B can be heat treated in the unfolded state of FIG. 2A or in the folded state of FIG. 3B. - In this embodiment, the foamed layer coated on blank12B replaces
sheet 18. When blank 12B is wrapped and sealed, the foamed layer provides the middle insulating layer, which is sandwiched between inner andouter layers coating section - Although I prefer to form the foam layer through the process described above, the foam layer can also be provided by spraying, extruding, or otherwise applying a foamable or foamed material directly to
sections 13F and/or 14F of blank 12B prior to folding. This operation can be accomplished while the blank is positioned upon, and moving along, the folder gluer prior to being folded. Upon folding and wrapping, the foam layer becomes insulatinglayer 25, thereby replacing the need for insulatingsheet 18. - In accordance with a third embodiment, blank12B and insulating
sheet 18 can be replaced with blank 40 (FIG. 11B) to form cup or container 50 (FIG. 1). - Sheet Blanks and Scoring—FIGS. 11A to11B
- Blank40 (FIG. 11A) is die cut as a single sheet from a larger sheet or roll (not shown) of paper or other suitable sheet material. The preferable thickness of this material is approximately 0.33 mm (13 mils), but it can be in a range of 0.2 to 0.6 mm (8 to 24 mils).
Blank 40 is similar to blank 12B (FIG. 2A), except that it has three sections: leftsection 13,right section 14, and an insulatingsection 42.Left 13 andright sections 14 sharecommon fold score 15, and are substantially identical tosections section 14 atfold score 41.Section 42 includesupper edge 42U,lower edge 42L,side edge 42S, front side 42F and backside 42B.Sections sidewall 12′ (FIGS. 13A and 13B). - Sidewall blank40 has been coated on at least the back side (sides 13B, 14B and 42B) with a known waterproof material (not shown), such as polyethylene, as more fully described in the first embodiment.
- Next, spaced grooves, corrugations, or
scores 19 are formed intosection 42 for providing insulating air space withinsidewall 12′. The scores are substantially the same as the scores of FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C. The scores run substantially fromtop edge 42U tolower edge 42L. Preferably the scores are in a range of 3 to 13 mm (⅛″ to ½″) apart and in a range of 0.13 to 0.76 mm (5 to 30 mils) deep. In order to form the scores, a rotary die station (not shown) can be attached to a folding-gluer (not shown). As blank 40 (FIG. 11A) travels along the folder-gluer,section 42 passes between rotary dies that form scores 19 intosection 42 to produce the scored blank of FIG. 11B. Alternatively, scores 19 can be formed intosection 42 at the time the blank is die cut from a larger starting sheet or roll. Instead ofscores 19 running from top to bottom, they can be positioned to run horizontally fromside 42S to score 41. Instead of scores or corrugations, embossed dimples or any other type of integral deformities can be used. - Folding—FIGS. 12A to12C
-
Next section 42 is folded over on ontosection 14 at fold score 41 (FIG. 12A). Adhesive, such as paste adhesive, cold glue, or hot melt is applied atarea 21adjacent fold score 15.Section 13 is then folded oversection 42, to form a flat, three-layered arrangement having fold edges 22 and 43, withsections Sections bond area 21adjacent fold edge 22, on the inside surfaces of folded blank 40. This bond serves to hold blank 40 in the folded state. As described more fully in the first embodiment, it is important to the forming ofsidewall 12 thatsections near fold edge 22, preferably at a distance not to exceed about 5.1 cm (2″) fromfold edge 22. - As an optional step, insulating
section 42 may be fastened tosection 14 when it is folded, which will increase production speeds. This can be accomplished through the use of a small amount of adhesive applied to eithersection 14F or 42F prior to folding. The adhesive can be applied in a central location onsection 14F or 42F, or at a location adjacent to foldscore 41.Cup 12 can also be formed without adhering insulatingsection 42 tosection 14.Section 42 can simply be held in place, in its folded state, between foldedsection area 21. - The scoring and folding operation is preferably performed by a folder-gluer, described above. A rotary die station (not shown) is attached to the folding gluer. First blank40 (FIG. 11A) is loaded into the feeding station of the folder-gluer.
Blank 40 is carried along the machine andsection 42 is passed between rotary dies which form the scores, ribs, grooves, or other type of corrugation intosection 42. Next blank 40 (FIG. 11B) is moved into position under an adhesive applicator (not shown) where adhesive is applied either tosection 14 orsection 42. Next,section 42 is folded ontosection 14 and attached (FIG. 12A). (Section 42 may be attached in a central location or at a location adjacent to foldscore 41.Fastening section 42 tosection 14 with adhesive is an optional step as discussed above.) Next, blank 40 (FIG. 12A) is moved into position under another adhesive applicator where adhesive is applied atarea 21,adjacent fold score 15. Finally,section 13 is folded oversection 42 andsections area 21 by the adhesive on the inside surface of folded blank 40, thereby forming the flat, three-layered arrangement shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C. The adhesive used to attachsections area 21 is preferably a cold-glue or paste adhesive, because minimal thickness is desiredadjacent fold edge 22. Other types of adhesives can be used tobond sections area 21. For example hot-melt adhesive can be applied, or a preapplied layer of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, can be used. In the latter example the thermoplastic material is heat activated andsections area 21 through the application of pressure. - Wrapping—FIGS. 13A to13B
- Next, the three-layered arrangement shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C is wrapped or bent around a known tapered mandrel (not shown) to form
sidewall 12′ (FIG. 13A) havinginner layer 24,middle layer 25, andouter layer 26. The wrapping is done such thatfold edge 22 is inside and thus becomes part ofinner layer 24. A marginal portion ofsection 14adjacent fold edge 43 overlaps a marginal portion ofsection 13adjacent fold edge 22.Section 13 is longer thansection 14 so thatedge 13S overlaps both fold edges 43 and 22. These overlapping layers are heat sealed together through the application of heat and pressure to form a side seam. The heat fuses and joins the previously applied layer of polyethylene or other heat sealable and waterproof coating. Note from FIG. 13B, a sectional view of the wrapped sidewall after sealing, that the overlapping edges formside seam 22S′. -
Side seam 22S′ formed by blank 40 (FIG. 11) includes fold edge 43 (FIG. 13) and the marginal (flat) portion of insulatingsection 42adjacent fold edge 43. This increases the thickness of the side seam by one layer of paper oversideseam 22S (FIG. 4B). This extra thickness may be reduced (as indicated by the legend in FIG. 13A) by using a skiving (thinning or shaving) unit to slice or shave a predetermined thickness off of a marginal portion of blank 40, prior to wrapping, such as in the area adjacent to foldscore - Insulating
section 42 does not extend completely aroundsidewall 12′, i.e., it covers less than 100% of the circumference of the sidewall. This is clearly shown in FIG. 13A. This is becausesection 42 is not as long assections side edge 42S is not part ofside seam 22S′. This is an advantage because it saves paper and reduces the thickness of the side seam (by one layer). Likewise, insulatingsection 42 is not as tall, fromupper edge 42U tolower edge 42L, assections - Once
sidewall 12′ has been formed,cup 50 is completed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. - The reader will see that I have provided a cup and a method of manufacture, which has improved thermal insulating properties. It uses less costly materials and is leak resistant. Also it can be formed more easily on existing cup machinery resulting in higher production speeds and lower manufacturing costs. Also it uses materials such as paper, which can be recycled and which are readily biodegradable and recyclable. Moreover it has a surface that is conducive to printing with sharp and crisp graphics, and has an exterior wall which does not have the undesirable look and feel of foam cups, thereby providing good consumer acceptance.
- Although the above description contains many specificities, they should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention, but only as examples of the embodiments shown and described. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the invention.
- For example, the materials, relative sizes, and arrangements of the parts can be varied.
- The middle and outer layer can be extended to cover substantially the entire inner layer.
- In any of the embodiments ribs, an array of dimples, corrugations, scores, etc., can be formed into the outer layer, thereby providing increased insulation and a better surface for gripping.
- The use of a folder-gluer (not shown) in the production process also allows other operations to be accomplished if desired. For example, in the second embodiment, a foamable or foam layer can be applied to unfolded blank12B as it is transported along the folder-gluer. In any of the embodiments, a coupon applying unit can be used on the folder-gluer to insert labels onto the blank. Heat-sealing promoters, such as that sold under the trademark Adcote by Morton International, Inc. of Chicago Ill., can be applied to
sidewall blanks - Various types of folding scores can be used for
fold scores score 15 is preferably a crease score. - When making straight-wall containers, the sidewall blanks of FIGS. 2A to3C, and FIGS. 11A to 12C should be straight, rather than taper-shaped.
- In lieu of glue, the folded blank can be held or bonded in the folded condition in other ways, such coating the blank with waterproof plastic before folding with the use of heat to fuse the plastic coatings together in
area 21. Also, the folded blank can be staked in this area to hold the sides of the folds together. - Therefore the reader is requested to determine the scope of the invention by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
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US09/799,745 US6378766B2 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2001-03-05 | Insulated cup and method of manufacture |
US10/056,327 US6422456B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2002-01-23 | Three-layered insulated cup and method of manufacture |
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US09/201,621 US6085970A (en) | 1998-11-30 | 1998-11-30 | Insulated cup and method of manufacture |
US09/588,859 US6196454B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2000-06-06 | Insulated cup and method of manufacture |
US09/799,745 US6378766B2 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2001-03-05 | Insulated cup and method of manufacture |
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US09/588,859 Division US6196454B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2000-06-06 | Insulated cup and method of manufacture |
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US10/056,327 Division US6422456B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2002-01-23 | Three-layered insulated cup and method of manufacture |
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US20010013537A1 true US20010013537A1 (en) | 2001-08-16 |
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US09/201,621 Expired - Lifetime US6085970A (en) | 1998-11-30 | 1998-11-30 | Insulated cup and method of manufacture |
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US09/799,745 Expired - Fee Related US6378766B2 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2001-03-05 | Insulated cup and method of manufacture |
US10/056,327 Expired - Fee Related US6422456B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2002-01-23 | Three-layered insulated cup and method of manufacture |
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US09/588,859 Expired - Lifetime US6196454B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2000-06-06 | Insulated cup and method of manufacture |
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US10/056,327 Expired - Fee Related US6422456B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2002-01-23 | Three-layered insulated cup and method of manufacture |
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JP (2) | JP3936843B2 (en) |
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- 1999-11-24 AU AU20310/00A patent/AU755839B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-11-24 CA CA002347777A patent/CA2347777C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-11-24 ES ES99963983T patent/ES2264587T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1368927A (en) | 2002-09-11 |
CN1205090C (en) | 2005-06-08 |
EP1178930A4 (en) | 2004-05-12 |
AU755839B2 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
EP1178930B1 (en) | 2006-06-14 |
JP2002531332A (en) | 2002-09-24 |
WO2000032482A8 (en) | 2001-04-12 |
JP4246226B2 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
JP2007015771A (en) | 2007-01-25 |
DE69931964D1 (en) | 2006-07-27 |
ES2264587T3 (en) | 2007-01-01 |
CA2347777A1 (en) | 2000-06-08 |
DE69931964T2 (en) | 2007-07-12 |
US6422456B1 (en) | 2002-07-23 |
WO2000032482A1 (en) | 2000-06-08 |
US6378766B2 (en) | 2002-04-30 |
EP1178930A1 (en) | 2002-02-13 |
CA2347777C (en) | 2009-07-28 |
DK1178930T3 (en) | 2006-10-16 |
US6196454B1 (en) | 2001-03-06 |
AU2031000A (en) | 2000-06-19 |
MXPA01005293A (en) | 2002-03-14 |
US6085970A (en) | 2000-07-11 |
JP3936843B2 (en) | 2007-06-27 |
ATE329838T1 (en) | 2006-07-15 |
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