US20160174742A1

US20160174742A1 - Insulating holder

Info

Publication number: US20160174742A1
Application number: US14/977,529
Authority: US
Inventors: Bruno Stephen Berthelot
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-22
Filing date: 2015-12-21
Publication date: 2016-06-23

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insulating holder, and in particular to an insulating holder for a container for liquids, the container having a curved wall. The insulating holder includes a curved wall adapted to substantially surround the outer wall of the container and a base to substantially support the container within the holder. The wall can be readily curved to correspond to the curved outer wall of the container of liquid and may include an insulating part including single face corrugated cardboard configured so that the corrugations lie inside the wall and run in a vertical direction to assist to insulate the liquid in the container. The insulating holder may be used to maintain hot or cold temperatures or any temperature in between.

Description

The present invention relates to an insulating holder, and in particular to an insulating holder for a container for liquids, the container having a curved wall.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A stubby holder is a familiar object to a person who enjoys a cold beer in a hot country, such as Australia. There are two known forms of stubby holder, one soft, made of neoprene and one hard, made of rigid foam or polystyrene.
The soft neoprene form stubby holder is shaped to surround a standard can of drink, the elastic nature of the neoprene allowing for a tight fit. It is the tight fit and the insulating nature of the synthetic rubber neoprene material that keeps the drink cold. Neoprene works well to insulate a can of cold drink but suffers from serious disadvantages. The material itself is expensive to produce, surprisingly heavy to transport, and when disposed of does not readily breakdown and so will create landfill.
The alternative, cheaper and lighter form of stubby holder, often used in pubs is a rigid cylinder of foam, open at one end into which a can or bottle of cold drink is slid. Often the rigid foam is of a size rather larger than it needs to be so that it can be used with most containers. There is often a space around the drinks container and so the insulating properties are reduced. Other disadvantages of this form of cooler is the rigid shape takes up space, is awkward to store or transport and generally inconvenient other than when used in a hospitality environment.
At sporting events or festivals where beverages may be consumed outdoors it is particularly of interest to keep these drinks cold. The holder has two purposes to remove the warm hand of the consumer away from warming the can or bottle and from insulating the can or bottle from the ambient temperature. Neoprene stubby holders are often sold at these events, as they can be used effectively. Many of these get thrown out and become waste, a waste of material and money. The foam form of stubby holder is less convenient again, due to the rigid nature of the material when used in the outdoor situation and tend only to be used where they can be returned to the venue after the event for reuse, and so are not disposable.
Both forms of stubby holder are expensive to make, are inconvenient to store and transport, and on disposal do not break down readily and so create waste. Cardboard, and corrugated cardboard is a useful biodegradable material, that is economic to produce, light-weight, and generally useful for disposable materials. However, traditional double-faced cardboard is a very stiff material and so not able to be bent around tight curves, such as a can of drink or bottle of wine, for example.
The inventor of the subject application has developed a surprisingly beneficial new form of insulating holder that is economic to manufacture, made from a light material and efficiently works to hold and insulate the drink. In one form, use of a corrugated cardboard material that can be used as an insulating holder solves a long felt want to have a cardboard stubby holder, that is light, cheap to produce and biodegradable after disposal. The inventor's use of recycled and biodegradable material, in preferred forms of the invention, enables reuse of materials to make a holder that will itself readily breakdown and not create additional landfill. The advantages of being able to carry the assembled holders, which flat-pack and then readily assemble for use will be very useful for promotional materials, in particular when these promotional materials need to be transported to a location-for example to a sporting event.
The inventor has developed a low cost, light-weight insulating holder with numerous benefits over the prior art.
The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to insulating cold drinks, such as a can of beer or soft drink, or a bottle of wine. However, clearly the invention could equally be applied to keeping a container of hot beverage warm, or for other sizes and shapes of container for hold or cold liquids, including liquids not for consumption. It is not intended that the invention be limited to use with a can of beer or bottle of wine, or that the beverage be cold.
For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an insulating holder that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of assembly of an insulating holder that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides an insulating holder for a container of liquid having a curved outer wall and a base, the insulating holder including:

- a curved wall adapted to substantially surround the outer wall of the container; and
- a base, associated with the wall, to substantially support the container within the holder,
  wherein, the wall includes an insulating part including single face corrugated cardboard configured so that the corrugations lie inside the wall and run in a vertical direction to assist to insulate the liquid in the container and the wall can be readily curved to correspond to the curved outer wall of the container of liquid.

Preferably, the insulating part is a corrugated part and the corrugations assist to insulate the liquid in the container.
The insulating holder may be used to maintain hot or cold temperatures or any temperature in between. Preferably, the insulating holder is used to keep a cold drink cold when the ambient temperature is warm. Equally hot drinks may be kept hot by use of the insulating holder. The insulation may take any suitable form.
Preferably, the insulating holder is a holder by which a person can hold the container. The holder may be held directly in the hand. The holder may include a handle, and the holder may be held by the handle.
The container may be any suitable container. The container may have a cross-section of any suitable shape. Most preferably, the container has a curved outer wall. Most preferably, the curved outer wall of the container curves around a base including a curved perimeter. Preferably the base of the container is substantially circular. Alternatively, the container may be substantially another shape in cross-section including curves. Preferably, the base is substantially circular and surrounded by a curved wall. Preferably, the base and curved wall together form a generally cylindrical shape. The curved wall may be the curved wall of a can of drink. The curved wall may be the wall of a bottle of wine. The curved wall may be the wall of any suitable bottle.
The container may be made of any suitable material. The container may be an aluminium can. The container may be a glass bottle. The container may be a plastic bottle.
Preferably, the liquid is a beverage for consumption. The beverage may be any suitable beverage. The beverage may be chosen from the group: coffee; juice; soft drink; tea; water; wine; or mixed drinks. In other forms of the invention the liquid may be replaced by a liquid not for consumption that it may be wished to insulate. The liquid may also be replaced by powder or gas in the container that it is desired to insulate.
Preferably, the wall of the holder may take any suitable form. Preferably, the wall forms substantially a cylindrical shape in use. Preferably, the wall is of a size and shape suitable to surround the outer wall of the container. The wall of the holder is preferably configured to be of very similar dimensions to those of the container so as to tightly surround the wall of the container. The wall of the holder may be adapted to be just taller than the container. In another form of the invention wall of the holder may be adapted to surround the body of the container, a top of the container extending up above the upper perimeter of the wall. The wall may include decoration. The wall may include branding or trade marks. The wall may be patterned or otherwise made attractive. The outer surface of the wall of the holder may include advertising. The advertising may be to promote a particular event.
In one form of the invention the holder may be assembled from a single piece of cut material. Preferably, the wall of the holder is made of single face corrugated cardboard. The single face corrugated cardboard may be chosen from the group: “A flute”; “B flute; and “C flute”. The corrugated cardboard may be any suitable single face corrugated cardboard material. The single face corrugated cardboard may be “C flute” with 128 flutes per metre. The cut material may be die cut single face cardboard. Preferably, in this form of the invention, wall may be formed as two or more parts attached to a central base. In this form of the invention the two parts of the wall may curve around the central base to form a cylinder during assembly. A label may be applied around the walls to hold them in place. Or a sleeve arrangement may be used passed over the cylinder of the assembled walls, which can be pressed flat when not in use. In this form of the invention the base may be pressed out during the flat state and pushed in during erection, ready for use. Preferably, pressing out of the base, in this form of the invention assists to erect the holder for use.
In another form of the invention formed form a single sheet of material the wall and base may be attached to one another and a projection extend from the base. In this form of the invention, the wall is folded before being secured into a circular wall around a circular base. During folding one side of the holder is formed by two parts of the wall with the projection completing the side. A label may be used to secure the three parts of the wall together. Alternatively a sleeve may be applied over the cylinder to secure in place. A cylindrical sleeve may be used with any of the variants of the invention. The cylindrical sleeve may assist to hold the wall together. The cylindrical sleeve may including advertising. The cylindrical sleeve may be replaced by a label applied around the wall of the holder. Adhesive may be used for either of the other forms of invention where required to secure parts during assembly.
A label may be applied to the holder. One or more label may be applied to any part of the holder for decoration or promotional purposes. Preferably, during assembly a label is applied around the wall. The label may contribute to the overall functional strength of the holder. Preferably, the label is applied once the rest of the holder has been assembled. Alternatively, a label may be applied at any stage.
The wall of the insulating holder may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the wall of the insulating holder is made of a paper based material. Preferably, the wall is made of corrugated cardboard material suitable to curve around the wall of the container. Most preferably, the wall of the holder is substantially made of single face corrugated cardboard. Most preferably, the wall of the holder includes a corrugated part and the corrugated part assists to insulate the container. Preferably, the corrugated part is the wall being made of single face corrugated cardboard. Preferably, the corrugated part assists insulation by creating narrow air pockets around the container. Preferably, the narrow air pockets are longitudinal in nature. Preferably, a plurality of longitudinal air pockets are formed in the wall of the holder running in a vertical direction. Preferably, the air-pockets are approximately 8 millimetres in width. The air-pockets may be 7.8 millimetres in width. Preferably, vertical corrugations are including and these assist to drain any condensation away. In an alternative form of the invention the corrugated part could be replaced by other forms of creating longitudinal air pockets.
Preferably, the inner surface of the holder is to at least some extent water-resistant. The inner surface of the holder may, in one form of the invention be coated with wax so as to be hydrophobic. Other forms of making the inner surface hydrophobic could be used instead. The other and inner surfaces of the wall could be made hydrophobic, and the base may be as well in another form of the invention. The wax layer is beneficial to assist for any moisture to run away along the flutes, rather than pooling or soaking in to the wall or base.
Preferably, the wall is adapted to be able to curve smoothly to a shape suitable for receipt of a container. Preferably, the wall is a corrugated material able to readily curve into a shape suitable for receipt of a container or liquid. Preferably, the corrugated part does not prevent the ready curving of the wall into a curve suitable for receipt of a can or bottle. Preferably, the number of flutes of the corrugated cardboard is suitable to enable the ready curving of the wall. The curve is important as standard corrugated card or other rigid materials will not work as they are unsuitable to make the tight curve necessary to insulate a can or bottle.
Preferably, the wall is made of biodegradable material. Most preferably, the wall is made of a biodegradable material that will readily breakdown. Most preferably, the base is made of biodegradable material. Preferably, the insulating holder is substantially made of a biodegradable material.
Preferably, the base of the holder is of a similar shape to the shape of the base of the container. The base may take any suitable shape. Preferably, the base includes a curved perimeter. Preferably, the base is substantially circular. Preferably, the base and wall together form substantially a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the height of the cylindrical shape is configured to suit the height of the container. Preferably, the cylindrical shape is configured to be substantially similar to the shape of the container so as to be a tight fit during use.
The base may be size to be somewhat smaller than the base of the container. The reason for this is to enable there to be a small gap around the edge, which is beneficial for several reasons to prevent build-up of moisture, and to facilitate flat-packing as described further below. Preferably, moisture is allowed to drain from the holder through or about the base. The base may include holes to enable drainage. Preferably, the base is adapted to be slightly smaller in diameter than the base of the container. Most preferably, the base of the holder is sized to have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the container so a small gap is created between the edge of the base of the holder the bottom edge of the wall of the holder. Preferably, the gap enables liquid to drain from the holder. The inclusion of a gap may be beneficial when the wall and or base are made of a paper based material as it prevents pooling of moisture which may then soak into the paper.
Preferably, the association is the attachment of the base to the wall of the insulating holder. The association may be a permanent or temporary attachment to the wall of the insulating holder. Preferably, the base is strongly attached to the wall of the holder. The attachment may be through use of a suitable adhesive.
Preferably, the base includes at least one tab projecting out and the tab is used to attach the base to the wall. The tab may be any suitable shape. Preferably, the tab is substantially rectangular in shape. Preferably, a pair of tabs are included, projecting out on either side of the base. Preferably, the tabs are made of a suitably strong paper or card material. Preferably, a pair of rectangular tabs extend from the base and attach substantially the height of the wall of the holder to provide maximum supportive strength to the base. In other forms of the invention the or each tab may extend only some of the way up the height of the wall of the holder.
There may be a single rectangular tab extending from one side of the base to attach up one side of the wall formed into a cylinder curved over the top and down the other side to attach to the other side of the wall. Most preferably, the tab attaches to the base to form a strong circle around the base and wall. The part above the wall can be used as a handle.
A handle may be included in any of the forms of the invention. The handle may take any suitable form. The handle may be attached to any of the wall, base or itself. Preferably, where the container is a wine bottle a handle is included to assist to carry the bottle.
The tab may be a strip formed separate to the base but attached in the same way. A longitudinal rectangular strip may be used with the base and the strip is attached across the base and the two parts of the strip extending on either side can then be attached to the wall. Most preferably, a strip is included that is attached across the base and to the wall on either side. Preferably, the strip provides strength and support to the holder. Preferably, in this form of the invention the strip is made of strong cardboard material.
Most preferably, a substantially circular base is included and the tab or strip is attached so that there is a small gap between the edge of the base and the wall. Preferably, part of the tab or strip extends across this gap on either side of the base before attaching to the wall. The tab or strip on either side may facilitate flat-packing of the holder. Preferably, the manner of attachment of the base to the wall enables ready movement between an erect and flat state.
Preferably, the configuration and attachment of the base to the wall strongly supports the container within the holder. Preferably, the container is maintained within the holder by use of the base as is attached to the wall. That is the container rests on the base during use and the base prevents the container from falling out. In another form of the invention the base may be omitted entirely and the wall used for insulating alone around the wall.
Preferably, the base includes a means to readily transform from a support for the container to a flat base. Preferably, the base includes a fold. Preferably, the fold runs across the base. Preferably, the base includes a fold across the middle and it is along this fold the base folds during flat-packing. Most preferably, the fold runs substantially perpendicular to the direction of the pair of tabs or strips attaching the base to the wall. Preferably, when folded the base can be completely contained within the wall.
Preferably, the holder is readily moveable between an erect and flat state. Preferably, the container is stored flat and readily erected into a cylindrical shape ready for receipt of a container of liquid. Preferably, the wall is cylindrical in use but includes a fold on either side so that the wall can sit flat when flat packed. Preferably, when flat packed the holder is no more than a 10 millimetres high. Preferably, when flat packed the holder is no more than 8 millimetres high. Any suitable flat height could be used for the holder in the flat state. Preferably, the holder can be moved between a flat state and an erect state in a single move. Preferably, squeezing the sides of the wall in the flat state causes the unfolding of the base and erection of the holder ready for use. In one form of the invention the base may be pressed up to erect the holder ready for use.
Preferably, the holder can be provided to the end user fully assembled but flat packed. Preferably, on a small action is required to erect the holder ready for use. The small action may be to squeeze the wall or sides of the holder. The small action may be to push the base out. The small action may be to pull the base out. Preferably, the base acts as a strut to maintain the holder in the erect state, until it is desired to flatten the holder again. Preferably, the holder can be readily flattened with one hand. Preferably, a squeeze on the walls enables the holder to flatten.
Preferably, the holder is made of light-weight material that is easy to transport. Preferably, the holder is made of material which is economic to produce. Preferably, the holder is made of biodegradable material.
Preferably, the container of liquid is a can of drink and the insulating holder is a disposable stubby holder.
In another preferred form of the invention the container of liquid is a bottle of wine and the wall is adapted to be of a suitable height to substantially surround the wall and a handle is included to facilitate the carrying of the bottle of wine.
Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a variant, an insulating holder for a container of liquid having an outer wall and a base, the insulating holder including:

- a wall adapted to substantially surround the outer wall of the container; and
- a base, associated with the wall,
  wherein, the insulating holder is substantially made of light-weight biodegradable material and is provided erected and ready for use to the consumer.

Accordingly the present invention provides, in a further variant, an insulating holder for a container of liquid, the insulating holder including:

- a wall adapted to correspond to the outer wall of the container of liquid; and
- a base, associated with the wall to assist to maintain the container of liquid in the holder,
  wherein, the wall is substantially made of a single faced corrugated cardboard material.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an insulating holder for a container of liquid having an outer wall and a base, the insulating holder including:

- a wall adapted to substantially surround the outer wall of the container; and
- a base, associated with the wall,
  wherein, the insulating holder is readily changed between a substantially flat-packed and erect state for use.

The present invention also provides a method of use of an insulating holder for a container of liquid, the insulating holder including a wall and a base, associated with the wall, the method including the following steps:

- a) squeezing the sides of the wall to erect the holder for use;
- b) using the holder by placing a container of liquid therein;
- c) removing the container after use;
- d) squeezing the sides of the wall again to flatten the holder for storage or transportation.
  Preferably, the base may be pressed or pushed out to erect or flatten the holder. In another form of the invention, only the base need be pressed or pulled out to move the holder between the erect and flat state.

The holder may be assembled before the first step.
The present invention also provides a first method of assembly of an insulating holder including a curved wall and associated base, configured to receive a container of liquid, the method including the following steps:

- a) curving the wall into a cylinder shape, suitable to receive the container of liquid; and
- b) attaching the base to the wall.

The method may also include a step of squeezing the insulating holder after use to put in a flattened state ready for storage or transportation. The squeezing step may occur before use and in this case the insulating holder will need to be erected before use. The movement between the erect and flat state may be as described in the above method of use.
The method may include application of a label to the insulating holder during assembly. The label may include a constructive purpose, such as to assist to maintain the wall in a cylinder shape.
The present invention also provides a method of assembly of an insulating holder for a container of liquid, the insulating container including a wall, base and a projection from the base, the method including the following steps:

- a) folding the wall to create a gap;
- b) folding the base along a central fold, over the wall, within the created gap;
- c) folding the projection, over the folded base, to fill the gap;
- d) securing the parts of the wall and projection together to create a flattened cylinder which on erection can receive the container of liquid.

The methods may include the further step at any suitable point of applying wax to the inner surface of the wall to make it substantially hydrophobic.
The insulating holder of any of the methods may be the insulating holder of the invention in any of its forms or variants.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wall of an insulating holder, according to first a preferred embodiment of the invention, curved into shape;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a sheet for use to make the wall of the insulating holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view from below of the base and side tabs for use with the wall of the insulating holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the insulated holder components of FIGS. 1 to 3, in the erected and assembled state;

FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the insulated holder of FIG. 4 with a label being applied around the body;

FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of the insulating holder of FIGS. 1 to 5, assembled but flat-packed for storage or transportation;

FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of the insulated holder of FIGS. 1 to 6 in use, complete with a can of cold drink;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of a folded sheet of single face corrugated cardboard for use for an insulated holder according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a folded view of the sheet for the insulating holder of FIG. 8, prior to die cutting;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the folded sheet of FIG. 9, die cut into shape;

FIG. 11 is perspective view of a folded label, glued and then used to hold the cut and erected sheet of FIGS. 8 to 10 together;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the folding of the cut sheet of the holder of FIGS. 8 to 10 during assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above of the insulating holder of FIGS. 8 to 12, assembled with the label applied and flat-packed in half for storage or transportation;

FIG. 14 is a plan view from above of the die cut sheet of FIG. 10 of the insulating holder according to the second embodiment, illustrating a different method of assembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sheet of FIG. 14 being folded up and assembled;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the sheet of FIGS. 14 and 15 being assembled, and the walls curved around;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sheet of FIGS. 14 to 16, erected into a cylinder shape;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the insulating holder of FIG. 17, having a label applied to be fully assembled and erected;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an insulating holder according to third preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view from above of a sheet for use for the insulated holder of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a plan view from below of a base and tabs for use with the sheet of FIGS. 19 and 20 to assemble and erect the insulating holder of the third embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the insulating holder of FIGS. 19 to 21, assembled and erected and including a handle;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the insulating holder of FIG. 22 having a label applied;

FIG. 24 a perspective view of the insulating holder of FIGS. 19 to 23, assembled and flat-packed for storage or transportation;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the insulating holder of FIGS. 19 to 24, in use with a wine bottle;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of a sheet for assembly into an insulated holder according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the sheet of FIG. 26 being folded during assembly;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the sheet of FIGS. 26 and 27 being further folded during assembly;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the sheet of FIGS. 26 to 28 being further folded again, during assembly to form a flat-packed insulating holder; and

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the assembled insulating holder of FIGS. 26 to 29 having a label applied to hold the assembly together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where insulating holder 1, including sheet 2, are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Insulating holder 1 has body 10, with wall 12 and base 14. In the various forms of the invention it can be seen that the whole holder can be made from a single sheet or in several parts, such as the base and wall separately and then assembled and held together during manufacture. All of holder 1, as illustrated, is made from a light-weight biodegradable material, namely cardboard, as is described further below. Other materials could be used in alternative forms of the invention, such as lightweight paper, layered material or plastics material, or a combination of materials, most preferably with good biodegradable properties.
Base 14 has side tabs 15, one on either side of base 14 which are attached to wall 12 during assembly, refer FIG. 3 in particular. Base 14 is generally circular, with elongate rectangular tabs 15 extending on opposite sides. A strong paper glue is used as a suitable adhesive for side tabs 15 to wall 12. Side tabs 15, as shown, extend from base 14 to the upper edge of wall 12 to provide maximum resistance against the downward force due to the weight of the container of liquid to be insulated. In other forms of the invention a circular base could be used with a long strip which runs under base 14 and attaches on either side of wall 12 to maintain base 14 firmly in place. Also a handle could be included by extending tabs 15 and attaching them together above wall 12. Circular base 14 is sized to fit within the cylinder formed by curving of wall 12, as described below, with a small gap around the edge. Base 14 and side tabs 15 are illustrated made of a flat cardboard material, with good strength properties to provide strength and structure to assembled holder 1. Preferably, wax has been applied to the cardboard to make it hydrophobic. A wax layer is applied to the inner surface of the cardboard during manufacture to make the cardboard resistant to water. All of the structural base and tab parts should be made of a material which is resistant to moisture as there is likely to be some condensation from the container. The gap between the edge of wall 12 and base 14 is useful here to enable condensation to escape, rather than pool and soak into the cardboard. Moisture can run down the waxed flutes and out of holder one through the gap. The gap is also useful to facilitate the flat-packing of holder 1, as described further below.
Wall 12 has a flat outer surface 16 and a corrugated inner surface 18; wall 12 is therefore made of a single face corrugated cardboard material, refer FIG. 2 in particular. Flat outer surface 16 is shown made of a flat cardboard material to be comfortable to hold in the hand. Corrugated inner surface 18 can be varied as to the spacing of the corrugations somewhat but is illustrated as single face “C flute” which has 128 flutes per metre and a total thickness of around 4 millimetres. Other types of material, including single face “A flute” or “B flute” could also be used, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art. Use of single face corrugated cardboard material has been found to be immensely beneficial to overcome numerous problems of existing stubby holders, such as the weight, landfill waste creation, and the cost of production. Most beneficially this light, cheap and biodegradable material has good insulating properties and can be readily formed into a suitable shape for use with a can or bottle.
The ends of wall 12 meet at join 20, and importantly readily curve to form a neat, cylinder shape very similar to that of a standard can of drink. Join 20 may overlap and be glued but as shown is fixed in place by tabs 15. Other forms of construction could be used. The single face corrugated card material has less rigidity than standard corrugated cardboard, and this is an important aspect of this form of the invention. Standard corrugated cardboard is, by design, a rigid material with a corrugated central layer between two flat layers. Corrugated cardboard was developed to be a rigid material but significantly lighter to transport and cheaper to manufacture than the previously used alternatives of wood, plastics or metal. If you take a length of standard corrugated card and try to bend it into a curve, such as around a standard drink can, or bottle, it cannot be done. The inherent rigidity and resistance to bending of the double-surfaced corrugated cardboard means that it folds at right angles rather than curving. It would, therefore, be very difficult or impossible to form a piece of standard corrugated cardboard around a can or bottle.
To insulate there needs to be a fairly tight fit of the insulating holder around the can or bottle. Any large gaps or excessive air space will lead to temperature transfer, likely to warm a cold drink more quickly, for example, than a can tightly held in a well-insulated holder. The tight hold is one of the benefits of use of neoprene, however the cost, weight and space required during transportation is a significant drawback to use of neoprene stubby holders. The numerous corrugations create small air pockets equally spaced around the inner surface of wall 12, which are ideal to thermally insulate. The clever use of the single sided corrugated card and the particular form of the insulating holder overcomes a long felt want for a lightweight, biodegradable material that can be used, and work effectively, to insulate a can or bottle. There are of course the numerous further advantages of the invention as are described in more detail below.
Once wall 12 is secured by tabs 15, refer FIG. 4, label 19 is applied around some of wall 12, refer FIG. 5. Label 19 is optional but would be used to decorate holder 1 or to include information, advertising or brand promotions. Label 19 is illustrated as a rectangular paper label, glued around most of wall 12. Other forms of label 19 could be used such as a plastic label, sleeve or there may be several labels applied to wall 12.
It is envisaged that the invention will be used by sporting events, music festivals and other large events. Promoters of the events can include having their own branding applied for an event. Label 19 may not be applied until shortly before use of holder 1, and therefore if the event changes or is cancelled then alternative labels can be applied instead. An example of the clever advantages of holder 1 could be where a sports event is occurring at a distant location, holders 1 with suitable event specific labels can be sent flat packed, or carried with the equipment taking up far less space and weighing far less than neoprene holders for example. At the sporting event the promoters can give out the holders bearing the advertising labels so that they can get valuable promotion, but with far less cost and inconvenience of transportation. After the event, the disposable and biodegradable nature of the holder means they can be readily disposed of rather than creating additional landfill.
Base 14 includes fold 21, refer FIG. 3 prior to assembly and FIG. 6 when assembled and flat-packed. It is fold 21 which enables assembled holder 1 to be readily flat-packed, such as to be carried to an event or stored by a retailer. It is a further benefit to the invention that holder 1 can be easily erected for sale, not requiring any assembly by the user, but is flat-packed so as to reduce space. Fold 21 in base 14 enables holder 1 to be flattened, along the line of fold 21, by pressing on the sides of wall 12. A gentle squeeze of the sides of wall 12 reverses the process and holder 1 is erected and ready for use. Simple and effective, the smart form and material of the invention provides a holder than can be picked up and used with one hand, straight from being in a storable or transportable form. The strength and flexibility of the design is not to be underestimated as these key advantages enable holder 1 to work very well, and flatten to only 8 millimetres in height when not in use. Clearly, where a great may items are to be stored or transported needing on a small space and weight allowance, of only a few grams. Holder 1 weighs approximately 7 to 10 grams, depending on whether a label is used and the type, and whether a wax coating is used on the internal surface.
When assembled insulating holder 1 can receive can of drink 22 inside and be held in the hand of a person (not illustrated) whereby can of drink 22 is insulated from the hand of the person and the ambient air temperature. If holder 1 is provided to the person flat, they can simply squeeze the sides and the already erected holder 1 is ready immediately for use. Can 22 may then be slid inside wall 12 with corrugated side 18 providing good insulating properties, and flat side 16 being held by the person. During use can 22 can be kept cooler by use of holder 1, than by holding in the warm hand of the person and exposing to the ambient temperate, in summer. The invention could also be used to maintain the temperature of hot drinks, such as tea, coffee or soup when out in winter.
The inventor has developed an invention that has numerous advantages over the prior art due to the surprisingly clever use of single face corrugated cardboard and the desire to make an economic, disposable and biodegradable drinks holder.
Referring to FIGS. 8 to 13, a second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, similar to the first and with similar reference numerals used.
Insulating holder 101, refer FIG. 13, has body 110, with walls 112 and 113 which join to fall a single wall in use, around base 114. FIG. 8 illustrates sheet 102 of single face corrugated cardboard from which body 110 is cut and formed during the manufacturing process. A die cut process is used to cut flat sheet 102, once folded as in FIG. 9 into the shape as illustrated in FIG. 10, with circular base 114 lying between rectangular walls 112 and 113. The shape of base 114 and walls 112 and 113 is useful but could be varied slightly.
Following cutting, body 110 has been formed from sheet 102 with a flat surface 116 and a corrugated surface 118. FIG. 11 illustrates label folded and formed into a cylinder shape that can be fitted over assembled body 110 and glued in place to assembly holder 101. FIG. 12 illustrates the folding, including along fold 121 of base 114. The curving of walls 12 and 13 again is made possible by the use of the flexible but strong single face corrugated cardboard material. FIG. 13 illustrates the assembled holder 101 flat-packed for transportation. To assemble for use the person need only push in base 114 and holder 101 will be erected. Holder 101 is similar to holder 1, however base 114 is formed integrally and extends out to flat-pack so that the whole holder is very flat, taking up less space for storage or transportation. Clearly there is scope for some variation in the arrangement of walls and base.
Referring to FIGS. 13 to 18 a different method of assembly of the second preferred embodiment of the invention is described. Body 101 is the same including walls 112 and 113 and base 114 between them, die cut from a sheet of single face corrugated cardboard. FIGS. 15 and 16 in particular show the curving of walls 112 and 113 around base 114 during assembly, with flat surface 116 outermost and corrugated surface 118 inside. Ends of walls 112 and 113 come together at join 120 as can be seen in particular in FIG. 17. Once formed into a cylinder shape, curved to a suitable size and shape to receive a can of drink, label 119 can be applied. Label 119 is similar to label 19 and is wrapped around walls 112 and 113 to hold together. Equally label 119 could be slide over assembled walls 112 and 113 or take other suitable forms.
A wax layer is applied during manufacture so that the inner surface in use is hydrophobic, useful to resist water from the can of drink or the like entering holder 101.
Either method of assembly, of the second embodiment creates a strong holder for use with a can of drink, not shown, which is light-weight and can be flat-packed.
Referring to FIGS. 19 to 25, a third preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, with reference numerals similar to the first and second embodiments. The third preferred embodiment works in the same way, in particular to the first embodiment but is sized to receive a wine bottle. It is envisaged that use of holder 201 will be popular for bottles of wine at events, or at the point of sale, for example.
In FIGS. 19 to 25 insulating holder 201 is made of sheet 201, and has body 210, with wall 212 and base 214. Again, all of holder 201 is made from a light-weight biodegradable cardboard material but other suitable materials could be used instead.
Base 214 has a single long side tab 15, rather than the two of the first embodiment. Long tab 15 is assembled in the same way to secure and support the curved body 210. Base 214 is also generally circular, with flattened sides and tab 215 an elongate rectangle shape. A strong glue is used during assembly, to affix base 214 to wall 212 by tab 15 as is described further below.
Wall 212 has a flat outer surface 216 and a corrugated inner surface 218 being made of a single surface corrugated cardboard, as is particular useful. The inner surface is waxed during manufacture so as to resist water. Alternative, suitable materials could be used instead. The corrugated part of wall 212 lies on the inside to create an insulating layer while the flat outer layer is comfortable to be held in the hand of the person and protects the rest of holder 201, in use.
The ends of wall 212 are curved around to meet at join 220 ready for securing in the assembled form. Tab 215 can then be glued up one side of wall 212 around where a handle portion is formed above body 212 and down the other side of wall 212 to be secured to base 214. The looping around of long tab 215 differs slightly from the first embodiment but creates the strong handle which is added benefit. When a person is drinking a can of drink say it is quite light and easily carried and drunk. With a bottle of wine, as is the intended use of the third embodiment the contents is much heavier and it is likely that the bottle will be carried from one location to another before consumption. The handle is then very useful to remove the bottle away from the hand of the consumer, so that the bottle of chilled wine stays cool until it arrives at its destination, ready for consumption. The insulating properties of holder 201 would be useful in many situations, for example purchase of chilled wine and carrying to a restaurant or picnic.
Once erected label 219 can be applied around some of wall 212. Again label 219 could be used to assist to hold wall 212 in place and surround some or all of wall 212. In other forms of the invention label 219 may be omitted. Label 19 is useful however for advertising purposes for example. Handle 224 portion of tab 215 stands proud above the level of wall 212 and label 219 when applied with plenty of space to be held in the hand of the user. Handle 224 is adapted to be taller in use than bottle of wine 226. Wine bottles are generally a standard height but this can be varied, along with the particular dimensions of holder 201 to suit the needs of the user and the container to be kept insulated. Other containers such as bottle of milk or soft drink could equally be kept cool by use of the invention.
Base 214 includes fold 221 which enables assembled holder 201 to be readily flat-packed, such as to be carried to an event or stored by a retailer. It is a further benefit to the invention that holder 201 can be easily erected for sale, not requiring any assembly by the user, but is flat-packed so as to reduce space. Fold 221 in base 214 enables holder 201 to be flattened, along the line of fold 221, by pressing on the sides of wall 212. A gentle squeeze of the sides of wall 212 will erect holder 201 ready for wine bottle 226 to be placed inside to be insulated.
Referring to FIGS. 26 to 30, a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, similar to the previously described embodiments and given similar reference numerals. Insulating holder 301, has body 310, with wall 312 attached to base 314 with projection 315 all formed from a sheet of single face corrugated cardboard having a flat wall surface 316 and a corrugated surface 318. Again the corrugated surface is waxed during manufacture and before supply to the consumer. The particular plan shape can be seen in FIG. 26, having been die cut from the sheet of single face corrugated cardboard. Other forms of cutting could be used instead. During assembly, wall 312 is folded in three, with the two sides equal folded in towards the largest part.
Fold 321 lies across base 314 to enable the flattening of holder 301 once assembled. A further folds 328 and 330 are also included on either side of base 314 at the junction with wall 312 and part 315 respectively. These folds enable base 314 to be folded in half along fold 321 and then onto wall 312 along fold 328 before part 315 is folded over base 314 on wall 312 along fold 330. The two folds of wall 312, not labelled, enable the folding in of those parts over wall 312 and part 315 is configured to fit exactly between the form the completed holder. The completed holder can then be glued, base 314 popped out and the nature of the single face corrugated cardboard material enables curving of the flat surfaces to form a cylinder. Label 319 is applied and can be used to assist in holding holder 301 together, by securing across the folded portions of wall 312 with part 315 between them. Alternatively, label 319 or be applied afterwards to some or all of the outer surface of body 310. Once base 314 is pressed to enable holder 301 to be three dimensional the structure is ready for use with a can or bottle of cold drink for example.
As described with respect to the various embodiments the exact method of assembly can be varied. The methods described for each embodiment, may similarly be used for any of the other embodiments, where appropriate.
Some or all of the surfaces, of any of the described embodiments may include a wax layer to make hydrophobic.
In its various forms and methods of construction the core concept of the invention to provide a light-weight insulated holder than can be readily moved between a flat and erect state is provided, that is likely to prove popular once launched into the public domain.
Industrial Applicability
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in its various aspects.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

	Emb. 1	Emb. 2	Emb. 3	Emb. 4

1	Insulating	101	Insulating	201	Insulating	301	Insulating
	holder		holder		holder		holder
		102	Sheet	202	Sheet	302	Sheet
10	Body	110	Body	210	Body	312	Body
12	Wall	112	Wall	212	Wall	318	Wall
		113	Wall	213	Wall
14	Base	114	Base	214	Base	314	Base
15	Side tabs					315	Part
16	Flat wall	116	Flat wall	216	Flat wall	316	Flat wall
	surface		surface part		surface		surface
		117	Flat wall
			surface part

18	Corrugated	118	Corrugated	218	Corrugated	318	Corrugated
	wall surface		wall surface		wall		wall surface
			part		surface

		119	Corrugated
			wall surface
			part

20	End	120	End	220	End		End
21	Fold in base	121	Fold in base	221	Fold in	321	Fold in base
					base

22	Can of drink				Can of		Can of drink
					drink
24				224	Handle
26				226	Wine bottle
28						328	Fold
30						330	Fold
32						332	Label

Claims

1. An insulating holder for a container of liquid having a curved outer wall and a base, the insulating holder including:

a curved wall adapted to substantially surround the outer wall of the container; and

a base, associated with the wall, to substantially support the container within the holder,

wherein, the wall includes an insulating part including single face corrugated cardboard configured so that the corrugations lie inside the wall and run in a vertical direction to assist to insulate the liquid in the container, and the wall can be readily curved to correspond to the curved outer wall of the container of liquid.

2. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein the container of liquid is a can or bottle.

3. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein the wall forms substantially a cylindrical shape in use.

4. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the wall includes advertising.

5. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein wall is formed as two or more parts attached to a central base and two parts of the wall curve around the central base to form a cylinder during assembly.

6. The insulating holder according to claim 5, wherein the wall and base are formed from a single sheet of material with a projection extending from the base and during assembly the wall is folded before being secured into a circular wall around a circular base with the projection completing the side of the wall.

7. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein a cylindrical sleeve is used to hold the wall together.

8. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein the corrugated part assists insulation by creating a plurality of longitudinal air pockets formed in the wall of the holder running in a vertical direction.

9. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein the vertical corrugations assist to drain any condensation away.

10. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein moisture is allowed to drain from the holder through or about the base.

11. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein the base includes at least one tab projecting out and the tab is used to attach the base to the wall.

12. The insulating holder according to claim 11, wherein a pair of tabs are included, projecting out on either side of the base.

13. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein a handle is included.

14. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal rectangular strip is used with the base and the strip is attached across the base and the two parts of the strip extending on either side can then be attached to the wall and the strip provides strength and support to the holder.

15. The insulating holder according to claim 14, wherein when flat packed the holder is no more than 8 or 10 millimetres high.

16. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein the holder is provided to the end user fully assembled but flat packed.

17. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein only a small action is required to erect the holder ready for use and the small action is to squeeze the wall or sides of the holder or to push the base out.

18. The insulating holder according to claim 1, the holder is made of biodegradable material.

19. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the holder is hydrophobic.

20. The insulating holder according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the holder is given a wax coating.