SLEEVE, SLEEVE WITH WINDOW AND METHODS OF MAKING

Abstract

The invention relates to a sleeve with a window for use with an item. The sleeve includes a substantially planar body, a first surface and a second surface, first part and second part, and a window formed in the first part. A print area is defined on the first surface of the second part, where a graphic can be added and the window substantially overlays the graphic in the assembled article. The invention also relates to a protective sleeve with a substantially planar body, an inner surface and an outer surface, a first junction area of substantially planar body and a second junction area of the substantially planar body. The first and second junction areas enable co-operating attachment therebetween, such that the substantially planar body is maintained as a sleeve. The invention also relates to a method of construction of a sleeve.

Claims

1-91. (canceled)

92. An insulating sleeve with a window, the insulating sleeve adapted for use with an item, the insulating sleeve including: a. a substantially planar body substantially of single faced corrugated cardboard, with a first surface and a second surface, and first part and second part; b. a window formed in the first part of the substantially planar body; and c. a print area defined on the first surface of the second part, wherein, a graphic can be added to the print area and the window substantially overlays the graphic in the assembled article, and further wherein the single face corrugated card, once assembled, runs at substantially 45 degrees to the horizontal, as is a useful arrangement.

93. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the insulating sleeve is able to be printed and assembled in an automated fashion.

94. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the insulating sleeve is made substantially of single faced B corrugated cardboard and the substantially planar body has a corrugated surface on the second surface and the first surface is substantially smooth.

95. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein a waterproof layer is applied to the single faced corrugated cardboard during manufacture.

96. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the window is adapted to precisely overlay the printed graphic so the window exactly covers the graphic and the printed graphic is precisely aligned to be viewed through the window.

97. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the first part is the upper part of the body during assembly and the second part is the lower part of the body during assembly.

98. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the first part is shaped to be substantially an arc so as to form a frustoconical insulating sleeve once assembled and further wherein, the arc has a central portion flanked by left and right hand parts which overlay one another to join and form the insulating sleeve after the second part and central part of the first part are in contact.

99. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the first part and the second part are rectangular and precisely overlay one another during assembly to form a double-layered insulating sleeve.

100. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the print area is defined as a particular location on the body and programmed into the printer so that as the flat body passes under the print head the graphic can be precisely printed.

101. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein a junction area is created between two parts of the body that connect to form the insulating sleeve.

102. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein a particular arrangement of corrugations is used so that the corrugations are joined together in an overlapping manner at the junction area.

103. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the corrugations run vertically and the orientation of the corrugations is beneficial to use as a sleeve for insulation purposes, such as a can or bottle of drink, and to assist water to run away.

104. The insulating sleeve according to claim 92, wherein the insulating sleeve is a protective sleeve.

105. An insulating sleeve with a window, the insulating sleeve for use with an item, the insulating sleeve including: a. a substantially planar body substantially of single faced corrugated cardboard, having a first junction area and a second junction area, and a first surface and a second surface, and first part and second part; b. a window formed in the first part of the substantially planar body; and c. a print area formed on the first surface of the second part, d. the first and second junction areas being adapted to enable co-operating attachment therebetween, such that the substantially planar body is maintained as an insulating sleeve, wherein, the configuration of the assembled insulating sleeve creates resilience so that the insulating sleeve resists squeezing of the sides, whereby items of a suitable size placed within the insulating sleeve will be held by the insulating sleeve, and the graphic added to the print area is displayed through the window in the assembled article and further wherein the single face corrugated card, once assembled, runs at substantially 45 degrees to the horizontal, as is a useful arrangement.

106. The insulating sleeve of the claim 105, wherein the print area exactly corresponds to the window so that the graphic printed on the print area will be clearly viewed through the window in use.

107. The insulating sleeve according to claim 105, wherein the insulating sleeve is a protective sleeve.

108. A method of joining single face corrugated cardboard, the cardboard having an inner surface including corrugations and an outer surface including corrugations, the method including the steps of: a. bringing together the inner and outer surface; b. applying adhesive to the corresponding parts of the inner and outer surface; and c. pressing together the inner and outer surface so that the corrugations interlock, wherein the resulting junction resist sheer, and further wherein the single face corrugated card, once assembled, runs at substantially 45 degrees to the horizontal, as is a useful arrangement.

109. A method of making an insulating sleeve, including a substantially planar body substantially of single faced corrugated cardboard, with a first surface and a second surface, and a first part and second part, a window formed in the first part and a print area for a graphic on a first surface of the second part, the method including the following steps: a. introducing a body, ready for assembly; b. printing a graphic on the body; c. folding the body to overlay the window over the graphic; and d. assembling the body into an insulating sleeve for use with an item, wherein the single face corrugated card, once assembled, runs at substantially 45 degrees to the horizontal, as is a useful arrangement.

110. A method of joining single face corrugated cardboard, the cardboard having an inner surface including corrugations and an outer surface including corrugations, the method including the steps of: a. bringing together the inner and outer surface; b. applying adhesive to the corresponding parts of the inner and outer surface; and c. pressing together the inner and outer surface so that the corrugations interlock, wherein the resulting junction resist sheer, and further wherein the single face corrugated card, once assembled, runs at substantially 45 degrees to the horizontal, as is a useful arrangement, and used to make the insulating sleeve of claim 92.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0132] The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0133] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the assembled sleeve with window;

[0134] FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembled sleeve with window of FIG. 1;

[0135] FIG. 3 is a front view of the unassembled sleeve with window of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the parts and folds and the respective positions of the window and print area;

[0136] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the unassembled sleeve with window of FIG. 3;

[0137] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the sleeve with window of FIGS. 1 to 4 in a further stage of assembly;

[0138] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the sleeve with window of FIGS. 1 to 5 during assembly;

[0139] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the assembled sleeve with window;

[0140] FIG. 8 is a front view of the sleeve with window of FIG. 7;

[0141] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the unassembled sleeve with window of FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrating the parts and folds;

[0142] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the flat body of the sleeve with window of FIGS. 7 to 9 before assembly;

[0143] FIG. 11 is a front view of the sleeve of FIGS. 7 to 9 folded in half; and

[0144] FIG. 12 is a perspective front view of the sleeve of FIG. 11 further folded into parts during assembly (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8); and

[0145] FIG. 13 shows the sheer resistant join of the sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE

[0146] With reference to Schedule 3 (9) of Patent Regulations 1991, we note that use of the word LOGO is included in the drawings to particularly facilitate understanding of the invention, to illustrate where a graphic may be printed, for example.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6 a first preferred embodiment is described where sleeve 1 has body 10 with window 12. The window is illustrated as an oval opening which enables an image to be viewed therethrough. It is not intended that the use of the term window be in anyway limiting but is useful in the description for understanding purposes. It may be considered that use of the window creates a billboard for promotion or advertising which is a very useful and desirable result of the invention. Oval is a good shape for window 12 but other suitable shapes could be used instead. An oval is aesthetically pleasing and may be used to frame the graphic, including by having a printed border, giving a smart, quality appearance. A standardised window appearance may be used for a company that may then vary the graphic shown therethrough.

[0148] Body 10 is cut from a sheet of single face corrugated card with the corrugations running vertically. The use of single face corrugated card enables the sleeve to function to surround even curved items such as a can of drink, but also to be economic to produce, light to transport, and readily usable at events for example. The card may be replaced with other suitable materials or forms of material within the scope of the subject invention. Body 10 in the flat unassembled state has upper part 16 and lower part 18, with lower edge 19, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3 and 4. Inner surface 20 and outer surface 22 can be seen also in FIGS. 3 and 4, which it is useful to define for ease of reference.

[0149] Graphic 14 LOGO can be seen in the first embodiment to be printed on inner surface 20 of lower part 14. Although not shown, an in-line printer such a BitJet (TRADE MARK) printer, refer: www.dominodigitalprinting.com is used during the assembly process. The flat form of body 10 enables each sleeve 1 to be fed through an in-line printer and the associated software used to dictate the precise position of the printing. The printing is defined to a precise print area on inner surface 20 of lower part 18. When the printing occurs body 10 is completely flat and so can be readily fed through the printer, printed on the predetermined and defined print area and exited. These printers are very precise, highly programmable and produce very high quality images.

[0150] The print area is predetermined when sending the commands to the printer, so that the exact same print area will be printed every time. The print area approximates to the location of graphic 14 but may be a square for example within which a graphic is designed by use of a computer or the print software and instructed to be printed within the print area. Use of the extremely accurate printer and aligned window to display the graphic enables a fully automated assembly or low skill level assembly. Without the defined print area and aligned window then a person would be required to overlay and align the image with the window and make significant adjustments each time to make the accurate alignment. For the described product an approximate alignment will not work, it must be precise for the graphic to be shown.

[0151] As illustrated the printing step will be part of the total automated assembly method as described below, creating an automated production of a high quality and highly adaptable sleeve with a precisely aligned image through the window. Other suitable printers may be used to the one described provided the printing is of sufficient accuracy.

[0152] Once flat body 10 has been printed with graphic 14 body 10 continues along the assembly line to be assembled into sleeve with window 1. In order that this can occur the parts need to be folded. Upper part 16 is therefore divided into central part 24, with left-hand part 26 and right-hand part 28 on either side. Fold 30 divides upper part 16 from lower part 18, with folds 32 and 34 respectively dividing central part 24 of upper part 16 from the left-hand part 26 and right-hand part 28; refer in particular to FIGS. 3 and 4. When lower part 18 is folded up towards upper part 16 along fold inner surface 20 of lower part 18 is pressed against inner surface 20 of upper part 16. It is in this way that graphic 14 is presented to window 12 and can be seen therethrough. Parts 26 and 28 can then be folded in, towards central part 24, along folds 32 and 34 respectively as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this way part 18 is held strongly in place with the precise alignment of graphic 14 and window 12. As part of the process adhesive is added to each surface before overlaying another surface so as to be strongly held in place. The surfaces may be flattened together during the assembly process before addition of the adhesive.

[0153] Once sleeve 1 is arranged as illustrated in FIG. 5 graphic 14 can be seen through window 12 on the reverse and is held in place. At this stage sleeve 1 can be assembled from the flat body 10 into the sleeve itself, ready for use. It can be noted that the corrugated side of parts 26 and 28 are now inside and it is these two surfaces that cooperate to form the sleeve.

[0154] The method of assembly is using a cutter to cut body 10 from a sheet of single-flute cardboard, applying a water resistant coating to the outer surface, and feeding into the printer. The printer is preprogrammed with the print area and graphic so these can be applied to a particular print run. The print run may be small say 20 for a particular party, or very large 100,000 for a sporting event for example, or any size in between. Once printed a hook connects with lower edge 19 to bring the upper part and lower part together about fold 30. The folding over brings graphic 14 to show through window 12, and further hooking in of the respective sides finishes the fixing of the graphic in the window. Adhesive may be applied at any point to the contacting surfaces. Further final hooking occurs to bring the long edges together of the cross-cut core flute to form a reciprocating join, once glued.

[0155] Once assembled sleeve 1 is ready to be used. In the given example as a stubby holder for a standard drink can or bottle. The particular dimensions of these items is standardised. However, it would be understood by a person skilled in the art that variation to the starting shape and size of body 10 can enable sleeve 1 to be varied to suit different items. These items may be drink cans and bottles of varying size, or a bottle of wine. The sleeve may be used for other items that may need protecting such as a mobile phone or other electronic device, or in fact any item where a person can find benefit to use of the protective sleeve 1.

[0156] Graphic 14 can be dictated by the promotional company supplying sleeve 1 or could be provided in a choice, for choice by the consumer. The specialist print form enables small runs for a group or party to be made especially with a desired print. Or to commemorate a date or event, clearly the nature of the graphic can be anything. Typically the graphic would include branding for a company but may include words, images, colours and information, anything that can be seen visually. Texture or raised parts could also be included.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 13, a second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, similar to the first, where sleeve 101 has body 110 formed of a sheet of single face B flute corrugated cardboard of a known form.

[0158] A water resistant layer is applied to surface of the single face B flute, as illustrated this is a layer of wax to make the surface hydrophobic. Other forms of protective layer can also be included to resist water or otherwise protect the item from damage. Water is a particular problem when used to protect or keep cool a can or bottle of cold drink. Condensation may form and if the surface resists water then this condensation flows away, rather than sinking in and making the cardboard soggy.

[0159] Body 110 is illustrated as a rectangular sheet of 420 millimetres by 250 millimetres suitable to be folded and formed into sleeve 101. Other sizes and shapes could be used in other forms of the sleeve. Rectangular body 101 in can be seen to include window 110, through which graphic 114 can be seen, as indicated by the word LOGO. Upper part 116 and lower part 118 have inner surface 120 and outer surface 122. Upper part 116, similar to in the first described preferred embodiment has central part 124, left hand part 126 and right hand part 128 used during construction. Again folds are used to assembly sleeve 110, including fold 130 between upper part 116 and lower part 118, and folds 132 and 134 between central part 124 and the left hand part 126 and the right hand part 128 respectively.

[0160] A folding, gluing machine is used to glue the two sides together using a hot melt adhesive, as may be applicable to either embodiment. Adhesive is applied during assembly before the surfaces are contacted so as to maintain them together in the assembled form.

[0161] The method of assembly of sleeve 110 is substantially the same as the first embodiment. The key difference is the rectangular shape and parts that fold in to form a double thickness sleeve. The sleeve of the first embodiment is carefully designed. However, the double thickness form has many suitable applications having the extra layer of protection or insulation.

[0162] Window 112 is illustrated as an oval window but clearly could be any suitable shape, size or configuration to overlay graphic 114. Window 112 could be rectangular, including square, circular, triangular or irregular shaped for example. In other forms of the invention the window may be omitted. The sleeve in this case still forms a protective sleeve, and can be used to protect any suitable item.

[0163] FIG. 13 illustrates the attachment area to hold sleeve 101 in the assembled form. The join is important in the overall strength and resilience of the item as the meshing of the single face flute creates a stronger, flexible and more precise bond than flat material. The strong join, resists flute lean and sheer as the flutes mesh together strongly and together resist pulling apart, not only one from the other but also sheering sideways. The forces of the join therefore strengthen the whole sleeve creating outward tension that resists against pushing in from the sides to keep sleeve tightly wrapped around an items. In this way the sleeve has resilience and resists squeezing of the sides and will hug an item when put around it, such as a can of drink. The resilience of the sleeve once assembled is very useful, and provides a high quality sleeve which may be used, for example, as a stubby holder with a tailored graphic displayed on the front.

[0164] A cylindrical sleeve is created in this way which can be moved between a very convenient flat state, suitable for storage and transportation and an erect state. In the flat state the sleeve takes up very little space, and as it is light and cheap to product an attractive product for marketing or other one time uses. In the erect state the sleeve is ready to receive an item to be insulated and protected and will work well to keep a drink cool. Although not shown in the Figures, in the example the item is a can of drink and the sleeve is configured to hug and hold the can in use to keep in cool while being held in the hand of a person and drunk from.

[0165] Again the construction in the assembled form of sleeve 101, same as for sleeve 1 uses a cooperating join. These joins differ in the cut of the corrugated card one being cross-face one being straight as is apparent from the drawings. The join is important in the overall strength and resilience of the item as the meshing of the single face flute creates a stronger, flexible and more precise bond than flat material. The strong join, resists flute lean and sheer as the flutes mesh together strongly and together resist pulling apart, not only one from the other but also sheering sideways. The forces of the join therefore strengthen the whole sleeve creating outward tension that resists against pushing in from the sides to keep sleeve tightly wrapped around an items. In this way the sleeve has resilience and resists squeezing of the sides and will hug an item when put around it, such as a can of drink.

[0166] When pressed flat at this stage sleeve 101 of both layers is around 120 to 160 gsm. Pressing on the sides of assembled sleeve 1 causes access to be enabled as a generally circular based sleeve that may be used for example to surround a can of drink. At this point the bottom 5 millimetres of product may be dipped in wax to protect against wicking and absorption. Other parts of sleeve 101 may be similarly protected from water, in other applications.

[0167] FIGS. 11 and 12 show the two layers created by the folding of body 110. The two layers are the same size but in use in a cylinder the inner surface is under more tension. The reason for this is that the space for the inner surface is less and so resilience, outward spring is created by these two layers resisting side pressure. The resilience creates a hugging effect around the item in use so sleeve 101 is maintained about the item and does not slide off, a very clever design.

[0168] The inventor has developed a significant improvement over the prior art and surprisingly effective new sleeves, including with a window that may be used in a plurality of situations. The join and method of construction is also a new and innovative method to create a strong construction, vastly superior to simple gluing systems.

[0169] 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.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0170] The sleeve with window is intended to be manufacturer industrially in either large or small scale lots and assembled for provision to events, companies or direct to consumers.

TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST: 1 Sleeve 10 Body 12 Window 14 Graphic 16 Upper part 18 Lower part 19 Lower edge of 18 20 Inner surface 22 Outer surface 24 Central part of 16 26 LH part of 16 28 RH part of 16 30 Fold to base 32 LH fold 34 RH fold 101 Sleeve 110 Body 112 Window 114 Graphic 116 Upper part 118 Lower part 120 Inner surface 122 Outer surface 124 Central part of 16 126 LH part of 16 128 RH part of 16 130 Fold to base 132 LH fold 134 RH fold