DECORATIVE CONTAINER SLEEVES AND METHOD

Abstract

A container for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container is formed by a sleeve of a thermally insulating material such as neoprene or a silicone-based material that has been sized and dimensioned to receive a disposable container from a food provider. The sleeve has indicia thereon to provide an enhanced appearance, or a message such as a slogan or message of support.

Claims

1. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container, including a sleeve formed of a thermally insulating material sized and dimensioned to receive such disposable container, said sleeve having indicia thereon to provide an enhanced appearance and made from a material able to be flattened yet regain its shape when desired.

2. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 1, said material being a silicone based material.

3. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 2, said indicia being decorative.

4. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 2, said indicia indicating support for a team at a sporting event.

5. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 1, said material being neoprene.

6. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 5, said indicia being decorative.

7. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 5, said indicia indicating support for a team at a sporting event.

8. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 1, said indicia being decorative.

9. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 1, said indicia indicating support for a team at a sporting event.

10. A method to enable display of prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container by providing a sleeve formed of a thermally insulating material sized and dimensioned to receive such disposable container, said sleeve having indicia thereon to provide an enhanced appearance.

11. A method according to claim 10, said sleeve being made from a material able to be flattened yet regain its shape when desired.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention as intended to be packaged;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the decorative sleeve of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention decorated to label the intended contents;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention of various sizes decorated to label the intended contents;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention exemplifying its potential decorative aspects;

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates the potential various sizes of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention exemplifying its potential for use at tailgating events;

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates the potential various sizes of the embodiments of FIG. 7;

[0018] FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate the construction and dimensions of various sizes of the containers of the present invention.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, decorative sleeves 10 of the present invention may be made of a flexible material such as neoprene or a silicone-based material well known in the food container and implement industry, and thus flattened to be inserted in packages 20 for shipment, retail sale or storage. FIG. 2 shows how a food container 22 from a fast food outlet, delicatessen or the like can be inserted into a decorative sleeve 10 of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention decorated to label the intended contents as shown at 24; and FIG. 4 illustrates the various sizes for such containers. FIG. 5 illustrates examples of the decorations that may be applied to the sleeves 10 of the present invention and FIG. 6 illustrates the various sizes for such containers. As can be noted in FIG. 5, the decorative sleeves 10 are not provided with tops so the tops of the food provider may be show; or alternatively, decorative tops can be applied.

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention decorated to have a sporting events theme, and such containers can be used, for example, at tail gate parties for sporting events. As understood, team logos, band images and other licensed insignia could be used as decorations. Slogans of support for a sporting team could be the indicia. FIG. 8 illustrates the various sizes for such containers.

[0022] FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate the construction and dimensions of various sizes of the containers of the present invention.

[0023] As understood by one skilled in the field, various designs and indicia can be supplied to the containers 10 as desired; and decorative sleeves are provided that are thermally insulating and can be flattened for packaging. Yet, the containers can be easily cleaned, usually a simple rinsing will be sufficient, and can be reused.

[0024] I do not intend to limit my invention by the above detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings, and define my invention by the appended claims.