Beverage container with thermally insulated handle and methods of making same

Abstract

A beverage container having a thermally insulated handle that reduces the heat transfer between the beverage container and the hand of the person holding the glass is provided. A thermally insulative material is secured to the handle of the beverage container but does not form a bond with the surface of the container. The insulating material is made of one or more layers of insulative material having a closed-cell structure such as closed-cell foam and the like. The beverage containers can include, but are not limited to, beer mugs, soda glasses, or pitchers.

1 . A beverage container, comprising: 
 a base member;    a side wall extending from the outer perimeter of the base member in a manner such that a cavity is formed by the side wall and the base member;    a handle attached to an exterior surface of the side wall in a manner so as to permit a person to hold the handle by hand and lift the beverage container; and    a thermally insulative material disposed about an exterior surface of the handle, wherein the insulative material has a closed-cell structure that is substantially resistant to moisture absorption.    
   
   
       2 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the thermally insulative material comprises closed-cell expanded vinyl acetate.  
   
   
       3 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the thermally insulative material comprises closed-cell neoprene.  
   
   
       4 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the thermally insulative material comprises closed-cell foam.  
   
   
       5 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the thermally insulative material does not form a bond with the exterior surface of the handle.  
   
   
       6 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the thermally insulative material has a thickness that is less than or equal to 0.375 inch.  
   
   
       7 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the container is a mug.  
   
   
       8 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the container is made of glass.  
   
   
       9 . The beverage container of  claim 1 , wherein the thermally insulative material has an exterior surface that is adapted for placement of advertisement, logos, and trademarks.  
   
   
       10 . A method of forming a beverage container having a thermally insulated handle, comprising: 
 wrapping a layer of closed-cell insulative material around a handle of said beverage container such that the insulative material forms overlapping seams; and    bonding the seams together so as to secure the insulative material to the handle without forming a bond between the material and the handle.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the closed-cell insulative material comprises a closed-cell foam.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the closed-cell insulative material comprises a closed-cell expanded vinyl acetate.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the closed-cell insulative material is less than or equal to about 0.375 inch thick.  
   
   
       14 . A drinking container, comprising: 
 a base section;    a sidewall section that is attached to the base section so as to define an interior volume that receives the drinking liquid;    wherein the drinking container defines a surface at which the user grasps the drinking container and wherein a closed-cell foam is disposed about the surface but not bonded to the surface, wherein the closed-cell foam is resistant to moisture and condensate absorption.    
   
   
       15 . The drinking container of  claim 14 , wherein the closed-cell foam is disposed about a handle portion of the drinking container.  
   
   
       16 . The drinking container of  claim 15 , wherein the container is made out of a composite material.  
   
   
       17 . The drinking container of  claim 16 , wherein the drinking container is made of glass.