Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material

Abstract

A deformable shape retaining sheet of material is provided that can be formed around another object, such as a drinking vessel. The sheet has an absorbent layer, a shape retaining layer, and a decorative layer. The absorbent layer contacts the other object and absorbs any liquid that forms or leaks from the vessel. The shape retaining layer maintains the shape of the material to prevent it from falling away and also prevents any liquid that is present in the absorbent layer from moving to the decorative layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sheet material having:
 a first layer being flexible and having an exposed surface and an oppositely located inner surface, said first layer having properties adapted to absorb a liquid;   a second layer being centrally located and having a first surface and an oppositely located second surface, said second layer adapted to be formed to a shape and substantially retain said shape; and   a third layer being flexible and having an exposed surface and an oppositely located inner surface, said third layer having insulative properties.   
     
     
         2 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , said second layer being substantially impervious to fluid. 
     
     
         3 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , said second layer being deformable and shape retaining. 
     
     
         4 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , said first layer being adapted to absorb said liquid when said liquid contacts said exposed surface of said first layer. 
     
     
         5 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , said exposed surface of said third layer being adapted to receive a decorative coating. 
     
     
         6 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , said second layer is a metal foil. 
     
     
         7 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive adhering said inner surface of said first layer to said first surface, said adhesive partially penetrating said first layer and substantially preserving said properties. 
     
     
         8 . The sheet material of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive adhering said inner surface of said third layer to said second surface, said adhesive partially penetrating said third layer and substantially preserving said insulative properties. 
     
     
         9 . A sheet material having:
 a first layer being flexible and having an exposed surface and an oppositely located inner surface, said first layer having absorbent properties adapted to absorb a liquid when said liquid contacts said exposed surface;   a second layer being centrally located and having a first surface and an oppositely located second surface, said second layer being substantially impervious to fluid; and   a third layer being flexible and having an exposed surface and an oppositely located inner surface, said third layer having insulative properties.   
     
     
         10 . The sheet material of  claim 9 , said second layer being adapted to be formed to a shape and substantially retain said shape. 
     
     
         11 . The sheet material of  claim 9 , said exposed surface of said third layer being adapted to receive a decorative coating. 
     
     
         12 . The sheet material of  claim 9 , said second layer is a metal foil. 
     
     
         13 . The sheet material of  claim 9 , further comprising an adhesive adhering said inner surface of said first layer to said first surface, said adhesive partially penetrating said first layer and substantially preserving said absorbent properties. 
     
     
         14 . The sheet material of  claim 9 , further comprising an adhesive adhering said inner surface of said third layer to said second surface, said adhesive partially penetrating said third layer and substantially preserving said insulative properties. 
     
     
         15 . The sheet material of  claim 9 , further comprising mechanical interlocking of said inner surface of said first layer to said first surface of said second layer. 
     
     
         16 . The sheet material of  claim 9 , further comprising mechanical interlocking of said inner surface of said third layer to said second surface of said second layer. 
     
     
         17 . The sheet material of  claim 13 , said adhesive being continuous. 
     
     
         18 . The sheet material of  claim 14 , said adhesive being continuous. 
     
     
         19 . A sheet material having:
 a first layer being flexible and having an exposed surface and an oppositely located inner surface, said first layer having absorbent properties;   a second layer being centrally located and having a first surface and an oppositely located second surface, said second layer adapted to be formed to a shape and substantially retain said shape, said second layer being substantially impervious to fluid; and   a third layer being flexible and having an exposed surface and an oppositely located inner surface, said third layer having insulative properties.   
     
     
         20 . The sheet material of  claim 19 , further comprising a first adhesive adhering said inner surface of said first layer to said first surface of said second layer, and
 a second adhesive adhering said inner surface of said third layer to said second surface of said second layer.