Removable liner for food and beverage containers

Abstract

A removable and reusable food-safe, dishwasher safe, and microwave oven safe elastomeric liner to cover the interior surface of a reusable food or beverage container, such as an insulated tumbler. The elastomeric liner possesses vertical air channels running from top to bottom on the outside surface of the liner to prevent the creation of a vacuum lock inhibiting insert removal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A removable elastomeric liner to cover the interior surface of a receptacle comprising a liner body having a length, height, and configured to fit within the interior of a receptacle; said liner body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a closed base end, and open top end, and one or more side walls extending from said closed base end to said open top end and said liner being formed from a food-safe, microwavable, and dishwasher safe polymer. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said liner is made from a vulcanized polysiloxane and configured to be received within said receptacle. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said liner is manufactured to be received within a receptacle by configuring the external dimensions of said liner so as to cause said outer surface of said liner to lie adjacent to said internal surface of a receptacle into which it is received. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the vulcanized polymer having a Shore hardness of between about 20A and 70A. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said outer surface of said liner along said one or more side walls possesses surface features which permit the flow of air from about said base end of said liner to said top of said liner. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said one or more side walls possesses at least one removal aiding tab at said open top end. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said inner surface of said one or more side walls of said liner possesses a sealing ridge around the inner circumference of said liner which is intended to be received into a sealing ridge receiving groove around the perimeter of a lid to be inserted into said open top end of said liner. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said liner is configured to be thermally stable to a temperature of at least one of 71° C. or 82° C. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said liner is configured to withstand automatic dishwater detergent and rinse agent chemicals.