Container with insulative label
View Patent ↗An insulative label is provided for a beverage container to reduce heat transfer, particularly heat transfer by conduction from a consumer's hand to the beverage container. The label comprises a dual-ply construction, with a grid pattern placed between the layered materials. Preferably, the label comprises a film base layer secured to the container, the grid pattern comprising an ink and varnish mixture printed over the film base layer, and a laminate top layer secured to the film base layer. Air is trapped in the gaps or spaces between the protrusions created by the grid pattern, and the trapped air insulates the container. The label has a very thin profile, thereby not perceptibly changing the appearance of the label or the container.
1. An insulative label for insulating a container, comprising:
a film base layer having a lower surface secured to an exterior surface of the container;
a grid printed over said film base layer, said grid comprising protrusions extending from said film base layer, said grid comprising a mixture of ink and varnish, wherein the mixture has a degree of viscosity enabling said protrusions to extend from said film base layer a desired distance;
a top laminate layer secured to said film base layer and said grid pattern positioned between said film base layer and said top laminate layer, wherein gaps are located between the protrusions and between the top laminate layer and film base layer to form a thermally insulating air barrier, and wherein said top laminate layer and said film base layer extend between at least some of said protrusions, and said top laminate layer and said film base layer not being in contact with one another in the gaps, wherein said gaps therefore extend continuously between said layers;
a product identification printed over an exposed surface of said top laminate layer; and
said lower surface and said exposed surface are smooth and extend substantially parallel to one another.
2. A label, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
said protrusions extend away from said film base layer between about 2 to 4 thousandths of an inch.
3. A label, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
adhesive is secured to a periphery of a facing surface of said top laminate layer for securing said top laminate layer to said film base layer.
4. A label, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
said film base layer has a periphery with no grid formed thereon for enhancing contact of said adhesive of said top laminate layer with said film base layer.
5. In combination, a beverage container and label, said combination comprising:
(a) a beverage container having a cylindrical sidewall;
(b) a label secured to said beverage container, said label having a cylindrical shape when applied to said beverage container including opposing first and second side edges spaced from one another and extending horizontally across the beverage container, said label further comprising:
(i) a film base layer;
(ii) a grid printed over said film base layer, said grid comprising protrusions extending from said film base layer, said grid comprising a mixture of ink and varnish, wherein the mixture has a degree of viscosity enabling said protrusions to extend from said film base layer a desired distance;
(iii) a top laminate layer secured to said film base layer and said grid pattern positioned between said film base layer and said top laminate layer, wherein gaps in said grid are located between said protrusions and between said base layer and said top laminate layer to form a thermally insulating air barrier, said top laminate layer and said film base layer extending between at least some of said protrusions, and said top laminate layer and said film base layer not being in contact with one another in the gaps, wherein said gaps therefore extend continuously between said layers; and
a product identification printed over said top laminate layer.
6. The combination as claimed in claim 5 , wherein:
said protrusions extend away from said film base layer between about 2 to 4 thousandths of an inch.
7. The combination as claimed in claim 5 , wherein:
adhesive is secured to a periphery of a facing surface of said top laminate layer for securing said top laminate layer to said film base layer.
8. The combination as claimed in claim 5 , wherein:
said film base layer has a periphery with no grid formed thereon for enhancing contact of said adhesive of said top laminate layer with said film base layer.
9. An insulative label for insulating a container, comprising:
a film base layer having a lower surface secured to an exterior surface of the container;
a honeycomb configuration printed over said film base layer, said honeycomb configuration comprising protrusions extending from said film base layer, said honeycomb configuration comprising a mixture of ink and varnish, wherein the mixture has a degree of viscosity enabling said protrusions to extend from said film base layer a desired distance; and
a top laminate layer secured to said film base layer, said top laminate layer having an exposed surface for receiving printing, said honeycomb configuration pattern positioned between said film base layer and said top laminate layer, wherein gaps in said honeycomb configuration are located between said protrusions and between said base layer and said top laminate layer to form a thermally insulating air barrier, and said top laminate layer and said film base layer extend between said protrusions and not being in contact with one another in said gaps, wherein said gaps therefore extend continuously between said layers and wherein said lower surface and said exposed surface are smooth and extend substantially parallel to one another.
10. A label, as claimed in claim 9 , wherein:
said protrusions extend away from said film base layer between about 2 to 4 thousandths of an inch.
11. A label, as claimed in claim 9 , wherein:
adhesive is secured to a periphery of a facing surface of said top laminate layer for securing said top laminate layer to said film base layer.
12. A label, as claimed in claim 9 , wherein:
said film base layer has a periphery with no honeycomb configuration formed thereon for enhancing contact of said adhesive of said top laminate layer with said film base layer.