Beverage Container Sleeve and Plug and Method of Manufacturing Same

Abstract

A plug for use with a beverage container that can optionally be integrated into a sleeve. The sleeve can be made of a single layer of paper-based material that is embossed on one surface with protrusions that mimic the fluting of traditional single-layer corrugate. Some embodiments also have a second flat linerboard layer attached to the first embossed layer. The sleeve material can feature perforations that surround a protrusion making the plug removable from the sleeve. In addition, the flattened portion of the plug can contain a cutout portion that makes it easier for the user to grip a section of the flattened portion of the plug.

1 - 18 : (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A sleeve for a beverage container comprising a first elongated strip of material having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein there are a plurality of protrusions on the inner surface of the first elongated strip of material. 
     
     
         20 . The sleeve of  claim 19  wherein the plurality of protrusions are formed on the inner surface of the first elongated strip of material by embossing. 
     
     
         21 . The sleeve of  claim 20  further comprising a second elongated strip of material that is attached to the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material thereby forming single face stock. 
     
     
         22 . The sleeve of  claim 19  further comprising a second plurality of protrusions on the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material. 
     
     
         23 . The sleeve of  claim 22  wherein the second plurality of protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material by embossing. 
     
     
         24 . The sleeve of  claim 23  further comprising a second elongated strip of material that is attached to the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material thereby forming single face stock. 
     
     
         25 . A sleeve for a beverage container comprising a first elongated strip of material having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein there is a first plurality of protrusions on the inner surface of the first elongated strip of material that provide space for air to flow around each of the first plurality of protrusions. 
     
     
         26 . The sleeve of  claim 25  wherein the first plurality of protrusions are formed on the inner surface of the first elongated strip of material by embossing. 
     
     
         27 . The sleeve of  claim 26  further comprising a second plurality of protrusions formed on the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material. 
     
     
         28 . The sleeve of  claim 27  wherein the second plurality of protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material by embossing. 
     
     
         29 . The sleeve of  claim 25  further comprising a second elongated strip of material that is attached to the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material thereby forming single face stock. 
     
     
         30 . The sleeve of  claim 26  further comprising a second elongated strip of material that is attached to the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material thereby forming single face stock. 
     
     
         31 . The sleeve of  claim 27  further comprising a second elongated strip of material that is attached to the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material thereby forming single face stock. 
     
     
         32 . The sleeve of  claim 28  further comprising a second elongated strip of material that is attached to the outer surface of the first elongated strip of material thereby forming single face stock.