U.S. patent application number 10/236427 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-17 for configurable cup holder.
Invention is credited to Taylor, Clare Louise.
Application Number | 20030071045 10/236427 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26243802 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030071045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor, Clare Louise |
April 17, 2003 |
Configurable cup holder
Abstract
A beverages holder, comprising a disposable cup (200) for
containing the beverage and a carrier (100) for enabling a user to
carry or support the cup, the holder being configurable in at least
two of: a first configuration in which a portion (5,12) of the
carrier (100) supports a base (201) of the cup; a second
configuration in which the cup (200) is suspended beneath part
(5,12) of the carrier; and a third configuration in which the
carrier (100) provides a band around the cup (200).
Inventors: |
Taylor, Clare Louise;
(London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
26243802 |
Appl. No.: |
10/236427 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10236427 |
Sep 6, 2002 |
|
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PCT/GB01/00979 |
Mar 7, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/737 ;
229/403 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/48 20130101;
A47G 23/0216 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/737 ;
229/403 |
International
Class: |
B65D 003/00; B65D
025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2000 |
GB |
0005310.8 |
Jun 26, 2000 |
GB |
0015518.4 |
Claims
1. A vendable goods holder, comprising: a receptacle for receiving
goods and a carrier for enabling a purchaser of the goods to carry
or support the receptacle, the holder being configurable in at
least two of: a first configuration in which a portion of the
carrier supports a base of the receptacle; a second configuration
in which the receptacle is suspended beneath part of the carrier;
and a third configuration in which the carrier provides a band
around the receptacle.
2. A beverages holder, comprising a disposable cup for containing
the beverage and a carrier for enabling a user to carry or support
the cup, the holder being configurable in at least two of: a first
configuration in which a portion of the carrier supports a base of
the cup; a second configuration in which the cup is suspended
beneath part of the carrier; and a third configuration in which the
carrier provides a band around the cup.
3. A holder according to claim 1, which is configurable in the
second configuration, wherein the carrier provides a handle
graspable by a user in the second configuration.
4. A holder according to claim 1, configurable in the third
configuration wherein the carrier provides a handle graspable by a
user in the third configuration.
5. A holder according to claim 1, configurable in at least the
second and third configurations wherein the carrier provides a
handle graspable by a user in both the first and third
configurations.
6. A holder according to claim 1, configurable in the first
configuration, wherein the carrier has an aperture defining portion
through which the cup extends in the first configuration so as to
be supported by a portion of the carrier opposed to the aperture
defining portion.
7. A holder according to claim 1, configurable in the second
configuration, wherein the carrier has an aperture defining portion
through which the cup or receptacle extends so as to be suspended
from the carrier in the second configuration.
8. A holder according to claim 1, configurable in at least the
first and second configurations wherein the carrier has an aperture
defining portion for providing an aperture through which the cup or
receptacle extends so as to be supported by said portion of the
carrier in the first configuration and through which the cup or
receptacle extends in the second configuration so as to be
suspended from the carrier.
9. A holder according to claim 6, wherein the aperture defining
portion comprises a frangible portion.
10. A holder according to claim 6, wherein the aperture defining
portion comprises a plurality of slits.
11. A carrier according to claim 6, wherein the aperture defining
portion comprises an aperture bounded by a slitted periphery.
12. A holder according to claim 6, wherein the carrier has a
plurality of such aperture defining portions.
13. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises a
blank having first and second ends that are couplable together to
define the carrier.
14. A holder according to claim 12, wherein the first and second
edges carry respective coupling portions one of which comprises a
slot and the other of which comprises a flap or projection which
extends through the slot.
15. A holder according to claim 14, wherein the projection or tab
also provides a handle.
16. A holder according to claim 14, wherein each coupling portion
comprises a slot and a projection or tab with the slot of one
coupling portion being cooperable with the tab of the other
coupling portion.
17. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the carrier has fold
lines for facilitating adoption of said at least two of said first
to third configurations.
18. A carrier for use in a holder in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the carrier comprises an endless band defining a cup or
receptacle receiving region, the carrier being adapted to hold the
cup or receptacle in at least two of: a first configuration in
which a support portion of the endless band opposed to the
receiving region can be supported on a support surface, thereby
enabling a cup or receptacle received by the receiving region to be
supported in an upright condition on the support surface; a second
configuration in which a cup or receptacle is received by the
receiving region and the carrier can be carried by the support
portion so that the cup or receptacle is suspended below the
support portion; and a third configuration in which a cup or
receptacle is received within the endless band and the cup or
receptacle can be carried by a user grasping the carrier.
19. A carrier according to claim 18, comprising a flat sheet having
end portions and coupling means for coupling the end portions to
define the endless band.
20. A carrier according to claim 18, wherein the carrier comprises
a flat sheet having end portions adhered together to form the
endless band.
21. A carrier according to claim 19, wherein the coupling means
comprise at least one of: cooperating tabs or projections,
cooperating projections and slits, cooperating handle portions and
slit and cooperating handle portions.
22. A carrier according to claim 19, wherein the coupling means
comprise handle portions holdable together to define the endless
band.
23. A carrier according to claim 18, wherein the receiving region
comprises a depression.
24. A carrier according to claim 18, wherein the receiving region
comprises an aperture defining region defined by at least one of: a
frangible area of the endless band and slits or slots formed in the
endless band.
25. A carrier according to claims 18, wherein the support portion
provides an integral handle.
26. A carrier according to claim 25, wherein the handle is provided
by a cut out formed in the endless band.
27. A carrier according to claim 18, wherein the cup or receptacle
providing region is adapted to receive a plurality of cups or
receptacles.
28. A carrier according to claim 18, wherein the endless band is
formed with fold lines for defining separate wall portions of the
carrier in use.
29. A carrier according to claims 18, wherein the carrier is formed
from at least one of: paper, card, cardboard, a plastics material,
corrugated paper, plastics or cardboard, rubber, reinforced cloth,
leather.
30. A blank for forming a carrier for use in a holder in accordance
with claim 1, wherein the blank has opposed end portions and an
intermediate portion, the intermediate portion having a cup
receiving region and a part of the blank providing an integral
handle portion for the carrier, the end portions of the blank being
arranged to be coupled together to form an endless band in use.
31. A blank according to claim 30, wherein the end portions of the
blank having coupling means for releasably coupling together the
end portions of the blank.
32. A blank according to claim 31, wherein the coupling means
comprise at least one of cooperating tabs or projections,
cooperating projections and slits, cooperating handle portion and
slit and cooperating handle portions.
33. A blank according to claim 31, wherein the coupling means
comprise respective handle portions provided by the end portions,
the handle portions being arranged to be holdable together to
define an endless band.
34. A blank according to claim 33, wherein one of the handle
portions defines a securing element receivable through an aperture
in the other handle portion.
35. A blank according to claim 30, wherein the cup or receptacle
receiving region comprises at least one of slots, cut outs and fold
lines for defining a depression for receiving a cup or receptacle
in use.
36. A blank according to claim 30, wherein the cup receiving region
is an aperture defining region.
37. A blank according to claim 36, wherein the aperture defining
region comprises at least one of a frangible section, slit and an
aperture.
38. A blank according to claim 30, wherein the cup or receptacle
receiving region is arranged to receive a plurality of cups or
receptacles.
39. A blank according to claim 30, separated by fold lines into a
plurality of portions which define respective different walls of
the carrier in use.
40. A blank according to claim 30, further comprising projecting
side portions for closing open sides of the carrier during use.
41. A blank according to claim 30, wherein the blank is formed from
at least one of: paper, card, cardboard, a plastics material,
corrugated card, plastics or cardboard or paper, rubber, reinforced
cloth or leather.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a holder comprising a cup or
receptacle and a carrier for the cup or receptacle and also to such
a carrier and a blank or flat for forming such a carrier. In
particular, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a holder
wherein the receptacle is a cup for vendable goods such as goods
purchased from a retail or consumer store or outlet, for example,
goods such as hot beverages, snacks and so on.
[0002] Conventionally hot beverages are supplied to consumers in a
disposable cardboard, polystyrene or plastics cup. Such cups can be
difficult for the consumer to carry, especially when they contain a
hot beverage.
[0003] Some venders of hot beverages provide the consumer with a
paper napkin to wrap around the cup so as to protect the consumer's
fingers. However, although a paper napkin may protect the
consumer's fingers, it can also make the cup more difficult to hold
securely and the paper napkin may easily be displaced or
dropped.
[0004] Other venders package the hot beverage containing cup in a
rectangular carrier bag which may be made from paper, card or
plastic, for example. Such carrier bags only enable transportation
of the hot beverage containing cup and the cup has to be removed
from the carrier bag to enable the hot beverage to be consumed.
Furthermore, the bases of such bags do not provide a stable
standing area for the hot beverage containing cup because they tend
to be soft and flexible. This means that there is a likelihood of
spillage of hot liquid from the cup.
[0005] Other venders provide outer sleeves which consist of an
endless band of corrugated card, recycled paper stuff or similar
material that is supplied in a flattened form and opened out by the
vendor or consumer so as to enable the hot beverage containing cup
to be placed within the sleeve. Such sleeves do serve to protect
the consumer's fingers and assist the consumer in carrying the cup.
They do, however, also transmit heat.
[0006] Each of the above described prior arrangements provides only
one way of carrying the cup or receptacle.
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a holder
comprising a cup or receptacle and a carrier for the cup or
receptacle, the holder being capable of adopting at least one or
more of the following:
[0008] a first configuration in which a base of the cup or
receptacle is supported by a portion of the carrier;
[0009] a second configuration in which the cup or receptacle is
suspended beneath a portion of the carrier, for example the cup may
extend through an aperture provided by the carrier; and
[0010] a third configuration in which the carrier provides a loop
or band extending around the circumference of the cup.
[0011] In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a
cup or receptacle carrier which is convertible between a flat strip
or flat pack configuration for storage and transportation and a
three-dimensional shape in which the carrier partially or fully
encloses the cup or receptacle.
[0012] In one aspect of the present invention a cup or receptacle
carrier provides a handle for enabling a user to hold the cup or
receptacle without necessarily touching the side or wall of the cup
or receptacle.
[0013] In one aspect, the present invention provides a carrier
formed from a flat sheet or blank having edge portions and fold
lines for enabling the sheet or blank to be formed into an endless
or continuous loop having a three-dimensional shape. In an
embodiment, the endless or continuous loop is formed without the
aid of gluing enabling cheap manufacture.
[0014] As used herein, the term "fold-lines" includes any line
about which the material forming the flat sheet or blank can be
folded including, for example, seam lines or weakened or perforated
areas.
[0015] In one aspect, the present invention provides a cup carrier,
comprising an endless loop or band wherein part of the endless loop
or band provides an aperture defining portion for receiving a cup
or receptacle. The aperture defining portion may comprise an actual
aperture, slits, perforations or a push out section. In an
embodiment, the carrier provides a handle opposed to the aperture
defining portion.
[0016] In one aspect the present invention provides a holder
comprising a cup and a carrier for the cup, wherein the holder can
adopt:
[0017] a first configuration in which a base of the cup is
supported by a portion of the carrier;
[0018] a second configuration in which the cup is suspended beneath
a part of the carrier; and
[0019] a third configuration in which the carrier surrounds a
peripheral side wall of the cup, wherein the carrier provides a
handle graspable by a user in at least one of the above
configurations, preferably in both said second and third
configurations.
[0020] In one aspect, the present invention provides a carrier
formed from a flat or blank wherein the flat or blank defines at
least one handle portion which projects from an edge of the flat or
blank or is defined within the body of the flat or blank. A double
thickness handle can be provided to provide increased strength by
providing two handle portions which can be grasped simultaneously
by the user in use of the carrier. The handle portions may be
provided at, for example, opposite edges of a flat or blank forming
the carrier. The flat or blank may be formed with coupling means in
addition to the handle. In an embodiment, the coupling means may
cooperate with the handle.
[0021] In an embodiment, a cup carrier comprises a flat or blank
having opposite edge portions, a handle portion and a handle
receiving portion, whereby, when the flat or blank is manipulated
to bring the two edge portions together, the handle can be passed
through the handle receiving portion so as to form the carrier. The
flat or blank may be formed with fold lines to facilitate
manipulation of the flat or blank to form the carrier. The fold
lines may be such that the carrier adopts a rectangular or
polygonal cross sectional shapes. An additional locking tab may be
provided on at least one end portion.
[0022] In one aspect the present invention provides a holder
comprising a cup or receptacle and a carrier, wherein the carrier
comprises a flat or blank having a cup or receptacle receiving
region and wherein, in order to use the holder, the cup or
receptacle is placed on the receiving area and the flat or blank
manipulated to bring edge portions of the blank together above the
cup or receptacle to define a handle graspable by a user. In an
embodiment, the receiving region comprises an aperture defining
region so that the cup or receptacle is suspended from the carrier
when the carrier is transported by a user. Generally, the side
walls of the cup or receptacle will be gripped by the aperture by
taking advantage of the fact that such cups or receptacles taper
towards their bases. This provides a gimbal like support reducing
the possibility of spillage even if the carrier swings as the user
moves about. Such a carrier may be inverted so that, when the cup
or receptacle is received through the aperture, a portion of the
carrier provides a support for the base of the cup or receptacle
and the region of the carrier bounded the aperture surrounds the
peripheral side walls of the cup or receptacle. Where a handle or
handle portion is provided on the carrier, then this will lie flat
against the carrier in this configuration.
[0023] A carrier embodying the invention may be provided with a
moulded plastic handle or a carrying cord in place of a handle for
facilitating carrying and may be placed in a conventional paper
carrier bag.
[0024] In one aspect, the present invention provides a cup carrier
comprising a flat or blank having fastening or coupling means
provided on opposite end portions of the flat or blank the
fastening means being arranged to couple together to define the
carrier, one of the fastening means comprising a tab and the other
a slit or slot for receiving the tab. Additional cooperating tabs
and slots may be provided.
[0025] A carrier embodying the invention may be provided with other
forms of fastening or coupling means such as self-adhesive areas or
regions or other forms of interlocking or coupling means.
[0026] A carrier embodying the invention need not necessarily be
provided with coupling means, for example the carrier may be
initially formed (for example moulded) as an endless band or
loop.
[0027] A carrier embodying the invention may be provided with
handle portions that a user squeezes together to define an endless
loop. One of the handle portions may be provided with a locking
flap to lock the handle portions together.
[0028] A carrier embodying the invention may be formed from a flat
or blank having regions projecting from the main area of the flat
or blank to define side walls of the carrier in use.
[0029] Generally, a carrier embodying the invention will enable at
least part of a cup or receptacle carried by the carrier to be
viewed.
[0030] A carrier embodying the invention is adapted to be provided
as a flat or two-dimensional shape and to be manipulated to provide
a three-dimensional carrier by the vendor or purchaser of the goods
contained in the cup or receptacle to be received the carrier.
[0031] A holder embodying the invention capable of adopting the
first and second configurations mentioned above may be sized so as
to enable a plurality of cups or receptacles to be received by the
carrier. In such a case, the carrier may be provided with a
corresponding number of cup or receptacle receiving portions which
may be of the same or different sizes or shape to enable different
shapes and sizes of cup or receptacle to be accommodated, for
example both a cup containing a beverage and a sandwich or other
take away food container.
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a flat or blank for
forming a carrier in accordance with the present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing, respectively,
two different forms of a carrier formed from the blank shown in
FIG. 1;
[0035] FIGS. 4 to 6 are perspective views showing three different
configurations of a holder embodying the present invention
comprising a carrier formed from the blank shown in FIG. 1 and a
cup or receptacle;
[0036] FIGS. 7 to 29 shows various different modified forms of the
flat or blank shown in FIG. 1;
[0037] FIGS. 30 to 35 show flats or blanks suitable for forming
carriers for carrying 2, 3, 4, 3, 3 and 4, respectively, cups or
receptacles; and
[0038] FIG. 36 shows another flat or blank for forming a
carrier.
[0039] Referring now to the drawings FIG. 1 shows a first
embodiment of a carrier or container 100 in accordance with the
present invention.
[0040] The carrier is in the form of a blank or flat which may be
formed from, for example, a single sheet of card or paper which may
be plain or corrugated. Other materials which hold their shape when
folded or formed into an endless band or loop may be used such as,
for example, synthetic rubber such as neoprene, rigid or semi-rigid
plastic materials such as rigid polyolefins, for example
polypropylenes or polyvinylchloride (PVC) and other semi-rigid
plastic materials. Leather or reinforced or stiffened cloth may
also be used. Where card, paper, cardboard or other relatively
non-waterproof material is used, then these may be coated with a
synthetic or other water resistant coating to improve wear.
Decorative, advertising or informative printing may be applied to
the blank and other decorating techniques such as inscribing,
foiling or embossing may be used.
[0041] Generally a large number of blanks will be cut from a single
sheet of the material using conventional cutting procedures.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank is generally rectangular and
has first and second elongate side edges 2 and 15 and relatively
shorter end or edge portions 1 and 14.
[0043] A cup or receptacle receiving region is provided generally
equi-distant from the edge portions 1 and 14. In this embodiment,
the cup receiving region 8 is defined by a central circular
aperture 8a, a larger concentric circular fold line 8b and a
plurality of slits 8c provided in the region between the circular
aperture 8a and the circular fold line 8b. The slits 8c radiate
outwardly from the common centre of the circular aperture 8a and
the circular fold line 8b and are equally angularly spaced about
the periphery of the circular fold line 8b.
[0044] The end portion 1 is shaped so as to provide a handle
portion 1a which is, in this embodiment, a generally D or U shaped
handle portion. The other end portion 14 is rounded or curved and a
slit 13 is provided adjacent the end portion 14 for receiving the
handle portion 1a. In this embodiment, the end portions 1 and 14
also carry coupling means in the form of a tab 16 arranged to be
received in a slit 17. As shown, the slit 17 is provided at the end
portion 1 in from the handle portion 1a while the tab 16 is
provided in the end portion 14 closer to the end of the end portion
than the slit 13. The tab is defined during the blank cutting
process so that the majority of the periphery of the tab is
separated from the remainder of the end portion but so that the tab
remains attached to the remainder of the blank and can be pivoted
or bent out of the plane of the blank.
[0045] The blank is also formed with four fold lines, 4, 6, 10 and
11 which separate the blank into a first portion 3, a second
portion 5, a third portion 7, a fourth portion 9 and a fifth
portion 12. As shown, the fold lines extend perpendicularly of the
side edges 2 and 15.
[0046] The carrier is intended to enable a user or consumer to
carry or support a cup or receptacle containing goods obtained or
purchased from a supplier. In particular, the carrier is primarily
intended for enabling a consumer to carry or support a disposable,
generally cardboard or plastics, cup containing a hot beverage such
as tea or coffee.
[0047] As will be explained below, the carrier 100 can be used with
a cup or receptacle to define a number of different holder
configurations. In each of these configurations, the blank is
formed into an endless loop by folding the blank about the fold
lines 4, 6, 10 and 11, passing the handle 1a through the slit 13
and passing the tab 16 through this slit 17.
[0048] Various configurations of holder using the carrier 100 will
now be illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.
[0049] FIG. 2 shows the carrier 100 formed into an endless band so
that the cup receiving region 8 is uppermost and the handle portion
la is positioned flat against the fifth portion 12. In this
orientation, the first and fifth portions 3 and 12 form a base of
the carrier while the second and fourth portion 5 and 9 form side
walls of the carrier and the third portion 7 forms a top of the
carrier. The base of the carrier may be supported in the hand of a
user or on a support surface such as a table, work top or desk.
FIG. 5 shows a first configuration of a holder in accordance with
the present invention wherein a cup 200 (shown in dotted line) is
placed in the circular aperture 8a so that a base 201 (not visible
in FIG. 5) of the cup is supported on the base formed by the first
and fifth portions 3 and 12 of the carrier 100. In this
configuration, the carrier ensures that the cup 200 is held
upright. This configuration is particularly advantageous for
supporting the cup on a support surface in a moving vehicle such as
a train or boat and also for supporting the cup on a desk, table or
work top to reduce the likelihood of the cup being knocked over
spilling hot liquid on to the surrounding surface.
[0050] FIG. 4 shows a second configuration for the holder. In this
configuration, the orientation of the carrier 100 is inverted so
that the first and fifth portions 3 and 12 form a top and the third
portion 7 forms a base of the carrier. In this configuration, the
cup 200 is, by virtue of its tapering shape gripped by the slitted
portion of the carrier so as to be suspended. In order to adopt
this holder configuration, the cup 200 is first placed within the
aperture 8a and then the end portions 1 and 14 of the carrier are
brought together to define the endless loop or band. In this
configuration a user or consumer can carry the holder by the handle
portion 1a of the carrier 100 securely without having to touch the
walls of the cup 200 which may have become hot due to the hot
liquid within the cup. This holder configuration also provides a
gimbal like effect so that the carrier can be swung without
spillage from the cup. This reduces the possibility of spillage of
the cup when user is walking or otherwise moving around holding the
carrier or the cup is being held by the user in a moving vehicle
such as a car, train or boat. Also, this holder configuration
enables the user to have grater freedom of movement and to carry
more goods.
[0051] FIGS. 3 and 6 illustrate a third configuration that the
holder can adopt. In this configuration the carrier 100 is rotated
through 90.degree. from the orientation shown in FIG. 4 so that the
first to fifth portions 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 all form side walls and
the handle portion 1a projects outwardly from the carrier. As shown
in FIG. 6, in this holder configuration, the cup 200 is received
within the carrier 100 so that the carrier forms an endless band or
loop around the peripheral side walls 203 of the cup. In this
configuration the holder enables the user to carry or transport the
cup by grasping the handle 1a, and enables the user to drink
without touching the hot cup.
[0052] A user or consumer may use any one or more of the holder
configuration shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. Thus, for example, a user may
carry the hot beverage from the place of purchase using the holder
configuration shown in FIG. 4 and then, to enable the beverage to
be consumed, may release the coupling mechanism of the carrier 100,
remove the cup 200, recouple the end portions of the carrier 100
and then reposition the cup 200 within the carrier 100 in either
the holder configuration shown in FIG. 5 or the holder
configuration shown in FIG. 6. A user may change the holder
configuration from that shown in FIG. 5 to that shown in FIG. 6 or
vice versa very easily without having to uncouple the end portions
of the holder. Thus, a user may adopt the holder configuration
shown in FIG. 6 while actually drinking from the cup 200 and may
change the holder configuration to that shown in FIG. 5 when
resting the cup on a surface such as a table desk or work top. It
should also be appreciated that, with the holder configuration
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the hot beverage may be poured into the cup
200 after the cup has been placed in the carrier 100.
[0053] It will, of course, be appreciated that various
modifications may be made to the carrier 100. Thus, for example,
the cup receiving region 8 may be defined in different ways,
different forms of coupling mechanism other than the handle portion
1a and slit 13 or tab 16 and slit 17 may be adopted and the
location and/or number of the fold lines may be adjusted so as to
accommodate cups having different aspect ratios. Indeed, the fold
lines may be omitted so that the carrier forms a circular or
elliptical rather than rectangular shape in cross sections. Also,
the handle portion 1a may be omitted, in which case a user would
grasp the top of the carrier in the holder configuration shown in
FIG. 4 and grasp the endless loop or band formed by the carrier in
the configuration shown in FIG. 6.
[0054] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the side edges 2 and 15
are straight and parallel to one another. This reduces the amount
of waste material when a large number of blanks are cut from the
same sheet and so should reduce the overall costs of the carrier
100. In addition, the curved end portion 14 may be shaped so as to
further reduce the amount of waste material by, for example, making
its shape the converse of the shape of the handle portion 1a or by
providing a straight edge portion.
[0055] FIGS. 7 to 29 illustrate various modifications of the
carrier 100 shown in FIG. 1.
[0056] The carriers 100 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are identical to
that shown in FIG. 1 except that the side edges 2 and 15 are no
longer parallel. In FIG. 7, the blank tapers towards the end
portion 14 while in FIG. 8 the blank tapers towards the end portion
1.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows a blank that is identical to that shown in FIG.
1 apart from the fact that, in this case, the cup receiving region
8 is defined by first and second parallel slits 8d spaced apart in
a direction perpendicular to the side edges 2 and 15 and a third
transverse slit or weakened portion 8e which can be broken when
pushed by a user or by a cup to define two flaps 8f and 8g which
are pushed outwardly to define an aperture for receiving the
cup.
[0058] FIG. 10 shows a further modification of the blank shown in
FIG. 1. This blank differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that the
receptacle receiving region 8 does not provide an aperture but
provides four pairs of spaced apart slots 80a and 80b with end fold
lines 80c extending between adjacent edges of each pair of slots
and an intermediate fold line 80d extending between centre points
of the slots which coincide with the fold line 6. In this example,
when the carrier is made up the regions defined by the slots 80a
and 80b are pushed inwards to define right-angled strips that serve
to retain the receptacle in place. This embodiment is intended
primarily for receiving box-like receptacles such as sandwich
packets rather than cups and the slitted regions serve to locate
the receptacle securely on the base of the carrier 100 when the
holder is in the configuration shown in FIG. 4. This carrier may
also be used in the holder configuration shown in FIG. 6 to hold a
cup rather than a box-like receptacle but would not generally be
used to hold a cup in the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0059] FIG. 11 shows another carrier which differs from that shown
in FIG. 1 in that the cup receiving region 8 consists of a single
circular aperture 81 and the fold lines are omitted so that, in
this example, when the end portions 1 and 14 are coupled, the
carrier forms an endless band of circular or elliptical cross
sections.
[0060] FIG. 12 shows another modification of the carrier 100 shown
in FIG. 1. In this modification the handle 1a is omitted and the
number of slits in the area between the circular aperture 8a and
the circular fold line 8b is reduced. As mentioned above, the edge
of the end portion 14 may be straight rather than curved which
would further reduce the amount of waste material which a plurality
of blanks are cut from a single sheet.
[0061] The modified carrier shown in FIG. 13 is, like the carrier
shown in FIG. 10, intended to receive a box-like receptacle so
that, in the holder configuration shown in FIG. 4, the box like
receptacle is supported on the base portion 7 rather than suspended
therefrom. This carrier may also be useable to carry cups in the
configuration shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the carrier shown in
FIGS. 10 and 13 may also be useable to carry cups in the
configuration shown in FIG. 5 if the receptacle supporting region
82 is bounded by a weakened portion or is otherwise frangible so
that an aperture can easily be formed to receive a cup. It will, of
course, be appreciated that, once this is done, the carrier may no
longer be used to support a box-like receptacle on its base when in
the configuration shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 13 also shows a differently
shaped handle portion 1a.
[0062] FIG. 14 shows a modified carrier which differs from that
shown in FIG. 1 solely by virtue of the shape of the handle portion
1a (the slits have been omitted in the cup receiving region 8 in
the interest of simplicity).
[0063] FIG. 15 shows a carrier that differs from that shown in FIG.
11 in that the straight edges 2 and 15 are replaced by wavy edges
while FIG. 16 shows a carrier that differs from that shown in FIG.
1 (again the slits 8c in the cup receiving region 8 have been
omitted in the interest of simplicity) by virtue of the fact that
the fold lines 6 and 10 are curved rather than straight.
[0064] FIG. 17 shows a carrier that differs from that shown in FIG.
1 in that the fold lines 4, 6, 10 and 11 are at an acute angle to
the edges 2 and 15 with the slit 13 being parallel to the fold
lines. FIG. 18 shows a further modification in which the fold lines
4 and 6 are no longer parallel to the fold lines 10, 11 and the
slit 13 while FIG. 19 shows a variation in which the side edges 2
and 15 are not perpendicular to an edge 1' of the end portion 1a
and FIG. 20 shows a variation in which the side edges 2 and 15 both
bow outwardly. A further variation would be for these two edges to
both bow inwardly, of course, These variations enable different
decorative or visual effects to be achieved without affecting the
overall function of the carrier.
[0065] FIG. 21 shows a blank for a carrier which differs from that
shown in FIG. 1 in that each of the end portions 1 and 14 has a
handle portion 1a and 14a and no separate coupling means is
provided. With this blank, a user brings the two handle portions 1a
and 14a together and the carrier 100 is formed into an endless loop
by virtue of the user gripping and holding together the two handle
portions 1a and 1b. This facilitates rapid returning of the carrier
to its flat form and interchange between the configurations shown
in FIGS. 4 and 6. Although there is no fastening mechanism between
the handle portions 1a and 14a in this blank, it may still be
possible to adopt the holder configuration shown in FIG. 5 because
the weight of the cup or receptacle 200 pressing the handle
portions down onto the supporting surface will hold the end
portions 1 and 14 of the carrier together. A fastening mechanism
may be provided by, instead of cutting out the D-shape portion 14d,
defining an arcuate cut line 14e and a fold line 14f forming a D
shaped flap 14d which can be received through the cut-out 1b of the
other handle portion 1a and pivoted about the fold line 14f to hold
the two handle portions together.
[0066] FIG. 22 shows a blank for a carrier which differs from that
shown in FIG. 1 (again the slits 8c are omitted from the cup
receiving region 8 for simplicity) by the provision of side regions
9b projecting transversely from the fourth portion 9 and each
having an end flap 9a. With this blank, when the carrier is in the
configuration shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the side portions 9b may be
bent to 90.degree. relative to the portion 9 and the end flaps 9a
tucked inside the end portion 5 so as to define side walls for the
carrier which may reduce the possibility of any accidental spillage
from the cup 200 soiling the clothes of the user in the
configuration shown in FIG. 4 and may, in both the configuration
shown in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 5, assist in retaining heat in the
receptacle 200. This carrier may also be used in the configuration
shown in FIG. 6 by folding the side portions with their end flaps
to the inside of the carrier.
[0067] FIG. 23 shows a variation of the blank shown in FIG. 22 in
which four flaps 9a to 9d are provided each formed with a slit 9e.
When this blank is made up into the carrier, the flaps 9a and 9c
and the flaps 9b and 9d are folded towards one another and one slit
is received by another to define side walls.
[0068] FIG. 24 shows a blank for a carrier that is identical (the
slits 8c in the cup receiving region 8 are omitted in the interest
of simplicity) to that shown in FIG. 1 except that the relative
dimensions of the portions 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 have been adjusted to
enable accommodation of receptacles of different aspect ratio. This
would provide the carrier with relatively high side walls in the
configuration shown in FIG. 4 so that the cup 200 may stand proud
of the base.
[0069] FIG. 25 shows a blank for a carrier which is identical to
that shown in FIG. 1 (the slits 8c in the cup receiving region 8
are omitted in the interest of simplicity) except that the handle
portion 1a has a mirror image handle portion 1b connected to a
reinforcing portion 19. The mirror image handle portion 1b is
connected to the handle portion 1a by a fold line or weakened
portion 18 enabling the mirror image handle portion 1b to be folded
back down on top of or beneath the handle portion 1a so as to
reinforce the handle portion.
[0070] FIG. 26 shows a blank for a carrier that differs from the
blank shown in FIG. 1 (again the slits in the cup receiving region
8 are omitted in the interest of simplicity) in that the slit 13
through which the handle portion 1a passes is supplemented by tabs
20 provided on either side of the slit 13 and arranged to fold over
the end portion 1 on either side of the handle portion 1a when the
end portions 1 and 14 are coupled together. These tab portions 20
serve to increase the robustness of the coupling mechanism.
[0071] FIG. 27 shows a further variant which, like the variant
shown in FIG. 25, has a mirror image handle portion 1b (in this
drawing fold lines are shown as dashed). In this embodiment, the
handle portion 1b is provided with a tab 1c, which, when the handle
portion 1b is folded back on the handle portion 1a is wrapped
around the handle portion 1a to hold the two together. In addition,
the score or cut lines used to define the slit 13a also define
small tabs 20a on either side of the slit 13a which function in the
same manner as the tabs 20 shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 27 also shows a
different way of forming the tab 16a by defining a curve, generally
semi-circular cut in the blank. Also, in this embodiment, a number
of the flap portions 8'c defined by the slits 8c are removed so as
to reduce the resistance to insertion of a cup into the aperture
8a. Also, the end portion 14 is shown as generally straight so as
to reduce wastage of the material when a number of blanks are cut
from the same sheet.
[0072] FIG. 28 shows a further variant in which fold lines are
shown as dotted lines and cut through lines are shown as solid
lines. This variant differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that: the
handle portion does not project from an end portion of the blank
but is formed as a cut out 1a' within the body of the portion 9;
the cup receiving region is defined by a circular fold line 8h and
a number of arcuate and straight cut through lines 8i to define,
again, a number of flaps 8j that are pressed outwardly by insertion
of the cup to define an aperture; and the slit and tab coupling
arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is replaced by a slot 17a and tabs 16a
and 16b.
[0073] In this embodiment, when the end portions are coupled
together, the tabs 16a and 16b are folded round respective edges of
the portion 1c of the end portion 1 between the edge of the end
portion and the slot 17a. When a cup is received in the cup
receiving region the flaps 8j extend over a greater portion of the
cup side wall than in the carrier shown in FIG. 1 and help to
return heat in the cup.
[0074] FIG. 29 shows a variant of the blank shown in FIG. 28 in
which the flaps 8j of the cup receiving region 8 have been
shortened by defining an inner circular aperture and in which the
handle portion is provided by both a cut-out handle portion 1a and
a projecting handle portion 12a which, when the carrier is made up,
can be grasped together by the user to provide a stronger
handle.
[0075] It will be appreciated that many different combinations of
the modifications shown in FIGS. 7 to 29 may be applied to the
carrier shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the carrier need not have a
releasable coupling means. Rather, the first and second end
portions have self-adhesive regions or may be permanently fixed
together to define the endless loop or band. This would allow the
carrier to be used interchangeably in the configuration shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 and in the configuration described above where a box
like receptacle is rested on the base of the carrier in the
configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 4. However, if a
releasable coupling mechanism is not provided, then, if the carrier
is coupled into the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the carrier will
need to be destroyed to remove a cup. This provides a tamper-proof
feature for retail outlets.
[0076] Each of the carriers described above is designed to carry a
single cup or receptacle. FIGS. 30 to 35 show carriers capable of
carrying multiple cups or receptacles. These carriers are designed
to be able to adopt the configuration shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 but
not the configuration shown in FIG. 6.
[0077] The carriers shown in FIGS. 30 to 32 are based on the
carrier shown in FIG. 1 with the exception, that in each case, the
coupling mechanism comprising the tab 16 and 17 is doubled up so
that each carrier has two tabs and two slits and in the case of
FIGS. 30 and 31 the width of the carrier is increased so as to
accommodate two and three, respectively, cup receiving regions 8
and in the case of the carrier shown in FIG. 32, both dimensions of
the portion 7 are increased so as to accommodate four cup receiving
portions.
[0078] The multiple cup or receptacle carriers shown in FIGS. 33 to
35 are based on the carrier shown in FIG. 25. In the case of the
carrier shown in FIG. 33, again the tab and slot arrangements 16
and 17 is doubled up and the width of the carrier is increased to
accommodate three cup receiving regions 8. In the case of the
carriers shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the dimensions of the portion 7
of the carrier are increased to accommodate 3 and 4 respectively,
cup receiving areas.
[0079] FIG. 36 shows a variant of the blank shown in FIG. 23. The
rectangular flaps are replaced by generally elliptical flaps 9a to
9d inset into the body of the blank and having inner edges defined
by fold lines 90. When this carrier is made up, the curved fold
lines 90 cause the side walls or flaps 9a to 9d to bow inwardly.
Again, these flaps, serve to retain heat. This modification can be
applied to any of the carriers described above.
[0080] In the above described embodiments, the carrier may be
provided with an integral handle. As another possibility, the
carrier may be provided with apertures for receiving a carrying
cord.
[0081] In the majority of the embodiments described above, the cup
or receptacle receiving region provides an aperture through which
at least part of the cup may be passed. The aperture may be present
in the carrier or may be defined by a frangible portion which is
removed by pressure from, a user or by pressing the cup on to the
blank or an already-formed carrier. As another possibility, the cup
or receptacle receiving area need not necessarily define an
aperture but may define a depression into which the cup or
receptacle is seated. In this case, if the holder configuration
shown in FIG. 4 is to be adopted, then the side walls defined by
the portions 9 and 5 of the blank should have sufficient height to
accommodate the cup once received in the depression.
[0082] In one aspect, the present invention provides a cup carrier
formed from a blank into an endless band or loop which, in use,
bounds or defines an aperture which receives the cup so that the
band or loop surrounds and grips the cup and which also has an
integrally provided handle for enabling a user to carry the
cup.
[0083] In one aspect, the present invention provides a cup carrier
formed from a blank into an endless loop having an integral handle,
with a portion of the carrier defining a cup receiving region in
which, in use, the cup sits beneath the handle.
[0084] In one aspect, the present invention provides a cup carrier
formed from a blank into an endless loop defining a cup receiving
region for supporting a cup in an upright position on a
surface.
[0085] Although a carrier embodying the present invention is
intended primarily for enabling a user to carry or transport
disposable cups or receptacles containing a hot beverage, the
carrier may also be used with disposable or non-disposable cups or
other receptacles for containing cold beverages, take away food
packets or containers (for sandwiches, pasta, salad etc) snacks and
other consumer products including, for example, gardening items
such as bulbs or the like to be planted.
[0086] In any of the above described examples, the receptacle or
cup receiving region will be shaped and sized to receive a
particular cup or receptacle and need not necessarily be circular
but could be rectangular, for example. Where a carrier provides
more than one receptacle or cup receiving region then these may
have different sizes and/or shapes enabling for example both a
beverage cup and a take away food packet or container to be
carried.
* * * * *