U.S. patent application number 11/185221 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for multipurpose columns and trays for beverages and food.
Invention is credited to David A. Pierce, Edward F. Urquhart.
Application Number | 20070017827 11/185221 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35787705 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070017827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Urquhart; Edward F. ; et
al. |
January 25, 2007 |
Multipurpose columns and trays for beverages and food
Abstract
The invention is directed to columns, trays and systems
including columns and trays that enable a user to conveniently and
safely transport objects, such as one or more beverage containers,
by tension (hanging) as opposed to compression (supporting). Column
embodiments of the invention include a substantially elongate
column extending from a central portion of a primary tray.
Preferably, insertable column embodiments are formed from a pulp
slurry and molded into a clam-shell configuration prior to assembly
and used with a tray having an aperture and preferably a collar
adapted to receive the insertable column. Supporting elements of
the column engage a base portion of the tray, thereby providing a
distributed support interface. Features of the invention include
upper retaining elements to prevent dislodgment of the column from
the tray when engaged therewith; a handle at an end opposite to the
supporting elements for user grasping; and mid column accessory
features such as supports for a secondary tray or tall beverage
containers.
Inventors: |
Urquhart; Edward F.; (Clyde
Hill, WA) ; Pierce; David A.; (Renton, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GRAYBEAL, JACKSON, HALEY LLP
155 - 108TH AVENUE NE
SUITE 350
BELLEVUE
WA
98004-5901
US
|
Family ID: |
35787705 |
Appl. No.: |
11/185221 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60590004 |
Jul 20, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/162 ;
206/198; 206/562; 206/564 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 15/00 20130101;
B65D 71/0003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/162 ;
206/198; 206/562; 206/564 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/00 20060101
B65D075/00; B65D 1/34 20060101 B65D001/34 |
Claims
1. A column for use with a primary tray having an upper surface and
a lower surface that define an aperture, the column comprising: an
upper end and a lower end separated by a body portion, which
together defines a longitudinal axis; and lower supporting means
for engaging and supporting the primary tray when positioned at or
proximate to the lower end of the column.
2. The column of claim 1 wherein the lower supporting means
comprises an enlarged portion having a cross section greater than
the maximum cross section of the aperture whereby the enlarged
portion is incapable of passing through the aperture when the
column is inserted therein.
3. The column of claim 2 wherein the enlarged portion has a primary
tray lower surface contacting portion that generally conforms to
contours of the lower surface in the area of contact.
4. The column of claim 2 wherein the enlarged portion is the lower
end of the column and the column is characterized as tapered.
5. The column of claim 4 wherein the column is an n-sided polygon
in cross section.
6. The column of claim 2 further comprising grasping means at or
proximate to the upper end to facilitate a user grasping the
column.
7. The column of claim 6 wherein the grasping means is one of a
hole laterally extending from one side of the column to the other,
a laterally oriented handle extending bi-directionally from a pair
of slots formed in the column, or an integral laterally oriented
handle extending bi-directionally from the column.
8. The column of claim 2 wherein the column results from a molding
process.
9. The column of claim 2 wherein the column is molded in a
clamshell configuration.
10. The column of claim 1 wherein the column is constructed from
cellulose.
11. The column of claim 1 wherein a plurality of planar segments
from a single sheet of planar material are manipulated to form an
n-sided tapered column.
12. The column of claim 1 wherein the lower supporting means
comprise a plurality of outwardly extendible flaps.
13. The column of claim 1 wherein the lower supporting means
comprise a plurality of laterally extending slots for receiving
perimeter portions of the aperture.
14. The column of claim 13 wherein the number of slots is equal to
the number of sides defining the aperture of the primary tray.
15. The column of claim 13 wherein the number of slots is one half
the number of sides defining the aperture of the primary tray.
16. The column of claim 15 wherein the column is inwardly
collapsible in at least one direction.
17. The column of claim 16 further comprising an inwardly
extendible bracing flap for expanding the column after
collapse.
18. The column of claim 1 further comprising at least one slot
defined by the column and located at one of the body portion or the
upper portion for receiving a beverage retaining ring.
19. The column of claim 18 wherein the at least one slot is
vertically oriented and the beverage retaining ring further
comprises a hook portion for engaging an interior wall of the
column after insertion into the at least one vertically oriented
slot.
20. The column of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve for coaxial
placement over the column, thereby altering its outward
appearance.
21. The column of claim 1 further comprising upper retaining means
located adjacent to the lower supporting means for preventing axial
movement of the column in the primary tray aperture in one
direction after functional insertion of the column in the aperture
by contacting the upper surface of the primary tray.
22. The column of claim 21 wherein the upper retaining means
comprise a radially extending element having a width greater than
that of the aperture.
23. The column of claim 21 wherein the upper retaining means
comprise a plurality of extendible flaps.
24. The column of claim 1 further comprising a secondary tray for
positioning above the primary tray.
25. The column of claim 1 further comprising the primary tray.
26. A primary tray configured for carrying food items comprising: a
first surface for receiving one or more items to be carried, a
second surface opposed to the first surface, and a perimeter
bounding the first and second surfaces wherein the first and second
surface define a central aperture having a periphery and sized to
receive a column.
27. The primary tray of claim 26 wherein the cellulose is a
principle component of its constitution.
28. The primary tray of claim 26 wherein a cross sectional profile
of the aperture is one of a closed curve or an n-sided polygon.
29. The primary tray of claim 26 further comprising a collar
located at the aperture on the first surface.
30. The primary tray of claim 29 wherein the collar generally
retains the geometry of the aperture.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0001] It is well known in the prior art to use molded trays
constructed from pulp to carry items such as beverage cups and food
items from one place to another. Particularly popular is a molded
pulp beverage container tray having four symmetrically displaced
recesses for carrying 1-4 beverage cups. Such a conventional
beverage tray, which is shown in FIG. 1, permits a person to
conveniently carry a plurality of beverages from one location to
another. However, this solution usually requires a person to use
both hands to carry the beverage-containing tray. If only one hand
is used, the beverage tray usually becomes unstable and results in
the loss of items being carried.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention is directed to columns, trays and systems
comprising columns and trays, as well as to bails for engaging
conventional trays, that enable a person to conveniently and safely
transport objects, such as one or more beverage containers, by
tension (hanging) as opposed to compression (supporting). Unlike
known embodiments in the prior art, the invention provides a means
for establishing the center of gravity for the tray below a user's
hand(s), thereby dramatically increasing its stability and
portability. The means comprises an auxiliary structure having a
hand gripping portion for facilitating handling by a user and a
tray engaging portion for supporting a tray, either apertured or
conventional.
[0003] As will be further disclosed herein, the invention comprises
on the one hand an auxiliary structure that engages with a primary
tray to permit one-handed transportation of items contained in the
primary tray, and on the other hand a primary tray having a
generally centrally located aperture for receiving an auxiliary
structure. The components of the invention may be constructed from
a planar or non-planar material such as plastic, corrugated
cardboard, chip board or other cellulose-based material, or acetate
sheet; alternatively, it may be cast or molded from a slurry.
particularly including cellulose pulp. As used herein, the former
are referred to as "constructed" columns while the later are
referred to as "molded" columns. While each material has its
benefits, greatest economies can be realized through the use of
molded pulps.
[0004] In a first series of embodiments, the auxiliary structure
comprises an elongate column adapted to extend from a central
portion of a primary tray, which is adapted to receive the column.
In a second series of embodiments, the invention comprises a
bail-type member that engages at least two sides of an unmodified
primary tray. In a third series of embodiments, the tray defines an
aperture to receive a column.
[0005] The first series of embodiments, as noted above, comprise a
column extending from a central portion of a primary tray. The
column may be formed integral with the tray, or may be permanently
or non-permanently attached to the tray. In an integrated
embodiment, the primary tray and the column are co-formed to create
a unitary structure, and are preferably constructed by a molding
process. In embodiments wherein the column is permanently attached
to the primary tray, adhesives are preferably used to modify a
removable column to ensure the structural integrity of the overall
assembly; modification of a conventional tray is not necessary
although it may be desirable. For "attached" embodiments, a
suitable tray will have at least an aperture formed therein for
receiving the desired column, the aperture preferably having or
caused to have a cross section shape or geometry that closely
matches that of the column cross section at the interface between
the two components, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
The column may have a closed curve cross section, e.g., circular or
elliptical, or may be an n-sided polygon in cross section, e.g.,
triangular, square, pentagonal, etc.
[0006] In the "attachable" embodiments, an appropriately formed
aperture is either designed into the primary tray (created at the
time of tray formation) or results from post formation
modification. The post formation aperture may be established by
removing a central portion of the tray, e.g., an outline
perforation may be created in the tray whereby removal thereof can
be accomplished "punching" the central portion or by perforating a
pattern such as an "X", which will create an approximate square
aperture. It should be noted that with respect to at least the
collapsible column embodiment described herein, the waste from the
removal process can be used to maintain an expanded state after
engagement of the column with the tray.
[0007] In a removable embodiment, the cross section of the column
is selected to substantially mate with the geometry of the aperture
defined by the primary tray, or vice versa. If the column is a
regular or right cylinder, then the external dimensions of the
column should closely match those of primary tray aperture; if the
column is tapered in general or frusto-conical in particular
(either closed curve or n-sided polygon in cross section), then
that portion of the column intended to interface with the primary
tray during use should have external dimensions and a geometry
close to that of the primary tray aperture. These construction
parameters result in a column that partially emerges from the top
of the primary tray and, at least with respect to tapered columns
without tray supporting elements, frictionally interferes with the
primary tray aperture upon substantial extension there through.
[0008] To enhance tray stability with respect to the column, a
feature of the invention provides for the inclusion of at least one
aperture collar positioned about the perimeter of the aperture. An
aperture collar increases the amount of area surface area contact
between the column and the tray, and further distributes the torque
moment between these two components over a greater area, thereby
increasing tray stability. The at least one collar can be
established on the upper surface of the tray or on the lower
surface. Preferably, a tray will have both upper and lower
collars.
[0009] At least one primary tray supporting element may be provided
at a lower portion of the column to prevent over-extension of the
column through the aperture and to distribute localized vertical
column load across the tray. This at least one lower supporting
element beneficially engages with the bottom of the tray and,
therefore, prevents further translation of the column through the
tray and distributes vertical load across a greater area of the
primary tray. Optionally, the column may further comprise at least
one upper retaining elements that beneficially engage with an upper
surface of the tray, thereby preventing unintended downward
translation of the column once engaged with the tray. The
incorporation of upper retaining elements further increase the
stability of tray relative to the column by arresting undesired
torquing of the tray, such as would be encountered during
transportation of asymmetrical loads.
[0010] Another variation of the tapered column embodiment relies
upon a similar friction interference between the column and the
primary beverage tray. However, while other embodiments rely upon
supporting elements to prevent torquing of the primary tray
relative to the support column, a plurality of laterally oriented
slots are selectively formed in the column. In this embodiment, a
non-circular cross section column is used (preferably one that has
corners which have a maximum diameter greater than that of the
minimum diameter of the tray aperture). By selectively forming
laterally oriented slots at the column corners, the slots will
engage with the peripheral portions of the tray aperture when the
column is inserted into the aperture, the slots are brought
coplanar with the peripheral portions of the aperture, and the
column is rotated relative to the primary tray, thereby providing
suitable support means without the use of discrete supporting
elements.
[0011] In the embodiments heretofore described, the column was
preferably rigid. However, if a lateral slot arrangement is to be
used, a modification is to provide a collapsible lower portion in
the column. In this embodiment, rotation of the column to engage
the peripheral portions of the tray aperture is not needed.
Instead, the collapsed portion of the column is inserted into the
aperture where after the column is fixedly expanded. In a disclosed
embodiment, the expansion is accomplished by introducing a
stiffening member into the area defined by the column. The
stiffening member is preferably a wall portion of the column that
is pivoted inwardly in the direction of column collapse, until it
contacts the opposing wall portion, thereby causing the same to
project outwardly. This outward projection in turn flexes the
opposing wall portions, thereby causing expansion of the column. At
least a pair of opposing slots formed in a lower portion of column
then engage the peripheral portions of the tray aperture, thereby
"locking" the beverage tray in its relative position viz a viz the
support column.
[0012] Both of the preceding embodiment series also preferably
include a gripping means for providing a location for a user to
grasp or retain the column. The gripping means may be a handle
member insertable into the column, i.e., an auxiliary structure not
integral with the column, or may be a handle member integral with
the column, i.e., cut from a blank during formation of the column
or molded with the column. If insertable, the handle member can be
laterally inserted into a pair of aligned holes, or can be inserted
through a slot depending from the top of the column where after an
obstructive interface prevents reverse movement. The insertable
handle member can be a simple "V" shaped insert, or a conventional
handle formation, including obstructive interface features. The
handle member can also be fixedly attached to the column, such as
by mechanical fasteners and/or adhesives. Alternatively, the handle
member can employ a bail having two opposed distal ends that are
inserted or otherwise grip the column. Furthermore, the gripping
means can take the form of positive and/or negative relief features
formed on the outer surface of the column, or can take the form of
a hole through which a user may insert a finger or other
object.
[0013] A feature of select embodiments regarding the columns
includes the use of tapered columns. By utilizing tapered columns,
a plurality of columns can be stacked and nested into one another,
thereby reducing overall space necessary for transportation and/or
storage of assembled columns, with or without attached trays.
Moreover, a tapered geometric form beneficially facilitates the
insertion of the column through the aperture of the tray and
permits reliance on a friction fit between the column and the tray,
whether or not other means for securing the relationship between
the components are used.
[0014] Another derivative of the embodiments described above
comprises a secondary tray. The secondary tray includes an aperture
of sufficient dimensions and geometry to permit a column to
penetrate there through. If secondary tray supporting elements are
present on the column, the secondary tray supporting elements can
arrest undesired translation between the secondary tray and the
primary tray, thereby creating a suitable support surface for
carrying items in addition to those carried by the primary tray. If
a tapered column is used, then the dimensions of the second tray
aperture should be such that the secondary tray does not translate
the entire length of the column, but is frictionally restricted
from further translation at a location generally corresponding to
the maximum dimensions of the second tray aperture. Additionally,
secondary tray upper retaining elements may be provided that
beneficially engage with an upper surface of the secondary tray,
thereby preventing unintended upward translation of the secondary
tray relative to the column once engaged with the secondary tray.
The incorporation of secondary tray upper retaining elements
further increase the stability of tray relative to the column by
arresting undesired torquing of the tray, such as would be
encountered during transportation of asymmetrical loads.
[0015] In addition to or in lieu of a secondary tray, additional
accessories can be linked to the column. One example described in
more detail below, relies upon a hook and slot arrangement to
associate a beverage container with the column. The same or similar
hook structure can also be used to link other carries or
accessories to the column. Another example utilizes a tether member
comprising a loop portion and a carrier portion. The loop portion
defines an aperture akin to that of the secondary tray to provide a
friction fit between it and the column, and further includes a
tether portion linking the loop portion with a carrier portion.
Preferably, pairs of these tether members are used to form a
"saddle" configuration.
[0016] As noted above, a column can also be modified to accept
beverages in addition to those being held by the beverage tray, or
replace the function of the beverage tray as will now be described.
By forming at least one elongate vertically aligned slot in the
column and utilizing a slot engaging member having means for
securing an object, additional objects, such as beverage cups, can
be supported by the column. In one embodiment, a generally linear
strip of material having two distal ends is formed so that upon
envelopment of an object and overlapping attachment of the distal
ends, a hook structure for the object is formed. A preferred means
for attachment of the strip uses a latex-based cohesive such as
that manufactured by Sovereign Chemical of Cincinnati, Ohio. The
cohesive will only bond to itself, but create a high coefficient of
friction with the object. The hook structure has a length greater
than that of the at least one slot; only pivotal insertion of the
hook structure into the slot will engage the overlapped strip of
material with the column. By positioning the distal end of the hook
upward, downward pivoting of the structure will not cause the
structure to emerge from the slot. Thus, the hook structure extends
into the at least one slot and thereby retains any object placed
therein to the column. Other embodiments use a similar sliding
engagement for retaining an auxiliary structure in a slot formed in
the column, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0017] In a second series of embodiments, the auxiliary structure
is a bail member that provides support for the primary tray, which
need not be modified in order to operate with the invention. In
this embodiment series, the auxiliary structure comprises at least
two peripheral support members that extend beyond the lateral sides
of the primary tray and further extend inwardly toward the center
of the tray (forming a handle segment) to provide a suitable
support means for the tray. While this configuration provides
suitable single axis support, it does not address orthogonal
movement of the primary tray. Consequently, laterally extending
stabilizers arrest the second axis rotation by preventing rotation
about the axis defined by the two retention members.
[0018] The invention, its various embodiments and the disclosed
features will become more apparent upon inspection of the
accompanying illustrations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional molded pulp
beverage tray of the prior art having a central portion, a
periphery including a perimeter edge, and a plurality of recesses
for receiving beverage cups;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a primary tray
defining an aperture through which a first embodiment tapered
column with non-integrated handle is inserted;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combination shown in
FIG. 2 after column insertion and engagement of the lower
supporting means;
[0022] FIG. 4 is plan view of the first embodiment column shown in
a pre-configured state;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second
embodiment tapered column using the same lower supporting means as
the first embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, and further including upper
retaining means and a modified, non-integrated handle;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the second embodiment column shown
in a pre-configured state;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a detailed cross section elevation view of the
second embodiment column engaged with a primary tray, where both
the lower supporting means and the upper retaining means are in
compressive contact with the primary tray;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first embodiment column
and second embodiment handle inserted into the primary tray, and
further illustrating the inclusion of a secondary tray positioned
at the body of the column;
[0027] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment
tapered column wherein a plurality of lateral slots comprise the
lower supporting means;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a detailed plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9
illustrating the necessary rotation of the column in the aperture
in order to achieve engagement with the primary tray;
[0029] FIG. 11 is perspective view of a fourth embodiment
non-tapered column wherein a pair of elongate lateral slots are
formed in the lower portion of a collapsible column, which also
possesses an integral handle;
[0030] FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of FIG. 11 subsequent to
expansion and bracing of the lower portion and extension of the
handle combined with collapsing of the upper portion thereof;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a cross section elevation view of the embodiment
of FIG. 12 in conjunction with a primary tray to particularly
illustrate the engagement of the column with the primary tray
through expansion of the lower portion of the column;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment
frusto-conical (also considered tapered) column in conjunction with
a primary tray not having a pre-formed aperture but instead having
a frangible aperture;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second embodiment
tapered column having been modified to define a pair of
longitudinally oriented slots for receiving beverage container
rings that either stabilize a beverage located in the primary tray
or separately support additional containers directly from the
column;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a beverage container ring prior to
formation;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a detailed cross section elevation view of a
beverage container ring engaging the column where a hook portion
prevents the unintentional dislodgement of the ring from the
column;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first embodiment bail
shown in conjunction with a prior art tray;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18
during extension of a pair of stabilizing members;
[0038] FIG. 20 is a partial cross section elevation of the
combination of FIG. 18;
[0039] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a second embodiment bail
shown in conjunction with a prior art tray;
[0040] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 21
during extension of a pair of stabilizing members;
[0041] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a column sleeve
to transform the visual appearance of the column;
[0042] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment column
and second embodiment primary tray particularly illustrating the
use of molded lower supporting means and an upper retaining element
in combination with a primary tray incorporating an upper
collar;
[0043] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of embodiments shown
in FIG. 24;
[0044] FIG. 26 is a detailed cross section elevation of the
embodiment of FIG. 24 wherein the increased surface area contact
between the column and the tray is shown; and
[0045] FIG. 27 is plan view of an alternative column embodiment to
that of FIG. 24 (shown as a clamshell for assembly) for use with
primary trays not having a collar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS
[0046] Turning then to the several Figures wherein like numerals
indicate like parts, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a
conventional disposable beverage tray of the prior art is shown.
Tray 10 includes upper surface 12, lower surface 14, container
recesses 16 formed in upper surface 12 and central portion 18. In
conventional use, up to four beverage containers (not shown) are
disposed in recesses 16 and a user carries tray 10 by supporting
lower surface 12. In this method, the center of gravity for the
tray is above the point of support, thereby inherently creating an
unstable platform.
[0047] In order to establish a center of gravity for the tray that
is below the point of actual support, an auxiliary structure is
needed. As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the auxiliary structure
comprises column 40, which is used in conjunction with modified
tray 20. Tray 20 resembles tray 10 in all material respects (upper
surface 22, lower surface 24, container recesses 26 and central
portion 28) except for the presence of aperture 30. As best shown
in FIG. 2, aperture 30 has sides 32a-d, which are established such
that they approximate the geometric shape of column 40 at the point
of contact (see FIG. 3).
[0048] Column 40 includes upper end 42, lower end 44 and sides
46a-e. In addition, and to provide suitable linkage to tray 20,
supporting elements 60 are used. In this illustrated embodiment,
supporting elements 60 comprise flaps 62a-d, each of which includes
supporting edge 64. Column 40 can be die cut from a suitable
material such as fiber board, corrugated or folding paperboard as
is shown in FIG. 4, and assembled into a final form such as shown
in FIG. 2 by folding each side 46 until side 46a is overlapped by
side 46e. Depending upon preference, the assembled structure can be
biased to retain its shape through the radial constriction of
aperture 30 when column 40 is inserted there through, via
mechanical fastening between side 46a and 46e, or adhesive bonding
between side 46a and 46e.
[0049] While a friction fit between column 40 and tray 20 through
aperture 30 may provide sufficient linkage between the column and
the tray, a more robust linkage employs lower supporting elements
60, as is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment,
supporting elements 60 comprise flaps 62a-d. Each flap 62 includes
supporting edge 64, which contacts lower surface 24 of tray 20 when
column 40 is fully inserted into aperture 30 and flaps 62a-d are
extended as shown.
[0050] To facilitate the use of column 40, handle recesses 50 are
provided. When column 40 is folded into a use configuration as
shown in FIG. 2, handle recesses 50a-c longitudinally align to form
slots 52a and 52b. In addition, each recess 50 includes converging
edges 54a and 54b, and retaining edges 56a and 56b. The
configuration of recesses 50 is selected to exploit the geometry of
handle 80. As shown, handle 80 includes sides 82a and 82b, each
side having corresponding supporting edges 86a and 86b. When handle
80 is inserted into recesses 50, either vertically through slots 52
or laterally as shown in FIG. 2, sides 82a and 82b abut converging
edges 54a and 54b, respectively. Vertical escapement of handle 80
is prevented by the interaction between supporting edges 86a and
86b with retaining edges 56a and 56b, respectively. This
interaction is best shown in FIG. 3.
[0051] Column 140, shown in FIGS. 5-7, is similar to column 40
shown in FIGS. 2-4, except that in addition to lower supporting
elements 60, it includes upper retaining elements 70, which
comprise flaps 72a-d. Each flap 72 includes contacting edge 74,
which functions to restrain upward vertical movement of tray 20
relative to column 140, as best shown in FIG. 7. Because flaps
72a-d must be in the non-extended position during insertion of
column 140 into tray 20, these flaps must be extended prior to
realizing their functionality. When so extended after column
insertion through the aperture, perimeter 32 is generally
compressively held between supporting edges 64a-d and contacting
edges 74a-d, as is best shown in FIG. 7.
[0052] Also shown in use with column 140 is handle 180. While the
functionality of handle 180 is similar to that of handle 80, it
further comprises central body portion 184, which serves to link
side 182a with side 182b, and to provide finger hole 88. As with
handle 80, supporting edges 182a and 182b cooperate with retaining
edges 156a and 156b.
[0053] FIG. 8 shows column 140 engaged with tray 20, and further
illustrates secondary tray 90. Secondary tray 90 is intended to
provide a means for exploiting the presence of any column by
providing support for items in addition to those that may be
carried on the primary tray. While tray 90 need only have aperture
92, enhanced stability can be achieved by incorporating a collar
surrounding aperture 92 (the collar concept will be explored in
more detail with reference to FIGS. 24-26), lower and optionally
upper supporting elements similar in concept to supporting elements
60 and retaining elements 70 of columns 40 and 140, and equivalent
stabilizing structure. By selecting an appropriately sized
aperture, vertical translation of secondary tray 90 is
uni-directionally limited, with or without the presence of supping
elements as long as the column has a taper. In those embodiments
wherein a right prism form is selected, then some form of
supporting elements on the column is necessary. Furthermore, by
modifying the shape or footprint of the secondary tray, sufficient
clearance can be retained for carrying tall beverage
containers.
[0054] Heretofore, the features associated with an improved column
have focused on supporting elements that extend from the body of
the column. In FIGS. 9-13, support for the tray is accomplished by
slots formed in the column. Turning first to FIGS. 9-10, a first
embodiment employing this form of support is shown. Lower
supporting elements 260 comprise lateral slots 248a-d, which are
formed at each corner of column 240. The lateral width of each slot
will determine the degree or extent of interaction with tray 20.
Column 240 is inserted into aperture 30 of tray 20 as
conventionally shown in prior embodiments, however, support is not
achieved by friction fit or extension of flaps. Instead, and as
best illustrated in FIG. 10, column 240 is rotated within aperture
30 such that each lateral slot 248 engages perimeter 32 of aperture
30 (shown by arrows). Beneficially, this mode of support also
provides the equivalent of upper supporting elements as will be
appreciated by those persons skilled in the art. By providing
support for tray 20 in this manner, there is no subsequent
manipulation of the column or the tray after insertion and rotation
of the column, thereby increasing the efficiency of establishing a
combined column and tray.
[0055] FIGS. 11-13 depict a variant of the above-referenced
alternative embodiment. Here, column 340 is collapsible in at least
one direction and elongate lateral slots 349a and 349b are present
on the faces of the column subject to the direction of collapse,
and extend into the adjacent faces to limit the degree of tray
support. To prevent the unintentional collapse of the column after
insertion and expansion, flap 394 is formed in one of the faces of
the column having the elongate lateral slot. By extending flap 394
into the body of column 340 as shown in FIG. 12, a non-collapsing
structure can be achieved (flap 394 functions as a brace or
compression strut with tab 496 operating to retain flap 394 in the
desired position). Advantageously, the recess created by these
actions provides a convenient location for the storage of
incidentals of the user's choice.
[0056] FIGS. 11 and 12 also illustrate an additional handle
embodiment. As shown therein, handle 480 comprises extending sides
482a-d, which derive from sides 446a and 446c. Slits 486 decouple
sides 482 from sides 446 so that when sides 446b and 446d are
compressed towards each other (direction of arrows), sides 482 can
extend as shown in beginning in FIG. 11 and ending in FIG. 12. A
coating of a cohesive between the mating portions of sides 482 or
use of other means for fastening these sides can be used to prevent
subsequent separation thereof.
[0057] FIG. 14 is shown as an example of a true conical column that
relies exclusively on friction fit with tray 520, although any of
the heretofore described means for linking the column to the tray
can be used. To enhance the friction fit between this column 540 (a
molded column) and tray 520, tray 520 has modified aperture 530,
which comprises two orthogonal scores or perforations 532a and
532b. This frangible aperture is then established upon the
insertion of the column through the aperture, whereupon flaps
534a-d will upwardly extend, thereby forming a type of collar about
the column. This collar beneficially increases the surface contact
area between the two structures, which increases the coefficient of
friction there between. In addition, the extension of flaps 534a-d
in an upward direction further increases the resistance of the
column to "downward" movement. It should be noted that this
interaction is valid for any form of column, including those
previously described and those to be described.
[0058] The earlier discussion regarding the incorporation of
secondary tray 90 intimated that it could be used for a variety of
functions. The implicit utility of the upper potion of the column
will now be further described. FIGS. 15-17 disclose the use of
beverage rings 610 with elongate vertical slots 648, which may be
formed towards upper end 642 or lower end 644 of column 640. Each
ring 610 comprises inside surface 612, outside surface 614, and
distal ends 616, which include hook portion 618. At least inside
surface 612 of each hook portion 618 will be securely linked to
each other either intrinsically such as through the use of
adhesives, cohesives, mechanical fasteners or the like, or
extrinsically such as through the mutual insertion of hook portions
618 into elongate vertical slot 648. Once so linked, a cylindrical
or frusto-cylindrical ring is formed, ready to accept a beverage
container.
[0059] If slot 648 is located towards lower end 644 of column 640,
then ring 610 functions to stabilize a container disposed in a cup
recess; this is particularly advantageous when carrying large
volume beverage containers that have a small base but enlarged
volume, thereby intrinsically creating an unstable container. If
slot 648 is located towards upper end 642 of column 640, then ring
610 functions to hold additional containers or similarly
cylindrical objects, presuming that column 640 is sufficiently
sized to accept stacked containers.
[0060] Unintentional release of ring 610 from column 640 is
accomplished by the interference between hook end 619 and the
inside surface of column 640 at slot 648, as is best shown in FIG.
17. In this manner, one can easily insert ring 610 into slot 648,
yet once inserted therein it will not come out during normal
carrying.
[0061] FIGS. 18-20 and 21-22 show two alternative "bail"
embodiments of the invention. In both of these embodiments, support
for tray 20 results from the peripheral retention of the tray by
the bail members as opposed to the central retention as in previous
embodiments.
[0062] In the event that advertising on the column is desired,
economies can be achieved though the use of sleeve 100, as is shown
best in FIG. 23. Sleeve 100 need only be sufficiently sized to fit
over any column in order to function as intended. Thus, a sleeve
having an internal diameter greater than either a rectilinear or
curvilinear column will function with both. Additionally, if the
material selection for the column yields a visually less than
desirable result, sleeve 100 can be placed over it to alter its
outward appearance.
[0063] Heretofore, the disclosed columns, with the exception of
that in FIG. 14, have not been molded. Columns 740 and 840 in FIGS.
24-27 illustrate two types of molded columns that are formed in a
clamshell manner (see FIG. 27 for an example). Both columns have
bases contoured to closely fit the contours of lower surface 24' of
tray 20': lower end 744 for column 740 and lower end 844 for column
840. Both columns also have upper retainers for preventing
unintentional release of the column from the tray: retainer 770 for
column 740 and retainer 870 for column 840. In both embodiments,
the retainer and tray aperture slightly deform during insertion of
the column, and recover their respective shapes after clearance of
the retainer from the upper surface of the tray.
[0064] Column 740 has a greater distance between lower end 744 and
retainer 770 than column 840 for reasons that will now be
described. As best shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, tray 20' includes
upper collar 36. Similar in function to flaps 534a-d in FIG. 14,
collar 36 increases the amount of coacting surface area between the
column and the tray. In addition, and unlike flaps 534a-d, collar
36 functions to reduce torque effects between a tray and a column
because of its structural nature (note the incorporation of struts
37). As best shown in FIG. 26, contoured portions 25 of tray 20'
closely match contoured portions 745 of column 740 from lower
surface 24 to the upper periphery of collar 36. The presence of
retainer 748 at this upper surface facilitates a slight compression
between the column and the tray, further adding to stability of the
assembly. A similar effect is found with respect to the use of
column 848, however, torque transmission is reduced in view of the
lack of a collar.
* * * * *