U.S. patent application number 13/132172 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for drink holder.
This patent application is currently assigned to SLATTERY GROUP HOLDINGS PTY. LTD.. Invention is credited to Luke Slattery.
Application Number | 20110233092 13/132172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42232811 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110233092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Slattery; Luke |
September 29, 2011 |
DRINK HOLDER
Abstract
The present invention provides a drink holder (30) including a
platform (31) having a plurality of support members (38), each of
which is adapted to support the platform (31) on a substantially
level surface (such as a table) and each having an inner cavity
which opens to the upper surface of the platform (31), each of the
inner cavities of the support members being adapted to accommodate
a drink container. In a preferred embodiment, the inner cavities of
the support members (38) are generally cup-shaped and of
appropriate size and shape to accommodate drink containers. The
support members thereby form cup-shaped holders for drink
containers.
Inventors: |
Slattery; Luke; (New Farm
QLD, AU) |
Assignee: |
SLATTERY GROUP HOLDINGS PTY.
LTD.
New Farm QLD
AU
|
Family ID: |
42232811 |
Appl. No.: |
13/132172 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 1, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU09/01565 |
371 Date: |
June 1, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/427 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/427 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 2, 2008 |
AU |
2008906237 |
Claims
1. A drink holder including a platform having a plurality of
support members, each of which is adapted to support the platform
on a substantially level surface and each having an inner cavity
which opens to the upper surface of the platform, each of said
inner cavities of the support members being adapted to accommodate
a drink container.
2. A drink holder according to claim 1, wherein the inner cavities
of the support members are generally cup-shaped and of appropriate
size and shape to accommodate drink containers.
3. A drink holder according to claim 1 or 2, further including at
least one hand, finger or thumb hold.
4. A drink holder according to claim 3, wherein the hand, finger or
thumb hold(s) are appropriately sized and located finger/thumb
locating marker(s), channel(s), indentation(s), ridge(s),
protrusion(s) or cavity/cavities.
5. A drink holder according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the hand,
finger or thumb hold(s) are a plurality of finger/thumb holds on
the under surface of the platform, said finger/thumb holds being
appropriately sized and located indentations or finger/thumb
locating marker(s) or channel(s).
6. A drink holder according to any one of claims 3 to 5, having
five or six finger/thumb holds.
7. A drink holder according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein
the finger/thumb hold(s) are appropriately sized and located
finger/thumb locating marker(s) having raised peripheries.
8. A drink holder according to claim 3 or 4, having a
finger/thumb-locating channel.
9. A drink holder according to claim 8, wherein the
finger/thumb-locating channel is an indented channel in the under
surface of the platform.
10. A drink holder according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the gradient of the platform is such that any liquid on the
platform will be channelled toward the cavities in the support
members.
11. A drink holder according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the periphery of the platform incorporates a raised
rim.
12. A drink holder according to any one of the preceding claims,
having four support members.
13. A drink holder according to any one of claims 1 to 11, having
two or three support members.
14. A stackable drink holder according to any one of the preceding
claims.
15. A drink holder according to any one of the preceding claims,
substantially as described herein and with reference to any one of
FIGS. 1 to 7.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a drink holder designed to hold a
plurality of drink containers (e.g. cups), and which incorporates
many advantageous features. For example, it can typically be held
in one hand and has a high strength to weight ratio.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] There are many drink holders available in the marketplace,
for carrying drinks from point of purchase to point of
consumption.
[0003] In particular, many takeaway outlets utilise a drink holder
comprising a generally rectangular or square shaped, foldable
cardboard housing with top and bottom layers joined along two
opposing lateral edges by side pieces, and with openings in the top
layer to accommodate drink containers.
[0004] Another commonly used option is a simple tray, which may be
of a generally rectangular, square or circular shape. Generally
speaking, such trays either are too flimsy to hold the required
weight of drink containers or, in order to hold the required
weight, are made too bulky. Trays are poorly designed for use as
drink holders.
[0005] Presently available drink holders often lack strength and,
when loaded with several drink containers, are generally incapable
of being carried in one hand.
[0006] The present invention relates to a drink holder designed so
that several drink containers (e.g. cups) can readily be carried or
held in one hand, and preferably having various other advantageous
features, such as a relatively high strength to weight ratio. It is
engineered for balance and strength, and preferably made from
minimal amounts of material (preferably plastic).
[0007] This discussion of the background to the invention is
provided for illustrative purposes only and is not to be taken as
an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred
to is or was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or
elsewhere as at the priority date of this application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a drink holder including a
platform having a plurality of support members, each of which is
adapted to support the platform on a substantially level surface
(such as a table) and each having an inner cavity which opens to
the upper surface of the platform, each of the inner cavities of
the support members being adapted to accommodate a drink container.
A central area or panel located above the palm of a person carrying
the drink holder, and surrounded by the drink containers held
within the drink holder, may provide space for various items (such
as another beverage; milk packets; sachets of sugar or another
sweetener; hot chips, a hot dog, a burger, an ice-cream or another
food product; a wallet; a mobile phone; a ticket etc.) to be placed
thereon.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the inner cavities of the support
members are generally cup-shaped and of appropriate size and shape
to accommodate drink containers. The support members thereby form
cup-shaped holders for drink containers.
[0010] The drink holder may be manufactured in a number of
different versions, with the size of the inner cavities and their
upper openings varied to accommodate larger or smaller drink
containers than those specifically illustrated herein. In
particular, in the United States of America, drink containers tend
to be larger, so the inner cavities and their upper openings would
also need to be correspondingly larger.
[0011] Preferably, the platform of the drink holder will have a
single, transverse axis of symmetry, and the gradient of the
platform will be such that any liquid on the platform (in
particular, spillage from drink containers) will be channelled
toward the cavity/cavities in one or more of the support members.
More preferably, the support members will be symmetrically arranged
so as to balance the drink holder, and the platform will be
designed so that liquid may be channelled toward the
cavity/cavities in one or more of the support members. The
particular cavity/cavities to which the spillage is channelled will
be dependent on where on the platform the spillage occurs, and the
orientation of the platform at the time of the spillage.
[0012] Besides acting as holders for drink containers, as legs to
support the platform and as reservoirs for spillage, the support
members further serve to strengthen the structure of the drink
holder.
[0013] The drink holder may also incorporate a number of further
advantageous features, for example: [0014] The drink holder, and in
particular the positioning of the support members, is preferably
designed so that its centre of gravity is located midway along its
length and closer to a longitudinal side of the drink holder which
abuts a person carrying the drink holder than to the opposite side
of the drink holder, thereby improving the balance of the platform
and enabling the drink holder to be carried in one hand, even when
fully loaded with containers of drink. [0015] The upper openings of
the inner cavities of the support members preferably have smooth,
rounded or bevelled edges to allow drink containers to easily be
placed in or removed from the drink holder. More preferably, the
upper openings are appropriately sized so as grip/clasp the drink
containers above their centre of gravity, thus holding them firmly
in the holder. This feature will ensure that the drink containers
are not merely balanced on the bottom of that inner cavity. This
gives far better control over the drink container--a smaller cup
resting on the bottom of the inner cavity will still be firmly held
nearer its top by the edge of the upper opening of the cavity.
[0016] Hand, finger or thumb hold(s) may be provided in the under
surface of the platform. The hand, finger or thumb hold(s) may be
appropriately sized and located finger/thumb locating marker(s),
channel(s), indentation(s), ridge(s), protrusion(s) or
cavity/cavities. Preferably, at least one hand or finger/thumb
hold, such as indentations, or finger, thumb or hand locating
markers or channels having raised peripheries, is provided. In one
embodiment, there will be five or six finger/thumb locating markers
having raised peripheries, these markers being appropriately sized
and located to correspond to the recommended positions of the
finger and thumb tips of a person holding the drink holder so as to
ensure balance, so that the drink holder can easily be held on the
fingers and thumb of one hand. In this embodiment, it is preferable
to have four finger holds plus two thumb holds, one for a
right-handed user and the other for a left-handed user. In another
version described in more detail below, with respect to the
embodiment shown in accompanying FIGS. 1 to 7, the finger/thumb
hold is a simple finger/thumb-locating channel in the under surface
of the platform. [0017] The periphery of the platform of the drink
holder may incorporate a raised rim, so as to contain any spillage.
[0018] The drink holder may incorporate one or more areas of
ribbing designed to enhance its strength. These areas of ribbing
may be ribbed structures incorporated in the periphery or rim,
and/or the platform, of the drink holder. Channels indented into
the upper surface of the platform, and flutes or ribs in the side
walls of the inner cavities, may be provided for the dual purposes
of channelling any spillage into the inner cavities, and also
enhancing the strength of the drink holder. [0019] The shape of the
drink holder, and in particular its hollow support members, may be
designed so that the drink holders are stackable. [0020] The shape
of the drink holder, and in particular straight sections of its
longitudinal edges, may be designed so that the drink holders can
readily be stacked against a wall or similar planar surface.
[0021] The drink holder can be used for carrying containers of
either hot or cold drinks (e.g. glasses or cups of tea or coffee or
glasses, mugs, cans or bottles of beer or other alcoholic beverage,
water, fruit juice or soft drink).
[0022] The drink holder is easy to hold in one hand, and preferably
is constructed of materials which render it both light and
reusable. Preferably, the holder is able to be picked up from a
number of different angles whilst still maintaining favourable
properties of balance and strength. Grabbing the drink holder from
either lengthwise side will still be effective and will still allow
at least the thumb and two fingers of the person carrying the drink
holder to be positioned in a finger/thumb locating area on the
under surface of the platform. The drink holder may also be
engineered to allow it to be held by its edges, as well as by means
of the finger/thumb holds beneath.
[0023] Features such as the inner cavities (reservoirs) of the
support members, and a raised rim surrounding the platform,
minimise spillage. Spillage would be of concern when carrying hot
beverages, as well as being a safety concern and/or cleaning
problem if liquid were to be spilt on floor surfaces, steps,
concrete, tiles, carpet etc. at the venue where the drinks were
being served.
[0024] Throughout the specification, unless the context requires
otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises"
or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a
stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any
other integer or group of integers. Likewise, the word
"preferably", or variations such as "preferred", will be understood
to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable
but not essential to the working of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The nature of the invention will be better understood from
the following detailed description of a specific embodiment of the
drink holder, given by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. This embodiment is illustrative, but not
restrictive, of the present invention.
[0026] In particular:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a drink holder according
to the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of the drink holder of FIG. 1, viewed
from the side which would be proximal to the person who would be
carrying the drink holder;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the drink holder of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view taken along section A-A of the lower
portion of one of the support members of the drink holder of FIG.
2;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the drink holder of FIG.
1;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a side view taken along section B-B of FIG. 3;
and
[0033] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the drink holder of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] A specific embodiment of a drink holder 30 in accordance
with the invention, as depicted in FIGS. 1 to 7, comprises a
platform 31, of roughly trapezoid shape, with four openings 32 into
which containers of drink can be placed. Each opening 32 has a
smooth, rounded or bevelled lip 34.
[0035] A raised rim 35 surrounding the platform contains any
spillage from the containers of drink, and also provides a smooth,
rounded or bevelled edge to the drink holder.
[0036] In this embodiment, four generally cup-shaped support
members 38 are provided, proximal to each of the four corners of
the platform 31. These support members form legs, shaped for
balance and strength, which can support the drink holder on a
table, bench or similar structure. The support members (legs) have
hollow inner cavities (reservoirs) 39, which open to the upper
surface of the platform 31 so as to collect any run-off from spilt
drinks. Preferably, the gradient of the platform slopes down from a
central point on the platform (e.g. its centre of gravity) toward
reservoirs 39, so as to channel spillage into the reservoirs.
[0037] The four openings 32, which are adapted to accommodate drink
containers, also constitute upper openings of the inner cavities
(reservoirs) 39 of the support members 38. These inner cavities 39
are generally cup-shaped and of appropriate size and shape to
accommodate drink containers. The support members 38 (legs) thereby
form cup-shaped holders for drink containers. The drink holder may
be manufactured in a number of different versions, with the size of
the upper openings 32 and inner cavities 39 varied to accommodate
larger or smaller drink containers than those specifically
illustrated in this embodiment.
[0038] For enhanced stability, the depth of each inner cavity 39
may be such that at least the bottom half of a drink container 50
is within that cavity when the drink container is loaded into the
drink holder (see FIG. 6).
[0039] Preferably, an inner surface (side wall) of each of the
support members 38 is fluted or ribbed, the flutes/ribs 36
extending from the bevelled lip 34 of the opening down towards the
bottom of the inner cavity 39. The flutes/ribs 36 extend to an
annular channel 37 formed in the base of the support member 38, as
can be seen most clearly in FIG. 4. The annular channel 37 is
formed between the fluted/ribbed side wall of the support member
and a raised base 40 of circular shape. The flutes/ribs 36 are
engineered for a high strength to volume ratio. The material of the
fluted/ribbed side wall can be very thin, yet is nevertheless
rendered strong through design. The flutes/ribs 36 also provide
flexibility and allow for a small amount of movement/give.
[0040] The fluted/ribbed side wall of each of the support members
38 therefore enhances the shock absorbing properties of the
platform as a whole, assisting in buffering the effects of a person
walking or moving with the drink holder in hand.
[0041] Preferably, the cavities 39 will be appropriately sized so
that the flutes/ribs 36 apply sufficient pressure to hold a drink
container reasonably securely in place within the inner cavity 39,
yet still allow the drink container to be readily placed into, or
removed from, the drink holder. The drink holder is therefore
capable of being loaded very quickly with drinks--a major advantage
when drinks are being served at crowded sportsgrounds or concert
arenas, or at any other venue at rush times. The flutes/ribs 36
also allow any spillage on the upper surface of the platform 31 to
flow downwards into the channel 37 formed in the base of each of
the cup-shaped support members 38.
[0042] The location of the generally cup-shaped support members 38
is preferably designed so that the drink holder, when fully loaded
with drink containers, can be balanced easily on the fingers and
thumb of one hand.
[0043] Preferably, two of the four support members 38, being the
two support members 38 which would be proximal to a person carrying
the drink holder (the proximal support members 41), are spaced
further apart from each other than are the other two support
members (the distal support members 42). The space between the
proximal support members 41 is selected to permit the palm of the
hand of a person carrying the drink holder to be placed under the
platform 31 of the drink holder, with the person's finger and thumb
tips being placed in a finger/thumb locating channel 43 in a
central area on the under surface of the platform 31. That
finger/thumb locating channel 43 appears as an indented channel in
the under surface of the platform, adapted for use by either
left-handed or right-handed users.
[0044] A central area 44 on the upper surface of platform 31 may
provide space for promotional or other material (e.g. grabs,
labels, brochures, menus, puzzles, toys or logos) to be attached to
or placed on the drink holder. The central area 44 may also provide
space to accommodate various other items, such as another beverage;
milk packets; sachets of sugar or another sweetener; hot chips, a
hot dog, a burger, an ice-cream or another food product; a wallet;
a mobile phone; a ticket etc. The central area 44 may be engineered
to hold a specific item.
[0045] Promotional or other material (e.g. grabs, brochures, menus,
puzzles or toys) may also be placed within the inner cavities 39 of
the support members.
[0046] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 5, the side wall of
each of the two distal support members 42 has a protrusion 45
extending toward the other distal support member. These protrusions
45 provide further channels to allow any spillage of liquid to flow
into the reservoirs 39 formed in the base of the distal support
members 42. Additional channels 46 in the upper surface of platform
31, sloping downwardly to the openings 32 of the support members
38, allow spillage to flow from the upper surface of the platform
31 into the respective reservoirs formed in the support members.
The formation of the various ridges, channels and protrusions in
the platform 31 also serves to strengthen and enhance the rigidity
of the drink holder 30. Normally, they will obviate the need to
provide any additional ribbing.
[0047] Although not generally required in this embodiment, the
structure of the drink holder can, if desired, be further
strengthened by additional areas of ribbing, such as ribbing in the
vicinity of finger/thumb locating channel 43 and/or peripheral
ribbing where required to strengthen the rim 35.
[0048] The support members 38 also serve to strengthen the
structure of the drink holder. A further advantage of the support
members 38 is that they render the drink holder non-aerodynamic and
prevent its unsafe use as a frisbee at crowded venues such as
sportsgrounds and concert arenas.
[0049] The rim 35 provides a smooth, rounded or bevelled edge to
the drink holder, thereby adding to its safety.
[0050] The overall shape and structure of the drink holder 30 is
designed for enhanced strength to weight ratio, and to allow for
efficient use of the material from which it is fabricated. The
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 (if manufactured from a suitable
plastic material) is capable of carrying loads of more than 2
kg.
[0051] The shape of the drink holder is also designed for
packaging/storage efficiency. For example, its shape, and in
particular the hollow support members 38, ensure that the drink
holder is stackable.
[0052] Packaging/storage efficiency is also aided by flattened,
straight sections of the sides (in particular, the longitudinal
sides) of the drink holder, which allow the drink holders of the
present invention to be readily stacked against walls or similar
planar surfaces. In FIG. 5, a flattened, straight section 47 is
shown, located on the the side which would be distal from the
person who would be carrying the drink holder. However, if desired,
flattened, straight sections can be provided on other sides of the
drink holder.
[0053] The drink holder of the present invention may be
manufactured from any appropriate material, including papier-mache,
but is preferably manufactured from a plastic material having
advantageous characteristics, such as a good strength to weight
ratio and relatively low cost. The plastic material is preferably
biodegradable (e.g. a corn-starch-derived plastic) or recyclable
(e.g. PET).
[0054] In order to facilitate better understanding of the
invention, the present invention has been described in terms of
preferred embodiments, and with regard to the particular elements
and/or features described or depicted therein. It should however be
appreciated that various modifications can be made without
departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the
invention should be understood to include all such modifications
within its scope.
[0055] For example, further design modifications may be
incorporated to improve various features of the drink holder. In
particular, the portion of the under surface of platform 31 which
lies above the palm of the hand of a person carrying the drink
holder may be re-engineered for added user comfort.
[0056] In other possible modifications, the drink holder may have
more or less openings 32/support members 38 than the four shown in
the embodiment described above, so long as the arrangement of
openings/support members allows drink containers to be balanced and
the loaded drink holder to be held easily in one hand. In
particular, the drink holder may have two or three openings/support
members symmetrically positioned for balance. For the
two-opening/support member version, the openings/support members
may be located one to either side of the transverse axis of
symmetry of the drink holder and equidistant therefrom. For the
three-opening/support member version, two of the openings/support
members will be similarly placed, with the third opening/support
member being on that axis of symmetry. The three openings/support
members may be arranged in an arc-like configuration similar to
that of the four openings/support members of the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5, so that the weight of the drinks held in
the drink holder will be evenly distributed and balanced when the
drink holder is held in a person's hand.
[0057] Openings 32 and inner cavities 39 of different sizes and
shapes may also be provided to accommodate food products, such as
hot dogs, burgers, punnets of hot chips, ice-creams etc., thus
allowing the holder to be used for a complete meal/drink package,
or even to be used solely as a food holder.
[0058] Also, the drink holder may be designed to hold larger or
smaller cups 50 (or other drink containers) than those for which
the drink holder of FIGS. 1 to 7 is designed. This will generally
entail corresponding changes in size of the surrounding areas of
the drink holder, as well as the necessary changes in size of the
openings 32 and/or inner cavities 39 of the generally cup-shaped
support members 38.
[0059] In other versions of the drink holder, different types of
hand or finger/thumb holds, rather than the finger/thumb locating
channel 43 of the embodiment described above, may be provided. In
general, the hand or finger/thumb hold(s) can be appropriately
sized and located finger/thumb locating marker(s), channel(s),
indentation(s), ridge(s), protrusion(s) or cavity/cavities. For
example, as an alternative to the finger/thumb locating channel 43,
one or more (preferably five or six) suitably sized and located
indentations could be provided on the under surface of the platform
31, thereby allowing the person carrying the drink holder to place
his/her hand below the drink holder and balance it on his/her
finger and thumb tips.
[0060] The overall shape of the drink holder (in particular, the
shape of its periphery, as defined by its outer rim 35) may be
designed according to marketing themes. For example, it may be
shaped like a baseball glove, football, mag wheel or artists'
palette.
[0061] The drink holder may also incorporate a paper sleeve, or a
sticker or embossed plastic on the upper surface of platform 31.
Such features can be used to present advertising or promotional
material.
[0062] Now that preferred embodiments of the drink holder have been
described in detail, it will be apparent that the embodiments
described above provide a number of advantages over the prior art,
including the following:
[0063] (I) The drink holders can readily be carried in one hand
even when loaded with several drink containers. Alternatively, if
preferred, there are a number of different ways for the drink
holders to be carried easily in two hands.
[0064] (ii) They have a relatively high strength to weight ratio,
being lightweight but sufficiently strong to be capable of carrying
loads of 2 kg or more of liquid.
[0065] (iii) They are engineered for balance and strength, and
permit a number of drink containers to be carried with ease.
[0066] (iv) They can be made from minimal amounts of biodegradable
or recyclable material, preferably thermo-formed moulded plastic
material.
[0067] (v) They are provided with reservoirs for collecting and
retaining spillage.
[0068] (vi) They are readily stackable, permitting efficient use of
transport and storage space.
* * * * *