AU2009101198A4

AU2009101198A4 - Catering container

Info

Publication number: AU2009101198A4
Application number: AU2009101198A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Costa Avakoumides
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-23
Filing date: 2009-11-23
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2017-11-23

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: Catering container The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 Catering container Field of the invention The present invention relates to a container for catering service items, and in particular a weather resistant container for such items. 5 Background of the invention Establishments that serve food and/or drinks, such as restaurants and caf6s, often provide customer tables and benches with a variety of catering service items. These catering service items may include a variety of food service items such as salt, pepper and sauces, and a variety of non-food service items such as serviettes and toothpicks. o These catering service items typically remain on the tables throughout the opening hours of the establishment and need to be accessible to customers. Providing each table in an establishment with the variety of service items required, however, can be time consuming. This is due to a number of factors including the number of tables that need to be provided with the service items, the number of different 5 service items required at each of those tables at any particular time, and the depletion of service items at tables (when used by customers). At the beginning of trading each table must be provided with a full complement of the desired service items. During the trading customers will use the various service items requiring staff to replenish the depleted stocks. At different times of the day different service items may be required, 20 and, finally, at the close of trade the service items must often be cleared from the tables (for example to allow for cleaning and/or where the tables are not in a secure location). In addition, where tables are outdoors or otherwise exposed to the elements, rain and wind can be problematic - wind can blow away service items and rain can spoil service items causing both a mess and wastage. If sufficient fore-warning of wind/rain is 25 provided staff can sometimes clear the service items from the relevant tables, however such warning may not always occur and, obviously, any customers wishing to remain at the tables must do without the removed service items.

3 It would be desirable to overcome and/or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, it would be desirable to provide consumers with a useful alternative. Summary of the invention 5 In one aspect, the present invention provides a weather resistant container for holding different types of catering service items, the container including: a body; a plurality of compartments within the body, each compartment dimensioned to hold a plurality of a particular type of catering service item; a lid configured to fit the body, wherein the container is rendered weather resistant by closing the lid. 0 The plurality of compartments may be defined by an insert, the insert being removably receivable within the body. This insert can be replaceable by one or more additional removable inserts, wherein the or each additional removable insert has a configuration different from the configuration of the insert. One or more of the plurality of compartments can also be provided with a raised bottom 5 providing the compartment with a depth less than the depth of the body. The weather resistant container can have one or more compartments dimensioned to hold a plurality of food service items and/or one or more compartments dimensioned to hold a plurality of non-food service items. Brief description of the drawings 20 Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a container (including service items) according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 1A without service items. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 without an insert. Figure 2B shows a plan view of the container body of the container shown in Figure 1.

4 Figure 2C shows a sectional elevation view of the container body of the container shown in Figure 1. Figure 2D shows a plan view of the lid of the container of Figure 1. Figure 2E shows a sectional elevation view of the lid of the container of Figure 1. 5 Figure 3A shows a plan view of an insert suitable for use with the container of Figure 2A. Figure 3B shows a sectional elevation view of the insert of Figure 3A. Figure 4A shows a plan view of an alterative insert suitable for use with the container of Figure 2A. o Figure 4B shows a sectional elevation view of the insert of Figure 4A. Figure 5A shows a plan view of a further alterative insert suitable for use with the container of Figure 2A. Figure 5B shows a sectional elevation view of the insert of Figure 5A. Detailed description of the embodiments 15 The present invention relates to containers. While a container according to the embodiments of the invention can be used to store a variety of items and make those items accessible to users, the preferred embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for storing and making accessible catering service items. As used herein the term catering service items it intended to describe items that may be 20 placed on tables/benches to be used with/accompany food or drinks. Catering service items may include both food service items and non-food service items. Food service items may include, by way of non-limiting example, sugar (raw, white, etc), artificial sweeteners, salt, coffee, tea, pepper, other spices, herbs, sauces, spreads and other 5 condiments. Non-food service items may include, again by way of non-limiting example, serviettes/napkins, refresher towels, toothpicks, straws, cutlery, chop-sticks, drink stirrers etc. The service items may be loose, however will often be individually packaged, for example individually wrapped non-food service items, and food service 5 items provided in sachets or other containers (e.g. sachets of salt, pepper, sugar, sauce etc). Figures 1A and 1B show a container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Container 100 includes a body 101, a lid 102, and an insert 103 housed within the body 101. The body includes a recessed lip 113 which, as described below, 0 cooperates with the lid 102 to seal the container 100. The bottom of the body 101 has a non-slip protective rubber or plastic coating (not shown) so that the container does not slide around on a table, slide when multiple containers are stacked on top of one another, or get damaged. In the present embodiment the insert 103 is removably received in the body 101. Insert 5 103 includes a plurality of walls which divide the insert 103 (and, effectively, the container 100) into a number of compartments. Although, as discussed below, many different insert configurations are possible, insert 103 as shown has five compartments, 104 to 108. Each compartment 104 to 108 is sized to contain a certain number of a certain type of service item. In the insert 103 depicted in Figure 1: the first compartment 20 104 contains a plurality of artificial sweetener sachets 109; the second compartment 105 contains a plurality of raw sugar sachets 110; the third compartment 106 contains a plurality of toothpicks 111; the fourth compartment 107 contains a plurality of white sugar sachets 112; and the fifth compartment 108 has been left empty. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1A and 1B, the internal dimensions of 25 compartments 104 to 108 are sized as follows (all dimensions in this specification are provided as Iengthxwidthxheight/depth and are in mm): First compartment 104: 44x52x101 Second compartment 105: 44x52x101 6 Third compartment 106: 48x44x101 Fourth compartment 107: 48x60x101 Fifth compartment 108: 94x40x101. Depending on the intended contents, some or all of the compartments 104 to 108 5 could be provided with a false or raised bottom to effectively reduce the depth of the compartments. For example, the first and third compartments 104 and 106 could be provided with a false bottom to have the following dimensions: First compartment 104: 44x52x50 Third compartment 106: 48x44x60 0 A raised bottom can be used to hold the relevant service items (in this case the sweetener sachets 109 and the toothpicks 111) such that their tops are substantially level with the top of the insert 103 (and container 100). This allows the service items to be easily accessed. The lid 102 is hinged to the body so as to be movable between an open position (shown 5 in Figures 1A and 1B) and a closed position. In the open position the contents of the container are accessible. In the closed position the lid 102 overlaps with the recessed lip 113 of the body 101 to seal the container 100, protecting the contents of container 100 from wind and rain. Figures 2A to 2E provide various views of the container 100 of Figures 1A and 1B with 20 the insert 103 removed. The container body 101 according to the current embodiment has inner dimensions of 100x154x114. However, these dimensions can be adapted to accommodate the intended contents of the container 100. For example, the depth of the container could be reduced from 114mm to 50mm if the maximum depth required by the intended 25 service items is less than 50mm.

7 One side of the recessed lip 113 of the body 101 is provided with a recess 204 which, together with a complementary protrusion 205 on the lid 102 (described below) provides a fastening means by which the lid 102 can be releasably secured in the closed position. Alternative fastening means, such as a latch or similar or a magnetic catch 5 arrangement, could of course be used. Alternatively, the lid 102 and body 101 could simply be sized in order to create a friction fit therebetween. The side of the recessed lip 113 opposite the recess 204 is shaped to receive the lid 102 and allow hinged attachment of the lid 102 to the body 101. Figures 2D and 2E respectively show a plan view 202 and a sectional elevation view D 203 of the lid 102 of the container 100. One side of the lid 102 is provided with a protrusion 205 for engaging with the recess 204 on the body 101. The opposite side of the lid 102 is shaped to allow the lid 102 to be hinged to the body 101. While a hinged lid 102 has been described, it will be appreciated that the lid could be attached by alternative means or could be unattached and completely removable. 5 In order to accommodate different catering service items, and in the present embodiment, the container body 101 and insert 103 are separate components. This allows insert 103 to be removed from the container body 101 and differently configured inserts to be inserted. The additional inserts can have different compartment layouts and dimensions that accommodate different catering service items. 20 For example, Figures 3A and 3B show plan and sectional elevation views of an alternative insert 300. The insert 300 is dimensioned to fit into the container of Figures 1 and 2. The compartments of insert 300 have internal dimensions as follows (Iengthxwidthx depth in mm): First compartment 303: 46x48x101 25 Second compartment 304: 46x48x101 Third compartment 305: 94x48x101 Fourth compartment 306: 36x48x101 8 Fifth compartment 307: 56x48x101. Compartments of these sizes could, for example, be suitable for holding various types of sachets that are 100mm long (deep) such as white and raw sugar, sweetener, and salt and pepper sachets. As will be appreciated, by providing a compartment depth of 5 101mm the tops of such sachets will be held substantially at the top of the container and as such be easily accessible to a user. Figures 4A and 4B show plan and sectional elevation views of a further alternative insert 400. In this particular insert 400, each of the compartments 403 are equally sized: 46x48x101. This insert is suitable for use with screw top herb or spice containers, for D example standard round or square shaped containers bought from supermarkets that would fit into the compartments 403. Figures 5A and 5B show plan and sectional elevation views of a further insert 500. In this embodiment, each compartment 503 is fitted with a lid 504, the lid being attached to the insert 500 via a hinge 505. The lids 504 can be made of Perspex, for example a 5 transparent Perspex so that the contents of the compartments 503 are visible when the lids 504 are closed. The compartments 503 are equally sized: 46x69x101. Due to the lidded compartments 503, insert 500 is particularly suitable for loose food stuffs which may more easily be spoiled than, for example, food stuffs packaged into sachets. Each lid 504 has a recess 506 that facilitates lifting the lid 504, and can also provide access 20 to the handle of a spoon that can be used to dispense the loose food stuffs. The loose food stuffs can include coarse or fine pepper, and fine or rock salt. The container 100 is made of a waterproof or weather resistant material, for example metal such as aluminium or an alloy, plastic or Perspex. The body 101 and lid 102 of the container may, though need not, be made of the same material. For example, the lid 25 102 may be made of a clear plastic material to allow the contents of the container 100 to be seen while the lid 102 is closed. The insert is made of plastic or Perspex, although any suitable material can be used.

9 As shown in Figure 1A, information can be displayed on the body 101 and/or the lid 102 of the container 100. This information may include information such as the restaurant table number, menu items, specials, and/or advertisements. The information can be printed onto the container, or could be provided as stickers/transfers for adhering to the 5 container 100. Alternatively, the container 100 could be provided with guides or similar for receiving replaceable information sheets. As will be appreciated, container 100 provides a convenient unit for holding and making the various catering service items that may be required available to customers. As all service items are in a single container the task of setting and clearing tables is 0 simplified. Additionally, the regular shape of the container 100 is such that multiple containers can be stacked for ease of storage/transportation. In the event of inclement weather the lid 102 of the container 100 can be simply and quickly closed, thereby protecting all catering service items in the container 100. This allows catering service items to be quickly protected in the event of inclement weather 5 and, if desired, the container 100 (and service items therein) can be left on a table throughout such weather without danger of the items being spoiled or blown away. In the embodiments described above the various inserts have been described as separate and removable components of the container 100. This is convenient in that it allows different container configurations to be achieved without requiring different outer 20 casings. Further, and if desired, a restaurant or cafe can keep spare inserts fully stocked with desired service items. These spare inserts can then be used to either replace inserts which have depleted stocks of service items, and/or to change the types of service items to be provided at tables. For example, the service items required during breakfast hours may differ to the service items required during lunch or dinner hours. By 25 providing separate inserts, supplying tables with the appropriate service items requires a staff member to simply exchange one insert with a new insert. In alternative embodiments, it would of course be possible to manufacture a container with an integral or fixed (and non-removable) insert.

10 It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A weather resistant container for holding different types of catering service items, the container including: a body; 5 a plurality of compartments within the body, each compartment dimensioned to hold a plurality of a particular type of catering service item; a lid configured to fit the body, wherein the container is rendered weather resistant by closing the lid.

2. The weather resistant container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of compartments 0 are defined by an insert, the insert being removably receivable within the body.

3. The weather resistant container of claim 2, wherein the insert is replaceable by one or more additional removable inserts, wherein the or each additional removable insert has a configuration different from the configuration of the insert.

4. The weather resistant container of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein at least one 15 of the plurality of compartments is provided with a raised bottom providing the compartment with a depth less than the depth of the body.

5. The weather resistant container of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one compartment is dimensioned to hold a plurality of food service items and at least one compartment is dimensioned to hold a plurality of non-food service items.