GB2422289A

GB2422289A - Drinks carrier

Info

Publication number: GB2422289A
Application number: GB0501569A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Jonathan Griffiths
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-25
Filing date: 2005-01-25
Publication date: 2006-07-26
Also published as: GB0501569D0

Abstract

A drinks carrier comprises a panel having a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles 3, on opposite sides of the panel, which can be bent into a raised carrying position. The panel and handles in an unloaded state occupy a flat, common plane but when the handles are lifted the weight of the containers causes bending at integral hinges where the handles join the panel. When lying flat, the handles are spaced from the edges of the panel by windows each of an area greater than 50 square cm to receive the fingers of a user. Indicia 4 such as advertising graphics may be carried by the panel, the handles or projections from the panel. The carrier may be made from a one-piece board of cardboard or polypropylene.

Description

DRINKS CARRIER

The present invention relates to a drinks carrier having a panel with a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel which are bent into a carrying position.

When buying multiple drinks at a bar, it is often difficult to carry the drinks back to the other people in the party or to another area for consumption, often through a packed crowd.

This can lead to either the spilling of drinks or dropping of glasses. This in turn can lead to violence between drinkers, which have either spilt drinks or have had drinks spilled upon them.

A current solution to the problem can be to borrow a tray from the bar. This is not always available and needs to be returned to the bar after use. When carrying a tray in both hands it is difficult to squeeze through gaps in the crowd, and the drinks can become unstable due to the movement of the upper body reflecting in the movement of the tray.

Another option is for another member of the drinking party to go to the bar with the person who is buying the drinks. This separates the group and can lead to an antisocial evening.

A conventional carrier is described in US5 127519. The carrier is designed for handling light containers such as beverage paper box containers or the like.

Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel, wherein the handles are sufficiently flexible so as to permit the handles to be bent into a carrying position using the weight of the drink containers.

The first aspect of the invention also provides a method of using a drinks carrier, the drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel, the method comprising placing tapered drink containers in the support holes; gripping one of the handles with the left hand; gripping the other handle with the right hand; and lifting the handles up so as to slide the support holes into engagement with the drink containers and then bend the handles into a carrying position using the weight of the drink containers.

The first aspect of the invention provides a carrier (which may be disposable) to carry a range of drinks containers that can be used very quickly at the bar, preventing any delay in service to other customers. The carrier is "self-assembling", in the sense that assembly occurs automatically due to the weight of the drink containers.

The carrier is typically made of a one-piece paper or plastic board.

To use the carrier, it is placed on the bar and the filled containers are placed in the support holes. The carrier is then lifted upwards by the handles and due to the tapered shape, the containers are gripped in the support holes and can be lifted away from the bar surface. The arms of the carrier then naturally fold into the middle under the weight of the filled containers. The carrier can then be carried conveniently in one hand to the point of distribution in a stable condition.

This fast assembly process means there will be a very limited delay at the bar when providing the carrier to the customer by the bar tender.

Typically each handle includes a pair of arms extending from the panel; and a gripped portion extending between the arms, and each arm is sufficiently flexible so as to permit the arms to be bent into a carrying position using the weight of the drink containers.

Each arm may have a preformed hinge which may be formed by compressing the material, or forming a score line.

Typically each arm bends in a hinge region when it is bent into its carrying position, and each hinge region lies on a line extending through a respective support hole.

Typically the width of each hinge region is less than 50mm, or more preferably less than 3 0mm, in order to produce the desired flexibility.

The carrier is typically designed to hold drinks weighing between 0.65 kg (two glasses of wine) and 3.72 kg (four pints of beer). Therefore the handles are typically sufficiently flexible so as to permit the handles to be bent into a carrying position using a total weight of drink containers less than 0.7 kg.

The gripping portions of the handle are preferably relatively wide (for instance greater than 170mm wide, andlor greater than 50% of the total width of the panel). This enables a user to hold the gripping portion to one side if the carrier is loaded unevenly (for instance if it is loaded on one side only).

A second aspect of the invention provides a drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel which can be bent, when in use, into a carrying position, wherein each handle is formed with a window which has an area greater than 5 0cm2.

The second aspect provides a window in each handle which increases flexibility of the handles, and also enables a user to observe the drink containers through one or both of the windows, thus helping the user to prevent spillage. The windows may also increase the visibility of any indicia (such as advertising graphics) on the carrier.

The handles may have separate hand holes for receiving the fingers of a respective hand, but preferably the windows also act as hand holes.

Typically each window is sufficiently large so as to permit all of the support holes to be viewed through the window when the handles are in their carrying positions (and when no drink containers are in place). Therefore preferably the windows have an area greater than 75cm2, most preferably greater than 100cm2.

Each window may be an empty hole, or may contain a transparent window material.

A third aspect of the invention provides a drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel which can be bent, when in use, into a carrying position, and indicia (such as advertising graphics) carried on the panel and/or handles.

The third aspect enables the surface of the carrier to be used for direct advertising to the consumer. The carrier will be potentially taken through a crowded pub to be viewed by fellow drinkers and therefore increasing brand exposure to the target market.

Typically the panel carries indicia (such as advertising graphics) on one side and the handles carry indicia (such as advertising graphics) on an opposite side. This enables the indicia on the handles to be viewed easily when the handles are in their carrying positions.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel which can be bent, when in use, into a carrying position, wherein the panel includes one or more projections for carrying indicia (such as advertising graphics).

The fourth aspect of the invention provides a panel which is specially shaped with a projection which can used to carry indicia (such as advertising graphics).

Typically the or each projection passes through a respective handle hole when the handles are bent into their carrying positions, thus increasing the visibility of the projections.

Typically the projection(s) extend on the same sides of the panel as the handles, thus increasing visibility to a customer carrying the drinks.

In a preferred embodiment the handles each have a handle hole for receiving the fingers of the hand, and each projection is formed on at least part of an inner edge of a respective handle hole.

Typically the or each projection has an outer edge which is at least partially curved - thus providing an aesthetic visual appearance.

The drinks carrier according to any of the preceding aspects may be a oneoff disposable item, typically formed from cardboard (which may be doubleply).

Alternatively the carrier may be formed out of polypropylene with an integral hinge formed in each arm. This hinge will be able to withstand successive bending operations without any reduction in performance and so lends itself to a less disposable design.

Typically the panel and handles are formed as a single piece.

Description of the Draw jns

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a drinks carrier; Figure 2 is a plan view showing the carrier dimensions; Figures 3a-3d are side views showing assembly of the carrier; Figures 4-6 are perspective views showing assembly of the carrier; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the carrier with the handles in their carrying positions, and with the drinks removed.

Figure 1 The carrier (1) is made from a one piece board with a panel containing support holes (2) to take a number of drinking glasses. These support holes (2) grip a range of tapered glasses preventing them from sliding through the board (1).

A pair of handles (3) are positioned on opposite sides of the panel. Each handle has a pair of arms, and a gripping portion extending between the arms. The arms and gripping portion are relatively thin, providing a relatively large window with an area of the order of 115 cm2.

Once the drinks are placed in the support holes (2), the gripping portions of the handles are lifted, and the arms automatically bend at a hinge region under the weight of the filled glasses. The hinge region has a preformed crease to facilitate folding without cracking. The crease is formed by mechanically pressing a rule into the board along the hinge line.

The flat surfaces of the carrier (1) can be used as advertising space. Curved projections are formed in the panel to incorporate indicia 4 such as branding logos or other graphics, with other brand messaging (not shown) to be printed along the reverse side of the handle arms.

Figure 2 This diagram shows some of the critical dimensions. Overall width (7), overall length (8), support hole diameter (9), length (10) of the handle arms at bend line in the hinge region, distance (11) between bend line and handle edge, window length (12), window width (13) and width (14) of gripping portion.

Figure 3a, 3b, 3c & 3d This diagram shows the basic principles of the self-assembling nature of the carrier (1).

It demonstrates the one continuous movement that takes place from the flat form at the beginning to the carrying position at the end.

The glasses (5) are placed in the support holes (figure 3a). The carrier (1) is lifted vertically upwards by the handles (3) until the support holes hit the glasses (5) (figure 3b). At this point the lifting force (F) starts to act towards the centre of the carrier (I), bending the handle arms at the hinge region. The downward load of the full glasses (L) continues to be greater than the resistance in the hinge region resulting in the arms being bent into a central position (figure 3c). The load can now be carried at the gripping portion (15) of the handles (figure 3d).

Note that the gripping portions of the handle are relatively wide. This enables a user to hold the gripping portion to one side if the carrier is loaded unevenly (for instance if it is loaded on one side only).

Figure 4 This diagram shows the carrier (1) being loaded with a range of drinking glasses (5).

These glasses (5) are placed in the support holes (2).

Figure 5 This diagram shows the carrier (1) now loaded with filled drinking glasses and the handles (3) being lifted. This action now bends the arms of the handles (3) at the hinge region under the weight of the glasses and brings the handles (3) towards the centre of the carrier (I).

Figure 6 The arms have been bent into position and the handles can now be used to hold the carrier (1). In this final position the indicia (4) and the graphics (not shown) on the underside of the handle arms are clearly visible for the target market to see.

The carrier (1) is now ready to be carried back from the point of purchase to the area where the drinks are to be distributed. The carrier (1) should be held by the gripping portion of the handles with one hand down at one's side to lower the centre of gravity, improving the control and therefore reducing spillages.

In this carrying position, the beverages within the glasses can be clearly seen through the window (6) between the handle and the support holes. This displays the product in an attractive fashion for the surrounding public to see, and enables the user to view the beverages to prevent spillages.

Figure 7 This diagram shows the carrier (I) with no glasses to clearly show its form.

The present invention is superior to a conventional tray by the introduction of a pair of handles which are held at a single point, thus allowing the user to hold the carrier at a lower level and therefore improving handling. This improved handling means less spillages and therefore less confrontation between fellow drinkers. The disposable nature of the carrier also means it can be left at the point of distribution rather than having to be returned to the bar. This carrier also has the added benefit of providing advertising space that will be carried directly to the target market.

Claims

1. A drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel, wherein the handles are sufficiently flexible so as to permit the handles to be bent into a carrying position using the weight of the drink containers.

2. A drinks carrier according to claim I wherein each handle includes a pair of arms extending from the panel; and a gripped portion extending between the arms, and wherein each arm is sufficiently flexible so as to permit the arms to be bent into a carrying position using the weight of the drink containers.

3. A drinks carrier according to claim 2 wherein each arm has a preformed hinge.

4. A drinks carrier according to claim 2 or 3 wherein each arm bends in a hinge region when it is bent into its carrying position, and wherein each hinge region lies on a line extending through a respective support hole.

5. A drinks carrier according to claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein each arm bends in a hinge region when it is bent into its carrying position; and wherein the width of each hinge region is less than 50mm

6. A drinks carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the handles are sufficiently flexible so as to permit the handles to be bent into a carrying position using a total weight of drink containers less than 0.7 kg.

7. A drinks carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the handles each have a respective handle hole for receiving the fingers of the hand, wherein each handle hole has an inner edge on a side of the handle hole facing the support holes, and wherein the inner edge is at least partially convex.

8. A drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel which can be bent, when in use, into a carrying position, wherein each handle is formed with a window which has an area greater than 50cm2.

9. A drinks carrier according to claim 8 wherein each window receives the fingers of a respective hand.

10. A drinks carrier according to claim 8 or 9 wherein each window is sufficiently large so as to permit all of the support holes to be viewed through the window when the handles are in their carrying positions.

11. A drinks carrier according to claim 8, 9 or 10 wherein each window is an empty hole.

12. A drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel which can be bent, when in use, into a carrying position, and indicia (such as advertising graphics) carried on the panel and/or handles.

13. A drinks carrier according to claim 12 wherein the panel carries indicia (such as advertising graphics) on one side and the handles carry indicia (such as advertising graphics) on an opposite side.

14. A drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel which can be bent, when in use, into a carrying position, wherein the panel includes one or more projections for carrying indicia (such as advertising graphics).

15. A drinks carrier according to claim 14 wherein each handle is formed with a handle hole, and wherein the or each projection passes through a respective handle hole when the handles are bent into their carrying positions.

16. A drinks carrier according to claim 14 or 15 including indicia (such as advertising graphics) carried on the or each projection.

17. A drinks carrier according to claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the projection(s) extend on the same sides of the panel as the handles.

18. A drinks carrier according to any of claims 14 to 17 wherein the handles each have a handle hole for receiving the fingers of the hand, and wherein each projection is formed on at least part of an inner edge of a respective handle hole.

19. A drinks carrier according to any of claims 14 to 18 wherein the or each projection has an outer edge which is at least partially curved.

20. A drinks carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the panel and handles are formed as a single piece.

21. A drinks carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the panel and handles are formed from cardboard.

22. A drinks carrier according to claim 21 wherein the panel and handles are formed from double-ply cardboard.

23. A method of using a drinks carrier, the drinks carrier comprising a panel containing a plurality of support holes for receiving tapered drink containers; and a pair of handles on opposite sides of the panel, the method comprising placing tapered drink containers in the support holes; gripping one of the handles with the left hand; gripping the other handle with the right hand; and lifting the handles up so as to slide the support holes into engagement with the drink containers and then bend the handles into a carrying position using the weight of the drink containers.