GB2501563A

GB2501563A - Holder arrangement for food and/or drinks holder

Info

Publication number: GB2501563A
Application number: GB1220396.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bertram Mindell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-07
Filing date: 2012-11-13
Publication date: 2013-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-13
Also published as: GB2501563B; GB201220396D0; GB2502799A; GB2502799B; GB201210042D0

Abstract

A holder arrangement for a food and/or drinks holder which is suitable for use on both soft ground G and a hard surface S comprises inclined legs 10 radially connected to a central pole 7 and either pegs 11 extending through apertures 19 in foot portions 18 of the legs and embedded in soft ground G or radial struts 14 having retaining portions 16 at their inner ends which are engaged with the bore of the central pole and hook portions 20 which engage said apertures 19. In this manner the holder arrangement can be supported securely on soft ground G or on a hard surface S. A kit of parts containing both the radial struts 14 and the pegs 11 is also provided.

Description

Holder Arraiwement for food and/or drinks holder, and Kit of Parts The present invention relates to a holder anangement (eg in the form of a snackstand) for a food and/or drinks holder (eg in the form of a drinks can and/or bottle holder or in the form of a snack receptacle). The invention also relates to a kit of parts for such an arrangement. The invention relates particularly but not exclusively to holder anangements for use either on soft ground or on hard surfaces at the option of the user.

iO US 5570863 discloses a holder for a beverage container, the holder comprising a metal rod having a pointed lower end which is stuck into the ground and an upper end which is wound into the form of a cylindrical helix for holding the container, in a variant, the rod is wrapped around the arm of a chair or other convenient support.

However such a holder is not suitable for use on a hard surface and its capacity is limited.

GB 2295965B, in the name of the present inventor, discloses a holder arrangement for a receptacle for food or drinks. The receptacle, which may be relatively deep, has a central tube extending from a re-entrant base portion. The re-entrant base portion covers an array of spring fingers extending downwardly from thc lower end of the tube. The spring fingers are clamped by a worm drive circular clip to a parasol pole of a garden table and thereby hold the receptacle above the table. However a relatively large garden table is required and in some situations such a table arrangement is not available or convenient.

The stability of a small snackstand (not clamped above a table) is inherently problematic, however.

Accordingly there is a need for an improved holder arrangement for a food and/or drinks holder.

The invention provides, in one aspect, a kit of parts for a food and/or drinks holder arrangement, the kit comprising a food and/or drinks holder having recesses for food or drinks, a central pole for supporting said food and/or drinks holdcr, legs radially connectable to said central pole and locating pegs which are removably engageable with complementary portions of the lower ends of said legs when the locating pegs are embedded in a ground surface.

Such a kit of parts enables the legs and hence the central pole and its supported food and/or drinks holder to be stabilised on soft ground by the locating pegs. In particular, the pegs prevent flexing of the legs in the vertical plane and prevent lifting of any of the legs if the food and/or drinks holder is knocked. Furthermore any accidental horizontal displacement of the legs at their connection to the central pole (eg as a result of being kicked) is prevented by the locating pegs.

Preferably the kit further comprises radial struts which each have an inner end shaped and dimensioned to fit a locating portion of the central pole and an outer end connectable to a said complementary portion of a said leg.

This feature enables the legs to be stabilised on hard surfaces, since the radial struts can be fitted between the central pole and the lower ends of the legs to prevent flexing of the legs, particularly in the vertical plane.

Preferably said locating portion is constituted by the bore of said central pole and said inner end comprises a transverse projection which in use engages said bore at the lower end of said central pole.

This feature enables the radial struts to be located at or near ground level where they are unobtrusive and unlikely to be knocked.

Preferably said complementary portions are apertures for selectively receiving further locating pegs or said other ends of said radial struts according to use.

This feature simplifies construction of the complementary portions.

Preferably said outer end of each radial strut comprises a hook portion.

This feature ensures that the radial struts are firmly secured to the legs.

In a preferred embodiment the kit further comprises circumferential struts which have opposite ends shaped and dimensioned to engage adjacent legs.

This feature prevents displacement of the legs in the horizontal plane, which would tend to destabilise the central pole and its supported food and/or drinks holder.

Preferably said circumferential struts extend radially outwardly from their connections to said adjacent legs.

This feature tends to stabilise the arrangement against tipping in a direction bisecting the angle between adjacent legs.

The kit can be provided in disassembled form for self-assembly.

In a related aspect the invention provides a holder arrangement for a food and/or drinks holder, the arrangement comprising an upright central pole carrying a food and/or drinks holder having one or more recesses for food or drinks, an array of legs extending radially outwardly from the central pole, and locatingpegs which are removably engageable with complementary portions of the lower ends of said legs when the locating pegs are embedded in a ground suiface.

Such an arrangement (which can be assembled from the kit of the first aspect) can be stably supported on soft ground.

In another related aspect the invention provides a holder arrangement for a food and/ or drinks holder, the arrangement comprising an upright central pole carrying a food and!or drinks holder having one or more recesses for food or drinks, an array of legs extending radially outwardly from the central pole, and radial struts whose inner ends are removably engaged with a locating portion of said lower end of said central pole and whose outer ends are connected to said legs.

Such an arrangement (which can be assembled from a preferred kit of the first aspect) can be stably supported on a hard surface.

Further preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an elevation, partially in section, of the lower portion of a holder arrangement, namely a snackstand, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an elevation, partially in section, of the lower portion of an alternative holder arrangement, namely a snackstand, in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the lower portion of the snackstand shown in Figure Figure 4 is a to plan view of one of the legs of the snackstand of Figure 1 or Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the clamp used to secure the legs to the upright pole of the snackstand of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 is a side elevation of the upper portion of a snackstand comprising a table with recesses for snacks, the lower lower portion of the snackstand being as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the table shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a side elevation of the upper portion of a snackstand comprising a drinks eanibottle holder, the lower portion being as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, and Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of the drinks can'bottle holder of Figure 8.

Referring to Figure 1, the lower portion of the snackstand comprises an upright tubular pole 7 of powder-coated mild steel or plastics material, and three legs 10 (only two of which are seen in the drawing) secured by a collar 8 at 120° to each other.

Collar 8 is formed of plastics material.

A tripod support comprising legs 10 is connected to the tubular pole 7 by collar 8.

Referring also to Figure 4, each leg 10 has a foot 18 with an aperture 19 for receiving the shaft ofa peg 11 which is embedded in the ground G, as seen in Figure 1. This prevents the feet 18 from lifting and stabilises the snackstand. Furthermore the pegs 11 prevent the legs 10 from being displaced in the horizontal direction, eg as a result of being kicked. Accordingly, the snackstand is very stable on soft ground.

In order to secure the central pole 7, it is fitted closely around the head of a peg 11 which is embedded in the ground G. This provides further stability.

Each leg 10 has an elbow portion at its upper end which terminates in a part-tubular mating portion 17 which fits against the pole 7. Mating portion 17 is provided with an internal longitudinal strengthening rib in order to provide further rigidity. In a variant, pole 7 could be divided into mating tubular sections to reduce the package size of the corresponding kit of parts when the arrangement is disassembled.

Referring also to Figure 5, collar 8 is provided with a radial threaded hole into which a handserew 9 is threaded. As seen in Figure 1, handserew 9 engages one of the mating portions 17 of a leg 10 and tightens the opposite wall portion of the collar against the mating portions 17 of the other two legs 10. In this manner the base of the snaekstand is securely supported.

Referring now to Figure 2, the snackstand can also be stably supported on a hard surface S. such as a patio, balcony, or even the floor of a building or caravan, for example. To this end, the pegs 11 of Figure 1 are dispensed with and three radial struts 14 (only two of which are shown) are connected between the apertures 19 of feet 18 and the bore of the lower end of the central pole 7. Each strut has a hooked portion 20 at its radially outer end which fits an aperture 19 and has an upright projection or leg 16 which bears against the bore of tube 7.

Accordingly the struts 14 lie on surface S and are kept in position by the weight of the snackstand. Optionally the surfaces of the struts 14, or at least the surface portions in contact with the surface S. have a high-friction coating such as rubber to prevent sliding on a smooth floor surface.

In other respects the arrangement of Figure 2 is as described above with reference to Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an underneath plan view showing the central tube 7, legs 10 and struts 14.

Optionally, as shown in dashed lines, circumferential struts 24 are provided at ground level (ie at the level of surface 5) between the feet 18 of adjacent legs 10. As shown, struts 24 are each bent outwardly so that they form a hexagonal base which further stabilises the snackstand against tipping. For example if the lower right-hand foot 18 were raised off surface 5, the diametrally opposite bend in the upper left-hand strut would prevent the snackstand tipping about the axis joining the left-hand and upper right-hand feet 18.

The ends of optional struts 24 are secured in feet 18 by any suitable means, eg horizontal bores (not shown) aligned with the strut ends or hook portions (not shown) of the struts 24 engaged in apertures 19. In this manner the struts 24 are held in a common plane at or near ground level.

The four pegs 11 of Figure 1, three legs 10, collar 8 with handscrew 9, tube 7 and struts 14 (and optionally struts 24) are included in a single kit of parts from which either the arrangement of Figure 1 or the arrangement of Figures 2 and 3 can be constructed, at the option of the user.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a table 2 for use with the arrangement of Figure 1 or Figures 2 and 3 is shown mounted on pole 7. It is suitably formed of semi-rigid plastics material, eg polycarbonate or high-density polyethylene, has a central aperture 15 and (for example) four integral spring fingers 3 distributed regularly around the circumference of the aperture and extending vertically downwardly. Each spring finger 3 subtends 900 when clamped, with only a small slit between adjacent spring fingers when they are in the unclamped configuration shown in Figure 7.

Keyhole-shaped cut-out portions C are provided in the periphery of the table to accommodate wine glasses (not shown) and tray recesses T are provided between the cut-out portions to accommodate trays (not shown) for finger food (cg nuts, crisps and the like).

Figures 8 and 9 show a drinks can or bottle holder 4 which can be used with the arrangement of Figure 1 or the arrangement of Figures 2 and 3. Figure 8 shows it mounted on the upper end of pole 7, resting on a frirther table 12 which is also supported on pole 7.

This holder is formed from parallel upper and lower wire rings of internal diameter d, which is suitably eg 80 to 90 mm to accommodate a wine bottle B. The rings are vertically spaced apart to define a height h of the enclosed portion of the wine bottle B. The value ofh is suitably 50 to 100 mm, eg 70 to 100mm in order to prevent the bottle being toppled over if knocked. In general, to ensure stability of the bottle or can, preferably h is greater than or equal to d/2.

Referring particularly to Figure 9, the sidewall of the holder 4 is completed by a regular array of upright struts which are spot-welded between the upper and lower rings. In this manner a rigid lightweight holder is formed, which does not obscure the label on the bottle B. Referring to Figure 9, the sidewall and base of the holder 4 are defined by four wires disposed in a regular circumferential array and spot-welded to the upper and lower rings. These wires are folded under the lower ring and, as best seen in Figure 9, are also spot-welded to a lower inner ring which has a diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of pole 7. The folded portions of the wires, lower ring and lower inner ring thereby define an annular base portion of the holder 4. The end sections of the wires are folded outwardly at theirjunction with the inner ring to form downwardly-projecting vertical resilient fingers 5 which extend beneath the bottom edge of the sidewall and beneath the underside of table 12.

Referring to Figure 8, further table 12 (for use with the arrangement of Figure 1 or Figures 2 and 3) is suitably formed of semi-rigid plastics material, eg polycarbonate or high-density polyethylene, and has a central aperture 15 and four integral spring fingers 3 (only two of which are visible in Figure 8) distributed regularly around the circumference of the aperture and extending vertically downwardly. Each spring finger 3 subtends 90° when clamped, with only a small slit between adjacent spring fingers when they are in the unclamped configuration.

As seen in Figure 8, the spring fingers 3 of the table 12 cover the resilient fingers 5 of the holder 4 and the resulting array of fingers 3 and 5 is clamped against the upper end of pole 7 by a circular worm drive clip 6 such as a Jubilee clip for example. In this manner the table 12 is supported firmly, and the bottle or drinks can holder 4, which rests on the table surface, is securely supported at or near table height, eg 0.6 to 0.8 m.

In a variant, the table 12 could be dispensed with and the clamp 6 fitted around just the resilient fingers 5 of the holder 4. In other variants the holder 4 could be sized to receive a standard drinks can (eg a 330 ml drinks can having a body diameter of 66 mm) in which case the dimension d in Figure 8 is suitably 66.5 mm to 70 mm and the dimension his suitably 60 mmto 130 mm. in a further variant the holder 4 could be sized to receive a stubby beer bottle of capacity about 350 ml, in which case the dimension d is suitably 70mm to 80 mm and the dimension his suitably 60 mm to 200 mm.

In a further variant, the table 2 of Figure 6 could be substituted for the table 12 of Figure 8. In a further variant, the table 12 of Figure 8 or the holder 4 could be dispensed with.

The above-described arrangements can be assembled from kits of parts optionally including parts from more than one of the described arrangements.

Reference is directed to co-pending GB1210042.6 and co-pending GB1213111.6, both in the name of the present applicant, which disclose similar snackstands but cover other features thereof

Claims

Claims I. A kit of parts for a food and/or drinks holder arrangement, the kit comprising a food and/or drinks holder having recesses for food or drinks, a central pole for supporting said food and/or drinks holder, legs radially connectable to said central pole and locating pegs which are removably engageable with complementary portions of the lower ends of said legs when the locating pegs arc embedded in a ground surface.
2. A kit of parts according to claim 1, further comprising radial struts which each have an inner end shaped and dimensioned to fit a locating portion of the central pole and an outer end connectable to a said complementary portion of a said leg.
3. A kit of parts according to claim 2, wherein said locating portion is constituted by the bore of said central pole and said inner end comprises a transverse projection which in use engages said bore at the lower end of said central pole.
4. A kit of parts according to claim 3 wherein said complementary portions are apertures for selectively receiving further locating pegs or said other ends of said radial struts according to use.
5. A kit of parts according to claim 4 wherein said outer end of each radial strut comprises a hook portion.
6. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, further comprising circumferential struts which have opposite ends shaped and dimensioned to engage adjacent legs.
7. Akit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein a lower end of said central pole is engageable with one of said locating pegs.
8. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim wherein said food and/or drinks holder is a generally cylindrical holder shaped and dimensioned to hold a drinks can or a bottle of drink.
9. A holder arrangement for a food and/or drinks holder, the arrangement comprising an upright central pole carrying a food and/or drinks holder having one or more recesses for food and/or drinks, an array of legs extending radially outwardly from the central pole, and locating pegs which are removably engageable with complementary portions of the lower ends of said legs when the locating pegs are embedded in a ground surface.
10. A holder arrangement for a food and/or drinks holder, the arrangement comprising an upright central pole carrying a food and/or drinks holder having one or more recesses for food and/or drinks, an array of legs extending radially outwardly from the central pole, and radial struts whose inner ends are removably engaged with a locating portion of said lower end of said central pole and whose outer ends are connected to said legs.
11. A holder arrangement according to claim 10 wherein said locating portion is constituted by the bore of said central pole and said inner end comprises a transverse projection which in use engages said bore at the lower end of said central pole.
12. A holder arrangement according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the lower end of the central pole is at substantially the same height as the outer ends of said legs 13. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein said food and/or drinks holder is a generally cylindrical holder shaped and dimensioned to hold a drinks can or a bottle of drink.14. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 13 wherein said outer end of each radial strut comprises a hook portion.15. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 14 wherein a lower end of said contra! pole is cngagcd with a furthcr locating pcg to prcvcnt lateral movcmcnt of said central pole.16. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 15, further comprising circumferential struts removably connected between adjacent legs.17. A holder arrangement according to claim 16 wherein said circumferential struts extend radially outwardly from their connections to said adjacent legs.18. A kit of parts for a food and/or drinks holder arrangement, the kit of parts comprising a central pole, legs, locating pegs and radial struts and optionally circumferential struts substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures I to 5 of the accompanying drawings and a food and/or drinks holder substantially as described hereinabove with rcfercncc to Figures 6 and 7 or Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.19. A holder arrangement for a food and!or drinks holder, thc arrangcmcnt being substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1, 4 and 5 or Figures 2 to 5 of thc accompanying drawings, in conjunction with Figurcs 6 and 7 or Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A kit of parts for a food and/or drinks holder arrangement, the kit comprising a food and/or drinks holder having recesses for food or drinks, a central pole for supporting said food and/or drinks holder, legs radially connectable to said central pole, radial struts which each have an inner end shaped and dimensioned to fit a locating portion of a lower end of the central pole and have an outer end connectable to a foot portion of a said leg, and locating pegs which are removably engageable with complementary portions of the lower ends of said legs when the locating pegs are embedded in a ground surface, wherein a lower end of said central pole is engageable with a further one of said locating pegs.2. A kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein said locating portion is constituted by C') the bore of said central pole and said inner end comprises a transverse projection which in use engages said bore at the lower end of said central pole. ow)3. A kit of parts according to claim 2 wherein said complementary portions are r apertures for selectively receiving frirther locating pegs or said other ends of said radial struts according to use.4. A kit of parts according to claim 3 wherein said outer end of each radial strut comprises a hook portion.5. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, further comprising circumferential struts which have opposite ends shaped and dimensioned to engage adjacent legs 6. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim wherein said food and/or drinks holder is a generally cylindrical holder shaped and dimensioned to hold a drinks can or a bottle of drink.7. A holder arrangement for a food and!or drinks holder, thc arrangement comprising an upright central pole carrying a food and/or drinks holder having one or more rcccsscs for food and/or drinks, an array of legs extending radially outwardly and downwardly from the central pole, and locating pegs which are removably engageable with complementary portions of the lower ends of said legs when the locating pegs are embedded in a ground surface, wherein a lower end of said central pole is engaged with a further locating peg to prevent lateral movement of said central pole.8. A holder arrangement for a food and!or drinks holder, the arrangement comprising C') an upright central pole carrying a food and/or drinks holder having one or more recesses for food and/or drinks, an array of legs extending radially outwardly and o 15 downwardly from the central pole, and radial struts whose inner ends are removably engaged with a locating portion of said lower end of said central pole and whose outer r ends are connected to outer foot portions of said legs, the lower end of said central pole being at substantially the same height as said foot portions.9. A holder arrangement according to claim 8 wherein said locating portion is constituted by the bore of said central pole and said inner end comprises a transverse projection which in usc engages said bore at the lower end of said central pole.10. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 7 to 9 wherein said food and/or drinks holder is a generally cylindrical holder shaped and dimensioned to hold a drinks can or a bottle of drink.II. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 7 to 10 wherein said outer end of each radial strut comprises a hook portion.12. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 7 to 11, further comprising circumferential struts removably connected between adjacent legs.
13. A holder arrangement according to claim 13 wherein said circumferential struts extend radially outwardly from their connections to said adjacent legs.
14. A kit of parts for a food and/or drinks holder arrangement, the kit of parts comprising a central pole, legs, locating pegs and radial struts and optionally circumferential struts substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures C') Ito 5 of the accompanying drawings and a food and/or drinks holder substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 6 and 7 or Figures 8 and 9 of the C) o accompanying drawings.Nr
15. A holder arrangement for a food and/or drinks holder, the arrangement being substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1, 4 and 5 or Figures 2 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, in conjunction with Figures 6 and 7 or Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.