GB2527369A

GB2527369A - Container

Info

Publication number: GB2527369A
Application number: GB1411057.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glyn Adams
Original assignee: TECHNOLOGY PLC
Current assignee: TECHNOLOGY PLC
Priority date: 2014-06-20
Filing date: 2014-06-20
Publication date: 2015-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-20
Also published as: WO2015193687A1; GB201411057D0; GB2527369B

Abstract

A container (1) suitable for food and drink has a plurality of compartments 2, 5, 9. Lower compartment 5 is capable of cooperating with a drinks holder, upper compartment 2 is substantially bowl shaped, and a middle compartment 9 formed between compartments 2 and 5, provides a thermal gap and has side walls of at least 12mm height. Apertures 11, 12 allow a straw to pass through upper and middle compartments 2, 9 and in to lower compartment 5 which itself may comprise a vent. Compartments may be joined by a threaded connector (13, Fig 4) which may be ring-shaped. Compartment walls are shown as 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10. A method of assembling such a container is also disclosed.

Description

I

CONTAINER

FIELD OF TIlE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers for food and/or beverages. Preferably, disposable containers for cinemas and the like.

BACKGROUND

Typically, separate containers are used for drinks and food in cinemas, festivals and other entertainment venues. The logistics of how to carry multiple containers and storage issues in confined spaces of e.g. a cinema seat may affect the amount and/or variety that a consumer buys.

Some ways to address such issues have been disposable trays to hold a multitude of different containers making it easier to buy more items. However, it This can be more problematic for families with young children who cannot be relied on carry their snacks to their seat themselves let alone sit still with trays on their lap.

WO 03/043469 and US 2013/0171303 have attempted to overcome such issues. WO 03/043469 provides a central beverage container with two opposing bins for popcorn and the like which sit either side of the bvereage container. This option limits the size of the bins by the need to still be able to hold the tray type structure by the beverage container.

US 2013/011303 provide a dual container where the lower half provide a vessel for a beverage and the upper half provides a vessel for popcorn. In one embodiment, the dual container is integral and the straw is in the side of the drinks vessel portion.

However, this will likely result in the spoilage of the drink on carrying the item. In the other embodiment the container comes in a two part form and the food section provides an aperture for the straw. However, a problem with both embodiments is that the drink provided below may make the contents of the food section soggy, this may be more apparent when hot items are placed in the food section.

It would be therefore be desirable to provide an innovative way to address the problems of buying more than one item and how to store such items when in e.g. the cinema.

SUMMARY OF TIlE INVENTION

The present invention relates a container suitable for food and drink have a plurality of compartments; wherein said container comprises: a. a lower compartment suitable for retaining a beverage defined by a bottom wall having a perimeter configured to cooperate with a drinks holder, and s sidewall that extends substantially about the perimeter of the bottom and upward from the bottom to from a lower compartment with a top wall; b. an upper compartment suitable for holding food defined by a bottom wall, and a sidewall or sidewalls that extends substantially about the perimeter of the bottom and upward to form an upper compartment; and c. a middle compartment formed between the upper and lower compartment, the sidewall or sidewalls being of height sufficient to provide a thermal gap between the bottom wall of the upper compartment and top wall of the lower compartment.

Advantageously, the container is easy to carry and use, stable, and will fit securely into a drinks holder. Bandy straws of a suitable length may be used such that the end user can drink the beverage without the need to remove the container from the drinks holder.

Advanategously, the built in thermal gap allows for there to be a temperature gap between the comparments without the affecting the useability of the container, thereby increasing the versatility of the container.

Preferably, wherein the sidewall(s) of the middle compartment are at least 12mm or at least 15mm or at least 18 mm high. Preferably, the side wall(s) of the middle compartment are between 12 and 20mm. However, any depth which enables a thermal gap to be achieved can be used in accordance with the present invention.

Preferably, there is cooperating apertures between the top wall of the lower compartment and bottom wall of the upper compartment to enable the passage of a straw through the inside of the upper compartment, the thermal gap and into the lower compartment. Thus, advantageously, this obviates the need for an aperture in the side wall of the lower compartment and any side leakages resulting therefrom.

Preferably, the lower compartment has at least one vent separate to the aperture for the straw so that atmospheric pressure can be maintained. Preferably, the vent is formed via an aperture in the top wall of the lower compartment and an aperture in the sidewall of the middle compartment.

Preferably, the upper and/or lower compartments have one or more internal walls to create further compartments. For example, the lower compartment may be split into two or more via an internal wall(s) to allow two or more different drinks to be retained separately in the lower compartment. Each sub compartment may have apertures in the top wall of the lower compartment for straws. Thus enabling the container of the present invention to provide for two or more drinks which may be advantageous e.g. for family sized containers. Likewise the upper compartment may be split via internal walls into two or more compartments.

Preferably, the upper compartment is substantially bowl shaped and the diameter of the upper compartment is wider than the diameter of the lower compartment. Thus advantageously providing an upper compartment of greater volume than the lower compartment.

Preferably, the lower compartment is cup shaped. Advantageously, the container of the present invention may be formed using beverage cups standard at the cinema and the like to form the lower compartment.

Preferably, the upper compartment, comprises a rim extending distally from the bottom wall. Preferably, the diameter of the rim is smaller than the diameter than the diameter of the upper compartment. Preferably, the bottom wall of the upper compartment comprises at least one aperture.

Preferably, the upper and lower compartments are joined by a threaded connection. However, any stable connection may be used including a bayonet connection or push connection.

Preferably, the upper and lower compartments are joined via a connector. A three part system may provide advantages for retailers allowing the upper and lower compartments to be used alone when a customer is purchasing for example, just a drink or a food item and allowing easy connection when both are being purchased.

This obviates the need for separate packaging for single drink or food purchases.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling a container in accordance with the present invention, said method comprising: 1) providing a lower compartment having a bottom, one or more sidewalls and an upper opening; 2) placing a beverage inside the compartment; 3) connecting the upper compartment to the lower compartment; and 4) placing a food into the upper compartment, wherein step 4) can occur before, during or after any one of steps 1 to 3.

Suitably, connecting step 3) may utilize a connector.

Suitably, the upper compartment may connect via a threaded or bayonet connection. n

In another aspect, the present invention provides a ring shaped connector to connect a beverage container to a food container.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a bowl shaped container suitable for use as the upper compartment in the container of claim 1 defined by a bottom wall, and a sidewall or sidewalls that extends substantially about the perimeter of the bottom and upward from to form an upper compartment and a rim extending distally from the bottom wall; wherein the largest diameter of the rim is smaller than the diameter than the diameter of the bottom wall and wherein the bottom wall comprises at least one aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a container (1) of the present hivention having an upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (5) with a middle compartment (9) providing a thermal gap.

Figure 2 is a container in accordance with figure 1 showing cooperating apertures (11, 12) in the top wall of the lower compartment and bottom wall of the upper compartment which enables a straw 13 to be passed between the comparments.

Figure 3 is a container in accordance with figure 1 configured to be used with two straws.

Figure 4 shows a container (1) of the present invention an upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (5) with a middle compartment (9) providing a thermal gap.

Figure 4A shows an embodiment when the an upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (5) with a middle compartment (9) are connected. Figure 4b shows the sections of the container separated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various systems, methods and apparatuses are provided hereunder which can be used to provide a container having multiple compartments useable for food (such as popcorn, hot dogs, chips, nachos and the like) and beverages (such as soda or water or hot drinks).

Figure 1 shows a container (1) suitable for food and drink have a plurality of compartments; wherein said container (1) comprises: a. a lower compartment (5) suitable for retaining a beverage defined by a bottom wall (6) having a perimeter configured to cooperate with a drinks holder, and a sidewall (7) that extends substantially about the perimeter of the bottom and upward from the bottom to from a lower compartment (5) with a top wall (8); b. an upper compartment (2) suitable for holding food defined by a bottom wall (3), and a sidewall or sidewalls (4) that extends substantially about the perimeter of the bottom and upward from an upper compartment (2); c. a middle compartment (9) formed between the upper (2) and lower (5) compartment, the sidewall or sidewalls (10) being of height sufficient to provide a thermal gap between the bottom wall (3) of the upper compartment and top wall (8) of the lower compartment.

Preferably the bottom wall (6) of the lower compartment (5) is substantially circular in cross-section as shown in Figure 1 and may have a diameter between 55 to 67 mm.

It will be readily understood that the diameter may change according to the size of the lower container (5). For example, when the lower container (5) is designed to retain 22oz fluid it may be approx. 62mm in diameter, whereas a 32oz cup may be approx.

67mm in diameter. In some aspects of the present invention standard beverage cups currently used for soda may be employed and the conventional materials for such purposes may be used to form the lower compartment, such as PP, PET or a product that has a resin code of 1-7. When the lower compartment (5) is to be used to retain hot beverages, standard materials used for hot beverage cups may be used including the additional used of sleeves for example.

The upper compartment (2) may have a greater diameter than the lower compartment (5) as illustrated in Figure 1. This is particularly useful for popcorn. Preferably, the ratio of maximal diameter of the upper compartment to the maximal diameter of the lower compartment is at least 1.2:1, preferably at least 1.5:1, preferably at least 1.8:1.

Suitably, the upper compartment may be made of PET.

The shape formed by the sidewalls (2) may change depending, for example, on the food item being retained in the upper compartment (5). Thus, standard food packaging used may be adapted to enable connection to a lower compartment of the present invention either directly or via a connector.

In one aspect the container of the present invention may come in two or more parts (an upper portion containing the upper compartment (2), a lower portion containing the lower compartment (5) and optionally a connector).

In one aspect the side wall(s) (10) of the middle compartment (9) may be integral with the upper compartment (2). In another aspect the side wall(s) (10) of the middle compartment (9) may at least in part formed separate to the upper compartment (2) in the form of e.g. a connector. A connector (if used) may be made from any suitable material including e.g. HDPE.

The connecting means may be any means which provides a stable connection, such as a push connection, treaded connection or bayonet connection. In one preferably aspect, the connection is a threaded sleeve connection.

Referring to Figure 1 the container (1) comprises an upper compartment (2) formed by bottom wall (3) and side wall (4). The lower compartment (5) is formed by bottom wall (6) side wall (7) and top wall (8). The middle compartment (9) formed between the upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (5) with side wall (10) provides a thermal gap of 12mm between the upper (2) and lower (5) compartments. The upper part connects to the lower part via a connector which is a threaded sleeve coupling having an internal pitch thread of at least 10mm. The threads are preferably plastic, to permit the upper and lower compartments to screw together.

Suitably, the connection between the upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (5) is reversible so that, if desired, the user can remove the upper container (2), for example to pass it around to share with others.

Suitably respective upper compartments and lower compartments are stackable for ease of storage prior to assembly.

Figure 2 shows a preferable embodiment of the present invention when the upper and lower compartments have cooperating apertures (11, 12) which enable a drinking straw to be passed through the upper compartment (2), through the middle compartment (9) and into the bottom compartment (5).

Suitably, the containers of the present invention may additionally be provided with one or more bendy straws of sufficient length to enable a user to be able to drink from the container when the container is placed in a drinks holder on an armrest next to the user.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a container of the present invention providing apertures for two straws. Referring to figure 3 it can be seen that by providing an internal wall in the bottom compartment (5) the container of the present invention would allow the container to be used for two different drinks for shared use. For example, at the theatre or cinema the container could be place in the drinks holder on an arm rest between two user and both would be able to drink and eat from the container without the need to move the container.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the container (1) of the present invention is comprised of three parts: an upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (5) with a thermal void component (13) which provides the middle compartment (9) providing a thermal gap. Figure 4A shows an embodiment wherein the upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (5) with a middle compartment (9) are connected. Figure 4b shows the parts of the container separated. As can be seen, the upper container (2) may comprise a rim (14) extending distally from the bottom wall (3). This rim may comprise an internal thread. Furthermore, the upper compartment may comprise one or more apertures in the bottom wall (3). The thermal void component (13) may be configured to provide a thermal gap of at least 12mm between the upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (5). Suitably the rim (14) of the upper compartment (2) may be of sufficient depth for the thermal void component (13) to sit fully within the rim (13) and the lower compartment (5) may connect to the I rim (13) of the upper compartment (2).

Thus, the present invention provides practical, versatile containers for use in the cinema, at the theatre, festivals and in the car for example. The containers are easy to hold and solve the problem of providing ease of carriage and stable storage of food and drinks items.

Variations and modifications of these embodiments will occur to those of skill in the art after reviewing this disclosure. The foregoing features and aspects may be implemented, in any combination and subcombinations (including multiple dependent combinations and subcombinations), with one or more other features described herein.

The various features described or illustrated below, including any components thereof, may be combined or integrated in other systems. Moreover, certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container suitable for food and drink have a plurality of compartments; wherein said container comprises: a. A lower compartment suitable for retaining a beverage defined by a bottom wall having a perimeter configured to cooperate with a drinks holder, and s sidewall that extends substantially about the perimeter of the bottom and upward from the bottom to from a lower compartment with a top wall; b. An upper compartment suitable for holding food defined by a bottom wall, and a sidewall or sidewalls that extends substantially about the perimeter of the bottom and upward to form an upper compartment; and c. A middle compartment formed between the upper and lower compartment, the sidewall or sidewalls being of height sufficient to provide a thermal gap between the bottom wall of the upper compartment and top wall of the lower compartment.
2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the sidewall(s) of the middle compartment are at least 12mm high.
3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein there are cooperating apertures between the top wall of the lower compartment and bottom wall of the upper compartment to enable the passage of a straw through the inside of the upper compartment, the thermal gap and into the lower compartment.
4. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the lower compartment has at least one vent.
5. A container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the upper andlor lower compartments have one or more internal walls to create further compartments.
6. A container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper compartment is substantially bowl shaped and the diameter of the upper compartment is wider than the diameter of the lower compartment.
7. A container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lower compartment is cup shaped.
8. A container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper and lower compartments are joined by a threaded connection.
9. A container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper and lower compartments are joined via a connector.
10. A method of assembling a container in accordance with claim 1, said method comprising: 1) providing a lower compartment having a bottom, one or more sidewalls and an upper opening; 2) placing a beverage inside the compartment; 3) connecting the upper compartment to the lower compartment; and 4) placing a food into the upper compartment, wherein step 4) can occur before, during or after any one of steps 1 to 3.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the connecting step 3) utilizes a connector.
12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the upper compartment connects via a threaded or bayonet connection.
13. Use of a ring shaped connector to connect a beverage container to a food container.
14. A bowl shaped container suitable for use as the upper compartment in the container of claim 1 defined by a bottom wall, and a sidewall or sidewalls that extend substantially about the perimeter of the bottom and upward from to form an upper compartment and a rim extending distally from the bottom wall; whereth the largest diameter of the rim is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the bottom wall and wherein the bottom wall comprises at least one aperture.
15. A container according to claim 1 and as substantially described herein.
16. A method according to claim 12 and as substantially described herein.
17. A use according to claim 13 and as substantially described herein.
18. A bowl according to claim 14 and as substantially described herein.