GB2628474A

GB2628474A - Food and beverage transportation system

Info

Publication number: GB2628474A
Application number: GB2402678.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leal Olivas Daniel
Original assignee: Coffeerun Delivery Ltd
Current assignee: Coffeerun Delivery Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-25
Filing date: 2024-02-26
Publication date: 2024-09-25
Also published as: GB202302764D0; GB202402678D0; WO2024175937A1

Abstract

A food and beverage transportation system 100 comprising an outer container 101; and a holder 102 for one or more food or beverage containers 122, wherein the outer container is hollow and wherein the holder is mounted within the container such that the holder can move about two perpendicular axes X, Y, each axis extending through the holder. Preferably the system comprises a suspension system arranged to absorb and damp shock impulses during transportation. The system may also comprise one or more legs 130 and an annular frame 120, where there may be a dampener and a frame support between the legs and frame and where there may be another dampener between the frame support and the frame. Each suspension leg may secured to the base of the outer container via a third dampener and may comprise a shock absorber. The system may also comprise a locking mechanism. The system allows food and particularly drinks, such as coffee, to be delivered in a near perfect condition.

Description

FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Background

The present invention relates generally to a food and beverage transportation system. The food and beverage transportation system may be arranged to stabilise and prevent spillage during transportation of food or beverage items, often multiple food and beverage items, for example cups of coffee, alcoholic drinks or foods which may be in solid or liquid form.

There is continually increasing demand for delivery in the food and beverage industry. However, there is a need for a food and beverage transportation system that reduce spillage of the food or beverage during transport.

For some liquid products, for example coffee, some of the physical properties of the beverage, such as the thickness and quality of a foam uppermost layer of the coffee, can deteriorate quickly and impact the quality, or perceived quality, of the product when received by a customer. The maintenance of these physical properties is therefore particularly important in ensuring that the received product meets the customer's requirements.

There can also be a need to insulate the food or beverage from temperature and/or pressure changes to preserve quality.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system that allows for the transport of food or beverage items, having improved spillage reduction. The system may also insulate the items from one or more of shaking, temperature changes and pressure changes.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention there is provided a food and beverage transportation system comprising: an outer container; and a holder for one or more food or beverage containers, wherein the outer container is hollow and wherein the holder is mounted within the container such that the holder can move about two perpendicular axes, each axis extending through the holder.

The system may further comprise a suspension system arranged to absorb and damp shock impulses during transportation of the food and beverage transportation system.

In a preferred embodiment the suspension system comprises one or more legs.

In another preferred embodiment the suspension system comprises at least one substantially annular frame. -2 -

The suspension system may comprise at least one first dampener between said legs and said frame.

In a preferred embodiment the suspension system comprises at least one frame support between said legs and said frame.

In another preferred embodiment the suspension system comprises at least one second dampener between said frame support and said frame.

The or each suspension leg may be secured to the base of the outer container via at least one third dampener.

In a preferred embodiment the or each leg comprises a shock absorber.

In another preferred embodiment the or each leg comprises a spring and fluid dampener.

In a further preferred embodiment the frame is connected to said holder via a substantially annular intermediate member.

The frame may be connected to said substantially annular intermediate member via a first of said two perpendicular axes and said substantially annular intermediate member may be connected to said holder via a second of said two perpendicular axes.

The system may further comprise a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of said substantially annular intermediate member and said holder and the locking mechanism preferably includes at least one magnet.

In a preferred embodiment the holder is mounted on a multi-axis gimbal within the outer container.

In another preferred embodiment the multi-axis gimbal comprises a two or three axis gravity or software powered gimbal.

The holder may hold a plurality of food or beverage containers and may comprise one or more trays or boxes.

In a preferred embodiment the holder comprises one or more platforms.

In another preferred embodiment the or each platform includes one or more apertures capable of receiving a food or beverage container.

In a further preferred embodiment where more than one platform is provided the platforms are arranged one above the other as one or more tiers, allowing the carriage of food or beverage containers in a stacked configuration.

The present invention provides a food and beverage transportation system comprising an outer container and a holder for one or more food or beverage container, wherein the outer container is hollow and wherein the holder is mounted within the -3 -container such that the holder can move about two perpendicular axes, each axis extending through the holder.

The holder may be suitable for holding one food or beverage container.

The holder may be suitable for holding a plurality of food or beverage containers.

The holder may comprise one or more trays or boxes. The one or more trays or boxes may be of a regular shape, for example a square or a rectangle. The one or more trays or boxes may be open trays or boxes. The one or more trays or boxes may comprise a base and four sides. The four sides may extend upwards from the base. The one or more trays or boxes may be provided with a lid.

The holder may comprise one or more platforms. The or each platform may include one or more apertures capable of receiving a food or beverage container.

The or each platform may be of a regular shape, for example a square or a rectangle.

Where more than one platform is provided the platforms may be arranged one above the other as one or more tiers, allowing the carriage of food or beverage containers in a stacked configuration.

The holder may be adapted to carry one food or beverage container. The holder may be adapted to carry a plurality of food or beverage containers, such as for example between 2 and 100 food or beverage containers. The holder may be adapted to carry between 2 and 80, or between 2 and 60, or between 2 and 40, or between 2 and 30, or between 2 and 20 food or beverage containers.

Each platform may be provided with from 1 to 50 apertures for receiving and holding a food or beverage container, for example from 1 to 40, 1 to 30, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 16, 1 to 15, 1 to 14, 1 to 12, 1 to 10, 1 to 8 apertures, or from 2 to 40, 2 to 30, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 16, 2 to 15, 2 to 14, 2 to 12, 2 to 10, 2 to 8 apertures, or from 3 to 40, 3 to 30, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 16, 3 to 15, 3 to 14, 3 to 12, 3 to 10, 3 to 8 apertures.

In some embodiments, each aperture may be capable of receiving an individual food or beverage container having a volume of up to about 500 mL, such as up to about 450 mL, such as up to about 350 mL, such as up to about 250 mL, such as up to about 200 mL.

The holder may be adapted to move about any two or more of the following axes: A first axis which is a longitudinal axis extending from one side to an opposing side of the holder. The first axis is preferably parallel to the base of the outer container. The first axis is preferably horizontal when the system is in a static rest position.

A second axis which is a longitudinal axis extending from one side to an opposing side of the holder. The second axis is preferably perpendicular to the first axis. The second -4 -axis is preferably parallel to the base of the outer container. The second axis is preferably horizontal when the system is in a static rest position.

A third axis which is a longitudinal axis extending from one side to an opposing side of the holder. The third axis is preferably perpendicular to the first and second axes. The third axis is preferably parallel to a side wall of the outer container. The third axis is preferably vertical when the system is in a static rest position.

The holder may be adapted to rotate about any of the first, second and third axes. The holder may be adapted to rotate about any two or more of the first, second and third axes.

The holder may be adapted to rotate around the first axis and around the second axis. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second axes may be in the same horizontal plane.

The holder may be adapted to rotate around the first axis, or the second axis, and the third axis which is perpendicular to the first, or second, axis.

The holder may be adapted to rotate around the first axis and around the second axis and around the third axis. The first axis may be perpendicular to the second axis. The first and second axes may be in the same horizontal plane. The third axis may be perpendicular to the first and second axes and in the vertical plane.

The angle through which the holder is adapted to rotate around any of the axes may be up to and including 45°. For example, the holder may rotate through up to 40°, up to 35°, up to 30°, up to 25°, up to 20°, up to 15°, up to 10°, up to 5°, or up to 3°.

The holder may be adapted to move along any of the first, second and third axes.

The holder may be adapted to rotate about any of the first, second and third axes and in addition move along any of the first, second and third axes.

The holder may be adapted to rotate about one or both of the first and second axes and in addition the holder may be adapted to move along the third axis.

The holder may be mounted on a multi-axis gimbal within the outer container. The multi-axis gimbal may comprise a two or three axis gravity or software powered gimbal.

The holder may be mounted within a support frame such that it can move, for example rotate, about the first axis. The holder may be pivotally mounted within the support frame. The holder may be pivotally mounted within the support frame by any suitable means, such as by means of an anchor pivot.

The support frame may be mounted to an leg extending from the base of the outer container such that the support frame can move, for example rotate, about the second axis.

The support frame may be mounted to two legs, each extending from the base of the outer -5 -container, such that the support frame can move, for example rotate, about the second axis. The support frame may be pivotally mounted to the or each leg. The support frame may be pivotally mounted to the or each leg by any suitable means, such as by means of an anchor pivot. The or each leg may be a suspension leg as defined below.

The food and beverage transportation system may further comprise a suspension system arranged to absorb and damp shock impulses during transportation of the food and beverage transportation system.

The suspension system may comprise one or more suspension legs. The or each suspension leg may be secured to the base of the outer container.

The or each suspension leg may each comprise a spring and damper portion. The or each suspension leg may further comprise an abutment member.

The or each suspension leg may be secured to the base of the outer container, for example by being secured to or integral with the abutment member. The abutment member may be secured to or integral with the base of the outer container.

The spring and damper portion may be elongate. The spring and damper portion may have a first end and a second end. The spring and damper portion may be secured to the abutment member at a first end.

The spring and damper portion may be secured to the support frame in which the holder is mounted at its second end.

The support frame may be mounted on the second end of the spring and damper portion of the suspension leg such that it can move, for example rotate, about the second axis. The support frame may be pivotally mounted to the second end of the spring and damper portion. The support frame may be pivotally mounted to the second end of the spring and damper portion by means of an anchor pivot.

Ideally there are the two suspension legs positioned on opposing sides of the holder.

In this arrangement the second axis passes through the second ends of the spring and damper portions of the two suspension legs.

The holder and/or support frame may be provided with weights. The weights ideally ensure that the platform adopts a horizontal position within the outer container when the outer container is at rest in a horizontal position.

Alternatively, the holder and/or support frame may be provided with software powered motorised axes to optimise the inclination and rotation.

The springs may oscillate in response to vertical movement of the carrier or vehicle, for example when travelling over bumps in the road, while the dampers may dampen the -6 -movement of the springs in order to minimise vertical impact to beverages held within the apertures of the holder.

Preferably, the food and beverage transportation system may comprise up to four suspension legs.

For example, the food and beverage transportation system may comprise a double spring-loaded holder having two suspension legs within the outer container to minimise vertical impact to food or beverages within the container.

The outer container may be a six-sided enclosure such as a cube-or cuboid-shaped enclosure. The outer container ideally comprises four walls, a base and a lid.

The food and beverage transportation system may be adapted to adopt a first position in which the lid is open and the contents of the outer container may be accessed and a second position in which the lid is closed, for example during transport of the device and its contents.

The food and beverage transportation system may comprise a seal surrounding the lid in order to create an air-tight enclosure to minimise changes in temperature. Suitable seals include for example a rubber seal.

The lid may be removable.

The lid may be secured to one of the walls by a suitable means, such as for example a suitable hinge.

Some or all of the walls, base and lid may comprise an interior and an exterior face.

All of the walls, base and lid may comprise an interior and an exterior face. The interior and exterior faces may be separated by a space. In some embodiments, the food and beverage transportation system uses air gap insulation. In these cases, the space separating the interior and exterior faces of the walls, base and lid may be filled with gas, such as for example air. In some embodiments, some or all of the walls, base and lid comprise a thermally insulating material disposed in the space separating the interior and exterior face. Examples of thermally insulating materials include polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane or similar insulation material. In preferred embodiments, insulation material will be contained within the space for all four walls, the base and the lid of the outer container.

The food and beverage transportation system may also comprise a heating element to normalise temperature change within the outer container.

The or each platform of the holder may comprise a heating element, such as for example low voltage carbon fibre heat protected wires.

Some or all of the walls, base and lid may comprise a heating element, such as for example low voltage carbon fibre heat protected wires, disposed in the space separating the interior and exterior face. -7 -

The food and beverage transportation system may be fixed to and removable from a bicycle, moped, motorcycle, scooter or other similar delivery vehicle.

The food and beverage transportation system may optionally further comprise one or more suspension members secured to and extending from the exterior face of the base of the outer container. The suspension members may, in use, be secured to or rested on a part of the vehicle transporting the system during transportation.

Description of Figures

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and not in any!imitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 shows an example food and beverage transportation system according to the invention; Figure 2 shows another example food and beverage transportation system according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a further example food and beverage transportation system according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the system of figure 3 in a working condition; Figures 5 and 6 are sectional views of the system of figure 3 cut perpendicular to each other along the x and y axes respectively; Figure 7 is a plan view of the system of figure 3; Figures 8, 9 and 10 are perspective and sectional views of a portion of the system of figure 3; Figures 11 and 12 are perspective and sectional views of another portion of the system of figure 3; Figures 13, 14 and 15 are perspective views in two different conditions and a sectional view of another portion of the system of figure 3; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the system of figure 3 in use; and Figure 17 is a perspective and sectional view of an alternative embodiment off the system of figure 3.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring initially to figures 1 and 2, a food and beverage transportation systems (100) comprises an outer container (101), in this example the outer container is shaped to define a cuboid hollow enclosure having four walls (105), a base (115) and a lid (125). The lid (125) may be openable by means of a hinge arrangement or removable to allow access to -8 -the inside of the container. The figure shows the outer container (101) as a hollow box of square cross-section.

The walls (105), base (115) and lid (125) each comprise an internal face (105b, 115b, 125b) and an external face (105a, 115a, 125a) separated by a space (112). The space (112) contains a gas, such as for example air, a thermally insulative material, such as for example polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane or similar insulation material, or a heating element, such as low voltage carbon fibre heat protected wires.

A holder (102) for food or beverage containers (122) is enclosed within the outer container (101).

In the system of Figure 1, the holder (102) comprises a first platform (102a) with a plurality of apertures (103) each capable of receiving and holding a food or beverage container (122). The holder (102) shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 comprises a second platform (102b) positioned below the first platform, as two tiers. The first and second platforms are spaced apart but secured together and each is capable of receiving and holding 8 to 12 food or beverage containers. The first platform (102a) may be separable from the second platform (102b) in use to allow ease of access to the second platform (102b).

In the system of Figure 2, the holder (102) comprises a tray having a base (102c) and four side walls (102d).

The holder (102) is mounted within a support frame (120) such that the holder can move, for example rotate, about a first central longitudinal axis (x) through the holder. In this embodiment the holder (102) is pivotally mounted to the support frame (120) by means of pivot (121).

The holder (102) is suspended within the outer container (101) by two suspension legs (130).

The suspension legs (130) extend between the base (115) of the outer container (101) and the support frame (120) in which the holder (102) is mounted.

The suspensions legs (130) each comprise a spring and damper portion (131) and an abutment means (132).

The suspensions legs (130) are each secured to the base (115) of the outer container (101) by the abutment member (132). The abutment member (132) is secured to or integral with the base (115) of the outer container (101).

The spring and damper portion (131) is elongate and has a first end (131a) and a second end (131b). The spring and damper portion (131) is secured to the abutment member (132) at its first end (131a). -9 -

The spring and damper portion (131) is secured to the support frame (120) in which the holder (102) is mounted at its second end (131b).

The support frame (120) is mounted to the second end (131b) of the spring and damper portion (131) such that it can move, for example rotate, about a second central longitudinal axis (y) through the holder (102). The support frame (120) may be pivotally mounted to the second end (131b) of the spring and damper portion (131). In this embodiment the support frame (120) is pivotally mounted to the second end (131b) of the spring and damper portion (131) by means of pivot (135).

The two suspension legs (130) are positioned on opposing sides of the holder (102) to each other. The second central longitudinal axis (y) passes through the second ends (131b) of the spring and damper portions (131) of the two suspension legs (130).

The first central longitudinal axis (x) is perpendicular to the second central longitudinal axis (y).

The first (x) and second (y) central longitudinal axes are in the same horizontal plane as each other.

The support frame (120) is provided with weights (140) to ensure that the holder (102) adopts a horizontal position within the outer container (101) when the system is at rest with the outer container (101) in a horizontal position.

The mounting of the holder (102) within the support frame (120) allows the holder (102) to rotate around a first axis (x) which extends longitudinally from the point of attachment of the holder (102) to the support frame (120).

The mounting of the support frame (120) to the second end (131b) of the spring and damper portion (131) of the suspension leg (130) allows the holder (102) to rotate around a second axis (y) which extends longitudinally through the points of attachment of the support frame (120) to the second end (131b) of the spring and damper portions (131). The second axis (y) is perpendicular to the first axis (x) and the first and second axes lie in the same plane. The plane is horizontal when the system is at rest with the outer container (101) in a horizontal position.

The suspension legs (130) allow movement of the holder (102) around or along an axis (z) extending longitudinally through the holder (102) from the base (115) of the outer container (101) to the lid (125) of the outer container (101), ideally through the holder (102) from the mid-point of the base (115) of the outer container to the mid-point of the lid (125) of the outer container (101).

In use the lid (125) is opened to allow access to the inside of the outer container (101). Food or beverage containers can be placed in the apertures (103) in the first (102a) and second (102b) platforms or in the tray (102). The lid can then be closed. A seal is provided between the lid and the external faces of the walls.

-10 -The system can be transported by foot, bicycle, moped, motorbike or car and the mounting of the holder (102) in the support frame (120), and the mounting of the support frame (120) to the suspension leg (130) to allow movement of the holder with movement of the transportation means allows the food or beverage containers to remain in a relatively vertical position despite movement of the system, for example as the transportation means travels around corners or roundabouts or starts and stops suddenly.

In addition, the mounting of the holder (102) through suspension legs (130) allows the bumps encountered by the transportation means to be absorbed so that the holder and the food or beverage containers are not exposed to excessive vibration or jolts.

Referring now to figures 3 to 15, in which components equivalent to those depicted in figures 1 and 2 have been labelled with like reference numerals increased by 100, a food and particularly beverage transportation system 200 is provided for use inside an outer container 201 (see figure 16 which shows an uninsulated container with the front removed and the system loaded with cups). The transportation system 200 includes a holder 202 which is able to move on two perpendicular axes (axis x and axis y, see figure 7) which extend through the holder 202. This use of the holder 202 and the perpendicular axes creates a gimbal for the holder. That gimbal is supported on a suspension system which is arranged to absorb and damp shock impulses during transportation of the food and beverage transportation system. The holder 202 contains seven apertures 203 each of which is sized to hold a cup. The holder 202 is attached to a support frame in the form of a substantially annular intermediate member 220 via a pivot 221 which allows the holder 202 to swing around the axis x. The substantially annular intermediate member (hereinafter referred to as the intermediate frame 220) is pivotally attached to a fixed frame 242 via a pivot 235 which allows the holder 202 and intermediate frame 220 to swing around the axis y. Both the intermediate frame 220 and the outer fixed frame 242 have reinforcing ribs which increase the rigidity of the ring shaped structures. Looking specifically at figures 5 and 6, a reinforcing rib 220a can be seen extending downwards from the intermediate frame 220 and a reinforcing rib 242a can be seen extending upwards from the outer fixed frame 242.

Located below the fixed frame 242 is a frame support 244. Both the fixed frame 242 and the frame support 244 are substantially annular in shape and in the embodiment shown in figures 3 to 15 both frames are substantially the same shape that being circular with protrusions 246 and 248 extending therefrom. On the support frame 244, the protrusions 248 connect to the legs 230.

Preferably, although not essentially, the suspension system includes multiple dampener components which together cooperate to facilitate transportation of the food and or beverage to arrive in as close to perfect condition as possible. Between the fixed frame 242 and frame support 244 are at least one and preferably two dampening materials that form part of the suspension system of the transportation system 200. The first dampening material 250 is located between the protrusions 246 and 248 and are therefore located directly over the legs 230. Examples of suitable first dampening materials include, but are not limited to, air filled balls such as squash balls, springs, elastomeric materials and foam materials. The second dampening material 252 is located between the part annular sections of the fixed frame 242 and the support frame 244. This could be a completely annular second dampening material extending around the whole of the annular portions of the fixed and support frames or could be part annular between the protrusions 246 and 248. Examples of suitable second dampening materials include, but are not limited to, foam materials, elastomeric materials and springs and ideally these second dampening materials are partially compressed between the fixed frame 242 and the support frame 244.

Also as part of the suspension system, the food and beverage transportation system includes at least one, and preferably four legs 230. In the embodiment shown in figures 3 to 15, the legs 230 are solid and do not in themselves provide part of the suspension of the suspension system. However, the solid legs 230 can be replaced with other similar legs which include a suspension element. For example, the legs 230 could include shock absorbers which utilise springs and or fluid, pneumatic or hydraulic, dampening. Examples of such shock absorbers are those which are commonly used on radio controlled cars. Furthermore, the legs 230 could be formed or could be partially formed from a dampening material such as those listed above.

With particular reference to figures 11 and 12, The legs are fixed to the inner base surface of the container via a base plate 254. Sandwiched between the base plate 254 and the inner base surface of the container are third dampeners 256. The third dampeners are most preferably in the form of elastomeric inserts but could also be springs or other dampening materials. In the embodiment shown in figures 3 to 15, the legs are fixed at their upper ends to the frame support 244 and at their lower ends to the base plate 254.

To assist in the operation of the gimbal mechanism, a gimbal weight 258 is suspended below the holder, and in particular below the central most aperture 203a, on a series of weight support legs 260.

With particular reference to figures 13 to 15, when loading drinks into the apertures 230 of the holder 202 it is important that the holder remains stable and does not swing about the x and y axes. As a result, a magnetic gimbal lock 262 is provided. The gimbal lock 262 sits on the x axis and has an arm 264 which is pivotally attached at one end to the fixed frame 242 and, when in operation to lock the movement of the gimbal mechanism, extends across the intermediate frame 220 and engages the holder 202. A first locking magnet 266 is fixed to the holder 202 and a second and cooperating magnet is provided in the arm 264 at the location 268 as shown in figure 15. The magnets cooperate by being attracted to each other thereby retaining the arm extending over the intermediate frame 220 and the holder 202 thereby preventing the intermediate frame and holder from rotating around the x and y axes. This is the condition shown in figure 13. In order to release the gimbal mechanism, the arm 264 is rotated through approximately and a third locking magnet 270 attracts the -12 -magnet in the arm to prevent accidental movement of the locking arm 264. Alternatively, there could be one magnet and a pair of ferromagnetic materials that the magnet is attracted to. The above described use of magnets is preferable but not essential to the working of the locking mechanism. However, the magnet allows a single locking arm to be used as it prevents rotation of the holder 202 in both rotational directions. As viewed in figure 15, the arm 264 provides a physical obstacle to the clockwise rotation of the holder and the attraction of the magnets prevents anticlockwise rotation. As an alternative to this mechanism a non-magnetic system could be used in which a pair of locking arms are positioned around the fixed frame 242 or a pair of locking arms are used one above and one below the fixed frame. This could be on opposite sides side or at 90° to each other.

Operation of the food and beverage transportation system 200 of the present invention will now be described. The thermally insulated outer container is opened to provide access to the gimbal mechanism inside. The locking arm 264 is rotated so that the magnet 268 no longer engages the magnet 207 but instead engages the magnet 266 thereby locking the holder 202 and the intermediate frame 220 and preventing their rotation about the pivots 221 and 235. Cups containing drinks are inserted into the apertures 203 and when the holder is fully or partially loaded the locking arm 264 can be released by rotating it back to engage with the magnet 268. The gimbal weight 258 helps to ensure that the holder 202, and the drinks contained within the cups in the apertures 202, remains substantially horizontal irrespective of the orientation of the transportation system 200. In addition, any or all of the first, second and third dampening materials together with any shock absorbers which may or may not be present in the legs 230 reduce the vibrations experienced by the holder thereby ensuring that the drinks contained within the cups arrive in as near perfect condition as possible with properties of those drinks, such as foam, remaining intact. On arrival the locking mechanism is used again during the unloading of the cups from the holder.

A variation of the apparatus described above and shown in figures 3 to 15 is illustrated in figure 17. This embodiment is identical to that previously described except that the holder 202 has been replaced with an alternative holder (labelled 202a) which is in the form of a bowl designed to receive a similarly shaped bowl containing a liquid based food such as a soup. It can be seen that the embodiments shown in figure 1 and 3 to 15 are for carrying cups which primarily contain drinks such as coffee whereas the embodiments shown in figures 2 and 16 are for carrying bowls which more typically carry foods containing a high liquid content such as soup.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any!imitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the protection which is defined by the appended claims. In particular, where various embodiments and aspects of the invention have been described above, features and steps of the apparatus and method are interchangeable between the embodiments and aspects of -13 -the invention. For example, some of the features set out above, such as the fixed frame 242 and the support frame 244, have been described as substantially part annular. In the embodiment shown these features are completely annular, in that they are formed as a circle. However, it is not essential that the form of these components is circular, other shapes such as oval and linear shapes such as rectangles and squares can also be used.

Furthermore, although it is preferable, from the point of view of rigidity of the material, that the components are annular as opposed to part annular, for example three quarter of a circle would work for either component, this would require that these components are made from a more rigid material which would in all likelihood increase the overall weight.

Claims

-14 -Claims 1. A food and beverage transportation system comprising: an outer container; and a holder for one or more food or beverage containers, wherein the outer container is hollow and wherein the holder is mounted within the container such that the holder can move about two perpendicular axes, each axis extending through the holder.
2. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a suspension system arranged to absorb and damp shock impulses during transportation of the food and beverage transportation system.
3. The system according to claim 2 wherein said suspension system comprises one or more legs.
4. The system according to claim 2 or 3 wherein said suspension system comprises at least one substantially annular frame.
5. The system according to claim 4 wherein said suspension system comprises at least one first dampener between said legs and said frame.
6. The system according to claim 4 or 5 wherein said suspension system comprises at least one frame support between said legs and said frame.
7. The system according to claim 6 wherein said suspension system comprises at least one second dampener between said frame support and said frame.
8. The system according to any of claims 3 to 7 wherein the or each suspension leg is secured to the base of the outer container via at least one third dampener.
9. The system according to any of claims 3 to 8 wherein the or each leg comprises a shock absorber.
10. The system according to any of claims 3 to 9 wherein the or each leg comprises a spring and fluid dampener.
11. The system according to any of claims 4 to 10 wherein said frame is connected to said holder via a substantially annular intermediate member.
12. The system according to claim 11 wherein said frame is connected to said substantially annular intermediate member via a first of said two perpendicular axes and said substantially annular intermediate member is connected to said holder via a second of said two perpendicular axes.
13. The system according to claim 12 further comprising a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of said substantially annular intermediate member and said holder.
-15 - 14. The system according to claim 13 wherein said locking mechanism includes at least one magnet.
15. The system according to any preceding claim wherein said holder is mounted on a multi-axis gimbal within the outer container.
16. The system according to claim 15 wherein said multi-axis gimbal comprises a two or three axis gravity or software powered gimbal.
17. The system according to any preceding claim wherein said holder holds a plurality of food or beverage containers.
18. The system according to any preceding claim wherein said holder comprises one or more trays or boxes.
19. The system according to any preceding claim wherein said holder comprises one or more platforms.
20. The system according to claim 19 wherein the or each platform includes one or more apertures capable of receiving a food or beverage container.
21. The system according to claim 20 wherein where more than one platform is provided the platforms are arranged one above the other as one or more tiers, allowing the carriage of food or beverage containers in a stacked configuration.