US20030106828A1

US20030106828A1 - Food and beverage container

Info

Publication number: US20030106828A1
Application number: US10/317,427
Authority: US
Inventors: Anthony Hunter
Original assignee: MACTLC FLP
Current assignee: MACTLC FLP
Priority date: 2001-12-12
Filing date: 2002-12-12
Publication date: 2003-06-12

Abstract

A carrier for transporting food and drink carriers is provided having a planar handle with a box-like support on each opposing side of the carrier. The upper surface of each support has an asymmetrically located opening for a beverage carrier and for a food carrier. A spacing member extends from a periphery of each opening and has a locking tab engaging a corresponding locking opening in a lower surface of the support. Promotional cards are formed in side walls of the supports and may be formed in the handle.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119([0001] e) of provisional patent applications No. 60/342,019, filed Dec. 19, 2001, and No. 60/340,868, filed Dec. 12, 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by references.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a food and beverage container that is portable, stackable, easily erectable, sturdy, and aesthetically appealing wherein the container will have promotional indicia either attached or printed on the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the operation of fast-food carryout at restaurants, stadiums, arenas and other facilities, a number of selected items of food and drink are frequently carried by the patrons. If more than one or two items are to be carried, some type of carrier is typically provided for the patron's convenience. Such a carrier should be inexpensive, readily transportable, compactly stored, and quickly and easily loaded, all without compromising the ability to safely and conveniently carry a number of liquid filled containers.

Food and beverage containers are known that are made of foldable material. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,738,217 and 5,972,502 which stack a food container on top of a beverage container. These prior art utilize a two part container wherein one container is used to hold the food, another separate container is used to hold the beverage, and the food container has a handle integrally formed with the container to carry food from the point of purchase to the patron's final destination.

These prior devices have deficiencies. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved container, and there is a further need for a container to carry common combinations of items, such as two beverages and two food containers where the container is convenient to the consumer, portable, stackable, easily erectable, sturdy, and have, and are easy to erect, convenient to consumers, and have promotional indicia either attached or printed on the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A carrier for transporting food and beverage containers is provided. The carrier has a handle located in a first, generally vertical plane during use of the carrier. First and second supports are each connected to the handle along one of a first and second hinge line that are parallel to each other and located on opposing sides of the handle. Each support extends laterally from the handle, and each support further has an upper surface and an opposing lower surface with each surface having a periphery. The opposing surfaces are spaced apart and joined together along a portion of a periphery of each surface. Each upper support defines a round beverage opening sized to receive a beverage container during use of the carrier, and further defines a food opening sized to receive a food container during use of the carrier. The beverage openings are located asymmetrically with respect to the first plane and the food openings are located asymmetrically with respect to the first plane. A bottom surface extends below the food and beverage openings to support any containers placed in those openings. The handle is connected to the bottom surface along a middle of the bottom surface. The joined periphery of the carrier preferably has distal edge on each upper and lower surface which distal edges are joined by a side panel. The side panel is substantially parallel to the first plane and further includes a plurality of spacing tabs extending from the side panel and generally parallel to the first plane of the handle.

The carrier further includes a first locking opening formed in the lower surface and located beneath the food opening on each support. Further, two first spacing members are connected to an edge of one food opening and have a distal edge sized and located to extend to the lower surface of the support below that connected edge. The distal edge has a first locking tab. The first locking tab and first locking opening are located so the first locking tab engages the first locking opening during use of the carrier to help stabilize the container. The first locking tab extends beyond the lower surface a distance sufficient to rest against a supporting surface during use of the carrier. Additional locking openings can be formed in the lower surface to cooperate with spacing members and locking tabs extending from other openings on the upper surface of the supports. The locking tabs can be T-shaped, or of various other shapes.

The carrier preferably has a planer handle with a flange extending laterally from the handle at an end adjacent the bottom surface. The flange is fastened to the bottom surface along a substantial width of the bottom surface measured along the plane of the handle. The side panels advantageously contain a plurality of promotional cards which are perforated, cut, or both around a periphery of the cards to make the cards detachable and with the cards containing promotional materials. Preferably, at least one of the spacing members is detachable, and contains printed indicia to form a promotional card. The carrier is preferably formed of a single piece of paperboard.

Another version of this carrier includes a first and second support each connected to and located on opposing sides of a planar handle. The supports each have an upper surface with a beverage opening therein sized to receive the beverage container during use of the carrier. The beverage openings are located asymmetrically with respect to the planar handle. Each support further has a food opening located asymmetrically with respect to the planar handle. A lower surface is located below the upper surface of each container and connected to each upper surface. The lower surface is located from the upper surface a distance suitable to support a bottom of the beverage container on the lower surface and to form a bottom of the food container during use of the carrier. A side panel joins distal edges of the upper and lower surface to hold those edges a predetermined distance apart. The side panels have a plurality of support tabs extending beyond the lower surface along a line from the upper surface toward the lower surface in order to support the carrier on the support surface during use of the carrier. A plurality of support members are connected to the upper surface and extend through aligned locking openings on the lower surface to provide a support between the upper and lower surfaces. The support members have a locking tab on each distal end of the members to engage the locking opening. The locking tabs extend below the lower surface to abut the support surface during use of the carrier.

The carrier further includes at least one first hinge line in the plane of the handle along the location where one of the supports fastens to the handle so the handle can abut the support in a folded configuration. The carrier further includes hinge lines parallel to the first hinge line and located where the side panel joins the upper and lower surfaces so the upper and lower surfaces can lay against each other in a folded configuration. Preferably the handle is bent to form a flange extending laterally from the plane of the handle adjacent the bottom surface with the bottom surface being fastened to the flange, and in the folded configuration the flange unbends to lay in the general plane of the handle.

The carrier is preferably formed from a single piece blank of material having a width and a length. The blank includes nine panels and at least eight fold lines. The panels include a first glue panel having a free edge forming the first distal end of the blank and having an interior edge extending across the width of the blank to form a first fold line defining a first flange. The blank includes a second panel defining a first side of the handle of the container. The second panel has an opening therein sized to allow the fingers of a hand to enter the opening and grip the handle. The second panel shares the first fold line with the first panel and has a second fold line opposite thereto. A third panel defines a second side of the handle of the container. The third panel has an opening therein sized and located to align with the opening in the second panel when the first and second panels are fastened together and folded about the second fold line to form the handle. The third shares the second fold line with the second panel and has a third fold line opposite thereto.

The blank includes a fourth panel for forming the second upper surface of the carrier. The fourth panel has a round first beverage opening and has a second food opening cut therein. A periphery that defines at least one of the first and second openings in the fourth panel is slit to form a support member extending into the opening in the fourth panel. The support member on the fourth panel has a locking tab on a distal end thereof. The fourth panel shares the third fold line with the third panel and has a fourth fold line opposite the third fold line. A fifth panel forms a second side panel of the carrier. The fifth panel shares the fourth fold line with the fourth panel and has an opposing fifth fold line. A sixth panel forms a lower surface of the carrier. The sixth panel has a plurality of locking openings formed therein which openings are sized and located to receive the locking tab on the support member of the second panel. The sixth panel shares the fifth fold line with the fifth panel and has an opposing, sixth fold line,

A seventh panel forms a second side panel of the carrier. The seventh panel shares the sixth fold line with the sixth panel and has an opposing seventh fold line. An eighth panel forms a first upper surface of the carrier. The eighth panel has a round first beverage opening and having a second food opening cut therein. A periphery that defines at least one of the first and second openings in the eighth panel is slit to form a support member extending into the opening in the eighth panel. The support member on the eighth panel has a locking tab on a distal end thereof that is located and sized relative to locking openings in the sixth panel so as to engage one of those locking openings when the carrier is formed. The eighth panel shares the seventh fold line with the seventh panel and has an eighth fold line opposite the seventh fold line. A final, ninth panel forms a flange that is fastened to the second panel to form the carrier. The ninth panel shares the eighth fold line with the seventh panel.

The blank advantageously, but optionally has at least one of the side panels perforated to define a portion of a detachable promotional card. Moreover, it is preferable to have at least one set of the third and fourth or fifth and sixth fold lines having a portion of the fold line perforated to further define the detachable promotional card. It is further desirable that the sixth panel further has a plurality of slits beginning and ending on each of the fifth and sixth fold lines in order to define spacing tabs on the carrier. Moreover, it is desirable to have the support tab located on an edge of at least one of the food openings which edge is located nearest a side edge of the blank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features and objects of the invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: [0015]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier; [0016]
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the carrier of FIG. 1; [0017]
FIG. 3 is a right end view of the carrier of FIG. 1; [0018]
FIG. 4 is a left end view of the carrier of FIG. 1; [0019]
FIG. 5 is a back side view of the carrier of FIG. 1, with the opposing side view being the same; [0020]
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the carrier of FIG. 1; [0021]
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a bland used to form the carrier of FIG. 1; and [0022]
FIGS. [0023] 8-10 are plan views of alternative embodiments of locking tabs used with the carrier of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a [0024] carrier 10 is shown for carrying food and beverage containers and conveying promotional information. The carrier 10 has a handle 20 that is preferably, but optionally in a first vertical plane (shown as containing the Y-Z axis) during use of the carrier, with a first support 30 on one side of that plane and a second support 32 on an opposing side of that plane. The handle 20 has an opening 24 that is used to carry the carrier 10. The opening 24 is sized to allow users to place their fingers inside of the opening and grasp the handle 20. Various sized, shaped and numbers of opening(s) 24 can be used.
Additionally, since sports stadiums are normally very crowded, the corners of the [0025] handle 20 are rounded such that the corners will catch or snag clothing as users are walking back to their seats with the carrier 10. Larger diameter corners are desired, but as the diameter of the corner increases less surface area exists for promotional indicia. Hence, the diameter is balanced between patron safety and amount of promotional advertising space. In the present invention, a corner radius of about one inch or less is believed suitable. The opening 24 is located so as to provide sufficient strength to carry the items held in carrier 10, while maximizing the display area on handle 20.
Referring to FIGS. [0026] 1-5, the first and second supports 30, 32 extend laterally from the first plane containing handle 20. As depicted, when the carrier 10 is ready for use the supports 30, 32 extend in a second plane (shown as the X-Y plane) that is generally perpendicular to the first plane. Thus, the second plane is generally parallel to the ground when the carrier 10 is ready for use. During use the weight of the food and drinks causes the distal ends of supports 30, 32 to sag downward relative to the connection with the handle 20, so the supports are not perfectly planar. But for this description the supports 30, 32 will still be referred to as generally planar and that encompasses the sag occurring with items are placed in the carrier 10.
The [0027] supports 30, 32 are preferably of generally similar construction, but asymmetrical relative to the first plane and handle 20. The first support 30 preferably has a hollow, box-like construction formed by an upper surface 36 and an opposing lower surface 38 generally parallel to the second plane, and separated along one side by a distal side panel 42 that is generally parallel to the handle 20. The planar handle 20 and side panel 42 form opposing side panels of the support 30 in order to form a quadrilateral support 30. The upper surface 30 has a free, first distal edge 40 a and an opposing, interior edge 41 a that forms a fold line for a flange 43 that is fastened to panel 20 a, preferably by gluing, to form the handle 20 as described in more detail later. The lower surface 38 has a first distal edge 40 b and an interior edge 41 b adjacent a flange 39 fastened to the handle 20. Side panel 42 extends between edges 40 a, 40 b.
Preferably, but optionally, at least one, and preferably a plurality of [0028] support tabs 45 extend from the side panel 42 along a line extending from the upper to the lower surfaces 36, 38. More preferably, the support tabs 45 are integrally formed with the side panel 45, as described further below. The support tabs are sized to slightly offset the bottom 30 of the carrier 10 from the surface on which the carrier rests during use, and can alternatively serve as tabs to dislodge promotional cards from the carrier, as discussed below. If the support tabs 45 are omitted, then the carrier 10 rests on the bottom 30.
Advantageously, but optionally, the side edges [0029] 40 a, 40 b and edges 41 a, 41 b are parallel. Preferably, the distance between side edges 40 a, 40 b and between edges 41 a, 41 b are the same to define a support 30 having a generally rectangular cross section. As seen in FIG. 1, the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38, the side panel 42 and the portion of handle 20 between the surfaces 36, 38, define a generally rectangular box with open ends.
The [0030] first support 30 has a drink opening and a food opening. Thus, upper surface 36 contains two openings, a drink or beverage opening 44 and a food opening 46. The first beverage opening 44 is preferably round, which includes oval or elliptical shapes. More preferably a circular opening is provided for holding beverage containers such as the typical cups of soda or beer, although the shape could vary to accommodate drink containers of various shape. The diameter of the first beverage opening 44 is further preferably selected to accommodate the particular size of the drink container used by the food-serving establishment using carrier 10, such as 12 ounce, 16 ounce, or 24 ounce containers. For many drink containers, an opening about 2 ⅞ inches diameter is suitable, with the bottom of the drink container resting on and being supported by bottom surface 38.
The [0031] beverage opening 44 is preferably placed as close to the handle 20 as practical while still allow easy insertion and removal of the beverage container from the opening 44. It is preferably that the edge of the round opening 44 not be more than 1.5 inch from the adjacent edge of the handle 20, and preferably from about ⅝ to 1.25 inches. The beverage container placed in opening 44 is heavy and the close spacing relative to the handle allows the use of lighter and less expensive materials for the support 30.
The [0032] first food opening 46 is formed adjacent to the first beverage opening 44 in the upper surface 36 of the first support 30. The opening 46 may have a variety of shapes, and is shown as having a square or rectangular shape. The opening 46 is preferably sized and shaped to accommodate a specific type of food container to be placed inside of the first food opening 46, for example, popcorn, candy, hamburgers, hot dogs, or ice cream containers. Combinations of sizes may be provided for specific uses, as for example soda and popcorn, or beer and popcorn, or beer and hamburger or beer and two hot dogs. Alternatively, the food opening 46 may be of general size sufficient to accommodate a variety of food containers.
As seen in FIG. 2, the [0033] beverage opening 44 is located closer to, or extends slightly over a central axis Y-Y than does the food opening 46. This location of the beverage openings 44 places the drink containers closer to the center of the carrier 10, and thus allows the use of lighter materials on the support 32 and on carrier 10. The food containers are typically less heavy than the beverages, and are not placed as close to the center. Advantageously, the center of the drink opening 44 and the center of the food opening are located so that they are balanced about the Y axis perpendicular to the handle 20, extending through the center of the carrier 10. The balancing helps avoid twisting of the carrier 10 and support 30.
Referring to FIGS. [0034] 1-5, at least one spacing member 50 is preferably interposed between the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38 adjacent the otherwise open ends of the first support 30. The spacing member 50 helps maintain the spacing between the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38, and location that helps strengthen and stabilize the carrier 10. But the spacing members cannot be too close to the periphery of the upper support 30, 32 as that would weaken the support 30, 32. Preferably the spacing member 50 is formed from the upper surface 36 from the material that would be cut out to form the openings 44, 46. The spacing member 50 is preferably formed adjacent the opposing ends 52 a, 52 b of the carrier 10. Thus, the upper surface 36 preferably has one of the edges defining openings 44, 46 cut, scored, perforated or combinations thereof, so the spacing member(s) 50 can be bent down from the edge of an opening 44, 46.
The spacing [0035] member 50 can be of various shapes, but are advantageously be sized to extend between and support opposing surfaces 36, 38. In FIG. 1, spacing member 50 is shown as having a semi-circular periphery as it is formed from the round opening forming beverage opening 44. As desired, an offset 51 can be interposed between the support member 50 and the upper surface 36 so that formation of the spacing member 50 does not extend into the opening 44. This is useful if the opening is configured to closely correspond to the shape of a beverage or food container and it helps ensure the opening adequately receives, and possibly engages, the respective food or beverage container. Alternatively, the spacing member 50 can simply be perforated and bent into position, as is shown for the quadrilateral food opening 46 and the rectangular spacing member 50 formed from an edge of that opening.
Referring now also to FIGS. 6 and 8-[0036] 10, the spacing member 50 has a distal end that preferably, but optionally, has a locking tab 54 to engage a locking opening 56 in the bottom 38. The location of the locking tabs 54 and locking openings 56 are aligned to allow engagement. Thus, the locking openings 56 are generally formed in the lower surface 38, below the connection of the spacing members 50 in the upper surface 36, in order to achieve the locking engagement. Engagement of the locking tab 54 and locking opening 56 connects the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38 and helps strengthen the first support 30. Preferably the engagement of the locking tab and locking opening 56 restricts relative movement of the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38 by engaging the locking tabs 54 with edges of the locking recesses 56. The engagement of the locking tabs with the locking recesses also helps maintain the expanded configuration of the carrier 10.
The [0037] locking tab 54 and locking recess 56 can take a variety of configurations, including a “T” shaped locking tab (FIGS. 3, 10), an “L” tab with a single locking member (FIGS. 3, 9), or a curved tab with slit ends (FIGS. 3, 8). The recess 56 can take the form of a slot, or an opening with cuts or slits extending therefrom to frictionally engage the tab 54 as it extends through the opening and slits (FIG. 6). A variety of such locking tabs and openings are known, and the above description is given by way of illustration, not limitation.
Referring to FIGS. [0038] 1-6, the spacing member(s) 50 are preferably located adjacent the open ends 52 a, 52 b of the carrier 10. That location helps them more easily stabilize the support 30 and carrier 10. The spacing members 50 must be sufficiently far from the ends 52 so as not to unacceptably reduce the strength of the support 30 and carrier 10.
Referring to FIGS. [0039] 1-5, the second support 32 is connected to the handle 20, on side of the handle 20 that is opposite the first support 30. Additionally, the second support 32 extends generally in the second plane. The second support 32 has many features in common with the first support 30, and similar parts will be described only briefly using similar numbers, except increased by 100. As the first and second supports are similarity constructed, numerous details given in describing first support 30 will not be repeated in the description of second support 32. Differences between the first and second supports 30, 30 will be discussed later.
Thus, the [0040] second support 32 has an upper surface 136 and an opposing bottom or lower surface 138 separated by side panel 142, with distal edges 140 a, 140 b defining the edges lines of the side panel and further defining distal edges of the upper and lower surfaces 136, 138, respectively. Support tabs 145 extend from the side panels 142 along a line from the upper surface 136 to the lower surface 138, and preferably in a plane parallel to the plane of handle 20. The upper and lower surfaces 136, 138 and the side panel 142, together with the portion of handle 20 between the upper and lower surfaces 136, 138, form a box-like structure with open ends 152 a, 152 b.
A [0041] second beverage opening 144 and second food opening 146 are formed in the upper surfaces 136. Spacing members 150 having distal locking tabs 152 placed in locking openings 156 are also provided. As desired, offsets 151 can be used to ensure the shape of the openings 144, 146.
The differences in the construction of the [0042] second support 32 are primarily as follows. The first and second beverage opening 44, 144 are asymmetrically located with respect to the handle 20. That is, they are on opposing sides of both the X and Y axes as seen in FIG. 2. Similarly, the first and second food openings 46, 146 are asymmetrically located with respect to handle 20. Additionally, the bottom 38, 138 preferably comprises a single sheet of material, although two sheets of separate material joined to handle 20 could be used. Still further, the way the second support 32 connects to the handle 20 is different. As seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the handle 20 extends between the upper and lower surfaces 136, 138, and has an interior end forming flange 39 that fastens to the bottom 138. The upper surface 136 bends at fold line 141 a where it abuts an adjacent panel 20 b and is glued to that panel to form part of handle 20. The second support 32 has no flange 43 as in the first support 30.
As discussed above, the locking tabs with their mating locking opening and the glue lines create a [0043] carrier 10 that is rigid and durable such that the consumer may carry the carrier 10 in confidence. Furthermore, a discussion of the type of locking mechanism will be followed by a discussion on the reasons that the locking mechanism in conjunction with the orientation of the food and drinks in the first and second support 32 synergistically creates a sturdier carrier 10.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a further description of one [0044] locking tab 54, 154 is given. The semicircular spacing member 50, 150 has a generally semi-circular configuration, and a locking tab 54, 154 which consists of a slit 60 on both sides of the locking tab. The corresponding locking openings 56, 156 (FIG. 7) have a semi-circular opening 62 with a straight end having cuts or slits 64, 164 extending into the material forming the opening 62. When the semi-circular locking tab 54, 154 engages the locking opening 62, the slits 60 in the semi-circular locking tab 54, 154 engage the slits 64 in the semi-circular opening 62 to interlock. The width of the semi-circle of the locking tab 54, 154 is equal or slightly larger than the width of the slit 60 of the mating locking opening 62. The outer edges of the semi-circular locking tab 54, 154 is generally curved or flat, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, such that during movement of the carrier 10 (i.e., when the user walks back to his/her seat) the locking tab will not vibrate out of the locking opening 62.
Another type of [0045] locking tab 54, 154 is the T-tab lock. The T-tab lock is generally configured as a double hook as shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and 8. The locking tabs 54, 154 may also be configured in an L shape as shown in FIG. 9. Although a slit may be used as the mating locking opening for both the double hook or L shaped locking tabs, a slot is preferably used to promote convenience in inserting the locking tab into the locking opening.
Because the beverage containers are diagonally placed from each other in [0046] beverage openings 44, 144, and because the beverages are generally heavier than the foods placed in the food opening 46, 146, this combination will asymmetrically bend the carrier 10. The result is that the carrier 10 twists so the two corners of the carrier 10 adjacent the beverage openings 44, 144 are lower than the two corners adjacent the food openings 46, 146. This twisting causes one end of the locking tabs 54 to be more heavily loaded than the other end of the sane locking tabs. Further, this twisting causes one side of the locking tabs labeled 54 x, 154 x located by the beverage openings 44, 144 to be more engaged. These are labeled in the bottom view of FIG. 2. For these locking tabs 54 x and 154 x, it is possible to use only a single sided locking tab, that is an “L” shaped locking tab with a single hook or locking end (FIG. 9). But preferably a “T” shaped locking tab is used that has engaging surfaces on opposing ends of the tab (FIG. 10).
Further, the [0047] flange 39 acts as a stiffener on the bottom of the carrier 10, making the bottom 138 of the second support 32 slightly stronger than the bottom 38 of the first support 30. That causes the second support 32 to twist less than the first support 138, and at the in the second plane, so that the locking tab 154 on the spacing member 150 extending from the edge of the food opening 146 in the second support 32 is urged away from the handle 20. In contrast, the locking tab 54 on the spacing member 50 extending from the food opening 46 of first support 30 is urged toward the handle 20. Because of this asymmetric twisting, it is possible to have a single sided locking tab 54, 154 that extend from the food openings 46, 146. The locking tab 54 in the support 30 that does not container stiffening flange 32 extends toward the flange 32, and handle 20, while the locking tab 154 in the support 32 that contains stiffening flange 32 extends away from the flange 32 and the handle 20. This is shown in FIGS. 3 (tab 54) and 4 (tab 154). The use of single ended, “L” shaped tabs (FIG. 9) is optional. The use of double ended “T” locking tab 54, 154 (FIG. 10) has advantages by providing two directional locking in the plane of the bottom 38, 138.
The stiffener or [0048] flange 39 can hit the spacing member 150 located in the support section 32 in which the stiffener 39 is placed. To make it easier to engage the locking tab 154 and spacing member 150 with the respective opening 156 and bottom 138 adjacent the flange forming the stiffener 39, the edge of the spacing member 150 can be rounded, as shown in FIG. 4.
The various types of locking [0049] tabs 54, 154 may be placed at any of the locations where locking tabs are used. Additionally, the placement of the food and drink openings 44, 46, 144, 146 may be placed in any orientation. However, it has been found that the placement of the food and drink combination as discussed above in conjunction with the locking mechanisms and the overall structure of the carrier 10 creates a superior carrier 10 when viewed in light of the type and thickness of the paperboard being used. The sturdy construction and assembly of the carrier 10 will help consumers to feel that the carrier 10 is not likely to break or tip. As such, the consumer will be more inclined to view the carrier 10 and the promotional indicia located thereon.
Referring to FIG. 7, the [0050] carrier 10 is advantageously formed out of a sheet of thin material, such as paper stock, corrugated, plastic, synthetic material, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the carrier 10 is formed from paper board stock, coated on the outboard side to be as water resistant as possible, and with a thickness that is preferably not less than 0.018 caliber (about {fraction (1/64)} of an inch) and which is preferably about 0.024 caliber ({fraction (1/32)} inch thick) or thicker, in order to adequately support the weight of two drinks and two food items. The thickness of the material will preferably range from about 0.020 inch to about 0.024 inch in thickness for the more common uses of carrying common combinations of drinks and food items, such as sodas and popcorn, or beer and hamburgers or hot dogs. More preferably, the carrier 10 is formed from F flute corrugated. The carrier 10 may be manufactured from paperboard commonly known in the trade as SBS paper (i.e., solid bleached sulfate paper) or it may be made from recycled paper. In general, thicker paperboard or other material will be used as the weight of the contents that the carrier 10 is expected to carry is increased.
Advantageously, the [0051] carrier 10 can be formed from a single sheet of material that is scored, perforated, cut, or combinations thereof. There are various ways to form the carrier 10, one advantageous way of which is shown that uses nine panels (39, 20 a, 20 b, 136, 142, 138, 38, 42, 36 and 43) and eight generally parallel fold lines (41 b, 72, 141 a, 140 a, 140 b, 40 b, 40 a, and 41 a) as seen primarily to FIG. 7, but also in FIG. 1.
The first panel comprises [0052] flange 39 and is defined by a free edge of the strip of material and first fold line 41 b, also referred to as flange fold line, along which flange 39 folds during assembly to form carrier 10. The first panel 39 is preferably, but optionally coated with adhesive as indicated by the lined area so it can be glued to bottom 138. Other fastening mechanisms can be used, such as staples, rivets etc., or adhesive can be placed on the mating panel containing bottoms 38, 138.
The second panel, [0053] panel 20 a, comprises a portion of handle 20, and is bounded by fold lines 41 b (also 141 b) and fold line 72. Opening(s) 26 defining an opening for gripping the handle are formed in the panel 20 a. Preferably, but optionally, a glue line is formed on panel 20 a at the location where flange 43 abuts the panel (FIG. 1). Glue is also preferably placed adjacent fold line 72, around the opening 26. The glue areas are indicated by shading.
The third panel, panel [0054] 20 b, also comprises a portion of handle 20, and is bounded by fold lines 141 a and fold line 72. Opening(s) 26 defining an opening for gripping the handle are formed in the panel 20 b, and located to correspond with the openings in panel 20 a. Preferably, but optionally, is also preferably placed adjacent fold line 72, around the opening 26 on panel 20 b. The glue areas are indicated by shading. The panels 20 a, 20 b abut each other to form a two-ply handle 20 when the carrier is formed as shown n FIG. 1. As desired, printed indicia or promotional cards or promotional items are placed on panels 20 a, 20 b.
The fourth panel is bounded by [0055] fold lines 141 a and 140 a, and comprises upper support surface 136 of the second support 32. Food and beverage openings 144 and 146 are formed in this fourth panel. The first beverage opening 144 can be formed various ways, but is preferably formed by die cutting at least a portion of the opening out of the material from which the carrier 10 is formed. Advantageously, but optionally, the opening 144 is further cut so as to leave a portion of the material in tact within the opening 144 to define the spacing member 150. Thus, spacing members 150 and locking tabs 154 can be formed within the openings 144, 146 by cutting around the periphery of those members 150 and tabs 154, and placing any perforations or slits as needed.
Thus, the food and [0056] beverage openings 144, 146 are created in a similar manner in that a portion of the material forming carrier 10 is retained within the respective opening 144, 146 to form a spacing member 150 and a portion of the respective opening 144, 146 is die cut out of the opening. The spacing member 150 is bent out of the plane defining openings 144, 146 at a crease/perforation line that preferably forms an edge of the respective opening 144, 146, but that may alternatively be offset by offset 51 from the edge of that opening. The spacing member(s) 50, 150 is/are sized to extend the distance between the edge of the opening 144, 146 and the bottom 138. The first spacing members 150 are used to add strength to the structural integrity of the carrier 10 such that the carrier 10 will be able to hold more weight even though made of a thinner material. In a similar manner, the locking tabs 154 are formed on the spacing members 150, with the locking tabs further stabilizing the carrier 10 and maintaining it in the unfolded position ready for use.
The fifth panel is bounded by [0057] fold lines 140 a, 140 b, which are preferably scored, perforated or both. The fifth panel comprises side panel 142 of second support 32.
The sixth panel or bottom panel is bounded by [0058] fold line 140 b and fold line 40 b, and comprises bottoms 38, 138. The bottom is preferably a single panel, with the flange 39 glued to the bottom. A strip of adhesive is preferably placed at the location where the flange 39 abuts the bottom when the carrier 10 is formed. Locking openings 56, 156 are also preferably formed in the sixth bottom panel that forms bottoms 38 and 138 of both the first and second supports, 30, 32, respectively. Moreover, cuts defining support tabs 45 are also formed in the bottom panel. The cuts begin and end along fold lines 40 b, 140 b and extend into the bottom panel so the tabs 54 are formed from the bottom panel and bottoms 38, 138. When the side panels 42, 142 bend along fold lines 40 b, 140 b, the support tabs 45, being cut from and free from the bottom panel (38, 138), move with the side panels 42, 142. There is thus provided means for forming integral support tabs 45 on the side panels 42, 142. Again though, the support tabs 45 are optional, and can be omitted, in which case the entire length of fold lines 40 b, 140 b would be scored or perforated or both.
The seventh panel is defined by [0059] fold lines 40 a, 40 b and comprises the side panel 42 of the first support 30. The fold lines 40 a, 40 b are preferably scored or perforated, or both.
The eighth panel is bounded by [0060] fold lines 40 a and 41 a, and comprises upper surface 36 of the first support 30. Food and beverage openings 44 and 46 are formed in this eighth panel. The first beverage opening 44 can be formed various ways, but is preferably formed by die cutting at least a portion of the opening out of the material from which the carrier 10 is formed. Advantageously, but optionally, the opening 44 is further cut so as to leave a portion of the material in tact within the opening 44 to define the spacing member 50. Thus, spacing members 50 and locking tabs 54 can be formed within the openings 44, 46 by cutting around the periphery of those members 50 and tabs 54, and placing any perforations or slits as needed.
The ninth panel is bounded by [0061] fold line 41 a and a distal end of the strip of material from which the carrier 10 is formed. The ninth panel forms flange 43. The flange 43 is coated with adhesive so it can be fastened to handle 20. Again, other fastening methods can be used. Further, if adhesive is placed on the middle of the bottom panel, the adhesive on the flange 43 can be omitted, and vice versa. Preferably adhesive is placed on both flange 43 and bottom panel 138 along the juncture of the flange 43.
The single sheet of material has two opposing distal ends, each of which forms a distal end of one of [0062] flange 39 or flange 43. The flanges 39, 43 are each connected to handle 20. Flange 43 is glued or otherwise fastened to handle 20 adjacent the upper support surface 36. The flange 43 abuts the handle 20, and in particular panel 20 a. Flange 43 extends along a line in the vertical plane of panel 20 in a direction from the upper surface 36 toward the lower surface 38. That is a downward direction in the orientation of the carrier 10 in its normal use configuration. Only panel 20 a extends between the bottom 38, 138 and the distal end of the handle 20 adjacent opening 24, as the panel 20 b is folded at fold line 141 a to form upper support surface 136. This provides a stronger handle 20 between the upper support surfaces 36, 136 and the distal end of the handle 20. It also provides a short length of the handle 20 b connected to and extending between the bottoms 38, 138 and upper support surfaces 36, 136.
The [0063] flanges 39, 43 are each formed by bending the distal end of the sheet from which the carrier 10 is formed, along hinge lines 41 a, 141 b. If viewed from support 30, the hinge line is located in the support 30 and is hinge line 41 b. If viewed from the support 32, the hinge line is an interior hinge line and numbered hinge line 141 b. They are the same hinge line. The material forming the hinge lines 41 a, 141 b has memory so that the material forming the hinge lines tends to unfold and lay flat to approach the flat plane of the single sheet of material from which the blank of the carrier 10 is formed. That orientation of the flanges 39, 43 and their connection to the handle 20 and bottom 138, urge the handle 20 toward the X-Y plane in which the bottom 38, 138 of carrier 10 lies during normal use of the carrier. Similarly, the upper support surface 136 is connected to handle 20 b along hinge line 141 a and that hinge line also has memory urging the handle 20 into the plane of the bottom 38, 138. These hinge lines, 41 a, 141 a, 141 b, alone and in various combinations with each other, provide means for urging the handle 20 into the plane of the bottom 38, 138. That makes it easier to fold the carrier 10 flat for shipping and storage.
When the [0064] carrier 10 is folded flat, one side 20 a of the handle 20 folds toward and preferably rests against upper support 36. The various spacing members 50 are placed generally in the plane of the upper supports 36, 136. The side panel 42 folds generally into the plane of the bottom 38, 138. The side panel 142 and upper support 136 fold against the bottom 138. A very compact and flat configuration is provided.
The [0065] handle 20 preferably contains various types of indicia, preferably promotional and advertising indicia. Further, the upper support surfaces 36, 136 can carry such promotional indicia on those portions around the openings 44, 46, 144, 146. The side panels 42, 142 can also carry such indicia. Moreover, the spacing members 50, 150 can carry promotional indica on at least one surface, and if desired, on opposing surfaces of the members 50, 150.
Still further, the [0066] side panels 42, 142, the handle 20, and the spacing members 50, 150 can be cut, perforated or combinations of each, to define one or more promotional cards 76. The promotional card 76 is advantageously, but optionally, perforated or slit around at least a portion of its periphery in to make it easier to remove the card from the side panel 41, 142. support 14 or 18, and the promotional area is large enough to allow removal while allowing the carrier 10 to function to carry drinks. A typical promotional card 76 is about the same size as a credit card, which is about 3.25 inches by 1.875 inches (8 cm by 4.8 cm). But the shape of the promotional card can vary. These promotional cards 76 can be used to make phone cards, limited credit cards, discount cards, etc.
When [0067] promotional cards 76 are formed on the sides 42, 142, the distance between hinge lines 40 a, 40 b, and 140 a, 140 b are preferably selected to be the width of the desired promotional card so the hinge lines define an edge of the promotional cards 76. It is advantageous to have the hinge lines 40 a, 40 b, and 140 a, 140 b define the long side of a rectangular promotional card 76 as shown in the Figures. In this configuration, the edge of the promotional cards 76 between hinge lines 40 a, 40 b, and 140 a, 140 b can be slit, with perforations along the hinge lines 40 a, 40 b, and 140 a, 140 b allowing for easy removal of the promotional cards 76. Moreover, the support tabs 45 can be located to extend from the middle of each promotional card 76, with the support tabs 45 providing gripping surfaces to help pull the promotional cards 76 off of the carrier 10.
If [0068] promotional cards 76 are not placed on the side surfaces 42, 142, the spacing tabs 45 may be omitted and the bottom 38, 138 of carrier 10 placed directly on a support surface during use of the carrier 10. In this configuration, the locking tabs 54, 154 are either omitted, or they do not extend beyond the exterior of the bottoms 38, 138, or the tabs are bent over so that they do not get into the interior of the first and second supports 30, 32. When the support tabs 45 are used, then preferably, but optionally, the locking tabs 54, 154 extend beyond the bottom 38, 138 a distance corresponding to the distance that the support tabs 45 extend beyond the bottom 38, 138. Thus, the support tabs 45 provide a support along opposing sides 42, 142 of the periphery of the carrier 10, while the locking tabs 54, 154 provide support to the bottom 38, 138 between the sides 42, 142.
During use, a drink container is placed in each of [0069] beverage openings 44, 144 with the edges defining openings 44, 144 also selected to help hold and stabilize the drink container. The drink container rests on the bottom 38, 138 below the respective opening 44, 144. It is possible, but not preferable, to have aligned openings in the bottom 38, 138, located below the drink openings 44, 144 to allow the beverage container to pass through and wedge against the upper surfaces 36, 136 and the lower surfaces 38, 138 in order to hold the drink container. Preferably though, the bottom 38, 138 supports the weight of the drink container placed in beverage opening 44, 144. Likewise, During use, a food item is placed in each food opening 46, 146, and rests against the bottom 38, 138.
As indicated above regarding the blank shown in FIG. 7, the adhesive [0070] adjacent fold lines 24, 30 does not join the panels 20 a, 20 b along their entire periphery and does not join panels 20 a, 20 b for a substantial portion between fold lines 24, 30 and hand opening 36. This forms two abutting panels 20 a, 20 b that are not fastened together for a substantial portion of their central portion, and that has edges not fastened together. Thus, a flat promotional item could be inserted between panels 12, 20, such as a CD, a computer disk, a collector card, or other flat item of appropriate size and thickness. If desired, an item could be inserted and the edges of panels 20 a, 20 b glued to securely enclose the item. Further, a collectable image, such as that of a car or famous person can be placed on one or more of the panels 20 a, 20 b so the user of the carrier 10 takes the carrier 10 home to cut out and save the collectable image. Various promotional uses of the promotional space on panels 20 a, 20 b and the space between those panels can be devised, with printed indicia and removable cards 76 being placed on any combination of those panels of between those panels.
Alternatively, the advertising display area on [0071] handle 20 could contain a flat promotional item removably attached to one or more of panels 20 a, 20 b, as for example, having a CD held by slits in the panel, or a plastic bag containing a promotional item stapled, glued or otherwise fastened to the handle 20. Such promotional items are preferably flat, and preferably thin, so the carrier 10 can be folded flat for storage and shipping.
The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention, including various ways of locating the promotional indicia and promotional cards. For example, while described as having separate food and beverage containers it is appreciated that beverage items could be placed in all of the openings, or that food items could be placed in all of the openings. It is preferably, however, that the shape of the [0072] openings 44, 46, 144, 146 conform to containers used for food items, or beverage items, etc. Further, the various features of this invention can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the invention is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments but is to be defined by the following claims when read in the broadest reasonable manner to preserve the validity of the claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A carrier for transporting food and beverage containers, the carrier comprising:

a handle located in a first, generally vertical plane during use of the carrier;

first and second supports each connected to the handle along one of a first and second hinge line that are parallel to each other and located on opposing sides of the handle, each support extending laterally from the handle, each support further having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface with each surface having a periphery, the opposing surfaces being spaced apart and joined together along a portion of a periphery of each surface, each upper support defining a round beverage opening sized to receive a beverage container during use of the carrier, and further defining a food opening sized to receive a food container during use of the carrier; the beverage openings being located asymmetrically with respect to the first plane and the food openings being located asymmetrically with respect to the first plane, the bottom surface extending below the food and beverage openings to support any containers placed in those openings, the handle being connected to the bottom surface.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the joined periphery comprises a distal edge on each upper and lower surface which distal edges are joined by a side panel.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the side panel is substantially parallel to the first plane.

4. The carrier of claim 2, the side panel further comprises a plurality of spacing tabs extending from the side panel and generally parallel to the first plane of the handle.

5. The carrier of claims 1, further comprising a first locking opening formed in the lower surface and located beneath the food opening on each support, and further comprising two first spacing members each connected to an edge of one food opening and having a distal edge sized and located to extend to the lower surface of the support below that connected edge with that distal edge having a first locking tab, the first locking tab and first locking opening being located so the first locking tab engages the first locking opening during use of the carrier to help stabilize the carrier, the first locking tab extending beyond the lower surface a distance sufficient to rest against a supporting surface during use of the carrier.

6. The carrier of claim 5, further comprising a second locking opening formed in the lower surface and located beneath the beverage opening on each support, and further comprising a second member connected to an edge of each beverage opening and having a distal edge sized and located to extend to the lower surface of the support with that distal edge having a second locking tab, the second locking tab and second locking opening being located so the second locking tab engages the second locking opening during use of the carrier to help stabilize the carrier, the second locking tab extending beyond the lower surface a distance sufficient to rest against a supporting surface during use of the carrier.

7. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the locking tab is a T-shaped locking tab.

8. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the handle comprises a planer member with a flange extending laterally from the handle at an end adjacent the bottom surface and with the flange being fastened to the bottom surface along a substantial width of the bottom surface measured along the plane of the handle.

9. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the side panels contain a plurality of promotional cards which are perforated, cut, or both around a periphery of the cards to make the cards detachable and with the cards containing promotional materials.

10. The carrier of claim 2, wherein at least one of the spacing members is detachable, and contains printed indicia to form a promotional card.

11. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is formed of a single piece of paperboard.

12. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a sheet of material located in the first plane and bearing promotional indicia thereon.

13. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the lower surface further comprises openings aligned with the beverage openings in the upper surface and sized to hold a portion of a drink container inserted therein during use of the carrier.

14. A carrier for food and beverage containers, the carrier suitable for resting on a support surface, the carrier comprising:

a first and second support each connected to and located on opposing sides of a planar handle, the supports each having an upper surface with a beverage opening therein sized to receive the beverage container during use of the carrier, the beverage openings being located asymmetrically with respect to the planar handle, each support further having a food opening located asymmetrically with respect to the planar handle;

a lower surface located below the upper surface of each container opening and connected to each upper surface, the lower surface located from the upper surface a distance suitable to support a bottom of the beverage container and a bottom of the food container during use of the carrier;

a side panel joining distal edges of the upper and lower surface to hold those edges a predetermined distance apart, the side panels having a plurality of support tabs extending beyond the lower surface along a line from the upper surface toward the lower surface in order to support the carrier on the support surface during use of the carrier;

a plurality of support members connected to the upper surface and extending through aligned locking openings on the lower surface to provide a support between the upper and lower surfaces, the support members having a locking tab on each distal end of the members to engage the locking opening; the locking tabs extending below the lower surface to abut the support surface during use of the carrier.

15. The carrier of claim 14, further comprising at least one first hinge line in the plane of the handle along the location where one of the supports fastens to the handle so the handle can abut the support in a folded configuration, and further comprising hinge lines parallel to the first hinge line and located where the side panel joins the upper and lower surfaces so the upper and lower surfaces can lay against each other in a folded configuration.

16. The carrier of claim 15, wherein the handle is bent to form a flange extending laterally from the plane of the handle adjacent the bottom surface with the bottom surface being fastened to the flange, and wherein the folded configuration unbends the flange to lay in the general plane of the handle.

17. The carrier of claim 14, further comprising promotional tabs on at least one of the side panels and support members comprise promotional cards.

18. The carrier of claim 17, wherein at least one support tab extends from an edge of a promotional card.

19. A carrier for food and beverage containers, the carrier being formed from a single sheet of material having a plurality of panels, the carrier comprising:

a handle having at least a substantial portion formed of two abutting panels to form first and second opposing sides of the handle, the handle having an opening therein sized to allow a person to grasp the carrier through the opening;

two supports, each connected to a different one of the panels forming the handle and each extending laterally from the handle, each support having an upper surface that is connected at a distal edge to a side panel that is connected to a distal edge of a bottom surface that is common to the two supports and that is further connected to one of the panels forming the handle, the upper surface defining a beverage opening sized to receive the beverage container during use of the carrier, the beverage openings being located asymmetrically with respect to the handle, each support further having a food opening located asymmetrically with respect to the planar handle so that an axis perpendicular to the handle and passing through a center of the beverage opening passes through a food opening on an opposing side of the handle.

20. The carrier of claim 19, wherein one of the upper surfaces is bent to form a first flange and the first flange is fastened to the first side of the handle to connect the upper surface of one of the supports to the handle.

21. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the first flange extends toward the bottom surface.

22. The carrier of claim 19, wherein a distal end of the handle is bent to form a second flange and the second flange is fastened to the bottom with the flange located on the second side of the handle.

23. The carrier of claim 19, wherein a distal end of the handle is bent to form a second flange and the second flange is fastened to the bottom with the flange located on the first side of the handle.

24. The carrier of claim 19, further comprising two first spacing members each connected to an edge of one food opening which edge is most distant from the beverage opening located on the same side of the handle, each spacing member having a distal edge sized and located to extend to the lower surface of the support below that connected edge and with that distal edge having a first locking tab, the first locking tab and a first locking opening in the bottom being located so the first locking tab engages the first locking opening during use of the carrier, the first locking tab extending beyond the lower surface a distance sufficient to rest against a supporting surface during use of the carrier.

25. The carrier of claim 19, further comprising two second spacing members each connected to an edge of one beverage opening which edge is most distant from the beverage opening located on the same side of the handle, each spacing member having a distal edge sized and located to extend to the lower surface of the support below that connected edge and with that distal edge having a second locking tab, the second locking tab and a second locking opening in the bottom being located so the second locking tab engages the second locking opening during use of the carrier, the second locking tab extending beyond the lower surface a distance sufficient to rest against a supporting surface during use of the carrier.

26. The carrier of claim 24, further comprising at least one promotional card formed in at least one side panel.

27. The carrier of claim 24, further comprising at least one promotional card formed the support member.

28. The carrier of claim 24, further comprising a total of four promotional cards formed in the side panels and a total of at least two promotional formed in the spacing members.

29. A carrier for transporting one or more food or beverage containers, the carrier comprising:

a handle placed in tension during use of the carrier and located in a first plane during use of the carrier;

a first support connected to the handle and extending in a second plane generally perpendicular to and on a first side of the plane of the handle, the first support having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, the upper and lower surfaces each having a first distal edge with a first side panel connecting those first distal edges to space the upper and lower surfaces apart by a predetermined distance, the upper surface having a first beverage opening sized to accommodate a beverage container during use of the carrier, and further having an first food opening sized to receive a food container during use of the carrier;

a second support connected to the handle and extending in the second plane on a opposing side of the plane of the handle, the second support having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, the upper and lower surfaces of the second support each having a second distal edge with a second side panel connecting those second distal edges to space the upper and lower surfaces of the second support apart by a predetermined distance, the upper surface of the second support having a second beverage opening sized to accommodate a beverage container during use of the carrier, and further having a second food opening sized to receive a food container during use of the carrier; the first beverage opening and second food opening being located along a common axis in the second plane, and the second beverage opening and the first food opening being located along a common axis in the second plane.

30. The carrier of claim 29, wherein the lower surface of the first support has a first locking opening located below the first food opening, and further comprising a first spacing member connected to an edge of the first food opening and having a distal edge sized to extend to the lower surface of the first support, the distal edge having a first locking tab, the first locking tab and first locking opening being located so the first locking tab engages the locking opening during use of the carrier.

31. The carrier of claim 30, wherein the lower surface of the second support has a second locking opening located below the second food opening, and further comprising a second spacing member connected to an edge of the second food opening and having a distal edge sized to extend to the lower surface of the second support, the distal edge of the second spacing member having a second locking tab, the second locking tab and second locking opening being located so the second locking tab engages the second locking opening during use of the carrier.

32. A The carrier of claim 29, further comprising, a plurality of spacing tabs extending from the first and second side panels and generally parallel to the first plane of the handle.

33. A The carrier of claim 29, wherein the lower surface of the first support has a third locking opening located below the first beverage opening, and further comprising a third spacing member connected to an edge of the first beverage opening and having a distal edge sized to extend to the lower surface of the first support, the distal edge having a third locking tab, the third locking tab and third locking opening being located so the third locking tab engages the third opening during use of the carrier.

34. The carrier of claim 29, wherein the lower surface of the second support has a fourth locking opening located below the second beverage opening, and further comprising a fourth spacing member connected to an edge of the second beverage opening and having a distal edge sized to extend to the lower surface of the second support, the distal edge of the fourth spacing member having a fourth locking tab, the fourth locking tab and fourth locking opening being located so the fourth locking tab engages the fourth locking opening during use of the carrier.

35. The carrier of claim 29, wherein an axis in the second plane perpendicular to the first plane intersects the first beverage opening and second food opening.

36. The carrier of claim 29, wherein the side panels contain a plurality of promotional cards which are perforated around a periphery of the cards to make the cards detachable and which contain printed promotional indicia.

37. The carrier of claim 29, wherein at least one of the spacing members is detachable, and contains printed indicia to form a promotional card.

38. The carrier of claim 29, wherein the carrier is formed of a single piece of paperboard.

39. A blank for forming a carrier for food and beverage carriers, the carrier having a handle with first and second supports on opposing sides of the handle, the blank having a width and a length, the blank comprising:

nine panels and at least eight fold lines, including in sequence beginning from a first distal end of the blank:

a first glue panel having a free edge forming the first distal end of the blank and having an interior edge extending across the width of the blank to form a first fold line defining a first flange

a second panel defining a first side of the handle of the carrier and having an opening therein sized to allow the fingers of a hand to enter the opening and grip the handle, the second panel sharing the first fold line with the first panel and having a second fold line opposite thereto;

a third panel defining a second side of the handle of the carrier and having an opening therein sized and located to align with the opening in the second panel when the first and second panels are fastened together and folded about the second fold line to form the handle, the third panel sharing the second fold line with the second panel and having a third fold line opposite thereto;

a fourth panel for forming the second upper surface of the carrier, the fourth panel having a round first beverage opening and having a second food opening cut therein, a periphery defining at least one of the first and second openings in the fourth panel being slit to form a support member extending into the opening in the fourth panel, the support member on the fourth panel having a locking tab on a distal end thereof, the fourth panel sharing the third fold line with the third panel and having a fourth fold line opposite the third fold line;

a fifth panel for forming a second side panel of the carrier, the fifth panel sharing the fourth fold line with the fourth panel and having an opposing fifth fold line;

a sixth panel for forming a lower surface of the carrier, the sixth panel having a plurality of locking openings formed therein which openings are sized and located to receive the locking tab on the support member of the second panel, the sixth panel sharing the fifth fold line with the fifth panel and having an opposing, sixth fold line,

a seventh panel for forming a second side panel of the carrier, the seventh panel sharing the sixth fold line with the sixth panel and having an opposing seventh fold line,

an eighth panel for forming a first upper surface of the carrier, the eighth panel having a round first beverage opening and having a second food opening cut therein, a periphery defining at least one of the first and second openings in the eighth panel being slit to form a support member extending into the opening in the eighth panel, the support member on the eighth panel having a locking tab on a distal end thereof that is located and sized relative to locking openings in the sixth panel so as to engage one of those locking openings when the carrier is formed, the eighth panel sharing the seventh fold line with the seventh panel and having an eighth fold line opposite the seventh fold line,

a ninth panel for defining a flange that is fastened to the second panel to form the carrier, the ninth panel sharing the eighth fold line with the seventh panel.

40. The blank of claim 39, wherein at least one of the side panels is perforated to define a portion of a detachable promotional card, and wherein the at least one set of the third and fourth or fifth and sixth fold lines have a portion of the fold line perforated to further define the detachable promotional card.

41. The blank of claim 39, wherein the sixth panel further has a plurality of slits beginning and ending on each of the fifth and sixth fold lines in order to define spacing tabs on the carrier.

42. The blank of claim 39, wherein the support tab is located on an edge of at least one of the food openings which edge is located nearest a side edge of the blank.