WO2007073350A1

WO2007073350A1 - A food container engageable with a beverage container

Info

Publication number: WO2007073350A1
Application number: PCT/SG2006/000191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bill Loh
Original assignee: Bill Loh
Priority date: 2005-12-20
Filing date: 2006-07-10
Publication date: 2007-06-28

Abstract

A food container for attachment to a removable cover of a beverage container or a rim of an open beverage container, the food container having a base, the attachment being provided by a attachment for releasably attaching the food container to the bead of the beverage container, or by an adhesive covered by a removal liner prior to first use, whilst allowing a straw to be able to be inserted into the beverage container to access the contents of the beverage container.

Description

Title

A Food Container engageable with a Beverage Container

Technical Field The invention concerns food containers for attachment to beverage containers and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to disposable food containers for attachment to disposable or recyclable beverage containers.

Reference to Related Applications Reference is made to my earlier international patent applications numbered PCT/SG2004/000188, PCT/SG2004/000134 and PCT/SG2005/000399 (my "earlier applications") the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if they were disclosed herein in their entirety.

Background of the Invention

In my earlier applications there are disclosed several embodiments for attaching a food container to a beverage container where the contents of both can be consumed simultaneously. Different mechanisms for attaching the food container to the beverage container are required to allow for different forms and sizes of food containers, and different forms and sizes of beverage containers.

Neither allows for a large diameter straw, and may have problems of beverage contamination of the food, and vice versa. Also, the attachment of the beverage container to the food container is built-in to the food container. It may be of advantage for it to be separate from the food container so it can be attached to any food container.

Summary of the Invention

In a first preferred aspect, there is provided a food container for attachment to a rim of an open beverage container, the food container having a base, and at least one side wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the base, the base having an outer lower surface; the outer lower surface having thereon an attachment for releasably attaching the food container to the bead of the beverage container whilst allowing a straw to be able to be inserted into the open beverage container. There may be a hole through the base within a periphery of the attachment, the hole being for the passage therethrough of the straw.

The attachment may comprise a groove in the base, the groove having an adhesive therein, the groove being sized and shaped to receive the bead.

The groove may have an open lower end covered by a removable tape. The groove may be an annular groove.

The groove may be at or adjacent a side edge of the base and is in the form of a major segment of a circle.

The attachment may comprise a pad of double-sided adhesive tape.

The pad may be at or adjacent a side edge of the base.

A peripheral rim around the side wall at an end thereof remote from the base, there being a cover sealingly attached to the peripheral rim may be included.

The cover may have a perforated strip extending therearound adjacent the rim for the removal of the cover.

The perforated strip may be incomplete to leave a flexible strip of the cover for hingedly attaching the cover to the food container.

The side wall may have a perforated strip extending therearound adjacent the rim for the removal of the cover.

The perforated strip may be incomplete to leave a portion of the side wall for hingedly attaching the cover to the food container.

The cover, when opened, may be able to act as a tray.

The hole may be remote from a longitudinal axis of the food container.

The pad may have a further hole therethrough aligned with the hole. The pad may be of peripheral dimensions greater than the peripheral dimension of the bead.

In a second aspect, there is provided an open beverage container for attachment to a food container, the beverage container comprising: an adhesive on at least a portion of a rim of the beverage container, the adhesive covered by a removable liner; and an aperture in a side wall to receive a straw; wherein the food container is releasably attachable to the beverage container by removing the removable liner to expose the adhesive and adhere the rim of the beverage container to the base of the food container, and the contents of the beverage container are consumed using a straw via the aperture when the food container is attached to the beverage container.

A removable cover may be provided to cover the beverage container, the peripheral edge of the cover being deformable against the rim for releasable engagement with the beverage container.

The removable liner may be a thin film extending over the rim of the beverage container.

The adhesive may extend along the entire rim of the beverage container.

The food container may comprise at least one side wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the base, the base having an outer lower surface; the outer lower surface having thereon an attachment for releasably attaching the food container to the bead of the beverage container whilst allowing a straw to be able to be inserted into the open beverage container.

There may be a hole through the base within a periphery of the attachment, the hole being for the passage therethrough of the straw.

In a third aspect, there is provided a beverage container for attachment to a food container, the beverage container comprising: a removable cover to cover the beverage container, the cover comprising: a peripheral edge that is deformable against a rim of the beverage container for releasable engagement with the beverage container; a raised planar surface above the peripheral edge of the cover; a deformable portion located proximal to the peripheral edge of the raised planar surface, where upon deformation of the deformable portion, an aperture is formed to receive a straw to consume the contents of the beverage container; an adhesive on at least a portion of the raised planar surface, the adhesive covered by a removable liner, wherein the cover is releasably attachable to the food container by removing the removable liner to expose the adhesive and adhere the base of the food container to the cover.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a food container for attachment to a beverage container, the food container comprising: an adhesive on at least a portion of the base of the food container, the adhesive covered by a removable liner; wherein the food container is releasably attachable to the beverage container by removing the removable liner to expose the adhesive and adhere the base of the food container to the beverage container, and the contents of the beverage container are consumed using a straw when the food container is attached to the beverage container.

The base of the food container may be adhered to the rim of the beverage container, and an aperture is formed in a side wall of the beverage container to receive the straw.

The base of the food container may be adhered to a removable cover of the beverage container, the cover comprising: a peripheral edge that is deformable against a rim of the beverage container for releasable engagement with the beverage container; a raised planar surface above the peripheral edge of the cover; and a deformable portion located proximal to the peripheral edge of the raised planar surface, where upon deformation of the deformable portion, an aperture is formed to receive the straw.

The adhesive may be in the form of a double-sided adhesive tape. The food container may be in the form of a tray. The tray may be an open box being any one from the group consisting of: biscuit box and box of chocolates.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for attaching a beverage container to a food container, the apparatus comprising: a) a planar body; b) at least one projection from a first surface of the planar body; c) the at least one projection having a rim retainer for releasably receiving a rim of the beverage container; and d) a slot through the at least one projection for passage therethrough of a straw.

The at least one projection may comprise a plurality of projections. The plurality projections may be each circular in nature. The plurality of projections may be concentric.

The slot may be through all the plurality of projections. The slots through each of the plurality of projections may be radially aligned. The slots through the plurality of projections may be each of the same depth and width.

The beverage container may be a can, the at least one projection and the rim retainer being of a size and shape for retaining the rim of the can. The beverage container may be a cup, the at least one projection and the rim retainer being of a size and shape for retaining the rim of the cup.

The rim may be retained by the rim retainer in the manner of a snap fit.

An adhesive layer on a second surface of the planar body, the adhesive layer being for attaching the apparatus to the food container may be included.

The rim retainer may be a groove along the at least one projection.

The projection may be of a height greater than the groove depth for creating a gap between the planar body and the rim when the rim is engaged in the groove, the gap at the slot being for the passage of the straw. The projection may comprise a skirt depending from the first surface of the planar body.

The rim retainer may comprise a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly of the skirt at or adjacent a lower edge of the skirt.

The skirt may be for engaging an outer surface of the rim.

At least one inwardly and downwardly directed lug at a junction of the skirt and the first surface of the planar body may be included.

The lugs are of a height slightly less than a diameter of the straw for forming a gap at the slot when the rim may be inserted into the apparatus.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for attaching a beverage container to a food container, the apparatus comprising: a) a planar body; b) at least two projections from a first surface of the planar body; c) the at least two projections each having a rim retainer for releasably receiving a rim of the beverage container; d) the at least two projections being concentric.

The at least two projections may be all circular in nature.

The beverage container may be a can, the rim retainer and one of the projections being of a size and shape for releasably receiving the rim of the can. The beverage container may be a cup, the rim retainer and one of the projections being of a size and shape for retaining therein the rim of the cup.

The at least two projections may be concentric.

The slot may be through all of the at least two projections. The slots through each of the at least two projections may be radially aligned. The slots through each of the at least two projections may be each of the same depth and width.

The rim may be received by the rim retainer in the manner of a snap fit. An adhesive layer may be provided on a second surface of the planar body, the adhesive layer being for attaching the apparatus to the food container.

The rim retainer may be a groove along each of the at least two projections.

Each of the at least two projections may be of a height greater than the groove depth for creating a gap between the planar body and the rim when the rim is engaged in the groove, the gap at the slot being for the passage of the straw. Each of the at least two projections may comprise a skirt depending from the first surface of the planar body.

The rim retainer may comprise a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly of each of the skirts at or adjacent a lower edge of each of the skirts.

Each of the skirts may be for engaging an outer surface of the rim.

At least one inwardly and downwardly directed lug at a junction of each of the skirts and the first surface of the planar body may be included.

The slot may be for the full height of the projection. The at least two projections comprises an inner projection and an outer projection.

There may be a gap between the projections for receiving therein the straw when the straw is not in use.

In a seventh aspect, there is provided a food container comprising the apparatus as described.

The planar body of the food container may comprise at least a portion of a base of the food container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an underneath perspective of a first preferred embodiment at a first stage;

Figure 2 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 at a second stage;

Figure 3 is a vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 3-3 of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 fitted to a beverage container;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a view corresponding to Figure 5 of a second preferred embodiment;

Figure 8 is an end view of the embodiment of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative form of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 in the open position;

Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative form of the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 in the open position;

Figure 11 is an underneath view of another preferred embodiment;

Figure 12 is a partial top view of the embodiment of Figure 11 fitted to a beverage container;

Figure 13 is an underneath view of a penultimate embodiment; Figure 14 is an underneath view of a final embodiment;

Figure 15 is a pictorial representation of an open beverage container for attachment with a food container;

Figure 16 is a pictorial representation of a food container for attachment with an open beverage container; Figure 17 is a side view of an assembly of a beverage container with a food container and straw using a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 18 is a partial underneath perspective view of the assembly of Figure 17 on an enlarged scale;

Figure 19 is an underneath view of the food container of Figures 17 and 18; Figure 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view along the lines and in the direction of arrows 4-4 of Figure 17;

Figure 21 is an underneath view of a food container with a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 22 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 21 ; Figure 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view along the lines and in the direction of arrows 7-7 on Figure 21 ; Figure 24 is a view corresponding to Figure 23 showing a rim of a beverage container and a straw in relief;

Figure 25 is a view corresponding to Figure 21 of a third preferred embodiment; and Figure 26 shows a variant of the embodiment of Figure 19.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a container having a base 12 and a side wall 14. As shown, there are four mutually perpendicular side walls. However, the container 10 may be cuboid (as shown), cylindrical, or any other suitable and desired shape. The side wall 14 preferably terminates at its upper end with an outtumed rim 16, in the normal manner.

Formed into an outer, lower surface of base 12 is a circular, annular groove 18 of a size and shape to receive the bead 34 of a beverage container 32. The groove 18 has an open lower end 20 but is not open to the interior 22 of the container 10. An adhesive 24 is located in the groove 18 and may be completely around the groove 18, or may be intermittently spaced around groove 18. A removable tape 26 preferably with a lift tab 28, is provided to releasably close the open lower end 20.

In this way the lift tab 28 can be pulled by a user to remove the tape 26 from covering the open lower end 20. An open beverage container 32 (either cup, can or bottle) can then be pressed into the groove 18 until its bead 34 engages the adhesive 24 in the groove 18 to releasably yet securely hold the container 10 on the beverage container 32.

The base 12 also has a hole 30 therethrough within the periphery of groove 18. A straw 36 (Figure 4) is able to pass through the hole 30 and enter the open beverage container 32. In this way the contents of the beverage container 30 can be consumer yet only one hand is required to hold the beverage container 32 and thus the food container 10. Due to the groove 18 and adhesive 24 the food container 10 is relatively securely attached to the rim 34 of the beverage container. The user's other hand may then be used for greetings, eating the food in food container 10, or otherwise as required or desired. It is preferred for the hole 30 to be as far as possible away from the longitudinal axis of the food container 10 so that the straw 36 does not interfere with any food inside food container 10.

Although the beverage container 32 is shown as being a can, it may be a cup or a bottle.

The container 10 may have a cover 38. This is shown in Figures 3, and 5 to 10. The cover 38 is preferably releasbly sealed onto rim 16. Alternatively, cover 38 may have peripheral perforations 40 and a tear tab. Lifting tear tab 42 will cause the cover to tear along perforations 40 to thus open the interior 22 of container 10. The perforations 40 may be around (all sides or, as shown in Figure 9, may be on three sides only so cover 38 remains attached to the rim 16 of container 10 along one side thereof. A small, flexible strip 44 will assist the cover 38 being hingedly connected to the rim 16 along that one side.

An alternative is shown in Figures 7, 8 and 10. Here, the perforations are along the side walls 14 just below the rim 16. In this way, when opened, the cover 38 may be used for holding a napkin, or the like. The inherent flexibility of the material of the container 10, and the curvature of rim 16, will enable the cover 38, when open to hold a small weight relatively easily.

Figures 11 and 12 show a further embodiment where the groove 18 is at a side edge 16 of the base 12 and is in the form of a major segment of a circle. When the beverage container 32 is secured therein as before, a portion 48 of the beverage container extends beyond the side edge 46 so that the straw 36 can be inserted into the open beverage container 32. This embodiment may not be suitable for narrow-necked bottles.

Figure 13 is a variation of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. Here, instead of groove 18 there is a large pad of double-sized adhesive tape 50 applied to the outer surface of base 12. In this way, the pad 50 can accommodate any beverage container 32 that has a majority of its rim 34 in contact with pad 50. A lift tab 52 may be provided to assist in the removal of the cover layer of the pad 50. The pad 50 will have a hole 54 for aligning with hole 30 for the passage therethrough of the straw 360 The pad 50 may be in any suitable location relative to base 12, and may be of any suitable size and shape-square, rectangular circular, octagonal, hexagonal, and so forth. As shown in Figure 13 and 14, the pad 50, may be adjacent on at the side edge 46 is a similar manner to the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12 to avoid holes 30 and 54. It is preferable for the pad 50 to be slightly larger in dimension than the rim 34 of container 32 so a user does not have to carefully locate the food container 10 on the beverage container 32.

The container 10 may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, or a plastics material. It may be reuseable, disposable and/or recyclable.

Referring to Figure 15, an open beverage container 100 for attachment to a food container 200 is provided. In this embodiment, the term food container 200 is interpreted to also mean plates and other food serving apparatus. The beverage container 100 comprises an adhesive 110 on at least a portion of a rim 105 of the beverage container 100. The adhesive 110 may extend along the entire rim 105 of the beverage container 100. The adhesive 110 has sufficient bonding strength to prevent unintentional detachment of the food container 200 from the beverage container 100. The adhesive 110 is covered by a removable liner 115. The top surface of the liner 115 is non-adhesive, and will not stick to a person's mouth as they consume the contents of the beverage container from the opening. The liner 115 is a thin film extending over the rim 105 of the beverage container 100. An aperture 120 is provided in a side wall of the beverage container 100 and is sized to receive a bendable straw 140.

The food container 200 is releasably attachable to the beverage container 100 by removing the removable liner 115 to expose the adhesive 110. Next, the rim 105 of the beverage container 100 is adhered to the base of the food container 200. Preferably, for stability, the beverage container 100 is adhered to a central point at the base. The contents of the beverage container 100 are consumed using a bendable straw 140 via the aperture 120 when the food container 200 is attached to the beverage container 100. The straw 140 is of a sufficient length to ensure it can be reached without obstruction by the food container 200.

An optional removable cover 130 is provided to cover the beverage container 100 when its contents are not being consumed, for example, immediately after purchase of the beverage. This allows the beverage container 100 to be transported without risk of spillage and to prevent contaminants entering into the beverage container 100. To provide sealing of the beverage container 100, the peripheral edge 135 of the cover 130 is deformable against the rim 105 for releasable engagement with the beverage container 100. The cover 130 may also have an adhesive 110 covered by a removable liner 115 for adhering to the base of the food container 200.

Referring to Figure 16, in another embodiment, an adhesive 110 is located on the base of the food container 200. The adhesive 110 is initially covered by a removable liner 115 prior to first use. The exposed surface of the liner 115 is non- adhesive, so that the food container 200 does not stick to anything until the liner 115 is removed. Once the liner 115 is completely removed, the food container 200 may be securely adhered to the cover 130 of the beverage container 100 attached to the beverage container 100, or adhered directly to the rim of the beverage container 100, where the beverage container 100 has an aperture 120 defined in its side surface depicted in Figure 15. Preferably, the size of the adhesive 110 is sufficient to ensure secure adhesion to the cover 130 or rim of the beverage container 100, for example, at least the same size.

The food container 200 may be in the form a tray. The tray may be made from a box that has been opened, for example, a biscuit box or box of chocolates. Once such a box is opened, by tearing along perforations on the top side of the box, the box becomes a tray which is attachable to the beverage container 100 in the manner described earlier.

Another embodiment of a removable cover 130 is illustrated. The cover 130 has a raised planar top surface for adhering via the adhesive 110 to the base of the food container 200. The raised planar top surface enables a weakened portion 130 to be defined on the side wall of the cover 130, to be punctured using a finger or a straw 140, and for insertion of the straw 140 therethrough. Using such a cover 130, no modification to a typical beverage container 100 is required, as access to the contents of the beverage container 100 when it is adhered to the food container 200 is via the aperture 130 created by the weakened portion 130.

As shown in the Figures 17 to 20, there is beverage container 1010, in this case a cup. It may be a reusable cup, or a disposable cup. There is also a food container 1012 that may be a disposable food container (as shown) or may be reusable. The food container 1012 is assembled with the beverage container 1010 using a preferred embodiment. A straw 1014 is used to dispense the contents of the beverage container 1010.

The apparatus 1016 comprises a planar body 1008 that is attached to the base 1018 of food container 1012 by an adhesive layer 1020 on an upper surface 1036 of planar body 1008. Alternatively, it may be an integral part of the base 1018. The adhesive layer 1020 may be, for example, double sided adhesive tape, an adhesive with a peelable coating, or otherwise as required or desired.

Lower surface 1038 of planar body has two concentric projections 1022, 1028 comprising an outer projection 1022 and an inner projection 1028 with a gap 1052 therebetween. Although the projections 1022, 1028 are shown as being circular in nature, they may be any suitable shape for making engagement with a rim 1026 of a beverage container.

The outer projection 1022 has a groove 1024 extending for the full length of the outer projection 1022, but being of a depth less than the depth of outer projection 1022 (Figure 20). Intermediate its length the outer projection 1022 has a slot 1032 through the outer projection 1022 that extends for the full height of the outer projection 1022. The slot may also be considered as being interruption or gap in the outer projection 1022.

When the rim 1026 is engaged in the groove 1024, a gap 1034 between rim 1026 and lower surface 1038 of planar body 1008 is created at slot 1032. The straw 1014 can pass through gap 1034 and be held in place by being slightly compressed by the lower surface 1038, and rim 1026. It is further prevented from sideways movement by ends 1040 of the outer projection 1022 on either side of slot 1032.

The inner projection 1028 has a groove 1030 extending for the full length of the inner projection 1028, but being of a depth less than the depth of inner projection 1028 (Figure 20). Intermediate its length the inner projection 1028 has a slot 1032 through the inner projection 1028 that extends for the full height of the inner projection 1028. The slot may also be considered as being interruption or gap in the inner projection 1028. When the rim 1026 is engaged in the groove 1030, a gap 1034 between rim 1026 and lower surface 1038 of planar body 1008 is created at slot 1032. The straw 1014 can pass through gap 1034 and be held in place by being slightly compressed by the lower surface 1038, rim 1026, and ends 1040 of the inner projection 1028 on either side of slot 1032.

The slot 1032 through inner projection 1028 and the slot 1032 through outer projection 1022 are preferably radially aligned, are of the same depth, and are of the same width.

Groove 1024 in outer projection 1022 is for receiving therein a rim 1026 of a beverage container of a first category such as, for example, a cup. Groove 1030 in inner projection 1028 is for receiving therein a rim 1026 of a beverage container of a second category such as, for example, a can. Therefore, only one of the grooves 1024, 1030 would be used at any one time. The engagement of rim 1026 in grooves 1024, 1030 is preferably in the manner of a snap fit. However, grooves 1024, 1030 may contain an adhesive 1042 if required or desired. Groove 1024 and groove 1030 may be different to allow for the different rims 1026. The difference may be in shape and depth.

To now refer to Figures 21 to 24 there is shown a second preferred embodiment.

The apparatus is for attachment to, or forms an integral part of, base 1518 of a food container 1512. The food container 1512 as shown is a bag but it may be of any suitable shape, size, material or nature.

The apparatus has a planar body 1508 that, as shown, is circular. It may be of any other suitable shape such as, for example, square, rectangular, elliptical, pentagonal, and so forth. Depending from lower surface 1538 of the planar body 1508 is a projection 1522 in the form of a skirt. The projection/skirt 1522 is intended to engage the outside surface of a rim 1526 of the beverage container 1510.

The projection/skirt 1522 is of a height greater than rim 1526 and has a plurality of protrusions 1544 extending inwardly of the projection/skirt 1522 adjacent a lower edge 1548 of the projection/skirt 1522. In this way the rim 526 can engage projection/skirt 1522 and protrusions 1544 in the manner of a snap fit to releasably but securely engage the beverage container 1510 with the projection/skirt 1522.

The projection/skirt 1522 has a slot 1532, as before, for the passage therethrough of a straw 1514 in the same manner as describe above.

At the junction 1550 of the projection/skirt 1522 and the lower surface 1538 there is at least one, but preferably a plurality, of lugs 1546 extending inwardly of the projection/skirt 1522 and downwardly of the lower surface 1538. The lugs 1546 are of a height slightly less than the diameter of the straw 1514.

The rim 1526 contacts lugs 1546 when inserted inside projection/skirt 1522 to space the rim 1526 from the lower surface 1538 to form the gap 1534 at slot 1532. In this way the straw 1514 is again slightly compressed between rim 1526 and lower surface 1538 to hold it in position. The compression should not substantially interfere with fluid flow through the straw 1514.

As shown in Figure 25, there are three projections/skirts 1522, all concentric, all circular in form, and all with their slots 1532 axially aligned. All slots 1532 are identical. The size and/or number of the protrusions 1544 and/or lugs 1546 may vary, particularly for the projections/skirts 1522 of small radius.

There may be any number of projections/skirts 1522. As shown in Figures 21 to 24, there may be one. In Figures 17 to 20, there are two. Figure 25: three. Four or more is possible.

As shown in Figure 26, when not in use the straw 1014 may be located in the gap 1052 between projections 1022 and 1028. In this way the straw 1014 can be stored within the apparatus 1016 at the manufacturing and/or assembly and/or distribution centre for ease of packaging.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A food container for attachment to a rim of an open beverage container, the food container having a base, and at least one side wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the base, the base having an outer lower surface; the outer lower surface having thereon an attachment for releasably attaching the food container to the bead of the beverage container whilst allowing a straw to be able to be inserted into the open beverage container.

2. The food container according to claim 1, wherein there is a hole through the base within a periphery of the attachment, the hole being for the passage therethrough of the straw.

3. The food container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment comprises a groove in the base, the groove having an adhesive therein, the groove being sized and shaped to receive the bead.

4. The food container according to claim 3, wherein the groove has an open lower end covered by a removable tape.

5. The food container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the groove is an annular groove.

6. The food container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the groove is at or adjacent a side edge of the base and is in the form of a major segment of a circle.

7. The food container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment comprises a pad of double-sided adhesive tape.

8. The food container according to claim 7, wherein the pad is at or adjacent a side edge of the base.

9. The food container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a peripheral rim around the side wall at an end thereof remote from the base, there being a cover sealingly attached to the peripheral rim.

10. The food container according to claim 9, wherein the cover has a perforated strip extending therearound adjacent the rim for the removal of the cover.

11. The food container according to claim 10, wherein the perforated strip is incomplete to leave a flexible strip of the cover for hingedly attaching the cover to the food container.

12. The food container according to claim 9, wherein the side wall has a perforated strip extending therearound adjacent the rim for the removal of the cover.

13. The food container according to claim 12, wherein the perforated strip is incomplete to leave a portion of the side wall for hingedly attaching the cover to the food container.

14. The food container according to claim 11 or 13, wherein the cover, when opened, is able to act as a tray.

15. The food container according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 14 when appended to claim 2, wherein the hole is remote from a longitudinal axis of the food container.

16. The food container according to claim 7 when appended to claim 2, wherein the pad has a further hole therethrough aligned with the hole.

17. The food container according to any one of claims 7, 8 or 16, wherein the pad is of peripheral dimensions greater than the peripheral dimension of the bead.

18. An open beverage container for attachment to a food container, the beverage container comprising: an adhesive on at least a portion of a rim of the beverage container, the adhesive covered by a removable liner; and an aperture in a side wall to receive a straw; wherein the food container is releasably attachable to the beverage container by removing the removable liner to expose the adhesive and adhere the rim of the beverage container to the base of the food container, and the contents of the beverage container are consumed using a straw via the aperture when the food container is attached to the beverage container.

19. The beverage container according to claim 18, further comprising a removable cover to cover the beverage container, the peripheral edge of the cover being deformable against the rim for releasable engagement with the beverage container.

20. The beverage container according to claim 18, wherein the removable liner is a thin film extending over the rim of the beverage container.

21. The beverage container according to claim 18, wherein the adhesive extends along the entire rim of the beverage container.

22. The beverage container according to claim 18, wherein the food container comprises at least one side wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the base, the base having an outer lower surface; the outer lower surface having thereon an attachment for releasably attaching the food container to the bead of the beverage container whilst allowing a straw to be able to be inserted into the open beverage container.

23. The beverage container according to claim 22, wherein there is a hole through the base within a periphery of the attachment, the hole being for the passage therethrough of the straw.

24. The beverage container according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the attachment comprises a groove in the base, the groove having an adhesive therein, the groove being sized and shaped to receive the bead.

25. A beverage container for attachment to a food container, the beverage container comprising: a removable cover to cover the beverage container, the cover comprising: a peripheral edge that is deformable against a rim of the beverage container for releasable engagement with the beverage container; a raised planar surface above the peripheral edge of the cover; a deformable portion located proximal to the peripheral edge of the raised planar surface, where upon deformation of the deformable portion, an aperture is formed to receive a straw to consume the contents of the beverage container; an adhesive on at least a portion of the raised planar surface, the adhesive covered by a removable liner, wherein the cover is releasably attachable to the food container by removing the removable liner to expose the adhesive and adhere the base of the food container to the cover.

26. A food container for attachment to a beverage container, the food container comprising: an adhesive on at least a portion of the base of the food container, the adhesive covered by a removable liner; wherein the food container is releasably attachable to the beverage container by removing the removable liner to expose the adhesive and adhere the base of the food container to the beverage container, and the contents of the beverage container are consumed using a straw when the food container is attached to the beverage container.

27. The food container according to claim 26, wherein the base of the food container is adhered to the rim of the beverage container, and an aperture is formed in a side wail of the beverage container to receive the straw.

28. The food container according to claim 26, wherein the base of the food container is adhered to a removable cover of the beverage container, the cover comprising: a peripheral edge that is deformable against a rim of the beverage container for releasable engagement with the beverage container; a raised planar surface above the peripheral edge of the cover; and a deformable portion located proximal to the peripheral edge of the raised planar surface, where upon deformation of the deformable portion, an aperture is formed to receive the straw.

29. The food container according to claim 26, wherein the adhesive is in the form of a double-sided adhesive tape.

30. The food container according to claim 26, wherein the food container is the form of a tray.

31. The food container according to claim 30, wherein the tray is an open box being any one from the group consisting of: biscuit box and box of chocolates.

32. An apparatus for attaching a beverage container to a food container, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a planar body;

(b) at least one projection from a first surface of the planar body;

(c) the at least one projection having a rim retainer for releasably receiving a rim of the beverage container; and (d) a slot through the at least one projection for passage therethrough of a straw.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the at least one projection comprises a plurality of projections.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the plurality projections are each circular in nature.

35. The apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the plurality of projections are concentric.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the slot is through all the plurality of projections.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the slots through each of the plurality of projections are radially aligned.

38. The apparatus according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the slots through the plurality of projections are each of the same depth and width.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the beverage container is a can, the at least one projection and the rim retainer being of a size and shape for retaining the rim of the can.

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the beverage container is a cup, the at least one projection and the rim retainer being of a size and shape for retaining the rim of the cup.

41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 40, wherein the rim is retained by the rim retainer in the manner of a snap fit.

42. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 41 , further comprising an adhesive layer on a second surface of the planar body, the adhesive layer being for attaching the apparatus to the food container.

43. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 42, wherein the rim retainer is a groove along the at least one projection.

44. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the projection is of a height greater than the groove depth for creating a gap between the planar body and the rim when the rim is engaged in the groove, the gap at the slot being for the passage of the straw.

45. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 42, wherein the projection comprises a skirt depending from the first surface of the planar body.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the rim retainer comprises a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly of the skirt at or adjacent a lower edge of the skirt.

47. The apparatus according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the skirt is for engaging an outer surface of the rim.

48. The apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 47, further comprising at least one inwardly and downwardly directed lug at a junction of the skirt and the first surface of the planar body.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the lugs are of a height slightly less than a diameter of the straw for forming a gap at the slot when the rim is inserted into the apparatus.

50. An apparatus for attaching a beverage container to a food container, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a planar body; (b) at least two projections from a first surface of the planar body;

(c) the at least two projections each having a rim retainer for releasably receiving a rim of the beverage container;

(d) the at least two projections being concentric.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the at least two projections are all circular in nature.

52. The apparatus according to claim 50 or 51 , wherein the beverage container is a can, the rim retainer and one of the projections being of a size and shape for releasably receiving the rim of the can.

53. The apparatus according to claim 50 or 51, wherein the beverage container is a cup, the rim retainer and one of the projections being of a size and shape for retaining therein the rim of the cup.

54. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the at least two projections are concentric.

55. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein the slot is through all of the at least two projections.

56. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the slots through each of the at least two projections are radially aligned.

57. The apparatus according to claim 55 or 56, wherein the slots through each of the at least two projections are each of the same depth and width.

58. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 57, wherein the rim is received by the rim retainer in the manner of a snap fit.

59. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 58 further comprising an adhesive layer on a second surface of the planar body, the adhesive layer being for attaching the apparatus to the food container.

60. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 59, wherein the rim retainer is a groove along each of the at least two projections.

61. The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein each of the at least two projections is of a height greater than the groove depth for creating a gap between the planar body and the rim when the rim is engaged in the groove, the gap at the slot being for the passage of the straw.

62. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 59, wherein each of the at least two projections comprises a skirt depending from the first surface of the planar body.

63. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the rim retainer comprises a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly of each of the skirts at or adjacent a lower edge of each of the skirts.

64. The apparatus according to claim 62 or 63, wherein each of the skirts is for engaging an outer surface of the rim.

65. The apparatus according to any one of claims 62 to 64, further comprising at least one inwardly and downwardly directed lug at a junction of each of the skirts and the first surface of the planar body.

66. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the lugs are of a height slightly less than a diameter of the straw for forming a gap at the slot when the rim is inserted into the apparatus.

67. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 66, wherein the slot is for the full height of the projection.

68. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 67, wherein the at least two projections comprises an inner projection and an outer projection.

69. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 68, wherein there is a gap between the projections for receiving therein the straw when the straw is not in use.

70. A food container comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 69.

70. The food container according to claim 70, wherein said planar body comprises at least a portion of a base of the food container.