WO2007090217A2

WO2007090217A2 - Combination of containers

Info

Publication number: WO2007090217A2
Application number: PCT/AT2007/000053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mariassuntina Spissu; Martin Kirchmayr
Original assignee: Mariassuntina Spissu; Martin Kirchmayr
Priority date: 2006-02-08
Filing date: 2007-02-02
Publication date: 2007-08-16
Also published as: WO2007090217A3; AT502179A4; AT502179B1

Abstract

A combination of containers, in particular for foodstuffs, beverages or other items, which can be carried comfortably by one hand during consumption and use and which can be flexibly adapted in shape and extent to the individual requirements. This is achieved by, rather than it resting on a continuous support, it being produced by an agglomeration of the containers equipped in each case with compatible connecting elements, and it therefore has a self-supporting structure and is configured individually from a module system. In the example illustrated, a handle (1), for example a mug used as such, merges into a shaped part (2) which rests in an ergonomically favourable manner on the carrying hand and, by means of stable plug-in connections, transmits the holding forces to two containers to which, in turn, further containers are connected. The elements are positioned in such a manner that both a comfortable grip of the carrying hand and stability are ensured. Individual containers may be configured as a support for further containers, for example a cup or a glass.

Description

container combination

The invention relates to a container combination for food, drinks or other objects, which are kept ready for consumption or for use, consisting of a plurality of containers that can be carried during consumption or use of their contents with one hand.

For the connection of multiple containers for joint handling many different solutions have been known. The most common is to connect several like shells through a common edge (e.g., JP2005280788, US2004164076, etc.). Such compounds are not suitable for easy handling with one hand, in particular because of their low bending stiffness. For craft purposes, a double trough is known (US6648165), however, requires a greater twisting of the hand, so that it can be fixed by the fingers, which is often required especially in differently filled state of the container. From WO9301995 various compounds of food containers are known in which, however, in particular no distances between the containers are provided, whereby the carrying possibility with one hand is subject to a certain limitation. From WO0113771 a connection of a cup with a box is known which, although it establishes a distance, is subject to clear limitations with respect to stability. This also applies to US4620631 (connection of a cup with a second container by a Ausklappschlaufe, similar to US4491220). The known from FR2702354 connection of a plate with a durchzusteckenden cup has the disadvantage that the storage possibility is limited due to the plate from the downwardly projecting parts (similar to FR2592571 and US5170908). Although the solution known from WO03043469 can be turned off, the connection plate for the containers rests on the opening of the cup, which is why the intended consumption of the beverage can only be achieved with a straw (similar to WO9826998, US5954195, US5176283, FR2675034, GB2023407) ES2154991, US5573131 and already US1665289). Those solutions, which appear similar to a side-closed, open-topped box of accessories (eg US2003146222, US5775570, US6988636) are stable, but less comfortable to carry with one hand, since they are balanced in this case either from below on the hand or must be held laterally with increased effort. Some such solutions provide an over-the-top handle (US2005092623, US6183027, US2005087466), which, however, limits the possibility of consumption while carrying the containers with one hand, or with uncomfortable carrying position. Known solutions are available for the tray-like combination of a glass or other container with a storage area in which often further subdivisions or depressions are provided (AT408411, US4867331 u.v.a.) To better deal with parties at glass and snacks. In addition, specific solutions for taking meals are known which are based on the principle of a plate with a cup base (e.g., FR2631222, WO0168458). Common to all these solutions is that the glass is in a more or less pronounced depression, in some cases can still be secured by the supporting hand, and the remaining contents on the tray or the plate are more or less freely movable. The safety against tilting is therefore low and in any case the function of a packaging is already not intended or restricted. US5114108, US4981217 et al. known mounts for automotive interiors have pronounced lateral support, but are not comfortable to wear with one hand. A combination box known from US Pat. No. 4,431,128, but also the larger shell with attached sauce container known from WO2005044691, can be used without a storage area only with low comfort.

From US2004031796, US6360944, US6102208, US5429262, US5540333 and WO0239858 solutions are known, each of which is limited to the connection of - mostly handy - containers with small sauce containers. The carrying devices for a glass or beverage can and several containers described in US Pat. No. 5,732,847A, FIGS. 1-6 and 8-12 have the disadvantage that they do not fulfill the stability requirement which is to be assumed regularly for larger meals. There is also a lack of sufficient stability of the connection, since the containers are merely suspended or placed with a protuberance of their soil in a recess of the connecting device.

The device shown in US5732847A, Fig.7 corresponds to a one-handed from below to be taken cylindrical tray with adjustment for segmental shells. Although this device would be stable, but - when filled - can not be parked without difficulty on a table, since the underlying load hand must first let go and groping on the outside of the device without the device is out of balance. For this purpose, in any case, the help of a stabilizing second hand is required for which, however, - in the filled state - no holding possibility is given, so that they act only by lateral pressure on the outer edge of the device and can help by the back pressure of the down groping hand, the Keep device in balance. Incidentally, all the support devices described in US Pat. No. 5,732,847A, FIGS. 1 to 12 are based on the design principle of a central support element with connections for all containers. They can therefore be used only with that number and type of containers for which the corresponding recesses or hooks and curves are already provided in the respective central support element. Therefore, each type of typical configuration requires its own support member (see, for example, Figures 1 to 12 in US5732847A), each of which is suitable only for a small number of typical applications. Insofar as different types of containers are often used in practice, combinatorial and quantitative variants of consumer demands would result in extremely high numbers of configurations which would require special support members.

From US5971139A a tray is known, which consists of a circular, bordered with a raised edge shelf for a plate, a connecting surface, a downwardly facing hollow handle, a cup holder and support feet. The tray may be stackable or it may be an additional tray for a second cup in the handle and the first cup holder are hung. Although this device facilitates carrying with one hand, is intended but limited to a plate and one or two cups. In ergonomic terms, it should be noted that the construction of the tray with feet can be disadvantageous because the plate, when the tray is then turned off, is significantly elevated relative to the table top, which is not conducive to the convenience of taking the meal while eating with cutlery is. With regard to the possible uses of US5971139A, it should also be taken into consideration that the tray for take-away consumption would only be suitable combined with packaging suitable for the existing wells. But even with the primary intended use with plates and cups, the function of the crockery against slipping margin is given only for a plate and one or two cups of certain predetermined size. With regard to diverse, different consumption, however, in practice - as already explained - often different types and sizes of containers, and these in turn, in a varying number, combine with each other. Therefore, the uses for such a rigid prefabricated carrying device are relatively limited.

So far, instead of the numerous previous relevant inventions, the conventional use has been made in practice of conventional simple shopping bags, boxes and flat trays which, while fulfilling the practical prerequisites, are compatible with the many different combinations of different containers used in practice, but in particular a consumption on the way can be used only with low comfort. Thus, although in many situations there is a desire to have a meal, or to combine different drinks, or snacks that can be consumed while walking, with a drink or healthy side dishes, where there is no convenient place to park There is no technical solution yet that would make this possible in a satisfying and convenient way. This is apparently because, especially in the typical for meals connection of multiple containers the desirable combination of torsional stiffness when wearing, protection of contents, stable storage and flexible combination options of containers of various types and numbers can be produced only by technical solutions, the up Based on the design principle of a load-bearing, flat bottom plate with circumferential side walls and therefore have the detail already outlined ergonomic disadvantages.

The invention therefore has the object to overcome the above restrictions and to create an individually needs-free combination options of different containers to a portable during use with a hand unit. This should be designed to be flexible enough to be configured for a variety of refreshments, drinks, snacks, meals etc. in different combinations and different extent, but at the same time provide good transport and stability and both stored on a table top and held with one hand very can be used conveniently. Similarly, these requirements should also be met for containers that provide other items for use.

The invention solves these objects by a container combination, in which a) at least one handle (1) is intended to carry the container with one hand at the level of the upper body to turn off and take, b) the container so arranged or with support devices are provided that the contact points of parked on a horizontal surface container combination rewrite an area within which arise their intended use axis of gravity, c) between the handle (1) and the containers connected to it consist of gaps that allow the handle (1) to be taken from the front by hand, is constructed so that d) at least one container with the handle (1) and at least one other container with the handle (1) or the aforementioned container directly or through an above or below the provided gripping surface subsequent molding (2) by means of the said elements gefin or one or more of said containers are formed by inner surfaces of said handle (1) or of said mold part (2), the alternatives designated by the term 'or' in this and all subsequent claims, respectively e) with the said containers, at least one further container can be connected by means of connection points or carrier elements located on said elements; and f) at least one container, which can be connected according to one of the preceding paragraphs, has connection points or carrier elements, with which at least one other container can be connected in the manner mentioned. In this context, a container is understood to mean an object whose surface has a plurality of partial surfaces which are intended to limit the possible movements of one or more other objects which are located between these partial surfaces. As a handle (1) can serve any holding device, the take can be done by any application of the holding forces of the hand or the arm. Junction or support member may be any structure suitable to make a connection.

This connection of the container can take the form of a modular system. The connection points are designed as connection points, the complementary counterparts are incorporated in the various containers or connected to the containers. Interchanges or support elements of containers, but also moldings or handles of different types can each be joined together with those of all others or of considerably different elements available for selection. The container combination can thus be configured as required by the user in each individual case.

Advantageously, the connections are made so as to produce a stabilizing action of the connected elements in all directions. For example, the relative torsional rigidity of a joint made by the molding (2) can be achieved by having a flat side surface to which the side wall of the adjacent tank (3) is adhesively secured. Instead, the molded part (2) an upper transverse elastic Einhängeschiene into which a hook-shaped cross-section formed upper edge of the container (3) engages, and two lower recesses, in the two in the side wall of the container (3) formed clamping nubs engage. Furthermore, the side wall of the molded part (2) may have a profile running parallel to its surface, which receives a profiling of the container (3) to be inserted, such a variant being e.g. in more detail in the drawings 3 and 4. Also, an angular shape of the molding (2), which produces a mounting surface for the bottom and one for the side surface of the container (3), is possible. Likewise, the molded part (2) as a container (3) annularly enclosing profile structure, if necessary, with carrier profiles under the bottom surface of the container (3) are executed. Also, a production of the molding from receiving the bending forces radially profiled thermoplastic film with a recess or opening for insertion of the container (3) and its fixation by elastically fitting side walls or support elements is possible, in the same way also made of foam materials.

A partial surface of the handle (1), a container connected to it or the molding (2) can advantageously in the upper hand edge, ie the index finger, the index finger base joint, the adjoining muscles and the thumb of the holding hand completely or partially rest and thus the Transfer weight of the container combination to the support area.

To produce an optimal weight distribution, the containers can be arranged concentrically around the handle (1) or on different sides of the handle (1).

The containers can each directly record the contents to be consumed or other, removable container, such as a coffee cup, another drinking vessel or an ice cream cone, which can be taken from the container combination with the free hand and performed alone to the mouth. In this case, stabilization of the inner removable container can be made by resting it with a projection surrounding its side wall and the line of contact of its side wall against the upper edge of the outer container and / or with its bottom or side surfaces on one outer Container inserted intermediate piece, whose cross section lines in has multiple directions and which is dimensioned according to the distances between the outer and the inner container rests. Advantageously, the handle (1), made of elastic material, serve as an outer container, so that by the pressure forces of the handle at the contact line to the inner container is also carried out by the supporting hand or releasable stabilization of the inner container against upward acting acceleration forces , In other applications, such as in the case of using the container combination for take-away or HMR meals, for example, where individual dishes are to be cooked or heated at home, it may be advantageous to remove the inner container (such as a cup-shaped bag) heat-resistant foil or a grill cup made of aluminum) to fix eg by means of clip closure in the outer container.

The advantages of this invention are in particular that the existing gap between packaging technology and service technology is closed by the containers themselves are connected to a convenient portable and suitable for consumption unit: By the between the handle and the subsequent containers for the supporting Hand released space as well as resting on the upper edge of the hand rest surface creates a very comfortable carrying possibility even during consumption, the type of connection of the container ensures each good stability of the container combination, and the storage area reaching or supported container give a good stability. Drinking vessels can be removed freely and provided for receiving a drinking vessel container can prevent depending on the type of accidental tipping, catch overflowing liquid or protect the drinking vessel from shocks. In contrast to known one-handed trays on the one hand a protective function during transport can be guaranteed and on the other hand one of the respectively desired combination of drinks, food, etc. adapted flexible dimensioning of the support device ensures that arises through the respective composition of the container itself. Since it is not based on a prefabricated support element that receives all containers directly, but has a self-supporting modular structure, it can - in the context of the ergonomic-functional features mentioned in the preamble - regardless of a prefabricated carrier exclusively on the current individual needs of the individual Adopt consumer-oriented form. All these factors make it possible to take food and drinks with increased comfort in places where no table is available, eg on a nice day in the park or on the beach. In addition, it becomes possible to make snacks that are taken while walking much more diverse and thus potentially healthier to configure. By compared to a cup much improved stability of the connected container, these can also be placed in between on slightly uneven areas. The handling is compared to a food "from the bag" or "from the box" much easier. But even if a table is present, the sight of the various elements remains more coordinated and the risk of unintentional repelling of a drinking vessel (outside the movement of individual containers by the wind) etc. is lower. As far as the contents of the container to be consumed with cutlery and therefore, if the container combination is placed on a table, the table top should be as close as possible, the container combination can also be configured with upstanding handle, so - in contrast to the known one-handed carrying trays, which have down-facing feet - here the containers to be used with cutlery rest directly on the table top. When used in the home, facilitated portability and stabilization of the containers can also make serving in the house, eventual change of ambience during the meal, breakfast on the bed, etc., easier and more elegant. Outside the home, the good stability of the container combination also facilitates the transport in other devices such as carrier bags. For the gastronomy and the food industry, the marketing is optimized from a nutritional or target group specific Menu compositions with appropriate choices for take-away meals (even on supermarket shelves) facilitated by the simplified handling of more complex compilations. In the field of event catering, individual combinations of drinks, refreshments, delicacies or even meals can be served by combining the respective containers used (holders for drinking vessels, bowls, etc.) according to the wishes of the individual guest. This creates - in contrast to the already known, tray-like solutions - a higher security of handling and an exact needs-based scope of the device. Under the entertainment aspect, the modular construction results in expanded sculptural and figurative design possibilities.

The invention will be explained in more detail in the drawings 1 to 4 with reference to simpler embodiments, without limiting it thereto.

Drawing 1: Application for the purpose of consuming different foods and a larger beverage, shown in the form of an external view.

Drawing 2: as drawing 1, but more extensive, with containers on both sides of the handle.

Drawing 3: detailed drawing (horizontal and vertical section through the connecting profiles used for the plug-in connection of the containers in the two exemplary embodiments)

Drawing 4: complementary frontal view of the surfaces in which the said connection profiles lie.

Drawing 1

In drawing 1, the handle (1) is a mug for a larger drink and is shown for illustrative purposes with a removable lid and a straw. The molding (2) surrounds the upper side surface of the cup, so the handle (1), in the manner of a full-surface, by the effect of material elasticity, optionally with adhesion-enhancing additives, adhesive sleeve and has a flat side surface, the size of the side wall of the Container (3) corresponds. This side wall of the container (3) is connected by plug-in connection with its facing flat side surface of the molded part (2). The opposite side wall of the container (3) is connected to the upper half of the side wall of the container (4), the other side wall in turn with that of the container (5). The connections mentioned are made by plug connections, which are not visible in the outside view.

Container (4) extends to the storage area and thus enables the stable storage of the combination pack. The lower height of the container (3), the bottom of which is flush with the underside of the molded part (2), allows unimpeded access and increased mobility of the cup, so the handle (1), enclosing hand.

Drawing 2

In drawing 2 an embodiment of the dependent claim 6 is shown. The elements shown correspond to drawing 1, but in addition, the molding (2) has a second planar side surface, with which the side wall of the container (6) is connected, with its opposite side surface turn the flat side surface of the container (7) is connected. The cup, so the handle (1), and the container (4) and (6) rest on the shelf. To increase the stability are the two rows of containers, so the container (3) to (5) on one side and the container (6) to (7) on the other side, at an angle of about 160 ° to each other.

Drawings 3 and 4

Drawings 3 and 4 illustrate the construction of the plug-in connection which is used for all said connections in the illustrated examples.

The connection is based on the principle of swallow and tines. After all connections via lateral, vertical surfaces of the molded part (2) and the connected container, corresponding connection profiles are created along the respective surfaces to be joined. To counteract deformation of the container under tensile load, these profiles run immediately adjacent to the tensile load on the edges of the container side walls and thus can absorb the tensile forces as best as possible.

The connection profiles lying in the molded part (2) have an overhead opening and a dovetail-shaped cross-section which tapers from top to bottom. Correspondingly shaped profiles with tine-shaped cross-section are located on a side wall of the container (3), which in turn is equipped on the opposite outside with Schwalbenprofilen for receiving a further container. The same applies to the other containers. The connection is made by first a container with its protruding, down narrower tine profiles inserted from above into the receiving profiles of the molded part (2) and then the other containers are plugged together with the already connected containers in the same way.

The tapering shape of the profiles facilitates handling through the wide upper opening of the female profile, stops the inserted profile in the final position and distributes gravity throughout the length of the profile. In the opposite direction, the end position is stabilized by a arranged at the upper end of the female profile grid element. The parallel position of the side walls of the containers in the end position is favorable for the stability, the profile structures also increase the flexural rigidity of the side walls.

Drawing 3

Figure 3A) shows a horizontal section through the connecting profiles in the side surfaces of the molded part (2) and the container (3).

The two receiving profiles (2.1) have the insertion openings (2.1.1), the inner guide surfaces (2.1.3) and protruding from these raster elements (2.1.2). The outer guide angles of the female profile are indicated by (2.1.4).

The two recorded profiles (3.1) are below a horizontal vortretenden cover plate, the position indicated by a broken line and with (3.1.1) is designated. The outer, lying parallel to the wall of the container guide surfaces of the projecting profiles (3.1) are denoted by (3.1.2). The internal guide angle, ie the narrower base of these projecting profiles is denoted by (3.1.3). Figure 3B) shows a vertical section in the longitudinal axes of the connection profiles.

The receiving profile (2.1) is open at the top. Just below this upper opening (2.1.1), the grid element (2.1.2) is arranged, which is located at the upper end of resting in the end position, slightly shorter recorded profile (3.1) and this fixed in the final position. The inner, parallel to the outer wall of the molded part (2) lying guide surface of the profile (2.1) is denoted by (2.1.3). The position of the lying outside the central axis outer guide angle of the female profile (2.1) is indicated by a broken line and designated by (2.1.4).

The recorded profile (3.1) has the outer guide surface (3.1.2) The position of lying outside the central axis inner guide angle is denoted by (3.1.3). At the upper edge of the container, the cover plate (3.1.1) projecting transversely to the profiles is arranged, which in the end position of the connected profiles covers the cavity formed over the opposite grid element.

Drawing 4

Drawing 4 shows the frontal view of the side walls with the connection profiles.

The receiving profiles (2.1) have the upwardly open mouth (2.1.1). Underneath is the grid element (2.1.2). The inner, wider and parallel to the side wall guide surface of the profile (2.1) is designated by (2.1.3). Since it is partially obscured in the frontal view of the outer, narrower guide angles, it is drawn with broken lines. The outer guide angles form the (2.1.4) designated, downwardly narrowing opening in the side wall of the molded part (2).

The outer, wider guide surface of the recorded profiles (3.1) is denoted by (3.1.2). Their shape corresponds to the inner guide surface of the female profile (2.1). The inner guide angles of the profile (3.1), which are concealed in the frontal view, are indicated by broken lines and denoted by (3.1.3). Their course corresponds to the front, downwardly narrowing opening (2.1.4) of the female profile. The cover plate (3.1.1) is arranged at the upper edge of the container body transversely to the profiles.

materials

In the illustrated examples, the molded part (2) and the connecting profiles attached to the containers by adhesion consist of hard foam. The containers are made of cardboard.

Instead of the gluing, the profiles to be attached to each container may e.g. be connected by longitudinal, transverse and diagonal connecting webs to cups in each of which a container is used.

Furthermore, both the receiving profile and the recorded profile with appropriate dimensioning and material adapted shape of the cross section, which in any case has a wider outer guide surface and inner narrower base of the recorded profile and, accordingly, a wider inner guide surface and narrower outer opening of the female profile , are made of thermoplastically deformable materials together with the respective container in one piece.

Claims

1. container combination for food, drinks or other objects that are kept ready for consumption or use, consisting of at least two containers, in which a) at least one handle (1) is intended to hold the containers with one hand at the level of the upper body (b) the receptacles are arranged or provided with support devices such that the support points of the receptacle combination parked on a horizontal surface circumscribe an area within which their center of gravity axes are formed when used as intended, c) between the handle ( 1) and the containers connected to it consist of gaps, which allow to take the handle (1) from the front by hand, characterized in that d) at least one container with the handle (1) and at least one further container with the Handle (1) or the aforementioned container directly or by a above od it be connected below the intended grip surface molding (2) connected by means of said elements of connection points or support elements or one or more of said containers of inner surfaces of said handle (1) or said molded part (2) are formed, wherein the the term 'or' in this and in all the claims which follow may also be combined in each case, and e) at least one further container can be connected to said containers by means of connection points or carrier elements located on said elements, and f) at least one container , which can be connected according to one of the preceding paragraphs, having connection points or support elements, with which at least one further container can be connected in the manner mentioned.

2. Container combination acc. Claim 1, characterized in that a partial surface of the handle (1) or associated with it molding (2) or a container connected to it in the region of the index finger, the index finger base joint, the adjoining muscles and the thumb of a holding hand completely or partially rest can and thus transfer the weight of the container combination on the support area.

3. Container combination acc. Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a container for receiving a further container removable therefrom, e.g. a drinking cup, a cup or an ice cream cone.

4. Container combination acc. Claim 3, characterized in that said further removable container is stabilized by resting with its projection surrounding its side wall and the line of contact of its side wall against the upper edge of said outer container or with its bottom or Side surfaces on an intermediate piece inserted in said outer container, the cross-section of which has lines in multiple directions, and which is dimensioned according to the distances between the received container and the inner surfaces of the outer container, rests.

5. Container combination according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer surface of the inner surface of an elastically designed handle (1) with an elastic upper edge or an elastic intermediate piece is used, so that by the pressure forces of the handle at the contact lines to the inner container also stabilized by the supporting hand adjustable or releasable stabilization of the inner container against upward acting acceleration forces.

6. Container combination acc. Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that at least two containers lie on opposite sides of the handle (1).

7. Container combination acc. Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that in turn further containers can be connected to the further containers connected to the containers by the user in the manner mentioned.

8. Container combination acc. Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one of said connections or attachments takes place in that a protruding profile with a wider outer guide surface and a narrower base into a receiving profile whose shape enclosing profile encloses in the end position and accordingly has a wider inner guide surface and a narrower outer opening is inserted.

9. Container combination acc. Claim 8, characterized in that at least one of said profiles consists of the same material as the container to be fastened and is manufactured in one piece with it.

10. Container combination acc. Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that a stabilization of the compounds acting in all directions is produced by said connection points or carrier elements.

11. Container combination acc. Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that all or some of said elements are or can be connected to connection points or support elements which are each suitable to be connected to those all of the associated elements mentioned or of several types of connected or selected elements provided for selection by different function or significantly different form, eg of different types of containers to be put together.