WO2022011416A1

WO2022011416A1 - Beverage and/or food carrier bag

Info

Publication number: WO2022011416A1
Application number: PCT/AU2021/050748
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julie Maree Mckenzie
Original assignee: Julie Maree Mckenzie
Priority date: 2020-07-14
Filing date: 2021-07-14
Publication date: 2022-01-20
Also published as: GB202300023D0; AU2021308725B2; CN116249651A; GB2611261A; US20230309671A1; GB2611261B; AU2021308725A1

Abstract

The present invention relates a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected to a base; the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage holder(s). The present invention facilitates transport and/or storage of beverages and/or food.

Description

TITLE

Beverage and/or food carrier bag

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001 ] The present invention relates to the field of storage and/or transport.

More particularly, the invention relates to a beverage and/or food carrier bag.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] Transportation of beverages and food is typically carried out by hand. However, there is an inherent limitation to the amount of beverages and/or food that can be carried by hand. In this regard, beverage carriers have been designed to alleviate this issue. For instance, a holder adapted to hold multiple cups has been developed. However, typically, prior art beverage carriers (such as cardboard beverage carriers) have insufficiently durability and may fall apart. It will be appreciated that this is a significant safety hazard.

[0004] Additionally, a limitation of presently available beverage carriers is that they are generally limited to a small number of cup sizes. As cup sizes change over time, the presently available beverage carriers may become obsolete. Furthermore, use of incompatible beverage(s) in such carriers may lead to the beverage being insufficiently secured and this increases the risk of potential risk of injury or harm due to spills. [0005] Furthermore, presently available beverage carriers if spilt are prone to land on a consumers clothes. It should be appreciated that this can be a significant problem and it would be advantageous to alleviate such issues. [0006] It would be advantageous to alleviate one or more of the above issues, and/or to at least provide the consumer with a commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising: a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected to a base; and the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage holder(s).

[0008] In an embodiment, the beverage and/or food carrier bag, further comprises a tray adapted to removably retain the one or more beverage holder(s). In this embodiment, the base and walls are adapted to receive the tray.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first side wall further comprises a cover attached thereto. In an embodiment, the cover is attached to the first side wall adjacent or at an upper end thereof. The cover comprises a first attachment portion that is reciprocal to a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion is located at a distal end of the cover.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second side wall comprises the second attachment portion. In embodiments, the second attachment portion is attached to the second side wall adjacent or at an upper end thereof

[0011] In an embodiment, when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the cover forms a surface that supports one or more food products.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover comprises a pocket.

[0013] In an embodiment, the beverage and/or food carrier bag further comprises one or more additional pockets formed in one or more of the front wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and/or the rear wall. [0014] In embodiments, the one or more beverage holder(s) is configured to receive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 beverages. In some embodiments, the one or more beverage holder(s) is formed of nylon and/or silicone. In one embodiment, the one or more beverage holder(s) comprises an outer layer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone is matte silicone. In some embodiments, the one or more beverage holder(s) comprise a body with an outer layer of silicone. In one embodiment, the body is formed of nylon.

[0015] In an embodiment, the tray is formed of silicone. In one embodiment, the tray comprises an outer layer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone is matte silicone. In embodiments, the tray comprises a tray body with an outer layer of silicone. In an embodiment, the tray body is formed of nylon.

[0016] In one embodiment, the one or more beverage holders and/or tray is or are non-collapsible.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first side wall and second side wall each comprise a handle. In some embodiments, the handles are attached to respective walls at the upper end thereof.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bag is formed of a waterproof material. In one embodiment, the bag is formed of a cotton canvas. In an embodiment, the bag comprises a laminate. In some embodiments, the laminate is a PVC laminate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the beverage and/or food carrier bag further comprises a spacer. In one embodiment, the spacer comprises an outer layer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone is matte silicone. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a spacer body with an outer layer of silicone. In one embodiment, the spacer body is formed of nylon. In one embodiment, the spacer is discrete from the tray. In another embodiment, the spacer is integrally formed with the tray.

[0020] In a further aspect, the invention resides in a method of transporting beverage(s) and/or food comprising: inserting one or more beverages into one or more beverage holders; securely retaining the one or more beverage holders in a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a base, connected to a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall; to thereby transport beverage(s) and/or food. [0021] The beverage and/or food carrier bag, tray, beverage holder(s) and components thereof are as substantially described hereinabove.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of forming a surface by removably attaching a cover attached to the first side wall to the second side wall. [0023] In an embodiment, the method further includes the steps of inserting the one or more beverage holder(s) into a tray, and inserting the tray into the beverage and/or food carrier bag.

[0024] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of inserting a spacer into the tray to space beverage holders. [0025] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate. [0026] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG 1 shows an embodiment of the carrier bag;

FIG 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the carrier bag; FIGs 3-8 show a number of views of an embodiment of the carrier bag:

Shown in FIG 3 is a front perspective view of the carrier bag;

Shown in FIG 4 is a front view of the carrier bag;

Shown in FIG 5 is a side view of the carrier bag; Shown in FIG 6 is a base perspective view of the carrier bag;

Shown in FIG 7 is a top view of the carrier bag; and

Shown in FIG 8 is a top view of the carrier bag 300 in a support configuration.

FIG 9 shows a tray that may be utilized with the carrier bag; FIG 10 shows a beverage holder configured to retain two beverages;

FIG 11 shows a beverage holder configured to retain four beverages;

FIG 12 shows a beverage holder configured to retain six beverages;

FIG 13 shows a tray which securely retains a single 2-cup beverage holder that is centrally located within the tray; FIG 14 shows a tray which securely retains a pair of 2-cup beverage holders;

FIG 15 shows a tray which securely retains three 2-cup beverage holders; and FIG 16 shows an embodiment of a tray that may be utilized with the carrier bag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in beverage and/or food carrier bag. Accordingly, the device and method steps have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as to not obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description. [0029] In this specification, adjectives such as upper and lower, left and right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

[0030] Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a non exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0031] As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally the number following the term ‘about’ but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

[0032] The present invention is predicated on the finding that beverages and/or food can be safely and securely transported with a carrier bag of the present invention. In this regard, the present beverage and/or food carrier bag facilitates secure retainment of one or more beverage holder(s). These beverage holder(s) are adapted to receive one or more beverage(s). The present invention may also be utilized for securely transporting food.

[0033] In one aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising: a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected to a base; and the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage holder(s).

[0034] As mentioned hereinabove, a problem in the transportation of beverages using prior art methods include insufficient durability which may lead to the structural failure thereof, and this is a significant safety hazard. Furthermore, many of these solutions (i.e. , the cardboard cup holder) do not facilitate storage or carrying of food products (such as snacks). [0035] Referring to FIG 1 there is a shown an embodiment of the beverage and/or food carrier bag. In the embodiment shown, the beverage and/or food carrier bag is partially see-through to show the internal arrangement thereof. The carrier bag 100 comprises a base 110 (not shown), a first side wall 120 (see through), a second side wall 130, a front wall 140 and a rear wall 150. As shown, the front wall 140, first side wall 120, second side wall 130, front wall 140 and rear wall 150 are each connected to the base 110, and define an opening.

[0036] In one embodiment, the beverage and/or food carrier bag comprises a tray 160. The base 110 and walls of the carrier bag 100 are adapted to receive a tray 160. The tray 160 is adapted to removably retain one or more beverage holder(s). In the embodiment shown, the tray 160 is adapted to retain two beverage holders 170a, 170b. The tray 160 typically comprises raised walls on the periphery thereof to hold the one or more beverage holder(s) (mentioned in more detail hereinafter). The tray 160 is adapted to removably retain the two beverage holders 170a, 170b securely in place. As shown, the two beverage holders 170a, 170b occupy the ends of the tray 160. As shown, a space between the two beverage holders 170a, 170b may accommodate food products (in this embodiment, cupcakes and pretzels). It will be appreciated that the present invention may not necessarily require the tray, and that the one or more beverage holder(s) may be retained by the base and walls themselves.

[0037] The carrier bag 100 further comprises a pair of handles 122, 132. Handle 122 is located at an upper end of the first side wall 120, and handle 132 (not shown completely) is located at an upper end of the second side wall 130. The handles 122, 132 facilitate carrying of the carrier bag by a consumer or user.

[0038] The carrier bag 100 is also adapted to provide a cover or support which can be utilized for carrying one or more food products. In this regard, the first side wall 120 or second side wall 130 may further comprise a cover 180 formed of a length of material connected thereto. In the embodiment shown, the cover 180 is attached to the second side wall 130. The cover 180 can then be removably attached to the other side wall. The cover, in this position, provides a support in which food may be placed thereon. As shown in FIG 1, food products (such as sandwiches) may be placed on the formed support. [0039] The cover 180 comprises a first attachment portion (not shown). The first attachment portion is located at or near a distal end of the cover 180. The first attachment portion is complementary to a second attachment portion. The second attachment portion is located on the other of the first side wall or the second side wall. That is, the second attachment portion is on the side wall in which the cover is not attached to. When the first attachment portion is connected to the second attachment portion, the cover at least partially covers the opening. The cover advantageously provides a number of advantages. In this regard, in this position, the cover alleviates the problem of external material (such as dust, rain and particular matter) falling into the beverages in the beverage holder. Furthermore, the cover is sufficiently secured such that it can be used to support items. For instance, in FIG 1, sandwiches are supported on the cover.

[0040] It will be appreciated that the present beverage and/or food carrier bag need not be limited to a single cover. In this regard, the present beverage and/or food carrier bag may further comprise one or more further covers which are configured to form further surfaces in which food and/or products may be supported. This advantageous provides the present beverage and/or food carrier additional storage capacity.

[0041] FIG 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the carrier bag. The carrier bag 200 comprises a base 210, a first side wall 220, a second side wall 230, a front wall 240 and a rear wall 250. As shown, first side wall 220, second side wall 230, front wall 240 and rear wall 250 are each connected to the base 210, and define an opening. As shown, two beverage holders 270a, 270b (each adapted to hold two beverages) are securely retained in a tray 260. In an embodiment, the tray is adapted to securely retain one or more beverage holders. Each beverage holder 270a, 270b comprise a pair of apertures (272a, 274a and 272b, 274b, respectively) which are adapted to securely retain a beverage each. Base 210 of carrier bag 200 is adapted to securely receive the tray 260.

[0042] Shown in FIGs 3-8 are a number of views of an embodiment of the carrier bag. Shown in FIG 3 is a front perspective view of carrier bag 300. Shown in FIG 4 is a front view of carrier bag 300. Shown in FIG 5 is a side view of carrier bag 300. Shown in FIG 6 is a base perspective view of carrier bag 300. Shown in FIG 7 is a top view of the carrier bag 300. Shown in FIG 8 is a top view of the carrier bag 300 in a support configuration. It should be noted that in the embodiment shown in FIGs 3-8, the carrier bag 300 is not shown with a tray or one or more beverage holder(s).

[0043] The carrier bag 300 comprises a base 310, a first side wall 320, a second side wall 330, a front wall 340 and a rear wall 350. The first side wall 320 comprises a handle 322 attached thereto on an upper end thereof. The second side wall 330 comprises a handle 332 attached thereto on an upper end thereof. The carrier bag 300 comprises a cover 380 attached to the second side wall 330. In this embodiment, the cover 380 is attached to the second side wall 330 at an upper end thereof. The cover 380 is provided with first attachment portions 382a, 382b. In the embodiment shown, the first attachment portions 382a, 382b are located at a distal end of the cover 380. The first attachment portions 382a, 382b are complementary to second attachment portion (not shown). The second attachment portions are located on the first side wall 320. The second attachment portions are preferably located at an upper end of the first side wall 320.

[0044] Shown in FIG 7 is an embodiment where the first attachment portions 382a, 382b are not connected to the second attachment portions. As shown, the base 310 is accessible and a tray and/or beverage holder(s) may be placed therein.

[0045] Shown in FIG 8 is an embodiment where the first attachment portions 382a, 382b are connected to the second attachment portions. As shown, the cover 380 traverses the opening of carrier bag 380. This provides protection from extraneous matter coming into contact with the beverages and/or food in the carrier bag 300. The cover 380 also provides a surface in which other products (such as food) can be supported thereon.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the present carrier bag provides a simple solution to carry multiple beverages and/or multiple food products. Furthermore, the food carrier alleviates the problem of additional material falling into the beverages, and also provides a further support in which food products can be transported. An additional advantage of the present carrier bag is that, even if the beverage is spilled, the bag provides protection to the consumers clothes.

[0047] The present invention is also ergonomical, durable and easy to clean. Furthermore, the carrier bag is sufficiently formed to provide structural integrity to the overall structure. That is, the beverage holder may be reinforced by the tray and the carrier bag.

[0048] In one embodiment, the carrier bag is formed of a waterproof material. In one embodiment, the carrier bag is formed of canvas. In one embodiment, the bag is formed of a cotton canvas. In an embodiment, the bag comprises a laminate. In embodiments, the laminate is on the internal surface of the bag. In some embodiments, the laminate is a PVC laminate.

[0049] Shown in FIG 9 is a tray that may be utilized in the present invention. As shown, tray 900 comprises a tray base 910, a first tray side wall 920, a second tray side wall 930, a front tray wall 940 and a rear tray wall 950. The first tray side wall 920, second tray side wall 930, front tray wall 940 and rear tray wall 950 extend away from the tray base 910. The first tray side wall 920, second tray side wall 930, front tray wall 940 and rear tray wall 950 define a volume in which one or more beverage holders may be removably retained therein. Furthermore, the first tray side wall 120, second tray side wall 930, front tray wall 940 and rear tray wall 950 are dimensioned such that they can be received by a base (e.g., base 110 of carrier bag 100). In one embodiment, the tray is formed of silicone. The tray 900 is dimensioned to be received by the carrier bag 100.

[0050] In one embodiment, the tray comprises an outer layer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone is matte silicone. In embodiments, the tray comprises a tray body with an outer layer of silicone. In an embodiment, the tray body is formed of nylon.

[0051] The laminate of the bag cooperates with the outer surface of the tray. In this regard, the outer surface of the tray and the inner surface of the bag are held together by friction. The friction of the outer surface of the tray and the inner surface of the bag along with the size and dimension of the inner surface of the bag and the outer surface of the tray keeps the tray secure when received in the bag.

[0052] It will be appreciated that a tray can be utilized to retain a number of beverage holders. For instance, the beverage holder may be configured to retain two beverages. Shown in FIG 10 is a beverage holder configured to retain two beverages. The beverage holder 1000 comprises holder base 1010 (not shown) connected to a holder top 1060 by first holder side wall 1020, second holder side wall 1030 (not shown), front holder wall 1040 and rear holder wall 1050 (not shown). The holder top 1060 comprises two apertures 1065a, 1065b which each accommodate a beverage. The holder top 1060 comprises a plurality of tabs 1062a, 1062b extending from the aperture edge into the aperture 1065a, 1065b. These tabs 1062a, 1062b are connected to the holder top by lines of weakness (such as perforated lines). The lines of weakness allow for the tabs 1062a, 1062b to resiliently engage a beverage inserted into the aperture 1065a, 1065b.

[0053] As previously mentioned, the beverage holder may be configured to retain any number of beverages.

[0054] Shown in FIG 11 is a beverage holder configured to retain four beverages. The beverage holder 1100 comprises holder base 1110 (not shown) connected to a holder top 1160 by first holder side wall 1120, second holder side wall 1130 (not shown), front holder wall 1140 and rear tray wall 1150 (not shown). The holder top 1160 comprises four apertures 1165a, 1165b, 1165c, 1165d which each accommodate a beverage. The holder top 1160 comprises a plurality of tabs 1162a, 1162b, 1162c, 1162d extending from the aperture edge into the aperture 1165a, 1165b, 1165c, 1165d. These tabs 1162a, 1162b, 1162c, 1162d are connected to the holder top by lines of weakness (such as perforated lines). The lines of weakness allow for the tabs 1162a, 1162b, 1162c, 1162d to resiliently engage a beverage inserted into the aperture 1165a, 1165b, 1165c, 1165d.

[0055] Shown in FIG 12 is a beverage holder configured to retain six beverages. The beverage holder 1200 comprises holder base 1210 (not shown) connected to a holder top 1260 by first holder side wall 1220, second holder side wall 1230 (not shown), front holder wall 1240 and rear tray wall 1250 (not shown). The holder top 1260 comprises six apertures 1265a, 1265b, 1265c, 1265d, 1265e, 1265f which each accommodate a beverage. The holder top 1260 comprises a plurality of tabs 1262a, 1262b, 1262c, 1262d, 1265e, 1265f extending from the aperture edge into the aperture 1265a, 1265b, 1265c, 1265d, 1265e, 1265f. These tabs 1262a, 1262b, 1262c, 1262d, 1262e, 1262f are connected to the holder top by lines of weakness (such as perforated lines). The lines of weakness allow for the tabs 1262a, 1262b, 1262c, 1262d, 1262e, 1262f to resiliently engage a beverage inserted into the aperture 1265a, 1265b, 1265c, 1265d, 1265e, 1265f.

[0056] In one embodiment, the one or more beverage holder(s) comprises an outer layer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone is matte silicone. In some embodiments, the one or more beverage holder(s) comprise a body with an outer layer of silicone. In one embodiment, the body is formed of nylon.

[0057] The outer surface of the beverage holder cooperates with the inner surface of the tray. In this regard, the outer surface of the beverage holder and the inner surface of the tray are held together by friction. Furthermore, the beverage holder(s) may also be held together by the spacer. The friction of the outer surface of the beverage holder and the inner surface of the tray along with the size and dimension of the outer surface of the beverage holder and the inner surface of the tray keeps the beverage holder secure when received in the tray.

[0058] Shown in FIGs 13-15 are a number of configurations with one, two or three of the beverage holders shown in FIG 10 with the tray of FIG 9. For instance, FIG 13 shows a tray which securely retains a single 2 cup beverage holder that is centrally located within the tray. The remaining exposed tray (to either side of the beverage holder) may be utilized to retain food products.

[0059] FIG 14 shows a tray which securely retains a pair of 2 cup beverage holders. The beverage holders are retained at the ends of the tray. The remaining tray section (in between the two beverage cup holders) may be utilized to retain food products.

[0060] FIG 15 shows a tray which securely retains three 2-cup beverage holders. As shown, the three beverage holders substantially take up the entire tray section. As shown, the tray does not have a designated area to hold food. However, as with any of the configurations shown in FIG 13-15, the cover may be utilized to hold food products.

[0061] In some embodiments, the beverage and/or food carrier bag further comprises a spacer. The spacer is adapted to space the beverage holders. In this regard, the spacer is sized and dimension so that it ensures the spacing between beverage holders. In one embodiment, the spacer comprises an outer layer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone is matte silicone. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a spacer body with an outer layer of silicone. In one embodiment, the spacer body is formed of nylon.

[0062] In one embodiment, the spacer is discrete from the beverage holder(s) and the tray. In another embodiment, the spacer is formed with the tray. In this regard, the tray comprises a spacer that is formed therewith. In one embodiment, the spacer comprises a protrusion that extends away from the base of the tray. The spacer engages the outer surface of the beverage holder(s) to provide a further deterrent to the beverage holder(s) moving relative to the tray. In one embodiment, the spacer is sized, dimensioned and located to securely retain one or more of the beverage holder(s).

[0063] Shown in FIG 16 is an embodiment of a tray 1600. Tray 1600 comprises a tray base 1610, a first tray side wall 1620, a second tray side wall 1630, a front tray wall 1640 and a rear tray wall 1650. The first tray side wall 1620, second tray side wall 1630, front tray wall 1640 and rear tray wall 1650 extend away from the tray base 1610. The first tray side wall 1620, second tray side wall 1630, front tray wall 1640 and rear tray wall 1650 define a volume in which one or more beverage holders may be removably retained therein. Furthermore, the first tray side wall 1620, second tray side wall 1630, front tray wall 1640 and rear tray wall 1650 are dimensioned such that they can be received by a base (e.g., base 110 of carrier bag 100). In one embodiment, the tray is formed of silicone. The tray 1600 is dimensioned to be received by the carrier bag 100.

[0064] The tray 1600 further comprises spacers 1670 formed in the corners of the tray. As shown, the spacers 1670 comprise a pair of walls that is substantially parallel to the respective side wall and front/rear wall. The spacer tray further comprises spacer 1675 located adjacent the side walls 1620, 1630. In one embodiment, the spacers are formed adjacent the walls of the tray. In one embodiment, the spacers abut the walls of the tray. In this embodiment, the tray may not comprise walls and only comprises spacers which retain the beverage holder(s).

[0065] The spacer alleviates the problem of the beverage holders becoming loose in the tray and coming together. This is a disadvantage because food that is placed in between the beverage holders may be affected if the beverage holders come loose. The spacer alleviates this issue by providing a hinderance to the beverage holders coming together.

[0066] It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the term ‘securely retain’ and the like refers to the carrier bag retaining the tray and/or one or more beverage holder in a secure fashion, or the tray retaining one or more beverage holders in a secure fashion. In this regard, the inner surface of the carrier bag is dimensioned to securely receive the tray and/or one or more beverage holder. Furthermore, the outer surface of the tray (that is, the first tray side wall, second tray side wall, front tray side wall and rear tray side wall) are dimensioned such that they conform and are securely received by the inner surface of the carrier bag (the inner surfaces of the first side wall, second side wall, front wall, rear wall and base). Furthermore, the outer surface of the one or more beverage holders (either alone or together) are dimensioned such that they conform and are securely received by the inner surface of the tray.

[0067] In one embodiment, the dimension of the outer surface of the tray are determined by the dimensions of the inner surface of the carrier bag. In this regard, the tray has dimensions slightly smaller than the dimension of the inner surface of the carrier bag so that the carrier bag securely retains the tray. This allows for the tray to be kept in the correct orientation and cannot tip over.

[0068] In an embodiment, the dimensions of the outer surface of the one or more beverage holders are determined by the dimensions of the inner surface of the tray. In this regard, the dimensions of the outer surface of the one or more beverage holders (either alone or together) have dimensions slightly smaller than the dimension of the inner surface of the tray so that the tray securely retains the one or more beverage holders. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that two beverage holders can be held securely by the tray. In this regard, the two beverage holders together are held by the tray (that is, two beverage holders are dimensioned such that they are both securely retained by the tray concurrently).

[0069] In one embodiment, the dimension of the outer surface of the one or more beverage holders are determined by the dimensions of the inner surface of the carrier bag. In this embodiment, the carrier bag securely retains the one or more beverage holders. In this regard, the dimensions of the outer surface of the one or more beverage holders (either alone or together) have dimensions slightly smaller than the dimension of the carrier bag so that the carrier bag securely retains the one or more beverage holders. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that two beverage holders can be held securely by the tray. In this regard, the two beverage holders together are held by the carrier bag (that is, two beverage holders are dimensioned such that they are both securely retained by the tray concurrently).

[0070] In one embodiment, the present beverage and/or food carrier bag is reusable. In this regard, the present carrier bag is formed of a material that can be used repeatedly. The present invention is lightweight and cab be operated safely using one hand, and this advantageously allows the consumer to complete tasks whilst carrying multiple beverages and/or food in the carrier bag. The carrier bag also facilitates easy pick up and set down, and does not place strain on the body. Furthermore, the present beverage and/or food carrier bag may also be easily cleaned.

[0071] In one embodiment, the one or more beverage holders and/or tray is/are non-collapsible. In certain embodiment, the one or more beverage holders are non-collapsible. In some embodiments, the tray is non-collapsible.

[0072] The tray and/or beverage holder(s) may also be reusable. In this regard, the tray and/or beverage holder(s) may be formed of a material that be utilized repeatedly. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the tray and/or beverage holder can simply be washed if a spillage occurs. This is environmentally friendly as compared to disposable trays and beverage holder(s). Furthermore, this is more economical for the consumer who need not necessarily require the purchase of disposable trays and beverage holder(s).

[0073] The present invention advantageously allows for increased capacity whilst remaining compact. Furthermore, the present carrier bag allows secure storage and carrying function, and also offers space efficiency when not in use because the components can be separated and stored in a relatively small volume.

[0074] It will be appreciated that the carrier bag, tray and/or one or more beverage holder(s) may be provided separately and assembled by the consumer. The present invention allows for multiple configurations to the achieved. In this regard, a consumer may purchase the components (the carrier bag, the tray and the beverage holders) separately in accordance with their needs and requirements.

[0075] In an aspect, the invention resides in a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected a base, wherein the base is adapted to securely receive a tray and/or one or more beverage holders.

[0076] The beverage and/or food carrier bag is as substantially described hereinabove.

[0077] In a certain aspect, the invention resides in a tray adapted to be securely received by a base of a beverage and/or food carrier bag. The tray is also adapted to securely receive one or more beverage holders.

[0078] The tray is as substantially described hereinabove.

[0079] In some aspects, the invention resides in a beverage holder. The beverage holder is adapted to be securely received by a tray and/or a base of a beverage and/or food carrier bag.

[0080] The beverage holder is as substantially described hereinabove.

[0081] In a further aspect, the invention resides in a method of transporting beverage(s) and/or food comprising: inserting one or more beverage(s) into one or more beverage holder(s); securely retaining the one or more beverage holders in a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a base, connected to a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, wherein the base is adapted to receive the tray; to thereby transport beverage(s) and/or food.

[0082] The beverage and/or food carrier bag, tray, beverage holder(s) and components thereof may be substantially as described hereinabove.

[0083] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of placing the one or more beverage holders into a tray, and placing the tray into the beverage and/or food carrier bag. It will be appreciated that the base and walls are adapted to securely retain the tray.

[0084] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of attaching a cover attached to an upper end of the first side wall to an upper end of the second side wall to form a support that accommodates food. In this embodiment, the cover comprises a first attachment portion at a distal end thereof. The first attachment portion is reciprocal to a second attachment portion. The second attachment portion is located at an upper end of the second side wall.

[0085] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of inserting a spacer into the tray to space beverage holders.

[0086] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

1. A beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising: a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected to a base; and the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage holder(s).

2. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a tray adapted to removably retain the one or more beverage holder(s), and wherein the base and walls are adapted to receive the tray.

3. The bag of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first side wall further comprises a cover attached thereto.

4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the cover is attached to the first side wall adjacent or at an upper end thereof.

5. The bag of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the cover comprises a first attachment portion that is reciprocal to a second attachment portion.

6. The bag of claim 5, wherein the first attachment portion is located at a distal end of the cover.

7. The bag of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the second side wall comprises the second attachment portion.

8. The bag of claim 7, wherein the second attachment portion is attached to the second side wall adjacent or at an upper end thereof

9. The bag of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the cover comprises a pocket.

10. The bag of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more additional pocket(s) formed in one or more of the front wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and/or the rear wall.

11. The bag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more beverage holder(s) is configured to receive 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 beverages.

12. The bag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more beverage holder(s) is formed of nylon and/or silicone.

13. The bag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray is formed of silicone.

14. The bag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side wall and second side wall each comprise a handle at the upper end thereof.

15. The bag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion, the cover forms a surface that supports one or more food products.

16. The bag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bag is formed of a waterproof material.

17. A method of transporting beverage(s) and/or food comprising: inserting one or more beverage(s) into one or more beverage holder(s); securely retaining the one or more beverage holder(s) in a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a base, connected to a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall; to thereby transport beverage(s) and/or food.

18. The method of claim 18 further including the step of forming a surface by removably attaching a cover attached to the first side wall to the second side wall.

19. The method of claim 17 or claim 18, further including the step of inserting the one or more beverage holder(s) into a tray, and inserting the tray into the beverage and/or food carrier bag.

20. A beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected a base, wherein the base is adapted to securely receive a tray and/or one or more beverage holders.

21. A tray adapted to be securely received by a base of a beverage and/or food carrier bag and wherein the tray is adapted to securely receive one or more beverage holders.

22. A beverage holder adapted to be securely received by a tray and/or a base of a beverage and/or food carrier bag