GB2387528A

GB2387528A - Receptacle carrier

Info

Publication number: GB2387528A
Application number: GB0307363A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Terry Jones; Graham David Foster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-04-16
Filing date: 2003-03-31
Publication date: 2003-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-31
Also published as: GB2387528B; GB0307363D0; GB0208637D0

Abstract

A carrier for receptacles has a receptacle receiving level 1 including discrete receptacle docking stations 2 each arranged to receive and locate a separate respective receptacle, and a handle 16 upstanding from the receiving level, the handle to be gripped by a users hand and being self-supporting in the upstanding position. The receiving level and handle configuration permits stacking of like carriers in nested relationship in which corresponding receiving levels and handle span portions of adjacent carriers are positioned closely adjacent one another. The docking stations 2 may comprise apertured members as shown or pockets or pots. The perimeter of each station may be wholly or partly circular or polygonal, or define a novelty shape such as a company logo.

Description

-- 2387528

Receptacle Carrier The present invention relates to a receptacle carrier, particularly to an open topped drinking vessel carrier enabling the carrying of a plurality of open topped drinking vessels conveniently.

It is often the case that the purchasing of a round of drinks from a bar is left to one person in a social group. If more than two drinks are purchased then the purchaser is often left facing a choice between making several trips to the bar to shuttle the drinks to the rest of the group, or carrying more than two drinks in a precarious manner that may result in spillage. This task lo becomes increasingly difficult as the number of drinks consumed increases.

Carrier devices for carriage of receptacles are disclosed in, for example WO-A-9201610, US A-5899515, US-A-5833056, EP-A-1022232, US-A-5609379, USA-4850479, US-A-4155502,

US-A-3908877, US-A-3203583 and US-A-1770927.

An improved carrier has bow been devised.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a carrier for a plurality of receptacles, the carrier comprising: a receptacle receiving level including a plurality of discrete receptacle docking stations each arranged to receive and locate a separate respective receptacle; a handle upstanding from the receiving level, the handle to be gripped by a users hand and 25 being self-supporting in the upstanding position; wherein, the receiving level and handle configuration permits stacking of like carriers in nested relationship in which corresponding receiving levels and handle span portions of adjacent carriers are positioned closely adjacent one another.

i' -2 The carrier is of operationally rigid construction such that the handle remains effectively permanently in the upright position and, when loaded with one or more containers, deflection of the handle relative to the receptacle receiving level is negligible or at a maximum does not affect the operational integrity of the carrier.

The receiving level and handle configuration is such that, when empty of receptacles the carrier is stackable in a substantially space saving manner without requiring re-configuration to enable stackability.

lo It is preferred that the respective docking stations include a docking perimeter extending through at least 180 (more preferably through at least 270 , more preferably still through substantially 360 ).

The individual docking perimeters of respective receiving stations ensure that individual IS receptacles are retained securely irrespective of the presence of other receptacles retained by the carrier. This combined with the effectively rigid construction of the carrier enables less than a full number of receptacles to be carried by the carrier without detriment to the operability of the carrier. Therefore, respective docking stations are preferably configured to individually and securely locate an individual receptacle in an upright and a stable position 20 (without, for example, the requirement to rely on abutment with adjacent receptacles3.

In one embodiment, the respective docking stations comprise receptacle receiving apertures.

The apertures are typically defined by receptacle receiving perimeter collars. Typically the apertures/collars locate an upper portion of the respective receptacle.

2s In an alternative embodiment the docking stations beneficially comprise receptacle receiving pockets (preferably substantially rigid pockets) or pots.

It is preferred that the handle span extends across the majority of the extent of the receiving 30 level, andlor across a distance at least the width of one of the receptacle docking stations.

Beneficially, the handle span extends intermediately of receptacle docking stations.

Preferably, the handle span extends centrally of the receptacle receiving level.

Advantageously, the handle span extends substantially entirely across the extent of the receptacle receiving level. These features enhance the stability of the carrier.

It is preferred that the handle span includes a grip portion extending across the major extent s of the receptacle receiving level. Beneficially, the handle span includes a grip portion positioned significantly above the uppermost extent of the receptacle receiving level.

In a preferred embodiment, receptacle docking stations are spaced by a void space for nesting of a handle portion of an underlaying stacked like carrier.

Beneficially, docking stations have a circular or part-circular docking perimeter. In an alternative embodiment docking stations have a geometric non-circular perimeter or part perimeter (such as a triangular or parttriangular perimeter or a hexagonal or part-hexagonal perimeter). The carrier is beneficially of moulded plastic construction.

It is preferred that in nested stacked relationship with a like carrier the ratio of nested spacing (h) to overall carrier height (H) is less than or equal to 1:2. Beneficially, the nested 20 relationship provides for a greater degree of nesting preferably of a ratio of h to H of 1:4, more preferably 1:10 and most preferably 1:15 or less. The nature of the closely adjacent laying handle portions and receiving levels enables this to be achieved.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a group of like carriers according 25 to the invention stacked in nested relationship for storage, transportation or other purposes.

In one embodiment docking stations have a perimeter defining a novelty shape such as a company logo or the like.

30 According to a further aspect, the present invention therefore provides a carrier for one or more receptacles, said carrier including a docking station for the respective receptacle having a docking perimeter defining a novelty shape such as a company logo or the like.

1 1 The invention will now be further described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figures 2 & 3 are perspective views of glasses being loaded and carried by the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a side view of the invention showing how stability of the glasses is achieved.

Figures 5 & 6 are perspective and sectional views of the first preferred embodiment stacked together. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the invention with glasses being carried.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the invention stacked 20 together. The first preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to figures 1-6.

The receiving level 1, ofthe carrier 101 includes a plurality of apertured docking stations 2 of 25 a shape and dimension to locate and secure a tapered glass/cup of a known size at a point that willholditina stable manner. Attached to the receivinglevel 1 ofthe carrier 101 is a handle 16 including uprights 3 connecting to a grip length 1 S. The handle 16 uprights 3 connect to the receiving level 1 such that the carrier 101 is stable to carry whether fully or partially loaded, with full or empty glasses.

-5 The carrier 101 is loaded by placing it on the bar, putting the drinks glasses into the apertured docking stations 2, and then lifting it by the handle 16, to catch the glasses. This is shown in figures 2 & 3.

5 Stability of the glasses within the apertured docking stations 2 is best achieved by retaining them in a position above the centre of gravity 4, of the glasses when either full or empty, although a position below the centre of gravity may still provide enough stability for the device to be useful. This is shown in figure 4. The handle 16 should be positioned as centrally as possible between the apertured docking stations 2 so that the carrier 101 is balanced when fully lo loaded. The height of grip length 15 above the base is such that it can be easily picked up when glasses are placed in the apertured docking stations 2, and also so that there is sufficient clearance between the hand of the user and the top of the glasses when the device is being carried. This is also shown in figure 4. The handle 16 should be rigid enough for the use to be able to counteract any out of balance forces if the device is not symmetrically loaded. The 5 span of handle 16 (primarily provided by the length of grip length 15 and taper of uprights 3) extends over the majority of the extent of the receiving level 1 providing a stable and well balanced carrier.

Whilst the shape of the perimeter of apertured docking stations 2 for maximum security and 20 stability should be substantially circular (or part circular), the aperture perimeter can be of any shape that provides suitable contact points for stable retention ofthe glasses. This mayinclude the use of novelty shapes that may be of use for marketing purposes. For example: apertures the shape of four lead clovers to carry glasses of Irish Stout. It may also be desirable to include apertures of different sizes or shapes within the same holder to enable different types of glasses 25 to be carried at the saline time.

The carrier is designed in such a way that the receiving level 1 section is flat and the handle 16 tapered uprights allow the carriers to be stacked on top each other to save space when being stored, for instance at the side of the bar. This is shown in figures 5 & 6. It is preferred that 30 in nested stacked relationship with a like carrier the ratio of nested spacing (h) to overall carrier height (H) is less than or equal to 1:2. Beneficially, the nested relationship provides for a greater degree of nesting preferably of a ratio of h to H of 1:4, more preferably 1:10 and

l -6 most preferably 1:15 or less. The nature of the closely adjacent laying handle portions and receiving levels enables this to be achieved.

The first preferred embodiment includes a space for a logo 5, that can be printed or embossed 5 directly onto the holder, or can be a separate plate or sticker subsequently added.

The first preferred embodiment is shown manufactured in one piece from plastic using an injection moulding process. The invention is not limited to this method of manufacture however, and can be made using any material/process combination that meets the requirements lo described above.

A second embodiment that differs from the first embodiment by having pockets 9 rather than apertures for holding the glasses will now be described with reference to figures 7 to 9.

15 As with the previous embodiment the holder comprises of a base section 7, and a handle 8, but instead of apertures forholding the glasses/cups pockets 9, are provided. Typicallythe pockets would be designed to fit the largest glass expected to be carried 10, however, smaller glasses 11, would also be able to be carried in the same pockets as they would no longer fall through the open apertures of the first embodiment. Pockets could still be provided of different sizes 20 and shapes, as with the first embodiment. The pockets would also be tapered to allow the holder to remain stackable in a substantially space saving manner (fig 9).

Although the embodiment of the invention so far described relate particularly to the carrying of glasses/cups, it should be remembered that the carrier is not limited to such and could be 2s adapted for use with many other types of container and still remain within the scope of the invention. I Ir

Claims

1. A carrier for a plurality of receptacles, the carrier comprising 5 a receptacle receiving level including a plurality of discrete receptacle docking stations each arranged to receive and locate a separate respective receptacle; a handle upstanding from the receiving level, the handle to be gripped by a users hand and being self-supporting in the upstanding position; wherein, the receiving level and handle confgurationpermits stacking of like carriers in nested relationship in which corresponding receiving levels and handle span portions of adjacent carriers are positioned closely adjacent one another.

is

2. A carrier according to claim 1, wherein the respective docking station include a docking perimeter extending through at least 180 .

3. A carrier according to claim 2, wherein the respective docking stations include a docking perimeter extending through at least 270 .

4. A carrier according to claim 3, wherein the respective docking stations include a docking perimeter extending through substantially 360 .

5. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective docking stations 25 comprises receptacle apertures.

6. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective docking stations comprise receptacle receiving pockets or pots.

30

7. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein respective docking stations are configured to securely locate an individual receptacle in an upright and a stable position.

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8 8. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle span portion extends across the majority of the extent of the receptacle receiving level.

9. A carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the handle span portion extends 5 across a distance equivalent to at least the width of one of the receptacle docking stations.

10. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle span extends intermediately of receptacle docking stations.

1 1. A carrier according to anypreceding claim, wherein the handle span extends centrally of the receptacle receiving level.

12. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle span extends 5 substantially entirely across receiving level.

13. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle span includes a grip portion extending across the major extent of the receptacle receiving level.

20

14. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle span includes a grip portion dimensioned to extend at least the span of a users palm.

15. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle span includes a grip portion positioned significantly above the uppermost extent of receptacle receiving 25 level.

16. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein receptacle docking stations are spaced by a void space for nesting of a handle portion of an underlaying stacked like carrier.

17. A carrier according to any preceding claim wherein respective docking stations have circular or part-circular docking perimeter.

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18. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective docking stations have a geometric non-circular perimeter or part-perimeter (such as a triangular or part-triangular perimeter or a hexagonal or part-hexagonal perimeter).

5

19. A carrier according to any preceding claim, of plastic moulded construction.

20. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more docking stations have a perimeter defining a novelty shape such as a company logo or the like.

lo

21. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein in nested stacked relationship with a like carrier, the ratio of nested spacing (h) to overall carrier height (H) is less than or equal to 1:2.

22. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein in nested stacked relationship 5 with a like carrier, the ratio of nested spacing (h) to overall carrier height (H) is less than or equal to 1:4.

23. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein in nested stacked relationship with a like carrier, the ratio of nested spacing (h) to overall carrier height (H) is less 20 than or equal to l:10.

24. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein in nested stacked relationship with a like carrier, the ratio of nested spacing (h) to overall carrier height (H) is less than or equal to 1:15.

25. A group of carriers stacked in nested relationship for storage, transportation or other purposes, respective carriers being configured according to any preceding claim and stacked in nested relationship such that corresponding receiving levels and handle span portions of adjacent carriers are positioned closely adjacent one another.

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26. A carrier for one or more receptacles, said carrier including a docking station for the receptacle having a docking perimeter defining a novelty shape such as a company logo or the like.

5

27. A carrier or stacked group of carriers substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.