BEVERAGE AND/OR FOOD CARRIER BAG
20230309671 · 2023-10-05
Inventors
Cpc classification
A47G23/0641
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A45C13/02
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A45C13/02
HUMAN NECESSITIES
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.
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, wherein the second side wall comprises a second attachment portion adjacent an upper end thereof; and the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage holder(s) or a tray adapted to retain one or more beverage holder(s), wherein a flexible cover is attached to the first side wall adjacent an upper end thereof, wherein the flexible cover comprises a first attachment portion at or adjacent a distal end thereof, wherein the first attachment portion is reciprocal to the second attachment portion, and wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion the flexible cover forms a surface that supports one or more food products.
2. The bag of claim 1, further comprising the 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, wherein the second attachment portion is attached to the second side wall adjacent or at an upper end thereof
4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the flexible cover comprises a pocket.
5. The bag of claim 1, 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.
6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the one or more beverage holder(s) is configured to receive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 beverages.
7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the one or more beverage holder(s) is formed of nylon and/or silicone.
8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the tray is formed of silicone.
9. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first side wall and second side wall each comprise a handle at the upper end thereof.
10. The bag of claim 1, wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion.
11. The bag of any claim 1, wherein the bag is formed of a waterproof material.
12. 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 wherein the second side wall comprises a second attachment portion adjacent an upper end thereof, wherein a flexible cover is attached to the first side wall adjacent an upper end thereof, wherein the flexible cover comprises a first attachment portion at or adjacent a distal end thereof, wherein the first attachment portion is reciprocal to the second attachment portion, and wherein when the first attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion the flexible cover forms a surface that supports one or more food products; to thereby transport beverage(s) and/or food.
13. The method of claim 12, 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.
14-22. (canceled)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] 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:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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: [0056] a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected to a base; and [0057] the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage holder(s).
[0058] 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).
[0059] Referring to
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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
[0063] 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
[0064] 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.
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[0067] 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.
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[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
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[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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
[0077] As previously mentioned, the beverage holder may be configured to retain any number of beverages.
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[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
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[0085] 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.
[0086] 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).
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[0088] 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).
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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).
[0093] 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).
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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).
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] The beverage and/or food carrier bag is as substantially described hereinabove.
[0101] 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.
[0102] The tray is as substantially described hereinabove.
[0103] 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.
[0104] The beverage holder is as substantially described hereinabove.
[0105] In a further aspect, the invention resides in a method of transporting beverage(s) and/or food comprising: [0106] inserting one or more beverage(s) into one or more beverage holder(s); [0107] 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; [0108] to thereby transport beverage(s) and/or food.
[0109] The beverage and/or food carrier bag, tray, beverage holder(s) and components thereof may be substantially as described hereinabove.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of inserting a spacer into the tray to space beverage holders.
[0113] 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.