CN1882479B - Brackets and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The food tray (160) has a central vertical support panel (22), wherein a handle (214) and a pair of trays or seats (222, 224) are attached to the central support panel. The vertical panels are hinged together near the upper edge. The tray may be made from a single sheet of material, wherein an advertisement is printed on at least one of the mutually facing surfaces of the vertical panels when the panels are together.

Description

Brackets and methods

technical field

The present invention relates to racks and methods of manufacture, and in particular to handheld racks and methods for transporting and dispensing food products, including beverages, and other objects such as cylindrical or other containers, and to the use of such racks and Methods of advertising apparatus and methods.

Background technique

Applications for the present invention are U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/213938 filed August 9, 2002, Serial No. 10662265 filed September 15, 2003, and Serial No. No. 16, December 2003. Part of 10/737612 continued.

A long-standing problem is distributing food from distribution points, stores, restaurants, etc. to those in need, and transporting it to distant locations where the food is enjoyed. It would be difficult to carry more than a drink or two, or an item of one drink and one solid food item, if the food can only be carried by hand.

Food carriers are used when large quantities of food must be transported. However, due to the relatively low cost of the trays, they are usually relatively fragile and deform easily, causing the food to fall from the tray.

One type of prior art stand has a pair of folding trays secured to a central support panel with handles carrying the device. The tray has beverage cup receiving holes for transporting up to four filled beverage cups. A secondary tray with an elongated slot at its base is mounted to a central support panel through which the central support panel passes. Secondary trays are often used to hold solid food items such as hot dogs. The auxiliary tray can rest on top of the beverage container below. Such a rack can thus transport food and drink for several persons.

Brackets of the type described above suffer from various disadvantages.

One disadvantage is that several different motions are required to unfold the flat brackets for use. It is therefore slower and more complex to use.

Another disadvantage is that such brackets often cannot stand on a horizontal surface by themselves. This makes it difficult and slow to load food into the racks.

In addition to having a solid bottom on which the beverage container rests, and the side walls are high enough to ensure that the beverage container is always below the top of the side wall so that the tray mounted above the handle rests on the upper edge of the side wall , another type of prior art bracket similar to the first type bracket.

The disadvantage of such a bracket is that its base is relatively weak, and if it needs to be tall and strong enough for satisfactory use, it requires relatively high side walls, relatively heavy structural material, and is relatively expensive to manufacture.

It has been proposed that such brackets may be used to advertise the sponsors who provided the brackets. For this reason, the relatively high cost of the bracket is paid by the advertiser. Therefore, it is desirable to have as large a surface area as possible on which such advertisements can be placed without unduly increasing costs.

Contents of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a bracket and method which avoid or alleviate the above-mentioned disadvantages.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tray that can be deployed and set up relatively quickly and easily, thereby increasing the speed of dispensing food.

Another object is to provide a bracket that is relatively strong and easy to assemble and disassemble.

Yet another object is to provide a carrier with increased surface area to better display advertisements.

Another object is to provide such a bracket which is inexpensive to manufacture and which is very strong and safe to use.

According to the present invention, the above objects are achieved by providing a pallet comprising a central support panel and a plurality of foldable horizontal support panels, with folding receptacles on both sides of said central support panel, each tray The receptacles include folded side wall structures that can be unfolded to form the side walls; and the horizontal support panels are in the form of flanges that can be unfolded to form the bottom of each receptacle.

In a particular embodiment, the horizontal support panel has at least one retaining aperture for receiving and retaining a drinking glass.

While the particular embodiment just described is adapted to hold a conical drinking cup, the upper portion of which engages the edge of the hole so as to retain it within the carrier, for example, non-conductive containers for carrying bottles such as cylindrical drinking cans and similarly shaped objects. Conical containers, conical containers and containers of various shapes, preferably use another embodiment. In this embodiment, the tray or receptacle has a flat bottom without holding holes for supporting objects. Preferably, the bracket also has receptacle side panels or fixed dividers to support the upright container standing on the flat bottom and prevent the container from tipping sideways. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, two, four or six racks of bottles or cans are provided.

Preferably retaining structure is provided to retain the panels relative to the side walls to support the load to be transported.

In another embodiment, the retaining structure includes a tab on one part that engages the other part.

In yet another embodiment, the panels or flanges are selectively secured together and folded to support the panel structure under load.

Preferably, the flange is configured to automatically come within the confines of the side wall when the side wall is deployed such that the bracket is deployed and positioned for use in a single action.

In another embodiment of the invention there are two vertically spaced apart horizontal panels interconnected within each receptacle, each panel having at least one beverage receiving aperture aligned with a similar aperture in the other panel, In order to support and hold the beverage container.

An optional auxiliary tray is also available. Its bottom has a slot into which said central support panel can be inserted. Such a secondary tray can be used to hold solid food by placing it on top of a beverage container held on the tray or on the upper edge of a side wall.

In another embodiment, the secondary tray is of the same construction as the primary tray, except that it does not have a cup hole, but is provided with a central recess to fit over the central support panel of the tray. When used with a solid bottom bracket, both the bracket and tray have a solid bottom. This auxiliary tray can be used alone as a solid food carrier.

In embodiments having a flat bottom for supporting cylindrical containers etc. and having one or more fixed or retractable side fences, the fences act as dividing means to divide each receptacle of the carrier into two one or three or more different compartments. One or all of each may be used to carry beverage cans or bottles, or some compartments for cans or bottles and other compartments for solid food or other items.

The trays are relatively quick and easy for serving food and beverages. The waiter prepares the food ordered by the customer. Then it is only necessary to unfold the side wall structure and place the bracket on a flat surface. The waiter then loads the food into the trays. Since the rack itself can stand upright, the waiter can put the food in the rack with both hands.

Preferably, the side walls of the bracket are made low enough that substantially all beverage containers are taller than the side walls. This ensures that the upper portion of each container sticks straight out of the bracket for easy grabbing.

If only liquid food such as soup or beverage is ordered, the beverage cup can be inserted into the receiving hole of the tray, or placed on the flat bottom wall of the receptacle, and then the customer can take it away by the handle of the tray.

If solid foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, bagged peanuts, potato chips, popcorn, etc. are also ordered, the auxiliary tray can be slid down onto the central support Hold all food with one hand while holding the handle.

If only solid food items are ordered, they can be placed in the carrier tray, as long as the food items are large enough not to pass through the drink cup receiving holes.

In embodiments having a flat bottom receptacle with optional retractable side dams, virtually any type of beverage container can be transported, whether cones, cylindrical cans or bottles, or other shapes. Food can be delivered alongside beverages by using the pop-up side guards to prevent beverages from tipping over.

Alternatively, or in addition, solid food may be delivered on one of the auxiliary trays described above.

The brackets of the present invention can be made relatively quickly and easily for servers and customers in many different types of situations and locations. For example, such brackets can be used advantageously in franchises at baseball, football, tennis and other sports fields, basketball and other indoor sports fields, picnics, indoor and outdoor meetings, cafeterias or other takeaway locations, parties and other social events Foodstuffs are dispensed to customers at stalls and virtually anywhere that requires food to be delivered by customers.

Advantageously, the bracket is advertised by one or more sponsors, who provided the bracket free of charge or paid part of the cost thereof. The advertisement may include a tear-off coupon for purchasing the item to promote the sale of the item.

Advantageously, the bracket of the present invention has an increased outer surface area to display such advertisements.

The resulting advertising space is increased by the structural feature in which the central support panel structure includes a single panel folded in the middle to form a hinge between the two panels formed by the crease, with a foldable receptacle secured to each divided panel . Advertisements are printed on the inward facing surfaces of the two panels. Information is displayed on the outside of the bracket to inform the user of the material of interest that can be seen by swinging the two halves of the bracket.

One type of carrier that relates to the present invention is a multi-container package for the sale of bottled beverages, such as "six-packs" of beer, soft drinks, water, or the like, for sale at bistros, grocery stores, convenience stores, and the like. This package includes two or four-packs of wine, wine coolers and other beverages or liquid products such as mouthwash and vitamin supplements.

Brackets used for such packaging include the so-called "lifting bottom" six-pack bracket, which is believed to be widely used in a wide range of beer and soft drinks. This type of bracket has several drawbacks.

First, it usually requires a latch structure to hold the bottom up and prevent it from sagging and allowing the bottle to slide out of the rack. When the racks are loaded with bottles on a high speed assembly line, a common latch mechanism must be actuated. This takes extra steps and can potentially slow down and stop the assembly line. Additionally, conventional latches are not particularly strong and can and do fail.

Another problem with such brackets is that the cardboard from which they are made should be relatively heavy in order for the brackets to be adequately held together during dispensing and use by the user. This increases manufacturing costs.

Another problem is that the carrier is transported to the loading position with it being flattened and folded in order to reduce transport bulk and cost. The hoisting bottom often extends outward beyond the contours of the rest of the pallet and creates a significant increase in the shipping volume of the folded pallet.

It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a tray particularly suitable for holding and transporting prepackaged beverages, such as packs of six, packs of four or the like.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bracket that is strong and has a relatively strong bottom that does not sag and does not require a separate latch arrangement to prevent it from sagging.

Likewise, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bracket that can use relatively light-weight materials and that can be manufactured at relatively low cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tray that is relatively small when folded flat to reduce transport volume and cost.

According to the invention, the structure of the carrier for prepackaged beverages is very similar to that described, except that it has a plurality of dividing means forming the required compartments. For example, two dividers in each pull receptacle form a six-bottle rack; one divider creates a four-bottle rack, no divider creates a two-bottle rack, etc. Also, the handle portion need not extend at least very high up the bracket body.

Preferably, much like the food and drink trays described, by simply pushing two opposing edges against each other, the tray opens from a flattened form into an upright tray and stands independently for stowage.

Since the trays described have a solid bottom (as opposed to bottoms with cup receiving openings), they automatically lock into the fully open position when beverage bottles are loaded in the compartment. No separate latch or locking step is required.

In the case of transporting the blanks to the loading position, such a carrier has a particularly compact profile and dimensions when flattened and folded in order to reduce transport volume and costs.

Advantageously, the carrier may be formed from a single cardboard sheet or blank which is scored to form the separation and folding lines. Blanks can generally be "nested" so that two blanks are formed from each sheet. The central support panel and the foldable receptacle side and bottom walls are all hinged together. The blank advantageously has a surface that is finished and suitable for high quality printing. Preferably, all advertising material can be printed on said one surface in one printing operation. Next, the components are separated along separation lines and folded along fold lines with selected panels bonded together at selected locations to form the final folded pallet product.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the following description and accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a food tray of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1, modified to illustrate the operation of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an elevational view of the bottom of the flattened and folded bracket of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a top view of the tray at the bottom of the carriage shown in Figure 3, with the tray shown partially unfolded;

Figure 5 is a top plan view similar to Figure 4 with the tray fully deployed;

Figure 6 is a top view of the folded auxiliary tray of the bracket shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bracket of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in Figure 7;

Fig. 10 is an elevational view of the folded bottom of the unfolded bracket shown in Fig. 7;

Figure 11 is a schematic side elevational view of the partly expanded base shown in Figures 7 and 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the food tray of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a top plan view of a cutout of the bottom half of the bracket shown in Figure 1;

Figure 15 is a top plan view of a cutout of the bottom half of the bracket shown in Figure 12;

16 is a perspective view, a partial cutaway view and a partial schematic view of another embodiment of the bracket of the present invention;

Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a mode of using the bracket of Fig. 16;

Figure 18 is a rear elevational view of the interior surface of the structure shown in Figures 16 and 17;

Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 16;

Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the structure of Figure 16 with one receptacle partially folded;

Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing structural features of the embodiment shown in Figures 16-20;

Figure 22 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the bracket shown in Figures 16-21;

Figure 23 is a top plan view of a single blank used to manufacture the bracket embodiment shown in Figures 16-21;

Figure 24 is a perspective view, partly in section, of another embodiment of the bracket of the present invention;

25 is a bottom plan view of the partially expanded bottom structure for one of the receptacles for the bracket shown in FIG. 24;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 is a bottom plan view of the bottom of one of the receptacles of the bracket shown in Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a side elevational view of the bracket of Figure 26 with an auxiliary tray attached;

Figure 29 is a front elevational view of a pair of brackets shown in Figure 26 brought together by a tray to form an enlarged bracket;

Figure 30 is a top plan view of the blank used to form the bracket shown in Figure 24;

Figure 31 is a top plan view of the blank used to form the bracket shown in Figure 26;

Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of an alternative bottom configuration for the bracket of Figure 26;

Figure 33 is a bottom plan view of the partially expanded bottom portion of the bracket shown in Figure 32;

Figure 34 is a top plan view of the blank used to form the bracket shown in Figures 32 and 33;

Figure 35 is a bottom plan view of one of the compartments of another bracket of the present invention;

Figure 36 is a bottom plan view of one of the compartments of the bracket shown in Figure 35;

Figure 37 is a perspective partial sectional view of another bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 37;

Figure 39 is a top plan view of a blank for manufacturing the bracket shown in Figure 35;

Figure 40 is a top plan view of the blank forming the bracket shown in Figure 37;

Figure 41 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the four-bottle food and beverage carrier of the present invention;

Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view, partially broken away, taken along line 42-42 of Figure 41;

Figure 43 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the carrier of Figures 41 and 42 with an added food delivery tray;

Figure 44 is a front elevational view, partially in section, of the carrier of Figures 41 and 42 with an added food delivery tray;

Figure 45 is a top plan view, partially in section, of the structure shown in Figure 43;

Figure 46 is a partially folded bottom plan view of one of the receptacles of the bracket shown in Figures 41 and 42;

Figure 47 is a blank for making the bracket of Figures 41 and 42;

Figure 48 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a six-bottle rack constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 49 is a side elevational view of a modified structure similar to Figure 43;

Figure 50 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 51 is a top plan view, partially in section, of the structure shown in Figure 50;

Figure 52 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 53 is a top plan view, partially in section, of the structure shown in Figure 52;

Figure 54 is a top plan view of a blank used to form another bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a top plan view of a blank used to form the bracket shown in FIG. 48. FIG.

Detailed ways

Referring first to FIG. 1, the food carrier 20 of the present invention comprises a central vertical support panel 22 of two separate fiberboards 26 and 28 bonded together with an adhesive to form a laminated panel.

Two trays 30 and 32 extend outwardly from either side of the central support panel 22 and can support up to four cups of beverages, such as cups 62, or solid food.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is an optional secondary tray 70 having side walls 72 , 74 and a bottom wall 76 with an elongated central slot 78 .

When customers order solid food and beverages, the auxiliary tray 70 can be assembled downward on the central support panel 22, the central support panel 22 passes through the slot 78, and the auxiliary tray 70 slides down until it rests on the top of the beverage cup or the tray 30 and 32 on the upper edge 52 . A hand hole 34 is provided in the central support panel 22 through which only one hand can be inserted to transport the entire food product from a concession stand in a stadium or the like to the seat.

When the customer returns to his seat, the solid food is removed from the tray 70, the tray 70 is slid away from the central support panel 22, and the drinks are then dispensed from the trays 30 and 32 to the person who ordered the food.

The shelf base formed by the central support panel 22 and the trays 30, 32 and the auxiliary tray 70 are preferably foldable flat for compact storage at the concession stand. As will be described in more detail below, this bottom unit is advantageous in that it can be deployed very quickly and easily and stands upright on itself so that beverage glasses can be inserted quickly, thereby increasing the efficiency of the waiter.

Also in accordance with the present invention, such brackets have an enlarged surface area for displaying advertisements of advertisers who purchase and provide the brackets to food vendors or distributors, thereby maximizing the advertising value of the advertisers.

Preferred Bracket Bottom

The structure of the bottom of the preferred bracket shown in Figure 1 enables the bottom to be deployed more easily and quickly, and also allows it to stand upright on a horizontal surface to speed up the loading of food.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , tray 32 includes vertical foldable side walls consisting of side walls 40 , 42 and 44 extending from panel 28 at one end and secured to the panel by adhesive at the other end via tab 54 . 28 , tabs 54 extend outwardly from near the lower edge of panel 28 .

As best seen in Figure 2, the panels 28 are bent along fold lines 52 to form a horizontal support panel 46 shaped and dimensioned to fit snugly into the boundary formed by the side wall structure, when the bracket is placed in a horizontal plane, capable of The support bracket is in an upright position. Horizontal panel 46 has two larger apertures 48 and 50 that are shaped and sized to receive and retain a beverage cup, such as cup 62 , which is shown fitted in opening 48 in FIG. 1 .

Generally speaking, the drinking cup is tapered so that its bottom is slightly smaller than the top, and the holes 48 and 50 are sized to hold the cup 62 such that its upper edge 64 is above the horizontal panel 46 but below the top of the tray 32. Edge 52.

The structure of the tray 30 on the other side of the central support panel 22 is a mirror image of the structure of the tray 32 . It thus has side walls 41, 43 and 45 and a horizontal support panel 47 with holes 49 and 51 for receiving beverage cups. Another tab 54 secures the side wall to panel 26 by adhesive or the like.

Figure 3 shows a view of the bottom of the food carrier of Figure 1 folded flat. The two side wall structures are folded flat to their opposite sides, and the horizontal panels 46 and 47 are folded upwards to lie flat on the central support panel 22 .

When unfolding the bottom of the tray, the attendant simply inserts a finger into the corner of the folded side wall and pulls in the direction indicated by arrow 82 in Figure 4 and at the corresponding point on the other tray (not shown in Figure 4) , expand the side walls to form trays 30 and 32 .

Referring now to Figures 2, 4 and 5 and Figure 14, extensions 58, projections 56 and 58, 88 and 100 extend inwardly from the lower edges of the side walls to form a platform on which a horizontal support panel 46 is positioned to support multiple A heavier mug filled with a drink.

As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusions have circular cutout areas 90, 92 that correspond to the sides of the apertures 48 and 50 when the tray is deployed.

One end of the ledge extending from the longer side wall 42 has a fold line 86 and a tab 84 secured with adhesive to the ledge 100 extending from the lower edge of the panel 40 .

Projections 56 and 58 are not secured to each other and projection 56 slides over projection 58 when deployed.

The protruding portion 58 of the side wall 44 has a fold line 98 and a tab 96 extending below the horizontal support panel 46 . Tab 96 is secured to panel 46, preferably with adhesive, which automatically pulls panel 46 down into the space between side walls 40, 42 and 44 when the tray is unfolded.

Figure 5 shows the tray 32 when fully deployed. The cutouts 90 , 92 are aligned with the holes 48 , 50 , and the protrusions around them provide sufficient support for the horizontal panel 46 .

Referring now to FIG. 2, the outermost edge 55 of each panel 46 and 47 is arranged to remain in place, preferably in light frictional engagement with the side walls 42 or 43, after the panel has been fully rotated into its horizontal position. When trays 30 and 32 are opened in the manner described above, horizontal support panels 46 and 47 cannot be deployed all the way to the bottom of their respective trays. Rather, it is not fully depressed to the position of the panel 47 shown in FIG. 2 . This does not impede quick loading of the tray, and may actually help to allow beverage cups, such as those indicated at 66, to pass properly through the panel 47 and opening 51 at the bottom of the tray. Then, when the tray is lifted, the weight of the filled cup pulls the panels 46 and 47 down into place correctly, requiring no further effort by the service personnel.

Therefore, the waiter can set the tray loaded with food with only one unfolding action. The horizontal panels 46 and 47, even in the inclined position shown in FIG. 2, maintain the desired shape of the side walls so that the entire bracket remains upright when placed on a horizontal surface 60 as shown in FIG.

Figure 14 shows the fibreboard shape 104 used to form the bottom half of the bracket. The same shape is used to form the other half of the bottom, and the two vertical panels are glued together with adhesive. The other panel sections are fastened together, and the assembled unit is then flattened and folded for shipment to the customer.

FIG. 6 shows the auxiliary tray 70 folded flat along the fold line 102 . When using the auxiliary panel, it is easy to grasp the end panel 72 and pull away with the auxiliary panel standing. Of course, it should be appreciated that the auxiliary tray 70 could also be used alone to carry solid food. While the secondary tray is often too soft to safely transport a drink glass, it can barely carry a drink or two. It is better and safer to use the bottom of the tray to transport drinks.

The bottom of the tray is constructed so that it is relatively strong and capable of supporting heavy cups filled with beverages, as well as solid food stacked in the auxiliary tray 70 . This is primarily due to the folded vertical side wall construction with horizontal support panels which allow the side walls to maintain the desired shape.

While the bottom of the tray is best used to carry beverages, it can also be used to carry solid foods such as hot dogs and hamburgers, as long as it is large enough not to fall out of the hole in the bottom of the tray.

In fact, FIG. 12 shows a variant of the tray bottom of FIG. 1 , without holes in the bottom of the tray. This variant is especially suitable for transporting larger or smaller solid food items. Its structure will be described in detail below.

multi-plane cup holder

Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the bottom of the tray of the present invention. The structure of the bracket base 106 shown in FIG. 7 is largely the same as that of FIG. 1 , and accordingly corresponding parts in these two figures have been given the same reference numerals.

Two trays 107 and 109 are fixed near the lower edge of the central support panel 22 . Tray 107 has side wall panels 40 , 42 and 44 as introduced above. Similarly, tray 109 has side wall panels 41 , 43 and 45 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , tray 107 is formed by side walls incorporating extensions comprising panels 110 , 112 , 114 and 116 extending from the bottom of panel 28 and folded to form rectangular structure 108 as shown in FIG. 9 . The rectangular structure is adhesively secured to the panel 28 by applying adhesive to the end section 116 .

Upper and lower openings are provided to support drinking glasses. Lateral supports at two spaced locations that support the sides of the cup contribute to stability when transporting the cup.

The folded structure 108 is secured to the side walls by a pair of tabs 134 cut from the material of the panel 112 as shown in FIG. 8 . These tabs fit into cutouts 136 cut in the sides 42 and 43 of the side wall portions of the structure.

FIG. 10 shows a view after the bottom of the bracket in FIG. 7 is flattened and folded. As shown, the structure 108 of FIG. 9 is folded upwards to the position shown in FIG. 10 with the sidewall partially folded to the left.

When unfolding the bottom of the bracket, the service personnel need only pull on the opposite corners of the side walls, as in the embodiment of FIG. The walls maintain a rectangular shape and support the bottom of the tray in an upright position, thereby making loading of the tray easier.

Additional openings 118, 122, 126 and 130 provided in the upper walls of each tray help to stabilize the beverage containers while they are placed on a horizontal surface waiting to be lifted upwards by the tray.

When the bracket is lifted upwards, the weight of the drinking glass pulls the structure 108 downward, causing the protruding tabs 134 to sit in the cutouts 136 of the side wall portions 42 and 43, thereby locking the cup holding portion 108 to the side walls to form a secure bracket .

Alternatively, in addition to tabs 134 and cutouts 136, folded projections, such as projections 56, 58, 80, 88 and 100 shown in FIGS. 2-5, may support structure 108 from the bottom as shown in the embodiment of FIG.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, it should be appreciated that a secondary tray 70, such as the secondary tray 70 shown in FIGS. .

FIG. 15 shows a flared portion forming the bottom of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 . Likewise, the necessary parts to make the bottom half of the bracket are shown, and the same parts can be used to form the other half.

The side wall portions are formed in strips 146 separate from the rest of the structure, but they could also be formed as integral extensions of the structure in the manner of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, if desired.

Strap 146 has ends 150 and 154 secured to panel 28 near fold line 148 at the lower edge of panel 28 .

Stackable bracket

Figure 12 is a perspective view of another food carrier 140 of the present invention. This bracket includes the same bottom as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 7, and a secondary tray 141 which is structurally almost identical to the bottom of the unit shown in FIG.

In addition, the upper edges of the two halves of the auxiliary bracket 141 , made from a single panel blank or two separate parts, are fastened together so that the two panels 142 and 144 hang down from the central support panel 22 . Panels 42 and 44 have holes 34 positioned to align with holes 34 of the bottom unit, thus forming a single hand hole 34 of the combination bracket.

The two panels 142 and 144 are not fixed together, so the central support panel 22 of the bottom unit can easily fit into the opening between the panels 142 and 144 .

Thus, the auxiliary bracket 141 "overlaps" the bottom unit.

The auxiliary bracket 141 has a separate purpose. The bracket 141 may be used alone when the customer is only ordering solid food, or when the beverage cup receiving hole is not required. Therefore, solid food can be delivered in addition to liquid food. Alternatively, auxiliary bracket 141 may be provided with beverage cup receiving holes to provide additional beverage delivery capability.

The height of the auxiliary unit 141 should be selected so that a cup held in the cup receiving hole of the bottom unit has enough room to extend upwardly from the bottom unit for a suitable distance.

Brackets with a flat or "solid" bottom

Figures 16-23 illustrate an embodiment of a flat or "solid" bottom of the bracket of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 16, a bracket 160 is shown having a vertical central support panel structure 162 and two fold-flat or "solid" bottom receptacles 164 and 166 in their unfolded position. As with other embodiments of the invention shown, receptacles 164 and 166 are folded flat against central panel structure 162 to reduce storage volume.

A hand hole is provided at 214 with a foldable tab 216 extending into the hole. When the tabs 216 are folded over by inserting a hand into the hole, they partially cover the upper edge of the hole to provide a smoother, wider surface for more comfortable transport of the bracket.

An auxiliary bottom tray with slots, shown schematically in phantom at 70 in Figure 16, may also be used to hold additional items in the manner described in connection with other embodiments of the present invention.

The receptacles 164 and 166 differ from those shown in FIGS. 1-15 in that they have a bottom panel structure which is flat and in one form without large holes, and the container or cylinder as shown in FIG. 16 Other objects of the beverage container can rest on it. This cylindrical container is not tapered and does not jam itself in the hole in the bottom of the receptacle as in the other embodiments described. Accordingly, the pallet 160 may be used to transport cylindrical or other shaped containers, as well as conical containers, as will be described more fully below.

Each receptacle has a folded sidewall structure comprising three sidewalls. Receptacle 164 has side walls 168 , 170 , 172 and receptacle 166 has side walls 174 , 176 and 178 .

In addition, tabs 201 and 203 are provided (see Figure 16 and Figure 23). These tabs fit within corresponding slots near the bottom edges of the panels 172 and 174 when the receptacle 242 is formed by the user to hold each transverse panel 242 downwardly as it is inserted into the side wall structure. Thus, the transverse panels maintain the side panel structure in a rectangular shape and allow the tray to sit upright on a horizontal surface ready for easy and quick loading of objects into the receptacle.

The central support panel structure 162 actually comprises a single panel having two sections 204 and 206 (see Fig. 19) which are folded at the top edge 208 of the bracket to form a hinge. Additional thicknesses of paperboard 210 and 212 are folded over the surfaces 204 and 206 of the upper half of these panels, respectively, to strengthen the panel structure 162 and provide a convenient printed advertising display surface for the upper half of the panel structure 162 .

The solid base structure includes a lateral support panel 244 (see FIG. 21 ) with folded side extensions 244 and a retaining structure 186 (see FIG. 20 ) to support the lateral support panel 242 . The transverse panel 242 is formed at the bottom end as an extension of one of the panels 204 and is hinged to the bottom edge of the panel 204 at 199 (see FIG. 16 ). A detailed description of these structures will be given below.

pop-up side panels

Referring now to FIG. 16, within each receptacle is a dividing means structure indicated generally at 180. In the embodiment shown in FIG.

Pop-up side fences 182 and 184 form cutouts from the bottom of panel 204 and lateral panel 242 .

Structure 182 is shown in an "up" position so as to form a side fence to hold an object 218, such as a beverage can or bottle or cup, within the compartment formed by the side fence, preventing the object 218 from tipping over within the cradle.

The other side barrier structure 184 is shown in the "down" position, ie flattened and folded to allow solid food or other objects to be transported within the second compartment of the receptacle 164 .

It should be understood that bottom and pop-up baffle structures may also be provided within receptacle 166, but are not shown at all in the drawings to avoid repetition.

The pop-up flap structure 184 includes a first panel 196 whose top edge is hinged to the panel 204, which has a fold line at 198 and a semi-circular cutout 195 to conform to the cylindrical surface when it is popped into the flap-forming position. match.

Structure 184 also includes fold lines at 200 and at front edge 197 .

The structure 182 when raised exposes a cutout hole 192 in the lower portion of the panel 204 and has a fold line 193 that allows it to be pulled or pushed up through the hole in the bottom to the position shown in FIG. 16 .

Thus, either structure of side fence structures 182 and 184 may be raised to its upright position when bracket 160 is in use so as to form a cylindrical object holding compartment. The other side baffle structure can be left unfolded as shown in Figure 16 to provide a compartment without a large opening at the bottom to better enable it to transport solid objects such as hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, potato chips, etc., or Any other object including relatively small items installed in a compartment.

If desired, the two side fences 182 and 184 can be left extended so as to form a completely "solid" support base to hold objects within the receptacle. For example, if three beverage containers are placed side by side in the receptacle, they can be placed in the receptacle without raising the side fences, and they will support each other, preventing the other containers from tipping over.

advertising space

Virtually all side walls and outer panels of the rack are preferably advertised, precisely because advertising helps to provide the rack to consumers at no cost, and to food suppliers at little or no cost. For example, the advertisement appears on the upper panel 210 at 220 and on the sides at 222 and 224 (see also FIG. 17 ).

Additionally, advertising space is advantageously provided on the inwardly facing surfaces of panels 204 and 206 . Such advertising can only be accessed by swinging the two panels 204 and 206 apart at hinge 208, as shown in FIG. 17, so as to expose the inner surfaces of the panels as shown in FIG.

The surface 206 shown in FIG. 18 bears an advertisement 226 . Advantageously, a CD record 228 is attached to the panel 206 as a free gift for the customer. It comes with any desired theme, such as recorded music, and, if desired, merchandise for sponsor products.

Preferably, an icon appears on the outer surface of the bracket 160 to inform the user of advertisements and gifts appearing on the inner panel, so as to urge the user to separate the panels and see what is there.

Thus, the effective advertising surface area of the bracket is greatly increased at minimal cost.

It should be noted that a central panel structure 162 with two panels hinged along its upper edge is applicable to each of the different embodiments of the invention shown in this patent application. Actually, the upper tray 141 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 has such a hinged structure. Accordingly, advertisements can be printed on each inwardly facing surface of the central panel, thereby increasing advertising space as described above.

Keep panel structure

FIG. 20 shows the retaining panel structure 186 at the bottom of the receptacle 166 .

The bottom edges of the side panels 176 are folded over to form wide, long flaps 230 that serve as part of the retaining panel structure. The corner region 240 of the first corner member 238 is secured to a bottom portion 246 of the panel 242 by adhesive. A fold line is formed at 242 . The corner feature 238 is formed as an extension of the lower edge of the side wall 178 (see also FIG. 23 ).

Another corner piece 232 has a corner portion 234 secured to the flap 230 by adhesive. A fold line is provided at 236 . The tab 232 is formed as an extension of the lower edge of the side wall 174 (see FIG. 23 ).

It should be understood that the bottom structure shown in FIG. 20 has a trapezoidal shape, rather than a rectangular shape, since it is shown partially folded, with portions 246 and 248 of the bottom panel 242 facing inwardly in the general position shown in FIG. Fold, and the corner piece is partially folded along line 242.

The corner pieces provide a connection to help pull the panel 242 down when the side walls are deployed, and reinforce the retention structure and the bottom of the receptacle.

The pop-up flap for receptacle 166 is partially shown at 250 and 252 with fold lines 254 and 256 and semi-circular cutout edges 258 and 260 . All of these parts are shown in their folded up position so that they form part of the solid base.

The retaining structure 186 supports the transverse panels 242 sufficiently to form a firm base with convertible pop-up side panels dividing it into two compartments.

Thus, it should be understood that, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-15, the term "solid" bottom refers to a bottom that does not have large holes in the area where the container is supported.

single baffle structure

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the invention in which a single divider structure 270 is provided for one of the receptacles 262 for the bracket, as shown in FIG. 16 .

The structure has side walls 264, 266 and 268, and structure 270 has panels 272 with fold lines 273 and vertical panels 274 when popped out. Semicircular cutouts are provided at 276 and 278 to provide lateral support for containers within either of the two compartments formed by the baffle structure 270 .

While the use of a single pop-up barrier structure or divider 270 in the "up" position allows for two compartments to utilize side barriers, in certain applications a single structure 270 as shown in FIG. 22 may also be advantageous.

monolithic manufacturing

Figure 23 is a top plan view of a single sheet of material 279 from which the bracket shown in Figures 16-21 is made.

Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to print all of the graphic motifs on the carriage by printing on only one surface of the sheet 279 . Figure 23 actually shows in dashed lines at 280 the recommended cropping boundaries for the printing process.

The upper surface of the sheet 279 was treated by adding an acrylic coating to make it smoother than the original fiberboard, while the other side of the sheet was left untreated. This gives the upper surface a better appearance and saves the cost of coating both sides. The acrylic cladding also makes the fiberboard stronger and more waterproof.

The vertical panels are indicated at 204 and 206 and the fold line between them is indicated at 208 .

Advertisements are printed on each surface 210 and 212 , 168 , 170 and 172 , 174 , 176 and 178 and on each panel 204 and 206 . Advantageously, this is all done in one printing operation, typically comprising 2-4 color separate printing steps, without the additional cost of flipping the sheet to print the other side.

Separation lines are formed at the edges of the pop-up flap at 290, 292, 288 and elsewhere where separation is desired. Fold lines are provided at 208, 204, and 285, at the junctions between side panels 169, 170, 172, etc., and elsewhere where folding occurs.

Next, sheet 279 is conveyed to automated manufacturing equipment where debris such as panel 282 and other unwanted material are removed. Panels 210 and 212 are folded over the surfaces of panels 204 and 206 along lines 284 and 286 under the one shown in FIG. 23 . Adhesive is applied to panels 210 and 212 and they are bonded to panels 204 and 206 .

The side wall structure is folded at the left edge and secured by adhesive to tab 205 or 207 to form a foldable side wall structure. The corner tab portions 232 and 240 are folded and bonded to the surface to which they are bonded, and the side wall structure is folded flat against the central panel structure 162 .

It should be noted that the side walls shown in Figure 16 are slightly higher than the side walls of the other brackets shown in this patent application. Although the height of the side walls can be varied as desired, if the object stored in the receptacle does not reach the top of the receptacle, as shown at 70 in FIG. The flat, evenly supported edge of the upper, i.e. the upper edge of the side panel.

Of course the height of the side walls can be adapted to the needs of a particular use of the bracket.

Six-Pack Holder

While the rack configuration described can be used to carry six bottles or cans of liquids, such as beverages, Figures 24, 25 and 30 of the accompanying drawings show a preferred configuration that can be used to make a dedicated six-bottle rack.

Figure 24 shows a carrier 300 similar to the carrier described, but dedicated to transporting two bottles or cans or other similarly shaped objects. The bracket 300 comprises a central support structure 302 comprising two panels 304 and 306 formed by folding a single panel along a line 303 forming the upper edge of the central support structure 302 . A handle aperture 350 is provided in the upper portion of the structure 302 . The upper portion of each panel 204 and 306 is reinforced by overlapping panels 305 and 307 . Panels 305 and 307 are separated from the blank along lines 309, 311, 313 as shown in Fig. 30, folded along line 301 and secured to panels 304 or 306 by adhesive.

As with the other brackets described herein, a collapsible receptacle is provided extending from a lower portion of each panel 304 and 306 .

A receptacle comprises side walls 308, 310 and 312 and bottom structure and foldable dividing means 328 and 330 so as to divide the receptacle into three compartments, each compartment being designed to hold a bottle or can or other Objects of similar shape.

The second receptacle has side wall panels 314, 317 and 315 (see Figures 30 and 25 and Figure 24), and has two fixed dividers 340 and 341 that divide the receptacle into receptacles that receive three bottles or cans, and Similar to the bottom structure of the first receptacle.

The side walls 314 are secured to the panel 306 by gluing them to tabs 346 extending from the sides of the panel 306 . Similarly, side wall panels 312 are bonded to panel 304 by tabs 348 extending from the sides of panel 304 . Tabs 349 and 353 (see FIG. 30, not shown in FIG. 24) extending from panels 314 and 312, respectively, are wrapped around edge 347 or 355 (FIG. 30) and secured to the inner surface of panel 304 or 306 by adhesive , in order to strengthen these edges.

The bottom configuration of the second receptacle for two receptacles is shown in Figure 25, which shows the bottom of the receptacle almost unfolded.

A pair of elongated flanges 316 and 318 extend from the outer sidewall panel 317 and the central panel 306, respectively (see Figures 25 and 30).

Other relatively short flanges 320 and 322 extend from the shorter side walls 314 and 315 of the receptacle, respectively. Each elongated flange 316 or 318 has a tab or tab 324 or 326 at one end secured to one of the flanges 318 or 316 by adhesive, as shown in FIG. 25 . Fold lines are provided at 325 and 327, and the bottom structure shown in Figure 25 is partially folded inwardly along these fold lines.

The bottom structure of the first receptacle is identical to that of the second receptacle and is given the same reference numerals.

Each flange 316 and 318 has a protrusion 313 or 319 with a transverse edge 321 or 323 . When the receptacle is fully unfolded and the bottom structure is pressed down (under the weight of the bottle or can), the protrusions 313 and 319 overlap the other flanges 316 and 318 and the transverse edges 321 and 323 are positioned at 329 as in FIG. The receptacles abut against each other to prevent the resiliency of the folded carrier material from causing the receptacle to close. This keeps the receptacle open while it is loaded, and the overlap of the flanges 316 and 318 and their projections strengthens the bottom structure.

Of course, other structures as shown elsewhere herein may be used to hold the receptacle open.

As shown in FIGS. 30 and 24 , the dividers 328 , 330 , 340 and 341 are formed as cutouts from the panels 304 and 306 . This leaves a hole as hole 344 shown in FIG. 24 . This does not reduce the transportability of the device, but has the advantage of using only one die-cut blank and of ensuring a minimum weight of the bracket by not having to add additional material to make up the bracket. Each divider 328, 330, 340 etc. is integrally connected at one end to the panel 304 or 306 and has a fold flap 332, 334, 343 or 345 adhesively secured to the long side wall 310 or 317 of the receptacle.

Advantageously, the bottom edges 336, 338 of the divider are spaced upwardly from the bottom of the vertical panels to provide clearance for the flange 318 to pivot downwardly from the upwardly folded position to the horizontal position when the bracket is deployed.

The carrier shown in Figures 24 and 25 is believed to be particularly advantageous for high-speed, high-volume production line manufacture where the carrier is formed from a single blank, has relatively few bond points, and can be printed on one side without having to flip the blank to print the other side.

The bonding points in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 , 25 and 30 are at tabs 332 , 334 , 343 and 345 , tabs 346 , 348 , 349 and 353 , and tabs 326 and 324 . Additionally, panels 305 and 307 are bonded to panels 304 and 306, respectively.

Holder for two cups

Figures 26, 27 and 31 show a carrier 360 specifically designed to carry two relatively large drinking glasses 382, such as 48 ounce beer glasses. It is particularly advantageous for use in ballparks or other stadiums where patrons are limited to purchasing two bottles of beer at a time. But the bracket can also be used to transport other large and relatively heavy objects (for example, two large potted plants, etc.).

Bracket 360 includes a central support structure 362 having panels folded at edges 267 to form vertical panels 364 and 366 . As with the other brackets described above, panels 368 and 369 (see also FIG. 31 ) are separated, folded and glued to the upper portions of panels 364 and 366 for reinforcement purposes.

Two receptacles are formed by side wall panels 372, 374 and 376 and 378, 380 and 377 adhesively secured to panels 364, 366 via tabs 404 and 406, respectively.

FIG. 27 shows the almost unfolded bottom structure of the receptacle formed by the walls 378 , 380 and 377 . The construction is similar to that described for the base structure, except that each receptacle base is generally square when fully deployed. The bottom structure of the other receptacles is the same and given the same reference numerals.

The base structure includes four flanges 384, 388, 394 and 398 secured together at opposing corners 392 and 396 of the base structure. One end of each flange 394 and 398 is cut diagonally and fold lines are provided at 400 and 402 . The bottom structure is partially folded along these lines as shown in FIG. 27 .

The flange 384 is larger than the other flanges and extends outward far enough to completely cover the bottom and engages the opposite sidewall (and optionally other sidewalls) of the receptacle so that it spans and covers the entire bottom of the receptacle. The upwardly bent flange edge 386 helps grip the inner wall against it to help hold the flange 384 downward while an object is placed in the receptacle.

Relatively short hand or finger holes 370 are located near the top of the central support structure 362 . The sides of the aperture 370 advantageously extend relatively close to the side edges of the relatively narrow central support structure.

28 is a side elevational view showing the use of the bracket 360 with a secondary tray 408 having a slot in the bottom similar to that shown in FIGS. slot and slide onto bracket 360. This allows solid food or additional beverages for soup containers to be placed in trays that can rest on top of the large container 382 . This serves the same purpose as a similar tray shown in the described embodiment.

Figure 29 shows another embodiment of the invention where two brackets 360 are arranged side by side and mounted in a special auxiliary tray 410 with a wide slot large enough to allow two central support structures 362 to pass side by side. The auxiliary tray 410 thus holds the two brackets 360 side by side. The holes 370 are close enough to each other that an adult can hold both hand holes simultaneously with one hand, thus allowing the customer to carry four large drinking glasses with one hand.

Figures 32, 33 and 34 show another variant of the two compartment bracket 360 shown in Figures 26, 27 and 31. Except for the bottom structure, the bracket is the same as that shown in those figures. Therefore, parts are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 26 , 27 and 31 , except for parts of the bottom structure.

Figure 32 is a sectional view showing the bottom structure of one of the two compartments for the bracket. When the bracket is fully deployed, the bottom wall has four flanges or tabs 424, 428, 430, and 434 that overlap each other side-to-side. In Figure 32, the fins are shown in a position before becoming fully flattened.

Figure 33 is a bottom elevation view similar to Figure 27, showing the partially expanded bottom structure of a compartment opposite the one whose bottom is shown in Figure 32. Both compartments have the same bottom structure.

The bottom structure shown in Figure 33 includes a flange or tab 412 extending from the right end of side panel 377 (see Figure 34); a flange 416 extending from the right end of side wall panel 364; extending from the right side of side wall panel 380; The flange 422 and the flange 418 extending from the end of the side wall panel 378. Each flange 416 and 422 has a tab 414 or 420 respectively extending from one edge of the flange with a fold line 424 or 426 (see FIG. 33 ).

Tab 414 is bonded to flange 412 and tab 420 is bonded to flange 418 as shown in FIG. 33 .

When the bracket is fully collapsed, the flanges are folded flat upwardly along fold lines 424 and 426 and along the fold lines between each flange and the side wall panels extending therefrom.

The flanges are shaped and dimensioned so that when deployed they move away from each other, or interfere slightly with each other. Then, when the base is fully deployed, the edges of the panels abut against each other so as to form a tight fitting base panel construction, as shown in FIG. 32 .

The bottom construction shown in Figures 32, 33 and 34 is believed to be stronger and more able to resist heavy loads than the bottom construction shown in Figures 26, 27 and 31.

Four-compartment, fixed divider bracket

Figure 35 shows another bracket 440 constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view of one of the two receptacles of the bracket, and FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the blank used to manufacture the bracket 440 .

Bracket 440 includes a central support structure 442 comprising panels that are folded centrally to form a top edge 443 of the bracket and form two vertical panels 446 and 448 . Panels 444 and 445 (see FIG. 39) are bonded to panels 448 and 446, respectively, as in the described embodiment. A hand hole 450 is formed in the central support structure. Two opposing receptacles are formed and extend outwardly from the panels 446 and 448 . Each compartment is divided into two separate receptacles by a partition structure.

One receptacle includes side walls 452 , 454 and 456 that are folded to form a rectangular side wall structure and are bonded to central panel 448 by tabs 461 .

Similarly, another large compartment is formed by the side walls 458 , 460 , 462 being folded and secured to the panel 446 by tabs 459 glued to the wall 458 . Two separating devices 464 and 466 are provided. They are formed as cutouts from panels 448 and 446, respectively. Each cutout has an end tab 468 or 470 respectively, which is glued to the long side wall 454 or 460 . This effectively divides the receptacle into two smaller compartments.

The bottom configuration is similar in some respects to that of the bracket shown in FIGS. 24 , 25 and 30 . Each of the two receptacles has an elongated flange 472 or 473 extending from the panels 448 and 446 . Opposing elongated flanges 474 or 475 extend from the outer side walls of each compartment. The long flange 472 has a wide portion 476 and a narrower portion, each outer panel 474 and 475 has a wider portion 478 and so on. Each elongated flange has a lateral edge located at a lateral centerline of the flange. These edges abut each other as shown at 480 in Figure 35 when the bracket is fully deployed, and will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view of the bottom of the compartment formed by walls 458 , 460 and 462 in FIG. 35 . The bottom is shown almost unfolded, as is the similar view of the bracket described. Flange 475 has an end tab 494 and flange 473 has an end tab 498 .

Flange 496 extending from side wall 458 and flange 500 extending from side wall 462 are bonded to tabs 494 and 498 with fold lines at 497 and 499 respectively.

Section 482 of flange 475 is narrower than section 483 and a transverse edge is formed at 490 with a chamfered corner at 493 .

Similarly, portion 485 of flange 473 is wider than portion 484 and a lateral edge is formed at 492 . Corners are beveled at 495.

When the bracket is fully extended, the flanges 473 and 475 are pushed down by the weight of an object placed in the compartment or by the hands of the individual assembling the compartment, and the two lateral edges 492 and 490 of the two flanges 473 and 475 Interengage and lock together to keep the compartments open.

The bottom edges of the two dividers 464 and 466 are positioned upwardly away from the bottom of each compartment to give enough space for the flanges 472 and 474 to swing down and lock together when the bracket is deployed. Form the bottom of the bracket.

Because the relatively long flanges of each of the carrier's two compartments overlap and interlock with each other, the bottom is strong and holds itself open while objects are loaded into the carrier.

Carriage with cup retention holes and high sides

Figure 37 shows another bracket 502 of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, it has a cup retaining hole at the bottom, but has relatively high side walls so that the bracket holds a tall drinking cup, where the bottom of the cup is stabilized in the cup receiving hole, which The top is held by relatively high side walls.

38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 38 - 38 of FIG. 37 , and FIG. 40 is a top plan view of a blank used to form bracket 502 .

Bracket 502 includes a central support structure 504 having panels folded at 505 to form two vertical panels 508 , 510 . Panels 506 and 512 (FIG. 40) are bonded to the surfaces of panels 510 and 508, respectively.

There are two large receptacles in the bracket. A receptacle is formed by side walls 512 , 514 and 516 bonded to flange 534 extending from panel 510 .

Another receptacle is formed by side wall panels 518 , 520 and 522 with flange 532 extending from panel 508 bonded to panel 518 .

Each bottom wall of the two receptacles has a pair of beverage receiving apertures 524,526 and 528,530.

Referring now to FIG. 38 , the base structure includes a base panel 550 , a middle panel 548 and a wide horizontal panel 532 or 534 . Wide panel 532 spans the entire width of its receptacle. Similarly, wide panel 534 spans the width of the other receptacle. Each wide panel has an upwardly extending flange 536 that frictionally engages the interior of the wall 514 against which it abuts when the bracket is fully deployed.

Each wide panel 532 and 534 has three protrusions 540 and 544 respectively which extend outward a short distance to engage holes 542 and 546 (see Figures 38 and 40) and extend through these holes when the panels are fully extended. This helps hold panels 532 and 534 down.

Cup 535 is shown resting on support surface 60 through aperture 528 with horizontal panel 534 in its raised position. This representation is made for comparison purposes with FIG. 2 in which the bottom structure is substantially the same except for flanges 536 and 538 , protrusions 540 and 544 , and receiving holes 542 and 546 . In other respects, the configuration of the bottom of the bracket 502 is generally the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and will not be further described here.

In addition to the advantages described above for the bracket 502, the tabs 540 and their receiving holes improve the ability of the panels 532 and 534 to be retained after deployment and the tabs fit within the holes, thus facilitating bracket loading.

Four-cup holder with locking bottom

While various brackets having various types of locking bottoms are described, Figures 41-47 show a bracket 600 having a preferred form of locking bottom. In this case, cradle 600 has four relatively large compartments or receptacles for holding large beverage cups, such as cup 662, and is particularly advantageous for stadium or other related food and beverage delivery applications, as well as for transporting, for example, flowers. Basins, oil tanks and other objects.

It should of course be understood that the same type of configuration can be used in various specific embodiments of the bracket.

Bracket 600 includes a central support panel 602 that includes two vertical side walls 645 and 647 hinged at a top edge 608, as in the other embodiments of the invention described.

The upper part of the central support structure 602 has a front surface 604 and a rear surface 606 with a central handle opening 611 with a foldable hand guard 610 . The receptacle structure extends outwardly from each of the two vertical support panels 645 and 647 . A receptacle includes side walls 612 , 614 and 616 that are hinged together and are held in place by a panel 632 bonded to the inner surface of side wall 612 and extending outwardly from the left edge of panel 647 .

Similarly, a second receptacle on the opposite side of the bracket is formed by side walls 618 , 620 and 622 held together by a panel 632 bonded to panel 622 and extending from the left edge of vertical support panel 645 .

Each of the two receptacles has a bottom structure that includes a hinged locking panel 648 with a locking panel extending from its outermost edge and fitting within a slot 660 at the bottom of a vertical support panel 645 or 647. Tab 649, as shown in more detail in FIG. 42 .

Referring now to Figures 42 and 46, each receptacle has a bottom support structure similar to most embodiments of the invention described.

As shown in FIG. 46 , tabs 659 and 658 extend from side walls 622 and 618 , respectively, and are bonded at 663 and 661 , respectively, to panel 648 or panel 656 extending from side wall 645 . Panel 648 is hinged to and extends from outermost panel 620 .

Referring now to FIG. 42, the locking panel 648 is shown in the raised position in which it is partially open as shown in FIG. 46 at the bottom.

As shown, the retaining structure formed by panels 658 and 659 and 656 and panel 648 forms a securely supported multi-layer bottom construction.

In particular, when a cup is inserted into one of the four compartments, the locking panel 648 is pushed down so that each tab 649 snaps into one of the slots 660 to lock the panel 648 in place.

This locking panel 648 is very advantageous in that it provides a solid, continuous support surface over the entire bottom of the receptacle, and is attached to the vertical support panels 647 or 645 below where the brackets are held, thus maximizing bottom strength.

Right hand receptacle bottom structure 646 is shown with beverage cup 662 already in place and locking tab inserted into opening 660 .

As in the at least one embodiment, bracket 600 has gussets 624 , 626 , 628 , and 630 at each junction between an end wall and a vertical support panel 645 or 647 . These gussets tend to strengthen the panels 645 and 647 to reduce outward bulging of the panels when particularly heavy cups or other containers are placed in the compartments.

Alternatively, panels 645 and 647 can be glued together to give maximum reinforcement when it is not desired to open the panels to see the advertisement on the inside and maximum rigidity is desired.

Each receptacle is provided with a central divider 636 or 642 cut away from the support panel 645 or 647 to leave a hole shown at 640 .

The ends of the divider 636 are bent to form adhesive tabs 638 that adhere to the inner surface of the side wall 614 or 620 for the second container.

Figure 47 shows the blank used to make the bracket shown in Figures 41 and 42.

Due to the description given for similar blanks of the other brackets described, a detailed description of this blank is not given here. But the line where the fold is made is shown with a capital "F" and the line where the cut is made is shown with a capital "C".

auxiliary tray

43-45 illustrate the auxiliary tray 670 designed for use with the rack 600 . The tray is roughly the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 6, with some adjustments.

Tray 670 has a bottom wall 672 and four upstanding side walls 674 , 676 , 678 and 679 . Side walls 676 and 678 have triangular tabs 682 and 680 respectively, which are bonded to the front and rear walls at the corners of the tray. The side walls are folded against each other along fold lines such as lines 687 and 689 at the corners and fold lines 684 and 686 so that the tray is flattened and folded for shipping and storage.

As shown in FIG. 45 , bottom wall 672 has an elongated slot 688 with a central portion wider than either end and two end sections 690 and 692 perpendicular to section 688 . Accordingly, an "I" shaped slot is formed in the bottom wall 672 .

Figure 44 is a cutaway side elevation showing two beverage cups 697 and 698 within the holder 600 and the tray 670 resting in position on top of the cups. Gussets 624 , 626 , 628 , and 630 can be seen extending upwardly through portions of slots 690 and 692 in FIGS. 44 and 45 , while the handle or central support section 602 of the bracket extends upwardly through slot 688 .

Figures 43 and 44 also show that the height of drinking glasses or other containers that may be present within the holder varies greatly. Thus, the tops of the cups 694 and 696 shown in FIG. 43 extend higher above the upper edge 691 of the carrier sidewall than the tops of the cups 697 and 698 of FIG. 44 . Preferably however the top of the beverage container is always above the upper edge of the side wall of the carrier so that the container is easily accessible for gripping and removal from the container.

Brackets for groups of beverages

Figures 48 and 55 show a tray 700 for packaging beverages. In this particular embodiment, the rack 700 is a six-pack rack designed to hold six-packs of soft drinks, beer, water, or other beverages. The bracket is basically the same as that shown in Figures 24 and 25, but with some adjustments.

The stand 700 includes a central support structure 702 having a front panel 703 and a rear panel 704 , a hand hole 706 and a foldable hand guard 708 .

Two receptacles are provided, one extending from either side of the central support structure 702 . The first receptacle includes side walls 712 , 714 and 716 and the second receptacle includes side walls 718 , 726 and 728 .

The central support structure comprises two panels 720 and 724 hinged to each other at the upper edge 710 of the bracket and serving as the rear wall of the two receptacles.

A pair of spacers 730 and 732 extend from central panel 720 to panel 714 and are secured to panel 714 by tabs 731 and 733 bonded to panel 714 . Each divider 732 and 730 has a downwardly lower tapered lower portion 734 or 736 . Each extends down so as to be close to the bottom of the carrier, thereby providing cushioning between adjacent bottles within the three compartments, cushioning contact between adjacent bottles and reducing the likelihood of damage.

The bottom of each of the two receptacles is greatly reinforced by a construction similar to that shown in Figures 37 and 38, except that the bottom is solid (the bottom has no beverage container receiving aperture). Each bottom has a top panel 742 hinged at the bottom edge of panel 720 or 724 and extending outward from that location and extending completely across the width of the receptacle bottom. Each panel 742 has a pair of tabs 740 each extending outwardly and protruding from one of a pair of slots 378 in the outermost panels 714 and 726 of the bracket.

Panels 742 are in principle very similar to those panels 648 at the bottom of the receptacle in bracket 600 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 . However, the hinge points of each panel are reversed.

Thus, when the folded bracket is erected by pulling on the opposite side, the bottom panel 742 does not press all the way down, but remains partially raised, similar to the bottom panel 648 shown in FIG. 42 .

Then, when the entire beverage bottle is placed in the compartment, the weight of the beverage and bottle depresses the bottom panel 742 causing the tab 740 to flex and then snap into the slot 738, locking the bottom upper panel in place. This configuration, combined with the other panels supporting it and the same as the other embodiments described, provides a particularly strong base which locks automatically without the need to separately actuate the latch structure.

Not all details of the bottom of bracket 700 are shown in the figures, as they are very similar to the other bottom structures shown above. However, by referring to Figure 55 of the drawings, which shows the blank from which the bracket 700 is made, one can ascertain the details of the bracket.

As in the previous figures, the fold line is indicated by the letter "F".

Vertical panels 724 and 720 are folded relative to each other, and panels 703 and 704 are folded over panels 724 and 720 and glued in place such that holes 706 in each panel 703 and 704 align with holes 754 and squares in panels 720 and 724, respectively. The holes 752 are aligned.

Two extension panels 762 and 764 are then folded over the left edges of panels 724 and 720 and glued in place to reinforce the bracket's vertical support structure.

Cut 752 is folded down along its upper edge so as to partially cover the holes left by the cuts for dividers 770 and 772, thereby providing cushioning between the bottles in opposite halves of the carrier to avoid possible damage. Gluing extension panels 762 and 764 over the holes left in panel 724 helps strengthen the structure.

Walls 712, 714 and 716 are folded until flange 762 extending outwardly from the right end of panel 716 is wrapped around one edge of panel 720 and glued in place (see Figures 48 and 55).

Similarly, side walls 728, 726 and 718 are folded and panel 260 is wrapped around the edge of panel 724 and glued in place. These bonded panels 760 and 762 help to strengthen the central support structure from which material is removed during the cutting away of the dividers 730 and 732 and 772 and their tabs 773 and 775 .

As shown in FIG. 55 , corner tabs 764 , 766 are provided at the lower edges of panels 718 , 728 , 712 , and 716 that are bonded to adjacent panels 768 and 742 .

Top panel 742 is shown hinged at the edges of panels 720 and 724 , and slot 738 in which tab 740 fits is shown within panels 714 and 726 .

The resulting tray has a very strong base structure which locks automatically when a beverage is placed therein without the need for any secondary locking mechanism or activation of such a mechanism.

Furthermore, due to the strength of the base, lighter cardboard material can be used for the manufacture of the brackets compared to prior art "lifting bottom" brackets, thus saving costs.

Also from Figures 48 and 55, when the assembled bracket is flattened and folded for transport, the base folds inwardly into the receptacle on both sides of the central support structure 702 and does not extend beyond the outline of the bracket. Thus, when folded, the bracket has minimal outer dimensions in order to save transport volume and costs.

Finally, adjacent bottles are cushioned by cardboard dividers between them in order to reduce possible damage.

tray used as cover

FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of the stand 600 with a secondary tray 670 shown serving as a lid covering the tops of beverage containers or cups 696 and 698 . The tray 670 just flips upside down and sits on top of the open drink cup, thus protecting the drink from falling, contamination or dilution by rain, without using a separate lid on the drink container.

Special Food Container Trays

Figures 50-53 illustrate a special food container tray configured in accordance with another feature of the present invention.

Fig. 50 shows a tray 800 particularly suitable for holding bagels, buns, biscuits or rolls, hamburgers and similar shaped food products.

The tray 800 has side walls, a bottom wall and a cover or top 806 . The top or lid 806 may be a hinged lid with a hanging lip at 808, or may be a split top that sits on the tray to protect the food within the tray and has side walls that fit over the side walls of the tray.

Preferably, a pair of spacers 810 are positioned adjacent the central slot 688 through which the vertical support structure and the handle of the bracket 600 extend.

Figures 50 and 51 show rows 802 and 804 of donuts, in this example twelve donuts positioned between the baffle 810 and the side wall of the container.

The barrier 810 is preferably configured to prevent a donut or other object from sliding into position over the slot 688 after placement in the box. Thus, undesired contact between the handle 600 and the food product can be avoided when the tray is pushed down onto the handle 600 .

The cover 806 also has a slot 811 that allows the handle of the bracket 600 to extend up through it so that it can be grasped and the two transported together.

Thus, a grocery store, such as a bagel shop, deli, or other such store, may sell the rack 600 containing the coffee cups 696 and 698 and the covered tray 800 containing twelve bagels to customers. This combination can be easily removed with one hand.

FIG. 52 shows a pallet 600 with a tray 810 for carrying a pizza shown as two triangular slices 814 and 816 .

When shipping any food that must be heated before the customer can take it, the material from which the tray is made is ideally made of oven-resistant material. As a result, pizzas can be preloaded into trays and stacked in the refrigerated area until customers need them. The tray with the pizza in it is then inserted into the convection oven and heated for a short time to bring it up to the proper temperature, and then the tray with the heated pizza is placed in place on the tray handle and removed by the customer .

It should be appreciated that trays 800 and 812 can be made wider than rack 600 in order to hold a desired amount of food.

Also, the tray need not be square or rectangular, but could be circular, for example where each half of the bottom of the container holds one half of a circular pizza.

Thus, a single customer can deliver coffee and bagels for multiple companions as well as himself. Likewise, one person can deliver a lunch for multiple people with heated hamburgers or pizza and drinks for multiple people from a takeout store.

This combination of racks and closed food containers can thus reduce crowding at the food kiosk checkout and increase food sales.

Two-Cup Locking Bottom Holder

Figure 54 shows a blank for a two-cup carrier which is essentially the same as the two-cup carrier shown in Figures 26 and 31 except that the bottom has a top locking panel 384 with tabs 385. Tab 385 fits within slot 387 to form a locking bottom similar to that used for bracket 600 shown in FIG. 48 . Since the construction of the two-cup holder is substantially the same as that shown in Figures 26 and 31, this embodiment of the invention will not be further described here.

The material from which the brackets of the present invention are made can be made at low cost. In general, medium weight cardboard is sure to be sufficient for most purposes. For example, it could be 0.20 S.U.S cycle newsprint material. If waterproofing properties beyond the acrylic cladding are required, additional waterproofing coatings can be applied to the interior and exterior surfaces.

It is also possible within the scope of the invention to make the bracket from a flexible plastic material.

If desired, the bracket can be made of a plastic material which is easily cleaned so that the bracket can be reused.

The objects set forth above are well met by the present invention in its various embodiments. The racks deploy easily and quickly, stand upright independently, allow servers to maximize hand loading of food and/or beverages into the racks, and provide a solid, strong, secure transport for liquid or solid food. Furthermore, the present invention provides a relatively large amount of external advertising space.

The carrier of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to manufacture in that it can be made from a single sheet with relatively few bond points and with all printing done on one side of the blank.

In the solid bottom form of the invention, various types of beverage or other containers, cylindrical and conical, can be transported. Solid objects can be transported next to liquid containers or in auxiliary trays attached to pallets.

The present invention is also advantageous in that the central support panel structure is formed of panels hinged together printed on the inwardly facing surfaces to allow for additional advertising displays on these surfaces.

Solid bottom embodiments can be used to transport beverages such as soft drinks, beer, hot or iced tea or coffee, hot soups, and many other objects besides food, such as blood or other fluids in hospitals, flower pots, for vehicles or motorcycles tanks of oil or fuel additives and numerous objects mounted in brackets.

It should be understood that where the term "foodstuff" is used in this patent application, unless otherwise stated, the term includes food in all forms, liquid, solid, granular or otherwise.

The above description of the present invention is illustrative rather than limiting. Various modifications and variations to the described embodiments may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art. These modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. A bracket comprising: a central support structure having at least one support panel and handle structure; a pair of folded side wall structures, each folded side wall structure extending outwardly from said central support structure when deployed to form side walls for a receptacle structure; Each of said receptacle structures includes a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side wall panels joined together and connected to said central support structure along vertical fold lines, said side wall panels including said opposing panels spaced apart from and opposite the central support structure; each said bottom wall structure includes a folded flange extending outwardly from a lower edge of each said side wall panel and said central support structure; At least two of said flanges are secured to an adjacent one of the other of said flanges at opposite corners of the bottom of said receptacle and are foldable diagonally so that said side walls when folded, cause the flange to fold inwardly into said receptacle, and when unfolded, unfold to form a bottom support structure; and at least one collapsible partition wall having two ends and extending therebetween and fixed at one of said ends to said central support structure and at the other of said ends connected to the opposite panel. 2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said central support structure includes two panels, each of said receptacles extending outwardly from one of said panels of said support structure. 3. The bracket of claim 2, wherein one of the flanges extending from said one of said opposing panels and said central support structure is a wide flange that forms said The other flanges of the base structure overlap and extend substantially over said base structure. 4. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said wide flange has at least one protrusion away from its outer edge and one of said panels towards which it extends has a A slot for receiving the protrusion when the side flange is depressed. 5. The carrier of claim 1 or 2, comprising a solid food container having a longitudinal slot in the bottom thereof, wherein the central support structure extends through the slot. 6. A food container for a rack having an upright handle, said container comprising: bottom wall; at least one side wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall; a centrally located elongated receptacle structure within said bottom wall, the structure shaped and dimensioned to receive and surround an upstanding handle of said bracket; and a cover for extending over the side walls and covering the bottom wall, the cover having a top wall, and a second elongated receptacle structure located within the top wall and in conjunction with the first-mentioned receptacle structure Align so as to receive the handle therefrom. 7. The container of claim 6 including at least one barrier structure adjacent said receptacle structure within said bottom wall to prevent movement of objects resting on said bottom wall from interfering with said receptacle structure . 8. A method for dispensing a food product, the method comprising: (a) provide an upright handle for the bracket; (b) providing a covered container for food, said container having a top wall and a bottom wall, and a central receptacle therein for receiving and enclosing, allowing said handle to pass therethrough for grasping; (c) placing the first food product into the tray, the other food product into the container, and inserting the handle through the receptacle. 9. The method of claim 8, including heating the food product in the container prior to the inserting step.

Images