GB2579012A

GB2579012A - Food transportation means

Info

Publication number: GB2579012A
Application number: GB1806200.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fernandes Leander; Robinson Guy; Leander Fernandes
Original assignee: LEISURE BRANDS Ltd
Current assignee: LEISURE BRANDS Ltd
Priority date: 2018-04-16
Filing date: 2018-04-16
Publication date: 2020-06-10
Also published as: GB2579012A8; GB201806200D0; WO2019202308A1

Abstract

A food transportation means 1 is disclosed, comprising an outer body 2 having an inner surface 21, and an inner body 3 having an outer surface 31. The inner and outer surfaces are adapted to cooperate for relative movement, possibly so that during transportation any food containing vessel in the transportation means is retained in a substantially horizontal plane. The inner and outer bodies may comprise hemispherical members which slide past each other. The inner body may be provided with retaining means (34 figure 2A) for supporting a food containing vessel such as a bowl or plate. The inner body may have a heating element for heating the food vessel. Also disclosed is a housing 5 comprising at least one said food transportation means, a box configured to be mounted on a vehicle, such as a back box for a moped or motorbike (figure 7), and configured to retain at least one housing, and a method of transporting food.

Description

Food Transportation Means

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a transportation means, particularly for, but not limited to, the transportation of food.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Food from a vendor, for example a takeaway food establishment, is frequently conveyed to customers by motorised vehicles, such as delivery scooter or a car. There is often pressure to deliver the food quickly, especially in the case of hot food which may cool undesirably during transport. However, the need for expedient delivery may have consequences for the quality and temperature of the product received by the customer.

In cases where the food is transported within a container such as a cardboard box, the forces applied to the food during transit -as a result of, for example, heavy braking or acceleration, or lateral forces caused by cornering -may lead to the food impacting the sides of the box or otherwise shifting. The result of such shifting can result in food that is visually unappealing, and may result in lower quality.

As well as traditional takeaway fare, there is increasingly a demand for high-quality fine dining food to be delivered to customers. The presentation and temperature of the dish is paramount to the quality perceived by the customer, and so it is essential that the plate reaches the customer without noticeable shifting of the contents. Equally, the fact that the food may be delivered on plates, rather than in a cardboard box or similar, may increase the above-mentioned difficulties associated with transport.

It is an object of the present invention to address the above-described disadvantages that arise in relation to the transport of hot foods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent

claims, and the description which follows

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided food transportation means comprising: an outer body having an inner surface; an inner body having an outer surface, wherein the inner and outer surfaces are adapted to cooperate for relative movement.

The outer and inner bodies are preferably arranged concentrically.

The inner and outer surfaces are preferably adapted for a relative lateral slipping movement. More preferably, the inner and outer surface are slideable relative to each other.

Preferably, the inner surface of the outer body is in the shape of a spherical cap; the outer surface of the inner body is in the shape of a spherical cap, and the inner body is disposed within the outer body and free to move with respect to the outer body.

Advantageously, when the food transportation means is tilted, the inner body is retained in a substantially horizontal plane. Preferably, a rim of the inner body is retained in the substantially horizontal plane.

Preferably, the food transportation means comprises a layer of lubricant disposed between the inner surface of the outer body and the outer surface of the inner body.

Preferably, the outer surface of the inner body is polished.

Preferably, the inner surface of the outer body is polished.

Preferably, the outer surface of the inner body is coated in a material having a low coefficient of friction, such as PTFE.

Preferably, the inner surface of the outer body is coated in in a material having a low coefficient of friction, such as PTFE.

Preferably, the inner body comprises retaining means for retaining a food containing vessel, such as a plate, bowl or other container, therein. Optionally, the retaining means comprises at least one supporting aperture configured to support a bowl.

Preferably, the retaining means engages with the inner body. Optionally, the food transportation means comprises an insert, shaped to be retained in the inner body, wherein the retaining means engages with the insert. Preferably, the insert comprises a counterweight.

Preferably, an outer surface of the outer body is substantially hemispherical.

Preferably, the inner body comprises heating means for heating the food containing vessel. Preferably, the retaining means comprises the heating means. Preferably the retaining means comprises a heating element, an inner portion adapted to be heated by the heating element and an outer insulating portion. Preferably the heating element is attached to a bottom surface of the retaining means. More preferably, the retaining means comprises an aperture configured to accommodate cabling, preferably cabling for the heating element.

Optionally, the inner body also comprises an aperture for accommodating cabling, preferably cabling for the heating element.

Preferably, the food transportation means comprises a rim disposed around the outer body.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a housing comprising: at least one food transportation means in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; at least one accommodation portion which defines a recess adapted to receive the food transportation means; wherein the outer body of the or each food transportation means is fixed with respect to the housing.

Preferably, the housing is a pod.

Preferably the or each accommodation portion substantially corresponds to a shape of an outer body of the or each food transportation means.

Preferably, the or each accommodation portion comprises engaging means which is adapted to cooperate with a rim of the or each food transportation means.

Preferably, the housing comprises a body portion and a door portion, which portions are preferably hingedly attached. Preferably the hinge is disposed in a substantially vertical alignment.

Preferably, the housing is substantially cylindrical.

Preferably, the housing further comprises: a top surface; and a bottom surface, wherein the top and bottom surfaces each comprise attachment means operable to fix the housing relative to an upper housing and relative to a lower housing respectively.

Preferably, the attachment means of the top surface comprises at least one projection, and the attachment means of the bottom surface comprises at least one recess. Preferably, the or each projection is shaped to interlock with the or each recess.

Optionally, the housing comprises a plurality of further food containing vessels not retained by the food transportation means.

Preferably, the at least one food transportation means comprises a first food containing vessel retained therein and at least one further food containing vessel arranged vertically on top of the first food containing vessel, wherein the or each further food containing vessel is retained in a substantially horizontal plane.

Preferably, the housing comprises an auxiliary heating means. Preferably, the auxiliary heating means is disposed between the first and the further food containing vessel, the auxiliary heating means being configured to heat the further food containing vessel. More preferably, the auxiliary heating means comprises a central portion, preferably disc-shaped, adapted to receive the first food containing vessel at a lower surface thereof and the second food containing vessel at an upper surface thereof According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a box configured to be mounted on a vehicle and configured to retain at least one housing in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the box is a back box configured to be mounted on a moped or motorcycle.

Preferably, the box comprises a main frame, and at least one platform disposed within the main frame, the or each platform being configured to support the or each housing, wherein the platform is supported by a suspension system configured to allow relative movement between the or each platform and the main body. Advantageously, the suspension system serves to reduce the forces applied to the or each housing during transport.

Preferably, the or each platform comprises a floor portion and a rear wall. Preferably, the floor portion is configured to support a bottom surface of the or each housing. Preferably, the rear wall is configured to support a vertical surface of the or each housing.

Preferably, the suspension system is configured to allow relative movement between the floor portion and an interior floor of the box. Preferably, the suspension system is configured to allow relative movement between the rear wall and an interior rear wall of the box.

Preferably, the suspension system comprises one or more elastically deformable members disposed between the platform and the main body. Preferably, the elastically deformable members are springs, more preferably elliptical leaf springs.

Preferably, the back box comprises a door hingedly attached to the main body. Preferably, the door is configured to rotate upwards. More preferably, the back box is substantially cuboid in shape, and the door comprises at least a portion of a top surface of the back box and a side surface of the back box.

Preferably, the back box comprises a mounting portion configured to attach the back box to the vehicle. More preferably, the mounting portion retains a lower surface of the back box in a substantially horizontal plane when attached to the vehicle.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of transporting food comprising: placing a first food containing vessel in a food transportation means; inserting the food transportation means into a housing so that the food transportation means is fixed relative to the housing, and closing the housing, wherein during the transportation an outer surface of an inner body of the food transportation means moves relative to an inner surface of an outer body of the food transportation means in order to retain the food containing vessel in a substantially horizontal plane.

Advantageously, a generally level orientation of the food containing vessel is maintained during transportation.

Preferably, the food transportation means is that of the first aspect.

Preferably, the housing is that of the second aspect.

Preferably, the inserting the food transportation means comprises inserting the food transportation means into an accommodation portion of the housing, which defines a recess adapted to receive the food transporting means and substantially corresponds to a shape of an outer body of the food transportation means.

Preferably, inserting the food transportation means further comprises engaging a rim of the outer body with an engagement means of the housing.

Optionally, the method further comprises stacking at least one further food containing vessel on top of the first food containing vessel placed in the food transportation means. Optionally, the method further comprises disposing an auxiliary heating means between the first and further food containing vessels.

Optionally, the method further comprises inserting further plates, bowls or other containers not held by the food transportation means into the housing.

Optionally, the method further comprises stacking the housing on a second housing. Optionally, the stacking may comprise fixing the housing to the second housing using attachment means. Preferably, the attachment means comprise recesses and projections, preferably the projections and recesses interlock.

Optionally, the method further comprises inserting the housing into a box, the box being preferably attachable to a vehicle. Preferably, inserting the housing into the box comprises retaining the housing on a platform disposed within a main body of the box, wherein the platform is supported by a suspension system allowing relative movement between the platform and the main body.

Preferably, the box is that of the third aspect.

Any of the above preferred features may be combined with any of the aspects of the invention in any combination,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1A shows an exploded perspective view of a food transportation means in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of a food transportation means in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a retaining means in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, Figure 2B shows a perspective view of a retaining means in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 2C shows a perspective view of an insert for a food transportation means in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a housing, in an open configuration, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows three exemplary internal configurations of housings; Figure 5 shows a plurality of stacked delivery housings; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an auxiliary heating means in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a back box in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F respectively show a bottom plan view, a front perspective view, a rear plan view, a side plan view, a top plan view and a rear perspective view of a back box in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 9A shows a cross-sectional plan view of an exemplary back box through the line B-B shown on Figure 8D; Figure 9B shows a cross-sectional plan view of an exemplary back box through the line A-A shown on Figure 8C; Figure 10 shows a mounting portion of an exemplary back box in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention Figure 11 shows a platform of an exemplary back box in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, and Figure 12 shows an elastically deformable member of an exemplary back box in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1A shows a food transportation means 1, which comprises an outer body 2 and an inner body 3.

Both the outer body 2 and the inner body 3 are hollow, and each body substantially takes the shape of a spherical cap. The inner body 3 has a slightly smaller radius than the outer body 3, so that, when assembled, the inner body 3 is cupped within the outer body 2. The inner body 3 is free to slide within and with respect to the outer body 2, such that goods retained within the inner body are held in a substantially horizontal plane when the food transportation means is tilted.

Figure 1B shows a cross-section of the assembled food transportation means. It can be seen therefrom that, when assembled, the inner body 3 and the outer body 2 take the form of concentrically nested spherical caps. The inner body 3 is configured to effectively float on a layer of lubricant 4 applied to an inner surface 21 of the outer body 2.

In order to effect free movement between the two bodies 2 and 3, the inner surface 21 of the outer body 2 is polished so as to be smooth. Similarly, an outer hemispherical surface 31 of the inner body 3 is polished so that it may co-operate smoothly with the inner surface 21 of the outer body 2.

Each surface 21, 31 may also be provided with a non-stick coating (i.e. a coating with a low coefficient of friction) to further facilitate smooth and free movement between the bodies 2, 3. For instance, a layer of PTFE may be applied to the surfaces 21, 31.

The inner body 3 may retain at least one food containing vessel, such as a plate, bowl or other container (not shown). In one example, the food containing vessel container is retained by virtue of a rim of the vessel contacting the inner body 3, for example an inner lip 32 of the inner body 3. In a further example, the inner body 3 comprises a retaining means 34, which is held within the inner body 3 and supports and retains one or more food containing vessels.

An example retaining means 34 is shown in Figure 2A. The retaining means 34 is substantially disc shaped, and comprises a central supporting portion 34a which supports the food containing vessel. The retaining means 34 further comprises an outer portion, 34b, which engages with the inner body 3, so as to securely hold the retaining means 34 in place. The outer portion 34b may comprise a plurality of engagement projections 34b-1, which engage with the inner body 3. Accordingly, the food containing vessel is securely retained within the inner body 3.

In one example, rather than engaging with the inner body 3, the retaining means 34 engages with an insert 37 inserted into the inner body 3. An example insert is shown in Figure 2C. The outer surface of insert 37 has a shape which corresponds to the inner surface of the inner body 3, thereby ensuring that the insert 37 remains fixed with respect to the inner body 3 in operation. In one example, the insert 37 comprises one or more receiving portions 37a, each of which is configured to cooperate with a respective engagement projection 34b-1 of the retaining means 34, thereby ensuring that the retaining means 34 remains fixed with respect to the insert 37, and therefore also the inner body 3, during operation.

In one example, the insert 37 further comprises a recess 37b which is operable to receive a counterweight (not shown). The counterweight helps to provide consistent and smooth motion between the inner body 3 and the outer body 3 in operation. The counterweight may also ensure that the insert 37 is securely retained within the inner body 3.

An example of a further retaining means 35 is shown in Figure 2B. The retaining means 35 is also substantially disc shaped, and comprises a central supporting portion 35a. The central supporting portion 35a defines one or more supporting apertures 35c, each of which is shaped to receive and retain a respective food containing vessel. It will be appreciated that the number of supporting apertures 35c, and the size of each supporting aperture, may be varied according to the number and design of the food containing vessels which are to be retained therein. The supporting apertures 35c are particularly useful for bowls or containers having a flat portion on their bottom surface which is relatively small, and so are more liable to hp and fall when subjected to lateral forces. The outer portion 35b of the retaining means 35 is configured to engage with the inner lip 32 of the inner body 3, so as to securely hold the retaining means 35 in place. Accordingly, the or each food containing vessel is securely retained within the inner body 3.

In one example, the inner body 3 may further comprise heating means, which provide heat to the food containing vessels. Accordingly, the food contained therein can be kept at a suitable temperature, so that it is still hot when delivered to the customer.

In one example, the retaining means 34, 35 also acts as the heating means. Particularly, the central supporting portion 34a, 35a of the retaining means 34, 35 may be arranged to heat the food containing vessels placed thereon and/or held therein. In such an example, the central supporting portion 34a, 35a may be manufactured from a suitable heat conducting material, for example a metal. A heating element 40 (best seen in Figures 4A, 4B and 4C) may be attached to the central supporting portion 34a, 35a. When an electric current is applied to the heating element 40, the temperature of the heating element 40 increases. Accordingly, the temperature of the central supporting portion 34a, 35a rises.

In one example, the heating element 40 is attached to the bottom surface of the central supporting portion 34a, 35a. The central supporting portion 34a, 35a may be provided with an attachment portion 36, to which the heating element 40 is attached. Any suitable attachment means may be provided to secure the heating element 40 to the central supporting portion 34a, 35a. For example, the attachment portion 36 may comprise a plurality of holes configured to receive bolts or screws to secure the heating element 40 to the attachment portion 36. Alternatively, a suitable adhesive may be applied to affix the heating element 40 to the attachment portion 36. An aperture 34d, 35d may be provided in the retaining means 34, to allow power supply cables (not shown) associated with the heating means to access the bottom surface of the retaining means 34, 35.

In one example, the outer portion 34b, 35b of the retaining means 34, 35 comprises a heat insulating material, in order to prevent heat being transferred to the inner and outer bodies 2, 3 and to allow handling of the retaining means 34, 35 by a user. In one example, the heat insulating material also prevents heat being transferred to a housing 5, described below.

A further aperture 33 may be provided in an upper portion of the inner body 3, such that power supply cables (not shown) associated with the heating means may be accommodated within the food transportation means 1 without affecting the free movement between the two bodies 25 2,3.

The outer body 2 of the food transportation means 1 may further comprise a rim 22. The rim 22 allows the outer body to be securely retained within a housing 5 for transporting one or more food transportation means 1. Such a housing Swill be described below.

Figure 3 shows a housing 5 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The housing 5 is intended to retain at least one food transportation means 1 therein, so that the or each food transportation means may be held in place for transport.

Additionally, the housing 5 may provide insulation for the food, and provide power to the heating means of the food transportation means 1.

The housing 5 is formed from two similarly shaped halves 5a and 5b, connected by a hinge 51. The housing 5 is divided in a substantially vertical plane, and the hinge 51 is disposed vertically between the two halves 5a and 5b. In use, the food transportation means is placed in the housing 5, and the housing 5 is closed, thereby securely retaining the food transportation means 1. In one example, the hinge 51 is a living hinge, formed from the same material as the housing 5 itself.

Particularly, the housing 5 may define a food transportation means retaining portion 52, which comprises a recess which substantially corresponds in shape to that outer body 2 of the food transportation means 1.

The retaining portion 52 may further comprise a lip 53 disposed around a circumference thereof When the food transportation means 1 is disposed within the housing 5, the lip 53 cooperates with the rim 22, thereby ensuring that the outer body 2 of the food transportation means 1 is fixed in relation to the housing 5. Consequently, when food transportation means is disposed within the housing 5, the goods retained within the inner body 3 of the food transportation means 5 are held in a substantially horizontal plane when the housing 5 is tilted.

In its closed configuration, the housing 5 has a substantially cylindrical shape, though it is not limited thereto.

It will be understood that a variety of internal configurations of the housing 5 are possible, depending upon the nature of the goods to be delivered.

Figure 4(a) shows a housing 501 having one bowl 601 retained in a substantially horizontal plane by a food transportation means 101. It will be appreciated that not all goods require such careful treatment, and so the housing 501 can hold a plurality of additional bowls 701, without associated food transportation means. In one example, the housing 501 may comprise one or more slots (not shown) formed therein, which are configured to receive the retaining means 34 or 35 without the food transportation means. Accordingly, the plurality of additional bowls 701 held in the retaining means 35, which is in turn received by a respective slot, thereby retaining and optionally heating the bowls 701, without holding them in a substantially horizontal plane.

Figure 4(b) shows a housing 502 having a food transportation means 102 with a plate 602 therein. The plate is provided with a lid 612, which has attachment means (not shown) for attaching a second plate 802 thereto. In one example, the lid 612 may be secured with a strap (not shown), for example a strap formed from an elastically deformable material. In one example, the strap may secure the first plate 602 and the second plate 802 and their respective lids together. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the stacking of two plates in this fashion, and more than two plates could be equally be stacked in this manner.

In this exemplary embodiment a plurality of plates 602, 802, are therefore held in a substantially horizontal plane by a single food transportation means 102.

In such an example, the heating means described above is only capable of heating the lower plate 602, which is retained substantially within the inner body of food transportation means 102. In order to provide heat to the second, upper, plate 802, the housing 502 may comprise an auxiliary heating means 60. The auxiliary heating means 60 is disposed between the lower plate 602 and upper plate 802, so as to provide heat to the upper plate 802. In examples where more than two plates are stacked, an auxiliary heating means 60 may be disposed between each pair of adjacent plates.

Figure 6 shows an example auxiliary heating means 60. The auxiliary heating means 60 comprises a central portion 61, a handle 62 and a heating element attachment portion 63. The central portion 61 is substantially disc-shaped. The upper surface of the central portion 61 is adapted to receive the bottom of the upper plate 802. The lower surface of the central portion 61 is adapted to receive the lid 612 of the lower plate 602. Accordingly, the central portion 61 is securely retained between the upper and lower plates 802, 602.

The heating element attachment portion 63 extends from one side of the central portion 61, and is shaped to receive a heating element 40. The heating element attachment portion 63 may extend in the same horizontal plane as the central portion 61. The central portion 61 and the heating element attachment portion 63 are formed from a heat conducting material, so that when the heating element 40 heats the attachment portion 63, the heat is conducted to the central portion 61. Accordingly, the central portion 61 maintains the upper plate 802 at the desired temperature. In the example shown in Figure 6, the heating element attachment portion 63 and the central portion 61 are integrally formed. However, it will be understood that the central portion 61 and heating element attachment portion 63 could be formed separately and subsequently connected.

The handle 62 is formed from a heat insulating material, so as to allow the auxiliary heating means 60 to be handled by a user. In one example, the handle 62 extends from the opposing side of the central portion 61 to the heating element attachment portion 63, and in the same horizontal plane as the central portion 61. In one example, the handle 62 is attached to the central portion by suitable attachment means 62a, such as one or more bolts.

Figure 4(c) shows a housing 503 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The housing 503 has a food transportation means 103, a plate 603 therein and a lid 613 thereon. The housing also includes two bowls 703, which are not held in a substantially horizontal plane when the housing 503 tilts. In one example, the bowls 703 are retained in the retaining means 35 before being inserted into a slot of the housing 503.

Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show a modular system wherein a plurality of housings 5 are vertically stacked on top of each other. Each housing 5 is fixed with respect to the housing above or below by attachment means 54, best seen in Figure 3.

Particularly, each housing 5 has projections 54a and recesses 54b, wherein, in use, the projections 54a of a housing 5 cooperate with the recesses 54b of the housing above, attaching it thereto and ensuring that the housings are stacked in a stable and secure manner. It will be understood that several housings 5 may be stacked in this manner.

In one example, each housing 5 has a strap attachment means (not shown), configured to receive a portion of a connecting strap (not shown). Accordingly, the connecting strap may be connected to adjacent housings 5 via the strap attachment means, thereby further securing them together for transportation. In one example, the strap attachment means comprises one or more clips. It will be understood that two straps may be employed, for example disposed on opposite sides of the housings 5.

Figures 7 and 8A-F show a box 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The box 200 holds one or more housings 5, and is configured to be mounted to a vehicle. Particularly, the box 200 is a back box configured to be mounted on a motorcycle or moped (not shown).

The back box 200 comprises a main body 202 and a door portion 201. The door portion 201 is hingedly attached to the main body 202, so as to allow easy access to the interior of the back box 200.

In one example, the back box 200 is substantially cuboid in shape. In one example, the door portion 201 comprises a substantial portion of the top and front faces of the back box 200, thereby facilitating access to both the top and side of the housings 5 contained therein.

In one example, the door portion 201 is hinged to the main body 202 such that the door portion 201 rotates upwards. In one example, the back box 200 comprises door support means 203, which are configured to hold the door portion 201 in an open position. In one example, the door support means 203 comprises one or more gas struts.

The back box 200 further comprises a mounting portion 220, best seen in Figures 8A and 10. The mounting portion 220 is configured to attach the back box 200 to the motorcycle or moped (not shown). Particularly, the mounting portion 220 is configured to attach the back box to the motorcycle or moped (not shown), such that the bottom of the back box 200 is held in a substantially horizontal plane.

In one example, the mounting portion 220 comprises a substantially flat plate 221 and a plurality of projections 222. The substantially flat plate 221 attaches to the bottom surface of the back box 220, for example by means of screws or bolts. The projections 222 attach to the moped or motorcycle (not shown). The projections 222 are configured such that the mounting portion 220 may be attached to a portion of the moped or motorcycle which is inclined, and yet the bottom of the back box 200 can be retained in a substantially horizontal plane. It will be understood that the size and shape of the projections 222 may be varied according to the shape of the moped or motorcycle to which the back box 200 is mounted.

The back box 200 further comprises a platform 210, which is shown in more detail in Figure 11. The platform 210 is held within the main body 202, and is adapted to retain at least one housing 5. In one example, the platform 210 comprises a floor portion 211 and a rear wall 212. The floor portion 211 is configured to support the bottom surface of at least one housing 5. The rear wall 212 is configured to support a substantially vertical surface of at least one housing 5.

In the example shown in Figure 11, the platform 210 further comprises a dividing wall 213, which extends in a substantially vertical plane, from the front of the floor portion 211 to the rear wall 212. In one example, the dividing wall 213 divides the floor portion 211 into two sections 221a, each of which is shaped to retain two housings 5. It will be understood that the size and shape of platform 210 may be altered so as to accommodate either more or fewer housings 5.

In one example, the platform 210 is held in place by a suspension system, best seen in Figures 9A and 9B. The suspension system is configured to allow relative motion between the platform 210 and the main body 202. Accordingly, the platform 210 is supported within the main body 202 such that the effect of forces applied to housings 5 during transit on the motorcycle or moped -for example from braking, acceleration, lateral forces caused by cornering, or irregularities in the road surface -is reduced.

In one example, the suspension system comprises one or more elastically deformable members 131 configured to support the floor portion 211 of the platform 210. The elastically deformable members 131 are disposed between the bottom surface of the floor portion 211 and the interior floor of the back box 200, facilitating relative motion therebetween.

In one example, the suspension system comprises one or more elastically deformable members 132 configured to support the rear wall 212 of the platform 210. The elastically deformable members 132 are disposed between the rear surface of the rear wall 212 and the interior rear wall of the back box 200, facilitating relative motion therebetween.

An example elastically deformable member 131 is shown in Figure 12. The elastically deformable member 131 takes the form of an elliptical leaf spring. In one example, the elastically deformable member 131 comprises an outer leaf 131a and an inner leaf 131b, concentrically arranged. Each of the outer leaf 131a and inner leaf 131b may be substantially elliptical in cross-section.

In one example, the elastically deformable member 131 further comprises a core 131c, which is disposed inside the inner leaf 131b. In one example, the core 131c is formed from a further elastically deformable material, and acts to urge the leaves 131a, b back to their initial position after being compressed. In one example, the core 131c is formed from foam.

In one example, the elastically deformable member comprises a further resiliently deformable layer 131d, disposed between the inner and outer leaves 131a, b. In one example, the resiliently deformable layer 131d is formed from foam.

In one example, the outer leaf 131a is formed by bending one or more rectangular sheets of resiliently deformable material so as to form an endless loop. In one example, the outer leaf 131a comprises two rectangular sheets 131a-1, 131a-2. The respective short edges of the two rectangular sheets 131a-1, 131a-2 are connected together using a pair of connecting means 131a-3. In one example, the connecting means 131a-3 comprises an aluminium plate which overlaps the ends of the sheets 131a-1, 131a-2 and is attached to both sheets 131a-1, 131a-2, for example using rivets.

In one example, the inner leaf 131b is constructed in a similar fashion to the outer leaf 131a.

In one example, the elastically deformable member 132 configured to support the rear wall 212 of the platform 210 is constructed in a similar fashion to the elastically deformable member 131 configured to support the floor portion 211 of the platform 210.

Returning to Figure 7, the back box 200 may additionally comprise storage for other items which are not held in a housing 5. For example, a bottle rack 204 may be disposed in an upper region of the main body 202. The bottle rack 204 is configured to hold a plurality of beverage bottles (not shown), such as wine bottles.

In use, food (not shown) is placed in a food containing vessel, such as a plate 602, bowl 601 or other container, and then the food containing vessel is placed in the food transportation means 1. In one example, the food containing vessel is placed in a retaining means 34, 35 within the food transportation means 1, in order to securely retain it therein. Optionally, the retaining means 34, 35 also acts as a heating means, which ensures the food is kept at the desired temperature.

The food transportation means 1 is inserted into an open housing 5. The rim 22 of the food transportation means 1 engages with a lip 53 of the housing 5, ensuring that the outer body 2 of the food transportation means 1 is fixed with respect to the housing 5.

Optionally, further food containing vessels (e.g. plate 802) may be stacked on top of the food containing vessel placed in the food transportation means 1. Consequently, each stacked food containing vessel 802 receives the benefit of being retained in a substantially horizontal plane, without requiring a separate food transportation means.

Optionally, an auxiliary heating means 50 may be positioned under each stacked food containing vessel 802, thereby ensuring that the food therein is kept at the desired temperature.

Optionally, further containers 701 containing material which is unlikely to be affected by tilting of the housing 5, such as liquids, may also be placed therein for transport.

The housing 5 is then closed, securing the food transportation means 1 therein.

The housing 5 may be stacked upon another housing, and fixed thereto by the projections 54a and recesses 54b on the top and bottom of the respective housings 5. Optionally, the stacked housings may be further secured using a connecting strap. Such a stacked arrangement is particularly useful when transporting multiple housings 5 between a food preparation area and the vehicle on which the food is to be transported.

The or each housing 5 may then be loaded on a vehicle and transported to a customer (both not shown).

In one example, the or each housing 5 is placed in a back box 200 mounted on a motorcycle or moped. The door 201 of the back box 200 is opened and the or each housing is placed therein. The door 201 is then closed for transport.

In one example, the or each housing 5 is retained on a platform 210 within the back box 200 supported by a suspension system. The suspension system acts to cushion the or each housing 5 from the forces associated with transport on a motorcycle or moped, including those associated with acceleration, braking, cornering and irregularities in the surface of the road.

When the motorcycle or moped arrives at its intended location, the door 201 is opened and the or each housing 5 is removed.

When the housing 5 arrives at its intended location, the food transportation means 1 is removed from the housing 5, and the food containing vessel is removed from the food transportation means 1. The food which has been held in food transportation means 1 therefore arrives unaffected by lateral cornering forces and the like.

It will be appreciated that the food transportation means described herein advantageously provides a mechanism for transporting food which prevents the undesirable shifting of the contents which may occur during transit. The construction of the food transportation means allows the inner body to float on the outer body, thereby moving freely with respect thereto. No pivots or fixable attachments are required to connect the two bodies, nor are counterweights required to retain the food in a substantially horizontal plane.

It will be further appreciated that the heating means described herein advantageously provides a means of ensuring the food held within the food transportation means is kept at the desired temperature, and therefore reaches the recipient in an ideal condition.

It will be further appreciated that the housing described herein advantageously allows the substantially hemispherical food transportation means to be conveniently retained and transported.

It will be still further appreciated that the back box described herein advantageously allows the housings to be safely carried on a motor vehicle, particularly a motorcycle or moped. The back box advantageously serves to reduce the effect of the forces associated with transport on the contents of the housings.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Food transportation means comprising: an outer body having an inner surface; an inner body having an outer surface, wherein the inner and outer surfaces are adapted to cooperate for relative movement.
2. Food transportation means according to claim 1, wherein the outer and inner bodies are arranged concentrically.
3. Food transportation means according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner and outer surfaces are slideable relative to each other.
4. Food transportation means according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface of the outer body is in the shape of a spherical cap; the outer surface of the inner body is in the shape of a spherical cap, and the inner body is disposed within the outer body and is free to move with respect to the outer body.
5. Food transportation means according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner body CD 20 comprises retaining means for retaining a food containing vessel, such as a plate, bowl or other container, therein.
6. Food transportation means according to claim 5, wherein the retaining means comprises at least one supporting aperture configured to support a bowl.
7. Food transportation means according to claims 5 or 6, comprising an insert, shaped to be retained in the inner body, wherein the retaining means engages with the insert.
8. Food transportation means according to claim 7, wherein the insert comprises a counterweight.
9. Food transportation means according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein an outer surface of the outer body is substantially hemispherical.
10. Food transportation means according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the inner body comprises heating means for heating the food containing vessel.
11. Food transportation means according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the retaining means comprises a heating element, an inner portion adapted to be heated by the heating element, and an outer insulating portion.
12. A housing comprising: at least one food transportation means according to any preceding claim; at least one accommodation portion which defines a recess adapted to receive the food transportation means; and wherein the outer body of the or each food transportation means is fixed with respect to the housing.
13. A housing according to claim 12, wherein the or each accommodation portion substantially corresponds to a shape of an outer body of the or each food transportation means.
14. A housing according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the or each accommodation portion comprises engaging means which is adapted to cooperate with a rim of the or each food transportation means.
O 20 15. A housing according to any of claims 12 to 14, comprising: a top surface; and a bottom surface, wherein the top and bottom surfaces each comprise attachment means operable to fix the housing relative to an upper housing and relative to a lower housing respectively.
16. A housing according to claim 15, wherein the attachment means of the top surface comprises at least one projection, and the attachment means of the bottom surface comprises at least one recess.
17. A housing according to claim 16, wherein the or each projection is shaped to interlock with the or each recess.
18. A housing according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the at least one food transportation means comprises a first food containing vessel retained therein and at least one further food containing vessel arranged vertically on top of the first food containing vessel, wherein the or each further food containing vessel is retained in a substantially horizontal plane.
19. A housing according to any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the housing comprises an auxiliary heating means.
20. A housing according to claim 19, wherein the auxiliary heating means comprises a central portion, preferably disc-shaped, adapted to receive the first food containing vessel at a lower surface thereof and the second food containing vessel at an upper surface thereof.
21. A box configured to be mounted on a vehicle and configured to retain at least one housing in accordance with any of claims 12 to 20.
22. A box according to claim 21, comprising a main frame, and at least one platform disposed within the main frame, the or each platform being configured to support the or each housing, wherein the platform is supported by a suspension system configured to allow relative movement between the or each platform and the main body.
23. A box according to claim 22, wherein the suspension system is configured to allow relative movement between the rear wall and an interior rear wall of the box.
24. A box according to claim 23, wherein the suspension system comprises one or more O 20 elastically deformable members disposed between the platform and the main body.
25. A method of transporting food comprising: placing a first food containing vessel in a food transportation means; inserting the food transportation means into a housing so that the food transportation means is fixed relative to the housing, and closing the housing, wherein during the transportation an outer surface of an inner body of the food transportation means moves relative to an inner surface of an outer body of the food transportation means in order to retain the food containing vessel in a substantially horizontal 30 plane.