FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] This invention relates to a carrier. In particular, the invention relates to a carrier for beverage cups especially those provided at sporting or entertainment events and therefore will be described in this context. However, it would be appreciated that the carrier may be used to carry a variety of other containers that are conical in shape or have a lip such as ice cream cones, hot chip containers or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Live sporting and entertainment events entertain millions of people each week throughout the world. Most people who attend these events come in a group of two to eight people as these events are also social gatherings. Accordingly, many of the venues that stage these events will also provide a food and beverage service. The food and beverage service is typical of a canteen style where food and beverages are collected by individuals and taken back to their respective seats for consumption.

[0003] It is desirable for an individual to buy and transport a round of drinks back to friends during an entertainment event. This enables drinks to be consumed by all whilst minimising the amount of the event any one person misses. Unfortunately, most people find it difficult to carry more than two beverages especially if they are placed in large cups.

[0004] To enable a person to more readily carry than two beverages, the providers of the food and beverage service often make available carriers, at a cost, that can carry four beverages. These carriers are typically made of cardboard and are disposable. Normally the carriers can only be used a few times because once wet, they often lose their dimensional stability and fail to cause beverages to be lost. Further, as the carriers are disposable, they are not environmentally sustainable. [0005] To address the environmental sustainability issue, re-use carriers have been produced to carry multiple beverages. Unfortunately, many of these types of carriers lack stability, are bulky to carry to and from an event, are expensive to purchase and are aesthetically unappealing.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the invention to overcome and/or alleviate the abovementioned problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a carrier able to carry beverages, the carrier comprising: a plurality of carrier elements, each carrier element pivotally movable with respect to an adjacent carrier element; and each carrier element having at least one holding aperture able to hold at least one beverage.

[0008] Normally there are a multiplicity of carrier elements. Typically there are between three and eight carrier elements. Preferably there are between four and six carrier elements.

[0009] Typically, each carrier element has only a single holding aperture. Normally, the holding aperture is fully enclosed but may be partially enclosed.

[0010] Each carrier element is typically made of the same material. Normally, the carrier element is made of plastics. However, other materials such as metal may be used. Further, each carrier element is normally identical in shape.

[0011 ] Usually, all carrier elements are pivoted about the same axis. Each of the carrier elements may be mounted for rotation by a mounting member. The mounting member may include a pin or shaft. The mounting member may be located adjacent to an end of each of the carrier elements. The mounting member may be integrally formed with one or more carrier elements. Typically, adjacent carrier elements may be stacked adjacent to each other on the mounting member. Carrier elements may be added or removed as desired. Typically, the carrier elements do not extend beyond 270 degrees when in an open position.

[0012] Each of the carrier elements may be formed from a carrier body that is substantially planar in nature. Each carrier element is substantially sector-shaped.

[0013] One or more ribs may be located on the carrier body to provide strength to the carrier. Typically, there is a single rib that is located on one side of the carrier body. The rib may be inclined at between 30 and 60 degrees with respect to the carrier body. Preferably, the rib is inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the carrier body.

[0014] The carrier elements may be moved relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, two or more beverages are typically able to be carried. In the closed position, all of the carrier elements may overlap reducing the overall surface area of the carrier enabling easy transportation of the carrier.

[0015] An open stop may be formed between two carrier elements that stops one carrier element from moving past a predetermined position with respect to an adjacent carrier. The open stop may be formed from an open stop edge on each of the carrier elements that contact each other to prevent further movement in one direction. The open stop edge on each of the carrier elements may be formed by one or more projections and/or one or more recesses. Preferably there is a single projection located on one carrier and a single recess located on the adjacent carrier. More preferably, an open stop is formed with the projection located on a lower carrier element and the recess is located on an upper carrier element. The projection may be in the form of a rib and recess may be in the form of arcuate recess.

[0016] A closed stop may be formed between two carrier elements that stops one carrier element from moving past a predetermined position with respect to an adjacent carrier. The closed stop may be formed from a closed stop edge on each of the carrier elements that contact each other to prevent further movement in one direction. The closed stop edge on each of the carrier elements may be formed by one or more projections and/or one or more recesses. Preferably there is a single projection located on one carrier element and a single recess located on the adjacent carrier element. More preferably, a closed carrier stop is formed with the projection located on a lower carrier element and the recess is located on an upper carrier element. The projection may be in the form of a rib and recess may be in the form of a chamfered recess.

[0017] When in the open position, a portion of one carrier body may overlap a portion of the adjacent carrier body. When in the closed position, all of the carrier bodies may be substantially in alignment.

[0018] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] An embodiment of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier in an open position according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0021 ] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrier in a closed position as shown FIG.1 ;

[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a carrier in closed position as shown FIG.1 ;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carrier element as shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of a carrier element as shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carrier element as shown in FIG. 1 ; [0026] FIG. 7 is a exploded perspective view of a mounting member as shown in FIG. 1

[0027] FIG. 8 is a top view of a first alternate carrier element;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a top view of a second alternate carrier element; and

[0029] FIG. 10 is a top view of a third alternate carrier element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a carrier 10 used to carry up to four beverages, with the beverages typically placed in plastic cups. The carrier 10 is made entirely from recycled plastics such as high-density polyethylene.

[0031 ] The carrier 10 is formed from four carrier elements 20 as shown in more detail in FIGS 4 to 6. Each carrier element 20 is formed from a carrier body 21 which is substantially planar and substantially sector-shaped. Each carrier element 20 is made from integrally formed plastics and is identical in size and shape.

[0032] A holding aperture 30 is located through each carrier body 21 and located adjacent a larger end of the carrier body 21. The holding aperture 30 is sized dependent on the size of the containers that are to be carried by the carrier 10. The holding aperture 30 has a large arcuate end 31 and a smaller arcuate end 32 that are interconnected by straight intermediate sides 33. The shape of the holding aperture 30 enables a range of different-sized cups to be able to be carried by the carrier 10.

[0033] Each carrier element 20 includes a strengthening rib 40 that extends along a side of each carrier body 20. The strengthening rib 40 extends outwardly at 45 degrees with respect to the side of the carrier body 20. A chamfered recess 41 extends along the underside of the strengthening rib 40 along the side of the carrier body 20. The corner between the strengthening rib 40 and the carrier body 20 is sharp whilst the corner between the chamfered recess 41 and the carrier body 20 has a small radius. [0034] Each carrier element 20 also includes an arcuate recess 50 formed within the side of the carrier body 20 adjacent a narrower end of the carrier body 20.

[0035] A pin hole 60 extends through each carrier element 20 adjacent a narrower end of the carrier body 20.

[0036] A mounting member 70 is used to pivotally mount each of the carrier elements 20. The mounting member 70 is constructed from a pin 71 and a circlip 72. The pin 71 has a rod 73 and a base 74. The pin 71 is formed in halves but may be formed in a single piece. A channel 75 is formed adjacent a top of the base 74 for location of the circlip 72.

[0037] The carrier elements 20 are attached to the mounting member 70. To achieve this, the rod 73 of the pin 71 is passed through each of the pin holes 60 in each of the carrier elements 20. The circlip 72 is then pushed over the channel 75 on the rod 73. The head 73 of the pin 71 prevents the carrier elements 20 from falling off the rod 73 at one end and the circlip 72 prevents the carrier elements from falling off the rod 73 at the other end. The carrier elements 20 are therefore able to be rotated with respect to the mounting member 70.

[0038] The carrier 10 is able to be moved from an open position in which all of the carrier elements 20 are fanned out with respect to each other, as shown in FIG 2 and a closed position in which the carrier elements 20 are in alignment, as shown in FIG. 1 . To move the carrier elements from the closed position to the open position, the top (or upper) carrier element 20 is rotated in a clockwise direction. After the top carrier element is rotated through approximately 60 degrees, an end rib edge 42 of the strengthening rib 40, located on the second top (lower) carrier element, contacts an end arcuate recess edge 51 , located on the top carrier element, to create an open stop 80. That is, the top carrier element 20 is unable to move with respect to the second top carrier element 20 in a clockwise direction.

[0039] Once the open stop 80 is engaged, this causes the second top carrier element

20 to rotate with respect to the third top carrier element 20. After the second top carrier element is rotated through approximately 60 degrees, an end rib edge 42 of the strengthening rib 40, located on the third top carrier element 20, contacts an end arcuate recess edge 51 , located on the second top carrier element, to create a further open stop 80. That is, the second top carrier element 20 is unable to move with respect to the third top carrier element 20 in a clockwise direction.

[0040] Once the further open stop 80 is engaged, this causes the third top carrier element 20 to rotate with respect to the bottom carrier element 20. After the third top carrier element is rotated through approximately 60 degrees, an end rib edge 42 of the strengthening rib 40, located on the bottom carrier element 20, contacts an end arcuate recess edge 51 , located on the second top carrier element, to create yet another open stop 80. That is, the third top carrier element 20 is unable to move with respect to the bottom carrier element 20 in a clockwise direction.

[0041 ] At this position, the carrier 10 is in the open position. Sides of adjacent carrier elements 20 overlap which provides additional strength when carrying beverages. The strengthening ribs 40 located on an upper carrier element 20 overlaps a lower carrier element 20 which again provides reinforcement.

[0042] To move the carrier 10 from the open position to the closed position, the top carrier is rotated relative to the second top carrier through approximately 60 degrees in an anticlockwise direction. This causes the chamfered edge 43 of the chamfered recess 41 , on the second top carrier element 40, to contact a side rib edge 44 of the strengthening rib 40, located on the top carrier element 40, to create a closed stop 90. That is, the top carrier element 20 is unable to move with respect to the second top carrier element 20 in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0043] Once the closed stop 90 is engaged, the top carrier element and second top carrier element are rotated relative to the third top carrier through approximately 60 degrees. This causes the chamfered edge 43 of the chamfered recess 41 , on the third top carrier element 40, to contact a side rib edge 44 of the strengthening rib 40, located on the second top carrier element 40, to create a further closed stop 90. That is, the second top carrier element 20 is unable to move with respect to the third top carrier element 20 in an anti-clockwise direction. [0044] Once the closed stop 90 is engaged, the top carrier element, second top carrier element and third top carrier element are rotated relative to the bottom carrier through approximately 60 degrees. This causes the chamfered edge 43 of the chamfered recess 41 , on the third top carrier element 40, to contact a side rib edge 44 of the strengthening rib 40, located on the second top carrier element 40, to create yet another closed stop 90. That is, the third top carrier element 20 is unable to move with respect to the bottom carrier element 20 in a clockwise direction.

[0045] At this position, the carrier 10 is in the closed position. The carrier elements 20 are all in vertical alignment. Hence the carrier 10 can easily be located with a user’s pocket or bag.

[0046] The carrier 10 provides an easy way in which many beverages in cups can be carried at entertainment venues. Further, the carrier 10 can be carried easily by a user to the entertainment venue given its relatively small size when in the closed position. It can be reused and is made from recyclable plastic and hence has a low carbon footprint.

[0047] FIG. 8 to 10 shows alternate carrier elements 20. Like numeral have been used to describe like components. In each of the alternate carrier elements, only the difference between the alternate carrier elements 20 and the carrier element shown in FIG 4 to 6 is the holding aperture 30.

[0048] In FIG. 8 the holding aperture 30 in this embodiment has a large arcuate end 31 and a smaller arcuate end 32 that overlap adjacent a middle of each arc. The shape of the holding aperture 30 enables a cup or a can to be carried. The large arcuate end 31 is used to hold a cup. The smaller arcuate end 32 is used to carry a can by locating the smaller arcuate end 32 under the rim of the can.

[0049] In FIG. 9 the holding aperture 30 in this embodiment has a large arcuate end 31 and a smaller arcuate end 32 that overlap adjacent a middle of each arc. However, the location of the larger arcuate end 31 and smaller arcuate end 32 have been swapped with the larger arcuate end 31 so that the larger arcuate end 31 is closer to the pin hole 60. The holding aperture 30 enables a can to be carried. The large arcuate end 31 is used to position the can adjacent the smaller arcuate end 32 to align the rim of the can with the smaller arcuate end 32.

[0050] The smaller arcuate end 32 is used to carry a can by locating the smaller arcuate end 32 under the rim of the can.

[0051 ] FIG. 10 shows a holding aperture 30 that is similar in shape to the holding aperture 30 shown in FIG. 9. However, the holding aperture 30 has two catches located adjacent each side of the entrance of the smaller arcuate end 32. The catches 34 are pivotally movable with respect to the carrier body 21 . The holding aperture 30 enables a can to be carried. The large arcuate end 31 is used to position the can adjacent the smaller arcuate end 32 to align the rim of the can with the smaller arcuate end 32. The smaller arcuate end 32 is used to carry a can by locating the smaller arcuate end 32 under the rim of the can. The catches 34 deform as the can is pushed into the smaller arcuate end 32 to hold the can more firmly within the smaller arcuate end 32.

[0052] It should be appreciated that the carrier elements that have different holding apertures may be located within a single carrier.

[0053] In this specification, the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely but may well include other elements not listed.

[0054] In this specification, terms such as upward, downward, horizontal and vertical, and their grammatical derivatives, are used to describe the invention in its normal orientation and are not to be construed to limit the invention to any particular orientation.

[0055] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. [0056] It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.