Container holder

Abstract

A container holder is formed from a single sheet of foldable material having opposite edge portions 2 and 3. A projection 6 on the edge portion 3 is insertable within the slot 5 in the other edge portion 2 so that the container holder 1 can be secured about a container 9 and a plant 10. The container holder 1 has an upwardly extending portion 4 which can act as a splash guard during watering of the plant 10 but also can feature advertisements or plant information.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a container holder.

[0002] For simplicity the invention will be described particularly in respect of small containers sometimes referred to as “pottles” but it is to be understood that the present invention has application throughout a range of containers of different sizes, shapes and uses.

[0003] Typically a pottle is a small container of plastics which can be used for containing a variety for products ranging from items such as pot plants through to food products such as honey.

[0004] One particular difficulty with small containers is lifting them up especially when they are containing a plant, which can be in loose and frequently wet soil. Also, in the case of containers holding plants there can be a difficulty in watering the plants without any water being splashed around the container. Also, in the case of a container holding a plant, if it is knocked or blown over, the plant can be liable to damage.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a container holder which may be able to overcome or at least ameliorate the above problems or at least will provide the public with a useful choice.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container holder of foldable material which when folded is able to extend about and lift a container.

[0007] Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a container holder including a sheet of foldable material having first and second edge portions with respective engagement means adapted in use to be engageable one with the other to be securely engaged about the base portion of a container required to be held and to provide an upwardly projecting portion to extend above an upper rim of the container to provide a means for lifting the container.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the present invention a container holder is substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] According to a still further aspect of the present invention a container and a holder therefor are substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Further aspects of this invention which should be considered in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of a possible embodiment thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1: shows a holder according to one possible embodiment of the invention in its unfolded condition;

[0013] FIG. 2: shows a rear view of the holder of FIG. 1 in its folded position;

[0014] FIG. 3: shows the holder of FIG. 2 from the front and holding a container with a plant;

[0015] FIG. 4: shows a side view of FIG. 3;

[0016] FIG. 5: shows a plan view of FIG. 3 but without the soil or plant in the container; and

[0017] FIG. 6: shows a plan view of FIG. 2.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0018] Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 shows a holder 1 in its unfolded condition and featuring edge portions 2 and 3 and an enlarged, in use, upper, portion 4. The holder 1 may be of any suitable material although a plastics and/or paper material may be suitable. In the case of a holder 1 intended for use with a plant container 9, a paper provided with moisture barrier properties may be suitable. The moisture barrier properties could be provided by a coating of a low density polyethelene (LDPE). The edge portions 2 and 3 are shown respectively provided with engagement means which in the case of the edge portion 2 includes a slot or cut 5 and in the case of the edge portion 3 includes a projection 6 and a slit or slot 7. A bottom, in use, edge 8 of the holder 1 is shown with an arcuate shape so that with the engagement means 5, 6, 7 engaged, after the folding of the holder 1, a substantially conical shape, see FIGS. 2 to 6, may be achieved. The taper of the conical shape of the folded holder 1 is such that when in position about a container 9 such as a plant containing pottle, the container 9 will be firmly held so that the container 9 can be now lifted up using the upper portion 4 of the holder 1. It is also seen that the upper portion 4 is providing a protective surround around a plant 10 in the event of the container 9 falling over. Additionally by providing the material of the holder 1 with moisture barrier properties this can assist in preventing water splash when the plant 10 is being watered and direct the water into the container 9. The additional benefit of the portion 4 is that advertisements or plant information or the like 11 may be featured in a prominent manner.

[0019] The projection 6 and associated slot 7 provides for a secure locking engagement within the cut or slot 5 after the projection 6 has been inserted into the slot or cut 5 at which time the slit on slot 7 will capture the edge portion 2 on its opposite surfaces. It will however be appreciated that other engagement means may be provided in the alternative.

[0020] Additionally while paper and/or plastics material of the holder 1 has been mentioned above, it is to be appreciated that any flexible material could be used. It is further envisaged that an alternative embodiment in the design of the holder 1 may have a bottom lip provided along the bottom edge 8 so as to sit beneath the container 9 to provide additional support for the container 9 when it is lifted.

[0021] Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0022] Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container holder including a sheet of foldable material having first and second edge portions with respective engagement means adapted in use to be engageable one with the other to be securely engaged about the base portion of a container required to be held and to provide an upwardly projecting portion to extend above an upper rim of the container to provide a means for lifting the container.

2. A container holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the engagement means provided for the first edge portion includes a slot or cut and the engagement means for the second edge portion includes a projection and a slit or slot, said projection being insertable within the slot or cut of the first edge portion and the slit or slot of the second edge portion capturing the first edge portion on its opposite surfaces.

3. A container holder as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a bottom edge of the foldable material is of an arcuate shape so that after engagement, the first and second edge portions of the folded container holder define a substantially conical shape.

4. A container holder as claimed in claim 3 wherein a resultant taper of the conical shape is such that a container in use will be securely held by said bottom edge.

5. A container holder as claimed in claim 4 wherein said upwardly projecting portion extends sufficiently above the upper rim of the container in use to provide a protective surround.

6. A container holder as claimed in claim 5 wherein said foldable material has moisture barrier properties to prevent water splash when the plant in the container is being watered and to direct the water into the container.

7. A container holder as claimed in claim 6 wherein at least said upwardly directed portion is adapted to feature advertisements or plant information.

8. A container holder as claimed in claim 4 wherein said bottom edge includes a bottom lip which is adapted to sit beneath a container held within the container holder and to provide additional support for the container when it is lifted.

9. A container holder as claimed in claim 6 wherein the sheet of foldable material is of low density polyethylene.