INSERT FOR A CARRIER BAG

Abstract

The invention provides an insert for inserting internally into a carrier bag having side walls and a base, the insert comprising a container stand portion, adapted, in use, to abut with the side walls and base of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag and having a base portion; and connected to said base portion, an upper container receiving portion to receive and hold at least one container having a base, a top end and an intermediate body portion; and at least two opposing support members, each support member connecting one of opposing sides of the base portion with respective opposing sides of the upper container receiving portion, the support members being arranged, in use, to hold the upper container receiving portion spaced from, and above the base portion so that said container can be inserted into said upper container receiving portion so that the at least one container cannot substantially move relative to the stand portion and at least part of the at least one container extends above the stand portion. The insert may further comprise an item support stand portion having an item support portion on which an item can be carried and at least one leg portion, the item support stand being arranged, in use, to stand upon the container stand portion, by extending past the at least part of the at least one container extending above the stand portion, the item support portion, being arranged to form a barrier between the item and the top of the at least one container so as to support the item when the bag is carried. The insert may be used to carry one or more containers containing liquids and/or food items whereby the container is maintained in a substantially upright position relative to the bag and the food item or items are held separately from the container(s).

Description

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/816,005, US national phase of International Application No. PCT/IE2005/000013, International Publication No. WO-A1-2006/087,691. FIGS. 1 through 6 of the present application correspond to FIGS. 1A to 1E of U.S. Ser. No. 11/816,005 and FIGS. 17 through 26 correspond to FIGS. 2A through 4D. The descriptive text in respect of FIGS. 17 through 26 of the present application equates to that relating to FIGS. 2A through 4D of U.S. Ser. No. 11/816,005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an insert for inserting into a carrier bag, in particular to an insert which allows one or more containers containing liquids and/or food products to be securely transported in a carrier bag.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In recent years, in the interest of health and safety, suppliers of take-away food and beverage products have found a need to concern themselves with the provision of safe methods for consumers to transport take-away food and beverages. Consumers are often provided with a bag, usually a paper bag, for carrying their take-away beverage(s), which may be hot or cold, and/or food items, for example. Such food items may include sandwiches, baguettes, beef burgers, fries or salads for example. Take-away beverages, which may be hot, such as, for example, tea, coffee, or soup, or cold, such as soft drinks, are often supplied in disposable containers, usually paper or cardboard cups. Generally, the container is placed in the bottom of the bag together with the food item. Often, the container becomes dislodged in the carrier bag, tilting over and perhaps even spilling onto the food item(s), sometimes even destroying the food item. This is clearly undesirable. Such a method of transport for take-away beverages is particularly undesirable in the case of hot beverages where spillage could potentially cause harm, such as scalding, to a consumer. In the case of suppliers of take-away beverages, it would therefore be highly desirable to provide a safe and cost-effective method of carrying beverages, in particular hot beverages. Such a method would minimise any potential health and safety issues that may arise as a result of the transport of take-away beverages and/or food products.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,248 describes a collapsible food and beverage container. In particular it describes a beverage and food support means which is internally deployable within a bag. The structure comprises a first support means adapted to receive a beverage cup and a second (food) support means. Thus a two-part structure is described wherein each support means is maintained in a respective initial disposition for fold-flat shipment and storage by in each case a tongue which is glued to the internal wall of the bag. The first (drinks) support means includes a lip area which is glued or otherwise secured to a side wall of the bag and a support flap or leg which in use is folded downwardly 90 degrees toward the base of the bag so as to provide support for the first support means. The second support means comprises a support sheet which can be rested on top of a cup secured in the first support means following separation of the adhesive bond holding or securing the tongue of the food support means on or to the side wall of the bag. The first support means may collapse when under the weight of a container secured therein. In addition, the device described does not provide good thermal insulation between the cup(s) and food product(s) resting on the second support means.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,919,844 describes a carton for the packaging of cups and more particularly a carton for supporting a plurality of cups. The carton is stated to be especially useful for products which are partially or completely frozen after the cups have been sealed in the carton. The disclosure is in particular directed to a blank for a carton for packaging a number of smaller containers, such as cups. The blank is rectangular and has, in order, a top panel, a back panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a front flap, a rack panel for accommodating the cups, and a sealing flap. Creased fold lines are provided at the junctions between the flaps and panels. The rack panel has apertures which are spaced from each other and from the edges of the panel. The bottom, top and rack panels are of identical size. A sealing flap is separated from the front flap along a line of weakness of generally U-shaped configuration extending across the blank over a major portion of its width. The ends of the line of weakness or severance are at the creased fold line between the front panel and the front flap. The main part of the line of severance is parallel to the creased fold line and is located at a spacing from the creased fold line of approximately one half the width of the front flap. The fold lines along the edges of the rack panel have a series of spaced slits, so that these fold lines offer less resistance to bending than others of the fold lines when the blank is folded.

The carton provided by the blank is adapted for positive support of cups accommodated in it against any lateral or longitudinal shifting once they have been placed in the box. The carton clamps the cups at the top and bottom, so that the covers on the cups which protect their contents cannot be disengaged until the carton has been opened. Individual cups cannot be removed from the carton without tearing or otherwise damaging the carton, so that pilfering of the carton's contents is discouraged.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,981 describes a carrying bag of a foldable type having a plate element which is secured on the internal surface of one of the walls of the bag and can selectively occupy either of two positions, the first being a storage position in which the plate element is applied against the wall of the bag, and the second being a use position in which the plate element extends transversely to the wall, substantially parallel to the bottom of the bag. A transverse flap is articulated on the plate element so as to be in the plane of the plate element in the storage position and to be perpendicular to the plate element in the use position. The flap has a first portion which is located above the plate element in the use position and a second portion which is located below the plate element in the use position. An opening in the plate element revealed by the articulation of the flap serves to accommodate a cup, which when placed within the opening revealed by the pivoting of the flap, comes to bear against the first portion of the flap located below the plate element so as to maintain the flap substantially perpendicular to the plate element. The plate element is also shown as having a second opening for maintaining another cup in a predetermined fixed position when the plate element is in the use position. In the use position, the interior of the bag is separated into two compartments, a first compartment for accommodating one or more beverage containers, and a second compartment for accommodating other foodstuffs. The two compartments are located side by side and separated by the vertical flap, which provides a partition between the compartments and may optionally be clad with a thermally insulating material, to protect a comestible food product in the second compartment from heat given off by a hot drink accommodated in the first compartment.

There is thus a need for an improved insert for a carrier bag in which a container or containers can be held securely and which is substantially rigid when in use.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the invention to provide an improved insert for inserting into a carrier bag and which allows a beverage container or containers to be securely transported in a substantially upright position relative to the bag.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved insert for inserting into a carrier bag and which permits thermal insulation of a food product(s) from a container(s) containing liquid(s) held in the insert.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides an insert for inserting internally into a carrier bag having side walls and a base, the insert comprising:

• • a container stand portion, adapted, in use, to abut with the side walls and base of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag and having:
  • (a) a base portion; and connected to said base portion,
  • (b) an upper container receiving portion to receive and hold at least one container having a base, a top end and an intermediate body portion; and
  • (c) at least two opposing support members, each support member connecting one of opposing sides of the base portion with respective opposing sides of the upper container receiving portion, the support members being arranged, in use, to hold the upper container receiving portion spaced from, and above the base portion so that said container can be inserted into said upper container receiving portion so that the at least one container cannot substantially move relative to the stand portion and at least part of the at least one container extends above the stand portion.

Suitably the insert is in collapsible fold-out form. The insert according to the invention is fixable to an interior side wall of the carrier bag.

Suitably, the insert further comprises an item support stand portion having an item support portion on which an item can be carried and at least one leg portion, the item support stand being arranged, in use, to stand upon the container stand portion, by extending past the at least part of the at least one container extending above the stand portion, the item support portion, being arranged to form a barrier between the item and the top of the at least one container so as to support the item when the bag is carried.

The insert according to the invention allows containers such as cups containing beverages to be securely transported in a carrier bag in an upright position relative to the bag. The risk of the beverage spilling over and causing harm to the user is therefore minimised. Furthermore, items carried, preferably non-liquid items such as food items including sandwiches, baguettes, wraps, fries, beef burgers, salads, for example, can be supported by the insert without being in contact with the at least one container held in the container stand portion. Furthermore a desirable position of the item support portion can be achieved without interference from the container.

Suitably, the item support portion is arranged in use such that it is parallel to the container stand portion. The item support stand portion can be arranged in use so that it stands upon the container stand portion without interference from at least part of the at least one container held in the container stand portion. This means that the item support portion can be arranged in use so that it does not rest on the top of the at least one container. Desirably the item support portion provides a substantially flat surface for supporting an item, such as a food item for example, in the bag.

The item support stand portion may be arranged, in use, to stand upon the container stand portion by means of a plurality of leg portions. Preferably the leg portions extend from the item support stand portion such that they stand on the container stand portion on at least two opposing sides of the container. They may be substantially perpendicular to and resting on the container stand portion such that the item support stand portion is held, in use, above the container stand portion in a table-like manner. For further stability where a plurality of legs is provided, the legs may be connected by a leg connection portion.

In one desirable arrangement the item support stand portion comprises a base portion. Desirably the leg connection portion may be formed by at least part of the base portion. Preferably, the leg connection portion may be a continuous member adapted to extend across substantially the entire internal transverse space of the bag. The base portion may be adapted to accommodate the top end of the at least one container held in the container stand portion.

Suitably the base portion of the item support stand portion comprises at least one container receiving opening adapted to receive the top end of the at least one container held in the container stand portion. The item support stand portion accommodates the top of the at least one container held in the container stand portion such that the container cannot substantially move relative to the item support stand portion. The container is therefore held in a substantially upright position relative to the bag.

Suitably the item support portion, the base portion and the leg portions form a continuous body. Preferably the continuous body is rectangular in shape.

Preferably, the insert according to the invention comprises a continuous body. The continuous body of material is adapted to form a container stand portion and an item support stand portion, by provision of appropriate panels which can take the form required.

Suitably the insert according to the invention comprises a substantially planar member provided with a plurality of fold-lines. The insert may be folded along the fold-lines to form the container stand portion and the item support stand portion.

Preferably the container stand portion and the item support stand portion comprise a rectangular body formed by folding the insert along the fold-lines.

Suitably, the insert according to the invention is in collapsible fold-out form and more desirably is further adapted when folded out, to maintain its folded out form by tensioning itself within the carrier bag. Thus the insert can be inserted into a foldable carrier bag but which is yet collapsible and thus the bag and insert can be stored flat for convenience. The insert when folded out within the bag forms a substantially rigid self-supporting unit and provides support for the walls of the carrier bag. The insert according to the invention is adapted to support the weight of the at least one container and/or food item held therein and does not collapse under the weight of the at least one container or food item or items.

Suitably the carrier bag is rectangular in shape and the insert is shaped to match. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the insert according to the invention can be shaped to match different shapes of carrier bag.

Suitably the carrier bag comprises a paper bag. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the insert according to the invention may be used with other types of bag. Furthermore, the size of the insert may be chosen according to the size of the carrier bag it is intended to be placed within.

Suitably the insert comprises material such as cardboard, plastics material or moulded fibre material, for example. The material provides rigidity to the insert such that the insert can support the at least one container and/or food item or items without collapsing.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the dimensions of the insert could be adapted so that the insert is of a size suitable to accommodate small, medium or large beverage cups or containers, for example.

In one embodiment of the invention an insert for inserting internally into a carrier bag having side walls and a base is provided, the insert having:

• • (i) a container stand portion, adapted, in use, to abut with the side walls and base of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag and having:
    • (a) a base portion; and, connected to said base portion,
    • (b) an upper container receiving portion having at least one container engaging opening defined therein and arranged to grip a container having a base, a top end and an intermediate body portion at a position on the intermediate body portion; and
    • (c) at least two opposing support members, each support member connecting one of opposing sides of the base portion with respective opposing sides of the upper container receiving portion, the support members being arranged, in use, to hold the upper container receiving portion spaced from, and above the base portion so that said container can be inserted into said at least one container receiving opening and thus maintained substantially upright relative to the carrier bag;
  • (ii) an item support stand portion arranged, in use, to be above said container stand portion, and having
    • (a) a base portion; and, connected to said base portion,
    • (b) an item support portion with an upper surface thereon on which an item can be carried; and
    • (c) at least two opposing support members, each support member connecting one of opposing sides of the base portion with respective opposing sides of the item support portion, the support members being arranged, in use, to hold the item support portion spaced from, and above the base portion; the base portion having at least one container receiving opening defined therein which is arranged to allow insertion of the top end of the container into the space between the base and the item support portion thereof;
  • so that, in use the item can be held separately from said container within the carrier bag.

Suitably the support members of the item support stand portion may comprise leg portions.

Preferably, the container stand portion and the item support stand portion of the insert are connected. The container stand portion and the item support stand portion of the insert are suitably connected by means of one of said support members.

Preferably, the item support stand portion is arranged, in use, to abut the side walls of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag. Such an arrangement provides extra rigidity to the bag.

Preferably, the item support stand portion has in the base thereof at least one container receiving opening which is arranged to allow insertion of the top end of the container into the space between the base and the item support portion thereof. This permits containers such as beverage cups having lids of different height or slanted lids for example, to be accommodated. In addition suitably, the top end of the container is spaced apart from the item support portion of the item support stand portion. This allows steam from hot beverages in the container to circulate. Furthermore, food products placed on the upper surface of the item support portion are not in direct contact with the container.

Suitably the upper surface of the item support portion further comprises a layer of material adapted to insulate an item carried on the item support portion from moisture and/or temperature fluctuations which may be caused by a beverage contained in the at least one container held in the container stand portion. Suitably the layer of material comprises thermal-insulating material. The insulating material may comprise aluminium foil or polystyrene.

The presence of an insulating layer means that items, in particular food items, carried on the upper surface of the item support portion are not affected by the temperature of beverages held in the container stand portion. In particular the food items will not be affected by heat or steam, for example, from hot beverages, or by cold beverages, held in the insert. Thus an insulation barrier is formed between a container or containers held in the container stand portion and a food item or items supported on the upper surface of the item support portion of the item support stand.

Suitably the at least one container engaging opening of the upper container receiving portion of the container stand portion comprises a plurality of slots adapted to grip a container. The container engaging opening may be adapted to grip the container at a position on the intermediate body portion of the container. Suitably, the slots comprise gripping mouths formed such that they have deformable grips about the mouths which deform to grip the container when inserted. Desirably the periphery of the container engaging opening can expand such that containers having different diameters may be secured therein. Suitably, the container may be removed from the container engaging opening by twisting and raising the container.

It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the container may be gripped in the slots such that the base of the container is positioned spaced apart from the base portion of the container stand portion.

Suitably the insert according to the invention is adapted such that in use, the container stand portion is lowered into position in the bag so that the at least one container can be secured therein and the item support stand portion can then be lowered to stand on the container stand portion. The top of the at least one container may then be accommodated in the item support stand portion.

In a further embodiment the invention provides an assembly comprising a carrier bag having a plurality of side walls and a base, and an insert having:

• • (i) a container stand portion, adapted, in use, to abut with the side walls and base of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag and having:
    • (a) a base portion; and, connected to said base portion,
    • (b) an upper container receiving portion having at least one container engaging opening defined therein and arranged to grip a container having a base, a top end and an intermediate body portion, at a position on the intermediate body portion; and
    • (c) at least two opposing support members, each support member connecting one of opposing sides of the base portion with respective opposing sides of the upper container receiving portion, the support members being arranged, in use, to hold the upper container receiving portion spaced from, and above the base portion so that said container can be inserted into said at least one container receiving opening and thus maintained substantially upright relative to the carrier bag;
  • (ii) an item support stand portion arranged, in use, to be above said container stand portion, and having
    • (a) a base portion; and, connected to said base portion,
    • (b) an item support portion with an upper surface thereon on which an item can be carried; and
    • (c) at least two opposing support members, each support member connecting one of opposing sides of the base portion with respective opposing sides of the item support portion, the support members being arranged, in use, to hold the item support portion spaced from, and above the base portion; the base portion having at least one container receiving opening defined therein which is arranged to allow insertion of the top end of the container into the space between the base and the item support portion thereof;
  • so that, in use the item can be held separately from said container within the carrier bag.

Preferably the bag comprises a foldable paper bag.

Suitably the insert according to the invention is fixable to an interior side wall of the bag.

Preferably, the insert is fixable to an interior side wall of the bag by means of a support member. Further preferably, the insert is fixable to an interior side wall of the bag by means of the support member which connects the item support stand portion and container stand portion. Suitably the support member is provided with adhesive so that it may be adhered to an interior side wall of the bag.

The invention in a first embodiment may alternatively be defined as an insert for inserting internally into a carrier bag having side walls and a base, the insert being of collapsible fold-out form and being adapted, when folded out, to comprise a container stand portion for accommodating one or more beverage-containing containers, wherein:

• • the container stand portion has a container receiving portion having at least one container engaging opening defined therein and arranged to grip a container having a base, a top end and an intermediate body portion at a position on the intermediate body portion;

wherein

• • (A) the container receiving portion is an upper panel of the container stand portion and the container stand portion has a base panel which is connected to the upper panel by at least two opposing side panels, each side panel connecting one of opposing sides of the base panel with respective opposing sides of the upper panel, the side panels being arranged, in use, to hold the upper panel spaced from and above the base panel so that a said container can be inserted into said at least one container engaging opening such that it cannot substantially move relative to the container stand portion and that at least part of a container received in said container stand portion extends above the upper panel of the container stand portion and is thus maintained substantially upright relative to the carrier bag; and
  • (B) the insert is adapted to be inserted in flat-packed manner into a foldable carrier bag in a stored-flat condition and folded out into an extended position in which the base panel of the container stand portion abuts with the side walls and base of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag.

The container stand portion may suitably comprise an open-ended box-like rectangular structure. Thus in this embodiment, the insert may in essence consist of a collapsible open-ended box which can be transformed between a substantially flat folded configuration and an erected disposition in which it can interact with a bag for provide stable support for a drinks container. The at least one container engaging opening suitably comprises a plurality of slots adapted to grip a container. Preferably, the insert is shaped to match a carrier bag of rectangular shape and it may be further adapted to maintain a folded-out form by tensioning itself within the carrier bag. While the insert may be fixable to an interior side wall of the carrier bag, a slide-in arrangement at the point and time of use is favoured. The insert may comprise any appropriate material, e.g. selected from the group consisting of cardboard, plastics or moulded fibre.

In a second embodiment, the insert is further adapted, when folded out, to comprise:

• • (a) an item support portion for carrying food items, the item support portion being arranged in use to form a barrier between food item(s) carried on the item support portion and the top of a container held in the container stand portion so as to support said item(s) when the bag is carried, said item support portion having an upper surface thereon on which said item(s) can be carried so that in use said item(s) can be held separately from a said container within a carrier bag; and
  • (b) an item support stand portion arranged, in use, to be above said container stand portion;

the item support stand portion comprising said item support portion and having a leg portion and being arranged, in use, to stand upon the container stand portion by the leg portion extending past a container held in the container stand portion; the item support portion being connected to the container stand portion by means of said leg portion of the item support stand portion; and the container stand portion of the insert being adapted to be folded out into said extended position in which the base panel of the container stand portion abuts with the side walls and base of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag, and, after optional placement of a beverage container into a container engaging opening of the container stand portion, the item support stand portion being adapted to be lowered to extend over a said container, and the item support portion being then arranged so as to support food item(s) placed thereon.

Thus in this embodiment, a partition is provided, which is connected to the lower drinks holder which is suitably of box-form configuration by way of an upstanding panel or leg, extending upwards from the box-like drinks holder in the assembled disposition or configuration of use of the insert. The partition is located at the upper end of the upstanding leg or support or panel and is folded down in the assembled insert to overlie a drinks container or drinks containers held in the box-configuration drinks holder. The partition thus divides the interior of a bag within which the insert has been positioned and opened out or erected into a drinks compartment and overlying food compartment. Drinks containers, such as cups, are accommodated in the drinks compartment, gripped in the drinks holder, and a food item or food items can then be carried in the food compartment, located on top of the partition and supported by it, without food coming into contact with and being possibly tainted by, the drinks, or spillage from the drinks containers. The partition may also serve to limit or even eliminate fully heat transfer from hot drinks to any food item supported on the partition. The upstanding leg or support may suitably be defined an upwardly-extended region of a side wall or panel of the box-like drinks holder.

In a favoured third embodiment of the invention, the item support portion is arranged in use to stand upon the container stand portion by means of a plurality of said leg portions, for example two side panels extending between a base panel of the item support portion and a top panel defining said partition, said leg portions defining support members of the item support stand portion.

The item support stand portion may therefore have a base panel and at least two opposing side panels, each defining a said support member, each of said side panels connecting one of opposing sides of the base panel with respective opposing sides of an upper panel defining the item support portion, the side panels being arranged, in use, to hold the upper panel spaced from and above the base panel; the base panel having at least one container receiving opening defined therein which is arranged to allow insertion of the top end of a container held in the container stand portion into the space between the base panel and the upper panel of the item support stand portion so that the upper panel is held, in use, above the container stand portion in a table-like manner and does not rest on the top of a container held in the container stand portion; the top end of said container being received within the space between the base panel and the upper panel of the item support stand portion.

The item support stand portion may thus again comprise an open-ended box-like rectangular structure, similar to that defining the drinks holder element of the invention. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the unit may consist of two box structure, one over the other in the assembled condition of the insert, with the top panel of the upper box defining the partition between the drinks region and the food region or compartment, and the two box structure being preferably linked on to the other by for example a continuous side wall a lower part of which defines a side panel of the lower box, while the upper end region of the continuous represents a side wall or panel of the upper box. The two boxes are therefore linked together to form a single unit transformable between a fold-flat condition and an erected condition in which first of all the lower box may be opened out and receive a drinks cup or cups, the second or upper box being then pivoted out from its fold-flat configuration to overlie the drinks cup or cups and provide, by way of its upper panel, the partition on which food items may be carried.

As for the lower box, the item support stand portion is preferably likewise adapted to abut side walls of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag. The upper surface of the upper panel of the item support stand portion may comprises a layer of insulating material, optionally aluminium foil or polystyrene, to effect thermal separation between the food and drinks compartments or regions.

The invention also extends to a blank for an insert as previously defined, comprising at least one region having four panels, respectively top and bottom panels and two side walls connecting said top and bottom panels, and means for connecting end panels of said region to define an open-ended box-like rectangular structure in an erected configuration. Said connecting means suitably comprises a tab provided on a free end panel of the blank and attached to a side wall of the blank in said erected condition. In a favoured construction, the blank consists of a container stand portion region and an item support stand portion region, a single, optionally planar, panel defining a side wall of said container stand portion region and a side wall of said item support stand portion region. The various panels of the blank in each of its possible embodiments are suitably delimited, one from the other, by fold lines. The fold lines are preferably established in the blank in a manner such as to engender or foment the desired direction of folding at each panel to panel boundary as will result in the formation of said structure or structures during the operation of erecting the insert from the blank. Suitably, a fold bias is provided so as to inhibit or even obviate any tendency towards reverse folding along any fold line.

The invention further encompasses an assembly comprising a carrier bag having a plurality of side walls and a base, and an insert as defined hereinabove. The carrier bag suitably comprises a foldable paper bag.

In a particular construction, an insert for inserting internally into a carrier bag having side walls and a base is of collapsible fold-out form and is adapted, when folded out, to comprise a container stand portion for accommodating one or more beverage-containing containers and an item support portion for carrying food item(s). In the insert,

• • (i) the container stand portion has a container receiving portion having at least one container engaging opening defined therein and arranged to grip a container having a base, a top end and an intermediate body portion at a position on the intermediate body portion;
  • (ii) the item support portion is arranged in use to form a barrier between food item(s) carried on the item support portion and the top of a container held in the container stand portion so as to support said item(s) when the bag is carried, said item support portion having an upper surface thereon on which said item(s) can be carried so that in use said item(s) can be held separately from a said container within a carrier bag; and
    • (A) the container receiving portion is an upper panel of the container stand portion and the container stand portion has a base panel which is connected to the upper panel by at least two opposing side panels, each side panel connecting one of opposing sides of the base panel with respective opposing sides of the upper panel, the side panels being arranged, in use, to hold the upper panel spaced from and above the base panel so that a said container can be inserted into said at least one container engaging opening such that it cannot substantially move relative to the container stand portion and that at least part of a container received in said container stand portion extends above the upper panel of the container stand portion and is thus maintained substantially upright relative to the carrier bag;
    • (B) the insert has an item support stand portion arranged, in use, to be above said container stand portion;
    • (C) the item support stand portion comprises said item support portion and has a leg portion and is arranged, in use, to stand upon the container stand portion by the leg portion extending past a container held in the container stand portion;
    • (D) the item support portion is connected to the container stand portion by means of said leg portion of the item support stand portion; and
    • (E) the container stand portion of the insert is adapted to be folded out into an extended position in which the base panel of the container stand portion abuts with the side walls and base of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag, and, after optional placement of a beverage container into a container engaging opening of the container stand portion, the item support stand portion is adapted to be lowered to extend over a said container, and the item support portion being then arranged so as to support food item(s) placed thereon.

In a further particular construction, the insert for inserting internally into a carrier bag having side walls and a base is again of collapsible fold-out form and is again adapted, when folded out, to comprise a container stand portion for accommodating one or more beverage-containing containers and an item support portion for carrying food item(s). In the insert:

• (i) the container stand portion has a container receiving portion having at least one container engaging opening defined therein and arranged to grip a container having a base, a top end and an intermediate body portion at a position on the intermediate body portion;
• (ii) the item support portion is arranged in use to form a barrier between food item(s) carried on the item support portion and the top of a container held in the container stand portion so as to support said item(s) when the bag is carried, so that in use said item(s) can be held separately from a said container within a carrier bag; and
  • (A) the container receiving portion is an upper panel of the container stand portion and the container stand portion has a base panel which is connected to the upper panel by at least two opposing side panels, each side panel connecting one of opposing sides of the base panel with respective opposing sides of the upper panel, the side panels being arranged, in use, to hold the upper panel spaced from and above the base panel so that a said container can be inserted into said at least one container engaging opening such that it cannot substantially move relative to the container stand portion and that at least part of a container received in said container stand portion extends above the upper panel of the container stand portion and is thus maintained substantially upright relative to the carrier bag;
  • (B) the insert has an item support stand portion arranged, in use, to be above said container stand portion,
  • the item support stand portion having
    • (a) a base panel; and, connected to said base panel,
    • (b) an upper panel defining said item support portion which has an upper surface thereon on which said item(s) can be carried; and
    • (c) at least two opposing side panels defining said support members, each side panel connecting one of opposing sides of the base panel with respective opposing sides of the upper panel, the side members being arranged, in use, to hold the upper panel spaced from and above the base panel; the base panel having at least one container receiving opening defined therein which is arranged to allow insertion of the top end of a container held in the container stand portion into the space between the base panel and the upper panel of the item support stand portion; (C) the item support stand portion is arranged, in use, to stand upon the container stand portion, the side panels extending past a container held in the container stand portion so that the upper panel of the item support stand portion is held, in use, above the container stand portion in a table-like manner and does not rest on the top of a container held in the container stand portion;
  • (D) the item support portion is connected to the container stand portion by means of a side panel of the item support stand portion; and
  • (E) the container stand portion of the insert is adapted to be folded out into an extended position in which the base panel of the container stand portion abuts with the side walls and base of the carrier bag so as to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to the carrier bag, and, after optional placement of a beverage container into a container engaging opening of the container stand portion, the item support stand portion is adapted to be lowered to extend over a said container, the top end of said container being received within the space between the base panel and the upper panel of the item support stand portion and the upper panel being then arranged so as to support food item(s) placed thereon.

The invention may be still further defined in different terms again as an insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption, comprising a collapsible box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition.

The box structure is suitably adapted to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert. Preferably the box structure cooperates in an erected condition with side walls of a substantially pliant receptacle, such as a bag, to stabilise at least a lower region of the receptacle in use. In a favoured construction, the box structure is open-ended. The top panel of the box structure suitably includes an aperture substantially adapted to the cross-section of the beverage container, the periphery of the aperture being adapted to engage the periphery of the container in a releasably retentive manner. This aperture may be substantially circular and the periphery of the aperture provided with a series of generally radially directed slits to define a circumferential gripping region for engaging the circumference of a beverage container received in said structure.

The insert may further comprise a partition for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container, wherein the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible is located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container, and the partition extends substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and is located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container.

In this variant, the partition is suitably defined by a foldable panel located at the upper end of an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and the foldable panel is displaceable between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to the upward continuation. The partition may be spaced above the top end of the beverage container.

Alternatively, the partition may defined by the top panel of a second collapsible box structure which is displaceable between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section. This second box structure suitably overlies the box structure defining the beverage container accommodating region, the bottom panel of the second box structure includes an aperture adapted to overlie the top end of a beverage container received in the beverage container accommodating region, and side walls of the second box structure are dimensioned so that the top panel of the second box structure is spaced above the top end of a beverage container received in the beverage container accommodating region. The second box structure may again be open-ended. Preferably, a side panel of the second box structure is defined by an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure defining the beverage container receiving region. In a favoured construction of the invention, the second box structure may adapted to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert. Each box structure is preferably independently erectable from its fold-flat configuration into its erected configuration. The two box structures may however be defined by separate regions of a single blank.

In a particular embodiment, the insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption, comprises a collapsible open-ended box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the box structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition in the erected configuration and to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert, the insert further comprising a partition which is defined by a foldable panel located at the upper end of an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and is displaceable between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to the upward continuation for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container, the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible being located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container, and the partition extending substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and being located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container.

In a further particular embodiment, the insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption, comprises a collapsible open-ended box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the box structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition in the erected configuration and to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in said fold-flat configuration, said configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert, the insert further comprising a partition defined by the top panel of a second collapsible open-ended box structure which is displaceable between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container, the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible being located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container, the partition extending substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and being located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container, and a side panel of the second box structure being defined by an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure defining the beverage container receiving region.

The invention also extends to a blank for an insert as defined hereinabove, comprising four panels, respectively top, bottom and two side walls interconnecting the top and bottom panels, and a further portion for linking end panels of the blank in an assembled condition to define a box structure having a rectangular cross-section in an erected condition. The further portion may be a flap extending from one end panel to be placed adjacent to the opposite end panel of the blank to establish said assembled condition, such as by adhesive action. Alternatively the further portion may comprise interengaging means, such as tabs, to be inserted through slits in the blank to establish said assembled condition. The blank may include an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and a foldable panel located at an upper end of the upward continuation for displacement between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to said upward continuation. A single planar panel may define one of the side walls of a first of two interconnected blanks and one of the side walls of a second of the two blanks. The or each box structure formed on erection of the blank is suitably open-ended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the insert, represented in essentially diagrammatic manner, in which the container stand portion in shown in an unerected configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 1 in which the container stand portion is shown in an in-use erected configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 1 in which the container stand portion is shown in the in-use erected configuration with two containers held therein;

FIG. 4 is a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 1 in which the container stand portion is in a flat-folded configuration against a side wall of a bag;

FIG. 5 follows on FIG. 4 and shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 1 with the container stand portion lowered into position within the bag;

FIG. 6 follows on FIG. 5 shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 1 with the container stand portion lowered into position within the bag and two containers held therein;

FIGS. 7 through 12 correspond to FIGS. 1 through 6 in respect of a practical construction of the first embodiment of the invention, specifically:

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a blank for an insert according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 7 in which the drinks holding structure is shown in an in-use erected configuration;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 7 in which the drinks holding structure is shown in the in-use erected configuration with two beverage containers held therein;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 7 in which the drinks-accommodating portion or drinks holding structure is in a folded-flat initial disposition against a side wall of a bag;

FIG. 11 follows on FIG. 10 and shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 7 with the drinks-accommodating portion lowered into position within the bag;

FIG. 12 follows on FIG. 11 and shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 7 with the drinks-accommodating portion lowered into position within the bag and two containers held therein;

FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of the insert according to the invention which has a base portion substantially equating to the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7 through 12 and is also further provided with a partition for defining a food-accommodating compartment to be located in use of the insert above a drinks compartment within a bag, the partition being supported from the base portion by means of a single leg support;

FIG. 14 shows the embodiment of FIG. 13 with the blank assembled and partially folded toward a disposition of use;

FIG. 15 shows the embodiment of FIG. 14 with the blank fully assembled into its disposition of use and accommodating two drinks containers;

FIG. 16 shows the assembled insert of FIG. 15 according to the second embodiment located within a bag;

FIG. 17 shows a plan view of an insert according to a third embodiment of the invention, again represented in essentially diagrammatic manner, in an unerected configuration;

FIG. 18 shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 17 in an in-use erected configuration;

FIG. 19 shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 17 in the in-use erected configuration with a container held therein;

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the insert according to FIG. 17 in a flat-folded configuration against a side wall of a bag, the bag being indicated in section;

FIG. 21 follows on FIG. 20 and shows a side view of the insert according to FIG. 17 with the container stand portion and the item support stand portion of the insert lowered into position within the bag;

FIG. 22 follows on FIG. 21 and shows a side view of the insert according to the FIG. 17 in a fully erected configuration within a bag;

FIG. 23 shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 17 in flat-folded configuration against a side wall of a bag;

FIG. 24 follows on FIG. 23 and shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 17 with the container stand portion lowered into position within the bag;

FIG. 25 follows on FIG. 24 and shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 17 with the container stand portion lowered into position within the bag and two containers held therein;

FIG. 26 follows on FIG. 25 and shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 17 with the item support stand portion lowered into position and receiving the top end of the containers;

FIGS. 27 through 36 correspond to FIGS. 17 through 26 in respect of a practical construction of the third embodiment of the invention, specifically:

FIG. 27 shows a blank for an insert according to the third embodiment of the invention, in an unerected configuration;

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 27 in an in-use erected configuration;

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 27 in the in-use erected configuration with a container held therein;

FIG. 30 shows a side view of the insert according to FIG. 27 in a folded-flat disposition against a side wall of a bag, the bag being indicated in section;

FIG. 31 follows on FIG. 30 and shows a side view of the insert according to FIG. 27 with the drinks-holding portion and the partition for separating the drinks region of the assembled insert from the food accommodating region lowered into position within the bag;

FIG. 32 follows on FIG. 31 and shows a side view of the insert according to the FIG. 27 in a fully erected configuration within a bag;

FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 27 in a folded-flat disposition against a side wall of a bag;

FIG. 34 follows on FIG. 33 and shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 27 with the drinks accommodating structure lowered into position within the bag;

FIG. 35 follows on FIG. 34 and shows a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 27 with the drinks accommodating portion lowered into position within the bag and two beverage containers received therein;

FIG. 36 follows on FIG. 35 and shows a substantially perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 27 with the food support or partition lowered into position and the top ends of the containers received with a space located between the drinks holding structure and the partition panel;

FIG. 37 shows a blank for an alternatively proportioned version of the third embodiment of the insert of the invention as shown in FIGS. 27 to 36 above;

FIG. 38 shows the invention in a fourth embodiment in which the insert is structured to accommodate only a single beverage container, the blank for this variant otherwise equating closely to that for the embodiment of FIGS. 27 through 36;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of two units in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention applied in a side-by-side disposition within an appropriately-dimensioned bag;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of two units in accordance with the third embodiment of the insert according to the invention deployed in a double-stack arrangement within a single suitably dimensioned and proportioned bag;

FIGS. 41 to 50 show variants of the second embodiment of the invention as follows:

FIG. 41 shows a blank for a variant of the arrangement of FIG. 13 in which the partition panel is provided with a set of selectable fold lines along each of its edges;

FIG. 42 shows the variant of FIG. 41 in its erected configuration of use and accommodating two drinks containers;

FIG. 43 shows the assembled insert of FIG. 42 located within a bag;

FIG. 44 shows a blank for a second variant of the arrangement of FIG. 13 in which the rear wall supporting the partition is provided with push-out flaps for support of the partition on top of containers held in the box-form cup-receiving structure;

FIG. 45 shows the blank of FIG. 44 assembled and partially folded towards its disposition of use;

FIG. 46 shows the variant of FIG. 44 in its erected configuration of use and accommodating two drinks containers, with the partition spaced above the tops of the containers by means of the push-out flaps in their operative condition;

FIG. 47 is similar to FIG. 46 but shows only one of the push-out flaps in its active position, where the insert is required to accommodate at the same time cups of different vertical dimensions;

FIG. 48 shows a blank for a third variant of the arrangement of FIG. 13 in which the hinge or fold line between the partition panel and the vertical back wall is provided with slip separated by cut lines to provide reinforcement for stability of the partition in its folded down condition;

FIG. 49 shows the variant of FIG. 48 assembled and partially folded towards its disposition of use; and

FIG. 50 shows the assembled insert of FIG. 48 in its erected configuration of use and accommodating two drinks containers, with the partition located over the tops of the containers and the slips in their operative configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A blank 1a for a first embodiment of an insert according to the invention is shown flat in FIG. 1. The blank 1a has a top panel 6 and a bottom panel 5. The top 6 and bottom 5 panels are connected in the assembled structure by side panels 7 and 8, which define front 7 and rear 8 panels or walls of the assembled blank in the erected condition in which it defines the insert. The front panel 7 connects top and bottom panels 6 and 5 directly in integral manner by way of fold lines 2, 12, respectively between top panel 6 and side panel 7 and between side panel 7 and bottom panel 5. The rear panel 8 continues from bottom panel 5, from which it is separated by a fold line 12a. In the erected configuration of the blank, the top panel 6 is connected to the rear side panel 8 at the free elongate edge thereof remote from fold line 12a by way of a tongue, tab or flap 11, which is secured to a portion of the surface of panel 8 in a region extending adjacent to and up to the free side edge of panel 8 such as by an adhesive, e.g. glue. Preferably the tab 11 is adhered to the side of the panel 8 which is inward of the insert in its assembled or erected disposition. Tab 11 is, in the blank 1a, a continuation of top panel 6, from which it is defined or separated along a fold line 2a.

The tab 11 is suitably dimensioned such that it extends over only a limited extent of the height of the side panel or rear wall 8 in the assembled configuration of the insert, but in a variant, tab 11 may be of the same height as side panel 8, as indicated in dashed outline in FIG. 1.

Apertures 14 are provided in top panel 6 to receive drinks containers in the assembled condition of the insert. The apertures 14 are suitably substantially circular, although other profiles are not to be excluded, and the periphery of each opening 14 is bounded by generally radial slits, extending outward from the boundary edge of the aperture 14 into the material of the top panel 6, so as to engage and grip the outer wall of a drinks container pushed into the aperture 14 in use of the insert. As indicated, the slits may follow a tortuous or non-linear path, for the formation of container-gripping tabs when the material between the slits is displaced or deformed on insertion of a drinks container, but other configurations of these slits is also to be envisaged.

FIG. 2 shows the blank 1a of FIG. 1 folded to define an insert 1 consisting of a substantially rectangular open-ended box structure in which the box cross-section is achieved by gluing tab 11 to the inside of side wall 8 in the vicinity or region of the upper or outer free edge of rear panel 8 in the original blank 1a. In FIG. 3, a pair of drinks containers 15 have been received in the openings 14 of the assembled insert 1 of FIG. 2 and held in position by flaps or tabs 16 defined by folding down of the regions between the slits 16a surrounding the openings 14, when a cup 15 is pushed into an opening 14.

FIG. 4 depicts the insert in an initial folded-flat disposition laid against the side wall of a carrier bag 26. The rear side wall or panel 8 of the insert may be adhered to the side wall of the bag in a particular variant, but this arrangement does not represent a favoured construction of the invention. More preferably, the insert is pushed into a carrier bag through its top opening at the point of use, when a food and drinks order requires to be delivered to a customer. Alternatively, a number of bags may be equipped with inserts in a batch operation prior to a busy period of food and beverage supply.

FIG. 5 shows the insert 1 of the first embodiment in its assembled disposition within the bag, in which the insert 1 defines a container stand portion or drinks holder 3, while FIG. 6 shows the structure in use, the insert erected and two drinks containers accommodated in it. In the erected configuration, the bottom panel 5 of the insert overlies the base 27 of the bag and the rear wall 8 of the insert is engaged against the rear wall 25 of the bag. The end edges 9, 9a and 10, 10a of the bottom 5 and top 6 panels of the insert are engaged in bracing manner against the side walls 25a and 25c of the bag, while insert front panel 7 engages against front wall 25b of the bag. In this way, the erected insert fills out the base region of the bag and is constrained into a stable erected state by interaction with the base and walls of the bag.

FIG. 7 and the following FIGS. 8 through 12 equate to the diagrammatic FIGS. 1 through 6 in respect of a practical construction of the insert of the invention in its first embodiment. Differences from the conceptual representations described above are minimal. In particular, to facilitate sliding-in of the insert in its fold-flat orientation into a paper bag, the end edge regions 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b in the vicinity of the corners at the opposite ends of the fold line 12a between the bottom panel 5 and the rear side panel 8 respectively are bevelled, suitably curved, where the fold line 12a reaches the respective side edges of these panels, identified as 9, 9a for the bottom panel 5, the curving configuration defining a locating and centering feature as a folded-flat insert is slipped into a bag, the bag being also in the fold-flat condition.

As compared with the conceptual structure of the previous drawings, the tab 11 is represented as not extending over the full elongate extent or length of the side edge or fold line 2a of the top panel 6 located between the top panel 6 and the flap or tongue 11. It is not necessary for this tongue or tab to be coincident with the full extent of the panels 6, 8 which are connected by it, merely that its length be adequate to ensure reliable adhesion of these panels 6, 8 in the assembled condition.

Finally, the apertures 14 are not fully circular in shape, each end region 33a, 33b of the respective openings in the elongate direction of the generally rectangular top panel being carried out or extended in this longitudinal direction and defining a square-cornered sector 33a, 33b of the peripheral boundary of the aperture 14. Also in the structure shown, the slits 16a between the tabs 16 are fully radial and taper inward in a radially outward direction, to define respective intermediate container gripping portions of generally trapezoidal shape between the slits 16a or between a slit 16a and a square-cornered sector 33a, 33b.

FIG. 8 shows the blank of FIG. 7 in an erected condition. The assembled unit has an elongate direction in which its extent is greater than either its height or its transverse dimension or width. The assembled unit is designed to be accommodated within a paper bag of comparable cross-section in top view to that of the assembled insert in top view. The elongate and transverse dimensions of the bag in top view then also correspond to those of the assembled insert, with the provision of a suitable clearance on each face.

In FIG. 9, the assembled unit of FIG. 8 has been equipped with two containers 15, which are received in the openings 14 and held therein by deformation and deflection of the flaps 16 between the radial slits 16a.

FIGS. 10 through 12 show successive stages of erection of the insert in cooperation with a bag. In FIG. 10, the flat-folded and glued together blank has been slid into the bag and is depicted very slightly opened out. In the fold-flat condition, rear panel 8 faces and is in close juxtaposition to bottom panel 5, while top panel 6, which is adhered to and extends in substantial continuation or rear panel 8 in the fold-flat state, faces and is in close juxtaposition to the front panel 7. In FIG. 11, the insert has been fully opened out by pushing down on the top panel 6, while in FIG. 12, drinks containers 15 have been pushed into the openings 14, where they are securely held and retained by the cooperating slits 16 and intervening flaps or tabs 16.

In use of the insert according to the invention in this embodiment within a bag, the rear side wall of the drinks holder of the unit is engaged against the rear side wall of the bag when the fold-flat unit is initially slid into the bag. The blank is formed to establish a bias towards an opened-up condition of the insert, after the panels of the blank have been folded and glued together to define the insert. Thus when pressure is applied to the top of the flat-folded insert within a bag, for example by manual action, at the fold line between the front panel and top panel, the natural inherent tendency or property of the insert is to convert itself into its open-ended box configuration, in which it is ready to receive drinks containers. While not automatic, opening-out of the insert may thus be easily and reliably effected and achieved by a simple manual operation. This opening bias is suitably established by an appropriate forming of the fold lines, which are defined in such a way as to preclude, as far as possible, any susceptibility to folding of the insert in a reversed manner along any of its fold lines, and in particular, at the fold line between the front panel and the top panel.

Thus in the foregoing first embodiment, the insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption, comprises a collapsible box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition.

The box structure is suitably adapted to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert. Preferably the box structure cooperates in an erected condition with side walls of a substantially pliant receptacle, such as a bag, to stabilise at least a lower region of the receptacle in use. In a favoured construction, the box structure is open-ended. The top panel of the box structure suitably includes an aperture substantially adapted to the cross-section of the beverage container, the periphery of the aperture being adapted to engage the periphery of the container in a releasably retentive manner. This aperture may be substantially circular and the periphery of the aperture provided with a series of generally radially directed slits to define a circumferential gripping region for engaging the circumference of a beverage container received in said structure.

In a second embodiment, the insert further comprises an item support stand portion having an item support portion or partition on which an item can be carried, and at least one leg portion, the item support stand being arranged, in use, to stand upon or be supported above the container stand portion, by extending past at least part of a container held in and extending above the container stand portion, i.e. above the drinks-accommodating structure or portion, the item support portion or partition being arranged to form a barrier between an item to be carried and the top of the at least one container so as to support, typically, a food item when the bag is carried.

Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 13 through 15. The blank 1a represented in FIG. 13 is largely identical with that of FIGS. 7 through 12 save only that the rear side panel is carried upward beyond a level corresponding to the height of the front side panel 7, as compared with the construction of FIG. 7. Thus in the assembled or erected configuration of this variant of the invention, the tab 11 is adhered to the extended rear side wall 8 at an intermediate location between its lower edge, defined by the fold line 12a to the bottom panel 5, and a top edge 34, located at the upper end, in the assembled configuration, of an upwardly extending continuation 20a of the rear side wall 8, the continuation 20a defining a leg or support structure for a top panel or partition 18 for support of a food item in the assembled disposition of the insert 1 in this embodiment. The single side support or leg 20a, at the upper edge 34 of which the support or partition panel 18 extends in further continuation in the blank structure 1a depicted, is separated from this partition panel 18 by way of a further fold line 35. In order to accommodate different heights of drinks container, a multiplicity of fold lines 35a-d for the partition 18 may be provided in the blank 1a, as indicated, an individual fold line 35a-d being selected at the point and time of use of the insert in dependence on the height of the containers to be received in the openings 14, so that the partition 18 may be positioned in the erected condition of the insert 1 at a level appropriate to the size of drinks container to be accommodated.

In FIG. 14, the blank is shown with the lower drinks-accommodating portion fully assembled and ready to receive beverage containers. An individual fold line 35a has been selected to define the divide between the side support leg 20a and the partition panel 18 and a fold has been initiated about this selected fold line.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the fully erected arrangement is shown. Two drinks containers 15 have been pushed into apertures 14 and secured by displacement of the flaps 16 between the radial slits 16a. The upper support panel or partition 18 has been fully folded down about the selected fold line 35a to overlie the containers 15 and engage against the top covers 15a by which the containers are typically closed-off for convenience and safety of conveyance within an insert 1 according to the invention and an associated bag. The lids 15a generally do not fully seal the drinks containers 15, a small vent hole being provided, but obviate any significant spillage and enable safe carriage of charged cups or containers with minimal loss of contents.

The folded down panel or partition 18 thus defines a separating barrier between a drinks-accommodating region of the interior of the bag, located towards the base of the bag, and an upper or food-accommodating region, located in an upper section of the bag. Thus any unwanted spillage of beverages in the lower region does not taint the food held in the upper region and there is a certain protection of the food items from being warmed-up by heat emanating from the lower region. This thermal protection may be further enhanced by the separating or dividing partition or panel being either formed from and/or coated within an insulating material or layer.

Indicated in dashed outline in FIG. 15 is an alternative folded disposition 18a of the partition 18, to accommodate a taller drinks container, the fold being effected for example about fold line 35d. In general, drinks containers of different volumetric capacities for fast food use have substantially the same height and the divergent quantities to be accommodated are achieved by use of a greater cross-section, in plan view, for the larger volumes. The insert of the invention in all of its embodiments and variants is adapted to accommodate either containers of the same cross-section and different heights or containers or differing cross-sections for different volumes. The slit 16a and flap 16 configuration of the periphery of aperture 14 is adapted to receive cross-sections of container of wide or narrow diametral dimension. The unit of the invention in its two-or more container embodiment may also deal with two containers of different volume, one received in each of the two openings 14.

Finally in regard to the second embodiment, FIG. 16 shows the assembled unit of FIG. 15 received in a bag 26 of which the front wall and one side wall have been omitted to show the internal arrangement of the assembled insert. In addition to features already discussed, the carrier bag, which is open at the top, is shown to be provided with handles 36, suitably of generally planar configuration and U-shaped in side view, formed from a strong paper-based or card material and adhered to the inner surface of each large-dimensioned side wall of the bag. For fast food purposes, the bag is typically of rectangulate form in all views, top, front and side, although for example, a square configuration may in certain circumstances also be useful.

Also indicated in FIG. 16 and located supported on the partition separating the drinks region of the interior of the bag from the food region is a food item 37 in the form of a pre-packed sandwich of the customary triangulate configuration, although the ability of the partition to receive foodstuffs packaged in other manners and shapes will also be clearly apparent.

The embodiment of these figures again displays the features of fold bias and ease and reliability of assembly already adverted to in connection with the first embodiment. It again also uses the open-ended box structure to define an easy to assemble arrangement, which can be readily glued together from a blank to provide the insert, and then equally easily erected from the fold-flat condition to provide the stable drinks holder which is braced within a bag in use and prevented from unwanted reversion to its unfolded condition by this bracing feature in combination with the rigidity established by the placement of the drinks containers. The food support 18/18a extends in planar continuation of rear panel 8/20a of drinks holder 3 and is readily pivoted about a selected fold line to establish a partition between the drinks compartment of the insert and an overlying food compartment at an appropriate level within the bag. The partition is disposed substantially horizontally in its position of use and is an integral part of the insert structure, requiring neither any separate insertion into to the bag nor any form of adherent association with any wall of the bag, such as might require any independent assembly operation.

Thus is this second aspect of embodiment, the insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption comprises a collapsible open-ended box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition; the box structure being adapted to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert; and further comprises a partition which is defined by a foldable panel located at the upper end of an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and is displaceable between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to the upward continuation for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container, the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible being located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container and the partition extending substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and being located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container.

Thus the insert includes a partition for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container, the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible being located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container, and the partition extending substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and being located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container. The partition is suitably defined by a foldable panel located at the upper end of an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and the foldable panel is displaceable between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to the upward continuation. The partition may be spaced above the top end of the beverage container.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 17 to 26 is a third embodiment having a container stand portion and an item support stand portion. This embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the above-mentioned drawings. However, it will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that each portion forms an individual aspect of the invention and can be used independently. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 26 is an embodiment having the combined advantages of both portions of the insert according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, the insert according to the invention is shown generally at 1 in plan view in the unfolded, unerected configuration. In the embodiment shown, the insert 1 comprises a blank in the form of a single piece of cardboard. Fold lines 2, 2a, 12, 12a, 38, 38a, 39 and 39a are indicated on the insert 1, defining each portion of the insert 1. The fold lines can be provided by any suitable method such as stamping. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the insert 1 is folded about the fold lines 2, 2a, 12, 12a, 38, 38a, 39 and 39a so as to be erected to form a box-like rectangular structure. This is the in-use erected configuration. The box-like structure forms a rigid self-supporting unit.

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, the insert 1 comprises a plurality of portions including, a container stand portion 3 and an item support stand portion 4. In the embodiment shown, the container stand portion 3 and the item support stand portion 4 are rectangular in shape. The container stand portion 3 comprises a base portion 5 and an upper container receiving portion 6. The base portion 5 of the container stand portion 3 is spaced apart from the upper container receiving portion 6 by means of opposing support members 7, 8 when in the in-use erected configuration. Support member 7 connects opposing sides 9, 9a of the base portion 5 with respective opposing sides 10, 10a of the upper container receiving portion 6. The container receiving portion 6 is provided with a tab 11. The tab 11 connects the upper container receiving portion 6 to the support member 8 at a position intermediate opposing sides 12, 12a of the support member 8. Referring to FIG. 17, the dotted lines indicate that the dimensions of tabs 11, 11a may be increased.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the support members 7, 8 are arranged in use to maintain the upper container receiving portion 6 spaced from and above the base portion 5 so as to define a cavity 13. In the embodiment shown, the upper container receiving portion 6 is provided with two container engaging openings 14 which are arranged to grip a container 15. The container engaging openings 14 comprise a circular opening, the periphery of each of which is provided with a plurality of slots 16a. The slots 16a engage the container 15 at a position intermediate its upper and lower ends.

Referring to FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, the item support stand portion 4 comprises a base portion 17 and an item support portion 18 having an upper surface 19 on which an item can be carried. The item support stand further comprises support member 20. Support member 20 connects opposing sides 21, 21a of the item support portion 18 to opposing sides 22, 22a of the base portion 17. Thus, in use, in the folded configuration, the item support portion 18 is spaced apart from the base portion 17 by support member 20 to define a cavity 23. The base portion 17 is provided with a tab 11a which, in the in use erected configuration, is attached to support member 8 at a position intermediate its opposing sides 12, 12a. Thus a box-like structure is formed.

Referring to FIG. 17, in the embodiment shown, the base portion 17 of the item support stand portion 4 has two container receiving openings 24 defined therein. Each container receiving opening 24 is shaped to receive the top end of a container when it is engaged in the container stand portion 3.

Referring to FIGS. 20 to 26, in use, the insert 1 may be adhered to a side wall 25 of a carrier bag 26 by means of support member 8. The bag 26 comprises a standard foldable paper carrier bag commonly used by consumers, the bag having side walls 25, 25a, 25b, 25c and a base 27. In the embodiment shown, adhesive is used to fix the support member 8 to the inner side of wall 25 of the bag 26. However, in a preferred variant, the insert is slid, in fold-flat form, into the bag at the time of use and is not pre-adhered to the side wall of the bag.

The insert 1 can be flat-packed against an inner side wall 25 of the bag 26 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23 when it is not in use. This feature allows the (foldable paper) carrier bag in which the insert is fixed, to be stored flat, allowing for convenient storage. With reference to FIGS. 20 to 26, in use, the vendor of beverage and/or food products opens the bag 26, and extends the container stand portion 3, lowering it toward the base 27 of the bag 26. In the extended position, the base portion 5 of the container stand portion 3 abuts the base 27 and side walls 25, 25a, 25b and 25c of the bag 26. The vendor then places a container having a base, at top end and an intermediate body portion, such as a cup containing a beverage, into a container engaging opening 14 of the upper container receiving portion 6. The container 15 is gripped at a position intermediate its ends by the plurality of slots 16 and maintained in a substantially upright position relative to the bag 26.

Referring to FIGS. 20, 21 and 26 the item support stand portion 4 is then lowered to extend over the container(s) 15. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, in the embodiment shown, the base portion 17 is provided with two container receiving openings 24, for receiving the top end of the container(s) gripped in the container stand portion 3. The top end of the container 15 is received within the cavity 23 defined by the item support portion 18 which is spaced apart and above from the base portion 17. The container is thereby secured in the item support stand portion 4 and the container stand portion 3 of the insert 1. Referring to FIG. 26, the insert 1, when in the in use erected configuration, forms a rigid structure, tensioning itself against the side walls of the bag 26. This gives strength and rigidity to the carrier bag.

A food item can then be placed on the upper surface 19 of the item support portion 18 of the item support stand portion 4. The upper surface 19 comprises a layer of thermally insulated material. The item support portion 18 forms a barrier between the top of the container 15 and a food item placed on the upper surface 19 of the item support portion 18. A food item can therefore be held in isolation from the container and will not be affected by the temperature of the beverage. This means for example, that if the container contains a hot beverage for example, the food product is prevented from heating.

FIGS. 27 through 36 show a practical construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 17 through 26 and equate to the diagrammatic representations of these drawings.

FIG. 27 shows the third embodiment of the insert according to the invention in blank form 1a, prior to folding and gluing to form the folded insert 1 to be placed within a bag and then opened out within a bag to receive drinks and other comestible items. This version of the invention is similar to the first embodiment in respect of the drinks-receiving region 3 and also resembles the second embodiment in providing and defining a separating partition 18 between drinks and food regions of the assembly. Thus the blank of FIG. 27 incorporates all of the features of that of FIG. 15 up to and including the partition wall 18. However, the partition wall folds relative to the upstanding rear wall support region 8/20a only about a single defined fold line 38a and the partition 18 is positioned at a predefined or specified spacing above and from the top panel 6 of the base region 3 by virtue of a further front support wall or leg structure 20, which extends downward from the front edge 38 of the partition 18 to the front edge 2 of the drinks-receiving base 3, i.e. at the front edge of the top panel 6 of the base section 3 of the insert 1. Each of these edges is defined as previously explained by a fold line between the respective panels of the blank. The upper portion 4 of the insert 1, which sits over the top ends of drink containers 15 pushed into the base part 3, is thus another open-ended box structure, similar to the base 3, again having top 18 and side 8/20a, 20 walls and a bottom wall arrangement 17 defined in the present embodiment by lateral limbs 17a extending from the lower end edges 39 of the front panel 20 to an adherent tab or flap 11a, by means of which the bottom wall features 17a are glued to the rear wall region 8 to define the closed open-ended upper box 4.

The tab 11a extends over the full elongate extent of the insert 1 between the end regions 17a extending between the tab 11a and the front wall 20 of the upper part 4 of the insert 1, these end regions 17a defining base wall portions of the upper open-ended box part 4 of the insert 1 in this embodiment. The blank 1a is thus again glued together to form the assembled insert 1 which is adapted to take-up a fold-flat disposition for transport and storage, from which it can then readily be erected to define a food supporting and drinks-accommodating structure within a carrier bag for such products. Fold bias towards the opened-out condition is again established during the manufacturing process by which the blank is produced and a result of this, the assembled blank moves from the fold-flat configuration of the insert in which it lies substantially with its panels in planar juxtaposition, as previously explained, through a rhombic or trapezoidal configuration, in which is assumes the shape of a rhombus or trapezoid in end view, i.e. it is generally diamond-shaped, to take up its final configuration in which each part of the insert is substantially rectangular in end view. Thus the insert takes up the so-called box shape, as seen in end view. The fold bias again inhibits reverse bending along any fold line. Two boxes 3, 4 are this defined in the present embodiment, a lower box 3 to hold the drinks or cups 15, and an upper box 4 to overlie the lower box 3 in the erected configuration, and to provide a platform 18 on which a food product can be held above and apart from, suitably at a spacing above, the top or tops of the cups 15 held in the lower part 3. This platform or food support thus defines a partition 18 between a drinks region established or defined by the assembled unit within a carrying bag for food products and a food region located above the partition.

As will be seen from the following FIGS. 28 and 29, the adhering arrangement for the tab 11 differs from that of the previous embodiment, in that the flap 11 is adhered to the upper portion of the rear wall, i.e. the portion 20a defining the back wall of the upper box 4, while the tabs at the ends of the portions 17a defining the bottom wall 17 of upper box 4 are folded downwardly and secured to upper end regions of the rear wall 8 of the lower box 3. Thus these tabs or flaps 11, 11a cross over in end view, with the tab 11 of the top wall 6 of the bottom part 3 of the insert 1 being folded upwards and the tab or flap 11a for closing the upper open-ended box 4 to define the assembled insert 1 from the original blank 1a being turned downward. This arrangement, while favoured, is however optional and may be reversed, with the tab or tabs of each box being secured to the respective rear wall region of that box portion. It will be further noted that the rear walls of the respective lower and upper box portions, i.e. the drinks structure and the food partition supporting structure, are in effect sub-regions 8, 20a of a single continuous rear wall of the overall structure, in the configuration illustrated by way of example. In this embodiment also, the food support 18/again extends in planar continuation of the rear panel 8/20a of drinks holder portion 3 and in the opened out condition of the upper portion 4 of the insert structure 1 establishes a partition between the drinks compartment of the insert and an overlying food compartment. The partition is again disposed substantially horizontally in its position of use and is an integral part of the insert structure, requiring neither any separate insertion into to the bag nor any form of adherent association with any wall of the bag, such as might require any independent assembly operation. Unlike the second embodiment, no facility is provided for varying the selected vertical position of the partition 18, which is spaced at a predetermined distance above the top panel 6 of the lower box 3, this spacing being selected so as to enable a predetermined set of drinks containers sizes to be accommodated. In effect, the distance is selected to accept the largest container likely to require to be carried.

The fold lines 2a, 39a between the tabs 11, 11a and the respective walls or wall portions 6, 17/17a from which they depend are preferably defined by a series of cuts interspersed with solid wall portions, while the remaining fold lines are suitably defined by the application of pressure to the blank, without actual cutting through of the material at any point along the fold line. However, in each case alternative manners of effecting the fold lines may be applied as required.

The definition of the bottom wall of this upper box structure by limb portions 17a only enables the bottom wall 17 to engage over the upper ends of drinks cups held in the base box by virtue of the bottom wall consisting predominantly of an apertured area or region 24. The front wall 20 is also deeply scalloped or indented as indicated by reference 40 to allow the assembled blank 1a to be swivelled or pivoted from its flat disposition into its erected configuration over the tops of cups 15 held in the insert base 3, for minimised dimensions of the respective front 20 and bottom 17 walls. The open or cut-out region 24 may also be carried to a slight extent into the flap or tab 11a, as indicated in FIG. 27 by reference 41.

A further feature of the blank is a gripping location in the form of an elongate finger accommodating aperture 42, located midway along the fold line 38 between the top 18 and front 20 panels of the upper box 4 and equating to two U-shaped cut-outs in the respective walls, meeting along the openings of the Us.

The assembled structure is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, respectively without and with cups. The manner of use is illustrated in FIGS. 30 through 32 in side view and in FIGS. 33 through 36 in pictorial representation. In FIG. 30, the flat assembly or insert 1 prepared from the blank 1a by gluing the flaps in place has been slipped into a bag, the bag being also substantially flat in this condition. In FIG. 31, opening out of the insert has commenced, the lower open-ended box 3 having been partially pivoted into its erected configuration. This movement is easily effected by engaging the hand past the front edge of the upper box and pushing forward and downward on the lower box. During the opening-out movement, the lower box also opens out the base of the bag and substantially fills the base region of the bag. The opened-out lower box is braced in its erected position by virtue of this engagement against the walls of the bag. Pivoting in the desired direction is achieved by the fold lines being formed to exhibit bias in this required expansion direction, as is also the case for the upper box.

Following this step, the upper box structure 4 is then pivoted forward and down, to achieve the arrangement shown in FIG. 32. As previously explained, the generally horizontal partition in this opened-out configuration of the upper box structure is set at a spacing from the lower such as will enable the largest cup likely to require to be carried to be accommodated in the openings 15 while not coming into contact with the underside of the partition 18. Thus in this embodiment, the separation of food from drinks is further established, as also is the provision of significant thermal isolation of food from hot drinks, without necessarily requiring the application of any insulating layer to the partition 18. The open-ended box structure of the upper portion is again braced within the bag by engagement of the side edges 21, 21a of the top panel 18 and the side edges 22, 22a of the bas panel 17 against the respective juxtaposed walls of the bag within which the insert is placed. The erected insert is thus substantially inhibited from collapse. The erected blank is also stabilised by the placement of drinks containers within the lower box, prior to lowering the upper box over the tops of the cups. The lower box is in addition stabilised and supported in its opened-out configuration by the placement of cups into it, while it is then constrained against further movement when the upper box is opened out and folded down over the tops of the cups. The lower box interior 13 is substantially filled as seen in end view by the cups 15, which sit on the base or bottom panel 5 of the base portion 3 and are gripped around their periphery where they pass through the openings 14. The upper ends of the cups 15 are likewise received and accommodated in the cavity 23 within the assembled upper box 4 of the insert of the invention. The ability of the cavity 23 to accommodate cups 15 of different heights by virtue of the partition 18 being spaced sufficiently far above the upper panel 6 of the lower box or cup holder 3 is clearly apparent from FIG. 32, where a taller cup designated by reference 15b can readily be accommodated within the erected insert structure. The ability of the cavity 23 to accommodate cups 15 of different heights by virtue of the partition being spaced sufficiently far above the upper panel 6 of the lower box or cup holder 3 is clearly shown by FIG. 32, where the taller cup indicated by reference 15 can readily be received within the erected insert structure.

FIGS. 33 to 34 show the same steps in pictorial representation. In FIG. 33, the insert is in place in a bag and opening-out is about to commence. In FIG. 34, the bottom part of the unit has been fully opened and stabilised against the walls of the bag. Drinks containers are next placed in position in the apertures 14, FIG. 35, and the upper box structure can then be swung down to overlie the drinks which extend into the interior 23 of the upper part 4 of the assembly. The open bottom wall of the upper box, defined by side limbs only, and the deeply upwardly cut out front wall, allow the upper structure of pivot down over the cups without fouling the edges or caps of the cups. The assembly is then completed by placing a food item on top of the partition or top wall of the upper box. The assembled insert attains a stable and supported disposition at this stage, and is readily transportable by engagement of the handles of the bag.

Thus in the foregoing third embodiment, the insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption, comprises a collapsible open-ended box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition; the box structure being adapted to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in said fold-flat configuration, said configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert, and the insert further comprising a partition defined by the top panel of a second collapsible open-ended box structure which is displaceable between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container, the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible being located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container, the partition extending substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and being located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container, and a side panel of the second box structure being defined by an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure defining the beverage container receiving region.

Thus, the partition of the insert may be defined by the top panel of a second collapsible box structure which is displaceable between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section. This second box structure suitably overlies the box structure defining the beverage container accommodating region and the bottom panel of the second box structure includes an aperture adapted to overlie the top end of a beverage container received in the beverage container accommodating region, while side walls of the second box structure are dimensioned so that the top panel of the second box structure is spaced above the top end of a beverage container received in the beverage container accommodating region. The second box structure may again be open-ended. Preferably, a side panel of the second box structure is defined by an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure defining the beverage container receiving region. In a favoured construction of the invention, the second box structure may adapted to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert. Each box structure is preferably independently erectable from its fold-flat configuration into its erected configuration. The two box structures may however be defined by separate regions of a single blank.

FIG. 37 represents a variant of the foregoing embodiment, differing essentially only in its dimensions from that of FIGS. 27 through 36. The structure is taller and deeper, front to rear, as compared with that of FIGS. 27 through 36. It also lacks the optional curved corners at the ends of the fold line between the bottom and rear panels of the lower box structure.

FIG. 38 is a unit similar to the third embodiment, but adapted to accommodate only a single drinks container or cup. Otherwise, its construction and working are virtually unchanged from the versions already described.

FIG. 39 is a pictorial representation of a bag sized to accommodate two units in accordance with the third embodiment in a side-by-side orientation. The bag is necessarily dimensioned appropriately, and also suitably strengthened to accept the extra weight.

Finally, FIG. 40 shows a double-stack possibility, in which two units in accordance with the third embodiment are placed one over the other, so that four cups can be held and food items then placed on top of the uppermost unit. In this case, the partition of the lower unit, top panel 18 of upper box portion 4 of the power insert, does not define the lower boundary of a food-accommodating region, but rather serves to support the bottom 5 of the upper insert 1. Food items to be carried are then placed on top of the partition 18 defined by the top panel of the upper insert and the food compartment overlies both of the tiered or stacked inserts.

All of the structures described with reference to FIGS. 27 through 40 may also incorporate aspects of the invention as explained in connection with FIGS. 17 through 26, including for example, thermal separation between the drinks and food regions using suitable materials or layers.

The blank shown in FIG. 41 resembles that of FIG. 13 save only that the width of the partition panel 18 is increased as between the fold line 35 or lines 35a-d with respect to the rear panel or upper wall portion 20a. Along the front free edge of this partition panel there are then provided a further set of optional or individually selectable fold lines 44a-d. An appropriate one of these fold lines may be selected during assembly of the unit to adjust the front to rear dimension of the erected partition 18 to match the height at which the panel is folded about the selected rear fold line 35a-d, by folding down a suitably selected part region at the front edge of the panel 18.

This is shown in FIG. 42, where the panel 18 has been folded down about a selected fold line 35a at the rear and the front edge portion has then been folded about front optional fold line 44a, to define a downward flaplike portion 18b of panel 18 along the front edge, this identified as 18b. Shown in ghost or dotted outline, reference 18a, is the situation when partition 18 is folded about rear fold line 35d, in which case there is no necessity for the front edge of the partition 18 to be folded over at all, since the width or front to rear dimension of the panel 18 then matches that of the bag in which the insert is used.

FIG. 43 is a pictorial representation of the insert in the configuration of FIG. 42, in position within a bag and supporting a sandwich on the partition 18.

The blank of FIG. 44 is again similar to that of FIG. 13, but has in this case only a single rear fold line 35. This fold line is positioned at level corresponding to that at which the panel 18 should be folded over for a cup of maximum height received in the bottom box structure. To interact with cups of different height, two push-out flaps or tabs 45a, 45b are provided in the upper wall region 20a of wall 8. Each of these tabs 45a, 45b is joined to the main card or corrugated material of the insert by a fold line 46a, 46b at an edge nearest a side edge of the blank and has a rectangular configuration in which it extends in an elongate direction inwards towards the vertical centre line of the blank as it appears in FIG. 44. The long sides of each tab and the shorter edge closest to the centre line of the blank are separated from the main body of the material of the blank by cut lines 47a-c. Thus each tab 45a, 45b can be pushed out from the plane of the blank when required, and hinged or pivoted into a orientation in which it extends at an angle from the rear wall portion 20a.

This is done after the blank is erected, depending on the height of the cups to be accommodated in the insert. The partially erected blank is shown in FIG. 45, before pushing out of the flaps or tabs 45a, 45b. In FIG. 46, cups are in place and since these are of lesser height than that which matches the foldover level of the panel 18, the flaps 44a-b are pushed out of the plane of wall portion 20a and hinged inwards about fold lines 46a, 46b so that they overlie the tops of the cups 15, which are closed off by the cup covers 15a. Thus the flaps 45a, 45b provide supports for the partition 18 on top of the cups 15, in the case where the normal height of the folded-over top partition 18 would otherwise result in an inclined orientation of the partition 18, or an indeterminate space between the tops of the cups 15 and the underside of the top panel 18. These flaps 45a, 45b are thus pushed in when cups of a lesser size are used, so that they sit on top of the cup lids 15a. When the top shelf 18 is lowered, it then sits on the flaps 45a, 45b which establish sufficient support for the weight of food products carried on the partition.

FIG. 47 shows a further manner of use in which two cups of different heights are accommodated. In this case, the left-hand flap 45a, as seen in the drawing, is not deployed and not pushed out of the panel area 20a, so that the nearer end of the partition 18, as seen in the drawing, sits directly on top of the lid of the left hand cup 15t, which is taller than the right hand cup 15, while the flap 45b is pushed out of the rear wall, to overlie the cup 15 of lesser height, to the right in the drawing.

In the third variant of FIG. 48, the blank has two tabs or slips 48a-b, each located towards a side edge of the blank, and on the fold line 35, which is a single fold line in this variant. The slips are half cut out of the blank, remaining connected to the blank along respective fold lines 49a, 49b, one located in region 20a and the other in panel 18. In the longitudinal or axial direction of the blank, the slips are separated from the material of the blank by cut lines 50a, 50b. The fold lines 49a-b are provided with a fold bias such that when the partition 18 is folded down, the slips 48a, 48b fold out of the plane of the blank in the opposite direction. Thus in the partially erected and fully erected configurations shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the slips form reinforcements, which are box-shaped in end view, and define as it were small buttresses spaced apart along the length of the fold 35, on the inner or 90° angle defined when the panel 18 is folded over. Thus in the folded condition, these slips 48a, b fold in on themselves and create resistance along the top edge of wall 8/20a to assist the top panel, i.e. partition 18, to support the weight of a food product carried on it.

The invention also extends to a blank for an insert as defined hereinabove, comprising four panels, respectively top, bottom and two side walls interconnecting the top and bottom panels, and a further portion for linking end panels of the blank in an assembled condition to define a box structure having a rectangular cross-section in an erected condition. The further portion may be a flap extending from one end panel to be placed adjacent to the opposite end panel of the blank to establish said assembled condition, such as by adhesive action. Alternatively the further portion may comprise interengaging means, such as tabs, to be inserted through slits in the blank to establish said assembled condition. The blank may include an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and a foldable panel located at an upper end of the upward continuation for displacement between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to said upward continuation. A single planar panel may define one of the side walls of a first of two interconnected blanks and one of the side walls of a second of the two blanks. The or each box structure formed on erection of the blank may be open-ended.

Various possibilities exist for use of the invention. Inserts according to any aspect of the invention, prepared from blanks are described above, may be either stored in flat-folded form and inserted into likewise stored-flat carrier bags at the point and time of use for erection to accommodate drinks and receive food on the supporting partition. Alternatively, flat-folded inserts may inserted into flat-folded bags, to provide partially per-assembled units in which the inserts can be quickly erected for use to accommodate beverages and edible products. Inserts may if desired be adhered to a wall of the bag, although this does not represent a favoured manner of implementation of the invention.

The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

1. An insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption,

comprising:

a collapsible box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition.

2. An insert according to claim 1, wherein the box structure is open-ended and adapted to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert.

3. An insert according to claim 2, wherein the box structure cooperates in an erected condition with side walls of a substantially pliant receptacle, such as a bag, to stabilise at least a lower region of the receptacle in use.

4. An insert according to claim 1, wherein the top panel of the box structure includes an aperture substantially adapted to the cross-section of the beverage container, the periphery of the aperture being adapted to engage the periphery of the container in a releasably retentive manner.

5. An insert according to claim 1, further comprising:

a partition for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container,

wherein

i) the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible is located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container, and

ii) the partition extends substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and is located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container.

6. An insert according to claim 5, wherein the partition is defined by a foldable panel located at the upper end of an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and the foldable panel is displaceable between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to the upward continuation and is spaced above the top end of the beverage container in use of the insert.

7. An insert according to claim 5, wherein the partition is defined by the top panel of a second collapsible box structure which is displaceable between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section.

8. An insert according to claim 7, wherein the second box structure overlies the box structure defining the beverage container accommodating region and the bottom panel of the second box structure includes an aperture adapted to overlie the top end of a beverage container received in the beverage container accommodating region and side walls of the second box structure are dimensioned so that the top panel of the second box structure is spaced above the top end of a beverage container received in the beverage container accommodating region.

9. An insert according to claim 7, wherein the second box structure is open-ended.

10. An insert according to claim 8, wherein a side panel of the second box structure is defined by an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure defining the beverage container receiving region.

11. An insert according to claim 8, wherein the second box structure is adapted to lie substantially flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert.

12. An insert according to claim 8, wherein each box structure being independently erectable from its fold-flat configuration into its erected configuration and the box structures are defined by separate regions of a single blank.

13. An insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption,

comprising:

a collapsible open-ended box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition; the box structure being adapted to lie flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in the fold-flat configuration, this configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert;

and further comprising:

a partition which is defined by a foldable panel located at the upper end of an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and is displaceable between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to the upward continuation for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container,

wherein

i) the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible is located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container, and

ii) the partition extends substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and is located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container.

14. An insert for a non-rigid receptacle for safe accommodation and transport of comestibles, such as edible food products, between a point of supply for the comestibles and a location of consumption,

comprising:

a collapsible open-ended box structure for placement within the receptacle for displacement between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section and defines a region for accommodating a beaker-type beverage container, the structure being adapted to receive and hold the beverage container in a substantially upright disposition;

the box structure being adapted to lie flat in substantially contiguous juxtaposition to a side wall of the receptacle in said fold-flat configuration, said configuration representing a storage disposition of the insert;

and further comprising:

a partition defined by the top panel of a second collapsible open-ended box structure which is displaceable between a fold-flat configuration and an erected configuration in which it assumes a substantially rectangular cross-section for separating a region within the receptacle for accommodating a non-liquid comestible from the region for accommodating a beverage container,

wherein

i) the region for accommodating a non-liquid comestible is located in use above the region for accommodating the beverage container, and

ii) the partition extends substantially horizontally in a disposition of use and is located, in use, over the top end of the beverage container, and

iii) a side panel of the second box structure is defined by an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure defining the beverage container receiving region.

15. A blank for an insert according to claim 14, comprising four panels, respectively top, bottom and two side walls interconnecting the top and bottom panels, and a further portion for linking end panels of the blank in an assembled condition to define a box structure having a rectangular cross-section in an erected condition.

16. A blank according to claim 15, wherein said further portion is a flap extending from one end panel to be placed adjacent to the opposite end panel of the blank to establish said assembled condition, such as by adhesive action.

17. A blank according to claim 15, wherein said further portion comprises interengaging means, such as tabs, to be inserted through slits in the blank to establish said assembled condition.

18. A blank according to claim 15, comprising an upward continuation of a side wall of the box structure and a foldable panel located at an upper end of the upward continuation for displacement between a fold-flat disposition and a disposition in which it extends generally transverse to said upward continuation.

19. An unitary blank comprising two blanks according to claim 15, wherein a single planar panel defines one of the side walls of a first of said two blanks and one of the side walls of the second of said two blanks.

20. A blank according to claim 15, wherein the or each box structure formed on erection of the blank is open-ended.