HOLDER

Abstract

The invention provided in one aspect a holder suitable for holding at least one or more items which includes at least one support member for supporting at least one or more items. This holder also includes a body member which defines at least one side wall and at least one handle by which the holder may be supported by a user. This at least one handle is defined by two or more apertures formed in at least one side wall, where any side walls forming a single handle are not opposed to each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a holder. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a container holder for transporting disposable cups, containers or consumable articles.

BACKGROUND ART

In a variety of situations people may wish to carry a number of separate articles, or collections of articles located in a number of containers. Holders in general (and especially disposable cup holders) have been developed to assist in these situations and are in use throughout the world, especially in environments such as the fast food industry, and in large stadiums.

Cup holders have been produced in many disposable-formats, for example moulded as a single piece out of recycled paper, or folded from a blank.

Available cup holders typically comprise a base, with walls extending upward from the base and a circular receiving aperture or recess disposed in a horizontally aligned upper support member, into which a cup or cups are receivable.

These types of cup holders are normally supported from underneath, and require two hands to support and steady. If the cups that are being carried were bought together with additional matter such as boxes with hamburgers, or packets of fries, this configuration may not allow for the convenient carrying of such additional matter. Sometimes, this additional matter is inserted between the cups, but this may not always result in a satisfactory or comfortable configuration for carrying all the items together.

Further, such known configurations typically allow for two or four cups to be carried and supported. If more cups than this need to be carried, then the cups may need to be stacked on top of each other—sometimes in an unstable fashion.

An additional consideration that needs to be taken into account when cups in particular are being held is that the cups must remain substantially upright. Supporting cups in bags, or in several bags that are hanging next to each other, may result in cups being held at an angle, which could result in leakage from the cup (even with a cup cover in place).

It is also advantageous to have cup holders being foldable from a flat cardboard blank, as this means that the cup holders can be transported in bulk in folded down format, without them taking up much space during transport.

When cardboard cup holder blanks are produced, they are typically cut out from regularly shaped and sized cardboard sheets. If the cut cup holder blanks are irregularly shaped, this may result in wastage in that excess material from the cardboard sheets are thrown away or recycled.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

For the purposes of this specification, the term “plastic” shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

For the purposes of this specification, the term “cup” shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of containers in which especially, but not limited to, liquid beverages may be contained, and shall include, but not be limited to cups, mugs, bottles, pots and the like.

For the purposes of this specification, the term “vertically oriented handle” shall be construed to mean any formation that is holdable by a user's hand, so that longitudinal axis of the cylinder formed by a user's curved fingers is oriented in a direction substantially opposite to gravity.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a container holder which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a holder suitable for holding at least one or more items, said holder including:

at least one support member for supporting at least one or more items, and
a body member which defines at least one side wall, and
at least one handle by which the holder may be supported by a user, said at least one handle being defined by two or more apertures formed in at said least one side wall, where any side walls forming a single handle are not opposed to each other.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank, suitable for being folded into a holder suitable for operationally supporting items in an upright position during transport, said blank comprising a plurality of connected side portions defining the side walls of said holder, at least one or more of said side portions defining at least one support member portion that is extendable from the associated side portion to engage with at least one other side portion to support at least one item operationally between said side portions, and

at least one handle portion defined within one or more side portions, where any side portions forming a single handle are not opposed to each other when folded into a holder.

The present invention in its various aspects is arranged to hold and support one or more items, preferably when carried or transported by a user of the invention. Those skilled in the art will obviously appreciate that a very wide range of items may be held and supported in conjunction with the present invention. Reference in general throughout this specification will be made to the holder provided being used in conjunction with containers, and in particular embodiments cups or other forms of beverage containers. It should be appreciated that the holder provided by the invention may be used with items other than containers or beverage cups which are referenced to illustrate the capabilities of the holder provided. References made throughout this specification to the invention providing a “Container Holder” should in no way be seen as limiting, and should be construed broadly as references to a holder in general.

A holder provided in accordance with the invention includes at least one support member. Support members integrated within such holders can take a variety of forms or configurations depending on the application in which the invention is employed.

For example in one potential embodiment a support member may be formed by a substantially flat or planar sheet of material on which containers and other items may be rested and supported. In other embodiments a support member may be formed by a similar form of sheet material but which has had a number of preformed perforations or similar zones of weakness. These zones of weakness can allow a user of the invention to form one or more recesses or apertures in the support member when required to secure in place a container or other form of item on a particular area of the support member. In yet other embodiments a support member may be formed by a material which already has defined a number of these recesses or apertures.

In a variety of embodiments of the invention a support member or support members may be formed as integral parts of the other components of the holder. For example in one preferred embodiment a holder may be formed from a flat blank of material which is folded into the shape and form required. In such embodiments a support surface may be formed as part of this blank.

However in other embodiments a support member may be provided by a discrete or separate removable component which is otherwise engaged or associated with the remaining components of the holder when required. For example in one embodiment a variety of separate and removable or interchangeable support members may be provided in conjunction with a holder. A removable support member adapted to articles to be supported at a particular time may therefore be selected and engaged with the other components of the invention as required.

In a variety of embodiments a holder may be provided with or incorporate two or more support members. This collection of a number of support members may increase the carrying capacity of a holder in some instances, whereas in other cases may facilitate the support or carrying of a range of different forms of items or containers.

For example in one potential embodiment a holder may include a plurality of support members arrayed substantially parallel to each other between two or more side walls, where one or more of these support members have a detachable connection to at least one of said two or more side walls. This detachable connection may be provided to allow access to a further support member blocked off or covered by the neighbouring support member. For example in one case a pair of substantially horizontally orientated planar support members may be provided with one located on top of or covering the other between a set of enclosing sidewalls. The uppermost support member may therefore be provided with a detachable connection to one or more of the side walls, thereby allowing it to be entirely removed from the other components the holder, or alternatively pivoted out of the way to allow a user to access items supported by the lower support member.

In yet other embodiments a holder may be provided with support member is arranged in a variety of angles orientations with respect to one another as opposed to the parallel configuration discussed by way of example only above. Further implementations and particular physical configurations of the invention's support members are also discussed further below.

The present invention provides a holder which includes at least one handle which is to be employed by a user to support the holder—preferably when a support surface is used to support one or more items or containers. The form and arrangement of a handle provided in conjunction on the invention will vary depending on the particular application in which the invention is employed.

For example, in one embodiment a single handle may be formed by a collection of holes formed in one or more side walls of the holder, where a user may push their fingers and/or thumb through these holes to grasp the side wall or side walls.

In other embodiments a single handle may be formed by two apertures only made in one or more side wall, where a user pushes their fingers in through one of these apertures and curls then around and out through the remaining aperture.

In a further preferred embodiment a handle may be at least partially formed by a partial cut out section of side wall folded back towards the side wall. In this configuration the cut out section folded back on to the side wall add a contribution to the compression strength of the handle formed, and also provide a larger amount of material within the region grasped by user, improving their grip on the holder.

Additionally, the folded portion eliminates a cut edge on the handle in a region likely to be used by the user to provide significant grip. A cut edge in some material options such as paper or cardboard based products can leave a sharp edge that may injure the hand of a user.

The partial cut out section may fold back over the portion of the handle between the two apertures intended to form a single hand hold for the user. In this manner, the cut outs for the two apertures are arranged so that the cut line for the aperture extends around the portion of the aperture intended to extend around the outside of the hand of the user and is folded back to the interior of the hand of the user. This approach will fold the cut out section into the region grasped operationally by a user, leaving their hand clear of the cut formed in the side wall.

In a preferred embodiment the holder may include a plurality of handles. In a further preferred embodiment a handle may be provided for and be orientated substantially perpendicular to each support member provided for a holder.

According to a first aspect of the invention a holder includes at least one handle being defined by two or more apertures formed in at least one side wall, where any side walls forming a single handle are not opposed to each other. A holder provided in respect of this aspect of the invention may for example incorporate a handle formed by two apertures in a single common side wall, or alternatively a handle formed by two apertures in two different sidewalls. Where a single handle is formed by apertures in two different sidewalls these walls are not opposed to each other. In a number of embodiments handles formed by apertures in two different side walls may have their component apertures formed in adjacent sidewalls at the intersection or corner formed by the side walls.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a holder suitable for holding at least one or more items, said holder comprising: at least one support member for supporting at least one or more items, and a body member which defines at least one side wall, and at least one handle by which the holder may be supported by a user, said at least one handle including at least one locating structure arranged to engage the handle with a side wall of the body member.

Preferably said at least one handle includes a plurality of locating structures arranged to engage a single handle with a plurality of separate support members.

In this aspect of the invention a handle provided in conjunction with the holder formed need not necessarily be defined by apertures formed in a side wall or sidewalls of the holder. In this alternative configuration a handle may be provided which is preferably removably connected or connectable to a side wall of a body member. Preferably such a handle may also include a plurality of locating structures where a single locating structure and removable engages the handle with a single side wall. In such an embodiment the locating structures of a handle may be engaged with a number of separate body members used to define sidewalls, and to in turn allow the handle to support a number of support members.

In a preferred embodiment a locating structure may be formed by a projection capable extending through a slot or aperture formed in a side wall. This projection may lock the handle to the side wall by engaging with the interior surface of the side wall when slid upwards to the top of the slot formed in the side wall.

In a further aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a holder, suitable for holding at least one or more items, said holder comprising:

• • at least one support member for supporting at least one or more items, and
  • a substantially vertically oriented handle by which the holder may be supported by a user.

As indicated above, the terms “vertically oriented handle” or “vertically aligned handle” should be construed to mean any formation that is holdable by a user's hand, so that longitudinal axis of the cylinder formed by a user's curved fingers is oriented in a direction substantially opposite to gravity. Preferably, the support member is part of a body member. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any orientation of a handle can be considered to be vertical when the handle is aligned substantially perpendicular to a support member, with the support member used to support open topped containers without spilling their content.

Preferably, a handle is aligned substantially perpendicular to the support member.

Preferably, the items to be held by the invention may be containers and in particular embodiments the invention may be used in relation to cups for holding beverages.

Preferably, the vertically oriented handle is configured and adapted for a user to hold the handle with at least some of fingers extending in arcs, wherein the plane of said arcs are substantially horizontally aligned.

Preferably, the holder comprises at least one or more base members on which said container holder can be supported on a surface.

Preferably, the base members are also part of the body member.

Preferably, the body member comprises a plurality of base members.

Preferably, the body member comprises at least one or more base members on which said container holder can be supported on a substantially horizontal surface.

Preferably, the base member and the body member are integrally formed.

Alternately, the base member is removably connectable with said body member.

Preferably, the base members are configured to allow a plurality of holders to be located alongside each other, with their handles located adjacent each other.

Preferably, the base members are configured to allow a plurality of similar holders to be located alongside each other, with their handles located adjacent each other to allow a user to pick up both adjacent handles in a single hand.

Preferably, at base member is adapted and configured to be receivable into commonly found container holders, such as for example an automotive interior cup holder normally used to support a beverage container while a user is driving.

Preferably, when viewed in plan view operationally, the periphery of the body member extends substantially radially outwardly from said handle.

Preferably, when viewed in plan view operationally, the periphery of the body member extends substantially radially outwardly from said handle to allow a plurality of holders to be located adjacent each other with their respective handles located adjacent each other.

Preferably, the body member in plan view is shaped as one selected from:

• • a segment; and
  • a polygon

Preferably, the body member is shaped as a triangle in plan view.

Alternately, the body member is shaped as a square in plan view.

Preferably, the body member is shaped as a cube.

Preferably, the support member is substantially planar.

Preferably, the support member includes one selected from apertures and recesses in which containers may be received, to support them about their periphery operationally in a substantially upright position.

Preferably, the handle is aligned substantially at right angles or substantially perpendicular to the support member.

Preferably, the handle comprises a recess in which an umbrella handle is receivable.

Preferably, the handle is defined by the body member.

Preferably, the body member defines sides.

Preferably, the configurations of the sides correspond generally to the configuration of the base member(s).

Preferably, the sides are configured to allow a plurality of holders to be located alongside each other, with their handles located adjacent each other.

Preferably, the sides are configured to allow a plurality of similar holders to be located alongside each other, with their handles located adjacent each other to allow a user to pick up both adjacent handles in a single hand.

Preferably, the handle is cut from the sides of the body member.

Preferably, the handle is defined by cuts out of the body member.

Preferably, the handle comprises one or more substantially elongate members.

Preferably, the container holder comprises a plurality of handles.

Preferably, the handles are aligned orthogonally with respect to each other.

Preferably, each of the handles are associated with a planar support member.

Preferably, the support members have alternate or different configurations of said one or more selected from apertures and recesses. Preferably these different configurations are provided in order to be able to support one or more cups having variations in one or more selected from

• • numbers;
  • shapes; and
  • sizes.

Preferably, the sides of the body member, the handles and the cup support members resemble a cube in configuration.

Preferably, the container is moulded.

Alternatively, the container is folded from a blank.

Preferably, the blank is a flexible blank.

Preferably, the blank is composed of one or more selected from cardboard or plastic.

Preferably, the support member is a folded flap from a side of the body member.

Preferably, the support member is configured and adapted to support a plurality of beverage cups around their periphery.

Preferably, the holder is configured and adapted to be stackable and/or nestable, for convenient storage and/or distribution. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that nestable holders may in some instances have their upper or lower regions tapered slightly to allow a portion of the holder to fit inside another holder.

Preferably, the holder is nestable within a similar container holder.

Preferably, the holder comprises one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces on which a container is supportable operationally on at least two points when lying on its side.

Preferably, the holder comprises at least one or more sides, and said one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces are provided by one or more selected from an aperture and a recess in the sides.

Preferably, said one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces are configured for supporting a sealed elongate container on its side.

Preferably, the containers to be supported are bottles.

Preferably, the containers to be supported are soft drinks bottles.

Preferably, the container holder comprises a handle that extends substantially vertically.

Preferably, the holder comprises at least a pair of support walls.

Preferably, the support walls extend parallel to each other.

Alternately, the support walls extend at an angle to each other.

Preferably, the support walls meet each other.

Preferably, the holder comprises bottom members configured for extending across the bottom of the container holder.

Preferably, the bottom members comprise bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to one or more selected from each other and the sides to present a bottom face.

Preferably, the bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to one or more selected from each other and the sides to provide a crash bottom.

In an additional aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a holder suitable for holding at least one or more containers, said holder comprising

• • at least one or more support member(s) suitable for supporting at least one container operationally in a stable upright manner; and
  • at least one handle by which the holder can be supported by a user; and
  • wherein the holder generally defines a periphery configured and adapted to allow a plurality of similar holders to be disposed alongside each other with their handles adjacent to each other and located at or towards one side of said adjacent holders, to thereby allow a user to support said adjacent handles in one hand while maintaining said containers in an upright position.

Preferably, the holder generally defines a periphery when viewed in plan view configured and adapted to operationally allow a plurality of similar holders to be disposed alongside each other with their handles adjacent to each other and located at or towards one side of said adjacent holders, to thereby allow a user to support said adjacent handles in one hand.

Preferably, the holder comprises at least one or more body member(s) defining sides.

Preferably, the holder includes at least one or more base members configured for supporting said container holder on a surface.

Preferably, the general periphery of the holder is defined by one or more selected from:

• • the support member(s),
  • the body member(s), and
  • the base member(s).

Preferably, the sides extend substantially radially from the handle to allow a plurality of holders to be located adjacent each other with their respective handles located adjacent each other.

Preferably, the handle is configured to be held by itself or together with similar handles on adjacent holders by a user with one hand.

Preferably, the support member(s) are configured for supporting beverage cups.

Preferably, the support members include one or more selected from container receiving formations, for supporting said containers about their periphery.

Preferably, the container holder defines said sides around its periphery in plan view.

Preferably, the handle comprises one or more substantially elongate members.

Preferably, at least the said one or more elongate members of the handle are substantially vertically aligned operationally when said container receiving formations are aligned to hold said cups in an upright position.

Preferably, the said at least one or more vertically oriented elongate members of the handle are configured for a user to hold the handle with their opposed fingers extending in arcs, wherein the plane of said arcs are substantially horizontally aligned.

Preferably, the support member is part of a body member.

Preferably, the body member defines the radially extending sides.

Preferably, the container holder comprises at least one or more base members on which said container holder can be supported on a surface.

Preferably, the base members extend from the body member.

Preferably, the container holder comprises a plurality of base members.

Preferably, the container holder comprises at least one or more base members on which said container holder can be supported on a substantially horizontal surface.

Preferably, the base member(s) and the body member are integrally formed.

Alternately, the base member(s) are removably connectable with said body member.

Preferably, at least one the base member(s) is adapted and configured to be receivable into a container holder of a vehicle.

Preferably, the body member in plan view is shaped as one selected from:

• • a segment; and
  • a polygon.

Preferably, the base member(s) in plan view are generally configured to present a configuration shaped as one selected from:

• • a segment; and
  • a polygon.

Preferably, the body member is shaped as a triangle in plan view.

Alternately, the body member is shaped as a square in plan view.

Alternately, the body member is shaped as a hexagon in plan view.

Preferably, the body member is shaped as a cube.

Preferably, the support member is substantially planar.

Preferably, the support member includes one selected from apertures and recesses in which containers may be received, to support them about their periphery operationally in a substantially upright position.

Preferably, the handle comprises a recess in which an umbrella handle is receivable.

Preferably, the handle is defined by the body member.

Preferably, the handle is cut from the sides of the body member.

Preferably, the handle is defined by a cuts out of the body member.

Preferably, the handle comprises one or more substantially elongate members.

Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the handle is aligned substantially at right angles to the support member.

Preferably, the container holder comprises a plurality of handles.

Preferably, the container holder comprises three handles.

Preferably, the handles are aligned orthogonally with respect to each other.

Preferably, each of the handles are associated with a planar support member.

Preferably, at least two of the plurality of support members have different or alternate configurations of said one or more selected from apertures and recesses. Preferably these different configurations are provided in order to be able to support one or more cups having variations in one or more selected from

• • numbers;
  • shapes; and
  • sizes.

Preferably, the sides of the body member, the handles and the cup support members resemble a cube in configuration.

Preferably, the container holder is moulded.

Alternatively, the container holder is folded from a blank.

Preferably, the blank is a flexible blank.

Preferably, the blank is composed of one or more selected from cardboard or plastic.

Preferably, the support member is a folded flap from a side of the body member.

Preferably, the container holder is configured and adapted to be stackable and/or nestable, for convenient storage and/or distribution. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that nestable holders may in some instances have their upper or lower regions tapered slightly to allow a portion of the holder to fit inside another holder.

Preferably, the container holder is nestable within a similar container holder.

Preferably, the container holder comprises one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces on which a container is supportable operationally on at least two points when lying on its side.

Preferably, the container holder comprises at least one or more sides, and said one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces are provided by one or more selected from an aperture and a recess in the sides.

Preferably, said one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces are configured for supporting a sealed elongate container on its side.

Preferably, the containers to be supported are bottles.

Preferably, the containers to be supported are soft drinks bottles.

Preferably, the container holder comprises a handle that extends substantially vertically.

Preferably, the container holder comprises at least a pair of support walls.

Preferably, the support walls extend parallel to each other.

Alternately, the support walls extend at an angle to each other.

Preferably, the support walls meet each other.

Preferably, the container holder comprises bottom members configured for extending across the bottom of the container holder.

Preferably, the bottom members comprise bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to one or more selected from each other and the sides to present a bottom face.

Preferably, the bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to one or more selected from each other and the sides to provide a crash bottom.

In a number of embodiments of the invention the holder provided in may also be capable of exhibiting or being arranged in an expanded configuration. In such embodiments the holder may be provided with a generic or base configuration suitable for holding and supporting a particular number of items. Conversely, when arranged in an expanded configuration the extent, size or capacity of one or more of the holders support members may be increased to allow a greater number of items to be supported and held in conjunction with the invention. For, example in one embodiment an expanded Confederation may be provided for a holder by allowing the body member to be pulled outwards to form an additional side wall and potentially expanding the surface area of one or more associated support members.

According to another aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a blank, suitable for being folded into a container holder suitable for operationally supporting containers in an upright position during transport, said blank comprising:

• • a plurality of connected side portions defining the sides of said container holder, wherein
  • at least one or more of said side portions comprises defines at least one support member portion that is extendable from the associated side portion to engage with at least one other side portion to support a container operationally between said side portions.

According to another aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a blank, suitable for being folded into a container holder suitable for operationally supporting containers in an upright position during transport, said blank comprising:

• • a plurality of connected side portions defining the sides of said container holder, wherein
  • at least one support member portion that is extendable from an associated side portion to engage with at least one other side portion to support a container operationally between said side portions;
  • at least one handle portion, wherein the handle portion is configured and adapted extend substantially vertically in operation.

According to another aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a blank, suitable for being folded into a container holder suitable for operationally supporting containers in an upright position during transport, said blank comprising:

• • a plurality of connected side portions defining the sides of said container holder, wherein
  • at least one support member portion that is extendable from an associated side portion to engage with at least one other side portion to support a container operationally between said side portions;
  • at least one handle portion adapted and configured to be foldable to form a vertically aligned handle in operation;
  • wherein operationally, the blank is configured to be foldable to form a container holder that has sides extending substantially outwardly from said handle, to enable a plurality of holders to be located adjacent each other with their respective vertically aligned handles located adjacent each other.

Preferably, operationally, the blank is configured to be foldable to form a container holder that has sides extending substantially outwardly from said handle, to enable a plurality of holders to be located adjacent each other in a side by side configuration, with the respective handles located to a side of the holders to enable said handles to be held in a user's hand.

Preferably, the handle formed operationally by said handle portion is elongate.

Preferably, the support member portion is foldable from the area of a side portion.

Alternately, the support member portion extends from a side of a side portion.

Preferably, the blank comprises a plurality of support member portions.

Preferably, the support member portion is bendable from a position in alignment with said side portions, to extend perpendicularly from said side portions, for engagement with said one other side portion.

Preferably, the support member portion is engageable operationally with a plurality of other side portions.

Preferably, the support member portion comprises engaging formations that are engageable operationally with complementary engaging formations on said at least one other side portion.

Preferably, the support member portion is cut out of its associated side portion.

Alternately, the support member portion extends from a side of its associated side portion.

Preferably, the blank defines handle portions that are operationally engageable to form a handle for said container holder.

Preferably, the handle portions are located to either side of an engineered zone of weakness.

Preferably, the handle portions are cut from the side portions.

Preferably, the handle portions are at least partly cut from the side portions, for operationally being bent to form a handle.

Preferably, the handle portions defined by a perforated handle portion, and are configured to be engageable to move out of alignment with said side portion to form a handle.

Preferably, the engineered zone of weakness is between two side portions.

Preferably, the engineered zone of weakness is a perforation in said blank.

Preferably, the engineered zone of weakness is a crease in said blank.

Preferably, the handle portions are defined in at least one or more side portions.

Preferably, the handle portions are configured and adapted for engagement to form a substantially elongate handle operationally.

Preferably, the handle portions are configured and adapted for engagement to form a substantially vertically aligned handle operationally.

Preferably, the handle portions are configured and adapted for operational engagement to form a substantially vertically aligned handle, with the side portions forming sides of the container holder that extend substantially radially from said handle.

Preferably, the sides extend substantially radially from the handle to allow a plurality of holders to be located adjacent each other with their respective handles located adjacent each other.

Preferably, the sides of said container holder extend substantially from the handle to allow a plurality of holders to be located adjacent each other with their respective handles located adjacent each other thereby allow a plurality of handles to be held by a user in one hand.

Preferably, the at least one handle portion is configured so that operationally it forms a handle that is able to be held by itself or together with similar handles on adjacent holders by a user with one hand.

Preferably, the at least one support member portion generally defines a shape having a number of sides corresponding to the number of side portions.

Preferably, the support member portions are configured to be folded out to form a plurality of support members disposed at varying levels.

Preferably, at least one or more of said support member portions defines container receiving formations.

Preferably, the support member portions that operationally defines a support member at an uppermost level comprises container receiving formations.

Preferably, a plurality of side portions define container receiving formations that are alternately foldable to provide support for at least one or more containers at the topmost level.

Preferably, the plurality of side portions that define container receiving formations, define alternative configurations and/or sizes of container receiving formations on each side portion.

Preferably, the plurality of side portions define container receiving formations and/or other holders having one or more selected from varying sizes and varying configurations to accommodate variously sized and/or configured cups, bottles and other items.

Preferably, the container receiving formations are configured for supporting beverage cups.

Preferably, the container receiving formations are configured for supporting disposable beverage cups.

Preferably, the container receiving formations are configured for supporting containers about their periphery.

Preferably, the handle portions are configured to form a handle that is substantially vertically aligned when said container receiving formations are aligned to hold said cups in an upright position.

Preferably, the handle portions are configured to form a vertically oriented handle configured for a user to hold the handle with their opposed fingers extending in arcs, wherein the plane of said arcs are substantially horizontally aligned.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one base member portion on which said container holder can be supported on a surface operationally.

Preferably, the side portions function as base member portions.

Alternately, the base members extend from the body member.

Preferably, the container holder comprises a plurality of base member portions.

Preferably, the base member portions(s) and the side portions are integrally formed.

Preferably, the support member portions are shaped as one selected from:

• • a segment; and
  • a polygon

Preferably, the support member portion is shaped as a triangle.

Alternately, the support member portion is shaped as a square.

Alternately, the support member portion is shaped as a hexagon.

Preferably, blank is configured and adapted to be folded into a cube.

Preferably, the blank comprises a plurality of handles portions adapted and configured to be folded into a plurality of handles operationally.

Preferably, the blank comprises a plurality of handles portions adapted and configured to be folded into three handles operationally.

Preferably, the blank comprises a plurality of handle portions adapted and configured to be folded into three handles that are aligned orthogonally with respect to each other.

Preferably, each of the handle portions is associated with a support member portion.

Preferably, any of the side portions can also include container receiving formations.

Preferably, the support member portion is also functional as a side portion.

Preferably, each of the handle portions are associated with a side portion.

Preferably, at least two of the plurality of support member portions have alternate configurations of container receiving formations, for supporting one or more containers having variations in one or more selected from

• • numbers;
  • shapes; and
  • sizes.

Preferably, the blank is a flexible blank.

Preferably, the blank is composed of one or more selected from cardboard or plastic.

Preferably, the blank is shaped to be tessellated with similar blanks to reduce wastage when said blanks are cut form a regularly shaped sheet of raw material.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting edge portions that are foldable to provide a plurality of support edges for supporting a container.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting edge portions that are foldable to provide a plurality of support edges for a container configured for supporting a sealed container lying on its side.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting surface portions that are foldable to provide support edges for a container.

Preferably, the supporting edge portions and/or supporting surface portions are provided in sides or sidewall portions that are configured to be foldable into side of a container holder.

Preferably, the blank comprises bottom portions for forming a bottom of said container holder.

Preferably, the bottom portions are configured to interact with each other to engage with and secure to each other.

Preferably, the bottom portion comprises bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to each other.

Preferably, the bottom portions are configured to interact with each other to engage with and secure to each other as a crash bottom.

In a further aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a container holder suitable for carrying a container, said container holder comprising one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces on which a container is supportable operationally on at least two points when lying on its side.

Preferably, the container holder comprises at least one handle by which the container holder may be held by a user operationally.

Preferably, the container holder comprises at least one or more container supporting formations.

Preferably, the container holder comprises at least one or more sides, and said one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces are provided by one or more selected from an aperture and a recess in the sides.

Preferably, said one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and a pair of supporting surfaces are configured for supporting a sealed elongate container on its side.

Preferably, the containers to be supported are bottles.

Preferably, the containers to be supported are soft drinks bottles.

Preferably, the container holder comprises a handle that extends substantially vertically.

Preferably, the container holder comprises at least a pair of support walls.

Preferably, the support walls extend parallel to each other.

Alternately, the support walls extend at an angle to each other.

Preferably, the support walls meet each other.

Preferably, the container holder comprises bottom members configured for extending across the bottom of the container holder.

Preferably, the bottom members comprise bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to one or more selected from each other and the sides to present a bottom face.

Preferably, the bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to one or more selected from each other and the sides to provide a crash bottom.

According to another aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a blank, suitable for being folded into a holder suitable for operationally supporting containers during transport, said blank comprising:

• • a plurality of connected side portions defining the sides of said holder, wherein
  • one or more selected from a recess and an aperture associated with the side portions that is configured to receive at least part of a container therethrough, and to be provide at least two points of support for a container laying on its side operationally.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting edge portions that are foldable to provide a plurality of support edges for supporting a container.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting edge portions that are foldable to provide a plurality of support edges for a container configured for supporting a sealed container lying on its side.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting surface portions that are foldable to provide support edges for a container.

Preferably, the supporting edge portions and/or supporting surface portions are provided in sides or sidewall portions that are configured to be foldable into side of a container holder.

Preferably, the blank comprises bottom portions for forming a bottom of said container holder.

Preferably, the bottom portions are configured to interact with each other to engage with and secure to each other.

Preferably, the bottom portion comprises bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to each other.

Preferably, the bottom portions are configured to interact with each other to engage with and secure to each other as a crash bottom.

In a further aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a blank suitable for folding into a holder, said blank being configured to be folded into at least part of a holder described above. Preferably, the blank is composed of one or more selected from

• • cardboard sheet material; and
  • plastic sheet material.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting edge portions that are foldable to provide a plurality of support edges for supporting a container.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting edge portions that are foldable to provide a plurality of support edges for a container configured for supporting a sealed container lying on its side.

Preferably, the blank comprises at least one or more supporting surface portions that are foldable to provide support edges for a container.

Preferably, the supporting edge portions and/or supporting surface portions are provided in sides or sidewall portions that are configured to be foldable into side of a container holder.

Preferably, the blank comprises bottom portions for forming a bottom of said container holder.

Preferably, the bottom portions are configured to interact with each other to engage with and secure to each other.

Preferably, the bottom portion comprises bottom engaging formations for engaging with and securing to each other.

Preferably, the bottom portions are configured to interact with each other to engage with and secure to each other as a crash bottom.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1: shows a back perspective view of a first embodiment of a container holder whereby the support members, the sides and the base members together define a cube with a variety of handles, showing how one may be held by a user;

FIG. 2: shows a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the container holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: shows a blank for the second embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 4: shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 5: shows a blank for the third embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 6: shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 7: shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 8: shows a perspective view of a plurality of third embodiments of a container holder supporting a container;

FIG. 9: shows a top view of a plurality of third embodiments of a container holder;

FIG. 10: shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 11: shows one part of a blank of a fourth embodiment of a container holder,

FIG. 12: shows a top view of a support member for a fourth embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 13: shows a top view of a support member for a fifth embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 14: shows a front view of a stack of holders according to a fourth embodiment and a fifth embodiment stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 15: shows a side view of the embodiment of a container holder shown in FIG. 10, showing a user holding the container holder, as well as an umbrella handle;

FIG. 16: shows a line diagram of the embodiment of a container holder shown in FIG. 10, highlighting the base member's configuration;

FIG. 17: shows a rear perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a container holder, showing holders for containers in addition to cups;

FIG. 18: shows a front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 19: shows a top view of a seventh embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 20: shows a front view of a seventh embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 21: shows a side view of a seventh embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 22: shows a side view of a seventh embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 23: shows a rear view of a seventh embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 24: shows a bottom view of a seventh embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 25: shows a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 26: shows a blank for the seventh embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 27: shows a top view of a sixth embodiment of a container holder shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 28: shows a bottom view of a sixth embodiment of a container holder shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 29: shows a side view of a sixth embodiment of a container holder shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 30: shows a blank for the sixth embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 31: shows a top perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a container holder in operation;

FIG. 32: shows a side cutaway view of FIG. 31 showing an eighth embodiment of a container holder in operation, and illustrating placement of the items to be carried;

FIG. 33: shows a blank for the eighth embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 34: shows a bottom view of the eighth embodiment of a container holder;

FIG. 35: shows a perspective view of an embodiment implementing a further aspect of the invention where a removable handle is provided;

FIG. 36: shows a perspective view of the holder of the same embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 35 with a handle engaged with a body member of the holder provided;

FIGS. 37a, 37b, 37: show perspective, end and plan views of a holder provided in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d: show perspective, side and front view of a holder provided in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 39a, 39b, 39c: show perspective and side views of a holder provided in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, a holder according to a one aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000.

In one embodiment now described, there is provided a container holder 1000, suitable for holding at least one or more beverage containers 500. The container holder 1000 comprises a support member 110 for supporting beverage containers 500 in an upright position operationally, and a handle 200, by which the container holder 1000 may be supported by a user 600.

In one preferred embodiment, the planar support member 110 is part of a general body member 100. In other embodiments, the support member 110 need not necessarily part of the body member 100, but can be removably attachable to a body member 100 or attached (removably or permanently) to the handle 200. In one embodiment, the body member 100 defines sides 120 that provide support for the support member 110.

The container holder 1000 further includes one or more base members 300, on which the container holder 1000 may be supported on, for example, a horizontal surface (not shown).

The container holder 1000 generally defines a periphery (when viewed in plan view) that is configured and adapted to allow a plurality of similar container holders 1000 to be disposed alongside each other with their handles 200 vertically aligned and adjacent to each other (even possibly abutting each other) and located at or towards one side of said adjacent container holders 1000. In this configuration, the adjacently located container holders 1000 can be picked up and supported by a user 600 in one hand while maintaining the containers 500 being held in an upright position.

It is envisaged that the general periphery of the container holder 1000 could be defined by one or more selected from the support member 110, the body member 100 and/or it's side walls 120, and the base members 300, although this need not necessarily be the case.

The support member(s) 110 includes cup or container receiving formations 112 into which the respective bases of containers 500 (such as disposable cups for beverages such as coffee or soft drinks) may be received, and which containers 500 are then supported about their periphery 510 by the support member 110.

In one preferred embodiment, the vertically oriented handle 200 is elongate and extends substantially vertically, allowing a user 600 to hold the handle 200 with at least some of their fingers 630 extending in arcs (shown as arrows A in FIG. 1), wherein the plane of said arcs A are substantially horizontally aligned. The main reasoning behind the use of a substantially vertically oriented handle is to allow a user to support the container holder 1000 with their wrist in a strong position (i.e. with the medial side of their wrist being aligned substantially vertically, or the base of their thumb directed substantially upwardly). This position is particularly useful as it allows a user to carry relatively heavy loads stably and with a relatively high level of control—an aspect that will be explained below.

In a preferred embodiment, the base members 300 may extend from or be integrally formed with the body member 100, although it is also envisaged that the base members 300 can be removably attached to the body member 100. This feature offers the convenience to a user of being able to put the container holder 1000 down (for example on a car seat or stadium seat) while allowing for a certain amount of stability.

It is envisaged that in a most preferred embodiment, the base members 300 will be part of the body member 100 and there will be at least three base members 300 that can provide a stable base on which the container holder 1000 can be supported on a horizontal surface. The base members 300 define a general configuration that allows for adjacent container holders 1000 to be located next to each other, with their handles 200 adjacent each other.

In another embodiment, the base member 300 could be a hook-type formation (not shown) that allows the container holder 1000 to be hooked from a user's hand.

In some embodiment (shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 17 and 27-30), the sides 120 extend substantially radially outwardly from the handle 200, in plan view operationally (i.e. in its intended use for carrying cups full of beverage in an upright position).

This configuration allows for a plurality of container holders 1000 to be located adjacent each other with their respective handles located adjacent each other (as shown in FIG. 9). In this configuration, it is envisaged that a plurality of container holders 1000 can be picked up and transported by a user with one hand, with their hand extending around a plurality of handles 200 at the same time.

This method of transport of the container holders 1000 could allow for a single user to carry, for example (and depending on the specific configuration of the container holders 1000), up to three container holders 1000 at once in each hand. If each container holder 1000 comprises a support member 110 with container receiving formations 112 for receiving and supporting four containers 500, that means that 12 cups can be supported in each of the user's hands.

As shown in FIGS. 31-33, another embodiment of the container holder comprises a pair of supporting edges 124 in the sides 120 on which a sealed container such as a bottle 520 is supportable operationally on at least two points when lying on its side. It is envisaged that the same function can be provided by a pair of supporting surfaces (not shown). The pair of supporting edges 124 are provided by an aperture 126 in the sides 120. It is envisaged that the supporting edges 124 or surfaces can also be provided by recesses in the sides 120.

Such apertures can be provided in the sides 120 of the container holder facing in a plurality of directions, as shown in FIG. 32, so that bottles can be laid transversely across each other for more carrying capacity. In this way, an additional three or four bottles can be carried in a single user's hand.

In order to provide for additional structural integrity of the container holder 1000, it is envisaged that the container holder could include bottom members 700. These bottom members 700 would typically extend from the base member 300. The bottom members 700 extend across the bottom of the container holder 1000 to present a closed bottom face. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom members 700 comprise bottom engaging formations 710. The bottom engaging formations 710 can engage with and secure to complementarily shaped bottom engaging formations 710 to present a closed, or at least partially closed bottom face (for example as a “crash bottom” configuration as shown in FIG. 34). In another embodiment, it will be appreciated that the bottom engaging formations 710 can be configured to engage with and secure to the base members 300 and/or sides 120 and/or each other.

The advantages offered by this scalable configuration become more clear when viewed in the context of a the use of the container holders 1000 at a stadium or movie theatre, where single person may be designated by many friends to purchase drinks for all of them, or where a parent goes to purchase food and drinks for their large family while another parent stays with the children.

The scalability of the container holder 1000 (in that, for example, one or more container holders 1000 can be used where increasing number of cups are required to be carried), allows for single design container holder 1000 to be supplied, without providing a multitude of different sizes and configurations.

It is envisaged that container holders 1000 of many different shapes will support such scalability. As an example, a three sided body member (when viewed in plan view) is shown in FIG. 4, while a four sided example is shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. In fact any polygon or shape with adjacent sides having an included angle of less than about 75 degrees at one corner (viewed in plan view) with the handle located at that corner will allow for at least two similar container holders 1000 to be located side by side and be picked up in one hand. Other shapes supporting such scalability include segments of circles, or any other suitable shape.

Where, for example, the support member 110 is generally like a particular polygon, therein typically the container holder 100 will include a number of sides 120 that correspond to the number of sides of the polygon. However, this need not necessarily be the case.

In another embodiment, the base member(s) 300 can be removably attached to the body member 100 as an accessory to allow the container holder 1000 to be utilised in a convenient fashion as described below.

In one embodiment a single base member 300 can be configured and adapted, for example as a cylinder (not shown), to be securely receivable into complementary receiving formations such as round holes (not shown) in the body member 100.

The lower part of the cylinder is configured and dimensioned to be receivable into commonly found cup holder formations (not shown) such as those found in vehicles, or in movie theatres. In this way the base member 300 can be provided as an accessory to enable the container holder 1000 to be used to support a plurality of containers from a single cup holder. The benefits of this configuration become obvious when viewed in the context of a single person having to drive a vehicle when they are transporting more cups than the vehicle has cup holders, and do not want to be distracted by the task of holding the cups upright in their lap or on an adjacent vehicle seat. The structure of the container holder, in that will be designed to be strong enough to support cups from a corner, and that the cups extend to a single direction from the handle, means that the base member 300 can be adapted and configured to engage with the handle 200 or be located at or towards the handle 200, and the container member 1000 will likely already be suited to support cups in this configuration, or can be modified to do so.

While the handles 200 shown in the figures are elongate and oriented substantially vertically operationally, this need not necessarily be the case. Horizontally extending handles (not shown), or handles of other configurations could be provided, with the sides 120 of the container holder 1000 extending substantially radially from the handle, to allow a plurality of container holders to be disposed alongside and adjacent each other for simultaneous lifting with one hand. This may be accomplished by overlapping handles, hooking handles, nesting handles or the like.

However, these configurations do not immediately lend themselves to being picked up simultaneously with one hand. Also, the position of a user's wrist in picking up a substantially vertically oriented handle 200, while not having been confirmed experimentally, is expected to allow for the best combination of lifting strength, stability and control.

The present invention also allows for versatility, where multiple configurations and sizes of containers 500 are required to be transported (for example where different size cups are required to be carried, together with alternative containers for food or the like)

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body member forms a cube. Three of the cube sides acts as a support member 110 and includes cup receiving formations of varying configurations. The cube defines three handles. The handles are firmed along three of the edges of the cube, with the handles being aligned in three directions, each of which is orthogonal to the others. Each of the support members 110 or cube sides 120 is associated with one of the handles 200.

In this way, a user has the option of choosing between three different configurations of cup receiving formations or other receiving formations (for example for receiving things such as packets of fries or the like). The benefits of being able to scale what a single person can carry as described above still apply, but more alternate configurations are possible.

It is envisaged that the support members can have alternate configurations of apertures and/or recesses in order to be able to support one or more containers 500 (such as disposable cups) having variations in their numbers; shapes; and sizes.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-9, each of the sides comprises support members 110 that are foldable from the sides 120, to engage with opposed sides 120 via complementary engaging formations 111. The support members can be configured to be foldable out from different sides 120 at different levels, providing support members at varying levels (for example to support cups at a topmost level, and other items on a lower level) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6-8. Alternately, the support members 110 can be configured to pivot out at only one level, and have different configurations of cup receiving formations and/or other holder formations.

In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 10-30 the container holder 1000 comprises banner members 400 on which branding may be presented.

In another aspect, the container holder 1000, and in particular the body member 100 can be configured and adapted to be stackable, for convenient storage and/or distribution. A series of stacked container holders 1000 are shown in FIG. 14, showing a full size container holder 1000 (as shown in FIG. 12) being stacked on a pair of smaller (approximately half) size container holders (as shown in FIG. 13).

In yet another embodiment, it is envisaged that similar container holders 1000 can be nestable within each other. In such a format, the container holders 1000 can advantageously be fully made up and transported to their destination of use while reducing their overall transport volume relative to transporting individual container holders.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 15, the handle 200 comprises an umbrella handle recess 210 in which an umbrella handle 640 is receivable to be able to allow a user to conveniently hold an umbrella and a plurality of drinks in one hand. In one embodiment, the handle 200 and/or the umbrella handle recess 210 is defined by the body member 100.

It is further envisaged that the container holder 1000 can be (at least partly) integrally formed by a moulding process, such as injection moulding, blow moulding or casting, or even in process whereby recycled cardboard is formed.

In other preferred embodiments, the container holders 1000 are made from a blank 2000, such as a cardboard or plastic blank, as exemplified by FIGS. 3, 5, 26 and 30. The blanks 2000 will typically be cut from a planar sheet (not shown) of plastic or cardboard, and include cut areas and/or perforated areas and/or pressed areas as described below, that create shapes and/or engineered zones of weakness 2110 in the blank 2000, to enable the blank to be folded, to thereby construct a container holder 1000 as described above.

In yet another embodiment, it is envisaged that the container holder could be comprised of a plurality of blanks 2000 that together form a container holder 1000. It is envisaged that a single body member and/or handle (such as that provided by the blank shown in shown in FIG. 11) could be provided, that can be engaged and/or connected with two or more support members (as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) according to the user's requirements. However, this embodiment is not preferred due to the logistics of providing multiple components on site for being made up or constructed into a container holder 1000.

As illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 5, a preferred blank 2000 will typically comprise a plurality of connected side portions 2100 defining the sides 120 of said container holder 1000. The side portions 2100 preferably have engineered zone of weakness 2110, such as a pressed, creased or partially cut zone, extending between them, to allow the side portions 2100 to folded relative to each other. The side portions 2100 at an end of the blank 2000 include engaging formations 2120 for engagement with complementary engaging formations 2130 on side portions 2100 at an opposed end, to thereby form a closed loop or endless formation in one or two dimensions.

The blank 2000 also comprises at least one or more support member portions 2200 that are extendable from an associated side portion 2100 to engage with at least one other side portion 2100 to support a container 500 operationally between said side portions 2100. The support member portions 2200 include engaging formations 2220 that are engageable with complementary support member engaging formations 2140 on the side portions 2100.

Such container holders 1000 are advantageous in that they may be transported to the area in which they are to be used while they take up relatively little transport volume as flat sheets of cardboard or plastic.

It is also advantageous if the shapes formed by such blanks 2000 allow for relatively little wastage or leftover pieces from the planar sheet that they are cut from. It is especially advantageous if several blanks 2000 can be cut from a single planar sheet without wastage, or if the configuration of each blank 2000 allows several similar blanks 2000 to be tessellated with each other for increased efficiency of usage of cardboard raw materials.

The blank further defines at least one or more handle portions 2300. Typically, the handle portion 2300 will be defined by handle cuts 2320 and for handle perforations 2310 that allow handle portions 2300 in a blank 2000 to be engaged, and moved or bent or folded out of alignment with the sides 120 of the container holder 1000, to form a handle 200 as described above. Operationally, the blank 200 is configured to be foldable to form a container holder 1000 that has sides 120 extending substantially outwardly from the handle 200 formed by the handle portions 2300, to enable a plurality of container holders 100 to be located adjacent each other with their respective handles located adjacent each other to enable the handles to be picked up by a user's one hand. In a preferable embodiment, the handle portions 2300 are configured and adapted to form a substantially vertically aligned handle operationally.

For this reason the blank 2000 is configured to be foldable to form a container holder that has sides 120 extending substantially outwardly from said handle 200, to enable a plurality of container holders 1000 to be located adjacent each other in a side by side configuration, with the respective handles located to a side of the container holders 1000.

In the figures shown, the handles 200 will comprise a pair of planar elongate members 220 that make up a corner of the body member, with finger recesses or apertures folded from the handle cuts 2320 and/or handle perforations 2310, and the longitudinal axis 222 of the handle extending substantially vertically.

Similarly, in embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the blank 2000 comprises support member portions 2200 that fold out as flaps from the area inside of the side portions 2100 to define support members 110. The support member portions 2200 is defined by support member cuts 2210 and support member perforations 2220. The support member portions 2200 are engageable by a user to fold about engineered zones of weakness, such as a crease, pressing, or cut, to extend from the sides 120, to engage with opposed side members 120 to form support members 110 of a container holder 1000. As discussed above, each support member portion could include and/or define a variety of different configurations of cup holding formations and other holding formations. Further, in one embodiment shown in FIGS. 26 and 30, the support member portions 2200 could be configured to fold out from the side portions so that they define support member 110 at varying levels on the container holder 1000.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26 and 30, the support member portions 2200 extend from a side of a side portion 2100, with a zone of engineered weakness between them, to allow the support member portion 2200 to be folded at an angle to the side member portion 2100.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the blank 2000 can include one or more base member portions 2400 that extend from the side portions 2100, support member portions 2200 or handle portions 2300 to define one or more base members 300 as described above, on which the formed container holder may be supported operationally. In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the sides 120 can function as base members 300, and accordingly the side portions 2100 can function as base member portions 2400. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 33, the base member portions 2400 include bottom member portions 2410 that can at least partially close the bottom of the container holder 1000, or present a bottom face. In FIGS. 31-32, the bottom member portions 2410 become bottom members 700 of the container holder 1000.

The bottom member portion 2410 of the blank 2000 can comprise bottom engaging formations 2420 that are configured to engage with and secure to each other when the blank is folded operationally into a container holder 1000 to present an at least partially closed bottom surface. Such surfaces are typically known as “crash bottoms” in the packaging industry.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the blank 2000 comprises a pair of apertures 2160 disposed in the side portions 2100 that define a plurality of supporting edge portions 2150. The supporting edge portions can be associated with or replaced by a set of supporting surface portions 2155 as shown in FIG. 33. The supporting edge portion 2150 are for supporting a container such as a bottle 520 on when the blank 2000 is folded into a container holder 1000 operationally (as shown in FIG. 32). The supporting edge portions 2150 are for supporting one or more containers, such as a sealed soft drink bottle 520, on their side operationally as described above. The bottles 520 may be stacked in a transverse fashion as shown.

It is envisaged that in use, a blank 2000 will be made available at an outlet selling items including containers, such as disposable cups full of beverages at a stadium or sporting event, or at a fast food outlet. The blank can be conveniently transported to the outlet in its form as a flat blank 2000.

The blank 2000 can then be folded out into a container holder 1000 as described above by the staff of said outlet for sale or as a complimentary accessory with beverages sold to purchasers, or by a purchaser of beverages once they have made a decision as to the number and size of beverages to be purchased, and know what configuration of cup receiving formations would be most convenient for receiving and support the cups so purchased.

The cups can then be inserted into the most suitable configuration of cup receiving formations in one or more container holders 1000. The container holders 1000 can be placed side by side, with their handles 200 located adjacent each other, and picked up by a user in one hand, leaving their other hand free for other duties. Further, the blank 2000 can include banner portions 2500 (as shown in FIG. 11) that are folded to present a banner 400 on which branding may be presented.

As shown in the figures, a multitude of varieties of shapes and configurations of container holders 1000 and blanks 2000 therefor are possible, that offer the benefits and advantages described above.

FIGS. 35 and 36 show the arrangement and configuration of a further embodiment implementing an additional aspect of the invention to those discussed above. In the implementation of the invention shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 the holder 1000 is provided with a handle 200 which can be removably connected to a side wall 120 formed in the body member 100.

In the implementation of the invention shown one of the side walls 120 includes an aperture formed by a slot 900. The handle 200 includes an array of locating structures, formed in the embodiment shown by upwardly directed projections 800. These projections 800 have a form which allows them to be slid laterally through the side wall slot 900, with the handle 200 being connected to the side wall 120 by engaging with the interior surface of the side wall when a projection 800 is slid upwards to the top of the slot 900.

FIG. 35 shows the handle 200 prior to connection to the body member 100, while FIG. 36 shows the handle 200 connected to the body member 100.

FIGS. 37a, 37b, 37: show perspective, end and plan views of a holder provided in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in these figures the holder 1000 includes an integral support member 110a, formed by the bottom supporting surface of the holder shown. The holder also includes a removal support member, formed from a separate independent insert component 110b.

As can be seen from these figures the integral support member bottom 110a allows a wide variety of different forms of items to be supported by the holder. The addition of the independent removable support member 110b allows the holder to be customised depending on the current load of items to be supported. In the embodiment shown the independent removable support component 110b defines a set of four cup receptacles.

In the embodiment shown the holder 1000 also includes a single handle 200 formed by partial cut out sections of two side walls folded back in towards each side wall. These partial cut out sections improve the strength of the resulting handle 200 and improve the user's ability to grip the handle 200

FIGS. 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d show perspective, side and front views of a holder provided in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in these figures the holder 1000 is again provided with an integral support member 110a, formed by the bottom supporting surface of the holder. A single handle 200 is provided through a pair of partial cut out sections formed in a single rear side wall 120 of the handles body member 100. The side view provided by FIG. 38b also shows how a user 600 may grasp this form of handle 200.

The side view provided by FIG. 38c illustrates how the body member provided in this embodiment has a tapering form, with a wider upper top section than its bottom section. This tapering form allows a collection of holders to be nested together in the stack shown for ease of storage and transportation.

FIGS. 39a, 39b, 39c show perspective and side views of a holder provided in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown the holder 1000 incorporates a similar set of features to the embodiments illustrated in respect of FIGS. 37 and 38.

Again the holder 1000 includes an integral support member 110a, formed by the bottom supporting surface of the holder. The holder also includes a removal support member, formed from a separate independent insert component 110b. In the embodiment shown this removable support member is provided by a cup holder component with a length substantially equal to the depth of the interior space form between the holder side walls 120.

FIG. 39c also illustrates how a user 600 may grasp and use the handle 200 formed in the single rear side wall 120 of the holder 1000.

FIG. 39b shows how the body member 100 also provides two opposed collapsible side walls 120. The side walls are each formed with two angled zones of weakness provided by creases which allow the body member 100 to be folded flat.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

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

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Claims

1. A holder suitable for holding at least one or more items, said holder comprising:

at least one support member for supporting at least one or more items, and

a body member which defines at least one side wall, and

at least one handle forming one or more substantially elongate members by which the holder may be supported by a user, said at least one handle being defined by two or more apertures formed in said at least one side wall, where any side walls forming a single handle are not opposed to each other.

2. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the side walls are configured to allow a plurality of holders to be located alongside each other, with their handles located adjacent each other.

3. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the side walls extend substantially radially from the handle to allow a plurality of holders to be located adjacent each other with their respective handles located adjacent each other.

4. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein a handle is configured for a user to hold the handle with at least some of fingers extending in arcs, wherein the plane of said arcs are substantially horizontally aligned.

5. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle is aligned substantially perpendicular to the support member.

6. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holder includes a plurality of handles.

7. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of a handle is formed by a partial cut out section of side wall folded back towards the side wall.

8. A holder as claimed in claim 1 which includes a removable support member.

9. A holder as claimed in claim 1 which includes a plurality of support members orientated substantially parallel to each other between two or more side walls, one of said support members having a detachable connection to at least one of said two or more side walls.

10. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one handle is substantially vertically aligned operationally when a support member is aligned to hold items in an upright position.

11. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support member includes one selected from apertures and recesses in which items may be received to support items about their periphery operationally in a substantially upright position.

12. A holder as claimed in claim 11 which includes at least two support members which have different configurations of said one or more selected from apertures and recesses.

13. A holder as claimed in claim 1 which includes one or more selected from a pair of supporting edges and/or a pair of supporting surfaces on which an item is supportable operationally on at least two points when lying on its side.

14. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holder includes at least one or more base members configured for supporting said holder on a surface.

15. A holder as claimed in claim 14 wherein a base member is adapted and configured to be receivable into an automotive interior cup holder.

16. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holder is configured and adapted to be stackable and/or nestable.

17. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holder is folded from a blank.

18. A blank, suitable for being folded into a holder suitable for operationally supporting items in an upright position during transport, said blank including a plurality of connected side portions defining the sides of said holder, at least one or more of said side portions defining at least one support member portion that is extendable from the associated side portion to engage with at least one other side portion to support at least one item operationally between said side portions, at least one handle portion defined within one or more side portions, where any side portions forming a single handle are not opposed to each other when folded into a holder, said handle forming one or more substantially elongate members.

19. A blank as claimed in claim 18 wherein at least one handle portion is configured so that operationally it forms a handle that is able to be held by itself or together with similar handles on adjacent holders by a user with one hand.

20. A blank suitable for folding into a holder, said blank being configured to be folded into at least part of a holder as claimed in claim 18.

21. A blank as claimed in claim 18 wherein the blank is composed of one or more selected from cardboard sheet material and plastic sheet material.