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Title:
A CARRIER AND ITS METHOD OF PRODUCTION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2005/087607
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A carrier comprising: a base, a receiving portion spaced apart from the base, and comprising an apex, the carrier having a length, a width, a cross sectional shape, and an axis of symmetry extending along the length of the carrier, the apex extending along the axis of symmetry, the receiving portion being positioned symmetrically about the axis of symmetry and wherein, in use, the width of the carrier increases from the apex to the base, and the cross sectional shape of the carrier is substantially fixed.

Inventors:
ROKOV DAVID (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2005/000954
Publication Date:
September 22, 2005
Filing Date:
March 11, 2005
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ROKOV DAVID (GB)
International Classes:
A47G23/06; B65D71/60; (IPC1-7): B65D71/00; A47G23/06
Foreign References:
US1563443A1925-12-01
GB825971A1959-12-23
US5071007A1991-12-10
Other References:
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1998, no. 10 31 August 1998 (1998-08-31)
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Johnstone, Helen (Park View House 58 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DD, GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS
1. A carrier comprising: a base; a receiving portion spaced apart from the base, and comprising an apex, the carrier having a length, a width, a cross sectional shape, and an axis of symmetry extending along the length of the carrier, the apex extending along the axis of symmetry, the receiving portion being positioned symmetrically about the axis of symmetry and wherein, in use, the width of the carrier increases from the apex to the base, and the cross sectional shape of the carrier is substantially fixed.
2. A carrier according to Claim 1 comprising a cup holder, wherein the receiving portion is a cup receiving portion.
3. A carrier according to Claim 1 wherein the receiving portion is a food receiving portion.
4. A carrier according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a sheet of material, the sheet comprising a line of weakness along which, in use, the sheet is folded, the line of weakness extending substantially along the axis of symmetry of the holder, the sheet further comprising first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral edges, the longitudinal edges forming the base of the holder, and the lateral edges defining the cross sectional shape of the holder.
5. A carrier according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the cross sectional shape of the holder is substantially triangular.
6. A carrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving portion comprises an aperture formed substantially symmetrically about the axis of symmetry, the aperture defining an opening which receives a cup.
7. A carrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving portion comprises a plurality of apertures, each of which is formed substantially symmetrically about the axis of symmetry, and each of which defines an opening which receives a cup.
8. A carrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving portion comprises a plurality of apertures forming a pattern of apertures in the carrier, the pattern of apertures being symmetrical about the axis of symmetry, each aperture defining an opening which receives a cup.
9. A carrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each aperture is generally elliptical, and the principal axis of the or each ellipse is substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.
10. A carrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the length of the holder increases from the apex to the base.
11. A carrier according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising fixing means for ensuring that the cross sectional shape of the holder is substantially fixed.
12. ■ A carrier according to Claim 5 wherein the fixing means comprises a flap or tab arranged to insert into a slot.
13. A method for forming a carrier having a length, a width a cross sectional shape, a base, an apex and a receiving portion, comprising the steps of: (a) shaping the holder to have an axis of symmetry extending along the length of the holder substantially along the apex of the carrier; (b) forming the receiving portion such that it is positioned symmetrically about the axis of symmetry of the carrier; (c) forming the carrier such that the cross sectional shape of the carrier is substantially fixed; (d) forming the carrier such that the width of the holder increases from the apex to the base.
14. A method according to Claim 11 wherein: step a) comprises forming the carrier from a sheet of material having a ■length and a widthj first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral edges, and forming a line of weakness along the length of the sheet, the line of weakness extending substantially along the axis of symmetry of the carrier, the line of weakness being suitable to define a fold; step b) comprises removing at least one portion of the sheet, substantially symmetric about the axis of symmetry, so that when folded, the or each removed portion defines an aperture for receiving a cup; and step c) comprises providing a means to permit edges of the sheet to be folded, in use, so as to maintain the edges of the carrier in a substantially fixed position with respect to one another.
15. A method according to Claim 12 comprising the further step of printing the sheet.
16. A carrier substantially as herein before described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A method substantially as herein before described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Description:
A CARRIER AND ITS METHOD OF PRODUCTION

The present invention relates to a carrier particularly, but not exclusively, to a carrier for carrying cups, and/or other food items, and to its method of production.

Fast food and gourmet coffee outlets have increased at a phenomenal rate over the last ten years or so. It is expected that this trend is set to continue worldwide. It is now routine for many shop and office workers to purchase cups of coffee at bars or kiosks and carry away the cups of coffee, for example to drink them en route, at an office or whilst waiting for a bus or train.

An associated risk with this is that the cups of coffee may be spilt, and as the contents of the cups is so hot, this could give rise to scalding injuries.

There has therefore, developed a need for more efficient cup carriers to trays to allow safe transportation of both hot and cold beverages.

There are many designs of cup carrying systems and these broadly fit into two categories: those with handles, hereinafter referred to as 'carrier based', and those without handles. The latter generally include a tray and are often referred to as 'tray-based'. However, existing cup carriers in each category suffer from a number of drawbacks. Some of these are described below.

Tray based cup carriers generally require the use of less material than carrier based carriers. These are divided into two broad categories: moulded trays and cardboard trays. One popular type of tray-based carrier is disclosed in US patent US 6,398,056 (Huhtamaki Technology). A moulded pulp tray with four sockets is described, each sockets is arranged to receive a cup. The cup carrier is both cheap to manufacture and is stackable. However, the product is not aesthetically pleasing and in addition cannot readily carry printed material. The latter point is becoming increasingly important as items such as cup carriers are seen as important modes of addressing consumers, particularly with regard to the use of the product as an advertising medium. Another problem is that some cup carriers are relatively bulky in nature, even when stored.

The product is both strong and lightweight and the structure of the sockets accepts cups of different sizes, as the material is deformable to receive the cups so as to hold the base of the cups firmly in place. The base of the tray is generally square and has moulded sockets at each corner. This effectively means that all ends, sides and corners of the tray have rounded edges.

Thus, when weighted at one side, it only requires a small amount of external force to topple the tray. This problem is exaggerated further by the tray's rigidity (which means it does not flex) and by its iightweight nature (which means that it has no inherent weight to counter balance the toppling effect). When all four sockets carry a cup this problem does not exist. However the tray is not generally used in this manner.

Although two-cup versions do exist, the vast majority of fast food and gourmet coffee establishments only stock the four-cup variety. This is because firstly, there is not a great price differential between the two versions and secondly, because it is easier to store and use one variety of cup carrier than two.

A cup carrier disclosed in US 6,076,876 (Chinet Company Technology) attempts to overcome some of the problems associated with the aforementioned pulp cup carrier tray, by providing a moulded tray with stabilising arms attached to the centre of each of the relatively longer sides. However, this design assumes that any external force to topple the tray acts along the line of the supports. In transportation, especially in a car, this will not necessarily be the case. The action of forces created under braking, acceleration and cornering, on the weight of the fluid in the cup, means that toppling of the tray can still occur.

The problem of toppling or instability when only partly filled also extends to the second variety of cup tray carrier, the cardboard tray, for example, as disclosed in US patent US 3,722,781 and US 4,156,484. Although the trays are box like in construction, and benefit from straight, rather than rounded edges, they suffer from a lack of rigid strength (as possessed by the moulded tray). These cardboard trays also suffer from the problem that cups need to be secured at, or close to their bases.

However, there are two main reasons why cardboard trays are used. Firstly, because they are usually provided with an internal area to carry foodstuffs; and secondly, because of the ability of the cardboard to accept high quality print - thus enabling the trays to be used as an advertising medium rather than solely as a cup carrying system.

These stability problems exist in a number of other cup carrying systems and in addition affect the second category of carriers that have handle extensions.

A design as disclosed in US patent 5,927,502 shows a cup carrying system with a handle where the cups are suspended in transportation. This works well in actual transportation but has a potentially serious inherent flaw in its construction, as it assumes all the' cups carried are the same size. This is not usually the case and as such, when different sized cups are carried some will protrude from the bottom of the device by different amounts. Thus when the device is placed on a flat surface, there is a risk of it toppling.

This problem has been addressed in US patent US 3,780,906 and US 6,443,308 whereby the cup carrier is furnished with an enclosed area and a base into which cups of different heights can be safely placed.

However, even these carrying systems suffer from drawbacks. Firstly, they use a considerable amount of material and are therefore expensive to manufacture (always remembering that these devices are generally only used once and are then thrown away); and secondly, they suffer from the effects of having cup containing apertures or sockets at or around the periphery of the carrier. The latter problem means that if all the apertures and sockets are not filled, the carrier suffers from a lack of stability. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a carrier comprising: a base; a receiving portion spaced apart from the base, and comprising an apex, the carrier having a length, a width, a cross sectional shape, and an axis of symmetry extending along the length of the carrier, the apex extending along the axis of symmetry, the receiving portion being positioned symmetrically about the axis of symmetry and wherein, in use, the width of the carrier increases from the apex to the base, and the cross sectional shape of the carrier is substantially fixed.

The term "base" is used herein to define a portion of the carrier that, in use, is located at a lower portion of the carrier. The base may be open, allowing access to the interior of the carrier, or closed.

By means of the present invention, cups containing for example coffee, are held by the carrier at a point closer to their centre of gravity, and not towards their base. In addition, the base of the carrier according to the invention extends beyond any cups holding the carrier. The resultant carrier is stable.

Preferably the carrier is a carrier for carrying cups, although it could also be a carrier for carrying other items such as other food items.

Alternatively, or hi addition, the carrier is adapted to carry both cups and food items.

Preferably the receiving portion is a cup receiving portion, although the carrier may alternatively, or in addition, comprise a receiving portion adapted to receive other items such as food items.

The carrier may be moulded from any suitable material such as paper pulp or corrugated cardboard.

Such a carrier may also be formed from a plastics material. The plasties materials may be a biodegradable plasties material.

The carrier according to this embodiment of the invention may be formed using vacuum forming, machining, compressing, or other suitable manufacturing processes. The resultant carrier will be rigid and stackable.

Advantageously, the carrier comprises a sheet of material, the sheet comprising a line of weakness along which, in use, the sheet is folded, the line of weakness extending substantially along the axis of symmetry of the holder, the sheet further comprising first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral edges, the longitudinal edges forming the base of the holder, and the lateral edges defining the cross sectional shape of the holder.

The longitudinal edges may define an open base.

In some embodiments of the invention, the carrier may further comprise side walls. The side walls serve to maintain the shape of the carrier, in use. The side walls may be formed with fold lines extending longitudinally substantially through the centre of each wall allowing the end walls to fold flat.

When the carrier is formed from a sheet of material it may be readily transported flat, and is quick and simple to deploy and use, for example at the sales desk of a fast food outlet or coffee bar.

Preferably the sheet of material comprises a sheet of card, synthetic or biodegradable plastics material or board. It is thus possible to print advertising material, instructions, logos, text or images onto the carrier.

Advantageously, the cross-sectional shape of the holder is substantially triangular. This provides for a stable carrier, since the base of the carrier is wider than the apex. The triangular cross-sectional shape extends the base of the carrier and allows cups to effectively "sit" in a much wider area. The fact that the, or each, aperture is formed in the centre of the cup carrier ensures that cups are kept away from the peripheral region of the carrier. This means that the carrier is more stable than the aforementioned cup carriers and trays.

Ideally the triangle is an equilateral or isosceles triangle.

Preferably, the receiving portion comprises an aperture formed substantially symmetrically about the axis of symmetry, the aperture defining an opening which receives a cup.

Alternatively, the receiving portion comprises a plurality of apertures, each of which is formed substantially symmetrically about the axis of symmetry, and each of which defines an opening which receives a cup.

Conveniently, the receiving portion comprises a plurality of apertures forming a pattern of apertures in the carrier, the pattern of apertures being symmetrical about the axis of symmetry, each aperture defining an opening which receives a cup.

Preferably the, or each, aperture is generally elliptical and the principal axis of the or each ellipse is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and the two lateral edges of the sheet.

Although the apertures are described above as elliptical apertures, an alternative shape of aperture may be a double cardioid or a double truncated lemniscate, as shown for example, in Figure 16. In an embodiment of the invention where the apertures are formed around the axis of symmetry, this shape is preferred. This is because when the holder is formed from a sheet of material, and the or each aperture is formed about the line of weakness of the sheet, one or more circular apertures are defined. The reason for this is that the apertures are defined as ellipses or circles only when the sheet is folded. In a particularly preferred embodiment the axis of symmetry is arranged to bisect the, or each, portion of the sheet that is removed to define the or each aperture. In an embodiment where there is a single aperture, the carrier is arranged to carry only one cup; where two apertures are bisected, then a two-cup carrier is produced.

In an alternative embodiment apertures may be disposed, substantially symmetrically about the axis of symmetry. In such an alternative embodiment, by forming two apertures symmetrically and either side of the axis of symmetry, a four-cup carrier is achieved.

A still further embodiment uses both principles as outlined above and could be used to form an alternative four cup carrier. In such an alternative embodiment two apertures are formed bisecting the axis of symmetry and two additional apertures are formed between the aforementioned apertures, either side of the axis of symmetry, in a symmetrical configuration.

The, or each, aperture is capable of receiving a variety of cup sizes, because as cups are generally tapered the cup will pass into the aperture to a position at which it jams. The aperture is therefore carefully dimensioned to accept a variety of cup sizes. Where smaller, larger or bespoke cup sizes are required, apertures may be fashioned to accommodate this. Alternatively said apertures could be formed with additional material, in the form of flaps, which would allow a further increased variety of cup sizes and shapes to be transported. Once in this position in the cup, irrespective of its size, will generally be held in close proximity to its centre of gravity. This creates a stable method of transportation that ensures that even when the carrier is partly filled it remains substantially stable.

The length of the carrier may increase from the apex to the base. Alternatively, however, the length of the carrier will remain substantially constant from the apex to the base. Preferably, the carrier further comprises fixing means for ensuring that the cross- sectional shape of the carrier is substantially fixed.

The fixing means may comprise a flap or tab arranged to engage in a slot.

Alternatively the fixing means comprises means at the first lateral edge of the sheet of material, which means inter-engages with another means at a second lateral edge.

In a yet further configuration the two lateral edges of the sheet of material are fixedly joined together. The term fixedly joining includes: gluing, stapling, bonding and laminating, so that edges remain fixed. In this configuration three further folds, hereinafter referred to as storage folds, are ideally provided so as to facilitate storage and shipping of the carrier. A strip of VELCRO (Trade Mark) or like material can be disposed along opposite surfaces of the edges so as to permit the cup carrier to be used.

Alternatively the fixing means may be defined by a container, such as a rigid tray, carrier bag or box, the container being engageable with the base of the carrier such that the carrier remains in a substantially fixed shape.

The apex of the carrier may be substantially flat such that the cross-sectional shape of the carrier is substantially a truncated triangle. In such an embodiment, the one or more apertures are preferably substantially circular shaped, and the axis of symmetry substantially bisects the apex.

According to second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for forming a carrier having a length, a width a cross sectional shape, a base, an apex and a receiving portion, comprising the steps of: (a) shaping the carrier to have an axis of symmetry extending along the length of the carrier substantially along the apex of the carrier; (b) forming the receiving portion such that it is positioned symmetrically about the axis of symmetry of the carrier; (c) forming the carrier such that the cross sectional shape of the carrier is substantially fixed; (d) forming the carrier such that the width of the holder increases from the apex to the base.

Advantageously, step a) comprises forming the carrier from a sheet of material having a length and a width, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral edges, and forming a line of weakness along the length of the sheet, the line of weakness extending substantially along the axis of symmetry of the carrier, the line of weakness being suitable to define a fold; step b) comprises removing at least one portion of the sheet, substantially symmetric about the axis of symmetry, so that when folded, the or each removed portion defines an aperture for receiving a cup; and step c) comprises providing a means to permit edges of the sheet to be folded, in use, so as to maintain the edges of the carrier in a substantially fixed position with respect to one another.

Preferably the method further comprises the step of printing the sheet.

Printing of the sheet may be done before or after apertures are removed. The process of removing apertures and forming pre-folds or lines of weakness in the sheets is ideally automated.

Apertures for carrying other items, such as foodstuffs, may also be formed in the sheet or in the alternative rigid form.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exemplary examples only, and with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 is an overall diagrammatical view of carrier according to an embodiment of the invention formed from a sheet of material and shown carrying a cup; Figure 2 is a view in the direction of arrow A of the carrier in Figure 1 supported in a carrier bag;

Figure 3 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 but in respect of a carrier according to a second embodiment of the invention having a base;

Figure 4 is apian view of the carrier of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a carrier according to a third embodiment of the invention, capable of carrying four cups;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the four-cup carrier, shown in Figure 5 in use, and supported in a carrier bag;

Figure 7 is a similar view to that of Figure 6 but in respect of a carrier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, adapted to carry four cups, and having a base;

Figures 8 and 9 are partial diagrammatical plan views showing fixing means for ensuring that edges of the sheet forming the carrier shown in Figure 3, remain in a substantially fixed relationship one with another;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a carrier according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, adapted to carry four cups.

Figures 11 and 12 are corresponding views to those shown in Figures 6 and 7, of the carrier shown in Figure 10;

Figures 13, 14 and 15 are end, elevation and plan views, respectively, of the carrier shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12;

Figure 16 is a sketch showing a sheet of material, from which the carrier of Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 is made, laid flat; Figure 17 is a schematic representation of a carrier according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention formed from moulded paper pulp;

Figures 18 and 19 are schematic representations a carrier according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention formed from a plastics material and having a handle;

Figures 20, 21 and 22 are schematic representations of a carrier according an eighth embodiment of the present invention incorporating flanges;

Figure 23 and Figure 24 are schematic representations of a carrier according to a ninth embodiment of the invention adapted to carry three cups;

Figures 25 and 26 are schematic representations of a carrier according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, adapted to carry two cups and an item of food;

Figures 27 and 28 are schematic representations of an eleventh embodiment of the invention in which the length of the carrier varies from the apex to the base.

Referring to the figures there is provided a cup carrier 10 that comprises a sheet of material 12 having edges 16, 18 and apertures 14 forming a receiving portion formed therein. The carrier 10 comprises an apex 22 and a base 24. A cup 20 containing a beverage (not shown) is inserted in an aperture 14 and held upright by the fact that edges 16 and 18 remain relatively fixed with respect to one another. The relatively large surface area of the base 24 of the carrier, defined by the projected area of the length (L) multiplied by the width (W) is larger than a base area of the cup 20. This provides a stable carrier 10.

Like parts in the other figures bear the same reference numerals for ease of reference. As shown in Figure 2,- the cup carrier 10 may be adapted to be used in a carrier bag 30. Ideally this is achieved by dimensioning the sheet 12 so that it sits snugly in the carrier bag 30 ensuring that the structure of the bag 30 prevents relative displacement of the edges 16 and 18. hi this embodiment an inexpensive supply of cup carriers enables the safe transportation of beverages within paper bags. In an alternative arrangement a four-cup, or multiple cup carrier is envisaged where two-cup carrier trays are placed one on another, side by side or in other suitable configurations being joined together by a suitable clipping or connecting system.

Figure 2 shows a view in the direction of arrow A of the cup carrier 10 in Figure 1 supported in the carrier bag 30. The carrier bag 30 acts a fixing means for ensuring that the edges 16 and 18 of the sheet 12, in use, remain in a substantially fixed relationship, one with another.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 7, a base 40 is provided. The base serves to ensure that the edges 16 and 18 remain in a substantially fixed relationship, one with another. It will be appreciated that in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 7, storage folds, the positions of which are indicated by arrows F are provided.

Figure 3 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 but in respect of an alternative embodiment of a cup carrier 10 that has a base 40 and a tab 42. The tab 42 may be removed or preformed so as to assist in opening folded cup carriers. The base 40 acts as a means for ensuring that the edges 16 and 18 of the sheet 12 remain in a substantially fixed relationship, one with another. A flap or tab 50 is arranged to insert in a slot 60 (as depicted in Figure 8). Alternatively food safe glue may be used, or strips 64, 66 of adhesive tape or VELCRO (Trade Mark) as shown in Figure 9.

Figures 4 and 5 show plan views of a two-cup carrier and four cup carrier, for example following their fabrication by punching or cutting an oval shaped aperture in a flat sheet 12 of paper, card or synthetic or biodegradable plastics material. Printing of logos, words or images (non shown) may then take place. Figure 4 shows how a line of weakness defines an axis of symmetry X-X and substantially bisects each elliptical aperture 14a and 14b. In Figure 5 the line of weakness (axis of symmetry X-X) is arranged to bisect the pairs of apertures 14a and 14b from ellipses 14c and 14d.

Figures 8 and 9 show alternate means for ensuring that edges 16 and 18 of the sheet 12 remain in a substantially fixed relationship one with another. In a preferred embodiment the sheet 12 continues beyond the edges 16 and 18 and is glued in the general region 100 where extreme edges meet.

Figures 10 to 15 show an alternative type of cup carrier in which like parts have the same reference numerals as in the other figures. The particular cup carrier shown is able to receive up to four cups 20 in an arrangement whereby, in use, two cups are equally spaced from bisecting line X-X and whereby, in use, two cups are bisected by the line X-X. An advantage of this embodiment is that it can carry three cups (with one of the apertures being empty on the bisecting line X-X), without unbalancing. This advantage occurs as a result of equal moments being established to the left and right of the bisecting line X-X and only minor imbalance occurring when one of the cup carriers on the axis X-X is occupied.

The carrier further comprises flaps 15a, 15b, 15c shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12. The flaps allow a further increased variety of cup sizes and shapes to be transported in the carrier.

Figure 16 shows that in a particular embodiment the apertures or cutouts may be of different shapes. The shape of the cutouts and angle of the apex 22 of the carrier determine the size of the cups that can be received.

Thus the invention, in a preferred embodiment, may be readily transported flat, and is quick and simple to deploy and use, for example at the sales desk of a fast food outlet or coffee bar. Referring now to Figure 17 a further embodiment of the carrier 10 is illustrated schematically. The carrier 10 shown in Figure 17 is formed from moulded paper pulp. The carrier 10 comprises a flange 100 extending from the base of the carrier 10.

In embodiments of the invention which are formed by moulding materials such as paper pulp or plastics material, the carrier may further comprise support ribs, fins or channels formed in either a top surface or an underside of the carrier. The support ribs, fins or channels increase the rigidity of the carrier.

In an alternative embodiment, the flange may be in the form of a channel extending around the base 24 of the carrier 10. The channel is suitable for capturing any spillage of liquid contained within the cup 20.

The carrier 10 further comprises end walls 102. Such a carrier 10 is relatively simple to manufacture and has increased strength compared to a carrier having no end walls 102. The carrier 10 shown in Figure 17 is also stackable with other carriers for storage purposes.

Turning now to Figures 18 and 19, an embodiment of the carrier according to the invention made from plastics or biodegradable material is shown. The carrier 10 comprises a hinged carrying handle 104 that is scored into the plastics material during manufacture of the carrier 10.

Turning now to Figures 20 to 22, a further embodiment of a carrier 10 according to the present invention formed from a plastics material is shown.

The carrier 10 is formed from a sheet of plastics material that has been die cut to form a carrier blank 106. Edges 16, 18 may be drawn together during assembly in order to form the carrier 10. The blank 106 is shaped to form support flanges 108 which are engageable with slots 110. During manufacture of the carrier 10, the support flanges 108 are positioned to locate in the slots 110. Once the flanges are located within the slots 110 the cross-sectional shape of the carrier 10 is substantially fixed.

The embodiment of the carrier 10 illustrated in Figures 20 to 22 may be easily stored in a flat form and transported in this form before being assembled.

Referring to Figures 23 and 24, a three cup carrier 10 is illustrated schematically. The carrier 10 comprises three substantially elliptical apertures 14a, 14b, 14c each of which is positioned symmetrically about the axis of symmetry.

Referring to Figures 25 and 26, a carrier 10 is illustrated schematically, which carrier is adapted to carry up to two cups and one food item. The carrier 10 comprises two apertures 14a, 14b which are substantially elliptically shaped, and are positioned symmetrically about the axis of symmetry. The apertures 14a, 14b are each adapted to hold a cup. The carrier comprises a further aperture 140, which, in this embodiment, is substantially rectangular in shape. The aperture 140 is positioned to be symmetrical about the axis of symmetry, and is adapted to hold an item of food such as a sandwich.

Referring to Figures 27 and 28, a further embodiment of the carrier 10 is illustrated. The carrier 10 has a length (L) which increases from the apex of the carrier to the base of the carrier. The carrier 10 comprises two axes of symmetry 120a and 120b. The carrier further comprises four apertures 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d which together form a pattern of apertures that is symmetrical about each line of symmetry 128a, 128b.

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation to the aforementioned embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example the carrier may be foπned from a variety of different materials that allow for the repeated use of the invention and for it to be biodegradable. This provides a rigid synthetic plastic form that is easy to carry, to store and safe to transport. In addition, in such rigid form, the carrier could have fabricated additions of cut outs, lettering, finger holes, coupons, carrying tabs or hooks and could further benefit from portions of interchangeable panels to allow the carrier to be easily and cost effectively customised for advertising, branding or marketing purposes. This in addition extending to the attachment, or inclusion, of electronic devices for use with computers and the internet.