WO2013020554A1

WO2013020554A1 - A condiment device

Info

Publication number: WO2013020554A1
Application number: PCT/DK2012/000089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charlotte Nielsen
Original assignee: Charlotte Nielsen
Priority date: 2011-08-05
Filing date: 2012-08-05
Publication date: 2013-02-14

Abstract

The present invention relates to a condiment container attachment device (1) for attaching a condiment container to a food or a beverage container (10). Th condiment container attachment device comprises a first part (2) having means (5, 9) for holding a condiment container and two second parts (3, 4) having means (8) for engagement with a food or a beverage container. The condiment container attachment device is made from a plate material in which the second parts are connected with the first part via folding lines (FL) in the plate material in such a way that the second parts are foldable in respect of the first part.

Description

A condiment device

The present invention relates to condiment container attachment device for attachment of a condiment container to a food or beverage container.

In particular the present invention relates to a condiment container attachment device adapted to the field of fast-food packaging and containers, such as disposable condiment containers intended for use with a conventional disposable beverage container such as a beverage container with a cover.

Currently in today's fast paced society, food is often consumed on the go. Fast food

restaurants profit through their ability to create food for the public that is both filling and can be prepared and consumed at an accelerated pace. The majority of such eating establishments offer drive through services where the consumer can order, pay for and then consume their food while never leaving their vehicle. This creates a problem for the consumer by having to both eat and drink while driving. Most fast food meals typically contain a main dish, such as a sandwich, a secondary dish, such as french fries or onion rings, and a beverage. Often, the secondary meal is accompanied with a condiment. The condiments range from ketchup to ranch style dressing and are intended for use with e.g. the fries or onion rings. Consumers are confronted with the problem of organizing their meal in such a way that they can eat and also drive safely, or in other situations consume the meal standing. As such, the organizational problem of the consumer is increased when the consumer desires to dip e.g. their fries or onion rings into the condiment. A solution to this problem is to provide a condiment container that has the ability to attach itself to a food or beverage container such as the box of fries or beverage container. Prior art containers have been designed to achieve this solution but their design and functionality do not accomplish a satisfactory result. For example, US 6394297 to Nance describes the idea of attaching a secondary condiment container with a prong to an associated food container such as a french fries box. This design does not solve the problem of allowing the consumer to drive safely while dipping their food in the condiment container. In a vehicle, there are typically storage compartments to place beverages while driving. However, there are no convenient areas to place in a fixed upright position the french fries box. As such, the consumer still does not have the ability to conveniently use the condiment with the meal. US 6427864 to Asselin discloses a condiment container that surrounds the drinking straw of the beverage container. While this does allow for the consumer to have the condiment fixed to a container which is situated in a cup holder of the vehicle, such condiment container is not optimal. The container requires that the consumer dip around the straw, thereby having the straw as an obstacle in the dipping process. Further, the surface area is minimal and the amount of condiment which can be successfully used is hindered. Other prior art discloses condiment container attached to food or beverage containers as well. WO 94/13180 discloses a set of system for attachment of a condiment container, where either the food or beverage container that the condiment container is to be attached to needs to be specially designed, or where the condiment container is only loosely or unsafely attached to the food or beverage container, or where the attached condiment container impedes access to the food or beverage container.

WO2004/086919 also discloses a system where a condiment container is attached to the drinking straw of a beverage container which provides a loosely or unsafely attached condiment container. The same can be said for the condiment container disclosed in US 4 854 466.

US 2009090710 Al and WO 2010075859 Al discloses improved condiment container attachment devices, and in particular more efficient and or reliable condiment container attachment devices that may be stably secured to a food or beverage container without impeding the access to the food or beverage container and/or to the condiment container. However, the condiment container attachment devices are preferably made from dimensionally stable plastic and, although, the condiment container attachment devices can be stacked for transport they still require a relatively large amount of space.

An object of the present invention is to provide an efficient and reliable condiment container attachment device that may be stably secured to a food or beverage container without impeding the access to the food or beverage container and/or to the condiment container which at the same time is convenient to transport and store in e.g. a restaurant.

In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a condiment container attachment device that that can be transported and stored in a very compact fashion.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art condiment container attachment devices.

Consequently, the present invention relates to a condiment container attachment device for attaching a condiment container to a food or a beverage container, said condiment container attachment device comprises a first part having means for holding a condiment container and two second parts having means for engagement with a food or a beverage container, wherein the condiment container attachment device is made from a plate material in which said second parts are connected with the first part via folding lines in the plate material in such a way that the second parts are foldable in respect of the first part.

The condiment container attachment device is made from plate material which is a relatively thin sheet-like material. However, the material should have sufficient strength to support a condiment container. The plate material is provided with folding lines which slightly weakens the plate material and allows the material to bend easy along the folding lines. The folding lines also divide the plate material into a first part and two second parts.

As the plate material is relatively thin, e.g. with a thickness up to 3 mm, it is relatively easy to transport the condiment container attachment devices. When the condiment container attachment devices are in unfolded condition they can easy be staked and do not require much space.

The first part in the condiment container attachment device is symmetrical along a line extending in longest extension of the first part and dividing the first part into two equivalent parts. Furthermore, the second parts are symmetrical in respect of the first part. The two second parts are preferably mirror-images or reversed in respect of each other. The

symmetrical parts make the condiment container attachment device easy and simple to produce, and also provide the condiment container attachment device when folded and ready to use with a pleasant aesthetic look.

According to a preferred embodiment of the condiment container attachment device the means in the first part for holding a condiment container comprises an opening in the plate material. The opening corresponds to the size and shape of the condiment container the condiment container attachment device is intended to house and the opening may have any desired size and shape, e.g. circular, rectangular, square etc. Normally, a condiment container has a protruding edge at the upper part to which a release liner is attached to seal the container. The protruding edge can rest on a part of the plate material of the first part when the condiment container is housed in the first part and serve to keep the condiment container in position.

Moreover, in a preferred embodiment of the condiment container attachment device according to the invention the means of the second part for engagement with a food or a beverage container comprise a gripping device and a support device. The gripping device is adapted to grip an edge or a brim of a food or a beverage container, while the support device engages with the wall of the food or beverage container and in this manner serve to counter balance the condiment container attachment device when it is attached to the food or beverage container.

In a further preferred embodiment of the condiment container attachment device the means of the second part for engagement with a food or a beverage container are adapted for engagement with a beverage container with a lid. In particular lids are used for beverage containers served with fast food meals. A majority of such lids comprise an annular indentation or groove to provide strength and flexibility to the lid and, consequently, the present invention provides an embodiment where the gripping device is adapted for engagement with an annular indentation in the lid and where the support device is adapted for engagement with the wall of the beverage container with a lid. The gripping device may be a hook-like protrusion on the second part and the support device may comprise a cut-out part to fit with the lid.

The condiment container attachment device according to the invention also provides an embodiment wherein the second parts comprise means for supporting a condiment container. The means for supporting a condiment container may simply be cut-out protrusions in the second parts, that when the second parts are folded in respect of the first part will flip up and form supports for a condiment container housed in the first part. The supports may comprise slits to receive a protruding edge on the condiment container.

Although the plate material of condiment container attachment device may be selected from a wide range of materials the plate material is suitable selected from cardboard, paperboard, plastic or metal. In particular cardboard and paperboard are preferred as these materials easy can be re- used and re-cycled.

The condiment container attachment device according to the invention may be produced by punching out the plate material or cutting out the plate material. However, it is preferred that the folding lines, the first part and the second parts are made by cutting the plate material, preferably by laser cutting. Laser cutting provides very fine lines and edges in the material and is convenient to use. The condiment container attachment device also comprises embodiments where the plate material comprises a print. The print may be a text, a logo or e.g. the brand of the restaurant selling the fast food meal. Throughout this description the term condiment, i.e. the content of the condiment container, is used in the meaning a preparation (a sauce or relish or spice) to enhance flavor or enjoyment of a food or beverage, e.g. mustard and ketchup are condiments. Thus, a condiment in this context should be understood as a flavorer, flavoring, flavourer, flavouring, seasoner, or seasoning. Examples may further be: acetum, catsup, cketchup, chili sauce, chutney, cranberry sauce, dip, duck sauce, hoisin sauce, horseradish, Indian relish, ketchup, marinade, mint sauce, mustard, paste, relish, salsa, sauce, soy, soy sauce, spread, steak sauce, table mustard, taco sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and wasabi.

The invention will now be described in further details with reference to drawings where:

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a condiment container attachment device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the condiment container attachment device;

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the condiment container attachment device in a folded state; and

Fig. 4 shows the condiment container attachment device mounted on a beverage container. The figures illustrate a few embodiments according to the invention. In the figures the same reference numbers refer to the same parts in the figures.

Figure 1 shows a condiment container attachment device 1 according to the invention. The first part 2 is connected with the two second parts 3 and 4 via the folding lines FL (indicated with grey lines in the drawings). The first part 2 comprises an opening adapted for containing a condiment container. The second parts 3 and 4 are shaped as mirror images in respect of the first part 2. Moreover, the second part 3 and 4 comprises a protruding device 6 which may function as a hook or gripping device for gripping an edge or a rim of a food or beverage container.

The second parts 3 and 4 also comprises a protrusion 7 which serves as a support device which may engage with a wall of a food or beverage container and counterbalance the weight of the condiment container attachment device 1 extending from the food or beverage container. In this particular embodiment the second parts 3 and 4 comprise cut-out parts 8 which are adapted for engagement with a beverage container with a lid. Moreover, the second parts 3 and 4 also comprise a support 9 with a slit to support and secure a condiment container in the opening 5 of the first part 2.

The condiment container attachment device 1 is made from cardboard with a thickness of 2 mm, which has been cut by laser cutting. Naturally, other materials are applicable.

Figure 2 shows substantially a condiment container attachment device 1 corresponding to the condiment container attachment device shown in figure 1, however, the condiment container attachment device in figure 2 is a little longer and intended for larger food and beverage containers. In this embodiment the first part 2 is connected with the two second parts 3 and 4 via the folding lines FL (indicated with grey lines in the drawings). The first part 2 also comprises an opening adapted for containing a condiment container. The second parts 3 and 4 are shaped as mirror images in respect of the first part 2. Moreover, the second parts 3 and 4 comprise a protruding device 6 which may function as a hook or gripping device for gripping an edge or a rim of a food or beverage container.

The second parts 3 and 4 also comprise a protrusion 7 which serves as a support device which may engage with a wall of a food or beverage container and counterbalance the weight of the condiment container attachment device 1 extending from the food or beverage container. The protrusion 7 is provided with a nose 7a which may ensure a better attachment to a container, such as a container with a lid.

In the embodiment of figure 2 the second parts 3 and 4 also comprise a support 9 with a slit to support and secure a condiment container in the opening 5 of the first part 2.

Figure 3 shows the condiment container attachment device 1 according to the invention in the folded state. The second parts 3 and 4 are folded in respect of the first part 2 along the folding lines FL. The opening 5 is ready for receiving a condiment container and the support devices 9 on the second parts 3 and 5 has swung up to support and secure the condiment container. Moreover, the protrusion or hook-like device 6 is ready for engagement with an edge or rim of a food or beverage container or alternatively an indentation or a groove in a lid. In a similar manner, the protrusion 7 is ready for engagement with the wall of a food or beverage container to support the condiment container and counterbalance the weight of the condiment container attachment device 1 (containing a condiment container). Figure 4 shows the condiment container attachment device 1 according to the invention mounted on a beverage container 10 with lid 11. The second parts 3 and 4 are folded in respect of the first part 2. Consequently, the gripping device 6 is capable of providing a grip in the annular indentation 12 of the lid 11. Moreover, the support device 7 engages with the wall of the beverage container 10 to support the condiment container attachment device 1 and counterbalance the weight of the condiment container attachment device 1 extending from the beverage container 10. The second parts 3 and 4 have a cut-out part 8 allowing the second parts 3 and 4 to obtain a tight fit with the outer edge 13 of the lid 11, thereby improving the attachment of the condiment container attachment device 1 to the beverage container 10.

As it can be seen the opening 5 in the first part 2 is ready to receive a condiment container for enjoyment of the consumer. The central portion of the lid 11 comprises an opening 14 for a straw allowing the beverage in the beverage container to be consumed without removing the lid 11. Thus, the beverage and condiment can be enjoyed safely and conveniently.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to only a few embodiments, it will easily be envisaged by a skilled person that several other embodiments and variations are possible within the scope of the claims. The shape and size of the first and second part may vary and the opening in the first part may have several shapes and sizes depending on the desired use.

Claims

1. A condiment container attachment device for attaching a condiment container to a food or a beverage container, said condiment container attachment device comprises a first part having means for holding a condiment container and two second parts having means for engagement with a food or a beverage container, wherein the condiment container attachment device is made from a plate material in which said second parts are connected with the first part via folding lines in the plate material in such a way that the second parts are foldable in respect of the first part.

2. A condiment container attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the second parts are symmetrical in respect of the first part

3. A condiment container attachment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means in the first part for holding a condiment container comprises an opening in the plate material.

4. A condiment container attachment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means of the second part for engagement with a food or a beverage container comprise a gripping device and a support device.

5 A condiment container attachment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means of the second part for engagement with a food or a beverage container are adapted for engagement with a beverage container with a lid.

6. A condiment container attachment device according to claim 5, wherein the gripping device is adapted for engagement with an annular indentation in the lid and the support device is adapted for engagement with the wall of the beverage container.

7. A condiment container attachment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second parts comprises means for supporting a condiment container.

8. A condiment container attachment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plate material is selected from cardboard, paperboard, plastic or metal.

9. A condiment container attachment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the folding lines, the first part and the second parts are made by cutting the plate material, preferably by laser cutting.

10. A condiment container attachment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plate materia! comprises a print.