Beverage transport organizer

The beverage transport organizer is an apparatus system that provides a user with a facilitated means of transporting a plurality of different beverage vessels. The apparatus system utilizes a beverage carrier and an insert panel. The beverage carrier is a container that holds the plurality of different beverage vessels during transport. The insert panel is positioned within the beverage carrier and provides a means of organizing beverage vessels for transport. The insert panel uses particularly shaped holders that accommodate beverage vessels of varying shapes and sizes. The beverage holders of the insert panel prevent beverage vessels from hitting against each other during transport, reducing the broken or chipped glassware.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to food and beverage transportation apparatuses such as trays and picnic baskets. More specifically, the present invention is a beverage glass transport and organize which is designed to enable a user to transport beverage glasses in an organized and efficient manner which helps to prevent the glasses from becoming either lost or broken.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the restaurant business it is typical for drinks to be served accompanying the food. In most restaurants a server initially take the drink orders of the customers once the customers have been seated at a table. This gives the customers some time to peruse the menu and decide what appetizers and entrees they would like to order. In most sit-down restaurants, beverages are served in glasses which are manufactured from the material glass, and are completely open at the top. A beverage is poured into the glass and the glass is then transported to the customer's table for their consumption. The fact that most glasses are completely open at the top means that it is necessary for the server to keep the glasses level when delivering them to the customer's table. Tipping the glasses too far in any direction results in spilling of the liquid which is contained within the beverage glass. This can cause issues if the spill is in a well traveled area and on a smooth surface; the spill can potentially cause other servers who subsequently pass through the area to slip and spill more liquid or drop food on the ground. This results in lost product and often times broken dishes which is a cost that most restaurants prefer to avoid as much as possible.

There are several different methods currently utilized to deliver beverage glasses to the customer's table. If only one or two customers are present, then it is possible for the server to simply carry the beverage glasses using their hands. This method carries the lowest risk of spilling the beverage or dropping the glasses, but is inefficient due to the fact that the server can only carry two beverage glasses at once. A more efficient method that is commonly used is to utilize a tray to carry multiple beverages at once. In use, the tray is set down and the beverages are transferred onto the tray and then the server pick up the tray and carries it to the customer's table. There is no support for the beverages apart from the surface of the tray, and therefore it is very easy for the beverages to slide on the tray or even fall off of the tray if the tray is subjected to any tipping or sudden impacts. If a server carrying a tray loaded with beverages is bumped or slips, it is very likely that the beverage glasses will slide, tip, and potentially fall to the ground and be destroyed. This is very costly for the restaurant as they are losing items vital to the operation of the restaurant, and are wasting employee labor by having to clean up the mess which results from glass breakage. Furthermore, it is important to note that the more beverages place on the tray, the higher the risk involved with carrying the tray as the increased weight can make it easier for the server to lose control of the tray. It is clear that the average tray provides insufficient support to prevent the chance of costly and time consuming spills and breakages.

Based upon the issues discussed above, it is clear that there is need for a new apparatus which is superior to the tray for transporting beverages to the customer's table. As result of this fact, it is an object of the present invention to create an apparatus which is capable of carrying a plurality of beverages securely. It is an object of the present invention to provide horizontal support to the plurality of beverages in addition to the vertical support used to carry the plurality of beverages. The horizontal support helps to prevent the beverages form sliding around should the present invention be tilted, bumped, or jostled. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a retaining wall whose height is sufficient to contain any liquid that may spill from the glasses should the present invention be tilted, bumped, or jostled. It is an additional object of the present invention to be easily carried in one hand such that two of the present invention can be carried by one server, thereby greatly augmenting that server's drink transporting abilities. The present invention may also be capable of transporting straws which are commonly used in restaurants to allow the customers to drink their beverages without putting their mouths on the edge of the glass. It is a further object of the present invention to also be stackable such that it can be easily stored in a space efficient manner. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a server with the ability to carry a greater quantity of beverages in a single trip, allowing them to expeditiously deliver beverages to multiple tables and guests. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a safer alternative to existing beverage transport system by lowering the center of gravity during beverage transportation, reducing accidental slips and falls that could cause serious injury to the server and result in worker compensation disputes as well as possible personal injury lawsuit to a restaurant owner.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

ReferencingFIG. 1andFIG. 5, the beverage transport organizer is an apparatus system that provides a user with a facilitated means of transporting a plurality of different beverage vessels. The apparatus system comprises a beverage carrier7and an insert panel1. The beverage carrier7is a container that holds a plurality of different beverage vessels during transport. The beverage carrier7utilizes the insert panel1as a means of organizing beverage vessels of various sizes and shape for transport. The insert panel1uses particularly shaped holders that distribute and accommodate various beverage vessels, preventing them from hitting against each other during transport.

ReferencingFIG. 1-3, the beverage carrier7functions as a container that transports large quantities of beverage vessels of varying size and shape. The beverage carrier7is particularly shaped to balance the weight of a large quantity of beverage vessels that are being transported. The beverage carrier7is provided with specific features that permit it to be stacked on top of other beverage carriers7in order to save space when being stored. In the current embodiment of the present invention the beverage carrier7comprises a lateral wall8, a carrier opening11, a bottom panel12, stacking notches13, a panel mount14, a pair of handles15, and a plurality of container pockets16. The lateral wall8is a rigid structure that is the most visible exterior portion of the beverage carrier7. The carrier opening11is the entrance through which beverage vessels are positioned into and taken out of the beverage carrier7. The bottom panel12encloses the lower portion of the lateral wall8and functions as a base for the beverage carrier7. The stacking notches13are structural elements that are positioned on the lateral wall8and function as a means of stacking a beverage carrier7on top of another beverage carrier7in order to save storage space. The panel mount14is provided as a particularly positioned engagement point for the insert panel1. The pair of handles15function as a user engageable means of manipulating the beverage carrier7for transport. The plurality of container pockets16are provided as structures that serves as storage location for various items commonly associated with beverages such as straws, napkins, and coasters.

ReferencingFIG. 1-3, the beverage lateral wall8functions as the rigid structure that laterally surrounds beverage vessels contained within the beverage carrier7. The carrier opening11and the bottom panel12are positioned opposite to each other across the lateral wall8. While the bottom panel12is positioned on the lower portion of the lateral wall8forming a base for the beverage carrier7, it should be noted that the bottom panel12can be slightly recessed within the lateral wall8. In the configuration that provides the bottom panel12as being slightly recessed within the lateral wall8, the terminal end of the lateral wall8adjacent to the bottom panel12would function as the base for the beverage carrier7. In the aforementioned configuration recessed bottom panel12would still function as the lower surface upon which beverage vessels would rest on top of but would additionally function as a means of providing structural support to portion of the lateral wall8coincident with a surface.

ReferencingFIG. 1-3, the lateral wall8functions as the engagement for the stacking notches13, the bottom panel12, the pair of handles15, and the plurality of container pockets16. It should be noted that the geometry of the lateral wall8can directly influence the geometry of the bottom panel12and the insert panel1. While the lateral wall8is depicted with a particular geometry inFIG. 1-6, it should be noted that the lateral wall8can be provided in any geometry that accommodates various beverage vessels of varying size and shape. Furthermore the possible geometries of the lateral wall8should not structurally compromise the functionality of the beverage transport organizer.

ReferencingFIG. 1-3, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the lateral wall8comprises an inner wall9and an outer wall10. The inner wall9and the outer wall10are distinct from each other due to the particular engagements with the panel mount14and the plurality of container pockets16, respectively. The inner wall9is the interior face side of the lateral wall8. The outer wall10is the exterior portion of the lateral wall8. The inner wall9is surrounded by the outer wall10. The panel mount14is found engaged to the inner wall9between the carrier opening11and the bottom panel12. The plurality of container pockets16are peripherally positioned on the outer wall10. Although the engagement between the inner wall9and the panel mount14are not described as being explicitly different from the engagement between the plurality of the container pockets16and the outer wall10, the engagement between the inner wall9and the panel mount14may be adjustable permitting the panel mount14to change position between the bottom panel12and the carrier opening11.

ReferencingFIG. 3, the carrier opening11is the portion of the beverage carrier7that permits beverage vessels to be placed into and taken out of the beverage carrier7. The carrier opening11is bordered by the lateral wall8. The carrier opening11is always found opposite the location of the bottom panel12across the lateral wall8. Although the dimensions of the carrier opening11are influenced by the geometry of the lateral wall8, the carrier opening11should be appropriately sized to enable passage of the insert panel1in order to engage the panel mount14.

ReferencingFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the bottom panel12is a structural component that encloses the lateral wall8forming the main body section of the beverage carrier7. The bottom panel12also serves as the surface upon which beverage vessels are rested on top of. The bottom panel12can be recessed within the lateral wall8or can be positioned terminally to the lateral wall8. In the recessed position, the lateral wall8extends beyond the engagement with the bottom panel12and functions as the contacting surface for the beverage carrier7. In the terminal positioning, the lateral wall8does not extend beyond its engagement with the bottom panel12permitting the bottom panel12to functions as the base for the beverage carrier7.

ReferencingFIG. 3andFIG. 6, the stacking notches13are provided as structural features that permit the beverage carrier7to be stacked on top of another beverage carrier7. The stacking notches13provide the beverage transport organizer with a means of increasing storage space. The stacking notches13are found positioned on the lateral wall8surrounding the carrier opening11. The stacking notches13are spaced a distance that is roughly equivalent to the width of the bottom panel12. The distance between stacking notches13provides a space that functions as a mounting point for another beverage carrier7. In order to stack a beverage carrier7on top of another beverage carrier7, the beverage carrier7being positioned on top of the other beverage carrier7is brought into alignment with the stacking notches13. The stacking notches13require the beverage carrier7to be angled across the lower positioned beverage carrier7. It should be noted that while the current embodiment utilizes stacking notches13, an alternative embodiment could directly stack beverage carriers7with the bottom panel12of beverage carrier7becoming coincident with the panel mount14of another beverage carrier7.

ReferencingFIG. 1andFIG. 3, the panel mount14is an engagement point that is detachably coupled to the insert panel1. The panel mount14is found coupled to the inner wall9between the carrier opening11and the bottom panel12. The distance between the panel mount14and the bottom panel12is provided as being less than the distance between the base and the bowl of a standard wine glass. This measurement requirement is provided in order to permit a standard wine glass to be securely held in the beverage carrier7by the insert panel1. In an alternative embodiment, the panel mount14is adjustable in its positioning. The adjustable positioning of the panel mount14would permit the accommodation of non-standard wine glasses. In order to accomplish, the inner wall9could provide a mechanism that the detachably engages the panel mount14.

ReferencingFIG. 1andFIG. 5, the pair of handles15are provided as a means of transporting the beverage carrier7. The pair of handles15provide a user with a means of engaging the beverage carrier7with a single hand, facilitating transport. The pair of handles15are found pivotably engaged to the lateral wall8, proximal to the carrier opening11. The pivotable engagement of the pair of handles15allows each handle to pivot between a position coincident with the lateral wall8to a position in with the pair of handle are coincident with themselves. The handles of the pair of handles15are symmetrically positioned on the lateral wall8in order to provide balance when transported by a user.

ReferencingFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the plurality of container pockets16are provided as storage compartments that hold items commonly associated with beverages including but not limited to napkins, straws, and coasters. The plurality of container pockets16are perimetrically positioned on the lateral wall8. Specifically the plurality of container pockets16are found engaged to the outer wall10. The plurality of container pockets16are symmetrically distributed on the outer wall10in order to ensure balance to the beverage carrier7when transported. In the current embodiment of the present invention the plurality of container pockets16comprise partitions17and ergonomic handles18. The partitions17are provided as organizational features that separate regions within a container pocket of the plurality of container pockets16in order to designate storage locations for specific items. The ergonomic handles18are formed features built into a container pocket of the plurality of container pockets16that provides a secondary engagement means to the pair of handles15. The ergonomic handles18are formed to accommodate a user's hands. The ergonomic handles18are found positioned adjacent to the bottom panel12. The ergonomic handles18are found positioned on opposing container pockets16of the plurality of container pockets16in order to ensure better grip by a user.

ReferencingFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the insert panel1is provided as the means of organizing beverage vessels positioned within the beverage carrier7. The insert panel1distributes and secures beverage vessels within in a beverage carrier7in order to prevent unwanted movement of the beverage vessels during transport. The insert panel1is rigid in construction and has a generally planar shape. The insert panel1is detachably engaged to the panel mount14of the beverage carrier7. The insert panel1traverse through the carrier opening11in order to engage the panel mount14. In the current embodiment of the present invention, the insert panel1comprises a carrier mount2and a plurality of beverage holders3. The carrier mount2is the portion of the insert panel1that detachably engages the panel mount14. The plurality of beverage holders3are ports with specific features designed to accommodate and securely retain a variety of beverage vessels. The plurality of beverage holders3are found symmetrically distributed on the insert panel1. The symmetrical distribution allows for a user to evenly distribute beverage vessels within the beverage carrier7for better balance when transporting the beverage carrier7.

ReferencingFIG. 4, the plurality of beverage holders3each comprise a circular opening4, a beverage handle opening, and a glassware stem holder6. The circular opening4permits the base of a beverage vessel to traverse the insert panel1and become coincident with the bottom panel12. The circular opening4also provides an engagement surface the cylindrical body of the beverage vessel. It should be noted that the circular opening4of a beverage holder3may be of a different dimension then the circular opening4of another beverage holder3on the same insert panel1. The variation in dimension between circular openings4of different beverage holders3is provided as a means of accommodating a larger variety of beverage vessels with the same insert panel1. The beverage handle opening is peripherally positioned to the circular opening4and functions as an opening specifically designed for the handle of a beverage vessel which include but are not limited to mugs and Seidel style glassware. The glassware stem holder6it provided as an engageable feature for securely retaining the stem portion of various pieces of glassware. The glassware stem holder6is peripherally positioned to the circular opening4. The glassware stem holder6contains specific curvatures that prevent an engaged piece of glassware from moving during transport. The specific curvatures accomplish this by requiring a piece of glassware to move in particular manner in order to become disengaged. It should be noted that while the current embodiment of the present invention describes the plurality of beverage holders3as comprising the circular opening4, the beverage handle opening, and the glassware stem holder6, that each of the plurality of beverage holders3is not required to contain all the aforementioned components. It should be noted that the engagement between a wine glass stem and the glassware stem holder6is provided as being a detachable engagement that locks the wine glass stem in place during transport but can be disengaged as needed by the user.

ReferencingFIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, the beverage transport organizer comprises a secondary holder20. The secondary holder20is provided as a means of accommodating beverage vessels that are shorter than the distance between the insert panel1and the bottom panel12. The secondary holder20is removeably inserted into a beverage holder3of the plurality of beverage holders3. The secondary holder20partly traverses the circular opening4until the exterior portion of the secondary holder20becomes coincident with the edge of the circular opening4. The secondary holder20is particularly shaped allowing it to be partially sleeved by the circular opening4of the beverage holder3but still permitting it to be removed with ease if needed. The secondary holder20is outwardly curved from its base as a means of accommodating various small beverage vessels.

ReferencingFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 5, in an embodiment of the present invention, the beverage carrier7comprises an illumination device19. The illumination device19is a lighting array that is optically disposed at an angle towards the ground, wherein the disposed vector of the illumination device19is oriented towards the ground when the beverage carrier7is being transported by a user. The illumination device19provides a means of illuminating the path which a user is transporting the beverage carrier7. The illumination device19is mounted to the outer wall10, but it should be noted that the illumination device19can be integrated into a container pocket of the plurality of container pockets16. While the illumination device19is provided as being mounted to the outer wall10and being optically disposed towards the ground, it should be noted that in additional embodiments, the illumination device19may be positioned anywhere on the beverage carrier7as its function would not be relegated to illuminating a user's path. In this embodiment, the illumination device19could be provided as a visual identifier for the user as well as an aesthetic piece.

In an embodiment of the invention, the beverage transport organizer is designed to allow restaurant servers to more efficiently and more securely transport a plurality of beverages to a table. The invention comprises the beverage carrier7and the organization panel, and a pair of handles15. The body of the invention is the main component of the invention and further comprises a bottom panel12and a lateral wall8. The bottom panel12provides a platform upon which the plurality of beverages rest. The height, width, and thickness of the bottom panel12may vary in the final embodiment of the invention depending upon the materials used in its manufacturing. The bottom panel12is very flat and smooth, and is rigid enough to support a plurality of beverages without excessive deformation. There are many different materials which may potentially be used in the manufacture of the bottom panel12, however it is necessary that the material used be rigid enough to support the weight of the plurality of beverages. Some examples of materials which may be used in the manufacture of the bottom panel12include but are not limited to plastics and metals.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lateral wall8is directly connected to the perimeter of the bottom panel12and is intended to fulfill the object of containing any spilled liquid should the invention be tilted or bumped when it is in use. The lateral wall8protrudes upwards from the bottom panel12such that a storage volume which is closed on all sides but the top is created. The storage volume represents where the plurality of beverages are placed when the invention is in use. The lateral wall8is most likely manufactured from the same materials as the bottom panel12and is directly connected to the bottom panel12. The shape of the lateral wall8mirrors the shape of the bottom panel12. Furthermore, the dimensions of the lateral wall8may vary depending upon the design requirements of the final embodiment of the invention. For example, the height of the lateral wall8with respect to how far it protrudes upwards from the bottom panel12may vary depending on what type of glass the invention is intended to be used with; the lateral wall8may be shorter for glasses such as mugs, and taller for glasses such as champagne glasses.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lateral wall8further comprises a plurality of handle holes, and a plurality of stacking notches13. The plurality of handle holes are drilled through the lateral wall8near its top edge and are distributed such that the pair of handles15may be rotatably attached to the body. The positioning of the plurality of handle holes may vary in the final embodiment of the invention depending upon weight distribution of the invention. The positioning of the plurality of handle holes directly affects the positioning of the pair of handles15. It is therefore very important to be mindful of the placement of the plurality of handle holes as their positioning affects the overall balance of the invention when it is carried via the pair of handles15. The plurality of stacking notches13are small rectangular cuts into the material of the lateral wall8. The plurality of stacking notches13are intended to improve the stackability of the invention and are therefore located along the top edge of the lateral wall8. The bottom edge of the lateral wall8fits into the plurality of stacking slots when multiple of the invention are stacked. Thus, the plurality of stacking slots allow the invention to be more securely stacked on top of one another. It is also contemplated that the lateral wall8may possess a bright color which draws attention to the invention, and thereby help to prevent a person from accidentally colliding with and knocking over the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pair of pockets are directly attached to the lateral wall8, and are intended to allow the invention to store and carry straws. Straws are commonly utilized in restaurants to allow customers to more easily consume their beverages. The pair of pockets may also be utilized to carry other tools necessary for the server to perform certain tasks. For example, the pair of pockets may be utilized to store and carry a bottle opener and a wine bottle opener such that the server is able to open practically any beverage container at the customer's table. As another example, the pair of pockets may be utilized to carry coasters and ticket books which are both utilized in the serving process. Each of the pair of pockets is positioned at either the left or right side of the lateral wall8with each comprising a thin sheet of material which is connected at either end to the lateral wall8. Another sheet of material makes up the bottom of the pocket. The material used in the construction of the pocket may be rigid or flexible in the final embodiment of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the organization panel is located some distance above the bottom panel12. Furthermore, the organization panel is shaped such that it fit horizontally within the confines of the lateral wall8. The shape and thickness of the organization panel may vary in the final embodiment of the invention. The purpose of the organization panel is to provide horizontal support for the plurality of beverages placed within the storage volume. Resultantly, the organization panel further comprises a plurality of slots which are evenly distributed throughout the organization panel. The purpose of the plurality of slots is to allow the plurality of beverages to be inserted into the storage volume through the organization panel. The bottoms of the plurality of beverages are supported by the bottom panel12, and the plurality of slots work to prevent the plurality of beverages from sliding along the bottom panel12if the invention is tipped or bumped while in use. Furthermore, the plurality of slots help to prevent the plurality of beverages from falling out of the storage volume. This means that even should the invention be dropped, and the beverages spilled or destroyed, the mess is largely contained and clean up time is minimized. It is important to note that the plurality of slots may comprise many different sizes and shapes such that virtually any glass, mug, bottle, or cup may be carried safely within the invention. This versatility in the sizes and shapes of the plurality of beverages which can be carried is one of the major advantages of the invention.

In compliance with the object of the invention to be easily carried in one hand, the pair of handles15are present. The pair of handles15are intended to allow the invention to be easily carried, and comprise a loop and a hinge connection. The loop comprises a thin structural member which is bent into a roughly hemispherical shape. The loop is of sufficient diameter such that each end of the loop can be positioned flush with the lateral wall8. The hinge connection allows the loop to be rotatably connected to the lateral wall8. This ensures that the handle can be rotated down out of the way when the server wished to retrieve drinks form the storage volume. When the pair of handles15are in the folded up position, the invention can be easily carried in one hand by the server.