BEVERAGE CARRYING DEVICE

Abstract

A collapsible beverage carrying device. The beverage carrying device may include a plurality of trays that include openings formed to secure beverages. The plurality of trays may be connected together by an attachment component and may rotate relative to one another along the attachment component. Therefore, the plurality of trays may rotate from a collapsed position to an expanded position when the beverage carrying device is ready to be used.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 61/670,051, filed Jul. 10, 2012, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a beverage carrying device and, more particularly, to a beverage carrying device that may be in a collapsed position and an expanded position.

[0003] A cup holder is a device to hold a cup or other drinking vessel. It may be free standing to hold cups securely on a desk or other flat surface, or in a tree style to store sets of cups in kitchens. Certain cup holders are used to carry multiple drinks at one time. However, generally multiple cup holders are made of cardboard or paper materials and are therefore not reusable. Further, the multiple cup holders are large, cumbersome, and not convenient to transport.

[0004] As can be seen, there is a need for a beverage holding device that is collapsible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a beverage carrier device comprises: a plurality of trays each comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a side edge, and a first opening through the top surface and the bottom surface, and at least partially in between the side edge, wherein the first opening is formed to secure a beverage container within, wherein the plurality of trays are stacked so that the bottom surface of a first tray is adjacent to the top surface of a second tray; and an attachment component rotatably connecting the plurality of trays together.

[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of carrying beverage containers comprises: providing a beverage carrier device comprising: a plurality of trays each comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a side edge, and a first opening through the top surface and the bottom surface, and at least partially in between the side edge, wherein the plurality of trays are stacked so that a bottom surface of a first tray is adjacent to a top surface of a second tray; and an attachment component rotatably connecting the plurality of trays together; rotating the plurality of trays from a collapsed position to an expanded position, wherein the collapsed position comprises the first openings at least partially overlapping one another and the expanded position comprises the first openings separated; and placing beverage containers within the first openings of the plurality of trays.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in use;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in the collapsed position;

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention in the collapsed position;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention illustrating the pivoting movement of the trays relative to one another; and

[0014] FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention shown in an expanded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0016] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a collapsible beverage carrying device. The beverage carrying device may include a plurality of trays that include openings formed to secure beverages. The plurality of trays may be connected together by an attachment component and may rotate relative to one another along the attachment component. Therefore, the plurality of trays may rotate from a collapsed position to an expanded position when the beverage carrying device is ready to be used.

[0017] The present invention may include a beverage carrying device that may fold to pocket size. The present invention may be readily available for a person to easily carry multiple drinking containers at one time. Further, the device is able to fold up into a compact and easy to store device that may be placed in a pocket or purse. The device may also be made of a reusable material such as plastic.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, the present invention may include a beverage carrier 10. The beverage carrier may include a plurality of trays 12. The trays 12 may include a top surface, a bottom surface and a side edge. A first opening 14 may run through the top surface and the bottom surface of the trays 12. The first opening 14 may be at least partially in between the side edge. As illustrated in the Figures, the first opening 14 may be completely within the side edges. The first opening 14 may be circular and may be formed to secure a beverage container 20.

[0019] As illustrated in the Figures, the plurality of trays 12, may include a first tray, a second tray, a third tray, and a fourth tray. The trays 12 may be vertically stacked relative to one another so that the top surface of a first tray is adjacent to a bottom surface of a second tray. In certain embodiments, the plurality of trays 12 may be connected together by an attachment component. The plurality of trays 12 may rotate relative to one another along an axis. In certain embodiments, the plurality of trays 12 may be square shaped with rounded corners.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the attachment component may include a second opening 18 through the top surface and the bottom surface and in between the side edge of the plurality of trays 12. The second openings 18 may align with one another and a rivet 16 may fit within the second openings 18. The rivet 16 may include a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion. The top end and the bottom end may include a parameter larger than the second opening 18 and the middle portion may include a parameter smaller than the second opening 18. Therefore, the second openings 18 may fit around the middle portion and the plurality of trays 12 may rotated around the rivet 16.

[0021] The present invention may further include a collapsed position and an expanded position. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the collapsed position may include the side edge of the plurality of trays 12 aligning and the first openings 14 at least partially overlapping one another. When in the collapsed position, a user may easily store the beverage carrier 10 within their pocket or carrying bag. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, the expanded version may include the first openings 14 separated. The beverage carrier 10 may be changed from the collapsed position to the expanded position by rotating the plurality of trays 14 relative to one another until all of the first openings 14 are exposed. A user may then place beverage containers 20 within the first openings 14 and transport a plurality of beverages.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the collapsed position may be about 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches and may easily be carried in an individual's pocket or purse. The open or expanded position may be about 8 inches×8 inches with the four openings 14 about 3 inches in diameter to insert beverage containers for transport. The rivet location allows the trays 12 to overlap and thereby provide support. Once the beverages are delivered, the beverage carrier 10 may be refolded to its collapsed position and stored in pocket or purse until needed again.

[0023] The trays may be made of various materials, such as metals, or other polymers such as rubbers, and plastics. The material of the present invention may be of varying size and thickness to provide more or less strength depending on the type and weight of containers to be carried. The present invention may be made in any color or color combination desired. The opening sizes, rivet sizes and tray sizes may vary in size, strength, and material as desired. Additional handles or straps may be added to the beverage carrier 10 to add additional support and security.

[0024] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A beverage carrier device comprising: a plurality of trays each comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a side edge, and a first opening through the top surface and the bottom surface, and at least partially in between the side edge, wherein the first opening is formed to secure a beverage container within, wherein the plurality of trays are stacked so that the bottom surface of a first tray is adjacent to the top surface of a second tray; and an attachment component rotatably connecting the plurality of trays together.

2. The beverage carrier device of claim 1, further comprising a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein the collapsed position comprises the first openings at least partially overlapping one another and the expanded position comprises the first openings separated.

3. The beverage carrier device of claim 1, wherein the attachment component comprises a second opening through the top surface and the bottom surface and in between the side edge, wherein the second openings align with one another and a rivet fits within the second openings.

4. The beverage carrier device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of trays comprises the first tray, the second tray, a third tray, and a fourth tray.

5. The beverage carrier device of claim 1, wherein the first opening is circular shaped.

6. The beverage carrier device of claim 1, wherein the first opening is completely between the side edge.

7. The beverage carrier device of claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a square shape with rounded edges.

8. The beverage carrier device of claim 7, wherein the attachment component is located adjacent to one of the rounded edges.

9. A method of carrying beverage containers comprising: providing a beverage carrier device comprising: a plurality of trays each comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a side edge, and a first opening through the top surface and the bottom surface, and at least partially in between the side edge, wherein the plurality of trays are stacked so that a bottom surface of a first tray is adjacent to a top surface of a second tray; and an attachment component rotatably connecting the plurality of trays together; rotating the plurality of trays from a collapsed position to an expanded position, wherein the collapsed position comprises the first openings at least partially overlapping one another and the expanded position comprises the first openings separated; and placing beverage containers within the first openings of the plurality of trays.

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