Device for holding sauces or dips

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for holding sauces or dips with at least two containers. The invention is characterized in that at least two of the containers are elastically connected to each other, wherein at least two of the containers each have at least one holding element which is designed to hold the respective container by fingers of the same hand.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for holding sauces or dips with at least two containers.

[0002] The WO 2016 / 014443 A1 describes in general terms a box which has finger openings for holding the box. Inside the box there are openings for fast food and a beverage cup.

[0003] CN 104 510 255 A describes a type of bag for fast food such as French fries, which has a sauce compartment inside. This design is relatively complex to use and must be pre-filled with sauce. Furthermore, only one type of sauce can be stored in it.

[0004] WO 02 / 39858 A1 proposes an improvement over the aforementioned CN typeface. The bag for fast food, such as French fries or similar items, has an overhang at the top edge with an opening. A small dish containing a dip or sauce can be placed in this opening.

[0005] From CN 218 304 373 U, a dish for several dips is also known, which consists of a trough-shaped curved dish divided into several compartments, which can be hung on a soup bowl or the like via hooks.

[0006] In contrast, the inventor has now recognized the need for an improved device for holding sauces or dips, for example with fast food such as French fries or finger food. This device would have at least two containers, allowing for the holding of a larger quantity of one sauce or two different sauces. The object of the present invention is to further develop such a device in such a way that it becomes exceptionally simple and efficient in its use and storage.

[0007] The device according to the invention solves this problem by means of the features in claim 1, and in particular in the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments result from the dependent subclaims.

[0008] The special feature of the invention is that at least two of the containers are elastically connected to each other, with at least two of the containers each having at least one holding element designed for holding the container with one or more fingers of the same hand. The device with the at least two containers can thus be reliably held by the fingers of one and the same hand using the holding elements, so that the other hand can be used, for example, for dipping and eating the fast food or finger food. The elastic connection between at least two of the containers allows the distance between these containers to be adjusted accordingly, so that the device is suitable for both smaller and larger hands in one and the same embodiment.Furthermore, the elasticity allows the device and its containers to be compressed, enabling it to be transported, for example, inside a bowl or bag containing fast food. This makes it very easy for the user to move the device from a food truck to a seat or similar location and then use it accordingly. It also facilitates the transport of multiple bags of fast food and similar devices by one person, for example, to bring food to waiting friends.

[0009] The person using the device according to the invention can then place the device on their hand for actual use and hold it using the holding elements. As already mentioned, the elastic connection between the at least two containers facilitates simple and efficient adjustment of the device to different hand sizes, so that one and the same device can be used by people with very large hands as well as by children. The elasticity of the connection between the two containers also has another crucial advantage.The hand holding the device, for example, with the thumb and forefinger, specifically with the forefinger in the area of ​​one of the at least two containers and the thumb in the area of ​​the other, so that the elastic connection lies between them, allows the hand to still move while holding the device, for example, to hold a bag or cup containing and / or finger food. A dip can then be placed in the containers of the device, for example, ketchup in one container and mayonnaise in the other for French fries, so that with the free hand, French fries can be taken from the bag and dipped in the ketchup or mayonnaise, or both, before being eaten. A similar arrangement is conceivable for fish and chips, although here another sauce, such as remoulade or the like, could replace the mayonnaise.For sweet finger foods such as churros, chocolate, nougat or vanilla sauces etc. would of course also be possible.

[0010] The containers can be filled according to the user's preferences. For example, if someone wants only one sauce but in a larger quantity, they can, of course, fill both containers with the same sauce. If they don't need that much sauce, they can fill only one container. With more than two containers, additional sauces can be offered. For instance, mustard can be added to mayonnaise and ketchup, or, in the case of fish and chips, a lemon or lime wedge can be offered in another container, depending on the fast-food vendor's needs and the customer's wishes.

[0011] Preferably, at least two of the containers can be shaped like troughs, allowing them to extend along the fingers of a hand and providing a large volume for holding sauce or dips. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least two trough-shaped containers can further comprise two longitudinal sides and two end faces, and preferably a bottom, with each trough-shaped container being connected at one of its end faces by an elastic connecting element. The elasticity is thus provided between the end faces of the at least two containers, which can then extend along the fingers of a hand.

[0012] In its primary practical application, the dispensers are stacked and stored at the sales stand, with the containers then filled with sauce by the vendor or the user as needed. However, it would also be conceivable to store the containers pre-filled with the appropriate sauces. In this case, the sauces could already be filled and sealed with welded lids made of aluminum, plastic, or coated paper, so that the user simply needs to tear off these lids to access the sauces. Furthermore, it would also be possible to simply place sauces stored in suitable, typically sealed containers into the dispenser's containers, thus allowing for the use of pre-packaged sauces. In this case, the base of the two containers could be omitted, so that pre-made sauce containers would essentially just be suspended between the long sides and ends of the respective "container."However, since the floor does not interfere and increases stability and, in particular, flexibility in use, it is preferably provided for in all usage variants.

[0013] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the at least two trough-shaped containers each extend along a curved circumferential direction of the device, relative to its longitudinal extent. The longer part of the trough is thus curved, in particular such that at least one of the longitudinal sides of each trough is curved accordingly. According to a very advantageous embodiment, the device can then be designed as a segmented ellipse in its top view. Such a design, as part of an ellipse, or a circle as a special case of the ellipse, can therefore, in its top view, provide that the device has an overall semi-circular or three-quarter-circular shape with respect to the at least two curved troughs and the elastic connection.

[0014] The elastic connection itself can be realized in various ways. It is particularly simple and efficient if, for example, the elasticity is achieved through its shape rather than through a specific material. Such elasticity due to shape can be achieved, for instance, by one or more folds that create a kind of accordion effect. Particularly efficient, and accordingly provided for in an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, is the elastic connecting element being designed as an arc or at least having one. Preferably, an arc extending in one direction from the end faces of the two elastically connected containers can be chosen to form the elastic connecting element.Such a bow is simple and efficient to manufacture and can ensure sufficient elasticity for the described purpose of the device according to the invention.

[0015] According to a further highly advantageous embodiment, the retaining element can particularly preferably be designed as an arc, especially as a downwardly closed arc. One or more fingers can be inserted through such an arc to hold it. If the arc preferably extends as a projection onto one of the end faces of the container on the side facing away from the elastic connecting element, this arc can project downwards beyond the container's bottom or lower edge of the end face, creating a space between the arc and the container into which one or more fingers can be inserted to securely hold the device.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the retaining element is connected to the upper part of the container's end face, away from the bottom, in such a way that a gap remains between the lower part of the container's end face, facing the bottom, and the retaining element. The retaining element itself can then be open at the top, so that it only provides the corresponding functionality, as described above, when connected to the container.If the containers and the holding elements taper downwards during intended use, and preferably and additionally the elastic connection is designed as an upwardly extending arc that tapers upwards, the device is ideally stackable, making it extremely easy to stack, transport and store, which is a crucial advantage for use in, for example, a fast food restaurant, a snack bar or the like.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the device itself can be manufactured in one piece, meaning that all relevant elements—the containers, the retaining elements, and the elastic connecting element—are made from the same material. In principle, the device could easily be manufactured from a plastic material. However, it is especially advantageous if it is made from a fiber-based material, particularly one made from natural fibers, such as a cellulose-based material like paper or cardboard, similar to a cardboard tray or bag, which is already used for fast food and can be recycled easily and efficiently.

[0018] Further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention also result from an exemplary embodiment, which is described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0019] This shows: Fig. 1 a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention with two containers in a three-dimensional isometric view; Fig. 2 several of the devices according to the invention in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in stacked state; and Fig. 3 a top view of the device according to Fig. 1. Held by one hand during intended use.

[0020] In the presentation of the Fig. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of the device designated as 1. In the embodiment shown here, it has two containers 2, 3. Each of the two containers 2, 3 is trough-shaped and, in this embodiment, curved. Each of the two containers 2, 3 comprises a base 4, a first end face 5, a second end face 6, a first outer longitudinal side 7, and a second inner longitudinal side 8. The end faces 5, 6 of the containers extend substantially radially inwards, while the outer end faces 7 are curved along a circumference and are longer than the inner end faces 8, which are also curved along a smaller circumference.In the embodiment shown here, each of the two containers 2, 3 has a single internal volume, so that, for example, two different sauces or dips, such as ketchup and mayonnaise, can be stored separately. Of course, it would also be conceivable to provide further containers 2, 3 or, in particular, to divide the two trough-shaped containers 2, 3 shown here into several sub-containers by means of partitions.

[0021] The two containers 2, 3 are now connected to each other at their end faces 5 by an elastic connecting element 9. This elastic connecting element 9 is designed here as an arc which tapers radially inwards and is thus formed in the manner of the shell of half a truncated cone.

[0022] In the area of ​​the two other end faces 6, two arc-shaped retaining elements 10 are arranged. These taper downwards, are open at the top, and are only connected to the end faces 6 in the upper area in the sections designated here as 11, while below these connection points 11 there is a gap between the retaining element 10 and the end face 6 of the respective container 2, 3. The two retaining elements 10 taper downwards, as do the two containers 2, 3, whereby the gap between the two end faces 5 of the containers 2, 3 tapers upwards, as does the adjoining elastic connecting element 9 in the form of the arc.

[0023] This tapered design of the retaining elements 10 and the containers 2, 3 downwards and of the arc 9 upwards now makes it possible to stack the device 1 very efficiently for transport and storage. The free areas below the connections 11 between the lower area of ​​the respective end face 6 and the retaining element 10 also play a crucial role. In the illustration of the Fig. Figure 2 shows, purely by way of example, five such devices 1 in a stacked state. In the illustration of the Fig. Figure 2 clearly shows that the devices 1 can be positioned on top of each other in a very space-saving manner. Only the height of the connection point 11 between the end face 6 of the respective container 2, 3 and the holding element 10 ultimately remains as the space requirement for the further devices 1 stacked in the lowest device 1.

[0024] The functionality can now best be understood by looking at the top view of device 1 in the illustration of the Fig. 3. Explain. The device 1 is held by a stylized hand 12. The hand 12 is held in such a way that a thumb 13 and an index finger 14, or the index finger 14 together with the middle finger, depending on the size of the hand, assume an approximately C- or three-quarter-circle-shaped position. The thumb 13 and, for example, the index finger 14 then lie under the respective containers 2, 3 and extend with their fingertips into the area of ​​the holding elements 10. The thumb 13 and the index finger 14 extend through a [missing information] in the three-dimensional representation of the Fig. The device 1 has a visible free space 15 on the right side, which is also present on the left side but is not visible here. This allows the device 1 to be held very well by the hand 12. Depending on the size of the hand and the position of the index finger 14 relative to the thumb 13, the elastic connecting element 9 in the shape of the arc is stretched or compressed to a greater or lesser degree, so that the device 1 can ideally adapt to different hand sizes. The hand 12 also remains flexible enough to easily hold, for example, a cup, a bag, or a bowl of fast food such as French fries.

[0025] At least regarding the one presented in the Fig.The open central area, marked 16, allows the fast food to remain accessible to the user's other hand, enabling them to remove individual pieces with their fingers, a fork, a skewer, or similar utensil. These pieces can then be dipped into a sauce placed in container 2 or container 3. For example, in the previously mentioned application for French fries, it would be practical to use mayonnaise in container 2 and ketchup in container 3, or vice versa, or, depending on the user's preference, other sauces could be used.

[0026] In addition, the design of the holding elements 10, with their open tops, allows them to be inverted if necessary. The closed ends of the arches are pressed upwards and come to rest between the side walls, creating a W-shape. This ensures that the holding elements 10 no longer protrude downwards beyond the bottoms 4 of the containers 2, 3, or only by a small amount. The device 1 is now less easy to hold in the manner described above, but can instead be placed upright on a flat surface, such as a table. Therefore, the device 1 is ideally suited for both holding fast food and for standing it upright on a table, for example. A bag containing, for example,French fries can also be clamped between the containers 2, 3, which are elastically connected via the connecting element 9, i.e. in the middle area 16, and thus cannot fall over so easily.

[0027] The design of device 1 is exceptionally simple and efficient, easily meeting a wide range of requirements for various types of fast food and / or finger food. Besides the frequently cited example of French fries, storing sauces for fish and chips, spring rolls, calamari rings, chicken wings, baked vegetable pastries, dumplings, or similar items is also easily possible. For sweet fast food such as churros, dry, powdered mixtures like sugar and cinnamon can be stored in one of the containers 2 or 3, in addition to chocolate sauce.

[0028] In practical application, the devices 1 are stacked and stored at the sales stand, then filled with sauce by the vendor or the user as needed. It would also be conceivable to store containers 2 and 3 pre-filled with the appropriate sauces, although this would impair their stackability. In this case, the sauces could already be filled and sealed with welded lids, so that the user only needs to tear off these lids to access the sauces. Furthermore, it would also be possible to simply place sauces stored in suitable containers into containers 2 and 3 of device 1, thus allowing, for example, the use of pre-packaged sauces. As mentioned above, the base of the two containers could also be omitted in this case, so that only pre-made sauce containers would be suspended between the long sides and ends of the respective containers 2 and 3. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2016 / 014443 A1

[0002] CN 104 510 255 A

[0003] WO 02 / 39858 A1

[0004] CN 218 304 373 U

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for holding sauces or dips with at least two containers (2,3), characterized by , that at least two of the containers (2,3) are elastically connected to each other, wherein at least two of the containers (2,3) each have at least one retaining element (10) which is designed to hold the respective container (2,3) by fingers (13, 14) of the same hand (12). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least two of the containers (2, 3) are shaped like troughs. [3] Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the at least two trough-shaped containers (2, 3) each comprise two longitudinal sides (7, 8) and two end faces (5, 6), and in particular a bottom (4), wherein the at least two trough-shaped containers (2, 3) are connected at one of their end faces (5) with an elastic connecting element (9). [4] Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the at least two trough-shaped containers (2, 3) each extend along a curved circumferential direction with respect to their longitudinal extent. [5] Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the elastic connecting element (9) is designed as an arc or at least has an arc. [6] Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the elastic connecting element (9) is designed as exactly a downwardly open arc which tapers upwards. [7] Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized by Their shape, when viewed from above, resembles an elliptical segment. [8] Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the retaining element (10) is designed as an arc, in particular as a downwardly closed arc (10). [9] Device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by, that the retaining element (10) connects to the respective container (2, 3) on the side facing away from the elastic connecting element (9) and is connected to its end face (6). [10] Device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the retaining element (10) is connected to the upper part of the end face (6) of the container (2, 3) facing away from the bottom (4), so that a free space (15) remains between the lower part of the end face (6) of the container (2, 3) facing the bottom (4) and the retaining element (10). [11] Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the retaining element (10) is designed to be open at the top. [12] Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the containers (2, 3) and the retaining elements (10) taper downwards during intended use. [13] Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 characterized by their one-part training. [14] Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized by their formation from a material containing natural fibers, in particular a cellulose-based material.

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