Handheld, insulating carrying device for a food or drink item

Abstract

An insulating, handheld carrying device (10) for retaining one or more types of food or drink item, where at least a portion of the food or drink item is rigid. The device comprises: a container means

Description

[0001] HANDHELD, INSULATING CARRYING DEVICE FOR A FOOD OR DRINK ITEM

[0002] Background

[0003] It is often wanted to consume frozen food items such as ice cream cones, lollipops and ice cream on sticks, sometime after they have been removed from a freezer and while on the move. However, such frozen food items melt quickly. Conventional cool boxes might be used to keep packaged drinks cool and may be suitable for keeping some packaged ice creams and lollipops cool, but are not suitable for use with ice cream cones, other ice cream products or lollipops that have the edible portion exposed, since damage to the food item and mess would result.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a versatile handheld carrying device for holding any one of a variety of food items that may have an exposed portion, be fragile or have a fragile aspect to them.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insulating, handheld carrying device for retaining a food or drink item of which at least a portion is rigid, comprising: a container means; raising means, operable by a user, for changing an elevation of an item in the container means; and at least one stabilising means mounted on the container means for impeding or preventing transverse movement of the rigid portion of the item in the container means.

[0007] Thus, the raising means conveniently enables the item to be raised to facilitate eating or drinking of the item. The at least one stabilising means impedes or prevents rattle of the item in the container.

[0008] The at least one stabilising means may be arranged to impede or prevent transverse movement of the item when the item is at different elevations in the container means.

[0009] The at least one stabilising means may comprise a first stabilising means mounted at or near an opening of the container means, arranged to impede or prevent transverse movement of the rigid portion of the item when the item is at different elevations in the container means.

[0010] The first stabilising means may comprise: an annular periphery; and a plurality of resiliently flexible projections extending inwardly from the periphery, arranged to impede or prevent transverse movement of an item extending through the periphery. The plurality of projections may be equally angularly spaced around the periphery.

[0011] The plurality of projections may comprise 3 to 14 projections, preferably 6 to 12.

[0012] The periphery may be circular.

[0013] The first stabilising means may be arranged to impede or prevent movement of an item having a predetermined range of widths.

[0014] The width of an item differs over a length of the rigid portion and the first stabilising means is arranged to impede or prevent transverse movement over the length.

[0015] The carrying device may further comprise a neck assembly comprising: the first stabilising means; and means for mounting the first stabilising means on the container means.

[0016] The neck assembly may be detachable from the container means.

[0017] When the neck assembly is detachable from the container means, the container means may be configured to serve as a drinking cup.

[0018] The carrying device may be configured to carry and enable access to an item of a first maximum width when the neck assembly is attached to the container means, and the container means may be able to carry and enable access to an item of a second maximum width when the neck assembly is detached.

[0019] The container may be further arranged to retain drink or a flowable food item, wherein the container means is sealed to contain such drink or flowable food items without egress thereof.

[0020] The at least one stabilising means may comprise a second stabilising means comprising: an item end support means located in the container means, for supporting a rigid portion of the food ordrink item, thereby to impede or prevent transverse movement of the rigid end, wherein the item end support means is arranged to rise or lower with the item on operation of the raising means.

[0021] The item end support means is arranged to grip the item, so that, when the elevation of the item end support means is lowered, the item end support means pulls the item with it. The first and / or second stabilising means may impede separation of the item from the container means.

[0022] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insulating, handheld carrying device for retaining one or more types of food or drink item, wherein at least a portion of the item is rigid, comprising: a container means; and an item end support means located in the container means at an end remote from an opening of the container means, providing a region for receiving at least some of the portion of the item, for impeding or prevent transverse movement of the item.

[0023] Transverse movement of a food or drink item at the base is thus prevented. The item end support means prevents or impedes slanting of the food item.

[0024] The item end support means may be shaped to support a tapered rigid end of an item, thereby to impede or prevent transverse movement.

[0025] The item end support means may be separable from a rest of the carrying device.

[0026] The carrying device may further comprise raising means operable by a user to raise and / or lower the item end support means and the item with respect to the container means.

[0027] The item end support means is arranged to grip the item, so that, when the elevation of the item end support means is lowered, the item end support means pulls the item with it.

[0028] In the carrying device of the first or second aspects, the raising means may further comprise: a threaded portion arranged around an interior of the container means; a riser means engaged with the threaded portion such that rotation of the riser means results in lengthwise movement of the riser means in the container means, and partially providing a base for the container means; a rotatable portion mounted for rotation by a user about an axis lengthwise with the container means, and engaged with the riser means so that rotation of the rotatable portion causes corresponding rotation of the riser means.

[0029] In the device of the first or second aspects, the carrying device may include an insulated removable cap, wherein a base of the container means and the cap are configured to detachably attach, and wherein a surface of the cap is arranged to enable the carrying device to be stood on the surface when the base and the cap are attached. Brief Description of Figures

[0030] For better understanding of the present invention, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handheld carrying device for retaining elongate drinks and food items in accordance with embodiments;

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the carrying device of Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a container assembly comprised in the carrying device;

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a neck assembly comprised in the carrying device;

[0035] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a cap assembly comprised in the carrying device;

[0036] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the container assembly with the neck assembly mounted on it;

[0037] Figure 7A is a side view of the carrying device with the cap assembly mounted on the container assembly;

[0038] Figure 7B is a sectional view through line A-A in Figure 7A when a riser is in a lowermost state;

[0039] Figure 7C is a sectional view through line A-A in Figure 7A when the riser is in an uppermost state;

[0040] Figures 8A and 8B are, respectively, side and sectional views of the carrying device when the riser is in its lowermost state and an ice cream cone is in the container assembly;

[0041] Figures 9A and 9B are, respectively, side and sectional views of the carrying device when the riser is in its uppermost state and an ice cream cone is in the container assembly;

[0042] Figures 10A and 10B are, respectively, side and sectional views of the carrying device when the riser is in its lowermost state and a slim drinks can is in the container assembly;

[0043] Figures 11 A and 11 B are, respectively, side and sectional views of the carrying device when the riser is in its uppermost state and a slim drinks can is in the container assembly;

[0044] Figures 12A and 12B are, respectively, side and sectional views of the carrying device when the riser is in its lowermost state and a drinks can of standard size and shape is in the container assembly; and

[0045] Figures 13A and 13B are, respectively, side and sectional views of the carrying device when the riser is in its uppermost state and a drinks can of standard size and shape is in the container assembly.

[0046] Detailed Description of Embodiments Embodiments of the invention relate to a carrying device including a container assembly. Both have a conventional use orientation for use in carrying, for example, open canned drinks or ice cream cones. The terms “top”, “bottom”, “upward”, “downward”, “elevation” and related terms are to be construed accordingly herein. The container assembly has a height that extends from the top to the bottom. The terms “height” and “length” are to be construed accordingly and the term “transverse” as perpendicular to the height.

[0047] Items are located in the container assembly in a conventional orientation. The “height” of the item is the item when in this orientation and has the same meaning as length. The width of items is to be construed accordingly.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an insulating carrying device 10 in accordance with embodiments comprises a container assembly 12, a neck assembly 14 and a cap assembly 16. The neck assembly 14 is mounted on the container assembly 12 at an opening to the container assembly 12. The cap assembly 16 is attachable to and detachable from a top end of the container assembly 12, to seal an interior of the carrying device 10 from the environment.

[0049] Referring also to Figure 3, the container assembly 12 comprises a tubular body 18, a liner 20, a base portion 22, a rotatable end portion 24, riser 26, a item end support in the form of a stabilising piece 28, and a container neck 30.

[0050] Referring also to Figures 7A-7C, the body 18 has a cylindrical exterior. An interior of the body 18 is generally cylindrical, comprising first and second cylindrical surface portions 32, 34 separated by annular stepped portion 36, with a diameter of the first cylindrical surface portion 32 being larger than the second cylindrical surface 34. The body 18 also includes at a bottom end thereof an inwardly projecting annular flange 38 defining a first aperture.

[0051] The liner 20 has a cylindrical exterior surface sized to fit flush against the first cylindrical surface portion 32 and to abut at a bottom end thereof against the stepped portion 36. An adhesive (not shown) is provided between the liner 20 and the body 18, bonding these parts together, preventing relative movement. In variant embodiments, alternative ways of preventing such movement may be provided, for example by riveting the two parts together.

[0052] The riser 26 has a generally cylindrical first portion 42 including a plurality of outwardly projecting first spigots 44, an annular riser intermediate portion 46 and a generally cylindrical second portion 48. The intermediate portion 46 extends inwardly from a lower edge of the first portion 42. The second portion 48 extends downwardly from an interior edge of the intermediate portion 46 and extends through the first aperture formed by the annular flange 38 of body 18. A bottom end of the riser 46 is closed.

[0053] The rotatable end portion 24, the base portion 22, the liner 20 and the riser 26 are configured to cooperate so that rotation of the rotatable end portion 24 by a user results in raising of the riser 26 and thus an item in the container assembly 12. The liner 20 also includes an interior threaded portion 40 extending around an interior of the liner 20. The liner 20 has a central axis. The first spigots 44 are arranged to engage with the threaded portion 40. Thus, the liner 20 and the riser 26 are configured so that rotational motion of the riser 26 in one direction moves the riser 26 upwards towards a top end of the liner 20, and rotational motion in the other direction the riser moves downwards towards a bottom end of the liner 20.

[0054] The base portion 22 is annular, defining a second aperture, and has an outer cylindrical surface aligned with the outer cylindrical surface of the body 18. The base portion 22 is fixed to the bottom surface of the body 18 by an adhesive. In variant embodiments, the base portion 22 may be otherwise fixed to the body 18. The base portion 22 also includes an annular first clip portion 50 on an inner side thereof.

[0055] The rotatable end portion 24 is generally annular and comprises a screw ring 52, second clip portions 54, an annular seal retainer 56 and a riser retainer 58. The screw ring 52 includes an inwardly projecting flange 53. The second clip portions 54 project from the flange 53. The screw ring 52 has a textured outer surface to facilitate rotation of the screw end 24 by a user. The first and second clip portions 50, 54 are respectively configured to clip together to enable the end portion 24 to be clipped to the base portion 22, so as to permit rotational movement of the end portion 24 relative to the base portion 22 about the liner axis but prevent other relative movement. The riser retainer 58 is cylindrical, closed at a bottom end thereof and extends through the second aperture of the base portion 22 when the first and second clip portions 50, 54 are clipped together. Thus, when the base portion 22 is fixed to the bottom surface of the body 18 and the end portion 24 is clipped to the base portion 22, the riser retainer 58 also extends through the first aperture.

[0056] The screw end 24 has a flat end surface transverse to the length of the container assembly 12, on which the container assembly 12 may be stood.

[0057] The riser retainer 58 has a cylindrical inner surface. The second portion 48 of the riser 26 has a cylindrical exterior surface shaped to fit flush against the cylindrical inner surface of the riser retainer 58. Also, the riser retainer 58 includes a lengthwise ridge 60 projecting from the cylindrical inner surface. The second portion 48 has a corresponding lengthwise groove 62 into which the ridge 60 projects. The riser 26 is thus able to slide lengthwise with respect to the riser retainer 58 and thus the end portion 24 but relative rotational movement is prevented.

[0058] The annular seal retainer 56 projects upwardly from the end portion 24 between the second clip portion 54 and the riser retainer 58. The container assembly 12 also includes an annular seal 64 between an annular inner surface of the flange 38 and the riser retainer 58. The seal retainer 56 traps an end of the seal 64 between the seal retainer 56 and the riser retainer 58. The seal 64, which may be made of rubber, helps keep the container and 24 in place, preventing transverse movement of the riser 26 relative to the body 18.

[0059] The stabilising piece 28 is arranged to support a food item having a conical end portion, impeding or preventing transverse movement. The stabilising piece 28 is, in particular, for supporting a frozen food item (e.g. an ice cream cone) having such a conical end portion that tapers downwardly and is typically held by a consumer. The stabilising piece 28 comprises an annular wall 72 defining an inverted frusto-conical space 74 or region. An exterior of the annular wall 72 is partially flush against an interior surface of the riser 26, to prevent relative transverse movement. The stabilising piece 28 includes a outwardly projecting flange 75 at a top end thereof, arranged to sit flush against the base portion 46 of the riser 26, so as to prevent the stabilising piece 28 falling into the second portion 48 of the riser 26.

[0060] The stabilising piece 28 is not fixed to the rest of the carrying device 10 and remains in place through gravity. The stabilising piece 28 is removable by the user and may be removable by inverting the container. The stabilising piece 28 is not an essential part of the carrying device 10 and is superfluous where the carrying device 10 is to be used to chill food items that do not have an inverted cone portion.

[0061] The annular wall 72 of the stabilising piece 28 in its entirety is preferably formed of material that can grips the interior surface of the riser 26 and which may have some resilient deformability to facilitate such gripping. Thus, the stabilising piece 28 does not easily come loose from the riser 26. Also, being formed of such material may facilitate gripping of an end of the food item, in particular such that the food item may be pulled down by the stabilising piece 28 when the riser 26 lowers . For example, the material may be food grade silicone or rubber. The liner 20 includes at a top end thereof a plurality of channels 76 each having an opening at an annular top edge of the liner 20 and each extending partially in an interior surface of the liner 20, both around the interior surface and downwardly.

[0062] The container neck 30 is fixed to a mounting surface 78 of the body 18 with an adhesive. In variant embodiments, the container neck 30 may be otherwise fixed to the mounting surface 78 or otherwise to the body 18. The container neck 30 includes a threaded portion to facilitate attachment of the cap assembly 16.

[0063] Referring to Figure 4, the neck assembly 14 comprises a retainer ring 66, a further stabilising piece in the form of an annular deformable piece 68, and fixing ring 70.

[0064] The retainer ring 66 includes, for each of the channels 76, a respective second spigot 80. The retainer ring 66 and the second spigots 80 are arranged so that each of the second spigots 80 can be located in the respective channel 76 at the opening thereof, such that the channels and second spigots 80 enable a bayonet type fixing.

[0065] The retainer ring 66 has, aside from the second spigots 80, a cylindrical exterior surface. A first portion 82 of the interior surface of the retaining ring 66 is also cylindrical. A second portion 84 of the interior surface slopes from the first portion 82 to an upper edge 87 of the retaining ring 66. The second portion 84 has a plurality of regularly spaced holes 86 therein that extends lengthwise.

[0066] The deformable piece 68 comprises an annular periphery 88 and ten resiliently flexible projections in the form of flaps 90, which extending inwardly from the periphery 88. The flaps 90 are identical, regularly angularly spaced and non-overlapping. The deformable piece 68 is configured so that an item extending through it may have a range of different widths, and the flaps 90 permit passing of the item and the flaps 90 continue to press against the item over the range of different widths. The periphery 88 is recessed where adjacent flaps 90 extend to provide a plurality of regularly spaced through-holes 92, where there is one such through-hole 92 for each of the spaced holes 86 and such pairs of holes are aligned. The deformable piece 68 is shaped so that the periphery 88 extends over the upper edge 87 of the retainer ring 66.

[0067] Embodiments are not limited to there being any particular number of projections. There may, for example, be at least 3 or at least 6, and no more than 12 or no more than 14. In variant embodiments, the flaps may be non-identical and / or non-regularly spaced and / or partially overlap. Embodiments are not limited to the projections being flaps. They may, for example, be resiliently deformable strips or other lengths of material, optionally like bristles of a brush.

[0068] Embodiments are not limited to the further stabilising means being in the form of such a deformable piece having such projections. The further stabilising means may be formed of any means mounted at the neck of the container and arranged to press against an item located in the container so as to stabilise the item, in particular where a width of the item where it extends through the further stabilising means has different widths as the item is raised and / or lowered. For example, the further stabilising means may include a sprung mechanical means, such as like an aperture mechanism of a camera.

[0069] The fixing ring 70 comprises an annular ring portion 94 having, for each of the pairs of holes 86, 92, a downwardly extending pin 96. Each of the pins 96 is tapered so as to be thinner away from the ring portion 94. The fixing ring 70 is configured so that the pins 96 extend through the through-holes 92, into the holes 86. The retainer ring 66 and the fixing ring 70 are permanently fixed together by ultrasonically bonding. The deformable piece 68 is thus securely retained by the pins 96.

[0070] The fixing ring 70 also has a plurality of upward extending gripping projections 98. These facilitate the neck assembly 14, when assembled, being attached to the liner 20 using the bayonet type fixing, by facilitating rotation of the neck assembly 14 with fingers.

[0071] Referring to Figure 5, the cap assembly 16 comprises a cap portion 96 and a cap screw portion 98, which are fixed together with adhesive. In variant embodiments, these parts may be otherwise fixed together, or formed together. The cap screw portion 98 and the container neck 30 are respectively threaded to enable the cap 16 to be secured to the container assembly 12.

[0072] The cap assembly 16 is also configured to be attachable and detachable to the base portion 22 of the carrying device 10 by screwing action. When attached, the carrying device 10 is more easily holdable by the user and the cap assembly 16 is less likely to be misplaced. Also, the surface of the cap portion 96 that forms a top surface when attached to the container neck 30 forms a bottom surface when the cap assembly 16 is attached to the base portion 22. Thus, the carrying device 10 may be conveniently stood up. The cap assembly 16 is also configured to be used itself as a drinking cup. Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, in use, an ice cream cone 100, by way of example of a suitable food item, may be retained within the container assembly 12. Initially, the screw ring 52 is turned by the user to rotate the riser 26, such that the riser 26 is in its lowermost position.

[0073] If the stabilising piece 28 is not already in place on the riser 26, it is then placed there by the user. If the neck assembly 14 is not already in place, it is attached to the liner 20 using the bayonet type fixing. An ice cream cone 100 may then be placed in the container assembly with the cone passing through the neck assembly 14 and an end of the ice cream cone locating in the frusto-conical space 74 and being supported by the stabilising piece 28. The flaps 90 flex downwardly to permit the cone 100 to pass through, whilst also pressing against the cone 100 to keep the cone centrally located in the carrying device 10 and to prevent or impede transverse movement of the cone 100.

[0074] The cap assembly 16 may then be screwed onto the container neck 30, to seal the ice cream cone inside the carrying device 10. Within the carrying device 10, the ice cream is well insulated from the exterior and will melt more slowly than if it were exposed to environmental air. Optionally, the carrying device 10 may itself be chilled before being used to store any chilled food or drink item. The carrying device 10 may keep such an ice cream frozen, where the ice cream is initially at a typical temperature of at least -5 degrees Celsius, for over one hour, preferably for over two hours.

[0075] After the cap assembly 16 is removed, the user can then raise the ice cream cone out of the container assembly 12 by turning the screw rings 52 in an opposite direction, which causes the riser 26 to rise, pushing the ice cream cone 100 upwardly. As this happens, the width of the cone the 100 through the deformable piece 68 reduces and the flaps 90 return towards their initial state to continue preventing transverse movement of the cone 100. The container assembly 12 is shown with the riser 26 in a raised state in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0076] After the ice cream cone 100 has been raised, the user is able to easily take the cone out of the container assembly 12. The user can also eat the ice cream while the cone is in the container assembly 12.

[0077] The embodiment described above is not limited to use with ice cream cones. The stabilising piece 28 may support other types of food item having a conical end. Further, the stabilising piece 28 may support a food item having an end that is not conical, but where nonetheless the stabilising piece 28 impedes or prevents transverse movement. For example, the stabilising piece 28 may support a stick of a lollipop or ice cream, impeding transverse movement. This may be achieved with the annular wall defining the frustoconical space 74. In variant embodiments, the stabilising piece 28 may be shaped specifically to retain other shapes of food item having a rigid end portion. For example the stabilising piece 28 may be shaped to support such a stick or to support non-conical tapering ends (for example as sold under the brand Calypso™ in the UK). The carrying device may be provided with multiple stabilising pieces 28 shapes to accommodate different item ends.

[0078] The embodiment described above may conveniently fit into a cup holder, such as may be found integrated into a vehicle.

[0079] The carrying device 10 may generally be used with any elongate food or packaged (including canned) drink item that can fit within the carrying device 10 through the deformable piece 68. The deformable piece 68 is arranged to accommodate such an item up to a maximum width. Such food items and occasionally drink items may have a width that varies with length, and the deformable piece 68 functions to support a single item over a range of widths as the item is raised and lowered. A cross-section of an item may be circular, but alternatively may be of other shapes including irregular shapes. The deformable piece 68 provides adequate support for a variety of different cross-sectional shapes; in variant embodiments the deformable piece 68 may be modified to support I better support items of particular cross-sectional shape.

[0080] The container assembly 10 may also be used to store drinks items, for example canned drinks. Referring to Figures 10A, 10B, 11 A and 11 B, with the neck assembly 14 mounted on the container assembly 12, a slim can (of 250ml, for example sold under the brand name Red Bull®) 102 can be pushed through the deformable piece 68 and a base thereof located against the cone support 28. Such cans have a diameter of 5.30cm at a widest part of their body. In Figures 10A and 10B, the riser 26 is in a lowermost state and in the Figures 11 A and 11 B the riser 26 is in an uppermost state, in each case with a can 102 in a corresponding position.

[0081] As well as such slim canned drinks, the container assembly 10 may retain cups that taper and have a range of diameters, such that those that are typically used to retain sorbets, bubble teas, slush puppies, ice teas, et cetera.

[0082] Referring to Figures 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B, with the neck assembly 14 absent, a can 104 of conventional shape (of 330ml) can be located in the container assembly 12. Such cans have a diameter of 6.60cm at a widest part of their body. In Figures 12A and 12B, the riser 26 is in a lowermost state and in the Figures 13A and 13B the riser 26 is in an uppermost state, in each case with the can 104 in a corresponding position.

[0083] Thus, the carrying device 10 of the embodiment is capable of use in retaining and keeping chilled cans of different shapes and sizes, as well as ice cream cones and frozen food items having rigid ends. Further, the carrying device 10 may also retain suitably sized and shaped bottles. The carrying device 10 may be adapted to retain packaged hot drinks or food items.

[0084] In some embodiments, when the neck assembly 14 is absent, the container assembly 12 may contain a drink or flowable food (e.g. ice cream) and is arranged to prevent egress of such drink or food. In some embodiments, an alternative to the stabilising piece 28 is provided arranged to prevent liquid or food passing into the second portion 48 of the riser 26, that is, a plug may be provided in place of the stabilising piece 28.

[0085] The parts described above may be made of a variety of different materials. The body 18 and the container cap are each preferably formed of double-walled steel having air or vacuum at an interior thereof. If the carrying device 10 is to be chilled prior to use, there is advantage to the body 18 being filled with coolant. The seal 64 may be formed of rubber. All other parts may be formed of hard plastic or metal. All parts may be made using conventional manufacturing techniques.

[0086] It should be understood that the carrying device 10 may include the stabilising piece 28 and the further stabilising piece (in the form of the annular deformable piece 68 in the above described embodiments), or one of these in absence of the other. Each provides stabilising effect on a retained item independently. It should be understood that the term “stabilising” herein means acting to maintain an item at a predetermined position. Both the stabilising piece and the further stabilising piece do this. Both act against the item moving transversely. Both act thus to keep the item positioned centrally in the above described embodiments; in variant embodiments the stabilising piece and the further stabilising piece may be arranged to act to maintain an item non-centrally. Both also act to impede the item moving lengthwise out of the container, the stabilising piece 28 by virtue of its gripping surface and the further stabilising piece by action of the flaps.

[0087] In the embodiment described above the container assembly is configured to enable raising or lowering of an item within the container assembly by relative rotation of parts. Embodiments are not limited to such. Alternative ways of controllably changing the height of the rise in the liner may be used. For example, a ratchet type mechanism might be used to enable the riser to be incrementally raised by the user, and released for lowering.

[0088] The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature or step described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or steps or combinations of features and / or steps are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and / or steps solve any problems disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An insulating, handheld carrying device for retaining a food or drink item of which at least a portion is rigid, comprising: a container means; a raising means, operable by a user, for changing an elevation of an item in the container means, including for raising the item to facilitate eating or drinking of the item while in the container means; a stabilising means mounted on the container means at or near an opening of the container means, arranged to impede or prevent transverse movement of the rigid portion of the item in the container means over a length of the rigid portion when the item is at different elevations in the container means, wherein the rigid portion has a width that differs over its length.

2. The carrying device of claim 1 , wherein the stabilising means is arranged to press against the rigid portion of the item.

3. The carrying device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the stabilising means comprises: an annular periphery; a plurality of resiliently flexible projections extending inwardly from the periphery, arranged to impede or prevent transverse movement of an item extending through the periphery.

4. The carrying device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of projections are equally angularly spaced around the periphery.

5. The carrying device of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the plurality of projections comprises 3 to 14 projections.

6. The carrying device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of projections comprises 6 to 12.

7. The carrying device of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the periphery is circular.

8. The carrying device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a neck assembly comprising: the stabilising means; and means for mounting the stabilising means on the container means.

9. The carrying device of claim 8, wherein the neck assembly is detachable from the container means.

10. The carrying device of claim 9, wherein, when the neck assembly is detachable from the container means, the container means is configured to serve as a drinking cup.

11. The carrying device of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the carrying device is configured to carry and enable access to an item of a first maximum width when the neck assembly is attached to the container means, and wherein the container means is able to carry and enable access to an item of a second maximum width when the neck assembly is detached.

12. The carrying device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is further arranged to retain drink or a flowable food item, wherein the container means is sealed to contain such drink or flowable food items without egress thereof.

13. The carrying device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the item end support means is arranged to grip the item in the container means to impede separation of the item from the container means.

14. The carrying device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an item end support means located in the container means, for supporting a rigid portion of the food or drink item, thereby to impede or prevent transverse movement of the rigid end, wherein the item end support means is arranged to rise or lower with the item on operation of the raising means.

15. The carrying device of claim 14, wherein the item end support means is arranged to grip the item, so that, when the elevation of the item end support means is lowered, the item end support means pulls the item with it.

16. The carrying device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the raising means comprises: a threaded portion arranged around an interior of the container means; a riser means engaged with the threaded portion such that rotation of the riser means results in lengthwise movement of the riser means in the container means, and partially providing a base for the container means;a rotatable portion mounted for rotation by a user about an axis lengthwise with the container means, and engaged with the riser means so that rotation of the rotatable portion causes corresponding rotation of the riser means.

17. The carrying device of any one of the preceding claims, including an insulated removable cap, wherein a base of the container means and the cap are configured to detachably attach, and wherein a surface of the cap is arranged to enable the carrying device to be stood on the surface when the base and the cap are attached.

Images